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The Journeyers' Tale #2
Blinding Sky
The sequel to The Protocols of Uma, Blinding Sky continues the story of the Journeyers as they attempt to unravel the puzzle of the ancient Protocols and their authors, the mysterious Directors. The exiles struggle to survive the menace of the Hek only to discover fantastic truths about the world beyond their former island home. Min wrestles with visions of doom, striving to understand how they are connected to the fate of the Umae. The Journeyers find vital information about the location of Haven, but is there enough time to save their people? And a dark shadow spreads across Atla, as Dom begins his ascension. Will his rise render all other concerns meaningless? Blinding Sky offers long-sought answers to questions raised in The Protocols of Uma, yet asks new questions all its own.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2015
9 people want to read
About the author
John Brage
4 books15 followersJohn is an attorney / author who lives in Kansas City with his wife and two children. He has always been an avid reader of anything he could get his hands on.
After earning a B.A. in History during college, John went on to attend law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has a strong interest in the "wheels of history" and in how different systems of government work (or don't). This is reflected in his writing. Science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction are his favorite genres to write in as the only limit they impose are the boundaries of his imagination.
After earning a B.A. in History during college, John went on to attend law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has a strong interest in the "wheels of history" and in how different systems of government work (or don't). This is reflected in his writing. Science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction are his favorite genres to write in as the only limit they impose are the boundaries of his imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 31, 2016
Yay! I got to read Blinding Sky, the second book in The Journeyers' Tale series by John Brage. And, Yup, this e-version was provided for review by the author.
This book read quite differently than did Protocols of Uma, the first book. Protocols was a somewhat serene and calm beginning to the series, at least by comparison. Things heat up considerably in Blinding Sky. The gloves are off and the bad guys come out to play for real. Much more brutal than its predecessor. This is not a knock at all, it was just a surprise for me.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story lines here, so for me at least, the book is not predictable at all. Most characters behaved true their natures as developed in the first book, but there were a couple....
Overall I probably enjoyed Blinding Sky a little more than the first book. Mainly because it didn't have the feeling of having to lay groundwork for the following books. Although a little bit techy (if that's a word, my spell-check doesn't think so), the story is not dependent on or overwhelmed by the tech aspects.
On the negative side, I did not feel as much of an emotional connection this time around. Most likely because interpersonal relationships were not as much a focus here. The story is more global in focus. Also the story did not seem to flow as easily, more jumping around. But, these drawbacks did not hurt my enjoyment of Blinding Sky,
Blinding Sky is not a stand alone read. The reader needs to have read Protocols. But in his favor John Brage does not fall into the trap of retelling the first book while trying to continue the main story. For me, a great thing about this book is the ending. Yes, the ending! Not because it was over, but because while it leaves the reader wanting more, it's not the dreaded "cliffhanger". You know how much I hate those. I think a story should create enough curiosity without resorting to such an obvious trick as the cliffhanger.
If you liked the first book in The Journeyers' Tale you will like Blinding Sky, and eagerly anticipate the next installment. Enjoy!
Mike
An additional note not on my blog. I rated this book five stars because: One, we have to give a star rating, and: Two, because it rated more than four, but not quite five. I don't use stars in my blog and wish I didn't have to use them on other forums. My editorial comment for the day.
This book read quite differently than did Protocols of Uma, the first book. Protocols was a somewhat serene and calm beginning to the series, at least by comparison. Things heat up considerably in Blinding Sky. The gloves are off and the bad guys come out to play for real. Much more brutal than its predecessor. This is not a knock at all, it was just a surprise for me.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story lines here, so for me at least, the book is not predictable at all. Most characters behaved true their natures as developed in the first book, but there were a couple....
Overall I probably enjoyed Blinding Sky a little more than the first book. Mainly because it didn't have the feeling of having to lay groundwork for the following books. Although a little bit techy (if that's a word, my spell-check doesn't think so), the story is not dependent on or overwhelmed by the tech aspects.
On the negative side, I did not feel as much of an emotional connection this time around. Most likely because interpersonal relationships were not as much a focus here. The story is more global in focus. Also the story did not seem to flow as easily, more jumping around. But, these drawbacks did not hurt my enjoyment of Blinding Sky,
Blinding Sky is not a stand alone read. The reader needs to have read Protocols. But in his favor John Brage does not fall into the trap of retelling the first book while trying to continue the main story. For me, a great thing about this book is the ending. Yes, the ending! Not because it was over, but because while it leaves the reader wanting more, it's not the dreaded "cliffhanger". You know how much I hate those. I think a story should create enough curiosity without resorting to such an obvious trick as the cliffhanger.
If you liked the first book in The Journeyers' Tale you will like Blinding Sky, and eagerly anticipate the next installment. Enjoy!
Mike
An additional note not on my blog. I rated this book five stars because: One, we have to give a star rating, and: Two, because it rated more than four, but not quite five. I don't use stars in my blog and wish I didn't have to use them on other forums. My editorial comment for the day.
October 4, 2017
I really enjoyed the flow of this book, short sections going from one group of characters to the next. The action and mystery kept me intrigued. This is the 2nd book in the series and I wonder if there will be a third? The Hek are made flesh and the true reason for the protocol is reveled, but the why is still a mystery? Why would the directors use the Umae as a second species and push them off the planet that was sustaining them? Why is the Hek the protected species, as Dom explains it?
I found it a little confusing in the referencing of Olm as "he", since the creature inhabiting the body was the Queen and I assume female of the alien species. But I just had to remind myself the original inhabitant of the body was male and to Min thats how it would have appear.
If a third book is in the making I hope to see what happens to Max, and if Min survives the repose will he be reunited with Eve. Will Dom finally be defeated and will there be a melding of the two species of
Uma?
Really the writing was very good, the story flowed so easily, clear and precise, not overly verbose as some writers can be.
I found it a little confusing in the referencing of Olm as "he", since the creature inhabiting the body was the Queen and I assume female of the alien species. But I just had to remind myself the original inhabitant of the body was male and to Min thats how it would have appear.
If a third book is in the making I hope to see what happens to Max, and if Min survives the repose will he be reunited with Eve. Will Dom finally be defeated and will there be a melding of the two species of
Uma?
Really the writing was very good, the story flowed so easily, clear and precise, not overly verbose as some writers can be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
Blinding Sky resumes the story of the Journeyers begun in The Protocols of Uma. Unexpected information comes to light regarding the Hek, the feared enemies of the Umae. Their fate hangs by a slender thread as Min completes his exploration of the Land Bridge and is forced to decide how to complete the mission to which he has dedicated his life at the possible cost of the woman he loves. The Atlan leaders has been catastrophically breached, and the final results are disastrous. As they struggle in the chaos, exterior events change the face of their world forever.
The author continues to provide a story with a balance of action and emotional revelations. The characters deal with near constant turmoil and peril in this fast-paced story. I look forward to the upcoming conclusion of the trilogy.
The author continues to provide a story with a balance of action and emotional revelations. The characters deal with near constant turmoil and peril in this fast-paced story. I look forward to the upcoming conclusion of the trilogy.
June 8, 2016
I have received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in 'The Journeyers' Tale' series. We get a lot of answers here that we did not get in the first book. Here we see a bigger picture, meet the Hek, and meet an alien species also. The author tells the story from different perspectives, but to me, the sections were too short, and the changing of perspectives became disturbing, specially because the environments are also quite different. I don't find this to be bad, I think it is just my personal taste. The stupidity of some characters are very annoying though.
This book is the very interesting sequel to 'The Protocols of Uma', and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who liked this new world created by a very talented author.
This is the second book in 'The Journeyers' Tale' series. We get a lot of answers here that we did not get in the first book. Here we see a bigger picture, meet the Hek, and meet an alien species also. The author tells the story from different perspectives, but to me, the sections were too short, and the changing of perspectives became disturbing, specially because the environments are also quite different. I don't find this to be bad, I think it is just my personal taste. The stupidity of some characters are very annoying though.
This book is the very interesting sequel to 'The Protocols of Uma', and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who liked this new world created by a very talented author.
July 25, 2016
4.5* rated up. Full review here:http://www.chocomeiske.com/2016/07/25...
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
The plot is full of suspense and surprises and I can honestly say I enjoyed this better than the first book. There was a lot going on which made for a very enjoyable, page-turning read. The author really stepped up his game in this. The stakes are high and the characters, both protagonists and antagonists are motivated to reach their opposing ends.
Fast-paced, intriguing and fun with developed and memorable main characters, cunning antagonists and nail-biting moments, Blinding Sky was an imaginative and satisfying sci-fi sequel which ended with a total whammy that I didn't see coming. Brilliant!
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
The plot is full of suspense and surprises and I can honestly say I enjoyed this better than the first book. There was a lot going on which made for a very enjoyable, page-turning read. The author really stepped up his game in this. The stakes are high and the characters, both protagonists and antagonists are motivated to reach their opposing ends.
Fast-paced, intriguing and fun with developed and memorable main characters, cunning antagonists and nail-biting moments, Blinding Sky was an imaginative and satisfying sci-fi sequel which ended with a total whammy that I didn't see coming. Brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews