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The Watchers Trilogy #1
The Watchers of Eden
Her gift is her curse. Her world is her prison. Her fate is bigger than she knows...
In the hot and harsh farming region of Agricola, 16 year old Cyra prepares to be tested to discover what duty she'll hold for life. All school leavers across the regions are in the same position, and few expect anything more than to follow in their parents' footsteps and stay in the region they live in.
For Cyra, there was never a choice. With her father dead and brother and sister assigned elsewhere, she's desperate to stay close to her sick mother so she can take care of her.
On the day of the Duty Call, however, Cyra's world turns upside down in one stroke. She's to be assigned to Eden, the largest and most powerful sea city and central hub of control. Only the most important live there, and no one from Cyra's town has ever been assigned there in her lifetime.
So, she sets off on a journey away from everything she knows, without knowing what her duty will be. Soon, she discovers that she, along with a small number of school leavers from across the regions, has a special power; a gift that will pit her as a secret protector of the nation.
Only, it's not a gift, it's really a curse, and before long Cyra will learn that her once small world is filled with a great deal more corruption and injustice than she ever thought possible.
In the hot and harsh farming region of Agricola, 16 year old Cyra prepares to be tested to discover what duty she'll hold for life. All school leavers across the regions are in the same position, and few expect anything more than to follow in their parents' footsteps and stay in the region they live in.
For Cyra, there was never a choice. With her father dead and brother and sister assigned elsewhere, she's desperate to stay close to her sick mother so she can take care of her.
On the day of the Duty Call, however, Cyra's world turns upside down in one stroke. She's to be assigned to Eden, the largest and most powerful sea city and central hub of control. Only the most important live there, and no one from Cyra's town has ever been assigned there in her lifetime.
So, she sets off on a journey away from everything she knows, without knowing what her duty will be. Soon, she discovers that she, along with a small number of school leavers from across the regions, has a special power; a gift that will pit her as a secret protector of the nation.
Only, it's not a gift, it's really a curse, and before long Cyra will learn that her once small world is filled with a great deal more corruption and injustice than she ever thought possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 23, 2017
Didn’t connect with any of the characters. Felt like I was reading the hunger games + divergent. It was just bland. No sense of danger, world building was kind of okay, character development was not there. Dull and tasteless.
July 10, 2016
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through READING DEALS so I could give an honest review.
I want to thank both READING DEALS for the copy and T.C. EDGE for writing this great book it was one that was hard to put away and kept me up all hours of the night reading and wanting more.
Cyra is on a mission to try and stay in her hometown to help with her ailing and dying mother since she is the last in her family because the rest (her father, brothers and sisters) have all been taken away just like so many more before due to the way life is. She tries to fail the exams along with Jackson but it turns out that what they've done turns into so much more than they possibly have bargained for...
I hope that you will take a ride along with Cyra as she takes this journey and find out how things turn out...I know you won't regret it and don't forget to pick up her next book after reading this one for it continues there as well...Happy Reading and enjoy...
I want to thank both READING DEALS for the copy and T.C. EDGE for writing this great book it was one that was hard to put away and kept me up all hours of the night reading and wanting more.
Cyra is on a mission to try and stay in her hometown to help with her ailing and dying mother since she is the last in her family because the rest (her father, brothers and sisters) have all been taken away just like so many more before due to the way life is. She tries to fail the exams along with Jackson but it turns out that what they've done turns into so much more than they possibly have bargained for...
I hope that you will take a ride along with Cyra as she takes this journey and find out how things turn out...I know you won't regret it and don't forget to pick up her next book after reading this one for it continues there as well...Happy Reading and enjoy...
January 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Similar to Divergent and Hunger Games in its premise, the book is taking place in a future dystopia and features a strong female protagonist.
If you enjoy the dystopian sub genre, I would recommend giving this book a read. I enjoyed it a lot.
If you enjoy the dystopian sub genre, I would recommend giving this book a read. I enjoyed it a lot.
March 14, 2019
Great! Absolutely Loved it!!! I just couldn't put the book down until I finished it!!
August 3, 2020
This book had a lot of potential. It initially felt like a mix of Divergent and The Giver, and I think maybe those were inspiration for this tale. I just don't think the execution was there.
While the main character was likable and relatable (as were most of the secondary characters), the plot twists were easy to see, and the writing just wasn't that great. The book seriously needed an editor (check out my highlights and notes for some examples—there were more that I could have done) to take care of spelling, punctuation, and syntax issues, and I think they could have helped focus the story a bit more so it could be among the elite YA dystopian series.
Instead, we have this. And I have no desire to continue the series from this point.
2 out of 5 stars.
While the main character was likable and relatable (as were most of the secondary characters), the plot twists were easy to see, and the writing just wasn't that great. The book seriously needed an editor (check out my highlights and notes for some examples—there were more that I could have done) to take care of spelling, punctuation, and syntax issues, and I think they could have helped focus the story a bit more so it could be among the elite YA dystopian series.
Instead, we have this. And I have no desire to continue the series from this point.
2 out of 5 stars.
March 9, 2019
Ok this book was easy enough to read, I enjoyed the style of writing and it enabled me to read it very quickly.
But this book was soooooo predictable, literally all of the big plot twists I saw coming from a mile away, bar maybe one of them.
I can see why all the reviews claim that it’s like a cross between divergent and the hunger games, because there were so many similarities; a test that decides your future, a wall dividing the dead lands from the new, fear simulations, a rebel movement, and over indulgent capital and underfed main land.
Like seriously it’s practically the same plot, hoping the next book is a bit more varied! xx
But this book was soooooo predictable, literally all of the big plot twists I saw coming from a mile away, bar maybe one of them.
I can see why all the reviews claim that it’s like a cross between divergent and the hunger games, because there were so many similarities; a test that decides your future, a wall dividing the dead lands from the new, fear simulations, a rebel movement, and over indulgent capital and underfed main land.
Like seriously it’s practically the same plot, hoping the next book is a bit more varied! xx
March 9, 2019
NOT. FINISHING. THIS.
👎👎👎👎👎
It seems a promising story! Cyra receives her Call To Duty and off goes our snarky heroine into the great big world!
Generally, after a terrifying incident an author might show a character is in shock by taking little notice of their surroundings and being unable to focus on the future ahead. Will she be in a daze for the whole series?! 😑I'm 40% into the book and I want to shout at her,
"Cyra, your world expanded, it's time for you to deal with it!" 🤷♀️
I'm usually a kind reviewer and I'm certainly no expert, so it speaks volumes that I hated this author's writing style. I'm going to choose a different Dystopian YA instead!
👎👎👎👎👎
It seems a promising story! Cyra receives her Call To Duty and off goes our snarky heroine into the great big world!
Generally, after a terrifying incident an author might show a character is in shock by taking little notice of their surroundings and being unable to focus on the future ahead. Will she be in a daze for the whole series?! 😑I'm 40% into the book and I want to shout at her,
"Cyra, your world expanded, it's time for you to deal with it!" 🤷♀️
I'm usually a kind reviewer and I'm certainly no expert, so it speaks volumes that I hated this author's writing style. I'm going to choose a different Dystopian YA instead!
March 4, 2019
Tl;dr - I had very mixed feelings about this book. It’s an interesting concept, but its tropes are predictable and its main character boring and bratty. The author is definitely not from the United States, so it was a bit odd to read a book set in a dystopian United States with poor geographic orientation and lexical choices more consistent with UK English. It’s worth a read if you have the book, but you may not wish to keep up with the series.
This book was billed as a ‘Hunger Games meets Divergent’ novel, and while that combination could be really interesting, the author unfortunately fell into using a lot of stereotypical tropes that really rang hollow for me: the protagonist taking on extra responsibilities to care for a sick parent; the protagonist questions the status quo but underperforms and keeps their mouth shut so as not to draw attention, etc. As the book went on, these tropes just made every big reveal and plot twist seem predictable.
Characterization felt really hollow, and everyone was very one-note. Cyra, the protagonist, is a jerk throughout the beginning of the book because she’s just too cool and edgy and questioning of the society around her to spare anyone’s feelings. It really just grated on me, and other characters even called her out for unnecessarily being a jerk. Meanwhile, Jackson, one of Cyra’s love interests, is just a general Nice Guy. Her friend Ellie is the sweet but sometimes fragile one.
My biggest issue was with the author writing about the geography of the United States without sufficiently grounding the novel in that geography. It felt like someone had written a story after hearing about some geographic features in the United States without actually doing sufficient research. As something of an aside, geographic location seemed to inform characters’ appearance in a way that seemed very odd - everyone in the capital of Eden had dark hair, and everyone in Cyra’s area of Agricola has blonde/“sun-kissed” hair and golden skin (as Cyra likes to remind us over and over again). I wasn’t quite sure what the point of this was.
The author also referred to things with words more common to UK English, which seemed inconsistent with the setting. Flashlights were torches, and train cars carriages - which is all well and good, but didn’t lend itself to a believable and immersive setting.
All in all, I don’t regret having read this book, but I probably won’t continue with the series.
This book was billed as a ‘Hunger Games meets Divergent’ novel, and while that combination could be really interesting, the author unfortunately fell into using a lot of stereotypical tropes that really rang hollow for me: the protagonist taking on extra responsibilities to care for a sick parent; the protagonist questions the status quo but underperforms and keeps their mouth shut so as not to draw attention, etc. As the book went on, these tropes just made every big reveal and plot twist seem predictable.
Characterization felt really hollow, and everyone was very one-note. Cyra, the protagonist, is a jerk throughout the beginning of the book because she’s just too cool and edgy and questioning of the society around her to spare anyone’s feelings. It really just grated on me, and other characters even called her out for unnecessarily being a jerk. Meanwhile, Jackson, one of Cyra’s love interests, is just a general Nice Guy. Her friend Ellie is the sweet but sometimes fragile one.
My biggest issue was with the author writing about the geography of the United States without sufficiently grounding the novel in that geography. It felt like someone had written a story after hearing about some geographic features in the United States without actually doing sufficient research. As something of an aside, geographic location seemed to inform characters’ appearance in a way that seemed very odd - everyone in the capital of Eden had dark hair, and everyone in Cyra’s area of Agricola has blonde/“sun-kissed” hair and golden skin (as Cyra likes to remind us over and over again). I wasn’t quite sure what the point of this was.
The author also referred to things with words more common to UK English, which seemed inconsistent with the setting. Flashlights were torches, and train cars carriages - which is all well and good, but didn’t lend itself to a believable and immersive setting.
All in all, I don’t regret having read this book, but I probably won’t continue with the series.
November 10, 2016
A father taken from her at an early, remembrance now fading with the years as it's often to do. A mother in the advanced stages of illness, plagued by both kinds of pain. The physical partialy treatable with medication, the emotional is harder to entertain; we can hope it might be relieved in the afterlife, two hopeful endings to her pain. Like other parents her mother's latter pain will be exacerbated today by the school leavers Duty Call testing, which could see her anywhere after today. Roles are important in the times they live, without earning ration tickets, the unencumbered starve. Unlike most her peers, filling in for her mother sees a much earlier start and finish to her days. Life in the so-called right side of the Divide is harder for some. The youngest Drayton burns the candle harder than her siblings and at both ends, but without rations they'd neither have enough food for eating, nor the remainder traded for medication.
A dystopian society brought down by a ravenous virus, Arcadian life is set in a walled off world where only those who can work get to eat. An industry of life run by futuristic technologies, blood, sweat and tears. Roles are assigned and only those assignments are what you're intended for. Subsisting defines how most people live, rations divided according to an assumed contribution to society. Of course, just as in any system there's those that have and those that don't; and then there's those that are positioned above it. Roles define how and where you live, food the supreme currency of exchange. Quotas define what currency is given and most overseers would not have allowed a part-time picker in exchange, not when meeting the quota determines if all of those in their assembly will get enough. Just how Cyra's allocation of a role will affect them after today is just another in a long line of worries. One with the capacity to bring much harm.
Jackson, coming from a family line of picking leaders has been groomed his whole life, so allocation appears for him a formality only, like his siblings before him. His sun and physically groomed body shows, like hers, features that make his appearance more adult like. To Jackson she is known as Cy, and he offers assurances to calm her nerves, telling her that no matter the outcome of allocation her mother will be cared for. Despite this Cyra nonetheless plans to perform only as well as is necessary to ensure a progression from part-time to full-time picker. For her, Jackson's friendship and her mother's situation predetermined her planned fate. Although there does appear the subtlest insinuation that perhaps Jackson desires more for her life, not that Cyra seems cognizant of it.
The process and the day of testing reveal the depth of entrenchment as it is described by those inclined to see past the facade. The catch phrase moniker of "If it's meant to be, it will be" is seen for the mechanism it is in Cyra's eyes, one of many bestowers of false hope. Perhaps through her need and early acceptance over the past few years of her socioeconomic role, Cyra became enlightened to the absurdities professed by the agents of the system. If correct in her appraisal, she can even see it weighing on her principle, despite his role of grooming students for it. Through the Duty Call testing, none from Arbor in her lifetime were known to have escaped the plight of their parents. Regardless of her desires to perform badly, so that she might retain her ability to care for her ailing mother, Cyra was never under any illusions that if she worked hard at the methods of Duty Call that she'd indeed be able to lift her position within the social order.
To her mind picker parents would have picker kids, mining parents would have mining kids, scientist elites begat scientist kids, and so on and so forth. The illusion of hope died out for these hundreds upon hundreds of offspring throughout the locations she heard spoken of, only to be renewed again when children became parents; in the hope that the new generation will be able to lift itself from its disenfranchised roles. Only to restart a new cycle upon the next rung of the ladder. Even the so-called ideal matchings of male to female Pairings being another method of creating hope whilst ensuring the status quo. Yes you read right, even bonding for love is controlled, which is why Cyra's and Jackson's affections had to be contained. The miniscule affections they might be caught showing are the most serious of their infractions.
Against all the odds and her intentionally poor performance, the impossible happens as testers announce her new location to live will be in the capital city Eden. The truth of mother's sickness further twists the knife, that cuts the suffering young woman from all she knows. Visions precipitated by the strange technology used in genetic testing during Duty Call have inextricably come to pass. Dissociative she passes her last day in Arbor in a vigil by her mothers body's cooling side. Awash in grief and the glow of the a dawn the following day, she does the only thing she can: she packs her life so as to leave the past behind. As many of her fellow inhabitants stared on her in disbelief, resentment and jealousy when the announcement was made. Even Jackson could not bring a smile to his face. His own calling wasn't as it was expected either, Jackson is to betaken from his home just as her father was. Called to the Knight's Wall, he'll be a leader, but instead of pickers, it'll be soldiers.
With the official start of why Cyra was assigned to Eden revealed, so too is the greatest shock of all. The genetic testing of Duty Call was never as harmless as it seemed, nor for the purposes reported. The technology, it's lights, lasers and scanners which sank her conscious mind into the realms of visions taking place before their alloted time, was actually the true purpose to it's design. Designed to identify and unlock the secret presence of genes in the smallest number of Arcadians, to locate the Watchers who are quite simply that: they Watch. Much like the Lilitu, or succubi as they're known by another name, Watchers gain the experience of lucid dreaming. Though the ability is varied and the reach even more so, the young trainees speak of a lucid instinct that comes wihth the practised ability to tell them apart.
Therein the experience varies greatly but the underlying thread of lucidity appears as a commonality between Watchers. Cyra, like others in her small recruitment group, have abilities that if mastered correctly, become part of the ways control of Arcadia is maintained. As Watchers are shipped to places of interest to gain precognisant wisdom of the sorts of things that work against the regime, their immersion associates them with the people most likely to be a risk. Such a blatant admittance of their purpose, and even their existence, is of course shunned and to be denied, their training operates under the auspices that they're preventing innocent harm before it occurs.
As the disenfranchisement and the plethora of mechanisms used by Eden, the Council and High Chancellor Knight, to rule over Arcadia begin to take greater clarity in Cyra's mind, the controls and privilege of those in power grow with her awareness proportionately. Even more, her own awareness of her desensitisation becomes her greatest motivator to remain resolute. With particularly strong versions of some abilities sought in Watchers by the management of Eden, Cyra could undoubtedly be a star pupil, if only she would come onboard and commit fully.
Just as Tris of the Divergent Trilogy and Katniss of The Hunger Games shift from potential leaders in their societies to opponents of the regimes which run the same, Cyra secretly holds the keys to the destiny her mother gave her life to bring forth. If she can remain resolute and resist the persuasions of over indulgence whilst escaping the same regime which unlocked and trains her abilities, this young woman might become the saviour that's needed to crack the system wide and expose the lies whilst uniting the proletarians on both sides of the great Divide.
In small but significant ways The Watchers of Eden has components of The Hunger Games meets The Divergent Trilogy. Eden itself could be likened to The Capitol in The Hunger Games blended with the domed central hub where Tris and Four are taken in Allegiant after escaping the walled off city of Chicago. Cyra's and Ellie's guide Leeta has a similar role to that of Katnis' unconventional friend Effie, where although Effie/Leeta know the sales pitches of The Capitol/Eden they deep down can see the injustices, but choose to avoid acknowledgement unless under duress. Importantly though it would be a mistake to think they're mimicry, as very important differences occur.
Factions and Districts combine to make regions, which through geographical purpose and isolation, are divided into purposes for resource contribution to the whole body of society. As in the Districts only those fulfilling their alloted purpose and/or living within the Districts are allocated meager portions of rations based on their assumed importance to the hierarchy. And as with the Games where Districts have a mechanism of hope that their recruits will earn greater reward, and in the test for allocation to a Faction, individuals of the Duty Call have a mechanism of hope that they can earn higher rewards/rations/esteem through the ratings their tests assign them.
These are loose comparisons though and any strict adherence based on these well known dystopian ideologies should be avoided. The unique contribution to the storylines by the lore which comes with Watchers very much adds a significant fantasy element missing from the aforementioned tools. In this way the series herein is firmly taken into the Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction-Fantasy genres. The comparisons above are because they're widely known since completion of the movie series of the same names, and are mentioned in the hope they'll show the many captivating sorts of elements of the storylines herein. Not because they are the same. Intriguing characters and social order, combined with the scientific presence of fantastical elements in the plot, bridge the gap between dystopia and fantasy such that readers get flavours of both.
Lovable and diabolic characters, mystery and suspense, intrigue and entertainment, the list of adjectives could go on. Moving storylines combined with a world of alternate reality experiencing the same problems accompanying so many worlds regardless of time, space and culture. The thirsts of those without power who seek it and the drive of those who have it and will stop at nothing to keep it, are amongst the most destructive natures of human social organisation regardless of the technologies used to enforce those wills. Whilst there are numerous examples throughout fiction novels that are based around the notions of watchers given gifts to look after humankind, the principles herein are unique enough to be separated from the rest.
If you read this, you'll be pleased with series idea whilst enjoying T.C. Edge's style. Ideas are expressed freely and fluently without going into needless descriptions to bring forth the imagery of the Arcadian world. The novel is complete in it's own right but still finishes at a new beginning and somewhat of a cliffhanger too. Effective to say the least, the cliffhanger is not totally unseen; which should lower any frustrations that can be precipitated by having read a great book only to finish at partial ends. A definite 5 ☆☆☆☆ book and tantalising opener to a new series with must read novels to come. I always love it when stumbling upon a new author you know you'll need to follow, as the possibilities are refreshed every time.
A dystopian society brought down by a ravenous virus, Arcadian life is set in a walled off world where only those who can work get to eat. An industry of life run by futuristic technologies, blood, sweat and tears. Roles are assigned and only those assignments are what you're intended for. Subsisting defines how most people live, rations divided according to an assumed contribution to society. Of course, just as in any system there's those that have and those that don't; and then there's those that are positioned above it. Roles define how and where you live, food the supreme currency of exchange. Quotas define what currency is given and most overseers would not have allowed a part-time picker in exchange, not when meeting the quota determines if all of those in their assembly will get enough. Just how Cyra's allocation of a role will affect them after today is just another in a long line of worries. One with the capacity to bring much harm.
Jackson, coming from a family line of picking leaders has been groomed his whole life, so allocation appears for him a formality only, like his siblings before him. His sun and physically groomed body shows, like hers, features that make his appearance more adult like. To Jackson she is known as Cy, and he offers assurances to calm her nerves, telling her that no matter the outcome of allocation her mother will be cared for. Despite this Cyra nonetheless plans to perform only as well as is necessary to ensure a progression from part-time to full-time picker. For her, Jackson's friendship and her mother's situation predetermined her planned fate. Although there does appear the subtlest insinuation that perhaps Jackson desires more for her life, not that Cyra seems cognizant of it.
The process and the day of testing reveal the depth of entrenchment as it is described by those inclined to see past the facade. The catch phrase moniker of "If it's meant to be, it will be" is seen for the mechanism it is in Cyra's eyes, one of many bestowers of false hope. Perhaps through her need and early acceptance over the past few years of her socioeconomic role, Cyra became enlightened to the absurdities professed by the agents of the system. If correct in her appraisal, she can even see it weighing on her principle, despite his role of grooming students for it. Through the Duty Call testing, none from Arbor in her lifetime were known to have escaped the plight of their parents. Regardless of her desires to perform badly, so that she might retain her ability to care for her ailing mother, Cyra was never under any illusions that if she worked hard at the methods of Duty Call that she'd indeed be able to lift her position within the social order.
To her mind picker parents would have picker kids, mining parents would have mining kids, scientist elites begat scientist kids, and so on and so forth. The illusion of hope died out for these hundreds upon hundreds of offspring throughout the locations she heard spoken of, only to be renewed again when children became parents; in the hope that the new generation will be able to lift itself from its disenfranchised roles. Only to restart a new cycle upon the next rung of the ladder. Even the so-called ideal matchings of male to female Pairings being another method of creating hope whilst ensuring the status quo. Yes you read right, even bonding for love is controlled, which is why Cyra's and Jackson's affections had to be contained. The miniscule affections they might be caught showing are the most serious of their infractions.
Against all the odds and her intentionally poor performance, the impossible happens as testers announce her new location to live will be in the capital city Eden. The truth of mother's sickness further twists the knife, that cuts the suffering young woman from all she knows. Visions precipitated by the strange technology used in genetic testing during Duty Call have inextricably come to pass. Dissociative she passes her last day in Arbor in a vigil by her mothers body's cooling side. Awash in grief and the glow of the a dawn the following day, she does the only thing she can: she packs her life so as to leave the past behind. As many of her fellow inhabitants stared on her in disbelief, resentment and jealousy when the announcement was made. Even Jackson could not bring a smile to his face. His own calling wasn't as it was expected either, Jackson is to betaken from his home just as her father was. Called to the Knight's Wall, he'll be a leader, but instead of pickers, it'll be soldiers.
With the official start of why Cyra was assigned to Eden revealed, so too is the greatest shock of all. The genetic testing of Duty Call was never as harmless as it seemed, nor for the purposes reported. The technology, it's lights, lasers and scanners which sank her conscious mind into the realms of visions taking place before their alloted time, was actually the true purpose to it's design. Designed to identify and unlock the secret presence of genes in the smallest number of Arcadians, to locate the Watchers who are quite simply that: they Watch. Much like the Lilitu, or succubi as they're known by another name, Watchers gain the experience of lucid dreaming. Though the ability is varied and the reach even more so, the young trainees speak of a lucid instinct that comes wihth the practised ability to tell them apart.
Therein the experience varies greatly but the underlying thread of lucidity appears as a commonality between Watchers. Cyra, like others in her small recruitment group, have abilities that if mastered correctly, become part of the ways control of Arcadia is maintained. As Watchers are shipped to places of interest to gain precognisant wisdom of the sorts of things that work against the regime, their immersion associates them with the people most likely to be a risk. Such a blatant admittance of their purpose, and even their existence, is of course shunned and to be denied, their training operates under the auspices that they're preventing innocent harm before it occurs.
As the disenfranchisement and the plethora of mechanisms used by Eden, the Council and High Chancellor Knight, to rule over Arcadia begin to take greater clarity in Cyra's mind, the controls and privilege of those in power grow with her awareness proportionately. Even more, her own awareness of her desensitisation becomes her greatest motivator to remain resolute. With particularly strong versions of some abilities sought in Watchers by the management of Eden, Cyra could undoubtedly be a star pupil, if only she would come onboard and commit fully.
Just as Tris of the Divergent Trilogy and Katniss of The Hunger Games shift from potential leaders in their societies to opponents of the regimes which run the same, Cyra secretly holds the keys to the destiny her mother gave her life to bring forth. If she can remain resolute and resist the persuasions of over indulgence whilst escaping the same regime which unlocked and trains her abilities, this young woman might become the saviour that's needed to crack the system wide and expose the lies whilst uniting the proletarians on both sides of the great Divide.
In small but significant ways The Watchers of Eden has components of The Hunger Games meets The Divergent Trilogy. Eden itself could be likened to The Capitol in The Hunger Games blended with the domed central hub where Tris and Four are taken in Allegiant after escaping the walled off city of Chicago. Cyra's and Ellie's guide Leeta has a similar role to that of Katnis' unconventional friend Effie, where although Effie/Leeta know the sales pitches of The Capitol/Eden they deep down can see the injustices, but choose to avoid acknowledgement unless under duress. Importantly though it would be a mistake to think they're mimicry, as very important differences occur.
Factions and Districts combine to make regions, which through geographical purpose and isolation, are divided into purposes for resource contribution to the whole body of society. As in the Districts only those fulfilling their alloted purpose and/or living within the Districts are allocated meager portions of rations based on their assumed importance to the hierarchy. And as with the Games where Districts have a mechanism of hope that their recruits will earn greater reward, and in the test for allocation to a Faction, individuals of the Duty Call have a mechanism of hope that they can earn higher rewards/rations/esteem through the ratings their tests assign them.
These are loose comparisons though and any strict adherence based on these well known dystopian ideologies should be avoided. The unique contribution to the storylines by the lore which comes with Watchers very much adds a significant fantasy element missing from the aforementioned tools. In this way the series herein is firmly taken into the Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction-Fantasy genres. The comparisons above are because they're widely known since completion of the movie series of the same names, and are mentioned in the hope they'll show the many captivating sorts of elements of the storylines herein. Not because they are the same. Intriguing characters and social order, combined with the scientific presence of fantastical elements in the plot, bridge the gap between dystopia and fantasy such that readers get flavours of both.
Lovable and diabolic characters, mystery and suspense, intrigue and entertainment, the list of adjectives could go on. Moving storylines combined with a world of alternate reality experiencing the same problems accompanying so many worlds regardless of time, space and culture. The thirsts of those without power who seek it and the drive of those who have it and will stop at nothing to keep it, are amongst the most destructive natures of human social organisation regardless of the technologies used to enforce those wills. Whilst there are numerous examples throughout fiction novels that are based around the notions of watchers given gifts to look after humankind, the principles herein are unique enough to be separated from the rest.
If you read this, you'll be pleased with series idea whilst enjoying T.C. Edge's style. Ideas are expressed freely and fluently without going into needless descriptions to bring forth the imagery of the Arcadian world. The novel is complete in it's own right but still finishes at a new beginning and somewhat of a cliffhanger too. Effective to say the least, the cliffhanger is not totally unseen; which should lower any frustrations that can be precipitated by having read a great book only to finish at partial ends. A definite 5 ☆☆☆☆ book and tantalising opener to a new series with must read novels to come. I always love it when stumbling upon a new author you know you'll need to follow, as the possibilities are refreshed every time.
March 14, 2019
*A copy was provided by Kobo for free. This is an honest review.*
"I write about everything that has meaning to me and everything I feel passionate about. All in the hope that, one day, when there's nothing left of me, I'll be able to read my words and maybe, just maybe, remember who I was."
The Watchers of Eden was described as a book that is similar to Divergent and The Hunger Games but I personally think it is so much better. As someone who couldn't even get into the second book of the Divergent series and not even a single chapter of The Hunger Games, this book I devoured and longed to read every day. I even spent my mornings in the office dreaming about finishing this book on my commute back home.
Duty Calls, the concept of taking a series of tests that challenges and identifies your strengths and categorising it in a way that could best serve the country. Wherever they send you, that's where you go for the rest of your life, no siblings, no parents - just you to start your new life. Stripped away from Agricola, her loved ones and the life she once knew, Cyra is losing a part of herself day by day.
Tough and rebellious against the system, Cyra tries to remind herself of who she is. Being a watcher, she is expected to tell the commander of what visions she had seen from the future. But on some occasions, things became a bit odd and she questions who she can trust from Eden and her newfound friends.
Some parts of this was predictable but I loved it still. I loved the protagonist and her forced (by the idea of Pairing) partner, who I ended up loving in the end. I love everyone's character development and the plot twists in the story. The world-building was cleverly thought out and well executed, it would've been better if there's a map though, since it would be very satisfying and interesting to see what the world looked like since there were many cities.
My only problem with it was that towards the ending, it changed to a rather quick pace. The transition from being attacked to their new location happened so suddenly that I can't help but to think that it's because the author had no idea how to write it out. It seemed very abrupt compared to the consistently well-written book. I also (very softly) yelled in the bus when I reached the end of the book. I personally wished that the author chose a better name since I can't help but to be reminded of a certain pop singer and it ruined the whole feeling for me.
Overall, I loved this book a lot, enough to close an eye for the abrupt transition and rate it a 5 star.
"I write about everything that has meaning to me and everything I feel passionate about. All in the hope that, one day, when there's nothing left of me, I'll be able to read my words and maybe, just maybe, remember who I was."
The Watchers of Eden was described as a book that is similar to Divergent and The Hunger Games but I personally think it is so much better. As someone who couldn't even get into the second book of the Divergent series and not even a single chapter of The Hunger Games, this book I devoured and longed to read every day. I even spent my mornings in the office dreaming about finishing this book on my commute back home.
Duty Calls, the concept of taking a series of tests that challenges and identifies your strengths and categorising it in a way that could best serve the country. Wherever they send you, that's where you go for the rest of your life, no siblings, no parents - just you to start your new life. Stripped away from Agricola, her loved ones and the life she once knew, Cyra is losing a part of herself day by day.
Tough and rebellious against the system, Cyra tries to remind herself of who she is. Being a watcher, she is expected to tell the commander of what visions she had seen from the future. But on some occasions, things became a bit odd and she questions who she can trust from Eden and her newfound friends.
Some parts of this was predictable but I loved it still. I loved the protagonist and her forced (by the idea of Pairing) partner, who I ended up loving in the end. I love everyone's character development and the plot twists in the story. The world-building was cleverly thought out and well executed, it would've been better if there's a map though, since it would be very satisfying and interesting to see what the world looked like since there were many cities.
My only problem with it was that towards the ending, it changed to a rather quick pace. The transition from being attacked to their new location happened so suddenly that I can't help but to think that it's because the author had no idea how to write it out. It seemed very abrupt compared to the consistently well-written book. I also (very softly) yelled in the bus when I reached the end of the book. I personally wished that the author chose a better name since I can't help but to be reminded of a certain pop singer and it ruined the whole feeling for me.
Overall, I loved this book a lot, enough to close an eye for the abrupt transition and rate it a 5 star.
December 14, 2017
Despite the rotten grammar issues and horribly inaccurate scientific theories, this Hunger Games/Divergent/Giver/Match rip- off was actually an engaging read.
But that is the only positive side, in my opinion.
There are too many similarities to list when it comes to the mash-up, so I won't list them. However, what I will say is that this could potentially be a good read if it got a massive clean up.
Let's start with research:
The inaccurate science really made my blood boil. Despite the hoohaw over global warming, there is no plausible way the ocean could rise as much as the author states. Displacement theory alone kills the idea. Water World is a total farce, by the way! Not to mention there was a complete disregard for elevation.
Then, there is the idea that skyscrapers could survive for hundreds of years, poking out of the sea bottom, with most of the structure under water, and remain intact. Huh? Salt water and metal don't mix! Not to mention the pressure of the level of water described would smash glass and destroy the structural integrity of the buildings over the amount of time described.
Okay, now that that is out of the way, let's discuss inaccuracies in the story.
If every person has to scan their barcode every day for their duties to count, then how on earth was Cyra able to work for her mother? Wouldn't her mother have to scan her code? This really bothered me. By definition, her mother would have starved ages ago.
The spatial awareness needs work as well. Looking at a map and keeping track of where the cities are would be helpful to avoid messing this kind of thing up.
Okay, moving on. spoilers ahead* When Jackson died, I really thought this might turn out better than I originally estimated. Nope! Cliche predictability strikes again! Placing the main character in...wait for it...Another stupid teen love triangle!
The reveal of her Dad still being alive was also another massively easy prediction. As was the pairing with Theo.
And Leeta is the perfect Effie Trinket clone. End of spoilers.*
Not sure the writing style is engaging enough to contiue.
For my clean readers:
Language is limited to a standard few, but thankfully, no f-words. Includes massive amounts of violence, descriptive gore, and mental torture. Love and romance was limited to a few kisses here and there, with little in the way of description.
But that is the only positive side, in my opinion.
There are too many similarities to list when it comes to the mash-up, so I won't list them. However, what I will say is that this could potentially be a good read if it got a massive clean up.
Let's start with research:
The inaccurate science really made my blood boil. Despite the hoohaw over global warming, there is no plausible way the ocean could rise as much as the author states. Displacement theory alone kills the idea. Water World is a total farce, by the way! Not to mention there was a complete disregard for elevation.
Then, there is the idea that skyscrapers could survive for hundreds of years, poking out of the sea bottom, with most of the structure under water, and remain intact. Huh? Salt water and metal don't mix! Not to mention the pressure of the level of water described would smash glass and destroy the structural integrity of the buildings over the amount of time described.
Okay, now that that is out of the way, let's discuss inaccuracies in the story.
If every person has to scan their barcode every day for their duties to count, then how on earth was Cyra able to work for her mother? Wouldn't her mother have to scan her code? This really bothered me. By definition, her mother would have starved ages ago.
The spatial awareness needs work as well. Looking at a map and keeping track of where the cities are would be helpful to avoid messing this kind of thing up.
Okay, moving on. spoilers ahead* When Jackson died, I really thought this might turn out better than I originally estimated. Nope! Cliche predictability strikes again! Placing the main character in...wait for it...Another stupid teen love triangle!
The reveal of her Dad still being alive was also another massively easy prediction. As was the pairing with Theo.
And Leeta is the perfect Effie Trinket clone. End of spoilers.*
Not sure the writing style is engaging enough to contiue.
For my clean readers:
Language is limited to a standard few, but thankfully, no f-words. Includes massive amounts of violence, descriptive gore, and mental torture. Love and romance was limited to a few kisses here and there, with little in the way of description.
December 10, 2016
This story is one set in the future, when the USA has been divided by civil unrest and the people of one side are ruled by the need for rations and these are only given to those that work. The designation of what the person's work is to be, is found from a test carried out at the age of 16. The same as who you are paired with, to ensure the best genetic match for children this pairing may produce. The people in this culture are told that those who do not abide by the laws, will be cast off beyond the Divide. An area where urban myth purports cannibalism to be rife.
This story follows Cyra, through the Duty testing and the results. The move from family and friends, to take up her designated duties. The travel across the country, and final arrival in Eden, the city built out in the ocean.
You experience her training and pairing. I want go further with what you see through Cyra's eyes. It is an amazing story, and one I will continue with the next book in the Trilogy.
This story follows Cyra, through the Duty testing and the results. The move from family and friends, to take up her designated duties. The travel across the country, and final arrival in Eden, the city built out in the ocean.
You experience her training and pairing. I want go further with what you see through Cyra's eyes. It is an amazing story, and one I will continue with the next book in the Trilogy.
July 20, 2020
Okay, I am pretty easy going about fiction and I love a good dystopian novel. Overall, I liked the story, But good golly this guy needs a good editor. The inconsistencies and grammatical errors drove me crazy. First of all pick one, write in American English or British English, don’t jump back and forth. Second of all know your homophones, it’s weak, as in lacking strength, not week as in counting days. I found myself having to really focus on what he was trying to say because some of the sentence structure was so poor. That said, I’m no quitter and I did finish the book. It does have a bit of a divergent feel and is pretty predictable but that doesn’t bother me too much. I will try the next one in the series, in hopes that his writing quality improves, but I’m not overly hopeful. Really, sir, go through and edit your book again, I truly thought it might have been written by a 15 year old.
October 27, 2017
A good start to the series
Cyra and Jackson were closer than friends but not romantic due to their youth and the laws. They were torn from their home and each other and Cyra was sent to Eden, which was just a gilded cage and not the heaven she was hoping for. The story seemed a bit slow at times and more background on the others like Linc and Ellie would make the characters more relatable. Not too many surprises and I agree with the other comment that their journey to the wall could have been more perilous and dramatic but it was over before it had begun. I would have liked the story more if all of the characters could have survived. Hopefully there will be no love triangle as that is a bit ordinary and I am swinging more towards Theo has he has risked everything for Cyra. Tine will tell who will win her heart.
Cyra and Jackson were closer than friends but not romantic due to their youth and the laws. They were torn from their home and each other and Cyra was sent to Eden, which was just a gilded cage and not the heaven she was hoping for. The story seemed a bit slow at times and more background on the others like Linc and Ellie would make the characters more relatable. Not too many surprises and I agree with the other comment that their journey to the wall could have been more perilous and dramatic but it was over before it had begun. I would have liked the story more if all of the characters could have survived. Hopefully there will be no love triangle as that is a bit ordinary and I am swinging more towards Theo has he has risked everything for Cyra. Tine will tell who will win her heart.
May 30, 2018
Awesome Storyline - Editing Isn't Great Though
I would have given 5☆ if it weren't for the editing mistakes I came across. 17 in total. I've read books with more mistakes but that's quite a few missed...
The story is awesome though; a hint of Hunger Games, Divergent, The Testing, and The Union sagas all mixed with a cool premise of "The Watchers" gifts which sets it apart from the others. I like how the author skipped over some parts of the journey to keep the storyline moving. From time to time, there were some repeated thoughts that probably could've been removed without damaging the story. All in all, I loved it and cant wait to read the second book. I've already purchased it!!!!! Thanks T.C. Edge!
I would have given 5☆ if it weren't for the editing mistakes I came across. 17 in total. I've read books with more mistakes but that's quite a few missed...
The story is awesome though; a hint of Hunger Games, Divergent, The Testing, and The Union sagas all mixed with a cool premise of "The Watchers" gifts which sets it apart from the others. I like how the author skipped over some parts of the journey to keep the storyline moving. From time to time, there were some repeated thoughts that probably could've been removed without damaging the story. All in all, I loved it and cant wait to read the second book. I've already purchased it!!!!! Thanks T.C. Edge!
June 5, 2024
The Watchers of Eden is the first book of a young adult dystopian series. T.C. Edge creates a world that is frighteningly possible in the days of global warming, international unrest and loose-cannon presidential candidates. The story follows the story of Cyra, whose world changes when she undergoes Duty Call and is selected to travel to the artificial island of Eden.
This novel is fast-paced, and I found myself wanting to discover what happens next. Violent and bleak, the world created is very believable, and far too possible. The characters are a little flat, but the action makes up for that. Teens will love this as the plot twists and turns, and some people have superpowers. A good read, and a book that will make you want to read the next in the series.
This novel is fast-paced, and I found myself wanting to discover what happens next. Violent and bleak, the world created is very believable, and far too possible. The characters are a little flat, but the action makes up for that. Teens will love this as the plot twists and turns, and some people have superpowers. A good read, and a book that will make you want to read the next in the series.
June 9, 2017
Actually pretty decent
At first I wasn't really connecting with Cyra, the main character. Maybe it was because some her thoughts were very repetitive, like I get she just wants to take care of her mother, I don't need to be told that 10 times in 3 pages. As I read on though, the story definitely got way better.
I really enjoyed how realistic her feelings were. I absolutely loathe when someone who means a lot to a character dies and then they get over it like its nothing. Every character has feelings that are easy to relate to and needs time to recover when something traumatic happens.
Overall good book. Will definitely read the next one
At first I wasn't really connecting with Cyra, the main character. Maybe it was because some her thoughts were very repetitive, like I get she just wants to take care of her mother, I don't need to be told that 10 times in 3 pages. As I read on though, the story definitely got way better.
I really enjoyed how realistic her feelings were. I absolutely loathe when someone who means a lot to a character dies and then they get over it like its nothing. Every character has feelings that are easy to relate to and needs time to recover when something traumatic happens.
Overall good book. Will definitely read the next one
March 1, 2019
Not the best writing I've read, but I'm totally sold on the premise. I give it a solid 3.6 out of five stars.
While I like the main character, I've completely bought into Edge's recreation of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic US. Stories in that genre are my Kryptonite, and Edge has come up with a unique twist (although I hope we're going to get a glimpse at how this "mutation" for lack of a better word came about).
Thankfully, the trilogy is in KU for free, so I don't have to invest money when I'm scanning the narrative to get to the good parts. I wouldn't keep reading if there weren't "good parts"!
While I like the main character, I've completely bought into Edge's recreation of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic US. Stories in that genre are my Kryptonite, and Edge has come up with a unique twist (although I hope we're going to get a glimpse at how this "mutation" for lack of a better word came about).
Thankfully, the trilogy is in KU for free, so I don't have to invest money when I'm scanning the narrative to get to the good parts. I wouldn't keep reading if there weren't "good parts"!
July 26, 2019
2.5 stars
An engaging read that I raced through and enjoyed, but ultimately for me it was too similar to other YA dystopian series.
I liked Cyra as a character but I could have done with more chemistry between her and Jackson and Theo and Ellie. All their friendships/relationships felt fairly shallow and I found it hard to believe in how much they cared for each other.
I loved Ajax though, I definitely need more backstory on that guy. And the worldbuilding was good, I liked the concepts and potential implications.
All in all, an enjoyable read but it didn't stand out against others I've read along similar lines.
An engaging read that I raced through and enjoyed, but ultimately for me it was too similar to other YA dystopian series.
I liked Cyra as a character but I could have done with more chemistry between her and Jackson and Theo and Ellie. All their friendships/relationships felt fairly shallow and I found it hard to believe in how much they cared for each other.
I loved Ajax though, I definitely need more backstory on that guy. And the worldbuilding was good, I liked the concepts and potential implications.
All in all, an enjoyable read but it didn't stand out against others I've read along similar lines.
September 21, 2017
This book was good and more of a young adult tile, but could be also enjoyed by adults, and it reminded me a lot of “Divergent” with lots of similarities. I think the author does a good job of getting you involved with the characters, and you do feel as if you are part of the action and you will daydream here and there wishing you had some of the abilities of the main characters. I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its regular price of $2.99, and I received a lot more than $2.99 of entertainment value out of it. I’m interested to see where the continuing story leads us.
June 23, 2018
This one seemed to start slow for me and definitely reminded me of a few other books I have read. However, as I continued the story began to become its own unique journey.
I had trouble with Cyra - in the beginning due to her self Focus and selfishness - but as she began to grow and develop I came to enjoy her story more. Not really sure if I like either of the romantic interests - both seem to be hiding secrets from her (a bit predictable). Some of the twists and turns of this journey were a bit predictable but overall an enjoyable read.
I had trouble with Cyra - in the beginning due to her self Focus and selfishness - but as she began to grow and develop I came to enjoy her story more. Not really sure if I like either of the romantic interests - both seem to be hiding secrets from her (a bit predictable). Some of the twists and turns of this journey were a bit predictable but overall an enjoyable read.
May 25, 2019
This is book four of my second summer of free amazon books (2.4)
It’s a totally readable book, and the main char’s snarky commentary is quite to my liking :) I liked the worldbuilding idea, though lots of stuff is just brought into existence without explanation. It has a very clear dichotomy between good and bad, following the path of the traditional hero-story. This ofc makes it a bit predictable, and the worn out YA Dystopian tropes used is not really helping.
Still, I enjoyed it. It’s a nice summer read, easily plowed through in a day :)
It’s a totally readable book, and the main char’s snarky commentary is quite to my liking :) I liked the worldbuilding idea, though lots of stuff is just brought into existence without explanation. It has a very clear dichotomy between good and bad, following the path of the traditional hero-story. This ofc makes it a bit predictable, and the worn out YA Dystopian tropes used is not really helping.
Still, I enjoyed it. It’s a nice summer read, easily plowed through in a day :)
February 10, 2020
This is an enjoyable story, similar to others I have read but the characters are intriguing and the sense of place excellent - there is a definite reality despite it being fiction; this because it resonates with the corruption of those in power throughout history and today.
It's well written (although it does have a number of grammatical issues), fast-paced and a great plot. For a YA readership and tackles important topics like loyalty, expectations, bullying and lies.
A recommended read.
It's well written (although it does have a number of grammatical issues), fast-paced and a great plot. For a YA readership and tackles important topics like loyalty, expectations, bullying and lies.
A recommended read.
May 1, 2020
Enjoyed
I came here as a fan of the enhanced series. Now I am a fan of this series. I will be reading the 2nd one right away. It did take a long time to build and the end wouldn't be satisfactory in a stand alone book. I do prefer series that of course leave you on a cliffhanger, but you should get a full story before that. This didn't have that, but I still enjoyed it. It's definitely a heck of a prologue! Give it a read if you like dystopian scenarios with AI and corrupt leaders. I could see all of this being real life.
I came here as a fan of the enhanced series. Now I am a fan of this series. I will be reading the 2nd one right away. It did take a long time to build and the end wouldn't be satisfactory in a stand alone book. I do prefer series that of course leave you on a cliffhanger, but you should get a full story before that. This didn't have that, but I still enjoyed it. It's definitely a heck of a prologue! Give it a read if you like dystopian scenarios with AI and corrupt leaders. I could see all of this being real life.
June 27, 2018
Very interesting and intriguing novel. It is definitely reminiscient of Divergent, Hunger Games and other dystopic literature. It feels like you are watching a movie from beginning to end. I am excited to read the second novel in the series. The only downside was the terrible editing. I found countless grammatical and spelling mistakes. Makes me question if this was privately published or something.
did-not-finish
May 21, 2023I’m currently going through the oldest unread ebooks on my reader to see if I still want to read them… and so far, they have all been dnfs 😂.
I’ve read the first maybe three chapters and then skipped around a bit; but I never got interested in the story and the writing style felt very basic/wattpad-like. I guess if I had read this book around 2015/16 I would have liked it, but now it would be like a 3 ⭐️ read at best and honestly, there are way too many good books out there waiting for me
I’ve read the first maybe three chapters and then skipped around a bit; but I never got interested in the story and the writing style felt very basic/wattpad-like. I guess if I had read this book around 2015/16 I would have liked it, but now it would be like a 3 ⭐️ read at best and honestly, there are way too many good books out there waiting for me
January 28, 2024
that was pretty good! Not a fan of series, however, so will probably read the sample for the rest until maybe the last one? Depends if the samples hold my interest - i really like a complete novel in one book & tend to get bored by 2nd in a series because i want a resolution to the story in first book more than the details of how they got there. I'm afraid this is gonna turn into a romance which will truly ruin it for me.
September 3, 2017
I feel as if I became a part of Cyras life. From the fist page she came alive. I love reading T.C. Edge he has a way of drawing you into the story and you become invested in the characters and their outcome. It is very rare that I am sad while reading because I know the end is getting closer. On to Book 2 📚😀
August 24, 2018
Amazing
And here was me thinking T.C. Edge couldn't possibility write yet another great series, but I was wrong. I think this is my new favourite it bests Divergent and Hunger Games as though it gave them the mother of all smack downs! Can't wait to read more, I NEED to know what happens next.
And here was me thinking T.C. Edge couldn't possibility write yet another great series, but I was wrong. I think this is my new favourite it bests Divergent and Hunger Games as though it gave them the mother of all smack downs! Can't wait to read more, I NEED to know what happens next.
August 30, 2018
A great read!!
This book was a pleasant surprise. Filled with action, fast paced story telling and a sci fi spin that's very interesting. Great characters, mainly Cyra because I just love a main female who is full of grit and sass. Theo grew on me through the book too, I look forward to how his and Cyras relationship develops.
Really looking forward to the next book!!
This book was a pleasant surprise. Filled with action, fast paced story telling and a sci fi spin that's very interesting. Great characters, mainly Cyra because I just love a main female who is full of grit and sass. Theo grew on me through the book too, I look forward to how his and Cyras relationship develops.
Really looking forward to the next book!!
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