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The World Walker #2
The Unmaking Engine
★★★★★"Exciting, fast paced, well written, brilliant story."★★★★★An experiment that began 2.8 billion years ago is about to end…
Seb Varden is starting to get used to life as a World Walker. With a body full of alien nanotechnology, the ability to travel anywhere instantly and - most surprising of all - a steady relationship with Meera Patel, things are finally looking up.
Until Seb has his first blackout, starts meeting aliens and discovers a plan that threatens the entire human race. And, of course, Mason, the most dangerous Manna user, picks this particular moment to come after him and Meera.
Scariest of all, Seb is learning his transformation into a World Walker is far from complete…
Monkeys, aliens, nanotechnology, science fiction, fantasy, the metaphysical, parallel universes, music, psychopaths, A.I., a magic tech spider, The Unmaking Engine has it all, including the explanation of how all life on earth began. Did I mention monkeys?
★★★★★“Exciting, fast paced, well written, brilliant story.”★★★★★
★★★★★“I haven't been this hooked on a book for ages!”★★★★★
★★★★★"Can be enjoyed by lovers of any and all genres."★★★★★
★★★★★“The pacing of the book was excellent, I couldn't put it down.”★★★★★
★★★★★"If Ian Sainsbury can keep this up, he will become one of the unmissables."★★★★★
Seb Varden is starting to get used to life as a World Walker. With a body full of alien nanotechnology, the ability to travel anywhere instantly and - most surprising of all - a steady relationship with Meera Patel, things are finally looking up.
Until Seb has his first blackout, starts meeting aliens and discovers a plan that threatens the entire human race. And, of course, Mason, the most dangerous Manna user, picks this particular moment to come after him and Meera.
Scariest of all, Seb is learning his transformation into a World Walker is far from complete…
Monkeys, aliens, nanotechnology, science fiction, fantasy, the metaphysical, parallel universes, music, psychopaths, A.I., a magic tech spider, The Unmaking Engine has it all, including the explanation of how all life on earth began. Did I mention monkeys?
★★★★★“Exciting, fast paced, well written, brilliant story.”★★★★★
★★★★★“I haven't been this hooked on a book for ages!”★★★★★
★★★★★"Can be enjoyed by lovers of any and all genres."★★★★★
★★★★★“The pacing of the book was excellent, I couldn't put it down.”★★★★★
★★★★★"If Ian Sainsbury can keep this up, he will become one of the unmissables."★★★★★
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2016
730 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Ian W. Sainsbury
28 books218 followersIan W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 11, 2016
Twwsb2
The sequel to book one answers a few questions left at the end of book 1. It has also made me reconsider our species and whether we are suitable to be top of the food chain. This thought provoking book has the reader seriously thinking about consequences of actions and why some people are good and others bad. I am a believer in personal responsibility as a first and community responsibility second. Can we blame our upbringing for the bad things we do?
The sequel to book one answers a few questions left at the end of book 1. It has also made me reconsider our species and whether we are suitable to be top of the food chain. This thought provoking book has the reader seriously thinking about consequences of actions and why some people are good and others bad. I am a believer in personal responsibility as a first and community responsibility second. Can we blame our upbringing for the bad things we do?
June 9, 2020
Notes:
3 Stars for Audiobook, 2 Stars for Story
Well, poo. All of the elements that I enjoyed in the first book are 90% absent in this one. The first book was a lot of showing the reader what was going on with a bit of tell. This one is 95% tell the reader.
This installment is a poorly constructed transition piece that takes away all mystery. I'll take a break for a bit before I dive into the last two books. I already bought them so I'll go ahead and read them at some point.
3 Stars for Audiobook, 2 Stars for Story
Well, poo. All of the elements that I enjoyed in the first book are 90% absent in this one. The first book was a lot of showing the reader what was going on with a bit of tell. This one is 95% tell the reader.
This installment is a poorly constructed transition piece that takes away all mystery. I'll take a break for a bit before I dive into the last two books. I already bought them so I'll go ahead and read them at some point.
April 28, 2017
Funny at times, mostly enjoyable. I wouldn't mind reading the third book, if I can get to it, though I've got the feeling the author has been enjoying this story way more than I am :D You can sort of feel it in some instances, the way his childhood dreams are realised in his writing...
Endless possibilities are very appealing to me, but not quite the direction in which this series is going. Still...I'm curious to see what happens next :)
Endless possibilities are very appealing to me, but not quite the direction in which this series is going. Still...I'm curious to see what happens next :)
October 25, 2017
This continues to be an original and engaging story with sub-par copy editing.
One star off for the "to be continued" style ending.
One star off for the "to be continued" style ending.
January 27, 2018
Excellent continuation of the story, the author is ruthless when it comes to killing off pivotal characters, to the point that you get this paranoid feeling that no one is safe, which makes for a fun ride through the story.
July 13, 2017
Brilliant
Ive really enjoyed reading these books. The author has created characters that are likeable and relatable. How Mee described Seb as changed not in a bad way but like from caterpillar to butterfly is a perfect analogy. Im intrigued to see whats next install for seb and where his journey will take him. Well done Mr Sainsbury a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Ive really enjoyed reading these books. The author has created characters that are likeable and relatable. How Mee described Seb as changed not in a bad way but like from caterpillar to butterfly is a perfect analogy. Im intrigued to see whats next install for seb and where his journey will take him. Well done Mr Sainsbury a thoroughly enjoyable read!
October 22, 2017
In short: Brilliant. Inspired.
Full review:
I'm going to review all four books in one as I read them back to back. I'm fairly fortunate in that I come to Ian's books late and he had completed the quadrilogy. Lucky for me really. I'm a lover or the larger books as I really like to submerge myself into the story and characters. So for me the four books make one sizeable book, split into four parts. I strongly recommend reading all four back2back and in order. Yes each one can be read separately, and each story stands on its own. But in my opinion, all four books work best together as one epic tale.
The four books chart story of Sebastian Varden. A middling successful musician who starts the first novel as someone about to commit suicide. Not exactly the most foreboding of starts, but one that piques the ole curiosity right from the off.
Now if you read all the other reviews, the vast majority of which give Ian five well deserved stars, you will know each book's story well enough. As a fellow writer I'm going to review these from a writers viewpoint, just to be a little different.
Ian is not afraid to let main characters die. George R. R. Martin has shown the publishing world that you can kill off characters and it is OK. Lets face it, we don't all live in the Disney inspired loveliness that there is a happy ever after for *every* character; well except for the baddies that is. This is one of the many things that I feel adds a depth to the story telling that is missing from other writers.
Ian's characters are *real*. You can connect with them. They exist. You empathise with them. They have flaws, and are all the more real for them. Even the secondary characters have a depth normally missing from other works. These are people, they have more depth than the page they are written on. Top marks!
Ian mixes magic, religion and Science Fiction. A mix that would normally be reserved for SF masters such as Peter F Hamiliton (His Void series) Or a mix which can easily lead to disaster. His touch upon each topic is inspired and illuminating. Respectful is another word. Depending on your take of religion & faith is how you will form your own opinion on this topic. For me, it was thought provoking.
I personally loved the way the characters developed. I liked the way Ian addressed super hero issues. The recent crop of Marvel films have *just* started to address these issues. No longer are they unapproachable icons of perfection. They are flawed, far from perfection. They are real people with all the baggage and imperfections that you and I have. Seb, is this personified. I wish I could write characters this real!
In summary. Great story telling. Enthralling, emotional and immensely readable. I didn't want to put these down. I am genuinely impressed.
Sean P Chatterton
P.S. I had to dig my copy of Lao Tzu's book after reading these.
Full review:
I'm going to review all four books in one as I read them back to back. I'm fairly fortunate in that I come to Ian's books late and he had completed the quadrilogy. Lucky for me really. I'm a lover or the larger books as I really like to submerge myself into the story and characters. So for me the four books make one sizeable book, split into four parts. I strongly recommend reading all four back2back and in order. Yes each one can be read separately, and each story stands on its own. But in my opinion, all four books work best together as one epic tale.
The four books chart story of Sebastian Varden. A middling successful musician who starts the first novel as someone about to commit suicide. Not exactly the most foreboding of starts, but one that piques the ole curiosity right from the off.
Now if you read all the other reviews, the vast majority of which give Ian five well deserved stars, you will know each book's story well enough. As a fellow writer I'm going to review these from a writers viewpoint, just to be a little different.
Ian is not afraid to let main characters die. George R. R. Martin has shown the publishing world that you can kill off characters and it is OK. Lets face it, we don't all live in the Disney inspired loveliness that there is a happy ever after for *every* character; well except for the baddies that is. This is one of the many things that I feel adds a depth to the story telling that is missing from other writers.
Ian's characters are *real*. You can connect with them. They exist. You empathise with them. They have flaws, and are all the more real for them. Even the secondary characters have a depth normally missing from other works. These are people, they have more depth than the page they are written on. Top marks!
Ian mixes magic, religion and Science Fiction. A mix that would normally be reserved for SF masters such as Peter F Hamiliton (His Void series) Or a mix which can easily lead to disaster. His touch upon each topic is inspired and illuminating. Respectful is another word. Depending on your take of religion & faith is how you will form your own opinion on this topic. For me, it was thought provoking.
I personally loved the way the characters developed. I liked the way Ian addressed super hero issues. The recent crop of Marvel films have *just* started to address these issues. No longer are they unapproachable icons of perfection. They are flawed, far from perfection. They are real people with all the baggage and imperfections that you and I have. Seb, is this personified. I wish I could write characters this real!
In summary. Great story telling. Enthralling, emotional and immensely readable. I didn't want to put these down. I am genuinely impressed.
Sean P Chatterton
P.S. I had to dig my copy of Lao Tzu's book after reading these.
June 27, 2017
27.6.2017 - 3,5*
První díl byl více... ironický, vtipný, místy až výsměšný, když rozebíral některé aspekty a poukazoval na jejich fundamentální pitomost. Pro příklad - Seb a Seb2? My my, jestli já tu myšlenku nezbožňovala.
Tento díl se bral moc vážně.
Taky - Superman.
Nechci autorovu práci shodit, jelikož naplánoval a vymyslel skvělou, překvapivou a dobrou práci, která si rozhodně respekt zaslouží, a nejen pro svou propracovanost, ale i pro fakt, že se snaží něco sdělit. Nastavit lidstvu zrcadlo, dalo by se říct, a člověk se nad tím chtě nechtě zamyslí, nebo aspoň pozastaví. Ale není to, v co jsem doufala, a jistým způsobem to tak zapadá do průměru, což mě mrzí.
Musím autorovi uznat, že nápad s mimozemšťany a o co se snažili, jakkoli eticky to je rozporné, dá tu půlhvězdiču nahoru. O bolehlavu z alternativních realit a dimenzí nemluvě. Taky pro jedno překvapivé, well, proč šetřit slovy, šokující, i když, když se na to podívám zpětně, mohlo mi to dojít, odhalení. Nápovědy po cestě byly.
Ke konci... jsem rozpolcená. Aplauduju, jelikož jsem to nečekala a rozhodně to vytáhlo hodnocení nahoru. Na druhou stranu se mi chce zuřit, jelikož je to nespravedlivé.
Sebastian byl velmi dobře zpracovaný charakter, i s G.S. nálepkou, dokázali jste si jej oblíbit. A postupem děje se vyvíjel, což vždy sleduju s radostí. Byl také úžasný partner. A já Mee každou stránku záviděla, i když Sainsbury dokázal vykreslit jejich vztah překvapivě reálně.
Z tónu těch vět musí být jasné, že se mi hlavní postavy dostaly pod kůži. Byly zpracovány dobře, i když bych ráda četla trochu více i o ostatních, vzhledem k tomu, že se vše centrovalo na Seba.
Koncem si autor připravil překapivě úrodnou půdu pro další příběh, i když to není nutně cliff-hanger a může se to, s dost dobrou představivostí a mentální akrobacií, brát jako uzavřený příběh.
(Rozhodně jsem nečekala, kolik času uběhne, když jsem četla anotaci pokračování. *smích*)
Jsem ohledně tohoto dílu rozpolcená, jelikož je o tolik méně, než jsem doufala, a v jiných aspektech mě srazil na zadek a jsem z něj nadšená. Asi tak. :)
První díl byl více... ironický, vtipný, místy až výsměšný, když rozebíral některé aspekty a poukazoval na jejich fundamentální pitomost. Pro příklad - Seb a Seb2? My my, jestli já tu myšlenku nezbožňovala.
Tento díl se bral moc vážně.
Taky - Superman.
Nechci autorovu práci shodit, jelikož naplánoval a vymyslel skvělou, překvapivou a dobrou práci, která si rozhodně respekt zaslouží, a nejen pro svou propracovanost, ale i pro fakt, že se snaží něco sdělit. Nastavit lidstvu zrcadlo, dalo by se říct, a člověk se nad tím chtě nechtě zamyslí, nebo aspoň pozastaví. Ale není to, v co jsem doufala, a jistým způsobem to tak zapadá do průměru, což mě mrzí.
Musím autorovi uznat, že nápad s mimozemšťany a o co se snažili, jakkoli eticky to je rozporné, dá tu půlhvězdiču nahoru. O bolehlavu z alternativních realit a dimenzí nemluvě. Taky pro jedno překvapivé, well, proč šetřit slovy, šokující, i když, když se na to podívám zpětně, mohlo mi to dojít, odhalení. Nápovědy po cestě byly.
Ke konci... jsem rozpolcená. Aplauduju, jelikož jsem to nečekala a rozhodně to vytáhlo hodnocení nahoru. Na druhou stranu se mi chce zuřit, jelikož je to nespravedlivé.
Sebastian byl velmi dobře zpracovaný charakter, i s G.S. nálepkou, dokázali jste si jej oblíbit. A postupem děje se vyvíjel, což vždy sleduju s radostí. Byl také úžasný partner. A já Mee každou stránku záviděla, i když Sainsbury dokázal vykreslit jejich vztah překvapivě reálně.
Z tónu těch vět musí být jasné, že se mi hlavní postavy dostaly pod kůži. Byly zpracovány dobře, i když bych ráda četla trochu více i o ostatních, vzhledem k tomu, že se vše centrovalo na Seba.
Koncem si autor připravil překapivě úrodnou půdu pro další příběh, i když to není nutně cliff-hanger a může se to, s dost dobrou představivostí a mentální akrobacií, brát jako uzavřený příběh.
(Rozhodně jsem nečekala, kolik času uběhne, když jsem četla anotaci pokračování. *smích*)
Jsem ohledně tohoto dílu rozpolcená, jelikož je o tolik méně, než jsem doufala, a v jiných aspektech mě srazil na zadek a jsem z něj nadšená. Asi tak. :)
July 23, 2022
I was nervous to read this book straight after the first book. World Walker was so good, so unusual and just a brilliant read that I didn't want anything to detract from that. I needn't have worried, the writing was just as excellent as the first book and the various stands of the story were equally engaging
There were a few aspects that weren't as successful for me in this installment. The quality of the writing in the back story of Seb's life at the orphanage in book one was exectional, there were glimpses of that in this book but I was hungery for more. The authors real ability to portray human emotions, weakness, frailty with the scenes created gave the reader the ability to really connect with thte characters. I felt that we hadn't had the opportunity to get to know and love the some of the incidental characters in this book as much as some of the small parts in the first book which was a mixed blessing because it was a little hard to leave some of the characters behind. I was a little worried that some aspects of the story were a little too easy; where as in the first story the powers were rare and unique and difficult to master and Sebs natural ability was seen as a 'messiah-like' ability, in this book a few charactes seem to wheld it without any difficulties. Mason's true idenity was a bit of a worry and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it but as it turned out, it added a new element to the story so I was pleasantly relieved how that turned out in the end.
The Unmaking Engine still had the humour and humanity of the first book with plenty of Sci fi elements to think about. It's exciting and has, not so much twists as, unexpected changes of direction which force you to read on and nearly cause you to forget to get off at the right train station! These stories have plenty of food for thought. I'll be reading the next book as I need to find out where the World Walking is heading next.
There were a few aspects that weren't as successful for me in this installment. The quality of the writing in the back story of Seb's life at the orphanage in book one was exectional, there were glimpses of that in this book but I was hungery for more. The authors real ability to portray human emotions, weakness, frailty with the scenes created gave the reader the ability to really connect with thte characters. I felt that we hadn't had the opportunity to get to know and love the some of the incidental characters in this book as much as some of the small parts in the first book which was a mixed blessing because it was a little hard to leave some of the characters behind. I was a little worried that some aspects of the story were a little too easy; where as in the first story the powers were rare and unique and difficult to master and Sebs natural ability was seen as a 'messiah-like' ability, in this book a few charactes seem to wheld it without any difficulties. Mason's true idenity was a bit of a worry and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it but as it turned out, it added a new element to the story so I was pleasantly relieved how that turned out in the end.
The Unmaking Engine still had the humour and humanity of the first book with plenty of Sci fi elements to think about. It's exciting and has, not so much twists as, unexpected changes of direction which force you to read on and nearly cause you to forget to get off at the right train station! These stories have plenty of food for thought. I'll be reading the next book as I need to find out where the World Walking is heading next.
August 4, 2017
The Unmaking Engine picks up where Sainsbury's The World Walker left off. In that book humans began experiencing near superpowers, all associated with "thin" places on the earth where those powers would be activated by a unique energy field.
Seb Varden is one of those gifted with these powers, but his go far beyond anything others seem to experience and aren't related to the same need to be near an energy field. He uses his powers to continue to try to help others and fight examples of evil. But there's a growing malignant force going by the name Mason that continues to challenge Varden and those dear to him.
The narrative moves between Seb's search for Mason while trying to deal with what he sees as shortcomings of his powers and also the life of a child raised in an abusive family. The two stories come together as the book progresses.
Seb and Meera are still in hiding in Mexico City, and there has been an assassination team assigned to find and eliminate them. There's also a growing understanding of the source of the energy, called Manna, and that it's the culmination of a 2-billion year project by some beings who think the project has failed and that it's time to erase humanity.
As with the last book, Sainsbury does an excellent job of weaving together narratives with new and creative aliens and entities. Seb Varden is a great character and his relationship with Meera gets more interesting through the book. The action is almost constant and the book never gets boring. While the book comes to a solid conclusion it's clear that Seb is headed for an even greater power and confrontation in the third volume.
Seb Varden is one of those gifted with these powers, but his go far beyond anything others seem to experience and aren't related to the same need to be near an energy field. He uses his powers to continue to try to help others and fight examples of evil. But there's a growing malignant force going by the name Mason that continues to challenge Varden and those dear to him.
The narrative moves between Seb's search for Mason while trying to deal with what he sees as shortcomings of his powers and also the life of a child raised in an abusive family. The two stories come together as the book progresses.
Seb and Meera are still in hiding in Mexico City, and there has been an assassination team assigned to find and eliminate them. There's also a growing understanding of the source of the energy, called Manna, and that it's the culmination of a 2-billion year project by some beings who think the project has failed and that it's time to erase humanity.
As with the last book, Sainsbury does an excellent job of weaving together narratives with new and creative aliens and entities. Seb Varden is a great character and his relationship with Meera gets more interesting through the book. The action is almost constant and the book never gets boring. While the book comes to a solid conclusion it's clear that Seb is headed for an even greater power and confrontation in the third volume.
December 26, 2017
The second book in the World Walker series.
I purchased this book four days after I purchased the first book in the series and read them both in six days.
Seb and Mee are in hiding after the events of The World Walker. Both are trying to process the changes in their lives and what the future will be. Mason is still a threat to them and Seb is determined not to allow him to get his evil claws into them again.
Walt's back in this book and we'll finally find out where his true loyalties lie. A reckoning is coming.
Mason for his part isn't convinced that his greatest threat is truly gone but all his power and resources have yet to turn up any leads. Failure is not a word he is familiar with and he knows he'll get the answers one way or another.
We not only get the full story of Mason's history but there is a mind-numbing revelation a little over halfway through the story. It's a secret that will have consequences. Seb will have no choice but to deal with Mason and finally put the threat behind him. He has bigger threats to manage. The extinction of the human race is near and they need a hero that they don't even know exists.
Seb needs to grow or maybe evolving is a better word. The process is going to happen no matter how he feels but will it be too little too late? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I know that there is a third book in the series and while I'm not sure if there'll be more since it seems like the story has essentially reached its limits of plot lines I recommend reading this series.
I'm interested to see what other tales will come from the author. He's set the bar very high with this series.
I purchased this book four days after I purchased the first book in the series and read them both in six days.
Seb and Mee are in hiding after the events of The World Walker. Both are trying to process the changes in their lives and what the future will be. Mason is still a threat to them and Seb is determined not to allow him to get his evil claws into them again.
Walt's back in this book and we'll finally find out where his true loyalties lie. A reckoning is coming.
Mason for his part isn't convinced that his greatest threat is truly gone but all his power and resources have yet to turn up any leads. Failure is not a word he is familiar with and he knows he'll get the answers one way or another.
We not only get the full story of Mason's history but there is a mind-numbing revelation a little over halfway through the story. It's a secret that will have consequences. Seb will have no choice but to deal with Mason and finally put the threat behind him. He has bigger threats to manage. The extinction of the human race is near and they need a hero that they don't even know exists.
Seb needs to grow or maybe evolving is a better word. The process is going to happen no matter how he feels but will it be too little too late? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I know that there is a third book in the series and while I'm not sure if there'll be more since it seems like the story has essentially reached its limits of plot lines I recommend reading this series.
I'm interested to see what other tales will come from the author. He's set the bar very high with this series.
February 20, 2018
This book was OK, but I guess a little disappointing really. It starts of all super-hero esque which is fun but a little unsatisfying but then it settles down. The use of chapters following different people and introducing the backstory of "Boy" (whose identity you will guess after 2.1 seconds) is a nice tool as it allows him to build up tension. On the other hand, it's all somewhat anticlimactic. and the resolution to some of the issues is a bit drab . Unlike book 1, where the whole concept of Manna, and Manna 2.0 and so on made sense, explained things and hinted at extra depth, in this case it just all seemed to have lost focus. Why the "manna 2.0" (remember, this is nano-tech, not genetics) existed, as better than the original manna etc was just lost. Similarly the hints from book one that Billy Joe was waiting for something, but had his hand forced, just came to nothing. And as to the climax with Mason, it started as a real disappointment and then ended as the most sickening cliche.
If you want a bit of fun it's OK, but I felt it a real letdown after the promise of book 1.
If you want a bit of fun it's OK, but I felt it a real letdown after the promise of book 1.
September 2, 2017
I was swept away by both this and the first book in the series, "The World Walker". The author was able to take me by the hand and lead me to suspend my disbelief in the concept (which links Roswell aliens with 'Manna' also known as magic).
The science, other than the character with the ability to walk between alternative dimensions, was standard stuff (which is nice). Thus Mr Sainsbury brings together fantasy (magic - although he explains it as alien nanotech) and hard science (the many-world hypothesis). This is something rarely done in fiction, whether because publishers don't like it, or because writers (with exceptions such as Poul Anderson, Fred Pohl and Fritz Leiber) tend to choose to write in one genre or another. The reason for the relative rarity doesn't matter. What matters is, Mr Sainsbury does it brilliantly.
On top of that, he builds some very believable characters such as Mason and Seb, obviously, plus Walt, Westlake, and Meera. A very humane, very human piece of science fiction.
I enjoyed it.
The science, other than the character with the ability to walk between alternative dimensions, was standard stuff (which is nice). Thus Mr Sainsbury brings together fantasy (magic - although he explains it as alien nanotech) and hard science (the many-world hypothesis). This is something rarely done in fiction, whether because publishers don't like it, or because writers (with exceptions such as Poul Anderson, Fred Pohl and Fritz Leiber) tend to choose to write in one genre or another. The reason for the relative rarity doesn't matter. What matters is, Mr Sainsbury does it brilliantly.
On top of that, he builds some very believable characters such as Mason and Seb, obviously, plus Walt, Westlake, and Meera. A very humane, very human piece of science fiction.
I enjoyed it.
November 13, 2017
Excellent and riveting sequel!
I'm actually writing this review before reviewing the first book in the series (World Walker), which I am going back and writing a review for in a minute or three.
This is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a few years. And I've read a poopload of books in the past few years. Don't start with this book! You'll be doing yourself a huge favor to start with "World Walker".
This series is a unique, imaginative, terrifying, thought-provoking, laugh-inducing, cringe-worthy, fear and joy filled pile of words that has been so wonderfully shaped,arranged and sculpted into a seat of your pants, edge of your seat thriller that made me stay up too late, neglect my family, and cats, and showers...just to stay in the world created by this first-time (hard to believe) writer and wordsmith. Buy the first in the series, then hang on to your underoos.
(And that last is called a run on sentence of I'm not mistaken. None of them things here...)
I'm actually writing this review before reviewing the first book in the series (World Walker), which I am going back and writing a review for in a minute or three.
This is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a few years. And I've read a poopload of books in the past few years. Don't start with this book! You'll be doing yourself a huge favor to start with "World Walker".
This series is a unique, imaginative, terrifying, thought-provoking, laugh-inducing, cringe-worthy, fear and joy filled pile of words that has been so wonderfully shaped,arranged and sculpted into a seat of your pants, edge of your seat thriller that made me stay up too late, neglect my family, and cats, and showers...just to stay in the world created by this first-time (hard to believe) writer and wordsmith. Buy the first in the series, then hang on to your underoos.
(And that last is called a run on sentence of I'm not mistaken. None of them things here...)
February 26, 2018
Another amazing can't put down read that will hurtle you along until the last page
This, the further tale of Seb, his ever changing reality and who he is becoming grips you from the first page and won't let you go until it's last breath.
Seb, settled at last with his love Meera and the knowledge that he was thought dead and thus, he thought, free. Honing his new power to move from one place to another in the blink of an eye, sets out on a quest to right every wrong he sees, saving people from collapsing buildings, fires and earthquakes, and ever evolving into a being that even he is having trouble recognising. He finds out with horror that the "grey aliens" had an alternative agenda than he thought, and sets out to prevent a coming catastrophe that would affect all humankind. In the process he becomes "something else". I won't go any further as it would spoil the story. Just read it you will be thrilled I can assure it!
Ian is fast becoming one of my all time favourite writers and I can't wait for more!
This, the further tale of Seb, his ever changing reality and who he is becoming grips you from the first page and won't let you go until it's last breath.
Seb, settled at last with his love Meera and the knowledge that he was thought dead and thus, he thought, free. Honing his new power to move from one place to another in the blink of an eye, sets out on a quest to right every wrong he sees, saving people from collapsing buildings, fires and earthquakes, and ever evolving into a being that even he is having trouble recognising. He finds out with horror that the "grey aliens" had an alternative agenda than he thought, and sets out to prevent a coming catastrophe that would affect all humankind. In the process he becomes "something else". I won't go any further as it would spoil the story. Just read it you will be thrilled I can assure it!
Ian is fast becoming one of my all time favourite writers and I can't wait for more!
August 30, 2018
Wow what a great second book
Couldn't wait to get a chance to read this book, every moment I had! Such great characters and just like Sainsbury loves to do, you don't always get what you want. A manna filled world, think again, happily ever after? Think again. Intrigue, something else going one, something you're not too sure about, you think you might know what's happening, then BAM you are knocked way off and back to wondering where it's going and desperate to find out and THAT is where we find ourselves at the end of the Unmaking machine.
Excellent read, great writing that draws you in and keeps you there. Sainsbury has a knack for the telling of stories from the past that run parallel with the current story, they always contribute at the right time, never give too much away and conclude at precisely the right time adding to the suspense and excitement.
Sainsbury is a master story teller with a fantastic imagination and and an incredible ability to suspend disbelief. 10/10
Couldn't wait to get a chance to read this book, every moment I had! Such great characters and just like Sainsbury loves to do, you don't always get what you want. A manna filled world, think again, happily ever after? Think again. Intrigue, something else going one, something you're not too sure about, you think you might know what's happening, then BAM you are knocked way off and back to wondering where it's going and desperate to find out and THAT is where we find ourselves at the end of the Unmaking machine.
Excellent read, great writing that draws you in and keeps you there. Sainsbury has a knack for the telling of stories from the past that run parallel with the current story, they always contribute at the right time, never give too much away and conclude at precisely the right time adding to the suspense and excitement.
Sainsbury is a master story teller with a fantastic imagination and and an incredible ability to suspend disbelief. 10/10
June 22, 2019
First, let me quote from my book one review:
"Again, nano-tech is at the forefront of the unexplainable events. The only problem with this plot element, is that while the author calls magic as just technology that is beyond human understanding, he still treats technology with magical rules.
Real rewriting at the molecular level by nano-tech would effect a permanent change unless the tech changes it back. But in this book, when human concentration wavers, then the molecular changes collapse. So NOT tech!"
Now on to new review:
Much less 'fluff' in this book compared to book one in the series. There was a nice resolution to dealing with the nemesis in the plot that was true to Seb's character. The ending of the book was also much better. While Sainsbury couldn't stay completely away from romantic fluff at the very end, at least it involved a secondary character, not the main character who stayed true to his developmental path.
"Again, nano-tech is at the forefront of the unexplainable events. The only problem with this plot element, is that while the author calls magic as just technology that is beyond human understanding, he still treats technology with magical rules.
Real rewriting at the molecular level by nano-tech would effect a permanent change unless the tech changes it back. But in this book, when human concentration wavers, then the molecular changes collapse. So NOT tech!"
Now on to new review:
Much less 'fluff' in this book compared to book one in the series. There was a nice resolution to dealing with the nemesis in the plot that was true to Seb's character. The ending of the book was also much better. While Sainsbury couldn't stay completely away from romantic fluff at the very end, at least it involved a secondary character, not the main character who stayed true to his developmental path.
May 19, 2019
Part 2 of the World Walker series.
A good sequel, part 1 finished with Seb faking his own death to save Ree from the baddies. Part 2 opens with Seb and Ree living in Mexico, Seb 'walking' and using his Manna to act as superhero saving the day where he can. Some amusing interludes such as being the monkey god. The baddies soon reappear as Mason comes to suspect Seb isn't dead and starts looking for him. Meanwhile Seb (and Seb2) are introduced to some more Rozzies (the aliens who left the manna) and discovers what they're up to. While dealing with the rozzies he also has to sort out the baddies who are after Mee in an attempt to manipulate him. He manages to do this with the help of Walt who has turned against Mason and who dies killing Westlake and saving Ree. Seb finds and sorts out Mason, in a surprising way.
Good finish to part 2 ... On to part 3
A good sequel, part 1 finished with Seb faking his own death to save Ree from the baddies. Part 2 opens with Seb and Ree living in Mexico, Seb 'walking' and using his Manna to act as superhero saving the day where he can. Some amusing interludes such as being the monkey god. The baddies soon reappear as Mason comes to suspect Seb isn't dead and starts looking for him. Meanwhile Seb (and Seb2) are introduced to some more Rozzies (the aliens who left the manna) and discovers what they're up to. While dealing with the rozzies he also has to sort out the baddies who are after Mee in an attempt to manipulate him. He manages to do this with the help of Walt who has turned against Mason and who dies killing Westlake and saving Ree. Seb finds and sorts out Mason, in a surprising way.
Good finish to part 2 ... On to part 3
September 18, 2021
In this book, Seb finds out a lot more about the aliens that gave him, and other people, mana. Not unsurprisingly, he has to save the world a couple of times. He is, after all a superhero now.
The first book in this series was good, but not great. I'm not entirely sure why I went on to this, the second book. This one was also fine but not fantastic. I'm not sorry I read it, but I decided not to bother with the third part of the trilogy. Just too many other things I want the time to read and this series did not rate any more of my potential reading time in competition with those. It is a shame, because I really loved Ian Sainsbury's other series which starts with The Children of the Deterrent. Maybe I just expected too much after that one.
The first book in this series was good, but not great. I'm not entirely sure why I went on to this, the second book. This one was also fine but not fantastic. I'm not sorry I read it, but I decided not to bother with the third part of the trilogy. Just too many other things I want the time to read and this series did not rate any more of my potential reading time in competition with those. It is a shame, because I really loved Ian Sainsbury's other series which starts with The Children of the Deterrent. Maybe I just expected too much after that one.
May 20, 2017
Imaginative
Part two of a trilogy, this book picks up immediately from part one so you feel like you barely paused for breath.
The underlying otherworldly powers aside, this series could just as easily be about international espionage with shady businesses vying for power grabs.
There's a strong similarity to the X Files series and the Bourne films, with action a plenty and a very unscrupulous bad guy pulling hidden strings.
It's hard to see where part three will take us, but with such an imaginative writer at the helm, I'm sure he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to keep us enthralled. I
I highly recommend this to readers of action, thriller and sci-fi genres.
Part two of a trilogy, this book picks up immediately from part one so you feel like you barely paused for breath.
The underlying otherworldly powers aside, this series could just as easily be about international espionage with shady businesses vying for power grabs.
There's a strong similarity to the X Files series and the Bourne films, with action a plenty and a very unscrupulous bad guy pulling hidden strings.
It's hard to see where part three will take us, but with such an imaginative writer at the helm, I'm sure he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to keep us enthralled. I
I highly recommend this to readers of action, thriller and sci-fi genres.
May 19, 2021
Great sci-fi serie
The book pics up exactly where the first left of and the story of Seb and his friends it's just as thrilling and original as the first book. It still delivers twist and turns and this time aliens play a bigger role in the plot as Seb tries to understand and live with his great powers, he actually this time might be the only thing preventing human extermination. The storyline is still managing to keep your attention, the caracters well written. Of course there is a cliffhanger at the end but hey, authors got to live as well and i will defently read the next in line
The book pics up exactly where the first left of and the story of Seb and his friends it's just as thrilling and original as the first book. It still delivers twist and turns and this time aliens play a bigger role in the plot as Seb tries to understand and live with his great powers, he actually this time might be the only thing preventing human extermination. The storyline is still managing to keep your attention, the caracters well written. Of course there is a cliffhanger at the end but hey, authors got to live as well and i will defently read the next in line
November 30, 2022
This is a brilliant book!
I read the first book, and I was officially hooked. But this book, oh my goodness, it's so much better! The twists and turns in the story are very cleverly written. There was such a feeling of the vast unknowable distances of space, and the difficulties of being a human, I just loved the scope of this story. The violence is kept to a minimum in this story, which is great, as excessive violence in a sci-fi book can become boring and repetitive.
All in all this book is a brilliant continuation from the original book in this series. I'm going to buy the next book immediately!
I read the first book, and I was officially hooked. But this book, oh my goodness, it's so much better! The twists and turns in the story are very cleverly written. There was such a feeling of the vast unknowable distances of space, and the difficulties of being a human, I just loved the scope of this story. The violence is kept to a minimum in this story, which is great, as excessive violence in a sci-fi book can become boring and repetitive.
All in all this book is a brilliant continuation from the original book in this series. I'm going to buy the next book immediately!
July 11, 2017
The human condition
Im the sort of reader that likes books you can get lost in, I also get a Buzz from books that make you want to read the next page or chapter and finally books that are believable. What I found more fascinating was how this book made me question my own mortality and if I had been a good enough to call my self human. Fascinating how we can be brought to judge ourselves by science fiction, surely down to the skill of the author, well done, can't wait to start the Seventh year.
Im the sort of reader that likes books you can get lost in, I also get a Buzz from books that make you want to read the next page or chapter and finally books that are believable. What I found more fascinating was how this book made me question my own mortality and if I had been a good enough to call my self human. Fascinating how we can be brought to judge ourselves by science fiction, surely down to the skill of the author, well done, can't wait to start the Seventh year.
October 9, 2017
This is a rare sequel that I feel is better than the 1st book. It benefited by not having to introduce characters but had a superb sci-fi plot. Seb slowly gains more insight into his powers and meets aliens...and slowly loses his humanity.
The multiverse effect was written perfectly and the slow withdrawal of emotions painted a portrait of a character going through changes than no human could comprehend. When you can save the world and create life; being a human is no longer in the cards.
I am greatly looking forward to book 3.
The multiverse effect was written perfectly and the slow withdrawal of emotions painted a portrait of a character going through changes than no human could comprehend. When you can save the world and create life; being a human is no longer in the cards.
I am greatly looking forward to book 3.
August 22, 2020
I read The Halfhero bk1, which reminded me how much I had enjoyed The World Walker. So I re-reread that in preparation for reading The Unmaking Engine. Now, it could have been a surfeit of Mr Sainsbury (Too much of a good thing) but I did find my attention wandering a bit towards the end of this. It may have been the abrupt change of point of view- not to give a spoiler, here- but I did feel unsatisfied at the end. Which is, of course, the sign of a good book, wanting to know what happens next... we shall see. In the meantime, books are well written, well set out etc...
July 6, 2017
Lots of fun
Ian Sainsbury is probably a lot of fun to hang out with. He is a fine storyteller and I'll bet he is a good listener.
The Unmaking Engine follows pretty fluently from the first book in the series. In fact this is really a review of both books. I like Ian's prose style and especially his ability to define a scene.
The characters in this book go through a lot and Ian does a good job of taking us along for the ride.
Ian Sainsbury is probably a lot of fun to hang out with. He is a fine storyteller and I'll bet he is a good listener.
The Unmaking Engine follows pretty fluently from the first book in the series. In fact this is really a review of both books. I like Ian's prose style and especially his ability to define a scene.
The characters in this book go through a lot and Ian does a good job of taking us along for the ride.
July 17, 2017
I agree with a comment made in a previous review that even Superman had kryptonite. What good is a super heroic character if he seemingly has no weakness and you never truly believe he nor his loved ones are in any real peril. The book seemed to be more about Seb's "becoming" than a good vs. evil thing, which may have been the author's intent. The saving grace was the twist that came towards the end. All in all, I enjoyed it.
December 8, 2017
Really enjoyed the second installment ...on to the next!
I have enjoyed both books so far and loved the twist or on magic, religion and science all intertwining. Managed to keep a couple of plot twists which isn't easy. I am going to be staring the installment immediately as I would say I am definitely invested in the characters. I love Mee, she is just as important as Seb in this story for sure and can't wait to see how things develop.
I have enjoyed both books so far and loved the twist or on magic, religion and science all intertwining. Managed to keep a couple of plot twists which isn't easy. I am going to be staring the installment immediately as I would say I am definitely invested in the characters. I love Mee, she is just as important as Seb in this story for sure and can't wait to see how things develop.
March 28, 2018
Ruddy fantastic bit of sci fi
This book was absolutely fantastic. When describing it to friends and family, I kept exercising how every chapter had to shocked and amazed, how every chapter blew your mind and made you think outside he box. The story isn’t mind-blowing, but the ideas and application are truly unputdownable! If you like superhero, sci-fi, existential stories or just a fascinating read, definitely give this book a read!
This book was absolutely fantastic. When describing it to friends and family, I kept exercising how every chapter had to shocked and amazed, how every chapter blew your mind and made you think outside he box. The story isn’t mind-blowing, but the ideas and application are truly unputdownable! If you like superhero, sci-fi, existential stories or just a fascinating read, definitely give this book a read!
April 28, 2021
A bit melancholic
This 2nd installment was a little less dramatic, and a little more melancholic. The feeling of magic has been replaced by ages old alien technology, and Seb (the main character) seems to have lost his humanity and his connection to Mee. Still, it was a good read, and I feel as though these characters are like family in a way. The author is very good at making us care about them.
This 2nd installment was a little less dramatic, and a little more melancholic. The feeling of magic has been replaced by ages old alien technology, and Seb (the main character) seems to have lost his humanity and his connection to Mee. Still, it was a good read, and I feel as though these characters are like family in a way. The author is very good at making us care about them.
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