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Paragons #1
Awakened
WHEN DARK PORTALS OPEN, HEROES WILL AWAKEN.
Israel Trent is a Journalist living in his native Chicago and fulfilling his lifelong dream of chasing down leads and searching for the truth as a crime reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Erin Simms is a young Las Vegas woman whose life is a blur of garish lights, drug fueled sexual diversions, and being in the wrong places with the wrong people.
When these two strangers wake up together in a modern day dungeon with no idea how they got there, they are suddenly catapulted into a doomsday cult's plot to open an extra-dimensional portal for their monstrous alien masters. As Israel and Erin learn about the hidden history of the world and the existence of the mythological bloodlines that survive behind a centuries old conspiracy of secrets and misinformation, they must to come to grips with the incredible power now unlocked from within their own DNA. They must use this power to do whatever they can to stop the coming apocalypse or stand back and allow the human race to face extinction. They must learn what it means to be Awakened.
Part science fiction horror thriller, part superhero novel; Awakened: Paragons Book One is the first novel in a trilogy series that provides a gripping origin story filled with mystery, fast paced action, horrific monsters, and fringe science so far beyond understanding it might as well be magic. If you enjoy a thriller novel with a heavy dose of the fantastic, you'll love Awakened.
Israel Trent is a Journalist living in his native Chicago and fulfilling his lifelong dream of chasing down leads and searching for the truth as a crime reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Erin Simms is a young Las Vegas woman whose life is a blur of garish lights, drug fueled sexual diversions, and being in the wrong places with the wrong people.
When these two strangers wake up together in a modern day dungeon with no idea how they got there, they are suddenly catapulted into a doomsday cult's plot to open an extra-dimensional portal for their monstrous alien masters. As Israel and Erin learn about the hidden history of the world and the existence of the mythological bloodlines that survive behind a centuries old conspiracy of secrets and misinformation, they must to come to grips with the incredible power now unlocked from within their own DNA. They must use this power to do whatever they can to stop the coming apocalypse or stand back and allow the human race to face extinction. They must learn what it means to be Awakened.
Part science fiction horror thriller, part superhero novel; Awakened: Paragons Book One is the first novel in a trilogy series that provides a gripping origin story filled with mystery, fast paced action, horrific monsters, and fringe science so far beyond understanding it might as well be magic. If you enjoy a thriller novel with a heavy dose of the fantastic, you'll love Awakened.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
77 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
C. Steven Manley
15 books36 followersThe man that most people just call 'Chuck' was born in the winter of the year of the summer of love to a couple of crazy kids from the deep woods of Alabama.
He came up the rough way, riding out his excessively dramatic home life on a steady diet of escapism courtesy of comic books, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and any kind of TV show or movie that could show him a hero he could believe in, fictional or otherwise.
Straight out of high school, he joined the USAF and got out after only a single tour. He never wanted to be just one thing so he set about exploring the country and collecting skills, knowledge, and interests like a boxer collecting scars.
Eventually he settled into the healthcare world where he worked for well on thirteen years before getting disillusioned and burned out. Fortunately, a lovely young woman had taken pity on him by then and joined her life to his giving him beautiful children and the chance to stay home and care for them while writing his books.
There is irony in that because through all his life of seeking to not be 'one thing' and live a life filled with the road less traveled, he has always been a writer.
He has also always wondered why authors are expected to write these things in third person.
He came up the rough way, riding out his excessively dramatic home life on a steady diet of escapism courtesy of comic books, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and any kind of TV show or movie that could show him a hero he could believe in, fictional or otherwise.
Straight out of high school, he joined the USAF and got out after only a single tour. He never wanted to be just one thing so he set about exploring the country and collecting skills, knowledge, and interests like a boxer collecting scars.
Eventually he settled into the healthcare world where he worked for well on thirteen years before getting disillusioned and burned out. Fortunately, a lovely young woman had taken pity on him by then and joined her life to his giving him beautiful children and the chance to stay home and care for them while writing his books.
There is irony in that because through all his life of seeking to not be 'one thing' and live a life filled with the road less traveled, he has always been a writer.
He has also always wondered why authors are expected to write these things in third person.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2021
Awakened
(Paragons #1)
by C. Steven Manley
Now this is how to start the new year, with an awesome book! This was a suggestion from a different author from a newsletter. He listed several and I had read all but two and those that I had read I really liked. I assumed then we must have similar tastes so I picked up this one and wow, it is so good! I had the ebook already but forgot about it and the Audible plus has it for free for members!
This has creepy monsters, great characters, wonderful dialogue, suspense, superman-like abilities, action, and so much more! The best of everything rolled up and arranged perfectly! A surprise ending too! Loved it! This goes on my favorite list!
(Paragons #1)
by C. Steven Manley
Now this is how to start the new year, with an awesome book! This was a suggestion from a different author from a newsletter. He listed several and I had read all but two and those that I had read I really liked. I assumed then we must have similar tastes so I picked up this one and wow, it is so good! I had the ebook already but forgot about it and the Audible plus has it for free for members!
This has creepy monsters, great characters, wonderful dialogue, suspense, superman-like abilities, action, and so much more! The best of everything rolled up and arranged perfectly! A surprise ending too! Loved it! This goes on my favorite list!
June 2, 2021
I read this a while back and completely forgot it so...3 stars max, sorry. Won't belabor this one. Not a bad book. I've seen the idea sort of done before though not exactly.
It's pretty good, holds the interest but of course pure brain candy.
It's pretty good, holds the interest but of course pure brain candy.
September 10, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
DNF 52% Audio
- Easy access to listen to the story did not make it better.
- Good narration cannot save a story.
- Odd mix of mutant/hero/powers type story with misguided & uneven plot pacing.
- Flat characters
- Dull action sequences
- Listened to half of the book and no clear centering of either characters or plot was established well enough to keep going.
Currently on Audible Plus
DNF 52% Audio
- Easy access to listen to the story did not make it better.
- Good narration cannot save a story.
- Odd mix of mutant/hero/powers type story with misguided & uneven plot pacing.
- Flat characters
- Dull action sequences
- Listened to half of the book and no clear centering of either characters or plot was established well enough to keep going.
September 22, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't really like the world building, characters or writing.
The premise was interesting and the beginning of the book sorta hooks you in. I feel bad saying this but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was reading something by an author that just doesn't have the experience or finesse to pull this off so well.
The premise was interesting and the beginning of the book sorta hooks you in. I feel bad saying this but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was reading something by an author that just doesn't have the experience or finesse to pull this off so well.
December 7, 2020
To me… a fairly one shot idea on the pull of super powers into society. Interesting, but not enough for me to want to continue reading more of this series.
Warnings: Language, very suggestive and detailed sexual scenes.
Warnings: Language, very suggestive and detailed sexual scenes.
May 30, 2015
Very good book. The story doesn't have any plot holes in it so far as I can see. Both of the main characters are interesting and three-dimensional as are the supporting characters. Some of the characters are cliche, though, and could've used some more work. In particular the antagonists (that includes the villains and all the other characters that are in the way of the main characters). The story leaves at a cliffhanger and I for one am very interested in reading more.
P.S. This book doesn't have a romantic subplot. The relationship between the main characters is purely platonic. Those of you searching for some paranormal romance please skip right ahead.
P.S. This book doesn't have a romantic subplot. The relationship between the main characters is purely platonic. Those of you searching for some paranormal romance please skip right ahead.
December 23, 2022
Awakened by C. Steven Manley was not a bad book at all. As I was reading I liked the character of Israel Trent, but not so much Erin Simms (I thought she was a little too whiny and repetitive in what she was saying).
Now reasons I had issue with this book - there was A LOT of information and I feel that maybe it was too much. You learn about the Awakened, different types of people who are affected, two secret societies or government agencies, and several different mutations. There was so much information that there really wasn't enough book to define anything and the reader is left with half definitions of feelings that some of the information is not complete. I would have liked it to be a little more focused in one thing - like how someone was awakened, which may have been described but then was lost in all the other information. It really was a case of too much in not enough pages.
Reasons I liked the book - I wanted to know what was going to happen with Israel and I really did not like Erin's brother, Tito, so what happens there was interesting to read too. I thought that some of the other characters were interesting, but weren't really given their time to shine in the novel.
I am not sure if I will read the rest of the series or not at this point, only because I have a lot of other book on my shelves to read, and because I don't know if it is interesting enough to want to find out what happens to the characters at the end of the series. So, now I have to ponder if I want to continue the series or not.
Not a bad read, but could have been more defined and specific.
Now reasons I had issue with this book - there was A LOT of information and I feel that maybe it was too much. You learn about the Awakened, different types of people who are affected, two secret societies or government agencies, and several different mutations. There was so much information that there really wasn't enough book to define anything and the reader is left with half definitions of feelings that some of the information is not complete. I would have liked it to be a little more focused in one thing - like how someone was awakened, which may have been described but then was lost in all the other information. It really was a case of too much in not enough pages.
Reasons I liked the book - I wanted to know what was going to happen with Israel and I really did not like Erin's brother, Tito, so what happens there was interesting to read too. I thought that some of the other characters were interesting, but weren't really given their time to shine in the novel.
I am not sure if I will read the rest of the series or not at this point, only because I have a lot of other book on my shelves to read, and because I don't know if it is interesting enough to want to find out what happens to the characters at the end of the series. So, now I have to ponder if I want to continue the series or not.
Not a bad read, but could have been more defined and specific.
March 13, 2022
2 and half stars
Two people are exposed to powers from alternate dimensions resulting in them being changed. Isreal is killed but comes back as a fully functional zombie with superhuman strength who cannot be killed. Erin is not killed but has the ability to teleport herself, people, objects.
First, they have to discover their new abilities. Then they are running from secret parts of the government since they are not the first of these types of beings. Next, they encounter an organization consisting of others of their kind (the Paragons). Finally, they need to seek out the "speaker" who is able to open the portal and bring the bad things "the squid heads" into our world.
This kinda reads like an x-men comic where all the freaks are endowed with different powers. There is even the leader of the organization intended to protect them who is the female version of Professor X.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger but clearly is set up for a series. Not for this reader though. The book just didn't turn my crank.
Two people are exposed to powers from alternate dimensions resulting in them being changed. Isreal is killed but comes back as a fully functional zombie with superhuman strength who cannot be killed. Erin is not killed but has the ability to teleport herself, people, objects.
First, they have to discover their new abilities. Then they are running from secret parts of the government since they are not the first of these types of beings. Next, they encounter an organization consisting of others of their kind (the Paragons). Finally, they need to seek out the "speaker" who is able to open the portal and bring the bad things "the squid heads" into our world.
This kinda reads like an x-men comic where all the freaks are endowed with different powers. There is even the leader of the organization intended to protect them who is the female version of Professor X.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger but clearly is set up for a series. Not for this reader though. The book just didn't turn my crank.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
Ugh, this book was pretty interesting. To Awaken superpowers would be cool! This book had a lot more potential. I feel the author could’ve gone into more detail about the Veil, and the otherworldly people. But I guess that’s what book 2 is for. But I will not read it. I was good with just this one
February 5, 2018
Excellent
So well done. Unexpected twists and very good action. I am obtaining the next book as soon as I am done here.
So well done. Unexpected twists and very good action. I am obtaining the next book as soon as I am done here.
September 15, 2020
Decent read
September 23, 2020
Amazing, thought provoking prose? Nah.
Fun read about "superhero" powers, battle of good vs evil? Yep.
Fun read about "superhero" powers, battle of good vs evil? Yep.
November 27, 2020
Meh.... was not impressed. Gave me Resident Evil /Umbrella Corp. vibes. So if you like those type of stories. You might enjoy this one too.
December 31, 2020
Fun and easy read
May 27, 2022
Fun story interesting Lovecrafitan elements and linking to folk, fairytale, myth, and legends. I wanted more information and the ending felt a little rushed but a good story.
June 4, 2022
Quick read. Wasn't terrible.
June 8, 2023
DNF 1%. I knew pretty on this one wasn't for me. Very strange. Characters not compelling.
May 12, 2015
Really enjoyed this fast paced 'origin story' and hope to read the sequels soon!! If you are a fan of X-Files, Hellboy, or any of a number of super hero style fiction (with a touch of Darkness) I highly recommend this book.
I always enjoy reading how people would explain the existence of super powers in the modern world, and this book does not disappoint. Great little teaser for next book at the end, and hilarious Authors comments as well.
I always enjoy reading how people would explain the existence of super powers in the modern world, and this book does not disappoint. Great little teaser for next book at the end, and hilarious Authors comments as well.
June 2, 2015
Always on the look out for something to read since I seem to blow through 10 to 15 books a week...glad I came across this this one was a fun read. It takes your usual mythos and other worldly creatures and puts a different spin on them s coming from bloodlines that were altered by inter-dimensional travelers...liked it and eagerly wait on the second in this series with the hope that there will be many more to come.
July 11, 2016
Unlike anything else I have ever read. Great characters, loved the strong built bond between Israel and Erin. This is hopefully just the beginning of a kick ass series. Sci-fi fans should hands down add this to their must read list. 1000% recommend!
March 7, 2015
Interesting
I enjoyed this book. I found a few misspellings and grammatical errors, but overall it was a good, fast read.
I enjoyed this book. I found a few misspellings and grammatical errors, but overall it was a good, fast read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews