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Universe Eventual #1
Chimera
On the verge of extinction, the Stephen’s Point colony must take desperate measures to save themselves. Without communication or resupply from Earth for the last fifteen years, the colony has but one chance to survive: restore the ancient starship Chimera and train a young crew to pilot her. The fate of the entire colony rests on the shoulders of a pair of misfits: Theo Puck, a sixteen-year-old hacker with a gift for speaking to machines, and fifteen-year-old Selena Samuelson, a brash but talented pilot with a dark secret in her past.
To Theo, the Mandate to crew the Chimera seems like a game—one he isn’t invited to play. A brutal murder changes everything. Left with no choice, Theo has to complete the Selection training and make it aboard the Chimera or face terrible consequences.
Selena wants to do what she does best—fly. Piloting her father’s ore trawler is the only life she’s known before a horrifying accident strands her aboard the Hydra, the station responsible for rebuilding the Chimera. Forced into the Mandate testing against her will, Selena encounters an unexpected ally, forever changing the way she sees the Chimera and herself.
Forced to make brutal choices in order to survive, Theo and Selena’s fates intertwine. But behind the scenes, someone else sets into motion events that could destroy everything they’re fighting to protect.
To Theo, the Mandate to crew the Chimera seems like a game—one he isn’t invited to play. A brutal murder changes everything. Left with no choice, Theo has to complete the Selection training and make it aboard the Chimera or face terrible consequences.
Selena wants to do what she does best—fly. Piloting her father’s ore trawler is the only life she’s known before a horrifying accident strands her aboard the Hydra, the station responsible for rebuilding the Chimera. Forced into the Mandate testing against her will, Selena encounters an unexpected ally, forever changing the way she sees the Chimera and herself.
Forced to make brutal choices in order to survive, Theo and Selena’s fates intertwine. But behind the scenes, someone else sets into motion events that could destroy everything they’re fighting to protect.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2015
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617 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 3, 2016
The colony of Stephen’s Point is in serious trouble. Established over 200 years before, the last exchange ship brought necessary supplies over 15 years ago and without those supplies the colony cannot survive.
If they’re to have any chance they have to restore the ship that brought their ancestors to this moon and prepare a crew for a return voyage to Earth.
"The Mandate called for the full restoration to be completed in less than a year. It also had initiated the Selection: the grueling process to find the old ship a crew able to make the long journey back to Earth."
“Sweat streamed down Theo’s forehead, over his cheeks, and into his open mouth. He sprinted up Old Stephen’s Way, a derelict back alley. Above him, ancient telecom cables crisscrossed, sagging low. His leg muscles burned, but it didn’t matter. He had to get away, outside the Swallows, to the safety of the foothills at the base of the Great Northern.”
The story starts off at a heart pounding run, immediately catching my attention and drawing me in. There’s enough action and suspense to keep turning the pages, but it is also very immersive with characters that are likeable, relatable and who I wanted to cheer on. Even the main antagonist develops depth and complexity as the story goes along. I could feel I was right there, lost in the story.
The story alternates between Selena and Theo, and even occasionally from the Chimera itself, the ship that has some form of Artificial Intelligence. Selena and Theo’s stories are related, but don’t converge until about 80% in. I found both of them equally interesting and compelling, so that I never felt bored with one when the POV switched, as happens with some books.
Selena may be young, but she’s no lightweight. A crack pilot, she’s grown up around a rough area and she’s got no trouble standing up for herself. She cares deeply about her father, and although flawed he cares about her.
"If you so much as look at me funny, I'll snip your nutsack."
'Selena gave Carson a savage look and used her index and middle fingers to simulate scissors. "Snip, snip," she said.'
Theo is smart, and has a depth to him may come as a surprise even to himself. When he illegally adds his name to the list of potential crew candidates he’s not sure why, not sure he actually wants to be a part of the crew.
"Theo could deal with the hunger, but watching Liddy, his little sister, starve-that was what started him hacking."
The main antagonist is wonderfully creepy, mysterious at first we come to learn more about him, and find that even though he’s not a nice person, and clearly operating by his own agenda, he’s not purely evil.
There are several secondary characters that are so well drawn in this story that we see those who seem bad, or cruel are simply human, functioning under a dire situation doing what they feel is best to help the colony. And in some cases also under other realistic motivations like selfish political gain.
In summary, I found this story to be well-paced, balancing drawing the reader in and onward with enough description and depth of place and character to have that immersive quality a good story should have.
For those of you, like me, who have low tolerance for teen angst, there’s no love triangle here, and what romance there is is slight and never overtakes the main plot.
Highly recommend for YA Sci Fi readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. After finishing this book I immediately purchased book two so I could continue reading this story.
If they’re to have any chance they have to restore the ship that brought their ancestors to this moon and prepare a crew for a return voyage to Earth.
"The Mandate called for the full restoration to be completed in less than a year. It also had initiated the Selection: the grueling process to find the old ship a crew able to make the long journey back to Earth."
“Sweat streamed down Theo’s forehead, over his cheeks, and into his open mouth. He sprinted up Old Stephen’s Way, a derelict back alley. Above him, ancient telecom cables crisscrossed, sagging low. His leg muscles burned, but it didn’t matter. He had to get away, outside the Swallows, to the safety of the foothills at the base of the Great Northern.”
The story starts off at a heart pounding run, immediately catching my attention and drawing me in. There’s enough action and suspense to keep turning the pages, but it is also very immersive with characters that are likeable, relatable and who I wanted to cheer on. Even the main antagonist develops depth and complexity as the story goes along. I could feel I was right there, lost in the story.
The story alternates between Selena and Theo, and even occasionally from the Chimera itself, the ship that has some form of Artificial Intelligence. Selena and Theo’s stories are related, but don’t converge until about 80% in. I found both of them equally interesting and compelling, so that I never felt bored with one when the POV switched, as happens with some books.
Selena may be young, but she’s no lightweight. A crack pilot, she’s grown up around a rough area and she’s got no trouble standing up for herself. She cares deeply about her father, and although flawed he cares about her.
"If you so much as look at me funny, I'll snip your nutsack."
'Selena gave Carson a savage look and used her index and middle fingers to simulate scissors. "Snip, snip," she said.'
Theo is smart, and has a depth to him may come as a surprise even to himself. When he illegally adds his name to the list of potential crew candidates he’s not sure why, not sure he actually wants to be a part of the crew.
"Theo could deal with the hunger, but watching Liddy, his little sister, starve-that was what started him hacking."
The main antagonist is wonderfully creepy, mysterious at first we come to learn more about him, and find that even though he’s not a nice person, and clearly operating by his own agenda, he’s not purely evil.
There are several secondary characters that are so well drawn in this story that we see those who seem bad, or cruel are simply human, functioning under a dire situation doing what they feel is best to help the colony. And in some cases also under other realistic motivations like selfish political gain.
In summary, I found this story to be well-paced, balancing drawing the reader in and onward with enough description and depth of place and character to have that immersive quality a good story should have.
For those of you, like me, who have low tolerance for teen angst, there’s no love triangle here, and what romance there is is slight and never overtakes the main plot.
Highly recommend for YA Sci Fi readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. After finishing this book I immediately purchased book two so I could continue reading this story.
April 13, 2015
"Chimera" is a well-written science fiction tale wrought with tension, suspense and believable characters. Its scenario is original and captivating, i.e. that of a habitable moon elsewhere in the galaxy which serves as a debtors' prison for Earthlings unable to meet their obligations. These prisoner/colonists are provided with their basic needs via automated exchange ships which bring food and other necessities, then return to Earth with ecomire, a valuable mineral which colonists either mine or retrieve from "the rim." As the seventh generation of colonists reach adolescence, their debt is considered paid. However, their release from bondage is complicated by the fact that no exchange ships have arrived for a long time, not only jeopardizing the colony's survival but begging the question regarding what is going on back on Earth?
The richness of this story derives from a variety of original elements. For one thing, the ship which brought them there in the first place, the Chimera, is being renovated in the hopes of returning to Earth but this is complicated by the fact that she has an element of intelligence that no one so far has been able to access. Then there's the matter of its original navigator, "Stephen," who had connected with her and ultimately went insane while at the same time spawning some sort of weird religion with him at the core. These details bring the story to life by defining the culture which these exiled individuals developed and demonstrate a deep understanding of human nature on the part of its author, which is actually three individuals who collaborated in a very effective manner to bring this fascinating story to life. It definitely illustrates the concept that "two heads are better than one" when it comes to conceiving and developing a rich, compelling tale.
The adolescent characters come to life within this carefully fabricated world in a convincing and engaging manner. Each has a story of his or her own, an intriguing background that has contributed to who and what they are. In preparation for the return to Earth, "the selection" is in the process of choosing which members of this seventh generation of colonists will be chosen to be the Chimera's crew, including someone who can awaken her. Personality conflicts, differing motivations and abilities, as well as dealing with a drill sergeant from hell are skillfully embedded in the overall tension of the story's premise.
While the primary protagonist is a young man named Theo, the other characters' importance is clear. Among other things, this episode is a coming of age story for Theo and the others as well, particularly Marcus whose seemingly sociopathic tendencies are ultimately at least partially explained and Selena, who has spent her life in a mining ship "on the rim" with her alcoholic father. The only one whom I didn't connect with was Meghan who was superficial by comparison, perhaps because her background was not sufficiently challenging which left her bland and judgmental.
This is the first volume of an intended series which definitely drags you into the characters and plot with just enough questions left unanswered to make you anxious to get your hands on the next episode which is due sometime in the summer of 2015. The characters have strong, distinct personalities which have already established the promise of conflict when they crew the Chimera. I was provided a copy of this story in return for an honest review and was thoroughly intrigued and delighted with its promise.
The richness of this story derives from a variety of original elements. For one thing, the ship which brought them there in the first place, the Chimera, is being renovated in the hopes of returning to Earth but this is complicated by the fact that she has an element of intelligence that no one so far has been able to access. Then there's the matter of its original navigator, "Stephen," who had connected with her and ultimately went insane while at the same time spawning some sort of weird religion with him at the core. These details bring the story to life by defining the culture which these exiled individuals developed and demonstrate a deep understanding of human nature on the part of its author, which is actually three individuals who collaborated in a very effective manner to bring this fascinating story to life. It definitely illustrates the concept that "two heads are better than one" when it comes to conceiving and developing a rich, compelling tale.
The adolescent characters come to life within this carefully fabricated world in a convincing and engaging manner. Each has a story of his or her own, an intriguing background that has contributed to who and what they are. In preparation for the return to Earth, "the selection" is in the process of choosing which members of this seventh generation of colonists will be chosen to be the Chimera's crew, including someone who can awaken her. Personality conflicts, differing motivations and abilities, as well as dealing with a drill sergeant from hell are skillfully embedded in the overall tension of the story's premise.
While the primary protagonist is a young man named Theo, the other characters' importance is clear. Among other things, this episode is a coming of age story for Theo and the others as well, particularly Marcus whose seemingly sociopathic tendencies are ultimately at least partially explained and Selena, who has spent her life in a mining ship "on the rim" with her alcoholic father. The only one whom I didn't connect with was Meghan who was superficial by comparison, perhaps because her background was not sufficiently challenging which left her bland and judgmental.
This is the first volume of an intended series which definitely drags you into the characters and plot with just enough questions left unanswered to make you anxious to get your hands on the next episode which is due sometime in the summer of 2015. The characters have strong, distinct personalities which have already established the promise of conflict when they crew the Chimera. I was provided a copy of this story in return for an honest review and was thoroughly intrigued and delighted with its promise.
August 19, 2015
Chimera is a young adult book everyone will want to read. Fraught with tension from the very first page, the story brings a male protagonist made more of brains than brawn, and not one but two strong females that young readers can get behind. The story moves along well, and never loses your interest, even for a second. The antagonists are complex enough to seem real, but still bad enough to hold young readers' attention. The setting is fantastic, the writing strong, and the plot bullet proof. If you're going to read one young adult science-fiction novel this year, Chimera should be it!
April 2, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The trio of authors that make up the pseudonym N. J. Tanger have done what many are saying can’t be done: put a fresh face on YA dystopian sci fi. This book almost skirts the edges of that genre, but if you enjoyed Ender’s Game, City of Ember, or The Hunger Games, you’ll find a lot to like in the pages of Chimera.
The fresh feel to this series is one that we’ve needed in our sci fi—particularly as the dystopian edges toward nonfiction: hope. While the stakes are high for the struggles of the characters, there is a staunch optimism throughout the conflict. The characters are driven—even the reluctant heroes Selena and Theo. The weight of responsibility that settles on these two teens would overwhelm all but the most stubborn and precocious kids, and their determination makes them instantly endearing.
It’s hard to pinpoint an antagonist in the story, as it’s clear there are bigger forces at work that we will become more familiar with in later books. But the chief challenges in this first volume are Theo’s interactions with the suffering, damaged sociopath Marcus. As his story unfolds, we’re driven toward equal parts sympathy for him, and fear of how far his rage will take him. It’s clear he’s been through something terrible, but it’s also clear that he’s bent on bringing the world into his darkness.
The universe in which the story takes place is very well constructed in that way that feels both familiar and inevitable. The technology is believable and simple and is naturally understood in context, so there aren’t lengthy diversions into the descriptions of futuristic tech—which I really appreciate. I get put off of a lot of sci fi that spends too much time focused on gadgets. Chimera remains focused on the characters, and as such, it kept me turning pages.
I’m definitely looking forward to the following volumes in the series. I’ve found myself thinking several times that I want to go sit down and read a bit more, only to remember that I’ve finished, and have to wait for the next one. I don’t have to be very patient about waiting, though. Hurry up, guys.
The trio of authors that make up the pseudonym N. J. Tanger have done what many are saying can’t be done: put a fresh face on YA dystopian sci fi. This book almost skirts the edges of that genre, but if you enjoyed Ender’s Game, City of Ember, or The Hunger Games, you’ll find a lot to like in the pages of Chimera.
The fresh feel to this series is one that we’ve needed in our sci fi—particularly as the dystopian edges toward nonfiction: hope. While the stakes are high for the struggles of the characters, there is a staunch optimism throughout the conflict. The characters are driven—even the reluctant heroes Selena and Theo. The weight of responsibility that settles on these two teens would overwhelm all but the most stubborn and precocious kids, and their determination makes them instantly endearing.
It’s hard to pinpoint an antagonist in the story, as it’s clear there are bigger forces at work that we will become more familiar with in later books. But the chief challenges in this first volume are Theo’s interactions with the suffering, damaged sociopath Marcus. As his story unfolds, we’re driven toward equal parts sympathy for him, and fear of how far his rage will take him. It’s clear he’s been through something terrible, but it’s also clear that he’s bent on bringing the world into his darkness.
The universe in which the story takes place is very well constructed in that way that feels both familiar and inevitable. The technology is believable and simple and is naturally understood in context, so there aren’t lengthy diversions into the descriptions of futuristic tech—which I really appreciate. I get put off of a lot of sci fi that spends too much time focused on gadgets. Chimera remains focused on the characters, and as such, it kept me turning pages.
I’m definitely looking forward to the following volumes in the series. I’ve found myself thinking several times that I want to go sit down and read a bit more, only to remember that I’ve finished, and have to wait for the next one. I don’t have to be very patient about waiting, though. Hurry up, guys.
March 18, 2015
I am a Science Fiction nut. Really. I just did a quick review of the last 100 books that I’ve read – 59 of them were Sci-fi…and I hate to admit that I’ve been trying to make sure to add other genres into the mix. That being said, I’m extremely excited about this review: Chimera the first book in the upcoming Universe Eventual series. I was lucky enough to be given an advanced copy of N. J. Tanger’s debut novel, and I can’t wait for you to be able to get a copy of your own!
The Stephen’s Point colony is on the edge of collapse. Its only hope rests in a new generation who hold the genetic key to a return to Earth. To survive they must struggle with the riddles of a madman’s prophecy and unlock the imprisoned mind of an ancient ship – Chimera.
Fittingly, this novel follows two complementary stories. The first is about Theo Puck: a good-hearted teen who has skirted the colony’s rules in order to make life better for his family. The second follows Selena Samuelson: a space miner’s daughter who is just trying to help her dad get one big score. The dual story lines – one male, one female; one on planet, one in space – drive the plot with a pace that keeps the pages turning. The characters are full of the life and vigor of youth, and even while they struggle under great pressures and responsibilities, they are not mired in the depression and angst that most young adult fiction substitutes for depth. Theo and Selena have real depth; the kind that connects you to their lives.
Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card’s early work, especially Treason and Ender’s Game, the storytelling has been well crafted – inviting the reader into a new world that is fresh and deep yet utterly recognizable. N. J. Tanger (actually a pseudonym for the writing team of Nathan Beauchamp, Joshua Russell, and Rachael Tanger) skillfully pulls from the best ideas of the genre. In lesser hands, this quest for survival in deep space would become a cliché, but they write like seasoned veterans – clean and crisp. The tempo starts high with the discovery of a murder and does not let up until the last page. The end of each chapter says, “You have time for one more.” I can attest, you do.
When I try to introduce the Sci-fi pantheon to my reading friends, I don’t throw them into to the deep end right away. Asimov, Clarke, Herbert, Banks are top shelf, but they can be a hard slog for someone unaccustomed to the style. Until now, I have started with the almost unavoidable classic of Ender’s Game; however, I now have a great alternative. This is the book to get people interested in science fiction.
Chimera is a bold start into the Universe Eventual trilogy. There is a lot of promise for what is yet to come. With the expectation met in the first installment, I believe it will be a promise kept.
8.5 out of 10 stars
Red Eagle's Legacy
The Stephen’s Point colony is on the edge of collapse. Its only hope rests in a new generation who hold the genetic key to a return to Earth. To survive they must struggle with the riddles of a madman’s prophecy and unlock the imprisoned mind of an ancient ship – Chimera.
Fittingly, this novel follows two complementary stories. The first is about Theo Puck: a good-hearted teen who has skirted the colony’s rules in order to make life better for his family. The second follows Selena Samuelson: a space miner’s daughter who is just trying to help her dad get one big score. The dual story lines – one male, one female; one on planet, one in space – drive the plot with a pace that keeps the pages turning. The characters are full of the life and vigor of youth, and even while they struggle under great pressures and responsibilities, they are not mired in the depression and angst that most young adult fiction substitutes for depth. Theo and Selena have real depth; the kind that connects you to their lives.
Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card’s early work, especially Treason and Ender’s Game, the storytelling has been well crafted – inviting the reader into a new world that is fresh and deep yet utterly recognizable. N. J. Tanger (actually a pseudonym for the writing team of Nathan Beauchamp, Joshua Russell, and Rachael Tanger) skillfully pulls from the best ideas of the genre. In lesser hands, this quest for survival in deep space would become a cliché, but they write like seasoned veterans – clean and crisp. The tempo starts high with the discovery of a murder and does not let up until the last page. The end of each chapter says, “You have time for one more.” I can attest, you do.
When I try to introduce the Sci-fi pantheon to my reading friends, I don’t throw them into to the deep end right away. Asimov, Clarke, Herbert, Banks are top shelf, but they can be a hard slog for someone unaccustomed to the style. Until now, I have started with the almost unavoidable classic of Ender’s Game; however, I now have a great alternative. This is the book to get people interested in science fiction.
Chimera is a bold start into the Universe Eventual trilogy. There is a lot of promise for what is yet to come. With the expectation met in the first installment, I believe it will be a promise kept.
8.5 out of 10 stars
Red Eagle's Legacy
March 24, 2015
Chimera – Universe Eventual: Book I by three authors writing as N.J. Tanger is the story of the young colonists who are part of the Selection process to man Chimera. Theo James Puck, an easy going young man who is not good at taking tests, but can ‘talk’ to artificial intelligence devices, hacks the Selection list and adds his name, in the process losing the confidence of his friend, Meghan Ziczek, also on the list. Meghan’s life, along with Theo’s sister Liddy, is in danger when he encounters Marcus Locke, a young man with sociopathic tendencies and a terrible secret. Selena Samuelson, a descendant of one of the original pilots of Chimera, works with her father in the Rim, avoiding Stephen’s Point if at all possible, comes to the attention of the authorities when she pilots his mining ship out of near disaster – illegally.
The lives of these four young people intersect as the Selection process proceeds, and the tension is at a fever pitch in this riveting science fiction novel of the distant future. You’ll find yourself riveted as their parallel lives veer closer and closer, leading to an explosive encounter as launch day nears.
I received an advance copy of this book for review, and once I started reading I found it impossible to put it down until I reached the end. Once there, I am now awaiting books II and III with eager anticipation.
The lives of these four young people intersect as the Selection process proceeds, and the tension is at a fever pitch in this riveting science fiction novel of the distant future. You’ll find yourself riveted as their parallel lives veer closer and closer, leading to an explosive encounter as launch day nears.
I received an advance copy of this book for review, and once I started reading I found it impossible to put it down until I reached the end. Once there, I am now awaiting books II and III with eager anticipation.
February 26, 2015
Straight from the get go, the reader finds himself in an extremely interesting, but completely believable world and tied up in the lives of the main characters. It was an extremely enjoyable read. The pacing lets you see into the details of the character's lives, but always leaves you wanting to find out more. The story was very accessible (I get that it was geared towards a younger audience), but as a [30yo] man, I still found it very engaging. I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait until the next ones come out.
October 17, 2015
A wonderful debut science fiction novel! A dystopian fiction perfect for the young adult crowd but us more adult sci-fi readers will like it as well.
Imagine you are sent to a distant colony and stranded there until you pay the debt your corporation incurred. Now imagine it's getting close to time and the shipments from Earth (that help keep your colony alive) have stopped. What do you do?
That's the premise and the authors deliver. (I say authors because it turns out there's 3 of them!) They visualize the colony and its structure wonderfully. There's action and intelligent problems and I love it! Can't wait to read book #2 (which comes out on October 24, 2015).
Imagine you are sent to a distant colony and stranded there until you pay the debt your corporation incurred. Now imagine it's getting close to time and the shipments from Earth (that help keep your colony alive) have stopped. What do you do?
That's the premise and the authors deliver. (I say authors because it turns out there's 3 of them!) They visualize the colony and its structure wonderfully. There's action and intelligent problems and I love it! Can't wait to read book #2 (which comes out on October 24, 2015).
April 10, 2015
Chimera is a masterfully crafted story that pulled me in early on, and kept me glued to the pages. The characters and relational dynamics are multi-dimensional, woven into a clever plot with many levels of intrigue. This first book introduces more questions than it answers, but left me hungry for more in all the right ways. I have been thoroughly immersed in the fate of these people and their perilous world, and can't wait to read the next book!
March 15, 2015
Chimera was an exciting, riveting, well written science fiction story that I could barely tear myself away from. I had a hard time putting the book down even when I knew I should be doing something else. I enjoyed the main characters grow and change as the plot unfolded. The book grabbed and held my interest from the first page to the last. I highly recommend the book for anybody to read.
April 21, 2015
I just finished reading N.J. Tanger’s YA space novel Chimera not for the first, but the second time. Bear in mind I haven’t been a YA for over fifty years. Still it was a damned… oops, I mean darned (heh-heh!) gripping read both times. How gripping was it? Well, if it has to compete with Kate Upton’s chest galloping slo-mo across your video screen, I guess it loses out as an immediate attention grabber. But let’s be realistic, once you get past Game of War’s trailer, say goodbye to the sexiest woman alive. The best you get after that is air-brushed Kate hawking ‘virtual gold’ to allow you to advance in the game faster but for which you must pay with real gold. Anyway, for those of you not into pinching your mother’s credit card and bankrupting the family—that apparently happened with one unfortunate Netherlands family—there’s Chimera, Book I of the new Universe Eventual series.
Picture the Stephen’s Point colony located on a moon orbiting the planet Gauleta of the distant Elypso star system. Seven generations have passed since Chimera, a Fractal Class cruiser, carried the founders to Stephen’s Point. This latest generation is the first to be free of its ancestral debt from back on Earth. Stephen’s Point is unsustainable by itself and depends on regular visits from Earth’s exchange ships. In return, Stephen’s Point fills the ships with ecomire, essential to power Fractal Class ships through fractal space to distant stars. I guess every good interstellar travel story needs its exotic ingredient, call it SciFi’s MacGuffinite, to get past the limitations of the speed of light. And Chimera is no different, so I guess I’ll file ecomire alongside unobtainium, dust, helium-3, and dilithium crystals. But wait! The exchange ships have suddenly stopped, and with no means of communicating back to Earth, there is only one thing to do: bring the 200-year-old Chimera out her self-induced mothballs and send a crew back home to see what’s doing! Trouble is, the old girl doesn’t want to wake up. Enter Theo, whose natural gift of AI programming makes him the only person on Stephen’s Point who might be able to coax Chimera out of her ‘Salix sleep.’ I’m not sure what Salix sleep is unless it’s that thing that happens whenever I log onto a Mac. Of course the trip back to Earth will require a pilot of some renown, so enter mega-hottie Selena who cut her teeth flying a trawler in the hazardous rim where the really good ecomire is found. Rounding out the cast we have the oh so moral Meghan whose role is to nag Theo to quit taking short cuts. Theo has the hot hot hots for Meghan and desperately want to please her, but being a of the classic hacker mindset, he has no idea how NOT to take short cuts. (Sums up my love live for the past 66 years!) And rounding out our fearsome four is ape-like Marcus whose role is to scare the crap out of Theo and he’s quite good at it. Interesting thing about Marcus and Theo--they are polar opposites in that Marcus is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is, while Theo is not nearly as dumb as he thinks he is. “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Casablanca? No? Remember long, long ago when everything was gray scale? Oh well, after weeks of grueling training, the fab four is just about to board the Chimera and take over their crew duties, when… hey, wait a minute! What’s that dot appearing on the scanners? Something big is approaching Gauleta. It’s an exchange ship… and she’s not talking.
Picture the Stephen’s Point colony located on a moon orbiting the planet Gauleta of the distant Elypso star system. Seven generations have passed since Chimera, a Fractal Class cruiser, carried the founders to Stephen’s Point. This latest generation is the first to be free of its ancestral debt from back on Earth. Stephen’s Point is unsustainable by itself and depends on regular visits from Earth’s exchange ships. In return, Stephen’s Point fills the ships with ecomire, essential to power Fractal Class ships through fractal space to distant stars. I guess every good interstellar travel story needs its exotic ingredient, call it SciFi’s MacGuffinite, to get past the limitations of the speed of light. And Chimera is no different, so I guess I’ll file ecomire alongside unobtainium, dust, helium-3, and dilithium crystals. But wait! The exchange ships have suddenly stopped, and with no means of communicating back to Earth, there is only one thing to do: bring the 200-year-old Chimera out her self-induced mothballs and send a crew back home to see what’s doing! Trouble is, the old girl doesn’t want to wake up. Enter Theo, whose natural gift of AI programming makes him the only person on Stephen’s Point who might be able to coax Chimera out of her ‘Salix sleep.’ I’m not sure what Salix sleep is unless it’s that thing that happens whenever I log onto a Mac. Of course the trip back to Earth will require a pilot of some renown, so enter mega-hottie Selena who cut her teeth flying a trawler in the hazardous rim where the really good ecomire is found. Rounding out the cast we have the oh so moral Meghan whose role is to nag Theo to quit taking short cuts. Theo has the hot hot hots for Meghan and desperately want to please her, but being a of the classic hacker mindset, he has no idea how NOT to take short cuts. (Sums up my love live for the past 66 years!) And rounding out our fearsome four is ape-like Marcus whose role is to scare the crap out of Theo and he’s quite good at it. Interesting thing about Marcus and Theo--they are polar opposites in that Marcus is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is, while Theo is not nearly as dumb as he thinks he is. “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Casablanca? No? Remember long, long ago when everything was gray scale? Oh well, after weeks of grueling training, the fab four is just about to board the Chimera and take over their crew duties, when… hey, wait a minute! What’s that dot appearing on the scanners? Something big is approaching Gauleta. It’s an exchange ship… and she’s not talking.
April 21, 2015
It’s been 15 years since the last resupply ship has delivered needed supplies to the residents of the Stephen’s Point colony, and the colony is on the verge of destruction. The colonists’ only hope is to wake the slumbering starship Chimera and pilot her back to Earth. In order to preserve the colony as long as possible, the State has instituted a Mandate dictating that everything the colonists do be in service of saving the colony, including subjecting all adolescents to a series of rigorous tests called the Selection in order to weed out the brightest, strongest, and most creative genetic descendants of the original colonists who can be trained to pilot Chimera and save the colony. Yet regardless of the training they receive, there is no guarantee the colony’s best and brightest will wake the ship. Their mission is a chimera, seemingly impossible to achieve, and the colony’s two brightest hopes – Theo Puck, the sensitive slacker and hacker-savant, and Selena Samuelson, the rebellious crack pilot – are reluctant heroes, unsure not only of their belief in the colony, but in themselves.
Chimera is an outstanding first installment of what promises to be a gripping new YA sci-fi series. Chimera is a page-turner with a fast-paced plot that alternates between the two protagonists’ narratives. The three writers writing under the name N.J. Tanger have crafted a vividly described world and readers will find themselves immediately invested not only in the colony’s survival, but in Theo and Selena’s success in realizing their true selves. Despite the plot’s quick pace, the novel stays focused on its teenage protagonists and their struggles to understand who they are and how much of the self should be sacrifices to achieve a common goal.
Tanger deftly balances an exploration of these kinds of big questions with action, intrigue, and humor, and it is this and the other ‘big’ questions the book raises that set Chimera apart from other YA novels in the genre. The authority figures with whom Theo and Selena interact are not solely autocratic authority figures hungry for power, but people driven by survival, and the novel raises questions about how far a state’s grasp should reach in times of severe duress, whether the good of the whole always outweighs the good of the individual, and whether sacrifice is a noble or foolish pursuit.
These questions, combined with a plot driven by the protagonists’ grappling to define their identities in the face of mounting challenges, and set against the background of the reader’s constant reminder that time is quickly running out for the colony, are enthralling yet thought-provoking. The book is geared towards YA readers, but has a much larger reach, and YA and adult readers alike will be drawn into Tanger’s world and its parallels with our own. I was captivated by these characters and their world, I, like all readers who will pick up Chimera, eagerly await the next book. Chimera is a must read.
Chimera is an outstanding first installment of what promises to be a gripping new YA sci-fi series. Chimera is a page-turner with a fast-paced plot that alternates between the two protagonists’ narratives. The three writers writing under the name N.J. Tanger have crafted a vividly described world and readers will find themselves immediately invested not only in the colony’s survival, but in Theo and Selena’s success in realizing their true selves. Despite the plot’s quick pace, the novel stays focused on its teenage protagonists and their struggles to understand who they are and how much of the self should be sacrifices to achieve a common goal.
Tanger deftly balances an exploration of these kinds of big questions with action, intrigue, and humor, and it is this and the other ‘big’ questions the book raises that set Chimera apart from other YA novels in the genre. The authority figures with whom Theo and Selena interact are not solely autocratic authority figures hungry for power, but people driven by survival, and the novel raises questions about how far a state’s grasp should reach in times of severe duress, whether the good of the whole always outweighs the good of the individual, and whether sacrifice is a noble or foolish pursuit.
These questions, combined with a plot driven by the protagonists’ grappling to define their identities in the face of mounting challenges, and set against the background of the reader’s constant reminder that time is quickly running out for the colony, are enthralling yet thought-provoking. The book is geared towards YA readers, but has a much larger reach, and YA and adult readers alike will be drawn into Tanger’s world and its parallels with our own. I was captivated by these characters and their world, I, like all readers who will pick up Chimera, eagerly await the next book. Chimera is a must read.
June 6, 2016
This was good. It is YA dystopian, which is what it seems like so much YA is these days. Does it stand out from the rest? In ways... Yes.
It is set in space. The teen population is very important, they are believed to get be the generation to take them all home. They are on a moon, a prison for those who were not able to meet their obligations financially.
This follows a Theo, a boy with the gift to gab with the machines. In a community where survival is so reliant on these machines, it is a wonderful gift. He does seem to get himself into some typical teenage boy situations through bad judgement. We also have a young flying prodigy, Selena. She is a very sincere and thoughtful character. I liked them both very much. These two will be easy for some teens to relate to. One is a hacker who greaty underestimates himself, the other has a not so wonderful home life, she throws herself into her studies. There are other characters too who are equally unique, but these two are the main focus. They are all well developed.
Some of these scenes in this were very vividly written. At times I felt like I was in the movie The Matrix, when they are pulled into the "real" world. The action scenes were at times difficult to follow, but it all tied together nicely.
I hope this series gets the recognition it deserves, it truly is a bit different from all the other Hunger Games/Divergent clones. This is told from a male point of view, something that is increasingly becoming less common. Rather than having the "hero" we have a group of heroes.
There are two books in this series already published, a third will join the other in the end of June this year. I will definitely be continuing this series, as will my middle child who is currently engrossed in the story. She is very much crushing on the main character... LOL. You should see the look on her face as I type that sentence.
I received a copy from Netgalley for review purposes.
It is set in space. The teen population is very important, they are believed to get be the generation to take them all home. They are on a moon, a prison for those who were not able to meet their obligations financially.
This follows a Theo, a boy with the gift to gab with the machines. In a community where survival is so reliant on these machines, it is a wonderful gift. He does seem to get himself into some typical teenage boy situations through bad judgement. We also have a young flying prodigy, Selena. She is a very sincere and thoughtful character. I liked them both very much. These two will be easy for some teens to relate to. One is a hacker who greaty underestimates himself, the other has a not so wonderful home life, she throws herself into her studies. There are other characters too who are equally unique, but these two are the main focus. They are all well developed.
Some of these scenes in this were very vividly written. At times I felt like I was in the movie The Matrix, when they are pulled into the "real" world. The action scenes were at times difficult to follow, but it all tied together nicely.
I hope this series gets the recognition it deserves, it truly is a bit different from all the other Hunger Games/Divergent clones. This is told from a male point of view, something that is increasingly becoming less common. Rather than having the "hero" we have a group of heroes.
There are two books in this series already published, a third will join the other in the end of June this year. I will definitely be continuing this series, as will my middle child who is currently engrossed in the story. She is very much crushing on the main character... LOL. You should see the look on her face as I type that sentence.
I received a copy from Netgalley for review purposes.
April 23, 2015
I’ve read a lot of YA fiction books. I enjoy them because they’re quick reads and easy to digest—and it wasn’t all that long ago that I was also considered part of the target audience.
I think what I like most about Young Adult literature is the focus on family. The families might not always be traditional and they might have a lot of problems, but that struggle is very real and relatable. Chimera is no exception. Theo, the male protagonist, lives with his parents and much younger sister. We see how he struggles to find his part of the family and his part in the community. Selena, the female protagonist, lived with her dad on a space ship for most of her life after her mother died. Living on a space ship might not be relatable—but living alone with your dad in the middle of nowhere might be.
The trend in the genre is to put teens in physically difficult situations (thank you, Hunger Games) where the possibility of death is high or encouraged. To me it seems like a lot of the books that follow this trend have the societies in their books believing that teenagers are expendable. Chimera is refreshingly different. The society values teens because they are the generation that will get them home. While Theo and Selena do undergo physically challenging and dangerous situations it’s not because a group of old men decided that they should fight to the death.
The protagonists of the story take tests to see if they are worthy of being part of the Selection. I found this to be an interesting commentary on our own society where we put a lot of weight on different standardized tests. I know that teens will relate to this concept—and be amused by Theo’s approach to making the cut.
Chimera plays with the tropes of the genre while still presenting new and exciting material. I highly recommend this book to any young adult (or adult) who enjoys science fiction.
I think what I like most about Young Adult literature is the focus on family. The families might not always be traditional and they might have a lot of problems, but that struggle is very real and relatable. Chimera is no exception. Theo, the male protagonist, lives with his parents and much younger sister. We see how he struggles to find his part of the family and his part in the community. Selena, the female protagonist, lived with her dad on a space ship for most of her life after her mother died. Living on a space ship might not be relatable—but living alone with your dad in the middle of nowhere might be.
The trend in the genre is to put teens in physically difficult situations (thank you, Hunger Games) where the possibility of death is high or encouraged. To me it seems like a lot of the books that follow this trend have the societies in their books believing that teenagers are expendable. Chimera is refreshingly different. The society values teens because they are the generation that will get them home. While Theo and Selena do undergo physically challenging and dangerous situations it’s not because a group of old men decided that they should fight to the death.
The protagonists of the story take tests to see if they are worthy of being part of the Selection. I found this to be an interesting commentary on our own society where we put a lot of weight on different standardized tests. I know that teens will relate to this concept—and be amused by Theo’s approach to making the cut.
Chimera plays with the tropes of the genre while still presenting new and exciting material. I highly recommend this book to any young adult (or adult) who enjoys science fiction.
April 19, 2015
It is undoubtedly the case that we categorize things via similarities and for the purpose of more easily navigating this world. These categories can be helpful to us. One could hardly imagine inquiry in the biological sciences without specie and genetic categories, let alone making our way through the supermarket. But, for all the utility we gain, our organizing can sometimes be misleading. To place Chimera-Universe Eventual in young adult fiction indicates that the topics raised and events viewed hold interest only for a particular age group. This is not the case. For fans of science fiction specifically, and for those who enjoy intellectual curiosities and the enigmatic experiences of life that don't fit neatly into our rational universe generally, the Chimera series gives great promise. It is no more exclusively enjoyable for young adults than Runny Babbit is for children.
N. J. Tanger creates the setting for an exploration into the intellectual capabilities of the young protagonist featured in this series. The protaganist's abilities, aptly fit for the needs of his times (as in all great stories), cast him into a life of purpose and confusion. He experiences, and we along with him, competing authorities with respective claims to knowledge, solutions and proper hope. Further, his companions are not flat props, but rounded characters. They give further complexity and offer capabilities which increase the diversity and possibility into which this story can unfold, and the first installment is the perfect inauguration.
This story is well written and never loses its intrigue. It reveals neither too little nor conceals too much, and while I am usually not an avid reader of science fiction, this is one story I will certainly follow.
N. J. Tanger creates the setting for an exploration into the intellectual capabilities of the young protagonist featured in this series. The protaganist's abilities, aptly fit for the needs of his times (as in all great stories), cast him into a life of purpose and confusion. He experiences, and we along with him, competing authorities with respective claims to knowledge, solutions and proper hope. Further, his companions are not flat props, but rounded characters. They give further complexity and offer capabilities which increase the diversity and possibility into which this story can unfold, and the first installment is the perfect inauguration.
This story is well written and never loses its intrigue. It reveals neither too little nor conceals too much, and while I am usually not an avid reader of science fiction, this is one story I will certainly follow.
March 25, 2015
Chimera is the first in a trilogy aimed at the YA market. I can say with a certainty that I am more than double the age of the intended market, however, that is not to say I did not enjoy it.
What is quite obvious from reading Chimera is that there are three very talented writers working together in near perfect harmony, continually driving the story forward. Had it not been for a busy schedule, this would be a novel I would have probably read in one sitting, as the story pulls you in to an imperfect alien world that is more familiar than what first meets your eyes.
There is a story arc for each of the two main characters running simultaneously that literally crash together in the closing chapters. Both arcs make heavy use of traditional storytelling elements, with flawed, immature and at times reckless protagonists who are mentally and physically broken as a result of their life choices. Once broken, they are rebuilt as stronger, more matured and likeable individuals.
My only gripe is that the ending came up too quickly and I was disappointed to find out that I will have to wait until the next instalment comes out to see what happens to the characters!
What is quite obvious from reading Chimera is that there are three very talented writers working together in near perfect harmony, continually driving the story forward. Had it not been for a busy schedule, this would be a novel I would have probably read in one sitting, as the story pulls you in to an imperfect alien world that is more familiar than what first meets your eyes.
There is a story arc for each of the two main characters running simultaneously that literally crash together in the closing chapters. Both arcs make heavy use of traditional storytelling elements, with flawed, immature and at times reckless protagonists who are mentally and physically broken as a result of their life choices. Once broken, they are rebuilt as stronger, more matured and likeable individuals.
My only gripe is that the ending came up too quickly and I was disappointed to find out that I will have to wait until the next instalment comes out to see what happens to the characters!
April 21, 2015
Though a young adult book, Chimera (Universe Eventual,#1) is a thrilling story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. As I read through this riveting science-fiction tale set in a dystopian future, I was astonished by the author's ability to describe the settings of places as well as scenes in the story. The descriptive language propels the story forward and draws readers in.
Those who read Chimera will also find themselves getting to know the main characters and be drawn into their lives. This is especially true for Theo Puck and Selena Samuelson. The strict, no-nonsense instructor known as 'Sir' also did a lot to enhance the overall story.
Lastly, while a sci-fi novel, Chimera could potentially be a glimpse into a future where our own planet Earth has become polluted, overpopulated and desecrated by war. Such could be a future where we are forced to seek life on distant planets.
Overall, this is an exhilarating story that is a must-read for lovers of the science-fiction genre.
Those who read Chimera will also find themselves getting to know the main characters and be drawn into their lives. This is especially true for Theo Puck and Selena Samuelson. The strict, no-nonsense instructor known as 'Sir' also did a lot to enhance the overall story.
Lastly, while a sci-fi novel, Chimera could potentially be a glimpse into a future where our own planet Earth has become polluted, overpopulated and desecrated by war. Such could be a future where we are forced to seek life on distant planets.
Overall, this is an exhilarating story that is a must-read for lovers of the science-fiction genre.
April 27, 2015
It had been a while since I had read a space story and when I saw this new one I decided to give it a try. I'll admit, I groaned a bit when I realized the age range of the main characters and assumed it was another YA story like all the rest.
I was very pleasantly surprised as I continued reading and discovered that the characters were not at all the one-dimensional, angst-riddled youth that is the mold for most YA books. Instead, these characters have good depth, little angst, and actual personalities.
As far as the story goes, I'm hooked. I liked the dual story line approach to the book and the pacing was such that I never got bored. I will happily purchase the sequel. Check it out, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I was very pleasantly surprised as I continued reading and discovered that the characters were not at all the one-dimensional, angst-riddled youth that is the mold for most YA books. Instead, these characters have good depth, little angst, and actual personalities.
As far as the story goes, I'm hooked. I liked the dual story line approach to the book and the pacing was such that I never got bored. I will happily purchase the sequel. Check it out, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
April 23, 2015
I was asked to read this book and thought it to be a fabulous read.
Well written with a fast paced style this story kept me hooked until the end.
It is a science fiction /fantasy novel with roots in the very real problems that face the human race now - will it continue to survive?
I loved the realistic characters - good and bad - the interesting and intriguing plot and premise. I don't give spoilers so it is difficult to say too much, but I highly recommend this fantastic read and I look forward to the next 'episode'.
Excellent!
Well written with a fast paced style this story kept me hooked until the end.
It is a science fiction /fantasy novel with roots in the very real problems that face the human race now - will it continue to survive?
I loved the realistic characters - good and bad - the interesting and intriguing plot and premise. I don't give spoilers so it is difficult to say too much, but I highly recommend this fantastic read and I look forward to the next 'episode'.
Excellent!
April 20, 2015
If you've enjoyed Hunger Games, Divergent, and other popular YA dystopian..then run out and get this book - it will quickly replace those as your favorite. With just the right blend of sci-fi, relationships, and adventure, this story effectively taps the troupes that so many readers know and love.
If you are not a fan of dystopian YA - yet - then let this one be your first entry. You will be swept into the world and find that the authors have created a quick paced, terrific story.
Looking forward to book 2 in the series!
If you are not a fan of dystopian YA - yet - then let this one be your first entry. You will be swept into the world and find that the authors have created a quick paced, terrific story.
Looking forward to book 2 in the series!
April 24, 2015
The "young adult" book demographic has been under siege since "Twilight" broke it wide open 10 years ago in 2005. Since then, a literary gold rush as seized the prose universe with dreams of the New York Times Bestseller List notoriety and Hollywood Summer Blockbuster success. While standouts like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" have proved that it's a realistic possibility, countless others have failed to separate themselves from the crowd of wannabes and clones.
With "Chimera" author N.J.Tanger cuts towards the front of the line of those waiting to take the baton from the aforementioned breakthrough titles almost finished with their portion of the pop culture-impact race.
Focusing on duel protagonists, one male, one female, whose parallel lives turn into intersecting destinies, there's guaranteed relatability for all young readers. Themes of independence, identity and purpose will strike a chord in the hearts of those finding themselves at a similar stage in life. And, for those of us a bit older, the waning embers of a once raging fire of possibility and potential for what might be, will find themselves stoked, chapter by chapter, until enthusiasm flames once more.
There's plenty of action for those who enjoy the rush of anticipation when wondering if our heroes survive one threat only to face another and another. If Sci-Fi is what engages your imagination, "Chimera" doesn't disappoint. Maybe thought-through, believable, emotional characterization is what helps you connect? That's here too. Well written, expertly paced, surgically divided into 40 digestible, satisfying chapters, the story unfolds smoothly with plenty of can't-wait-to-turn-to-the-next-page dramatic cliffhangers.
As the first installment of the "Universe Eventual Trilogy" this also establishes a big picture backstory complete with legendary heroes and some mystical purpose-of-life exploration.
Knowing it's a trilogy didn't help avoid the moment when I finished chapter 40 only to realize I'd have to wait for book II...and I'm sure that's going to happen again when I get to the end of that one knowing there's still a book III!
The years of passion and effort in crafting "Chimera" have given birth to a book that I'll be recommending to anyone, regardless of age, wanting to read a great coming-of-age sci-fi story.
With "Chimera" author N.J.Tanger cuts towards the front of the line of those waiting to take the baton from the aforementioned breakthrough titles almost finished with their portion of the pop culture-impact race.
Focusing on duel protagonists, one male, one female, whose parallel lives turn into intersecting destinies, there's guaranteed relatability for all young readers. Themes of independence, identity and purpose will strike a chord in the hearts of those finding themselves at a similar stage in life. And, for those of us a bit older, the waning embers of a once raging fire of possibility and potential for what might be, will find themselves stoked, chapter by chapter, until enthusiasm flames once more.
There's plenty of action for those who enjoy the rush of anticipation when wondering if our heroes survive one threat only to face another and another. If Sci-Fi is what engages your imagination, "Chimera" doesn't disappoint. Maybe thought-through, believable, emotional characterization is what helps you connect? That's here too. Well written, expertly paced, surgically divided into 40 digestible, satisfying chapters, the story unfolds smoothly with plenty of can't-wait-to-turn-to-the-next-page dramatic cliffhangers.
As the first installment of the "Universe Eventual Trilogy" this also establishes a big picture backstory complete with legendary heroes and some mystical purpose-of-life exploration.
Knowing it's a trilogy didn't help avoid the moment when I finished chapter 40 only to realize I'd have to wait for book II...and I'm sure that's going to happen again when I get to the end of that one knowing there's still a book III!
The years of passion and effort in crafting "Chimera" have given birth to a book that I'll be recommending to anyone, regardless of age, wanting to read a great coming-of-age sci-fi story.
April 12, 2015
I received this from the author, who contacted me to solicit an unbiased review. I did not receive anything other than a free copy of the book for my review. I don't usually do reviews by request, because I've found that the books I find for myself are much more likely to be to my taste, but based on the good reviews for this one so far I took a punt. Unfortunately, it didn't work that well for me.
It very much needs an editor, one who knows what a dangling participle is and can teach the author not to write so many of them, and who will pick up the misused words: prophesy/prophecy, passed him up/passed him, lay/laid, breaking/braking, definitively/definitely, you're/your, leveraged/levered, drought/draught, principle/principal, cue/queue, piecemeal/piece, its/it's, perquisite/prerequisite, crevasse/crevice. The author has let me know that what I saw was an uncorrected proof, so many of these will probably have been taken care of by publication, but my experience is that a manuscript with many errors plus even a good editor results in a published book with errors. It's far better if they aren't committed in the first place.
These problems by themselves shouldn't have caused me to stop 78% of the way through, and yet I did, and started another (short) book, finished it, started a second, finished it, started a third, and still didn't feel like returning to the story - so I didn't.
I'm not completely sure why it failed to engage me. Certainly, being dropped out of the story at intervals by basic language issues wasn't helping, but it wouldn't usually have caused me to stop reading and not care if I started again. I think it may have had something to do with the main characters' status as Special Chosen Ones, though they were working hard and protagonising and not just being handed solutions, which is good. The situation, both for the main characters and for their world, was dire, and I should have cared about it, but somehow I didn't.
Perhaps it was overwritten? It certainly seemed long for the amount of plot.
I may have just been in the wrong mood for a long, fairly by-the-numbers YA with two Chosen Ones, especially one with participles dangling everywhere like misshapen fruit.
It very much needs an editor, one who knows what a dangling participle is and can teach the author not to write so many of them, and who will pick up the misused words: prophesy/prophecy, passed him up/passed him, lay/laid, breaking/braking, definitively/definitely, you're/your, leveraged/levered, drought/draught, principle/principal, cue/queue, piecemeal/piece, its/it's, perquisite/prerequisite, crevasse/crevice. The author has let me know that what I saw was an uncorrected proof, so many of these will probably have been taken care of by publication, but my experience is that a manuscript with many errors plus even a good editor results in a published book with errors. It's far better if they aren't committed in the first place.
These problems by themselves shouldn't have caused me to stop 78% of the way through, and yet I did, and started another (short) book, finished it, started a second, finished it, started a third, and still didn't feel like returning to the story - so I didn't.
I'm not completely sure why it failed to engage me. Certainly, being dropped out of the story at intervals by basic language issues wasn't helping, but it wouldn't usually have caused me to stop reading and not care if I started again. I think it may have had something to do with the main characters' status as Special Chosen Ones, though they were working hard and protagonising and not just being handed solutions, which is good. The situation, both for the main characters and for their world, was dire, and I should have cared about it, but somehow I didn't.
Perhaps it was overwritten? It certainly seemed long for the amount of plot.
I may have just been in the wrong mood for a long, fairly by-the-numbers YA with two Chosen Ones, especially one with participles dangling everywhere like misshapen fruit.
April 13, 2015
Chimera (Universe Eventual Book 1) creates a world and time that is dystopian, distant, draconian, and delightful. High Five for alliteration! This is a Young Adult book.
Failed business conglomerates have finally been held accountable. No government bail-outs or taxpayer relief; those in charge were sent to [ultimately] Stephen’s Point numerous generations ago to pay off their debt. After generations of slave-labor payment, the humans haven’t been receiving their rations for too long. Facing food shortages, the collective races to refit the Chimera, an extremely advanced artificial intelligence galaxy cruiser. She got them here, and now it is time to head back to Earth.
Thus enters The Mandate. All genetically approved children must enter the Selection in order to train and learn how to man, pilot, and navigate a spaceship across vast space back to a home they've never seen.
The story is split into two concurrent stories. Theo is a smart kid that lacks discipline and Selena is an outstanding pilot and hard worker, unfortunately she is neither of legal age to pilot, nor an actual legal citizen. She and her father live on the Rim, salvaging and mining material high above Stephen’s Point.
Training in the Selection is brutal and failure has consequences. A core group are able to succeed, but unfortunately they are joined by a clever sociopath. Thus, there are a lot of fun and exciting elements unfolding in this series launch. Some quality violence, solid scene descriptions and dimensional characters make for a fast read.
N.J Tanger is not a real person; rather it is a concoction of three humans: Nathan Beaucamp, Joshua Russell, and Rachael Tanger.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading April 2015; Advanced copy provided by author for unbiased review.
Failed business conglomerates have finally been held accountable. No government bail-outs or taxpayer relief; those in charge were sent to [ultimately] Stephen’s Point numerous generations ago to pay off their debt. After generations of slave-labor payment, the humans haven’t been receiving their rations for too long. Facing food shortages, the collective races to refit the Chimera, an extremely advanced artificial intelligence galaxy cruiser. She got them here, and now it is time to head back to Earth.
Thus enters The Mandate. All genetically approved children must enter the Selection in order to train and learn how to man, pilot, and navigate a spaceship across vast space back to a home they've never seen.
The story is split into two concurrent stories. Theo is a smart kid that lacks discipline and Selena is an outstanding pilot and hard worker, unfortunately she is neither of legal age to pilot, nor an actual legal citizen. She and her father live on the Rim, salvaging and mining material high above Stephen’s Point.
Training in the Selection is brutal and failure has consequences. A core group are able to succeed, but unfortunately they are joined by a clever sociopath. Thus, there are a lot of fun and exciting elements unfolding in this series launch. Some quality violence, solid scene descriptions and dimensional characters make for a fast read.
N.J Tanger is not a real person; rather it is a concoction of three humans: Nathan Beaucamp, Joshua Russell, and Rachael Tanger.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading April 2015; Advanced copy provided by author for unbiased review.
March 29, 2015
At a time when young adult science fiction series are more popular than ever, Chimera soars above the rest. As the first book in the Universal Eventual series, Chimera delivers a unique and beautiful world with a dual plot that you will not be able to put down.
On the surface, Theo and Selina are just youths who have nothing to offer to the dying colony of Stephen’s point. After a fatal accident and gruesome discovery, Selina and Theo are brought to the attention of those in charge of rebuilding the ancient ship that brought their ancestors to Stephen’s point. If there is any hope for Stephen’s point, they both must discover, and accept, that they are they key to saving their home.
The three writers who write as N.J. Tanger blend their voices into a smooth narrative that I would have never expected was written by three people. As the first book of the Universal Eventual series I expected Chimera to be heavy on world building and light on exciting action saved for later in the series. Yet, I was engaged and burning through page after page from the first chapter until the gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending. I can also confidently say there is not a dull character in this book either. I found each character fully developed with strong motivations and actions that take the reader on a complete journey with a ending that will leave you hungry for more.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Chimera. Now I am going to do everything in my power to get the next book as soon as possible. Chimera is simply superb storytelling and I cannot wait to read more.
On the surface, Theo and Selina are just youths who have nothing to offer to the dying colony of Stephen’s point. After a fatal accident and gruesome discovery, Selina and Theo are brought to the attention of those in charge of rebuilding the ancient ship that brought their ancestors to Stephen’s point. If there is any hope for Stephen’s point, they both must discover, and accept, that they are they key to saving their home.
The three writers who write as N.J. Tanger blend their voices into a smooth narrative that I would have never expected was written by three people. As the first book of the Universal Eventual series I expected Chimera to be heavy on world building and light on exciting action saved for later in the series. Yet, I was engaged and burning through page after page from the first chapter until the gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending. I can also confidently say there is not a dull character in this book either. I found each character fully developed with strong motivations and actions that take the reader on a complete journey with a ending that will leave you hungry for more.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Chimera. Now I am going to do everything in my power to get the next book as soon as possible. Chimera is simply superb storytelling and I cannot wait to read more.
April 1, 2015
Solid YA Science Fiction Tale
I've grown weary of overused YA tropes that show up again and again in most big-name YA novels, but that's one thing I liked about NJ Tanger's Chimera. It is a breath of fresh air in an overpopulated genre.
Sure, it plays with some overused concepts like prophecies and the main character being "the one," but it does so in thoughtful and unique ways that I haven't seen before. The characters are relatable and are forced into circumstances much more adventurous than they'd like.
For one character (Theo), the narration sometimes felt a touch too intellectual to match the person's natural voice, as he's 16 and not overly book-smart. Some descriptions and things he said seemed a bit lofty for a teenager. But that's a small complaint that faded as I read.
As a self-proclaimed science fiction nerd, setting is important to me, and Chimera delivered. From the planet, Stephen's Point, to the religion built up around the colony ship's navigator, to the eerily conscious mothership, the book packs 10 times more imagination in it's environs than most YA novels, let alone most SF novels.
What's more, the story moved along at a swift, steady pace, gathering momentum all the way to an intense climax. And the cliffhanger ending left lots of potential for the next book.
Bottom line: I've been burned before by books that don't come from big-name publishers as a lot of them suck. But Chimera (along with Hugh Howey's "Wool") has restored my hope in the independent writer. The prose is good, the characters likable, and the story interesting.
A solid, entertaining entry in the young adult genre. I recommend it to YA readers and adults alike.
8.5/10
I've grown weary of overused YA tropes that show up again and again in most big-name YA novels, but that's one thing I liked about NJ Tanger's Chimera. It is a breath of fresh air in an overpopulated genre.
Sure, it plays with some overused concepts like prophecies and the main character being "the one," but it does so in thoughtful and unique ways that I haven't seen before. The characters are relatable and are forced into circumstances much more adventurous than they'd like.
For one character (Theo), the narration sometimes felt a touch too intellectual to match the person's natural voice, as he's 16 and not overly book-smart. Some descriptions and things he said seemed a bit lofty for a teenager. But that's a small complaint that faded as I read.
As a self-proclaimed science fiction nerd, setting is important to me, and Chimera delivered. From the planet, Stephen's Point, to the religion built up around the colony ship's navigator, to the eerily conscious mothership, the book packs 10 times more imagination in it's environs than most YA novels, let alone most SF novels.
What's more, the story moved along at a swift, steady pace, gathering momentum all the way to an intense climax. And the cliffhanger ending left lots of potential for the next book.
Bottom line: I've been burned before by books that don't come from big-name publishers as a lot of them suck. But Chimera (along with Hugh Howey's "Wool") has restored my hope in the independent writer. The prose is good, the characters likable, and the story interesting.
A solid, entertaining entry in the young adult genre. I recommend it to YA readers and adults alike.
8.5/10
April 21, 2015
This is a well written young adult science fiction novel. Chimera is a colossal colony ship. When the existence of Stephen’s Point Colony is threatened, the inhabitants bring her back to life and start selecting a crew to make the long journey back to earth.
The main character Theo is so likeably realistic on his journey. There is a lot more to him than anyone realizes. We follow his transformation as he gains confidence in himself, from hacking the selection list, to surviving training, to reaching Chimera. Despite his faults he has a good heart and you are rooting for him to succeed. There is a great cast of secondary characters, and I found his complicated relationship/friendship with Marcus especially fascinating.
The book also follows the story of Selena Samuelson, a scrappy young female ore hound from the rim. Selena is a girl just trying to survive with her father on the rim, until events bring her into contact with the great ship, Chimera, and both girl and ship are changed from the experience. You can’t help respecting this resourceful young girl and getting drawn into her compelling back story. Things just start to get interesting when Theo and Selena’s paths collide and an unexpected exchange ship reaches Stevens Point Colony.
This book has it all, sci fi details, interesting characters, and a suspenseful plot with plenty of action and prophesies. This is a very good set up for the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
The main character Theo is so likeably realistic on his journey. There is a lot more to him than anyone realizes. We follow his transformation as he gains confidence in himself, from hacking the selection list, to surviving training, to reaching Chimera. Despite his faults he has a good heart and you are rooting for him to succeed. There is a great cast of secondary characters, and I found his complicated relationship/friendship with Marcus especially fascinating.
The book also follows the story of Selena Samuelson, a scrappy young female ore hound from the rim. Selena is a girl just trying to survive with her father on the rim, until events bring her into contact with the great ship, Chimera, and both girl and ship are changed from the experience. You can’t help respecting this resourceful young girl and getting drawn into her compelling back story. Things just start to get interesting when Theo and Selena’s paths collide and an unexpected exchange ship reaches Stevens Point Colony.
This book has it all, sci fi details, interesting characters, and a suspenseful plot with plenty of action and prophesies. This is a very good set up for the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
August 17, 2017
Title: Chimera
Author: N.J Tanger
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Format: Ebook
Pages: 310
Rating: 4.5
Heat: 0
Thoughts: First off, I was expecting the story to take place on the ship but I'm so glad I was wrong. This is the story of how hard life is for those stuck on this far away planet and getting to know Theo as he goes the training, and Selena as she fights for herself and her father. During the beginning we meet Theo, Selena, and (this is kinda cool) Chimera, the ship. That part actually excited me, it's somewhat of an AI but because of builtin protocols the ship is in a sleep like state. There are only a few instances where you get to "meet" Chimera and I really hope there is more in the next book. There are a few other characters like Meghan and Marcus, Meghan is Theo's friend and Marcus seems to be a psychopath but an important character. And of course there are adults like parents and government officials. Great world building and detail gives the reader a feel of this strange planet making it seem real. The characters were really well written reminding me of normal teenagers with insecurities and god complexes while at times acting like children due to lack of experience. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next one.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Author: N.J Tanger
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Format: Ebook
Pages: 310
Rating: 4.5
Heat: 0
Thoughts: First off, I was expecting the story to take place on the ship but I'm so glad I was wrong. This is the story of how hard life is for those stuck on this far away planet and getting to know Theo as he goes the training, and Selena as she fights for herself and her father. During the beginning we meet Theo, Selena, and (this is kinda cool) Chimera, the ship. That part actually excited me, it's somewhat of an AI but because of builtin protocols the ship is in a sleep like state. There are only a few instances where you get to "meet" Chimera and I really hope there is more in the next book. There are a few other characters like Meghan and Marcus, Meghan is Theo's friend and Marcus seems to be a psychopath but an important character. And of course there are adults like parents and government officials. Great world building and detail gives the reader a feel of this strange planet making it seem real. The characters were really well written reminding me of normal teenagers with insecurities and god complexes while at times acting like children due to lack of experience. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next one.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2015
I received an ARC of Chimera so that I could read and review it.
My 14 year old son and I read a lot of YA dystopian fiction. To us, it's like pizza: even when it's kind of meh, it's still entertaining, and when it is good, it is glorious, gripping, engaging.
Chimera is glorious, gripping, engaging. Not only are the plot, characterizations, and prose top notch, dead on, but the book wraps much deeper themes in a thoroughly entertaining shell. Notably, the female characters are strong and self-sufficient, neither stereotypically female, nor ostentatiously anti-femme. The protagonists aren't unbelievably good; there are no mustache-twirling villains, either. And even though this book does a lot of setting up for the next two in the trilogy, there are no wasted words and no wasted time. The mythology established is an interesting one, and the universe described is unique.
From literally the first page, the writing team establishes a consistent state of anxiety for the characters whom the reader, thankfully, can feel okay about caring about. The only way to relieve some of that anxiety is by turning the page. And then, too soon, we run out of pages.
This is one of a handful of books I have read in the last few months that I really loved beginning to end. This book belongs among the giants of the genre. This trilogy should be big. Really big.
My 14 year old son and I read a lot of YA dystopian fiction. To us, it's like pizza: even when it's kind of meh, it's still entertaining, and when it is good, it is glorious, gripping, engaging.
Chimera is glorious, gripping, engaging. Not only are the plot, characterizations, and prose top notch, dead on, but the book wraps much deeper themes in a thoroughly entertaining shell. Notably, the female characters are strong and self-sufficient, neither stereotypically female, nor ostentatiously anti-femme. The protagonists aren't unbelievably good; there are no mustache-twirling villains, either. And even though this book does a lot of setting up for the next two in the trilogy, there are no wasted words and no wasted time. The mythology established is an interesting one, and the universe described is unique.
From literally the first page, the writing team establishes a consistent state of anxiety for the characters whom the reader, thankfully, can feel okay about caring about. The only way to relieve some of that anxiety is by turning the page. And then, too soon, we run out of pages.
This is one of a handful of books I have read in the last few months that I really loved beginning to end. This book belongs among the giants of the genre. This trilogy should be big. Really big.
December 10, 2016
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this one, as we find ourselves on a moon orbiting a gas giant and plenty of issues arise. In the colony of Stephen's Point we meet Theo and Meghan who are young people growing up with, for the first time in this colony's lifetime, the prospect of being debt free. They also face a space trip and Meghan's name is on the list; Theo doesn't get good enough grades to stay with his friend so he decides to hack his name onto the computerised list. Methinks anyone smart enough to manage that should be on the list.
We also meet my favourite character, a trawler pilot's daughter called Serena. She is living up to her family name. The trio are inspired by the Chimera, a spacecraft being reconstructed for the long journey. The Chimera however sort of has an awareness of its own, and it does not want new crew. The colony has started to get desperate for resources, and the young people turn out to be considered expendable if needs be.
There's some mildly strong language but older teen readers should be fine. This is a complex story in which characters start to learn and grow and take chances. Three authors combined to write Chimera and I'll be interested to see how the plot turns out in the next books.
I received an ARC for an unbiased review.
We also meet my favourite character, a trawler pilot's daughter called Serena. She is living up to her family name. The trio are inspired by the Chimera, a spacecraft being reconstructed for the long journey. The Chimera however sort of has an awareness of its own, and it does not want new crew. The colony has started to get desperate for resources, and the young people turn out to be considered expendable if needs be.
There's some mildly strong language but older teen readers should be fine. This is a complex story in which characters start to learn and grow and take chances. Three authors combined to write Chimera and I'll be interested to see how the plot turns out in the next books.
I received an ARC for an unbiased review.
March 29, 2015
Up front, I purchased the pre-order copy of the book on Amazon and was given an advance copy to review.
I have no hesitation in recommending this novel and giving it 5 stars. I loved it. The authors tell me the book is targeted at young adult, but the story has a much broader appeal. Sure, the protagonists are all young, but the story and writing have a maturity which will satisfy older readers too.
We are taken into the future to a moon, orbiting a gas giant which is light years from Earth. Orbiting the moon is the Chimera, the starship which had brought them there. The ship is aware that it needs to awaken, yet is unable to do so. The moon is dying, can no longer sustain them and they need to awaken Chimera before it is too late. There is plenty of suspense, thrills, action, jealousy and more to satisfy thriller lovers and sci-fi fans alike. The book ends at a suspenseful point and will take us to a sequel which I hope is not too far away.
Well edited and written, there were, nonetheless, a couple of spoilers for me but may well be fixed when the book is finally released.
Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
I have no hesitation in recommending this novel and giving it 5 stars. I loved it. The authors tell me the book is targeted at young adult, but the story has a much broader appeal. Sure, the protagonists are all young, but the story and writing have a maturity which will satisfy older readers too.
We are taken into the future to a moon, orbiting a gas giant which is light years from Earth. Orbiting the moon is the Chimera, the starship which had brought them there. The ship is aware that it needs to awaken, yet is unable to do so. The moon is dying, can no longer sustain them and they need to awaken Chimera before it is too late. There is plenty of suspense, thrills, action, jealousy and more to satisfy thriller lovers and sci-fi fans alike. The book ends at a suspenseful point and will take us to a sequel which I hope is not too far away.
Well edited and written, there were, nonetheless, a couple of spoilers for me but may well be fixed when the book is finally released.
Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
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