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Zepharius: Volume 1
“What do you mean you weren’t aware?” He smiles, questioning my lack of concern for my own status.
I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.
He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?
__________
The planet Gisaawek is prospering in its government and is growing in military power and security. Everyone is dedicated to their assignments. Their objective is serving their planet to the best of their ability.
Zepharius is a soldier in Gisaawek and works with that objective in mind.
Throughout the years, however, she becomes aware of abnormalities that reside within her world. People do not speak to each other unless it is necessary for them to do so. Improving strength on the planet is their only objective. Events and memories before a certain point in time have been obliterated.
More importantly, there are people within the planet which disappear faster than they are appearing. Their existence is dubbed “dangerous and forbidden”. They are Gisaawekians who have an ability to choose their own objective, which can lead to destruction of both themselves and the planet. They are called dïfakàténs.
She comes to realize that the world she lives in is not as perfect as it seems. What will happen when she comes across secrets that could explain why?
I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.
He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?
__________
The planet Gisaawek is prospering in its government and is growing in military power and security. Everyone is dedicated to their assignments. Their objective is serving their planet to the best of their ability.
Zepharius is a soldier in Gisaawek and works with that objective in mind.
Throughout the years, however, she becomes aware of abnormalities that reside within her world. People do not speak to each other unless it is necessary for them to do so. Improving strength on the planet is their only objective. Events and memories before a certain point in time have been obliterated.
More importantly, there are people within the planet which disappear faster than they are appearing. Their existence is dubbed “dangerous and forbidden”. They are Gisaawekians who have an ability to choose their own objective, which can lead to destruction of both themselves and the planet. They are called dïfakàténs.
She comes to realize that the world she lives in is not as perfect as it seems. What will happen when she comes across secrets that could explain why?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2016
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Mel Snyder
4 books5 followersI am a new self-published author of a science fiction series titled "Zepharius", which I am working towards making it a trilogy. The book is currently available on Amazon, Kindle, and Google Play.
Book 3 is in the making!
If you want to see updates, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
You can ask me anything you like!
Book 3 is in the making!
If you want to see updates, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
You can ask me anything you like!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 3, 2020
A unique and interesting sci fi that takes a look into the life of aliens on a planet far from here. A planet that is corrupt, that has a untrustworthy government and secrets deep within. So, is it really all that different from our own earth?
I quite enjoyed the complexities of this world. There’s not really a good or evil but a grey area that has the people in power doing bad things, but it could all for the good of the people... Definitely a darker world, but I really enjoyed the similarities throughout the story that reminds me a lot of our own. It made it easy to read and to understand the corruption going on. The whole system was very interesting to read about as it unravels throughout the story.
That being said, the pacing for the first half was rather slow, and the whole set up for our main character Zepharius made it really hard to connect with her. The time jumps throughout were quite significant which made it difficult to reorient yourself in the story, however; Once we get past all the first half of the book and meet some new people It really started to pick up the pace more. The interactions between the characters helped to bring some grounding to the story and led to a lot of their character development, which was great to see. Each person was also quite unique which it made it easy to remember who was who, and that’s definitely something you want when many characters are introduced at once.
I thought the mystery behind all the oddities and special abilities happening to zepharius helped to keep me intrigued till the end. It added a really unique element that, although in the background of the plot, was fun to try and figure out!
Overall this was a interesting book that had some issues but with great world building that made up for the slower plot. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and believe it was a good debut!
I quite enjoyed the complexities of this world. There’s not really a good or evil but a grey area that has the people in power doing bad things, but it could all for the good of the people... Definitely a darker world, but I really enjoyed the similarities throughout the story that reminds me a lot of our own. It made it easy to read and to understand the corruption going on. The whole system was very interesting to read about as it unravels throughout the story.
That being said, the pacing for the first half was rather slow, and the whole set up for our main character Zepharius made it really hard to connect with her. The time jumps throughout were quite significant which made it difficult to reorient yourself in the story, however; Once we get past all the first half of the book and meet some new people It really started to pick up the pace more. The interactions between the characters helped to bring some grounding to the story and led to a lot of their character development, which was great to see. Each person was also quite unique which it made it easy to remember who was who, and that’s definitely something you want when many characters are introduced at once.
I thought the mystery behind all the oddities and special abilities happening to zepharius helped to keep me intrigued till the end. It added a really unique element that, although in the background of the plot, was fun to try and figure out!
Overall this was a interesting book that had some issues but with great world building that made up for the slower plot. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and believe it was a good debut!
Read
November 18, 2017The story takes place completely in another world and solar system; it was refreshing to have a story without involving humans as we know them from Earth. The visuals were strong and easy to follow on imagining these other worlds and the people. The author created and set up for the reader, while still preserving some mystery about who our main character(s) are.
The beginning of the book up to about the middle, I enjoyed the story felt it had the right amount of details; however the middle to end included too many details and seemed cumbersome.
I would have also liked to get more of a resolution to this book; it could have redeemed the 2nd half of the story. I would give the overall premise and the enjoyment from first half of book 4 stars but due to second half and the end not matching up with buildup of the story I give the full novel 3 stars.
The beginning of the book up to about the middle, I enjoyed the story felt it had the right amount of details; however the middle to end included too many details and seemed cumbersome.
I would have also liked to get more of a resolution to this book; it could have redeemed the 2nd half of the story. I would give the overall premise and the enjoyment from first half of book 4 stars but due to second half and the end not matching up with buildup of the story I give the full novel 3 stars.
January 22, 2018
For someone who doesn't read on a regular basis I actually enjoyed reading Zepharius. The idea that a civilization is ripped from it's free will with many not even realizing it is fascinating. In certain aspects I found it relatable to certain societies today. There were certain passages that lost me due to too much detail and I'm hoping the author will make a glossary of some kind for the language and the names. However seeing as a second book is expected I'm looking forward to alot more Zepharius!
March 21, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Zepharius is a dystopian sci-fi novel in parts, featuring alien races and inter-planetary politics.
In this first volume, we are introduced to the titular character as she realises that her race has been somehow reprogrammed from their previous familial, peaceful existence into super-soldiers who obey without question. As one of the few who is conscious of the change, and still able to question her instructions, Zepharius realises she is in danger from the very authorities that she serves and is forced to strike out in an attempt to find fellow rebels and try to work out what has gone wrong with the world she loves.
This is a slow-starter in some ways, picking up pace and action later in the story, but I was drawn in quickly and couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know more about this alien world and the races described. Snyder avoids getting bogged down too much in information dumping and unnecessary detail, keeping the reader wanting to know more about the setting and characters, then rewarding us at the end of the book with an array of bonuses – including really useful sketches of maps, weapons and races.
I was hooked in by Zepharius and her companions, and her life of body modifications, brain programming, political espionage and soldier’s discipline. The ending is left open, obviously, as this story forms part 1 of Zepharius’ adventures and I was keen to move straight onto volume 2 and find out what happened next.
'“What do you mean you weren’t aware?” He smiles, questioning my lack of concern for my own status.
I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.
He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?'
– Mel Snyder, Zepharius Vol. 1
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Zepharius is a dystopian sci-fi novel in parts, featuring alien races and inter-planetary politics.
In this first volume, we are introduced to the titular character as she realises that her race has been somehow reprogrammed from their previous familial, peaceful existence into super-soldiers who obey without question. As one of the few who is conscious of the change, and still able to question her instructions, Zepharius realises she is in danger from the very authorities that she serves and is forced to strike out in an attempt to find fellow rebels and try to work out what has gone wrong with the world she loves.
This is a slow-starter in some ways, picking up pace and action later in the story, but I was drawn in quickly and couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know more about this alien world and the races described. Snyder avoids getting bogged down too much in information dumping and unnecessary detail, keeping the reader wanting to know more about the setting and characters, then rewarding us at the end of the book with an array of bonuses – including really useful sketches of maps, weapons and races.
I was hooked in by Zepharius and her companions, and her life of body modifications, brain programming, political espionage and soldier’s discipline. The ending is left open, obviously, as this story forms part 1 of Zepharius’ adventures and I was keen to move straight onto volume 2 and find out what happened next.
'“What do you mean you weren’t aware?” He smiles, questioning my lack of concern for my own status.
I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.
He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?'
– Mel Snyder, Zepharius Vol. 1
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 21, 2018
I am normally not a huge fan of science fiction. I like my novels firmly planted in a world that I can easily visualize. However, I was stunned by the imagery in this book. The author, Mel Snyder, does an incredible job of describing a completely different solar system in a very relatable way. The characters are not "human" in the usual sense of the world, but they are very much real. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to sci-fi and non sci-fi fans alike.
January 6, 2020
A brilliant gem in need of final polishing.
"Zepharius" is an indie science-fiction saga of impressive scope. The first-person account of a soldier awakening in free thought against a totalitarian alien regime is not only written but illustrated by artist/author Mel Snyder as well.
When a trained soldier accidentally uncovers a world-spanning conspiracy--and experiences the unknown and forbidden concepts of emotion and autonomy in the process--she is marked as an enemy of the state. Her quest for answers, allies, and proof is as much introspective as it is external; as the shunned and hunted "dïfàkáténs", Zepharius is learning for the first time to ask questions and view her world in an objective manner. Indeed, for the first several chapters, the voice is so solitudinous as to evoke the feel of a prisoner's diary. As the story progresses and Zepharius finds allies, the resulting conversations are a welcome break from a narrative with an Orwellian protagonist that spends an awful lot of time in her own head.
The title character has a pleasing mix of strengths and weaknesses. Zepharius employs her military training to an effective degree, using tactics to outsmart her numerous foes when she can, and weapons and hand-to-hand combat when she cannot. Appropriately, though, this remains an underdog story and Zepharius, while a capable soldier, never comes across as too powerful. Things often don't go according to plan, and Zepharius thinks on her feet throughout the fast-paced rush to connect the dots behind a political power grab, and the galactic war that threatens to emerge as a result.
Although Snyder's gift for writing is evident, the prose isn't flawless. There are disagreements in past and present tense from chapter to chapter, and enough grammatical errors to sometimes pull the reader out of what is an otherwise immersive narrative. The book would benefit greatly from a copyeditor, and Snyder deserves to be in a major publishing house with a professional editor to put the final polish on their prose. A publishing house would do well to acquire "Zepharius" and give it the final treatment it needs to be an outstanding work.
I also predict that some readers will balk at the complex and alien-sounding names of places and characters; for me, this seemed initially daunting, but by the end of chapter two I was accustomed to the inhuman flavor of the occasional Gisaawekian words. For those who need reassurance, Snyder's commitment to world-building is such that there's an illustrated glossary in the back where diagrams of alien biology and weapons, as well as word pronunciations and translations, can be found. I suspect that for every reader who's put off by this spacey-sounding foreign language, another will embrace the depth it adds to the narrative. And indeed, the alien words aren't pervasive stumbling-blocks; they're sprinkled in with appropriate care.
In the final analysis, "Zepharius" blends political intrigue and heart-thumping action with paranoid self-discovery. Science-fiction fans will have much they can enjoy here after overlooking a few typical indie-published flaws.
"Zepharius" is an indie science-fiction saga of impressive scope. The first-person account of a soldier awakening in free thought against a totalitarian alien regime is not only written but illustrated by artist/author Mel Snyder as well.
When a trained soldier accidentally uncovers a world-spanning conspiracy--and experiences the unknown and forbidden concepts of emotion and autonomy in the process--she is marked as an enemy of the state. Her quest for answers, allies, and proof is as much introspective as it is external; as the shunned and hunted "dïfàkáténs", Zepharius is learning for the first time to ask questions and view her world in an objective manner. Indeed, for the first several chapters, the voice is so solitudinous as to evoke the feel of a prisoner's diary. As the story progresses and Zepharius finds allies, the resulting conversations are a welcome break from a narrative with an Orwellian protagonist that spends an awful lot of time in her own head.
The title character has a pleasing mix of strengths and weaknesses. Zepharius employs her military training to an effective degree, using tactics to outsmart her numerous foes when she can, and weapons and hand-to-hand combat when she cannot. Appropriately, though, this remains an underdog story and Zepharius, while a capable soldier, never comes across as too powerful. Things often don't go according to plan, and Zepharius thinks on her feet throughout the fast-paced rush to connect the dots behind a political power grab, and the galactic war that threatens to emerge as a result.
Although Snyder's gift for writing is evident, the prose isn't flawless. There are disagreements in past and present tense from chapter to chapter, and enough grammatical errors to sometimes pull the reader out of what is an otherwise immersive narrative. The book would benefit greatly from a copyeditor, and Snyder deserves to be in a major publishing house with a professional editor to put the final polish on their prose. A publishing house would do well to acquire "Zepharius" and give it the final treatment it needs to be an outstanding work.
I also predict that some readers will balk at the complex and alien-sounding names of places and characters; for me, this seemed initially daunting, but by the end of chapter two I was accustomed to the inhuman flavor of the occasional Gisaawekian words. For those who need reassurance, Snyder's commitment to world-building is such that there's an illustrated glossary in the back where diagrams of alien biology and weapons, as well as word pronunciations and translations, can be found. I suspect that for every reader who's put off by this spacey-sounding foreign language, another will embrace the depth it adds to the narrative. And indeed, the alien words aren't pervasive stumbling-blocks; they're sprinkled in with appropriate care.
In the final analysis, "Zepharius" blends political intrigue and heart-thumping action with paranoid self-discovery. Science-fiction fans will have much they can enjoy here after overlooking a few typical indie-published flaws.
March 29, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Zepharius: Volume 1 by Mel Synder is the first book in a new trilogy by an original upcoming author. It is a different type of book.
Will Zepharius remember her world the way it used to be?
Zepharius
Zepharius is our main female protagonist and the one that we see this world through her eyes. Well, if you can call them her eyes. Zepharius is apart of an alien race on a different planet in a different solar system. She is one of many kids in her mom's life, and they were living peacefully until something strange happened that changed it all.
There isn't much that I like or dislike this character. Zepharius is different from other protagonists I met in books.
The Story
The story in this book is a lot different than what I excepted. In Zepharius, we time skipped a lot in terms of years and only got to know a little bit about each thing before the story takes off. There is so much going on in this story. I think that the author was trying to fit in too much into the beginning book. I would have liked to have known how old Zepharius was, in the beginning, to understand how old she was after she was done with the Instructional course and then how old she was when the story jumps right back in.
Two Stars
Zepharius: Volume 1 by Mel Synder is a different story than I thought it would be, and it fell short of my expectations. I sadly wanted to like this book a lot more than what I did, but I am giving it a two-star rating and only recommending it to people that enjoy science fiction books.
Zepharius (so far)
Will Zepharius remember her world the way it used to be?
Zepharius
Zepharius is our main female protagonist and the one that we see this world through her eyes. Well, if you can call them her eyes. Zepharius is apart of an alien race on a different planet in a different solar system. She is one of many kids in her mom's life, and they were living peacefully until something strange happened that changed it all.
There isn't much that I like or dislike this character. Zepharius is different from other protagonists I met in books.
The Story
The story in this book is a lot different than what I excepted. In Zepharius, we time skipped a lot in terms of years and only got to know a little bit about each thing before the story takes off. There is so much going on in this story. I think that the author was trying to fit in too much into the beginning book. I would have liked to have known how old Zepharius was, in the beginning, to understand how old she was after she was done with the Instructional course and then how old she was when the story jumps right back in.
Two Stars
Zepharius: Volume 1 by Mel Synder is a different story than I thought it would be, and it fell short of my expectations. I sadly wanted to like this book a lot more than what I did, but I am giving it a two-star rating and only recommending it to people that enjoy science fiction books.
Zepharius (so far)
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Zepharius: Volume 1 by Mel Synder.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
December 7, 2019
What would you do if someone tried to eradicate your memory and replace those thoughts and images with whatever they wanted? How would you feel? Would you fight for answers or accept the changes? Zepharius’ life was normal as could be until she became a soldier for the planet Gisaawek and was forced to forget everything she ever knew. She would focus only on her assignments with the goal of being able to protect and serve the planet to the best of her ability.
However, things change, and a new goal has formed. Now Zepharius must start on this quest to find out why soldiers are disappearing, why no one is talking to one another unless they have to, and work to find Natamoré with the hope of being able to restore her planet. Can Zepharius accomplish this, and at what cost?
Opinion:
I typically do not read science fiction books, but what captivated me with Zepharius (Volume I) was the cover of the book and the synopsis. I was confused by some of the names presented in the book, but I appreciated the illustrations and glossary because it helped to break down the meaning of the names and how to pronounce them. There were also a few grammatical errors, but they didn’t take away from the overall read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes science fiction and thriller novels.
However, things change, and a new goal has formed. Now Zepharius must start on this quest to find out why soldiers are disappearing, why no one is talking to one another unless they have to, and work to find Natamoré with the hope of being able to restore her planet. Can Zepharius accomplish this, and at what cost?
Opinion:
I typically do not read science fiction books, but what captivated me with Zepharius (Volume I) was the cover of the book and the synopsis. I was confused by some of the names presented in the book, but I appreciated the illustrations and glossary because it helped to break down the meaning of the names and how to pronounce them. There were also a few grammatical errors, but they didn’t take away from the overall read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes science fiction and thriller novels.
November 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, it takes you into a brand new world with all kinds of crazy stuff going on. The battle scenes are in depth and interesting, the characters have lots of development and it's an intriguing story line.
February 20, 2020
About the book: It’s the first in a series following Zepharius who realizes the world she lives in isn’t what it used to be.
I received a free copy of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First impressions: I was intrigued by the premise because I thought it had potential to make for an interesting story. For the most part, the author builds the world in the beginning.
Characters: There aren’t too many characters to keep track of, as the narrative mainly revolves around Zepharius. She’s a likeable and relatable protagonist. The secondary characters are unique, juxtaposing each other well.
“I can only look forward to the next days of my expedition and hope for clarity to become my reward in the end.”
Writing: It is an independently published book with some spelling and grammar mistakes. The story’s told in first person from the protagonist’s perspective. The author spends time describing many aspects of the world.
There’s a map and a visual guide of weapons as well as other objects mentioned in the story. There’s also a much needed glossary with pronounications and translations. The novel isn’t too long or short at around 300 pages.
Final thoughts: The pacing picks up near the end, and it sets the stage for the next novel in the series.
If you like sci-fi about different worlds, you might enjoy Zepharius: Volume 1.
I received a free copy of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First impressions: I was intrigued by the premise because I thought it had potential to make for an interesting story. For the most part, the author builds the world in the beginning.
Characters: There aren’t too many characters to keep track of, as the narrative mainly revolves around Zepharius. She’s a likeable and relatable protagonist. The secondary characters are unique, juxtaposing each other well.
“I can only look forward to the next days of my expedition and hope for clarity to become my reward in the end.”
Writing: It is an independently published book with some spelling and grammar mistakes. The story’s told in first person from the protagonist’s perspective. The author spends time describing many aspects of the world.
There’s a map and a visual guide of weapons as well as other objects mentioned in the story. There’s also a much needed glossary with pronounications and translations. The novel isn’t too long or short at around 300 pages.
Final thoughts: The pacing picks up near the end, and it sets the stage for the next novel in the series.
If you like sci-fi about different worlds, you might enjoy Zepharius: Volume 1.
November 13, 2019
In reading this book I enjoyed the cinematic storytelling that took place and how the descriptions of different scenes made it feel like I was there. It also was able to make me laugh and cry at times. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi.
June 26, 2020
The world Gisaawek is alien, and the people are part of a growing military project. Zepharius, who is a soldier, has the responsibility of increasing the strength of her planet and has a very obedient character. Once she realizes that mysterious disappearances are happening, she investigates the matter, and the aftermath of this realization becomes the source of the story.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that it had characters that depicted with both physical and mental disabilities and supported the concept of having a strong female lead.
The literature was descriptive. It contained sufficient sci-fi material and included some violence causing the book to be more suitable for an older audience.
The author understood that the concept she implemented was novel and therefore supplied visual guides in the back of each book with a sketch of the characters, maps, tools, weapons, and other items she thought necessary to depict.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read sci-fi fantasy, thriller, drama, suspense, and action.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that it had characters that depicted with both physical and mental disabilities and supported the concept of having a strong female lead.
The literature was descriptive. It contained sufficient sci-fi material and included some violence causing the book to be more suitable for an older audience.
The author understood that the concept she implemented was novel and therefore supplied visual guides in the back of each book with a sketch of the characters, maps, tools, weapons, and other items she thought necessary to depict.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read sci-fi fantasy, thriller, drama, suspense, and action.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews