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Sapphire Hunting
When James goes to college, he is full of optimism. He is going to make a name for himself. He has always been able to solve those tricky little problems.
But then he finds bullying social club students, pretentious professors and financial hardships are ready to make achieving success an uphill struggle.
But James is still an optimist.
And James has found networks of energy form a framework through all the worlds and all the lives that people live, in all the times and all the places where they live them.
But something is coming, malignant, hopping on the foci, streaming into James’ passive existence to harvest his friends and push in on the barriers of the world.
Will he be able to fight it?
But then he finds bullying social club students, pretentious professors and financial hardships are ready to make achieving success an uphill struggle.
But James is still an optimist.
And James has found networks of energy form a framework through all the worlds and all the lives that people live, in all the times and all the places where they live them.
But something is coming, malignant, hopping on the foci, streaming into James’ passive existence to harvest his friends and push in on the barriers of the world.
Will he be able to fight it?
- GenresEbooks
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2011
4 people want to read
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September 20, 2021James is a math/physics student at an unnamed university somewhere in England. He’s likely a genius, or at least a savant; concepts, equations and theories of energy flow come easily to him; he likes the challenge but knows he can find the solutions. Other facets of university life are less attractive, but he’s coping.
But it’s not just the theoretical concepts of energy flow that James understands almost intuitively and without effort. There are other sorts of energy flow, a flux of darkness, destruction, focusing in on his world, something James can sense, something perhaps attracted to him. Others know only the frightening results of this dark power; James is caught up in its forces. Trying to escape, yet strangely attracted to this force, James steps through a doorway into another world, to find he is not alone in his fight against this dark vortex.
Sapphire Hunting is not a typical young adult fantasy novel. Written in a detached, dream-like style, bordering on prose poetry, Sapphire Hunting demands a lot of its readers. Action is fairly minimal; descriptions are long and lyrical, focusing on feelings, emotions, impressions, mood: “…a spark discharged from his forefingers, like winter, into the mantis-shaped thing, the fog, the flying rags looming over.” The words flow and pattern like the energy that fascinates and focuses James.
I read Sapphire Hunting in small chunks, both because it demanded close attention and because I wanted to draw out the experience. The closest other reading experience I can remember was that of reading Joyce’s Ulysses. So, for a reader who is looking for a book where the focus is on the action and the plot, one that reflects others in its genre, this may not be the book for you. But it is one whose imagery and language will stay with me for a very long time.
Did I have any niggles? One or two….there were sentences, that, despite their overall beauty, I would have restructured, changed the punctuation. There were one or two small typos. Neither issue detracted from my overall impression. Is it a young adult book? I wonder: probably for a few – I would have swallowed it whole at fourteen or fifteen – but it might be better directed to the New Adult readership. An unusual and memorable book.
But it’s not just the theoretical concepts of energy flow that James understands almost intuitively and without effort. There are other sorts of energy flow, a flux of darkness, destruction, focusing in on his world, something James can sense, something perhaps attracted to him. Others know only the frightening results of this dark power; James is caught up in its forces. Trying to escape, yet strangely attracted to this force, James steps through a doorway into another world, to find he is not alone in his fight against this dark vortex.
Sapphire Hunting is not a typical young adult fantasy novel. Written in a detached, dream-like style, bordering on prose poetry, Sapphire Hunting demands a lot of its readers. Action is fairly minimal; descriptions are long and lyrical, focusing on feelings, emotions, impressions, mood: “…a spark discharged from his forefingers, like winter, into the mantis-shaped thing, the fog, the flying rags looming over.” The words flow and pattern like the energy that fascinates and focuses James.
I read Sapphire Hunting in small chunks, both because it demanded close attention and because I wanted to draw out the experience. The closest other reading experience I can remember was that of reading Joyce’s Ulysses. So, for a reader who is looking for a book where the focus is on the action and the plot, one that reflects others in its genre, this may not be the book for you. But it is one whose imagery and language will stay with me for a very long time.
Did I have any niggles? One or two….there were sentences, that, despite their overall beauty, I would have restructured, changed the punctuation. There were one or two small typos. Neither issue detracted from my overall impression. Is it a young adult book? I wonder: probably for a few – I would have swallowed it whole at fourteen or fifteen – but it might be better directed to the New Adult readership. An unusual and memorable book.
January 19, 2012
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Sapphire Hunting is a YA book, and let it be known I have nothing against YA books, in fact I like quite a few of them. But I also feel like sometimes they fall a little bit into a trap, where the author feels they have to tone down the book for the younger audience. And while I understand the motivation behind it I often find it to be annoying. I think Sapphire Hunting fell into this category.
That being said there were good things about the book. The plot was interesting, and I did find myself at some points throughout the book wondering what was going to happen next, and even sometimes wanting to read a little bit faster so I could know faster. About midway through the book the author really finds their stride and the ideas and elements of the book are put forth very well. I could easily see how this plot would work for YA.
However, I found in a lot of the story I got confused. The beginning and parts of the end really slowed down in pace, and often times felt someone disjointed. What I mean by that is there would be random paragraphs that I didn't feel fit in with the preceding or following paragraphs. When this happened it would really mess with the flow of the book, and I would end up going back several times to see if I had missed something or skipped a page, and when I found I hadn't I was just plain confused. It happened more than once in the book and by the end of the book I was kind of tired of being confused.
One thing I think the author was trying to do with some of the phrasing was to use really vivid imagery, which is always a good thing in a book. I love when I read a sentence and it's powerful enough to make me come up with a picture in my head. However, I almost think the author was trying to hard here, by using several really vivid descriptive words when only one or two was needed; the result was awkward phrasing.
Overall, I would say this book is okay. As someone who primarily reads books geared towards adults, I don't think I would recommend it for adult readers. YA readers might enjoy this book though, largely because YA readers are more willing to focus primarily on the plot and Sapphire Hunting has a plot I think would appeal to YA readers.
Sapphire Hunting is a YA book, and let it be known I have nothing against YA books, in fact I like quite a few of them. But I also feel like sometimes they fall a little bit into a trap, where the author feels they have to tone down the book for the younger audience. And while I understand the motivation behind it I often find it to be annoying. I think Sapphire Hunting fell into this category.
That being said there were good things about the book. The plot was interesting, and I did find myself at some points throughout the book wondering what was going to happen next, and even sometimes wanting to read a little bit faster so I could know faster. About midway through the book the author really finds their stride and the ideas and elements of the book are put forth very well. I could easily see how this plot would work for YA.
However, I found in a lot of the story I got confused. The beginning and parts of the end really slowed down in pace, and often times felt someone disjointed. What I mean by that is there would be random paragraphs that I didn't feel fit in with the preceding or following paragraphs. When this happened it would really mess with the flow of the book, and I would end up going back several times to see if I had missed something or skipped a page, and when I found I hadn't I was just plain confused. It happened more than once in the book and by the end of the book I was kind of tired of being confused.
One thing I think the author was trying to do with some of the phrasing was to use really vivid imagery, which is always a good thing in a book. I love when I read a sentence and it's powerful enough to make me come up with a picture in my head. However, I almost think the author was trying to hard here, by using several really vivid descriptive words when only one or two was needed; the result was awkward phrasing.
Overall, I would say this book is okay. As someone who primarily reads books geared towards adults, I don't think I would recommend it for adult readers. YA readers might enjoy this book though, largely because YA readers are more willing to focus primarily on the plot and Sapphire Hunting has a plot I think would appeal to YA readers.
November 20, 2011
Book Title: Sapphire Hunting
Author: J SenGupta
Published By: Self Published
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age:
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 3 Ravens
In the beginning the book was a little slow to start with to many quick jumps changing the scene that it got me a little bit turned around and I had to back read a few times to make sure I was following along at the pace that I felt I should be. I began to realize that it was reading in a rather disjointed way. Which I believe is how it is meant to be read. However it became increasingly harder to read with what I felt in some areas was complete skips of detail. Rushed is the feeling I was getting as if the author felt like the need to get to the core of the story was all that mattered. There in making some of the first posts and pages to me seem as if they were not as important as they should have been.
I got past all that and began to read the story finally falling into the world that was compelling. The idea was rich and colorful and belonged within the flow of the story. As if the Author found themselves finally and fell into that creative flow the world began to come alive and there in was what really mattered. The relationships were very descriptive and fit good with each other. I enjoyed how things seemed selfless and feel that the book is good for the younger adult scene.
Through all it's bumpy ride and beginning I believe that the book deserves at least a chance and say that to read it you may or may not like it but I believe giving it that chance is exactly what it needs.
Author: J SenGupta
Published By: Self Published
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age:
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 3 Ravens
In the beginning the book was a little slow to start with to many quick jumps changing the scene that it got me a little bit turned around and I had to back read a few times to make sure I was following along at the pace that I felt I should be. I began to realize that it was reading in a rather disjointed way. Which I believe is how it is meant to be read. However it became increasingly harder to read with what I felt in some areas was complete skips of detail. Rushed is the feeling I was getting as if the author felt like the need to get to the core of the story was all that mattered. There in making some of the first posts and pages to me seem as if they were not as important as they should have been.
I got past all that and began to read the story finally falling into the world that was compelling. The idea was rich and colorful and belonged within the flow of the story. As if the Author found themselves finally and fell into that creative flow the world began to come alive and there in was what really mattered. The relationships were very descriptive and fit good with each other. I enjoyed how things seemed selfless and feel that the book is good for the younger adult scene.
Through all it's bumpy ride and beginning I believe that the book deserves at least a chance and say that to read it you may or may not like it but I believe giving it that chance is exactly what it needs.
July 23, 2016
I received a free copy from an author in exchange for an honest review.
Another YA novel. As I said in my last review I love YA especially a good YA.
Sapphire Hunting is a novel all about energy and its beauty and purpose. It has a unique theme and plot and it’s not a typical YA book. It starts a bit slow and then jumps a bit quickly to some events and that made start reading the book twice. Also it made me read much slower than a typical YA book. Sometime I had problem with my thoughts going wandering and I decided to read only bit by bit because obviously it was too much for my brain.
Author writing is very rich and lyrical and sometime I had problems understanding everything due to that English is not my mother tongue. Characters are portrayed very well and all of them have their place and purpose in the story. They are very likeable and they are friends who are trying to help each other and take care of each other. Very nice message which is especially important today because look at the world we’re living at.
Ending suggests us sequel and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for that. And for sequel author can change some things based on current reviews.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially to YA lovers. But you need to know one thing – this is not a book to read in one sitting. You need to dedicate your time to it and process what you’ve read.
This was an unusual book but because of the problems, mainly wandering thoughts I’m giving 4 stars. Perhaps I have one advice or a plead to the author – if he stays in YA then perhaps he should simplify the writing style and put more energy in plot and storyline.
Another YA novel. As I said in my last review I love YA especially a good YA.
Sapphire Hunting is a novel all about energy and its beauty and purpose. It has a unique theme and plot and it’s not a typical YA book. It starts a bit slow and then jumps a bit quickly to some events and that made start reading the book twice. Also it made me read much slower than a typical YA book. Sometime I had problem with my thoughts going wandering and I decided to read only bit by bit because obviously it was too much for my brain.
Author writing is very rich and lyrical and sometime I had problems understanding everything due to that English is not my mother tongue. Characters are portrayed very well and all of them have their place and purpose in the story. They are very likeable and they are friends who are trying to help each other and take care of each other. Very nice message which is especially important today because look at the world we’re living at.
Ending suggests us sequel and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for that. And for sequel author can change some things based on current reviews.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially to YA lovers. But you need to know one thing – this is not a book to read in one sitting. You need to dedicate your time to it and process what you’ve read.
This was an unusual book but because of the problems, mainly wandering thoughts I’m giving 4 stars. Perhaps I have one advice or a plead to the author – if he stays in YA then perhaps he should simplify the writing style and put more energy in plot and storyline.
February 6, 2016
Sapphire Hunting is all about the beauty of energy and its appreciation in different worlds. Yes, the story is set in different worlds. It definitely has a unique plot but sadly, it took me sone time and few chapters to understand the actual storyline. Maybe, physics has been my handicap, hence the delay.
The author has a wonderful ability to describe things. Even routine stuff have been elaborated in various ways. However, too much of descriptive words have overshadowed the storyline. Still, I am sure, the next attempt by the author would take care of this.
All the characters have a distinct role to play in the book. They are well written. On a lighter note, the description has definitely helped in better understanding of the individual plot! There is humour, there is friendship. The characters emote and sometimes are poker faced. They do succeed in value additions to the book.
To sum up, the author has attempted to create a unique story. Yet, somewhere down the line, the author's strength has resulted in inhibiting the projection of the plot. The ending is beautiful , as it promises a sequel. The next book will definitely take care of the flaws in this one.
P.S - Looking forward to another book where the storyline will be the hero and your descriptions will become supporting actor. All the best.
The author has a wonderful ability to describe things. Even routine stuff have been elaborated in various ways. However, too much of descriptive words have overshadowed the storyline. Still, I am sure, the next attempt by the author would take care of this.
All the characters have a distinct role to play in the book. They are well written. On a lighter note, the description has definitely helped in better understanding of the individual plot! There is humour, there is friendship. The characters emote and sometimes are poker faced. They do succeed in value additions to the book.
To sum up, the author has attempted to create a unique story. Yet, somewhere down the line, the author's strength has resulted in inhibiting the projection of the plot. The ending is beautiful , as it promises a sequel. The next book will definitely take care of the flaws in this one.
P.S - Looking forward to another book where the storyline will be the hero and your descriptions will become supporting actor. All the best.
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December 23, 2012Originally posted on Dec 22 2012 at Butterfly-o-Meter Books:
Here I am again talking about fantasy / adventure, only this time the scenario didn't really affect my reading experience as much.
Honestly, and you know I don't like to point these things out, I felt this needed some editing, content and all. I got to about 10% into the read thinking editing is in order, not necessarily big issues but one here, an awkward phrasing there, some over-explanation-like description at times or not a clear sense of leaving one scene and entering another. I didn't get a real sense of direction and by large young adult works give you that clear sense of direction from page three if not page one.
The packaging wasn't appealing at all, if I didn't have this on my TBR list I wouldn't have read it. The story might have been a good idea, but I didn't get to see it really or guess at what it would be about, it just didn't work out at all.
Here I am again talking about fantasy / adventure, only this time the scenario didn't really affect my reading experience as much.
Honestly, and you know I don't like to point these things out, I felt this needed some editing, content and all. I got to about 10% into the read thinking editing is in order, not necessarily big issues but one here, an awkward phrasing there, some over-explanation-like description at times or not a clear sense of leaving one scene and entering another. I didn't get a real sense of direction and by large young adult works give you that clear sense of direction from page three if not page one.
The packaging wasn't appealing at all, if I didn't have this on my TBR list I wouldn't have read it. The story might have been a good idea, but I didn't get to see it really or guess at what it would be about, it just didn't work out at all.
December 2, 2015
Those who follow my reviews know that the last one was rough, so I was hoping that Sapphire Hunting would be better. Thankfully, it was.
I’m not saying the story was perfect. It was a little ephemeral, which made it hard to follow the action. I still got the idea of what was happening, but it was all described in a very distant, flowing way. The characters were amazing, well-written, and likable. If I’d felt like I was in the story instead of watching from further away, I would have rated it higher.
Despite my efforts in feeling connected, I liked the story. It takes a while to build speed but once it does, it holds a pretty steady pace until the climax. I wish there’d been more of a wind up after the end, but perhaps there’s another book in the works.
I’m not saying the story was perfect. It was a little ephemeral, which made it hard to follow the action. I still got the idea of what was happening, but it was all described in a very distant, flowing way. The characters were amazing, well-written, and likable. If I’d felt like I was in the story instead of watching from further away, I would have rated it higher.
Despite my efforts in feeling connected, I liked the story. It takes a while to build speed but once it does, it holds a pretty steady pace until the climax. I wish there’d been more of a wind up after the end, but perhaps there’s another book in the works.
March 7, 2016
A unique and creatively written novel. Not your run of the mill young adult book. The book has as poetic feel verses a more action packed story. The descriptions are long and elegant and at times can be difficult for the reader to get into. However I stuck it out and I really enjoyed it. Once you get into the style it can be great fit for the those who enjoy poetic verse in novel format. It would be a better fit for the more seasoned reader and that is why is struggles in my mind as a young adult book as many of the younger generations may not have the mature reading style to enjoy this book. Check it out if you like the young adult for the older adult.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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