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Arrival
Thirty-three missing in the past two months, all without a trace.
Detective Jake Westbrook is overburdened with cases that seem impossible to solve, despite his almost perfect clearance rate. More and more people are disappearing every week, and this phenomenon brings together five characters with no relation to one another as they try to figure out how to prevent themselves from being taken next.
As their search for answers continues, they start to wonder if something more sinister is at hand...
Mysterious, eerie, but also exciting, Arrival is a gripping mystery thriller debut that will definitely keep you up all night.
Detective Jake Westbrook is overburdened with cases that seem impossible to solve, despite his almost perfect clearance rate. More and more people are disappearing every week, and this phenomenon brings together five characters with no relation to one another as they try to figure out how to prevent themselves from being taken next.
As their search for answers continues, they start to wonder if something more sinister is at hand...
Mysterious, eerie, but also exciting, Arrival is a gripping mystery thriller debut that will definitely keep you up all night.
- GenresScience Fiction
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2016
7 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 12, 2016
I love a book that continually proves my guesses about what’s going to happen next WRONG. After all, who wants a ‘predictable’ book?
This fast-paced novel’s best point, however, is the character development that Alex builds. I loved seeing how the background and events of all the different players involved merge together throughout the story. Add me to the list of those looking forward to the sequel!
This fast-paced novel’s best point, however, is the character development that Alex builds. I loved seeing how the background and events of all the different players involved merge together throughout the story. Add me to the list of those looking forward to the sequel!
December 29, 2016
*This review also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Arrival is a suspenseful debut novel which takes the best elements of a thriller and sci-fi novel to create a riveting read. With multiple perspectives which offer you tantalising glimpses at the mystery behind the phenomena of these missing people, there is always an element of intrigue to keep your interest. But aside from the tension generated by the two detectives on a mission to solve this case, comes a dimension where science fiction becomes reality for the characters. Though sci-fi is generally a genre I don't explore much of, I'm glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to be swept up in this exhilarating story.
Divided into chapters which alternate between 'The Detective', 'The Pilot', 'The Dreamer', 'The Teacher' and 'The Thief', Slade has shown skill in ensuring that each of these characters were unique. The details of their lifestyles and flaws are given enough attention, and we are drawn to asking the question of why they, or someone they know, have simply vanished. The detectives Jake and Chris who first set the tone of the story are well-rounded characters who the reader hopes will be able to uncover where these missing people have disappeared to. While at times the purpose of some of the chapters seemed unclear, the haze eventually lifts towards the second half of the novel where more twists occur and the stakes for these fated individuals are higher than ever.
I really liked how once you become almost 'settled' into the mystery element of the book, the sci-fi suddenly comes into play which offers a welcome and fascinating change of pace. The world-building, though not complete, is enough to envision what Slade's imagined society is like. I look forward to seeing how this is further explored in the next installments of the series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I can definitely see that Alex Slade has the potential to be a hit with sci-fi and thriller readers. Steeped in suspense from beginning to end, I'll definitely be looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Arrival is a suspenseful debut novel which takes the best elements of a thriller and sci-fi novel to create a riveting read. With multiple perspectives which offer you tantalising glimpses at the mystery behind the phenomena of these missing people, there is always an element of intrigue to keep your interest. But aside from the tension generated by the two detectives on a mission to solve this case, comes a dimension where science fiction becomes reality for the characters. Though sci-fi is generally a genre I don't explore much of, I'm glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to be swept up in this exhilarating story.
Divided into chapters which alternate between 'The Detective', 'The Pilot', 'The Dreamer', 'The Teacher' and 'The Thief', Slade has shown skill in ensuring that each of these characters were unique. The details of their lifestyles and flaws are given enough attention, and we are drawn to asking the question of why they, or someone they know, have simply vanished. The detectives Jake and Chris who first set the tone of the story are well-rounded characters who the reader hopes will be able to uncover where these missing people have disappeared to. While at times the purpose of some of the chapters seemed unclear, the haze eventually lifts towards the second half of the novel where more twists occur and the stakes for these fated individuals are higher than ever.
I really liked how once you become almost 'settled' into the mystery element of the book, the sci-fi suddenly comes into play which offers a welcome and fascinating change of pace. The world-building, though not complete, is enough to envision what Slade's imagined society is like. I look forward to seeing how this is further explored in the next installments of the series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I can definitely see that Alex Slade has the potential to be a hit with sci-fi and thriller readers. Steeped in suspense from beginning to end, I'll definitely be looking forward to seeing what happens next.
February 1, 2017
THIS REVIEW FIRST APPEARED ON NOXWRITE REVIEW
The Detective & Alien World
I must admit I was quite intrigued by this book before I’d even picked it up. While I hadn’t read anything from Alex Slade before Arrival, the intriguing genre blend of science fiction and crime fiction appealed to me as much as its gorgeously designed book cover.
The first character we meet is our protagonist Jake Westbrook, a mysterious and determined homicide detective who closes all his cases. Together with the younger and ambitious detective Tom, he finds that the newest case is something else entirely though, as they both get caught up in a slew of increasingly bizarre disappearances. Nobody knows where the missing persons are, and nobody has any clue about where they could possibly be found. It’s as if they’ve simply vanished. Who or what is taking them?
More anti-hero than hero, Jake has some flaws, and the novel drops hints that something dark happened in his past – little of which is shared with the reader. Slade has created this character in a manner that makes him multi-dimensional and more “human” – the kind of person with which the reader can easily empathize.
Arrival uses a unique structure to great effect. We find each chapter written in the perspective of alternating characters. At some point, we also see how this new character is somehow related to a missing person. It’s a dizzying pattern, by which we’re led deeper and deeper into the book’s central mystery. The author has chosen to name each chapter according to the title of the introduced character. For instance, we have The Pilot, The Teacher, and The Thief. Slade rarely brings in something that is unrelated to the plot, and we come to realize that these professional titles have a significance of their own. As the story unfolds, we discover more about the characters of Arrival – their histories and their personalities. We also learn that whilst their uniqueness is what sets them apart, it is also what they have in common...
READ THE WHOLE REVIEW HERE: http://noxwrite.com/arrival-book-review/
The Detective & Alien World
I must admit I was quite intrigued by this book before I’d even picked it up. While I hadn’t read anything from Alex Slade before Arrival, the intriguing genre blend of science fiction and crime fiction appealed to me as much as its gorgeously designed book cover.
The first character we meet is our protagonist Jake Westbrook, a mysterious and determined homicide detective who closes all his cases. Together with the younger and ambitious detective Tom, he finds that the newest case is something else entirely though, as they both get caught up in a slew of increasingly bizarre disappearances. Nobody knows where the missing persons are, and nobody has any clue about where they could possibly be found. It’s as if they’ve simply vanished. Who or what is taking them?
More anti-hero than hero, Jake has some flaws, and the novel drops hints that something dark happened in his past – little of which is shared with the reader. Slade has created this character in a manner that makes him multi-dimensional and more “human” – the kind of person with which the reader can easily empathize.
Arrival uses a unique structure to great effect. We find each chapter written in the perspective of alternating characters. At some point, we also see how this new character is somehow related to a missing person. It’s a dizzying pattern, by which we’re led deeper and deeper into the book’s central mystery. The author has chosen to name each chapter according to the title of the introduced character. For instance, we have The Pilot, The Teacher, and The Thief. Slade rarely brings in something that is unrelated to the plot, and we come to realize that these professional titles have a significance of their own. As the story unfolds, we discover more about the characters of Arrival – their histories and their personalities. We also learn that whilst their uniqueness is what sets them apart, it is also what they have in common...
READ THE WHOLE REVIEW HERE: http://noxwrite.com/arrival-book-review/
December 8, 2016
Arrival is an introduction of a new sci-fi series. I say 'introduction' because the book is not a whole story. I like series, but I also think that the individual stories should have some kind of closure. This one has a huge cliffhanger.
Apart from that:
Each of the characters have interesting pesonalities and their own background stories. I like how we get a glimpse of their lives, although I have to say that the story seems fragmented sometimes. There are parts where I would have wanted more of a character, I just got used to that particular setting, but suddenly we already moved on to a differrent one. I think changing POVs is not a bad idea per se, but here it could have been done a little more 'flawlessly' if you know what I mean.
I love the non-human characters, and I am looking forward to get to know them more in the next parts.
The new world/universe is complex and well thought out.
The story is fast-paced, exciting, and also hard to put down. It will keep you up at night :)
Don't be discouraged because of the 3 stars, it means that this novel is all right. I really recommend it to sci-fi and mystery lovers, but be aware, you'll have to wait for the next part because there isn't any ending. I am totally looking forward to the next part(s) of this series. I think the auhor is definitely talented and I will keep an eye on his work in the future. If the next novel is less fragmented and has some kind of closure, it will definitely deserve 5 stars!
*I have recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Apart from that:
Each of the characters have interesting pesonalities and their own background stories. I like how we get a glimpse of their lives, although I have to say that the story seems fragmented sometimes. There are parts where I would have wanted more of a character, I just got used to that particular setting, but suddenly we already moved on to a differrent one. I think changing POVs is not a bad idea per se, but here it could have been done a little more 'flawlessly' if you know what I mean.
I love the non-human characters, and I am looking forward to get to know them more in the next parts.
The new world/universe is complex and well thought out.
The story is fast-paced, exciting, and also hard to put down. It will keep you up at night :)
Don't be discouraged because of the 3 stars, it means that this novel is all right. I really recommend it to sci-fi and mystery lovers, but be aware, you'll have to wait for the next part because there isn't any ending. I am totally looking forward to the next part(s) of this series. I think the auhor is definitely talented and I will keep an eye on his work in the future. If the next novel is less fragmented and has some kind of closure, it will definitely deserve 5 stars!
*I have recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
December 8, 2016
This is an interesting read, albeit a merge of detective and sci-fi. In many respects, it felt like two books and I enjoyed the latter half more – but then again, I read mostly sci-fi.
So, we start off with a small cast of characters and catch glimpses of their lives. The undercurrent is that people are disappearing and the cops are trying to figure this out. There doesn’t appear to be any link or motivation in these missing person cases. Some character threads are more interesting than others and I do promise you there is a link and it becomes known.
If you look at the cover and title – you can pretty much guess …and I’m not spoiling anything here…aliens are involved. So, the book pivots on a dime and now you are reading a sci-fi tale about a hub world, future tech, and a plethora of species. What I won’t give away is what transpires. I can say that there are different settings. It could be an interesting movie concept.
The book does wrap, but it is poised to launch more material for sure.
Where I was okay with the detective-driven story, I found more fun with the rest of the adventure. There is some level of cheese in this one, but I am curious to see where things go.
Author provided review copy
So, we start off with a small cast of characters and catch glimpses of their lives. The undercurrent is that people are disappearing and the cops are trying to figure this out. There doesn’t appear to be any link or motivation in these missing person cases. Some character threads are more interesting than others and I do promise you there is a link and it becomes known.
If you look at the cover and title – you can pretty much guess …and I’m not spoiling anything here…aliens are involved. So, the book pivots on a dime and now you are reading a sci-fi tale about a hub world, future tech, and a plethora of species. What I won’t give away is what transpires. I can say that there are different settings. It could be an interesting movie concept.
The book does wrap, but it is poised to launch more material for sure.
Where I was okay with the detective-driven story, I found more fun with the rest of the adventure. There is some level of cheese in this one, but I am curious to see where things go.
Author provided review copy
November 15, 2016
A Thrilling, Suspenseful Mystery, Masterfully Crafted
Wow! This is a spectacular debut from New author Alex Slade. A executive's investigation into missing people turns out to be far more than he bargained for. This well written book is filled with mystery, suspense and science fiction blended beautifully with twists and turns you will not see coming. The basis of any good novel is a great story and Arrival is definitely great. Characterizations are solid and you really get to know the people involved. So good I read this in one sitting. I would love to hear this as an audio book. It would also make a great show. I am greatly looking forward to future books in this series.
Wow! This is a spectacular debut from New author Alex Slade. A executive's investigation into missing people turns out to be far more than he bargained for. This well written book is filled with mystery, suspense and science fiction blended beautifully with twists and turns you will not see coming. The basis of any good novel is a great story and Arrival is definitely great. Characterizations are solid and you really get to know the people involved. So good I read this in one sitting. I would love to hear this as an audio book. It would also make a great show. I am greatly looking forward to future books in this series.
November 7, 2016
One Hell of a ride...
What a great start by a new author! All the characters have their own unique backstory. They are all tied together in one way or another as well. I loved the concept of this story. A little fantasy, science fiction, and imagination. The characters and storyline move around quickly. So be ready for a fast paced ride. I was given this book for an honest review and this is a very honest review. Get this book and give it a try...I think you will thank me. I will be keeping my eye out for the next book in this new series.
What a great start by a new author! All the characters have their own unique backstory. They are all tied together in one way or another as well. I loved the concept of this story. A little fantasy, science fiction, and imagination. The characters and storyline move around quickly. So be ready for a fast paced ride. I was given this book for an honest review and this is a very honest review. Get this book and give it a try...I think you will thank me. I will be keeping my eye out for the next book in this new series.
December 20, 2016
Muy entretenido, voy a ver si hay segunda parte...
April 9, 2017
Check out my full review on OnlineBookClub.org http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews