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E.o.A #3
Artificial Light
Sometimes you risk becoming a villain in order to be the hero.
Since recovering memories and incredible abilities nearly two years ago, an insatiable lust to grow more powerful has consumed Jarrod. Now that urge puts the friends he has left in mortal danger. The only way to protect them is to accept isolation. However, Jarrod has made promises and intends on staying with those he cares for until his pledge is upheld.
The Light of Souls has been disrupted and replaced with a fake. The Assassins, three angels from the fallen Corners living out their penance, are charged with eliminating the perpetrator. When their sights turn to Jarrod, he and all those around him are marked for death.
With the most dangerous killers in creation hunting him down, Jarrod must learn to evolve his powers without losing control. When new alliances are formed, and old ones turn sour, Jarrod must decide once and for all if he's a hero, or a villain waiting to be unleashed.
Since recovering memories and incredible abilities nearly two years ago, an insatiable lust to grow more powerful has consumed Jarrod. Now that urge puts the friends he has left in mortal danger. The only way to protect them is to accept isolation. However, Jarrod has made promises and intends on staying with those he cares for until his pledge is upheld.
The Light of Souls has been disrupted and replaced with a fake. The Assassins, three angels from the fallen Corners living out their penance, are charged with eliminating the perpetrator. When their sights turn to Jarrod, he and all those around him are marked for death.
With the most dangerous killers in creation hunting him down, Jarrod must learn to evolve his powers without losing control. When new alliances are formed, and old ones turn sour, Jarrod must decide once and for all if he's a hero, or a villain waiting to be unleashed.
- GenresScience Fiction
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2016
203 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Wall
8 books35 followersI am a husband, father, author and wanna-be part-time superhero (because new legislation limits the benefits and tax deductions I can receive as a full-timer) who lives in Texas. I’ve tried just about every self-starting venture known to man, and writing just happens to be one I don’t suck at...or do I? I don’t know, you be the judge.
I’ve been creating stories since before I can remember. I say creating stories, and not writing them, because - as a boy - I had a healthy addiction to superhero action figures, and used to stage my own homemade adventures/movies in my room. Long before the days of the Avengers, and the announcement of Bat-Fleck being in Man of Steel 2, superheroes all over creation were joining forces on my bed...wait, that was just last week.
I am a sports junky, travel enthusiast, and beer connoisseur. I’ve lived in Europe and all over the States, and I can tell where in the world a person grew up by whether or not they say “as well,” “also” or “too,” even though all three pretty much mean the same thing.
I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I do (though I doubt it), and images of my characters flying through the air and crashing through the roof of your local grocery store are forever painted on your mind while you’re in the checkout line. No? Am I the only one?
This was supposed to be an “about the author”, and turned into a rambling. Whatever. As Robbie Hart would say, “Well, I have a microphone (metaphorically) and you don’t. So you will listen to every damn word I have to say.”
I would love to hear from my supposed fans. You can find me here on Goodreads, or stop by the Evolution of Angels Facebook page, give it a like, and send me a message.
I’ve been creating stories since before I can remember. I say creating stories, and not writing them, because - as a boy - I had a healthy addiction to superhero action figures, and used to stage my own homemade adventures/movies in my room. Long before the days of the Avengers, and the announcement of Bat-Fleck being in Man of Steel 2, superheroes all over creation were joining forces on my bed...wait, that was just last week.
I am a sports junky, travel enthusiast, and beer connoisseur. I’ve lived in Europe and all over the States, and I can tell where in the world a person grew up by whether or not they say “as well,” “also” or “too,” even though all three pretty much mean the same thing.
I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I do (though I doubt it), and images of my characters flying through the air and crashing through the roof of your local grocery store are forever painted on your mind while you’re in the checkout line. No? Am I the only one?
This was supposed to be an “about the author”, and turned into a rambling. Whatever. As Robbie Hart would say, “Well, I have a microphone (metaphorically) and you don’t. So you will listen to every damn word I have to say.”
I would love to hear from my supposed fans. You can find me here on Goodreads, or stop by the Evolution of Angels Facebook page, give it a like, and send me a message.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 8, 2016
It has been a while since I last wrote a review but the Evolution of Angels is a series worth getting the word out about. Artificial Light is the third book in the EOA series written by Nathan Wall. I noticed a handful of reviews here have been written by people who had not yet read the previous books in the series. While this awesome book can be read independently I'd vehemently recommend starting from the beginning. Nathan Wall has created a complete and complex science fiction/fantasy universe within his books. There are a lot of moving parts and hidden agendas, trust me you won't want to miss a thing. Nathan Wall goes big with this installment revealing an astounding amount of detail regarding the concepts surrounding the EOA universe. He brings back some familiar faces and introduces us to more than a few new ones in this installment. The scope of this series is such that it encompasses characters and events as old as the universe itself and brings them seamlessly into the modern day. It became obvious by the end of the first book that there was a much bigger and complex plot that would be unfolding through the series. That fact remains just as obvious and true by the end of Artificial Light. The exact details or “end game” if you will remain just as allusive even with the vast amounts of maneuvering and revelations in this part of the story. If you are looking to start a series that will keep you guessing, keep you enthralled, and delivers plenty of great action scenes look no further than the Evolution of Angels series.
I will mainly be focusing the rest of this review specifically on this instalment of the series instead of the series as a whole. If you are still reading this review either you took my advice and read the other books or you’re just dead set on reading them out of order either way prepare to be thrilled by Artificial Light.
Starting with the things I thoroughly enjoyed about Artificial Light I have to mention the aura scales. These suits of armor made of shifting metallic tiles and a kind of fluid second skin of varying colors is one of the really cool concept of the series. These suits are as important to the identity of the characters that wear them as the names they bear. Not only is there a significant increase in the mention/use of the aura scales than in the previous books but more is revealed about the nature and function of the armor. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story for the extra depth it provides to the characters. Oh and the sheer freaking awesomeness of a fight fought in unique suits of armor that can heal/plug wounds and generate various weapons at will.
Another great aspect regarding this installment was the clearly defined but varying perspective of the events unfolding during the book. Each chapter began by identifying the character whose perspective we’d be following. By doing this the author allows us to more clearly envision and understand the events that transpire and the motivations of certain characters. The truly wonderful part about these shifting perspectives is that by the end of the book we realize none of the characters really know what is going on. They all have their ideas about what is coming and its motivating them to scheme, plan, and to make or break alliances. None of them truly know though and so like the characters we are in the dark left to wonder at what is to come. Are the characters we believe to be the “villains” really that bad or are they simply trying to survive whatever is to come? Are the “good guys” really out to save existence or are they simply playing the parts fated to them in bringing about “The End”? You are going to be left guessing in the best possible way who exactly you should be rooting for.
I had nothing negative to say about this book it was exciting, well thought out and structured. I will roll right into my conclusion. You should definitely read this book but you should also definitely read the other books in the Evolution of Angels series. I guarantee you will be hooked from book one and the hook will only get set deeper with each book. There is so much to enjoy about this series and if you feel the same as I do about it then get the word out. Share your thought and feelings with friends and family and don’t be afraid to share them here.
I will mainly be focusing the rest of this review specifically on this instalment of the series instead of the series as a whole. If you are still reading this review either you took my advice and read the other books or you’re just dead set on reading them out of order either way prepare to be thrilled by Artificial Light.
Starting with the things I thoroughly enjoyed about Artificial Light I have to mention the aura scales. These suits of armor made of shifting metallic tiles and a kind of fluid second skin of varying colors is one of the really cool concept of the series. These suits are as important to the identity of the characters that wear them as the names they bear. Not only is there a significant increase in the mention/use of the aura scales than in the previous books but more is revealed about the nature and function of the armor. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story for the extra depth it provides to the characters. Oh and the sheer freaking awesomeness of a fight fought in unique suits of armor that can heal/plug wounds and generate various weapons at will.
Another great aspect regarding this installment was the clearly defined but varying perspective of the events unfolding during the book. Each chapter began by identifying the character whose perspective we’d be following. By doing this the author allows us to more clearly envision and understand the events that transpire and the motivations of certain characters. The truly wonderful part about these shifting perspectives is that by the end of the book we realize none of the characters really know what is going on. They all have their ideas about what is coming and its motivating them to scheme, plan, and to make or break alliances. None of them truly know though and so like the characters we are in the dark left to wonder at what is to come. Are the characters we believe to be the “villains” really that bad or are they simply trying to survive whatever is to come? Are the “good guys” really out to save existence or are they simply playing the parts fated to them in bringing about “The End”? You are going to be left guessing in the best possible way who exactly you should be rooting for.
I had nothing negative to say about this book it was exciting, well thought out and structured. I will roll right into my conclusion. You should definitely read this book but you should also definitely read the other books in the Evolution of Angels series. I guarantee you will be hooked from book one and the hook will only get set deeper with each book. There is so much to enjoy about this series and if you feel the same as I do about it then get the word out. Share your thought and feelings with friends and family and don’t be afraid to share them here.
February 11, 2016
Today, I am reviewing the Science-Fiction/Fantasy story Artifical Light by Nathan Wall. As with my last entry, this one crosses genres by mixing science with mythology and religious apocrypha. It is the third in a series, and I can’t help but think that I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two. This genre describes one of my favorite types of book – in this one, several gods/Angels are factioning off, breaking into different groups. The birth of an “angel-born” sets off a pogrom of sorts, leading to the death of Osiris and the exile of his family.
I received an ARC copy of this novel to provide my honest review. However, I was not able to complete the book, stopping after about 30% due to issues with its construction that will be covered below. Still, I give this book a 3/5, based on what I did read. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 4/5. Easily the strongest point in the book. The idea of intermixing mythologies appeals to me enough that I do it in my own writing, and, individually, the characters that Nathan has created seem like real people – even with all their strange, supernatural powers – and have realistic motivations. I wish I could have gotten to know them a bit better in the first third of the novel.
Plot/Storyline: 2/5. I still have no idea what was going on in the story. The prologue, showing the death of Osiris (presumably…again, I only finished 1/3rd the novel) was well done and exciting, but after that, I feel like the author lost track of his character threads. I understand the concept of a slow build, but after 30% the book had failed to hook me at all.
Mechanics: 2.5/5. The pace and the constant jumping between perspectives worked together to defeat me. I felt like my attention was being divided by too many different points-of-view, by time-jumps, and by occurrences across time and space. This kept me from engaging with the story – I don’t know who’s doing what, I’m not even sure who IS what.
Spelling/Grammar: 4.5/5. The copy was very clean and easy to read. The words chosen were well-picked and I didn’t find any significant issues of grammar. Thank you!
Overall: 3/5. This could be good. This could be SO, SO good. All the essential pieces of an excellent story are here. I believe that Artificial Light is an uncut gem – ready to burst forth, once we trim away the parts that are obscuring the inner beauty. I couldn’t finish it, but that doesn’t make it bad – just a little too slow, a little too jumpy for me.
Keep at it, Nathan. Thank you for writing.
Original review posted on: http://curtainofreality.blogspot.com/...
I received an ARC copy of this novel to provide my honest review. However, I was not able to complete the book, stopping after about 30% due to issues with its construction that will be covered below. Still, I give this book a 3/5, based on what I did read. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 4/5. Easily the strongest point in the book. The idea of intermixing mythologies appeals to me enough that I do it in my own writing, and, individually, the characters that Nathan has created seem like real people – even with all their strange, supernatural powers – and have realistic motivations. I wish I could have gotten to know them a bit better in the first third of the novel.
Plot/Storyline: 2/5. I still have no idea what was going on in the story. The prologue, showing the death of Osiris (presumably…again, I only finished 1/3rd the novel) was well done and exciting, but after that, I feel like the author lost track of his character threads. I understand the concept of a slow build, but after 30% the book had failed to hook me at all.
Mechanics: 2.5/5. The pace and the constant jumping between perspectives worked together to defeat me. I felt like my attention was being divided by too many different points-of-view, by time-jumps, and by occurrences across time and space. This kept me from engaging with the story – I don’t know who’s doing what, I’m not even sure who IS what.
Spelling/Grammar: 4.5/5. The copy was very clean and easy to read. The words chosen were well-picked and I didn’t find any significant issues of grammar. Thank you!
Overall: 3/5. This could be good. This could be SO, SO good. All the essential pieces of an excellent story are here. I believe that Artificial Light is an uncut gem – ready to burst forth, once we trim away the parts that are obscuring the inner beauty. I couldn’t finish it, but that doesn’t make it bad – just a little too slow, a little too jumpy for me.
Keep at it, Nathan. Thank you for writing.
Original review posted on: http://curtainofreality.blogspot.com/...
January 2, 2016
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I also beta read the book but it has changed so much from the original that I didn't feel I was re-reading a book but rather finally putting the pieces of the puzzle together nicely.
Artificial Light is the third in the series and probably the best one so far. While we deal with many different characters, Mr. Wall grouped his chapters in a way that lets you follow the story much easier than his first two novels. We also spend just enough time with the characters to learn to know and like (or dislike) them as we go.
When I first learned that my favorite character from his previous books wouldn't make an appearance in this one, I was a bit disappointed. How could I love a story without Oreios in it? Well, to be honest, I didn't even think about him at all.
In this sequel, we follow Jarrod and his friends (Austin, Lian, and Claire), the descendants (Horus, Anubis and company), along with a whole lot more Angel time. While I always had a little something for Horus and his cousin Anubis, to my surprise, I ended up loving the part with the Angels the most. That's just to say that there is something for everyone's taste.
If you like epic battle, surprising twists, and complicated plot that keeps you on your toes, this one is definitely for you.
Artificial Light is the third in the series and probably the best one so far. While we deal with many different characters, Mr. Wall grouped his chapters in a way that lets you follow the story much easier than his first two novels. We also spend just enough time with the characters to learn to know and like (or dislike) them as we go.
When I first learned that my favorite character from his previous books wouldn't make an appearance in this one, I was a bit disappointed. How could I love a story without Oreios in it? Well, to be honest, I didn't even think about him at all.
In this sequel, we follow Jarrod and his friends (Austin, Lian, and Claire), the descendants (Horus, Anubis and company), along with a whole lot more Angel time. While I always had a little something for Horus and his cousin Anubis, to my surprise, I ended up loving the part with the Angels the most. That's just to say that there is something for everyone's taste.
If you like epic battle, surprising twists, and complicated plot that keeps you on your toes, this one is definitely for you.
January 7, 2016
***I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
All that said, I’ll have you know that I am easily a fan of this series. I won the first book as part of a Facebook giveaway, bought the second book because I liked the first so much, and then asked the author for an advanced copy of his third book when he finished it. I had to know what happens. I’ll be sure and buy this book for paperback when it goes live. It was that good.
On with the review.
STUNNED. Easily a top 10 ending of all time.
“Artificial Light” (AL) is the book I was hoping for and then so much more. The first two in the E.o.A series were good, entertaining, and filled with memorable characters and twists. This installment bests them both and it’s not even close. I gave the first two books 5-stars. Can I give this one more?
The villains—yes, as in more than one—were excellent. More on them in a bit.
AL contains door busting action, a twisting and smart plot, and yet remains whole heartedly character driven. The switch from omniscient to limited POV allowed us to see a different side of the characters. The 8 POVs (the 9th was something called “The Observer”) crafted a world and story so large in scope that I’m surprised I digested it all.
AL does a wonderful job incorporating mythological stories and urban legends and turning them into a cohesive Sci-Fi story that makes sense. The Horus vs Set dynamic, and the way it played out, totally worked. Things like bathhouse spirits, Hathor’s vengeance mode and so on are just some of the things which get developed in a plausible way for this universe. Those stories have truly been transformed in a way which still pays tribute to their origins.
Speaking of Set, can we say holy shit what a villain? One of the things which really place this book above many others I’ve read is the level of villains we got. Set is a particular badass, yet he’s charismatic in a way. He can be so sadistic and evil yet you can’t help but thinking he’s got a point. He’s always three steps ahead of everyone.
Shiva, even though we don’t get a POV of him, in his limited time is downright scary and fanatical. I thought it was interesting how the demon possessing Elliot in book one made his way back into this book and even though he’s a bad guy he’s not necessarily in an alliance with the others. In fact, every single character in this book seems to be pushing their own agenda, which works nicely with the themes of this book. You’ve got several different “badies” and none of them particularly like each other. It’s a constant game of one-upmanship and what-have-you-done-for-me-lately.
For all the gushing I seem to be doing over the villains, the heroes (can you consider them such?) are equally compelling. The most interesting character I found in the novel was Lian. She and Jarrod get an equal number of chapter counts (most in the book), even though I think Jarrod’s word count is slightly higher. Lian has this amazing arc and I’m left wondering that if maybe this book wasn’t her story juxtaposed to Set’s with Jarrod in the middle. Certainly an interesting thought.
I appreciate that we get to know about the other Corners and not just Zeus’ old legion.
I don’t want to forget the setting descriptions either. While this series is certainly more focused on the plot, characters and action than it is with setting, it’s not without vivid descriptions which quickly set the stage and then fall to the background in order for the characters to take control. I enjoy this because I can sort of fill in the blanks while guys are getting their hands lopped off or blown through buildings.
Some examples of what I liked setting wise:
“…**** walked up the platform of Gabriel’s armory and observation deck. Through the glass dome, the rainbow falls erupted with unusual activity. There was no place among them for shadows to hide.”
“A foghorn blared in the distance, the sound burrowing its way through the dense metal walls. Flickering light pushed through a crack in the cabin’s only door. The subtle swaying back-and-forth of the large freight tanker on the waves could be felt just a little when Lian laid flat in her cot…..The room was drafty. For three weeks straight, frigid, salty air had been circulating through the cabin.”
“She stopped breathing when she saw the shattered moon of the desolate planet floating in the sky just as casually as low hanging clouds would back home.”
One aspect I particularly like about this series is that each book doesn’t really seem like it’s a sequel but rather just telling a portion of a larger story for us to comprehend. It’s important to read the first two books because they give you insight on what came before, but each book isn’t just one cliffhanger after another to sell books. They’re independent journeys telling a larger story.
I loved that many of the supporting characters from the Descendants became major players in this novel along with the surviving major players from the first book. Then you have the introduction of whole new factions of characters and subplots. This book is just so complete and there’s never a dull or filler moment.
Anyway, I give this book 10/10. I can’t wait to read the next installment. I hope the author keeps pumping these out. If you’ve not read this book, do it.
All that said, I’ll have you know that I am easily a fan of this series. I won the first book as part of a Facebook giveaway, bought the second book because I liked the first so much, and then asked the author for an advanced copy of his third book when he finished it. I had to know what happens. I’ll be sure and buy this book for paperback when it goes live. It was that good.
On with the review.
STUNNED. Easily a top 10 ending of all time.
“Artificial Light” (AL) is the book I was hoping for and then so much more. The first two in the E.o.A series were good, entertaining, and filled with memorable characters and twists. This installment bests them both and it’s not even close. I gave the first two books 5-stars. Can I give this one more?
The villains—yes, as in more than one—were excellent. More on them in a bit.
AL contains door busting action, a twisting and smart plot, and yet remains whole heartedly character driven. The switch from omniscient to limited POV allowed us to see a different side of the characters. The 8 POVs (the 9th was something called “The Observer”) crafted a world and story so large in scope that I’m surprised I digested it all.
AL does a wonderful job incorporating mythological stories and urban legends and turning them into a cohesive Sci-Fi story that makes sense. The Horus vs Set dynamic, and the way it played out, totally worked. Things like bathhouse spirits, Hathor’s vengeance mode and so on are just some of the things which get developed in a plausible way for this universe. Those stories have truly been transformed in a way which still pays tribute to their origins.
Speaking of Set, can we say holy shit what a villain? One of the things which really place this book above many others I’ve read is the level of villains we got. Set is a particular badass, yet he’s charismatic in a way. He can be so sadistic and evil yet you can’t help but thinking he’s got a point. He’s always three steps ahead of everyone.
Shiva, even though we don’t get a POV of him, in his limited time is downright scary and fanatical. I thought it was interesting how the demon possessing Elliot in book one made his way back into this book and even though he’s a bad guy he’s not necessarily in an alliance with the others. In fact, every single character in this book seems to be pushing their own agenda, which works nicely with the themes of this book. You’ve got several different “badies” and none of them particularly like each other. It’s a constant game of one-upmanship and what-have-you-done-for-me-lately.
For all the gushing I seem to be doing over the villains, the heroes (can you consider them such?) are equally compelling. The most interesting character I found in the novel was Lian. She and Jarrod get an equal number of chapter counts (most in the book), even though I think Jarrod’s word count is slightly higher. Lian has this amazing arc and I’m left wondering that if maybe this book wasn’t her story juxtaposed to Set’s with Jarrod in the middle. Certainly an interesting thought.
I appreciate that we get to know about the other Corners and not just Zeus’ old legion.
I don’t want to forget the setting descriptions either. While this series is certainly more focused on the plot, characters and action than it is with setting, it’s not without vivid descriptions which quickly set the stage and then fall to the background in order for the characters to take control. I enjoy this because I can sort of fill in the blanks while guys are getting their hands lopped off or blown through buildings.
Some examples of what I liked setting wise:
“…**** walked up the platform of Gabriel’s armory and observation deck. Through the glass dome, the rainbow falls erupted with unusual activity. There was no place among them for shadows to hide.”
“A foghorn blared in the distance, the sound burrowing its way through the dense metal walls. Flickering light pushed through a crack in the cabin’s only door. The subtle swaying back-and-forth of the large freight tanker on the waves could be felt just a little when Lian laid flat in her cot…..The room was drafty. For three weeks straight, frigid, salty air had been circulating through the cabin.”
“She stopped breathing when she saw the shattered moon of the desolate planet floating in the sky just as casually as low hanging clouds would back home.”
One aspect I particularly like about this series is that each book doesn’t really seem like it’s a sequel but rather just telling a portion of a larger story for us to comprehend. It’s important to read the first two books because they give you insight on what came before, but each book isn’t just one cliffhanger after another to sell books. They’re independent journeys telling a larger story.
I loved that many of the supporting characters from the Descendants became major players in this novel along with the surviving major players from the first book. Then you have the introduction of whole new factions of characters and subplots. This book is just so complete and there’s never a dull or filler moment.
Anyway, I give this book 10/10. I can’t wait to read the next installment. I hope the author keeps pumping these out. If you’ve not read this book, do it.
April 2, 2016
I received a review copy of this book.
So here is the review.
Even without having read the first two books of this series, "Evolution of Angels" and "The Descendants (Evolution of Angels Book 2)", I still found this one intriguing. It is a unique blend of mythology, religion, and technology.
Angels that are not supernatural but depend on technology. Humans that may be supernatural under the right conditions. This is an interesting reversal of religion and mythology.
This book has lots of action, mystery, technology that's advanced enough to seem like magic, murder, mayhem, angelic revolution, betrayal, loyalty, etc.
The story works even without reading the previous two books, but there is a lot of backstory that must be inferred from context or simply assumed. I recommend reading the first two books before this one.
I will remedy my failure to read the first two books, even though it is too late for me to read them first. I want to fill in the assumed, possibly incorrect, information that will be found in them.
This book is very hard to put down before finishing it.
I think everyone should read this, after the first two.
May 30, 2016
You can check out my reviews here!
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, that was super-confusing! This was my first thought after I read the book. Artificial Light is the 3rd book of a series, but after the author reassured me I could jump in with minimal confusion, I skeptically began my journey into the realm of angels.
Yes, it’s a book about angels! I went through a phase of loving the concept of Nephilim and tried to read as many books with this topic as I could. Artificial Light’s premise of Angels battling against one another sounds quite appealing.
Characters
The character-building of this book sadly, doesn’t reach the potential I was hoping for. First of all, I wanted explanations: who are these people and what do they want? Most of the time I don’t know the characters or their agendas, and the author rarely explains. As a book with a huge cast, each character is somewhat limited from expressing their full personality. Still, there are several that stood out among all the others.
What I liked:
1. Sassy characters—I loved all the witty dialogues and quippy comebacks and wanted more dialogues.
2. Mythological references—the author included allusions to myths from many cultures like Egyptian, Hindu, Greek, Hebrew, and many others.
3. Complicated history—as immortal beings, angels have a long time to make shifting alliances.
Jarrod
(As the protagonist, he gets more time in the spotlight). Jarrod is an Angel-born, with superhuman abilities. He is powerful, dangerous, and not in full control of himself; there’s a voice in his head that takes over during crises, leaving a slew of bodies in his wake. As the story progresses, Jarrod learns more about himself and the voice in his head.
Lain
Lain’s special gift is telepathy, giving her access to everyone’s thoughts and even allowing her to control people at will. She is separated from her brother as a child and has been searching for him for years.
Madame Patricia
I love this character! She is overtly fragile but actually extremely powerful. As an Angel, she can control the earth and all that grows on it, like Gaia in Greek myths.
Isis
She is the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, and she and Horus fled to Horus’s uncle’s realm when Osiris was killed and their Corner was conquered. Isis is willing to do all she could to help Horus grow into a ruler. She really has my sympathy.
Anubis
He is a giant with the simple mind of a child because of a traumatic event in his childhood. He grew up unappreciated and mocked for his gray complexion and stupidity. Another sympathy-arousing character.
What I didn’t like:
1. Too many characters—Not many authors can handle a Game-of-Throne-sized cast, and the story would have been better if some of the redundant characters had been cut completely from the plot.
2. Bland characters—as I’ve mentioned above, very few characters in the book caught my eye or made me care. I understand this is the 3rd book in the series, and readers would likely already have a fuller picture of the personality of characters, but I would have liked more character development even in the third book.
3. Character interactions—now this is slightly weird. The characters seem way too one-dimensional and immature for people who’ve supposedly lived for so long. Sometimes they start to scream or weep or get into fights without a justifiable cause. For instance, Hathor, the daughter of Khnum (? I forgot his name), is given a girl to take care of, and she jumps scratching and screaming to defend this little girl, going to an extent of accusing her aunt Isis and defying her father. I mean, why? A lot of the characters’ actions are unexplained and abrupt, with little foreshadowing. This is why I find them too undeveloped for their years.
Setting
The setting for Artificial Light is an extremely vast and complicate multi-realm universe. Angels guard the four Corners and other realms they occupy. They left their marks on human history as gods in mythologies. Some of them (the most powerful ones?) have a piece of celestial crystal that powers their realm and give them access to other realms. At least that’s what I think they do.
Apparently some angels hunt down demons. I’m assuming demons run the Double-Helix operation (using angel DNA to enhance humans), making the whole affair evil and unnatural. However, some angels are associates of demons, commissioning enhanced humans as soldiers.
What I loved most in the whole book is the aurascale: an extremely advanced full-body armor that allows angels to perform astonishing acts. All those gadgets and screens and hidden weapons in the armors! I want one.
Pacing
The pacing of this book is agonizingly strange. On one hand it’s fast and exciting, but on the other hand it drags and includes many unnecessary events. It jumps from realms to realms and timelines to timelines, and I’m having a hard time tracking characters and remembering names because of these jumps. I simply feel disconnected from the story because of its structure. Only 70% into story did I feel invested in the characters’ fates.
Final Thoughts
I’m slightly put off by the treatment of angels and celestial matters. It seems the world is run by volatile, warlike, and corrupt angels without the guidance of God. That is, however, my personal values and beliefs, and others may not feel this discomfort at all. The plot may also put some off, because it’s too encompassing and meandering. However, a complex world will do that to the plot! Also, the ending is stunning. I didn’t see it coming, and I loved the grand exit! On the whole, the book offers supernatural characters, a confusingly complicated plot, and a messy, chaotic universe. If you enjoy sci-fi or mythology, try Artificial Light.
April 21, 2016
I was gifted this scifi, ebook thriller from the author himself, Nathan Wall. I love when authors seek me out. As you can probably tell, I found the cover a sweet view. The colors and HD animation is totally cool; something that would catch my eyes from Amazon's website or a bookshelf.
The summary for Artificial Light, by Nathan Wall says:
Sometimes you risk becoming a villain in order to be the hero.
Since recovering memories and incredible abilities nearly two years ago, an insatiable lust to grow more powerful has consumed Jarrod. Now that urge puts the friends he has left in mortal danger. The only way to protect them is to accept isolation. However, Jarrod has made promises and intends on staying with those he cares for until his pledge is upheld.
The Light of Souls has been disrupted and replaced with a fake. The Assassins, three angels from the fallen Corners living out their penance, are charged with eliminating the perpetrator. When their sights turn to Jarrod, he and all those around him are marked for death.
So first, I have to say that this is book 3 in a series. It's maddening to jump into a series at the end, but when the adventure is free, do you turn it down? I also communicated with the author and he says it can stand alone, but I'm finding that rather difficult. Not that he's lying, but some things are taking place with the main characters that are slightly perplexing for me.
For Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/jh77lyl
(*eBook provided by author, Nathan Wall, for an honest review.
The summary for Artificial Light, by Nathan Wall says:
Sometimes you risk becoming a villain in order to be the hero.
Since recovering memories and incredible abilities nearly two years ago, an insatiable lust to grow more powerful has consumed Jarrod. Now that urge puts the friends he has left in mortal danger. The only way to protect them is to accept isolation. However, Jarrod has made promises and intends on staying with those he cares for until his pledge is upheld.
The Light of Souls has been disrupted and replaced with a fake. The Assassins, three angels from the fallen Corners living out their penance, are charged with eliminating the perpetrator. When their sights turn to Jarrod, he and all those around him are marked for death.
So first, I have to say that this is book 3 in a series. It's maddening to jump into a series at the end, but when the adventure is free, do you turn it down? I also communicated with the author and he says it can stand alone, but I'm finding that rather difficult. Not that he's lying, but some things are taking place with the main characters that are slightly perplexing for me.
For Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/jh77lyl
(*eBook provided by author, Nathan Wall, for an honest review.
April 21, 2016
I have not read the previous two books in the series which can some times make me hesitant to take on a third book in a series however I found this book was not hard to read without having read the previous two. For a fantasy/science fiction now this book fits perfectly in the genre. I was very intrigued by the characters and there are a bunch of them as well as a lot of things going on. It is a very complex story from multiple points of view. So if you enjoy complex science fiction then this is right for you, filled with action it is a quick read.
February 10, 2016
disclaimer i received an ARC of the book. i am glad to say that this is by far an amazing series. i havent really been a person to read books but these books have had me glued to reading. i hope the author nathan wall will continue the series because this is one that will keep you hooked. ive been hooked on this book seried since the first time i read it. this is one book series i would definatly recomend to my friends.
February 10, 2016
Disclaimer i got the arc. I have been excited and waiting to read this book since my friend lent me there copies of the first 2 books to read. Ive been hooked on these books since the first one. This series caught my eye with the fantasy and the questions it left me asking until it later revealed it later in the book i am excited to fully read this book i hope the author will continue to write amazing books like this
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