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The Variant Saga #3

Hope Everlasting

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Terry is on the run, having escaped from prison and killed its overseer.

He has no choice but to head north to the distant border. That's where Ludo's wife is being held, but time is of the essence. If they don't hurry, she'll be sacrificed to the gods as part of an ancient barbaric ceremony. With an army at their heels and a continent to cross, Terry and Ludo have precious little time if they ever hope to succeed.

Meanwhile, Mei Curie has opened a portal to another world…and it isn’t what she expected. There are worms the size of cars, animals with bulletproof hides, and an advanced alien race unlike anything mankind has ever witnessed.

Not to worry, though. Johnathan Finn has just the a rifle stocked with bullets, ready to deal with whatever threats come knocking. Along with his team of soldiers, John is here for a single purpose—to find his missing friend and bring him home.

But in a world as strange as this one, a simple search and rescue mission could prove deadly.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2016

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J.N. Chaney

464 books9,618 followers
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5 stars
634 (47%)
4 stars
508 (37%)
3 stars
177 (13%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews141 followers
January 16, 2024
Book 3 of The Variant Saga series by J. N. Chaney is called Hope Everlasting. As in Book 2, there are two stories running concurrently. Terry who has been on his own since he passed through the rift has been existing in a parallel earth. He has largely remained alone with minimal interactions with people because he is uncertain as to how they would regard him.

Mei Currie has been able to punch through and Finn has developed a mindset that is focused on just finding Terry and bringing him home, even if he has to shoot his way through whole armies of aliens, and even if the aliens are intending on using the portal to invade its parallel. So Book 3 did not let up or ease up on the gas pedal.

There was exceptional world-building that continues throughout. Usually in a Book 3, a reader feels that the lay of the land has been mapped and you think you have an idea as to where the writer is taking you, but I feel that I am still on unexplored terrain. Everything seems to be functioning at an optimum level and I feel confident that I am in the capable hands of an artisan storyteller.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2017
In any series you always have your favourites and so far I think this is mine. I love the unassuming characters in this audiobook, their comraidary, humour, determination and loyalty comes through clearly and you can not help but like them. Nothing is really black and white in this storyline, the deceptions, intrigue and surprises keeps you on your toes, unable to truly guess where the story will lead next. The narrator fits the book well, he gives the characters individual voices and his somewhat eclectic voice lends itself well to the story. Chaney's descriptive writing and the great narration highlights both the similarities and the differences between the various areas and groups, capturing your imagination and forming a richness and depth to the world and it's people. The differing landscapes, variety of cultures and the appealing characters quickly draws you in, leading you on an exciting, action filled story that leaves you wanting more. I will look forward to hearing the continuation of this story in the next audiobook.
Profile Image for Beth.
914 reviews17 followers
February 15, 2017
Another solid entry in the series. I did find one or two wrong word errors, but it was otherwise well written and edited. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first, but I'll be looking forward to the final book.
Profile Image for Gretel.
96 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2017
This installment lacked some of the intensity of the first two volumes, but it was still an entertaining listen, nonetheless. The world and the characters are very memorable, and the customs of the people we've encountered allow us to see the "humanity" in this other world. The fisherman character is my new favorite and reminded me of the korean "mermaid" divers that were filtering through the news awhile back. I'm hoping maybe there will be a spin-off series just about his world.
Profile Image for Uri Guzman.
100 reviews
May 21, 2017
Hope Everlasting kept me on the edge of my seat

Mei and John are getting closer and closer to finding Terry while Terry continues on his own rescue mission to help Ludo find Ysa. The entire book until the end kept me on the edge of my seat. The end concluded this book nicely, it answered questions and revealed truths yet we were still left with enough unresolved items to keep the reader interested in the next book.
Profile Image for Ms. Just One More Book  (Kris Miller).
154 reviews16 followers
November 26, 2016
Once again, JN Chaney has exceeded my expectations in this installment of 'The Variant Saga'. All too often you get what can only be described as filler material in between the first and last books of a series. This is so not the case with this author. Each book takes us on a separate journey, and could be a standalone if not the need for back story from prior.

The world building easily immerses you into this author's world. Whether it's the dystopian Earth or the parallel universe of Kant, you can easily imagine yourself within these worlds through his descriptions. Speaking of these two worlds, we get to see what was hinted at in the epilogue of book two 'Transient Echoes', in the meeting of these two worlds. Done in a seamless way with a masterful plot, the story takes off from the very beginning and holds you within its grasp till the very last page. Overall, a flawless addition to the series, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one to see what's in store for some of my favorite characters!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All reviews are based solely on my humble non important opinion.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2017
In any series you always have your favourites and so far I think this is mine. I love the unassuming characters, their comraidary, humour, determination and loyalty comes through clearly and you can not help but like them. Nothing is really black and white in this storyline, the deceptions, intrigue and surprises keeps you on your toes, unable to truly guess where the story will lead next. Chaney's descriptive writing highlights both the similarities and the differences between the various areas and groups, capturing your imagination and forming a richness and depth to the world and it's people. The differing landscapes, variety of cultures and the appealing characters quickly draws you in, leading you on an exciting, action filled story that leaves you wanting more. I will look forward to the continuation of this story in the next book. I received this book at no cost and under no obligation.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
134 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2016
The evil JN Chaney has once again outdone himself. This book, like each one in the series, has a very different feel from the others. There is a lot of violence, some quite graphic, and some that made me curse him out loud with how gross it was. I'm scared to get too attached to any of the characters because he may decide to off them just because he can. On a more positive note, the bridging of the two worlds, Earth and Kant, is beautifully orchestrated and the plot continues to thicken at a nice, even pace throughout this installment. I'm dying to know where Terry, Mei, and John end up in book four! There isn't exactly a cliffhanger at the end, but I'm still chewing my nails off wondering what's going on.
Profile Image for Cheree Castellanos Edits.
287 reviews28 followers
November 19, 2016
Just keeps getting better and better! After finishing Transient Echoes and chomping at the bit waiting to find out what happens, I was so excited to finally get this book in my hands, and boy, it did not disappoint. Things just keep getting deeper and more intense with every turn of the page.
I don't want to say a single thing about what is in the book because it must be read to discover the goodness. But now I'm left wanting book 4!
Profile Image for Sonia.
276 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2016
D'oh. That's not an ending! Again, a great story but not yet at its conclusion and the next book doesn't come outfit three more months! However shall I survive? I really enjoyed the storyline and the various threads are coming together. Hopefully, the final book will tie it all up!
118 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2017
Enjoyed this next installment in the Variant Saga. For some reason, I thought this was going to be a trilogy, so the pacing felt weird to me at first. But, that's on me the reader. Interested to see how this series wraps.
Profile Image for Alina Maliwauki.
66 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2018
Love this series!

Wish I could give this series more than five stars, the best thing I've read in a while.. I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Victoria Zigler.
Author 62 books235 followers
April 21, 2017
I'm absolutely loving this series! The worldbuilding is amazing, and it has a great cast of characters. Also, the writing itself is great too.
Profile Image for Paperbacks.
379 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2017
The third story in the Variant saga takes us from 3 perspectives which intertwine at various point to differing degrees, we have John, Mei and their team at the outpost, Terry and Ludo on their mission to locate Talo and Ysa and then the introduction of Lena Sol and the high up’s of Everlasting. My favourite of the 3 though is Ludo and Terry, the pure fantasy element of their story drew me in completely; the anxious page turning of their quest, hoping they don’t get caught and becoming embroiled in what are JN Chaney’s trademark awesome fight sequences. New characters such as Hux and Plead are endearing and a joy to read, I’m hoping that we haven’t seen the last of Hux as Wavemaster, he could easily have a spin off series of his own!

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the other paths in the book, the earlier sections relating to the outpost contained (unsurprisingly) a lot of military style speak and audio logs which I struggled with a bit, however when their story crosses over around the others the team come into their own as they have the opportunity of exploring in greater depth the new world around them

Whilst everlasting presents itself as a technologically advanced Utopia it is clear that there are the beginnings of fraying around the edges, sinister mechanical guardians patrol the overbearing city wall, a wall which has ended up shielding the inhabitants from the variant gas which threatens their existence much as it did on Earth before the 2nd Jolt.

Whilst Terry and Ludo’s Journey is clearly dangerous, John and Mei’s is not so clear cut, it hasn't gone unnoticed that they are able to breathe the variant air with ease - a coveted commodity.

Lots is revealed and set in motion in this part of the saga and the final few chapters give you a glimpse of all the wonderful and exciting things to come for the final chapter!
1,065 reviews11 followers
February 15, 2017
Title: Hope Everlasting
Author: J. N. Chaney
Publisher: Variant Publications
ISBN: B01LWRIXVG
Buy Link: http://jnchaney.com/books/hope-everla...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
The Variant Saga 3
Journey down the road to Everlasting.
 
Terry is on the run, having escaped from prison and killed its overseer. He and his friend Ludo need to find a way to get to the northern border. That's where Ludo's wife is being held, but time is of the essence. If they don't hurry, she'll be sacrificed to the gods as part of some barbaric ceremony. With an army at their heels and a continent to cross, Terry and Ludo will need all the help they can get.

Meanwhile, Mei Curie has opened a portal to another world...and it isn't what she expected. There are worms the size of cars, animals with bulletproof hides, and an advanced alien race unlike anything mankind has ever witnessed.

Not to worry, though. Johnathan Finn has just the ticket: a rifle stocked with bullets, ready to deal with whatever threats come knocking. Along with his team of soldiers, John is here for a single purpose--to find his missing friend and bring him home--but in a world as strange as this one, a simple search and rescue mission could prove deadly.

Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
The struggle to survive takes on a new meaning as Terry finds out that his new world is filled with complications and dangers he never expected. Different actions of society continue to fight dragging Terry into situations he never expected.

Mei and Johnathan are working on building a relationship with the leaders of Everlasting creates its own problems, but John and Mei have a sneaking suspicion that things are not as they seem. Even with all the problems, they are determined to use any means to find Terry while still watching their backs.


The many unique characters, futuristic situations, and alien situations all rolled into a fast paced intricate plot that held me spellbound until the very and it isn't over yet!
Profile Image for Rose.
425 reviews26 followers
February 21, 2017
This book was quite a bit slower and a little more frustrating than its predecessors. The story didn't seem to move along as much. I am curious as to how this series will wrap up by the end of the next book, but I will definitely pick up the fourth book when it is released!

#vtReadingChallenge category: a book of your choice
Profile Image for Sotolf Flasskjegg.
128 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2017
This was my favourite of the series, at least this far. It's a really nice mix of fantasy and sci-fi, and since I've really spent so much time with the characters now, I feel really comfortable and happy to spend time with them. It's one of the things that I really like about books, when they make you happy to spend time with it's characters. It seems like each of the books in this series kind of have a different mix of stuff, the first one was mostly dystopian fiction, the second one fantasy, and this one a mix, with quite a bit of fantasy, and quite a bit of sci-fi. I really liked this book a lot, and I am looking forward to the completion in the next book.
Profile Image for Aadivah.
69 reviews
December 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I did not expect to like this series as much as I do now. After all, it is a fairly unknown series so I didn't have lots of feedback about it. But, let me tell you, it's really good. Between the fabulous characters, the amazing world building and great plot, this book has everything going for it. This series just keeps getting better and better every book that goes by. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us.
552 reviews
December 22, 2016
Next chapter

The 3rd chapter of the Variant Saga. We find out more about the mysterious Leadership of the city of Everlasting.

Chapter 4 is expected soon.
Profile Image for S D Lawrie.
485 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2017
Excellent story, continued well and demands you read the next and I think the last
Profile Image for Jackie Gommess.
Author 1 book1 follower
July 23, 2020
This one had the best plot of the series so far, where Terry and Ludo need to rescue Ysa while Mei and John are researching the new world they found and still looking for Terry.

This time I found Mei and John's segments to be more interesting as they begin relations with Everlasting, the highly advanced society that lives in a protective bubble because they also can't breathe Variant. Lol, though it was a little weird that Mei finds aliens and the Earth government is like "You got this. We'll stay here." Though maybe it's a sign of how bad of a condition the human race is in...at least, from the first book they were implying they couldn't stay underground for much longer and hence the Amber Project. I don't know, I'd like to hear a bit more about what's happening on the Earth side, too, as we discover Everlasting is on the verge of war from citizens who are tired of being controlled (the first time they mentioned memory conversion, I was like "hard pass", so it doesn't surprise me Everlasting is turning out to not be so great).

Terry and Ludo are mostly just traveling during this, though I guess Terry learning how to use a sword is cool.

I find it a little strange that Everlasting hasn't tried to research/experiment on the natives who can breathe Variant, since they seem to have no qualms trying to do it to Terry! Especially as they start to hint that they're running out of time to find a solution? I wasn't clear on that part.

Anyway, I wonder if the Earth government is going to regret putting two 18-year-olds in charge of alien relations when all hell breaks loose...
Profile Image for Dennis Zimmerman.
383 reviews
May 21, 2020
Getting to the end of this 3rd book I found myself flipping between authors website, amazon, and hunting for a next installment pre purchase (save you the time, there isn't one, yet).

I pre ordered this one back in Oct. and stopped reading the current book I was reading as I wanted to find out what happened to my favorite characters. Book 2 left several things up in the air and I wanted to see what happened. This story does more to surround the characters and not all the science of the other ones. You will still be on the edge of your seat turning each page to find out what happens next. There are SEVERAL surprises and I'm not giving ANY away. You may feel you know what is going to happen next, but I warn you, surprises happen.

I really am impressed with both his writing style and his ability to pull you into the story. Please don't make all of us fans wait too long for the next one. If you've not read the 1st two, you should for the background and 2 very well written books. This one is even better, and I didn't think that was possible.
Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
596 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2017
Oh my gods! The story just keeps getting better and better. Each installment in this series is different from the other one. The world building expands in the greatest way and each new character is full of surprises. All the characters add something unique to the story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And best of all...who can you trust? Loyalty and trust are huge in this story. Everyone is in search of the truth and an impending war is upon us. Our characters from Earth are right in the middle of the mess. Everlasting is a city full of technology and power. This city cannot breath the Variant air. All of the other natives to Kant are more primitive and with many different religious beliefs. When all of this clashes things really get out of hand. It's a very emotional book that just does not stop. There is the perfect combination of emotion and action to make this an incredible addition to this series. Sending kudos to the author on this one! Well done!
Profile Image for Emily.
267 reviews17 followers
August 18, 2018
John and Mei have just found a way through the portal onto Kant and have set up a base. As they and their teams begin to explore, they find strange and dangerous wildlife but see no intelligent life at first. Meanwhile, Terry and Ludo go in search of Ysa after escaping the prison. They connect with Ludo's son and head toward the temple where Ysa has been taken.
We are introduced to the elite population of Kant in the city of Everlasting. Their city seems perfect, but it is really?
Can Terry's friends find him? Can Terry and Ludo save Ysa?

There is something about this series that fascinates me to my core. I took a bit of a break between book two and this one, but I found myself thinking about it often. It's such an interesting blend of dystopia, fantasy, and sci-fi. The author is creative, and this world is very immersive. I'm longing for a reunion of Terry and his friends, but this story just keeps expanding. I'm very eager to see what happens in the last book. :-)
Profile Image for 5t4n5 Dot Com.
540 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2019
The third book of this, so far, very enjoyable tetralogy.

We left book two after the story split into two stories on two worlds, Earth and Kant, and enter book three where the story moves onto Kant almost in its entirety.

One would have expected a little slowing down in the story by now, but no, in fact the story starts going more, especially towards the last quarter of this book.

More characters are added to the cast, more ingredients are stirred to the mix, more clues are added to the puzzle, but still very little is being revealed as to what is really going on.   And it works really well, you just want more of it.

And so wanting more i dive straight into the fourth and final book, where, hopefully, all will be revealed and we will find all the answers to this puzzle.
Profile Image for Reads_Must .
968 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2023
Hope Everlasting
The Variant Saga #3
Dystopian
J. N. Chaney
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is another good addition to the series. This time there are some POVs from new characters which are interesting.

There were some good plot twists that I didn't see coming and they kept me on the edge of my seat.

Lena was introduced in the last book but I liked seeing her grow as a person and getting an insight into her role and her what she believes.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs but I did prefer the chapters from Mei and John's POVs as they explored the new land and made new discoveries.

I think the alternate universe plot is great but I am starting to get curious about what is happening back on Earth, especially with some of the characters that aren't included in book 2 or book 3.

I have some predictions about what will happen in the next book and I look forward to seeing if I'm right or not.
350 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2022
The search for Terry and rescue of Ysa by 2 different parties......

Mei and John come through the portal to search for Terry. However, once on the other side, the inhabitants of Everywhere come and investigate the energy surge. They befriend Means John, but can they be trusted?
Meanwhile Luck and Terry attempt to find Ysa and free her. They meet up with a wave rider Hugo who takes them to a friend who can get them to where Ysa is. Once they have her, the chase us on.
Once Everywhere hears about Terry, they agree to help track him down, but do they have an ulterior motive????
An entertaining read in the Variant Saga.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
July 28, 2019
Everlasting

Terry and Ludo escape their prison but now have to find Ludo’s son and then rescue Ysa. Terry meets a Wavemaster, Hux, who decides that he likes Terry. Mei and John, with their teams, find themselves on a strange new world after reestablishing the anomaly and passing through it. Mei has now told John that she wanted to find out what had happened to Terry and he is now determined to find him.
The city of Everlasting has invited John and Mei to visit .
All the strings will soon come together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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