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Off: X in the Sky
Freed from the dungeon to find himself imprisoned in his own mind, Paulo must take drastic action to change his circumstances.
He can't hear them, and they don't want him to. From the ancient palace on the mountain, the High Leader, the Apogee, has warned the villagers of Paulo. His inability to communicate telepathically makes him dangerous, a remnant of their parent's time, a threat of death and destruction.
Having no idea why they shun him and force him to serve them, Paulo learns to hate them almost as much as he hates himself. Only when he lashes out in a desperate attempt to gain freedom, does he realize his world is infinitely more complicated than his understanding of it.
Turning back is not an option, and Paulo discovers everyone, even the Apogee, is controlled by forces beyond their control.
He can't hear them, and they don't want him to. From the ancient palace on the mountain, the High Leader, the Apogee, has warned the villagers of Paulo. His inability to communicate telepathically makes him dangerous, a remnant of their parent's time, a threat of death and destruction.
Having no idea why they shun him and force him to serve them, Paulo learns to hate them almost as much as he hates himself. Only when he lashes out in a desperate attempt to gain freedom, does he realize his world is infinitely more complicated than his understanding of it.
Turning back is not an option, and Paulo discovers everyone, even the Apogee, is controlled by forces beyond their control.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 12, 2026
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started OFF, but this book kept surprising me right up to the very end. There are so many layers to it—power, control, choices, human nature, technology, belief, and what happens when people stop questioning the things they’re told. I found myself constantly trying to figure out what was really going on, and once the pieces started falling into place, I couldn’t stop reading.
One thing I especially appreciated is that this is a clean read. There is no spice, and the language is mild. There is definitely violence, and some of it is intense, but it never felt thrown in just for shock value. It is important to the story and to what the author is trying to show.
I also loved that this is the kind of book that makes you think. I kept forming theories, changing my mind, noticing symbolism, and realizing that things I thought were simply odd details actually mattered later. There were several moments where I literally stopped and thought, Ohhh… THAT’S what that meant.
I won’t say anything about the ending because this is absolutely a book you need to experience without spoilers, but I will say this: pay attention. The smallest details may matter more than you think.
OFF is unusual, thought-provoking, sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and unlike anything I’ve read lately. It stayed with me after I finished, and for me, that is always the sign of a five-star book.
One thing I especially appreciated is that this is a clean read. There is no spice, and the language is mild. There is definitely violence, and some of it is intense, but it never felt thrown in just for shock value. It is important to the story and to what the author is trying to show.
I also loved that this is the kind of book that makes you think. I kept forming theories, changing my mind, noticing symbolism, and realizing that things I thought were simply odd details actually mattered later. There were several moments where I literally stopped and thought, Ohhh… THAT’S what that meant.
I won’t say anything about the ending because this is absolutely a book you need to experience without spoilers, but I will say this: pay attention. The smallest details may matter more than you think.
OFF is unusual, thought-provoking, sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and unlike anything I’ve read lately. It stayed with me after I finished, and for me, that is always the sign of a five-star book.
October 5, 2026
A cinematic and imaginative debut novel, T.C. Childer's "Off" leaves you wondering "what kind of a fantasy or real world is this?" As the story progresses, slowly and then suddenly you are paid off with some exciting turns. Readers of Cormac McCarthy and character driven sci-fi/fantasy will appreciate the book.
The story immerses the reader in a closed society, examining the dynamics of how the townspeople and leaders deal with their unique situation. It contains some beautiful flourishes of mystical descriptions and dreams, along with some dramatic action sequences unlike anything I've ever read or seen. The subject matter, while violent, is told in a clean way that can appeal to teens and adults alike. A unique cross-genre tale, Off is a surprising, and forceful debut work from T.C.
The story immerses the reader in a closed society, examining the dynamics of how the townspeople and leaders deal with their unique situation. It contains some beautiful flourishes of mystical descriptions and dreams, along with some dramatic action sequences unlike anything I've ever read or seen. The subject matter, while violent, is told in a clean way that can appeal to teens and adults alike. A unique cross-genre tale, Off is a surprising, and forceful debut work from T.C.
October 4, 2026
Intriguing plot line with a sharp twist. Childers has woven a traditional sci-fi fantasy into a distinctly modern thought-provoking book that crosses lines into several genres. You will want to read this book soon. Don’t wait till it’s too late….
September 5, 2026
I love a book with a big twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews