What do you think?
Rate this book
Price of Life
At the dawn of civilization, a prehistoric hunter finds an unusual meteorite that offers him powers of life and death and makes him an immortal. Twelve thousand years later, his descendants, inheriting the gene of immortality, are living in secret among unsuspecting humans. Able to give and take life at will, they struggle for survival across the centuries.
When a group of human fanatics and evil immortals each come with their own horrific plan for world domination, other humans and immortals must join forces to stop them regardless of the cost. At stake is the survival of both races as they prepare to face the greatest challenge of their lives.
When a group of human fanatics and evil immortals each come with their own horrific plan for world domination, other humans and immortals must join forces to stop them regardless of the cost. At stake is the survival of both races as they prepare to face the greatest challenge of their lives.
ebook
First published May 22, 2015
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 16, 2019
The first setting in the book is France in 10,000 B.C. The reader is introduced to Ru, who is the successor of a tribal Shaman. Even with the average height, Ru possessed quite several skills. The 20-year-old knew how to cook game, how to prepare potions, make weapons, and fight. Something happened in Ru’s land, leading to the death of everyone except him. This is when the story got to be more electrifying. In Ru, we see a protagonist who was strong, prudent, loved his people and was vengeful. Ru became immortal thanks to a crystal. His immortality gave him more power, made him have visions and enabled him to take vengeance as he wanted to. Ru’s character was distinctly developed by the author.
Reading about characters who are immortal is a fun experience. David Crane went out of his way and made the plot one of a kind through characters like Cardinal Diego, Richard Rune, Dina Amulai, Laura Green and many others. Living in the world of immortals enables you to see things from a different view. I consider Laura and Dina to be my heroes. Even with their power to exist forever, the two did not use their immortality in the wrong way. They helped people who were in need and eliminate individuals who posed as a risk to others. I imagined walking in between immortals, how fun that would be.
Other than the interesting story of the immortals, there was the historical theme the author incorporated. Everyone is familiar with the crimes Hitler and Nazis did to Jews. The author wrote about concentration camps, and how immortals killed the Nazis who had murdered their loved ones. The reader is caught in a bittersweet moment here as one is happy that the Nazis are killed, but also sad because of the atrocities they did. Literary stylistic devices like flashbacks and foreshadows were widely used in the book. I love this because it allowed the reader to know more about the character involved. Dina’s ability to foresee was one trait I loved in her.
‘Price of Life’ is engrossing. David Crane’s ability to incorporate real-life events in a work of fiction is appreciated. To say that the author’s sense of imagination is while would be an understatement. David Crane’s thought process is a bit difficult to understand yet easy to follow. The flashbacks were a lot but smooth. At no point did I confuse any character or what they did in the past. The plot was interesting and entertaining at the same time. I like the writer's diction. His choice of words and characters is commendable. ‘Price of Life’ is an exciting read for people who enjoy drama, action, and adventure. You will get attached with characters as you read on because of how well they execute their roles. Ru and Dina were my personal favorites.
Reading about characters who are immortal is a fun experience. David Crane went out of his way and made the plot one of a kind through characters like Cardinal Diego, Richard Rune, Dina Amulai, Laura Green and many others. Living in the world of immortals enables you to see things from a different view. I consider Laura and Dina to be my heroes. Even with their power to exist forever, the two did not use their immortality in the wrong way. They helped people who were in need and eliminate individuals who posed as a risk to others. I imagined walking in between immortals, how fun that would be.
Other than the interesting story of the immortals, there was the historical theme the author incorporated. Everyone is familiar with the crimes Hitler and Nazis did to Jews. The author wrote about concentration camps, and how immortals killed the Nazis who had murdered their loved ones. The reader is caught in a bittersweet moment here as one is happy that the Nazis are killed, but also sad because of the atrocities they did. Literary stylistic devices like flashbacks and foreshadows were widely used in the book. I love this because it allowed the reader to know more about the character involved. Dina’s ability to foresee was one trait I loved in her.
‘Price of Life’ is engrossing. David Crane’s ability to incorporate real-life events in a work of fiction is appreciated. To say that the author’s sense of imagination is while would be an understatement. David Crane’s thought process is a bit difficult to understand yet easy to follow. The flashbacks were a lot but smooth. At no point did I confuse any character or what they did in the past. The plot was interesting and entertaining at the same time. I like the writer's diction. His choice of words and characters is commendable. ‘Price of Life’ is an exciting read for people who enjoy drama, action, and adventure. You will get attached with characters as you read on because of how well they execute their roles. Ru and Dina were my personal favorites.
August 16, 2019
All over the world live the immortals. Starting entire new lives every few decades to hide their true selves, many of them seek out the origin of their kind, dating back 12,000 years. Most of the immortals believe humans to be worthwhile and are happy to live among and with them, despite the horrors that their many combined years have seen. A small group, however, see humans as inferior and weak, and aim to wipe them off the planet and claim it for themselves only. As the two sides collide, the fate of 8 billion people hang in the balance.
The story of many of these immortals, as well as a few of the humans in their lives, is told in “The Price of Life”, by David Crane. The lives of the immortals span from prehistory to more modern events such as the fall of the USSR, and beyond to the present day. As they live through wars and important moments in history, we learn about who fought for what side and why. The focus of the chapters switch between the different immortals, often ending in a flashback of something from their past that shaped who they are today. Crane is extremely effective at doing this without the plot getting convoluted or confusing and it provides a small glimpse into the past. The primary conflict arises at the reveal of a small group of immortals who have never considered humanity to be anything special, seeing them only as a burden and a food source. (Although it doesn’t have to happen often, immortals have to feed off the essence of humans to remain forever young. Most of them accomplish this by being very discerning about their victims, only feeding on humans who do evil in the world) When the only immortal known to see the future has a vision of the human apocalypse, the most well trained and skilled of them rush to try to prevent it and eradicate the evil immortals at the same time.
Crane does an expert job of crafting multi-faceted, interesting characters throughout the book. Every one of the immortals has an intricate back story and adds their own unique personality to the narrative. Unfortunately, there is very little going on beyond those stories. There are very few points in the book with any genuine conflict or moments where it seems like the “bad guys” might actually succeed.
I give “The Price of Life” three out of five stars. Each of the immortals were completely engrossing characters, as was the way Crane wove them all together to meet at various points in history. Ultimately though, with an anticlimactic and all too convenient ending, I really wanted more out of the book.
The story of many of these immortals, as well as a few of the humans in their lives, is told in “The Price of Life”, by David Crane. The lives of the immortals span from prehistory to more modern events such as the fall of the USSR, and beyond to the present day. As they live through wars and important moments in history, we learn about who fought for what side and why. The focus of the chapters switch between the different immortals, often ending in a flashback of something from their past that shaped who they are today. Crane is extremely effective at doing this without the plot getting convoluted or confusing and it provides a small glimpse into the past. The primary conflict arises at the reveal of a small group of immortals who have never considered humanity to be anything special, seeing them only as a burden and a food source. (Although it doesn’t have to happen often, immortals have to feed off the essence of humans to remain forever young. Most of them accomplish this by being very discerning about their victims, only feeding on humans who do evil in the world) When the only immortal known to see the future has a vision of the human apocalypse, the most well trained and skilled of them rush to try to prevent it and eradicate the evil immortals at the same time.
Crane does an expert job of crafting multi-faceted, interesting characters throughout the book. Every one of the immortals has an intricate back story and adds their own unique personality to the narrative. Unfortunately, there is very little going on beyond those stories. There are very few points in the book with any genuine conflict or moments where it seems like the “bad guys” might actually succeed.
I give “The Price of Life” three out of five stars. Each of the immortals were completely engrossing characters, as was the way Crane wove them all together to meet at various points in history. Ultimately though, with an anticlimactic and all too convenient ending, I really wanted more out of the book.
September 12, 2022
In David Crane's latest book Price of Life, we start out in France at 10,000 BC with a tribal shaman second Ru. Ru was the second to the great Wise One he was nothing special at all. He was of average height, and built and was like most men in his tribe. When the great warriors settled in the great mountains his tribe tried their best to make peace with the warriors exchanging gifts and assurance but it was not to be believed and the great warriors attacked and massacred everyone. Ru being the only survivor and the protector of the tribe's memory and knowledge went to seek refuge in the barren land where the fiery sphere and fallen from the sky. Ru reached the spot and asked the gods to give him the power to defeat the great warriors who butchered his people. In the bottom of the pit was a large glowing crystal the size of a large egg that beckoned to him. As he got closer the egg spoke to him to “take it and embrace the power within the crystal”. With the gift of his gods, we have bestowed a great gift of life and death over all things and he was able to avenge those who had massacred his people. This is the first of his kind the immortals.
David Crane took the troupe of the immortals living among the humans and brought out some of the most interesting features of this troupe. Most of the immortals you meet in this book you will be able to relate to and the fact they are here to contribute to mankind. However with all books with this troupe when their existence is brought to life those who would seek their power have not to need and allow others to possess it.
It is a well-written book and older teens and adults who like the sci-fi fantasy genre will have joy in reading it. I gave it four stars not because it was not a good well-written book and it really was not that long at three hundred and eighteen pages it was the little things that took away from my enjoyment such as the jumping between characters without it being real smooth so you know exactly what is occurring in the book. I do feel that in that some of the characters in David Crane's world he put too much emphasis on their sex appeal and less on their abilities which was a big off-putter for me personally. Overall though it was a really well-written book and I am glad I took the time and energy to read it. I would advise is sitting down and taking the six hours to read this in one go because after hundred pages in you will find yourself not putting it down.
David Crane took the troupe of the immortals living among the humans and brought out some of the most interesting features of this troupe. Most of the immortals you meet in this book you will be able to relate to and the fact they are here to contribute to mankind. However with all books with this troupe when their existence is brought to life those who would seek their power have not to need and allow others to possess it.
It is a well-written book and older teens and adults who like the sci-fi fantasy genre will have joy in reading it. I gave it four stars not because it was not a good well-written book and it really was not that long at three hundred and eighteen pages it was the little things that took away from my enjoyment such as the jumping between characters without it being real smooth so you know exactly what is occurring in the book. I do feel that in that some of the characters in David Crane's world he put too much emphasis on their sex appeal and less on their abilities which was a big off-putter for me personally. Overall though it was a really well-written book and I am glad I took the time and energy to read it. I would advise is sitting down and taking the six hours to read this in one go because after hundred pages in you will find yourself not putting it down.
June 18, 2019
What would you need to give up in order to live forever? Even if you could, would you even want to?
The exploration of immortality and its impact on our world is explored in David Crane’s Price of Life. There are two sides to every coin: just as there are benevolent and evil humans, the same can be said for those who are immortal. The journey we undertake as readers spans thousands of years and brings us into contact with these beings from both sides of the coin. The age-old question is asked: will good triumph over evil? If it does, at what price?
The world building that occurs in this novel is incredible. The fact that the story must jump across
hundreds of years clearly did not deter the author. This can be risky: especially when you are writing about an alternate version of our reality. There are historical elements that need to be accurate as possible. Yes, this is a fantasy adventure, but readers will expect a certain piece of reality. Crane does well in his rendition of history for the purposes of furthering his plot.
It is easy to enjoy this book. It is clear that a lot of effort went into creating a wonderful story that could have been part of a series but does well on its own. The pace is steady, and no part of the adventure feels rushed or contrived. The cast isn’t overwhelming and never does an event occur that feels forced or for the purposes of furthering the plot. Everything happens for a reason and the cast of characters we meet are all integral to the story in some shape or form. There is no excess and that makes this a tidy little package.
If you are looking for an amazing adventure that causes you to question your own mortality David
Crane’s Price of Life can’t be missed. It is the unspoken expectation that you can’t get something for free. For our merry band of immortals, their friends and lovers is the price of life too much for them to bear? How many thousands of years must they endure without being able to find relief from an endless existence? Immortality is not necessarily a curse, but it isn’t always seen as a gift either. This fresh take on such an old and tired topic is invigorating. An excellent read, you won’t regret adding this book to your collection.
The exploration of immortality and its impact on our world is explored in David Crane’s Price of Life. There are two sides to every coin: just as there are benevolent and evil humans, the same can be said for those who are immortal. The journey we undertake as readers spans thousands of years and brings us into contact with these beings from both sides of the coin. The age-old question is asked: will good triumph over evil? If it does, at what price?
The world building that occurs in this novel is incredible. The fact that the story must jump across
hundreds of years clearly did not deter the author. This can be risky: especially when you are writing about an alternate version of our reality. There are historical elements that need to be accurate as possible. Yes, this is a fantasy adventure, but readers will expect a certain piece of reality. Crane does well in his rendition of history for the purposes of furthering his plot.
It is easy to enjoy this book. It is clear that a lot of effort went into creating a wonderful story that could have been part of a series but does well on its own. The pace is steady, and no part of the adventure feels rushed or contrived. The cast isn’t overwhelming and never does an event occur that feels forced or for the purposes of furthering the plot. Everything happens for a reason and the cast of characters we meet are all integral to the story in some shape or form. There is no excess and that makes this a tidy little package.
If you are looking for an amazing adventure that causes you to question your own mortality David
Crane’s Price of Life can’t be missed. It is the unspoken expectation that you can’t get something for free. For our merry band of immortals, their friends and lovers is the price of life too much for them to bear? How many thousands of years must they endure without being able to find relief from an endless existence? Immortality is not necessarily a curse, but it isn’t always seen as a gift either. This fresh take on such an old and tired topic is invigorating. An excellent read, you won’t regret adding this book to your collection.
September 24, 2022
Price of Life by David Crane is a page-turning and suspenseful science fiction story that follows the journey of a prehistoric boy who discovers an unusual meteorite while hunting, which gives him the power of immortality. He becomes the first known human to possess this power, and all the benefits and challenges that it carries. It’s a great supernatural story that touches on many historical eras, including references to World Wars I and II and the Russian Civil War.
Crane writes in such as realistic way, as if the story is a documentary, following the character through many years, societies, and relationships. The gift of immortality is a power for which many people would do anything, but what are the consequences when an immortal falls in love with a mortal? Many people, such as Laura, keep the nature of their existence secretive, though eventually, it must be revealed to those closest people to her. The story explores many aspects of immortality and how living without the fear of aging and dying, while an amazing experience, can present a new world of challenges.
How do the characters handle life after thousands of years of existence? Would you abandon your gift of immortality to become a frail mortal and live like everyone else? Crane does an exceptional job of bringing up the question of humanity’s fragile existence and how people would handle a life that never ends. Is it a gift that later becomes a curse when everyone you love eventually leaves you in death?
I recommend Price of Life for its original and creative style and unique twist on the human side of a popular science fiction theme. It’s a great story for fans of this genre who want to explore the implications of immortality.
Crane writes in such as realistic way, as if the story is a documentary, following the character through many years, societies, and relationships. The gift of immortality is a power for which many people would do anything, but what are the consequences when an immortal falls in love with a mortal? Many people, such as Laura, keep the nature of their existence secretive, though eventually, it must be revealed to those closest people to her. The story explores many aspects of immortality and how living without the fear of aging and dying, while an amazing experience, can present a new world of challenges.
How do the characters handle life after thousands of years of existence? Would you abandon your gift of immortality to become a frail mortal and live like everyone else? Crane does an exceptional job of bringing up the question of humanity’s fragile existence and how people would handle a life that never ends. Is it a gift that later becomes a curse when everyone you love eventually leaves you in death?
I recommend Price of Life for its original and creative style and unique twist on the human side of a popular science fiction theme. It’s a great story for fans of this genre who want to explore the implications of immortality.
June 17, 2019
For the past several thousand years, immortals have been living among the rest of humanity. Some are "good guys", more than willing to heal someone injured in a hit and run accident, or shot in a robbery. Some immortals are bad guys", convinced that they are superior to humans, and they should be Earth's absolute rulers.
It all began over 10,000 years ago, when Ru, a prehistoric human, handled a glowing meteor that had just landed on Earth. Today, he is Richard Rune, billionaire philanthropist. The rest of the immortals come from all walks of life. Laura is a singer/songwriter, Diego is a senior official in the Vatican and Alex is an FBI agent.
The American government, led by President Thunder, gets wind of a plot by a secret group of powerful right-wingers. It involves committing a major atrocity on US soil, which, of course, will be blamed on radical Islam. It will lead to the imposition of martial law. Can the authorities stop the plot in time?
Meantime, the "bad" immortals put into motion a much bigger plot, that will kill everyone on Earth. It involves mass death from space, so no country, or group of countries, can stop it. This is a job for Richard Rune, the first immortal. Who is still alive, human and immortal, at the end?
This is an excellent thriller/suspense story, with a little bit of science fiction included. It is very easy to read and understand. There is plenty of action, and it will certainly keep the reader entertained. This is very much worth reading.
It all began over 10,000 years ago, when Ru, a prehistoric human, handled a glowing meteor that had just landed on Earth. Today, he is Richard Rune, billionaire philanthropist. The rest of the immortals come from all walks of life. Laura is a singer/songwriter, Diego is a senior official in the Vatican and Alex is an FBI agent.
The American government, led by President Thunder, gets wind of a plot by a secret group of powerful right-wingers. It involves committing a major atrocity on US soil, which, of course, will be blamed on radical Islam. It will lead to the imposition of martial law. Can the authorities stop the plot in time?
Meantime, the "bad" immortals put into motion a much bigger plot, that will kill everyone on Earth. It involves mass death from space, so no country, or group of countries, can stop it. This is a job for Richard Rune, the first immortal. Who is still alive, human and immortal, at the end?
This is an excellent thriller/suspense story, with a little bit of science fiction included. It is very easy to read and understand. There is plenty of action, and it will certainly keep the reader entertained. This is very much worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews