The Shift

Red-Line #1

by J.T. Bishop

Her fate... Sarah Randolph believes she's just an ordinary woman, at least until the day she meets Ramsey-a mysterious man who tells her that not only is she not ordinary...she's not even human.

Depends on him...

John Sherlock Ramsey, an Earth-born Eudoran, is a Protector. He's assigned to help Sarah complete her Shift, a period of intense transformation experienced by those of his species. But her Shift is different and risky, because she's a Red-Line, a member of his kind not seen in over sixty years.

Yet she is the key to his survival...

As her abilities are revealed and the secrets of their destiny exposed, they must confront an assailant who shares Sarah's unique origins and whose motives are far more sinister than anything Ramsey has ever encountered.

Will Sarah's unique powers change their fate? Or will she prove to be Ramsey's last assignment on earth and watch as her people succumb to extinction?

Part one of a three-part series.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction, Amazon

326 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2014

About the author

Award-winning author, J.T. Bishop, is a writer of mystery thrillers with a supernatural edge. Growing up, she read books by Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Dean Koontz, devoured every episode of The X-files, and watched plenty of TV shows with great partnerships that left her wanting more. She loves tangled relationships, unexpected twists and turns, heart-stopping love stories and the complications that come with all the above. Throw in a little supernatural fun and she’s hooked. Her evil plan is to hook you, too.

She’s the author of The Red-Line Trilogy and its sister series, The Fletcher Family Saga, which features touches of urban fantasy, light sci-fi, and paranormal romance. She’s also happily writing mystery thrillers featuring two charismatic detectives who may occasionally encounter a supernatural villain or two, and a crossover series which follows the exploits of a gifted, but troubled, paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister.

All the above keeps her busy, but in her spare time, she loves a good movie, tasty food, an unfortunate sugar addiction, and traveling.

Get caught up with J.T. and her writing adventures at www.jtbishopauthor.com. And while you’re there, get a short story prelude to her first book for free, plus a novella and a few other offerings. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.

Her fate... Sarah Randolph believes she's just an ordinary woman, at least until the day she meets Ramsey-a mysterious man who tells her that not only is she not ordinary...she's not even human. Depends on him... John Sherlock Ramsey, an Earth-born Eudoran, is a Protector. He's assigned to help Sarah complete her Shift, a period of intense transformation experienced by those of his species. But her Shift is different and risky, because she's a Red-Line, a member of his kind not seen in over sixty years.

Yet she is the key to his survival... As her abilities are revealed and the secrets of their destiny exposed, they must confront an assailant who shares Sarah's unique origins and whose motives are far more sinister than anything Ramsey has ever encountered.

Will Sarah's unique powers change their fate? Or will she prove to be Ramsey's last assignment on earth and watch as her people succumb to extinction?

This book was absolutely stellar! It was different from what I usually read but I am so glad I picked it up! The author is well versed in this genre and really knows how to tell a story! J.T. Bishop wrote one hell of a novel, and as a first time published author, should be incredibly proud of this work.

I was sucked into Red-Line from the very beginning. It was fast pace, and full of excitement. With danger around every turn, Sarah Randolph is in for the ride of her life. Seemingly normal, well besides her sleeping habbits, Sarah's life is about to turn upside down.

John, who is from another plant called Eudoran, is here to help Sarah. For he is her protector, and she the key to saving their race from extinction. Special within her species, Sarah is one of a kind. And John is there to guide her through her difficult change. With no one to trust, Sarah and John must race against the clock to escape those who want to harm her, and find out who is on their side.

Red-Line: The Shift was a crazy roller coaster ride filled with mystery, suspense, thrilling twists and turns, and excitement around every corner. It was so action packed and kickass, I was captured from page one and couldn't put the book down! I would recommend this book to all lovers of science fiction. This is one for the records people! Pick it up before book 2 releases!

4 stars

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guessed from the cover art that this book had to be good and I wasn't wrong! The story had me hooked right from the first page and I couldn't stop! Interplay between the main characters is fascinating and entertaining and then, of course, there's the whole "shift" thing which turned out differently than I expected which pleased me a great deal! If J.T. Bishop's first book is any indication, the next 2 books have to be even better!!

I got this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Chandru CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great one!!!

Great one from the author ... I’ll really recommend this book to all my friends ... Liked it ! !

[Karla Thompson]

I just finished it! EXCELLENT READING! I loved the strange but normal characters. You will know what I mean by that, when you read this book! I am new to JT Bishop by way of Instafreebie and am really excited to read the rest of the books in this series. Great work!

[Dixie Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read!

I enjoyed this book very much! The premise was new and fresh, the writing descriptive and the dialogue moved the story along at a good clip. The characters were diverse and fun to get know and to see how they changed or were affected from the beginning to the end! A fun read that I will follow to the sequels!

[Stacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Official NetGalley Review (I forgot to look at my notes here first):

I did not finish this book, so I feel unqualified to review it on my blog. The world-building felt foundation-less, without any solid rationale behind it. I found it difficult to believe in the aliens living among humans forever, but being only scholars. Then, the big problem and its solution felt convenient and contrived. I enjoyed the romantic tension between the hero and heroine, but even that began to feel flat and unconvincing about halfway through the book.

This book wasn't for me.

--------

- Started off really quickly, I was intrigued by the interactions and budding relationship between Sarah and Ramsay.
- The action started when Sarah began her "shift."
- Pause! For info-dumps. Lots of scenes where lots of background/context is explained by one character to another. Pretty boring.
- Sarah remains out of the picture really, until she's needed, and then Miraculous Abilities.
- Not only were the info-dumps boring, they explained a world I really couldn't believe. In essence, it felt really weird to me that these so-peaceful (it's emphasized) aliens would live and hide themselves among humans on earth, to study them. Very broad brush strokes which don't give room to different personalities, individuals in a society.
- The problem their species is having (looming extinction, if you're curious) felt contrived. They want to (have to?) stay on earth but the only way they can survive is a special serum. They haven't adapted in all the time they've been on earth to survive without artificial means.
- Then, their solution to their species' problem is really extraordinarily complicated. It's probably the most complicated they could come up with.
- With all of this, I just had no interest in reading every word by page 100 (I started skimming heavily), and put it down for good around page 163.

*Advance copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

[Rebecca McCray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very hard to put down. Well-developed and very enjoyable characters, an interesting storyline, and a fast-pace makes this an entertaining read.

The story first introduces Sarah who seems to be an ordinary girl with some bad luck. But, you quickly learn that she's not human and is about to go through a "shift" that occurs to all members of her species. The shift itself would be fairly simple if it weren't for the fact that some people with dark intentions want her and will do anything it takes to claim her.

Here's a really interesting point about this book: approximately 85% of it takes place in one house. This occurred to me near the end of the novel and I'm impressed that the author was able to hold my attention given that. The characters drive the story and they're well-developed. I found myself cheering for all of them in different ways, loving the banter between the brothers, and hoping the little romance blossoms as the series continues.

The narration style is third-person omniscient, which isn't my favorite, especially when thoughts from two characters are shared in the same paragraph. However, the author makes it work and I never questioned to which character a thought related.

Since the main part of the conflict wasn't resolved by the end, I'll definitely be looking for the next volume in this series. Very curious to see what happens.

[Beth ~Book Loving Is My Superpower~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This book is very slow to get to any sort of action, or answers, which was quite frustrating. The writing is very simple. The premise is interesting but don't expect any sort of closure or major action, this book is strictly a foundation for future books (also a bit frustrating). The world building is Meh though the character development was a bit better. I'm not sure that I'll be continuing with the series because the characters did not pull me into their world enough to continue on. I sincerely thank J.T. Bishop for the chance to experience this unique world but sadly I must admit that in the end it wasn't my cup of tea.

[Diane Mcabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

good set up for # 2

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the exchanges between Sarah and Sherlock. They developed chemistry throughout the book. This is a new idea for alien species living among us. I was proud of Sarah as she defended the ragtag group and of Ramsey and the group when Sarah was brought from the brink without excess harm to the group. It is a good set up for the second book of the series.

[Sondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I received a free copy of this book with the understanding that I would give a review.
I really enjoyed this book. Couldnt put in down. It ended much too soon. Can't wait for the 2nd book

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I have read in a while. It was a page turner and I eagerly look forward to book 2!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good story, hope to read more

[Lindah2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found the story and characters compelling. Looked forward to the next book in the triloty

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah works in a book store with her friend Rachel. Her life has been better in the last months, but prior had been no good. A strange man walks in and notices her then, and later at a eatery. His name is John Ramsey and he is there to protect her from what is coming. Little does she know how her life is going to change and the danger she is in~ After a kidnapping attempt, Ransey takes her to a safe house with his friend Leroy, a nurse Hannah, and his stepbrother, Declan for protection. She is undergoing a shift and she is a rare breed to their kind. She is in for a fight for her life, literally. If she survives, she could be the key to saving their race. There is a council that oversees their race on Earth. She will also have capabilities beyond what they know. When strangers come for her, they are different, yet the same, as them with different powers. There is someone very powerful after her that wants to mate with her and use her for her abilities. Yet, there is a bond between Ramsey and her~ While undergoing the Shift, they will get a taste of her powers. Will she survive the Shift? Will they all survive the attacks? Who is coming for her? Can she save them? This book ends on a cliffhanger, and it is a trilogy~ This is a Science Fiction book. Normally, I do not care for these books, but this story definitely has caught my attention and I will be purchasing the other two to find out what happens~

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Randolph believes she's just an ordinary woman, at least until the day she meets Ramsey—a mysterious man who tells her that not only is she not ordinary…she’s not even human.
John Sherlock Ramsey, an Earth-born Eudoran, is a Protector. He’s assigned to help Sarah complete her Shift, a period of intense transformation experienced by those of his species. But her Shift is different and risky, because she’s a Red-Line, a member of his kind not seen in over sixty years.
As her abilities are revealed and the secrets of their destiny exposed, they must confront an assailant who shares Sarah’s unique origins and whose motives are far more sinister than anything Ramsey has ever encountered.
While battling his growing attraction for the one woman who is the key to his, and his entire community’s survival, Ramsey will put everything on the line to keep her alive.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Pierrebleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

Paranormal or sci-fi are not usually stories I like but I was immediately engaged by the characters in this story and was instantly immersed into the book.

Sarah is a single woman who doesn’t really want to get into a relationship but her best friend Rachel is like a dog with a bone and won’t let go of the subject, always trying to push Sarah into any kind of relationship including a one night stand but Sarah stands firm. That is until she meets John Ramsey who she initially pushes away from her but he wins her over asking her to go for a coffee with no ulterior motive saying she can walk away immediately if she wants to. Sarah agrees to meet John but he gets a bit intense asking her questions about her sleeplessness and how she’s been feeling. Sarah bolts and on her way back to her home and old man tries to kidnap her but she’s rescued by John who had gone after her a short while after she did a runner on him.

John takes her back to her home. Then the story begins with the introduction of Leroy, Hannah and Declan amongst other but they are the main characters.

It’s an engaging story with lots of tension and some fear. I will not spoil the storyline but it’s a different sort of paranormal sci-fi story and I have to admit I liked it.

[Margo James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly a book you will want to read in one session. Unfortunately, life intrudes and the story gets paused. I couldn't wait to get back to it, I even fell asleep reading. The story is inventive, not the alien amongst us, but the new type of alien and their existence here on earth. It was a wonderful look into a foreign society and the way their government and customs work. Naturally they are close to the human society or they couldn't exist with us for so long. I am looking forward to discovering more about the special abilities they have and how their society works. Very interesting with a writing style that allows the words to flow off the page and illustrate a movie in your mind. A great new author to be reckoned with.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I have read by J. T. Bishop and I have to say I am impressed. The writing flows smoothly, in various areas there is some banter between the brothers which was really enjoyable. This novel has strong, with well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. There were some tense scenes and some that were really thought providing, but most of all it was entertaining as all get out. . I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simonne Bethel · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh

DNFed at 51%. Just couldn’t get into it.

A lot of very long talking scenes. Characters frequently say eachother’s names during conversations, even if they’re the only two in the scene. Some of the names used make me roll my eyes. Mmc’s middle name is Sherlock, so everytime his friend(constantly) calls him sherlock, I keep on thinking he’s being sarcastic and calling him a dumbass. I only got to 50%, but the fmc hasn’t had many scenes and I don’t think it’s worth it to trudge through this mess just for another pov from her. Dialogue is cringe-worthy at best. Lore dump after lore dump after lore dump. Two twins are named… X and Z? Really??

[Gillian Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - just finished the prequel and this book read back to back in one sitting! What an amazing storyline. Loved the plot, the characters (especially John), the interactions and the humour. The humour bits had me laughing out loud, especially the poop in the water!!! You will understand why when you have read it!!!! Now off to get books two and three 👍🏻😍

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely unputdownable .. I had to read this from my computer and it is not a laptop but 100% worth it. Good story, well developed characters and a good vs evil alien among us plot that will make you want book 2

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.... great book for young readers! This book leaves you hanging so you need to keep reading the series.

[Art Laudel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun excellent read

Love it. Fast paced. Excellent writing. Story line with Ramsey and Sarah is great. Then throw in Ramsey's step brother. Highly recommend

[Crystal Colburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. I wish there was a little more action with the bad guys, but other than that it was good. I recommend it.

[Gwenn Ellingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting read, sometimes funny,easy to read, well written.

[Mailmanr5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and look forward to the sequels. To me it's pure science fiction. Moves along nicely with great dialogue. Diverse characters are likeable.

[Hilda Baard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful 5 star read that's highly recommended.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a bit of a slow start, the story became more and more interesting.

I listened to this. I do think that this became a bit of a sales pitch. I will listen to book 2.

[Kathryn Laing · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read that definitely leaves you wanting more and anxious to start the next book in the trilogy. Very likable characters.

[Douglas Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read which leaves you wanting to read book #2.