What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifter
A normal day quickly becomes a nightmare for a young lawyer John Davis as the world around him begins to overwrite itself. Reality changes, night becomes day, rain becomes shine–and only he notices. As John struggles to understand what's happening to him, the alterations take a turn for the sinister. Accidents happen. People vanish. Memories are wiped clean. History itself is rewritten and the world is reshuffled to match it. Alone amongst the multitudes of the world only John is cursed with the ability to perceive these changes. Across the country the violent tears in the fabric of reality are being monitored. A dark and sinister organization watches and waits for its moment to strike. Very soon, John Davis finds himself fighting for his life. Terrified and utterly isolated, John turns to the only person he can trust–an old friend and a link to his past. But in this world of shifting reality, how far can anyone be trusted? What can you hold onto when everything you know can vanish at the whim of fate? “With its excellent pacing and beautifully complex plot, Shifter is a peach of a novel. Think you know what reality is? Shifter will convince you otherwise.” – Cas Peace, author of the Artesans of Albia series. “This may be the best first novel you read this year. It is certainly the most unusual and the most promising. Good versus evil, definition versus doubt--these themes always make a good read.” - Jack L. Kennedy, journalist at the Joplin Independent “I was absolutely delighted by the ending... marvelous! I would love to see a sequel.” - K. Sozaeva, blogger and reviewer at Now Is Gone
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 28, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
book available: 7/1/12
My Thoughts: What a fascinating premise! A Shifter is someone who can literally alter reality – and not just reality, but other people’s perception of reality, making others think that the new reality is completely normal and that there has, in fact, been no changes. Spooky! But consider the possibilities if you were in control!
I wonder if it was just me, but it seemed really obvious to me who was changing things. The why was the question. One thing I noticed – and I’m not sure if they’re all this way, but the examples we see appear to point in that direction – but the Recallers seem to mostly be sociopaths. They have a serious “find ‘em and kill ‘em” mentality that I don’t care for at all.
I was absolutely delighted by the ending, I must say – going into it, and through the denouement, I was a bit skeptical about how things were going, but the ending made it all worthwhile – marvelous! I would love to see a sequel – I’m not sure what it would be about, but I’d like to see what becomes of Davis. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a free eBook ARC from Rhemalda Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: John Davis might be going insane. Or he might be reshaping reality. He isn’t sure which.
When the world starts shifting around him, he’s the only one who seems to notice. The changes seem harmless at first—sunny skies, a nicer apartment, new furniture—but quickly turn sinister when his best friend vanishes without a trace. In his search for the truth behind his friend’s disappearance, John uncovers a mysterious organization dedicated to hunting down those who can shift reality—and they want John dead. If John isn’t the Shifter, he needs to find out who is before the organization catches up to him and his reality unravels completely
Reading Level: Adult
book available: 7/1/12
My Thoughts: What a fascinating premise! A Shifter is someone who can literally alter reality – and not just reality, but other people’s perception of reality, making others think that the new reality is completely normal and that there has, in fact, been no changes. Spooky! But consider the possibilities if you were in control!
I wonder if it was just me, but it seemed really obvious to me who was changing things. The why was the question. One thing I noticed – and I’m not sure if they’re all this way, but the examples we see appear to point in that direction – but the Recallers seem to mostly be sociopaths. They have a serious “find ‘em and kill ‘em” mentality that I don’t care for at all.
I was absolutely delighted by the ending, I must say – going into it, and through the denouement, I was a bit skeptical about how things were going, but the ending made it all worthwhile – marvelous! I would love to see a sequel – I’m not sure what it would be about, but I’d like to see what becomes of Davis. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a free eBook ARC from Rhemalda Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: John Davis might be going insane. Or he might be reshaping reality. He isn’t sure which.
When the world starts shifting around him, he’s the only one who seems to notice. The changes seem harmless at first—sunny skies, a nicer apartment, new furniture—but quickly turn sinister when his best friend vanishes without a trace. In his search for the truth behind his friend’s disappearance, John uncovers a mysterious organization dedicated to hunting down those who can shift reality—and they want John dead. If John isn’t the Shifter, he needs to find out who is before the organization catches up to him and his reality unravels completely
July 12, 2013
I was very impressed by this debut novel by Steven D Jackson. With its excellent pacing and beautifully complex plot, Shifter is a peach of a novel. I especially liked the way Jackson delved deep into the mind of central character John, credibly portraying his doubts and insecurities. And who wouldn't be insecure if the world suddenly started changing around them? Just who is behind the mysterious "organization?" Why are they hunting John? And why doesn't anyone else notice the weird changes?
Think you know what reality is? Steven D Jackson will convince you otherwise. From the beautifully bewildering beginning to the unexpected and thrilling conclusion, Shifter is a superb novel that will pin you to your seat. Highly recommended.
Think you know what reality is? Steven D Jackson will convince you otherwise. From the beautifully bewildering beginning to the unexpected and thrilling conclusion, Shifter is a superb novel that will pin you to your seat. Highly recommended.
July 15, 2012
Originally posted at The Cozy Armchair.
Shifter has a really interesting concept at its core: a world where there are people who can change reality and your perception of it, and in this world there exists a ruthless organization dedicated to eliminating the threat posed by these people. When you add in our protagonist, John, who is a little more than clueless, it certainly makes for an interesting situation.
However, its execution left a lot to be desired. John Davis, aforementioned main character, isn't easy to sympathize with. Most of the story from his POV is focused on him a) complaining, b) being confused, and c) not giving a damn about anyone else. Seriously, he is one self-centered dude. There were so many times when Jenna, his co-worker, would be talking to him and he would just ignore her and be all like, OH WELL I have more important things in my life to be worrying about. Which, yeah, I understand, because his life became a sci-fi Bourne Identity overnight, but if you expect someone to help you, at least show them some respect. I don't expect all characters to be nice and perfect, but it sure makes it easy to read a book when you can sympathize with the main character you're supposed to be rooting for.
The rest of the book switches between multiple POVs, mainly between three characters. I'm not a big fan of this tactic, and it didn't help that some of the transitions were jarring, but the various POVs worked to give a broader view of the situation, forming connections and keeping the reader guessing. The whole premise of the novel is that John is on a quest for answers: is or isn't he the "shifter", how, why, etc. The plot moves at a consistently fast pace and has several twists and turns, but I still thought it was pretty predictable.
I do have to give Jackson props for the ending, which was possibly the best part of the book - and I realize how that sounds, but I'm not being snide! The ending was the one thing I didn't see coming, but it was great and incredibly fitting for John's character.
Overall, I might have enjoyed Shifter better if I had been able to connect to the character and if the writing hadn't been so heavy on the telling, so it just read like an average book to me. Creative and well-written, yes, but not a standout in the genre.
Shifter has a really interesting concept at its core: a world where there are people who can change reality and your perception of it, and in this world there exists a ruthless organization dedicated to eliminating the threat posed by these people. When you add in our protagonist, John, who is a little more than clueless, it certainly makes for an interesting situation.
However, its execution left a lot to be desired. John Davis, aforementioned main character, isn't easy to sympathize with. Most of the story from his POV is focused on him a) complaining, b) being confused, and c) not giving a damn about anyone else. Seriously, he is one self-centered dude. There were so many times when Jenna, his co-worker, would be talking to him and he would just ignore her and be all like, OH WELL I have more important things in my life to be worrying about. Which, yeah, I understand, because his life became a sci-fi Bourne Identity overnight, but if you expect someone to help you, at least show them some respect. I don't expect all characters to be nice and perfect, but it sure makes it easy to read a book when you can sympathize with the main character you're supposed to be rooting for.
The rest of the book switches between multiple POVs, mainly between three characters. I'm not a big fan of this tactic, and it didn't help that some of the transitions were jarring, but the various POVs worked to give a broader view of the situation, forming connections and keeping the reader guessing. The whole premise of the novel is that John is on a quest for answers: is or isn't he the "shifter", how, why, etc. The plot moves at a consistently fast pace and has several twists and turns, but I still thought it was pretty predictable.
I do have to give Jackson props for the ending, which was possibly the best part of the book - and I realize how that sounds, but I'm not being snide! The ending was the one thing I didn't see coming, but it was great and incredibly fitting for John's character.
Overall, I might have enjoyed Shifter better if I had been able to connect to the character and if the writing hadn't been so heavy on the telling, so it just read like an average book to me. Creative and well-written, yes, but not a standout in the genre.
July 18, 2012
John Davis might be losing his mind. He is a bored young man with a good job and a drinking problem. Could it be his malaise combined with the alcohol that is causing his mind to remember things differently when the world abruptly begins to change around him? He confides his fears to his psychiatrist and a dear friend, and then to a shy acquaintance. When he's done that, however, the cracking reality around him shatters.
The plot takes off running and we are quickly introduced to characters who are stuck in the middle of a cat and mouse game involving people called "Shifters" and "Recallers". A Shifter is someone who can change the reality of their surroundings at will, and a Recaller will remember things the way they were before the change. The events move so swiftly leaving only nuggets of explanation along the way that I found myself a little lost and confused at times and had to go back and re-read passages.
The action is quite good, however, with lots of gun-play, hand to hand combat, chases, and a good slow-motion explosion or two.
John Davis makes for a lovable scarecrow of protagonist. At the novel's start he is a confused, self-pitying mess, but the plot sweeps him up and sends him running and fighting for his life. His antagonists are Brice, and Kendra, two members of a shadowy organization hunting down Shifters and Recallers, using deadly force more often than not to subdue their prey. His allies are his psychiatrist, a man who may or may not know more than he lets on about Shifters, and Jenna, a shy colleague nursing an obvious crush on John.
A story like this, set in England, and full of colorful sci-fi fun is very reminiscent of something like "Dr. Who" and is sure to please any fan of the genre. I rather enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, as the characters Kendra and Jenna blossomed and enriched much needed layers into the plot.
I could easily imagine this book as the pilot of a fun new television series and hope to see more like this from Mr. Jackson. As first novels go, this is a job well done.
The plot takes off running and we are quickly introduced to characters who are stuck in the middle of a cat and mouse game involving people called "Shifters" and "Recallers". A Shifter is someone who can change the reality of their surroundings at will, and a Recaller will remember things the way they were before the change. The events move so swiftly leaving only nuggets of explanation along the way that I found myself a little lost and confused at times and had to go back and re-read passages.
The action is quite good, however, with lots of gun-play, hand to hand combat, chases, and a good slow-motion explosion or two.
John Davis makes for a lovable scarecrow of protagonist. At the novel's start he is a confused, self-pitying mess, but the plot sweeps him up and sends him running and fighting for his life. His antagonists are Brice, and Kendra, two members of a shadowy organization hunting down Shifters and Recallers, using deadly force more often than not to subdue their prey. His allies are his psychiatrist, a man who may or may not know more than he lets on about Shifters, and Jenna, a shy colleague nursing an obvious crush on John.
A story like this, set in England, and full of colorful sci-fi fun is very reminiscent of something like "Dr. Who" and is sure to please any fan of the genre. I rather enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, as the characters Kendra and Jenna blossomed and enriched much needed layers into the plot.
I could easily imagine this book as the pilot of a fun new television series and hope to see more like this from Mr. Jackson. As first novels go, this is a job well done.
August 26, 2015
It’s hard to find a book that surprises me these days. Part of it is because I’m a writer myself, and I can see all the twists and turns coming. I can see behind the curtain to what went into the creative process of crafting a story. And part of it is because I’ve read so many books. It can be frustrating: I’m rarely surprised at a plot twist, and I can usually spot the red herrings a mile away. No small feat, SHIFTER kept me guessing.
The story is a unique one: There are people in the world, called Shifters, who can rewrite reality. There’re others, called Recallers, who remember the world the way it was before. It’s the Recallers job to locate the Shifters and stop them from continuously bending and shaping reality to their whim.
The protagonist, John Davis, is driving in the pouring rain one day when the world changes around him. One minute, the sky is dumping buckets of rain, and the next, the sun is out, the streets are dry, and people are walking around in summer dresses and shirtsleeves. He wonders if he’s losing his mind or suffering from blackouts. Other things begin to happen in his life that makes him start to question whether he really is going insane, or is the world being rewritten around him.
The plot keeps moving forward and gains momentum like a runaway train barreling down a mountain track. I have to say that I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns in the story and the ongoing mystery of what is happening to the main character. Is John a Shifter? Or is someone else behind it (and if so, who?)?
The supporting cast is fleshed out and lives in the constant murky area of fluctuating between good guys and bad, and the reader (much like John) is never really sure of who to trust. It all builds to a climax that will keep you turning the pages (or swiping your e-reader) until you get to an ending that was so satisfying, I actually went back and reread it three times just to savor it. Good stuff.
The story is a unique one: There are people in the world, called Shifters, who can rewrite reality. There’re others, called Recallers, who remember the world the way it was before. It’s the Recallers job to locate the Shifters and stop them from continuously bending and shaping reality to their whim.
The protagonist, John Davis, is driving in the pouring rain one day when the world changes around him. One minute, the sky is dumping buckets of rain, and the next, the sun is out, the streets are dry, and people are walking around in summer dresses and shirtsleeves. He wonders if he’s losing his mind or suffering from blackouts. Other things begin to happen in his life that makes him start to question whether he really is going insane, or is the world being rewritten around him.
The plot keeps moving forward and gains momentum like a runaway train barreling down a mountain track. I have to say that I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns in the story and the ongoing mystery of what is happening to the main character. Is John a Shifter? Or is someone else behind it (and if so, who?)?
The supporting cast is fleshed out and lives in the constant murky area of fluctuating between good guys and bad, and the reader (much like John) is never really sure of who to trust. It all builds to a climax that will keep you turning the pages (or swiping your e-reader) until you get to an ending that was so satisfying, I actually went back and reread it three times just to savor it. Good stuff.
June 29, 2012
"Shifter" is an intriguing book based on the concept that there are people who have the ability to alter the reality of the world in a manner that can usually go unnoticed. These people have different types of abilities as well as varying degrees of power within their abilities. Another group also exists that can sense when these changes occur. The main character in this book (John) is a person who notices some major changes and wonders if he is going crazy just long enough to realize that there is really something strange going on around him. Many of the changes he notices are focused specifically on his personal life (such as major improvements in his apartment and a fancy, new car). Unaware of whether he is the cause of these changes or if he is part of someone else's ability to change his circumstances, he begins on a search for the real answers. As John searches out answers he comes across an organization that is dedicated to controlling those who have the ability to shift the reality of the world. Although he learns many things about the abilities of the people who work for "the organization," all of this knowledge comes into question as the world is constantly being shifted around them. This book had adventure and some unexpected changes and surprises in the plotline. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the unanswered questions kept me reading and wondering how it all fit together and what would be coming next. A good read for those who will not start to wonder if it could happen in real life (the organization might have to do something about it if that were the case).
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book from the Publisher for review.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book from the Publisher for review.
July 10, 2012
What’s It About?
John is living a mediocre life when suddenly the world changes around him and no one else notices, except him. John is forced to reconsider how the world works when changes continue to happen, and many of them seem to be focused on him. He doesn’t know if it’s him causing the changes or someone else changing his life, but soon that is put out of his head as he is forced to fight for his life against a mysterious organisation whose goal is to eradicate anyone who might be causing shifts in the world.
My Thoughts:
The premise of this book sounded really interesting to me so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, the idea behind the book is the only positive thing I can say about it.
The characters weren’t well-formed and I didn’t really feel a connection to any of them, which meant I didn’t really care about the outcome. They were just pawns moving the story along rather than people I wanted to survive and win. I felt they definitely needed some... read the rest of the review at http://captivatedbybooks.wordpress.co...
[Disclaimer: I was given a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
John is living a mediocre life when suddenly the world changes around him and no one else notices, except him. John is forced to reconsider how the world works when changes continue to happen, and many of them seem to be focused on him. He doesn’t know if it’s him causing the changes or someone else changing his life, but soon that is put out of his head as he is forced to fight for his life against a mysterious organisation whose goal is to eradicate anyone who might be causing shifts in the world.
My Thoughts:
The premise of this book sounded really interesting to me so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, the idea behind the book is the only positive thing I can say about it.
The characters weren’t well-formed and I didn’t really feel a connection to any of them, which meant I didn’t really care about the outcome. They were just pawns moving the story along rather than people I wanted to survive and win. I felt they definitely needed some... read the rest of the review at http://captivatedbybooks.wordpress.co...
[Disclaimer: I was given a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
January 18, 2013
I liked the premise of the story, however, the characters were so unbelievable that it was difficult to enjoy the book. None of the characters' reactions or thought processes made sense such as I wanted to like this book, but it was quite a chore to finish.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews