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A few hundred people wake up in an auditorium with no memory of their past, scared and confused, struggling to remember who they are and how they got here. A voice draws their attention to the person standing on the podium, impeccably dressed, an air of calm confidence about him that suggests he has the answers to all their questions. As he starts explaining the situation, they slowly begin to realize they are in a futuristic realm called Enigma, where dead humans are reborn and brought to trials for the crimes they committed in their human-lives…
- GenresScience Fiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2017
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Lokesh Sharma
2 books16 followersLokesh Sharma grew up reading books and watching movies—a little too much for his parents’ taste. He spent his childhood in a small town about 150 Kms from New Delhi. Having finished his studies, he moved to The Heart of India in 2010, where he worked for a reputed American-based Bank for about three years, until he came up with the idea for his debut novel and decided to put it into words. Aside from lots of reading and a little bit of writing, he likes travelling, shopping, and listening to music.
You can write to him at: aspirationfordeliverance@gmail.com
You can write to him at: aspirationfordeliverance@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 27, 2017
4.5 Stars
The one complaint I have about this book is that I have to wait for the next in the series! It was one of my first forays into the sci-fi genre, and I really enjoyed it. The book was short, even with stops, starts, and interruptions, I polished it off in 2-3 hours.
The book tells the stories of several characters, each interesting in their own right. I felt like each person's history was as interesting as any other, which is not always the case in books that present the story of more than one character. There were portions written in the present time, describing the current daily lives of the characters, mixed with past reflections helping explain how and why each character is there.
The pacing was fast enough to keep me going until it was done, and leave me wishing there was more. I felt like the story was a real sci-fi genre story, but without being hard sci-fi weighted down with terms and concepts that I couldn't wrap my head around. It felt very accessible to me, and was an absolute pleasure to read.
*Copy provided courtesy of author in exchange for fair review. Thanks for making it available!
See my reviews at www.booknerdcat.wordpress.com
The one complaint I have about this book is that I have to wait for the next in the series! It was one of my first forays into the sci-fi genre, and I really enjoyed it. The book was short, even with stops, starts, and interruptions, I polished it off in 2-3 hours.
The book tells the stories of several characters, each interesting in their own right. I felt like each person's history was as interesting as any other, which is not always the case in books that present the story of more than one character. There were portions written in the present time, describing the current daily lives of the characters, mixed with past reflections helping explain how and why each character is there.
The pacing was fast enough to keep me going until it was done, and leave me wishing there was more. I felt like the story was a real sci-fi genre story, but without being hard sci-fi weighted down with terms and concepts that I couldn't wrap my head around. It felt very accessible to me, and was an absolute pleasure to read.
*Copy provided courtesy of author in exchange for fair review. Thanks for making it available!
See my reviews at www.booknerdcat.wordpress.com
March 24, 2017
Now this is my kind of fantasy! I was hooked right from page one. Now that I have finished reading, I'm wicked antsy for book two!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Halfway is set in a futuristic place called Enigma, a halfway point between Earth and Hell or Elysium. The people, now called Myrits in this realm, have been reborn after their death. They awaken in an amphitheater with no memory of who they are. A man standing at a podium informs them that they are indeed in the afterlife and now must face trials for the crimes that they had committed in their human lives. If they are proven compatible and deemed worthy for Elysium, they will be granted access to move on.
The Myrits are confused. Some of them question the speaker. Before things can get out of hand, the speaker tells them that in order to get their human memories back, they must put on a bracelet that sits on a table in front of them. For some, the memories come rushing back as soon as the bracelet is on, but for others, it takes more time. The speaker warns them that if they take the bracelet off, they will lose all of their memories and could potentially lose them forever because they will not be able to remember to put the bracelet back on.
From there, we dive deeper into the story.
My thoughts:
In this situation, I really loved that we were just dropped into the story! This is such a great example of a book that starts in the middle of the action and then backs up to explain the situation in a way that doesn't rely on a ton of information dumping.
So needless to say, I was hooked right from page one. I really enjoyed the quick prologue, though it was a bit confusing because it was right in the middle of the action. However, I felt that it really set the tone of the book perfectly. I was only confused for a short while because right in the first chapter, we got the important information that helped us understand the world.
The storyline flowed well and it was all so wonderfully paced. I really enjoyed that there were chapters sprinkled throughout the book that jumped back to the main characters human lives in order to fill in their backstories.
I really enjoyed all of the characters! Each of them were just so interesting to me. I loved that we met the Myrits when they were very vulnerable and confused, but then got to learn more and more about them each each time we jumped back to see them as humans. I absolutely loved discovering how the characters we focused on were all linked in their human lives as well. I cannot wait to see how things turn out for all of them!
There was a bit of violence included and to me it was wonderfully done! It really made me shudder, but I didn't feel like it was overdone. It was very refreshing!
Beware, the negatives:
The writing was a bit repetitive (my personal reading irk). For example, we learned about going before the Department of Justice through one character, then learned about it again through another character. We also hear the bit about how some Myrits have a hard time using their bracelets and why that is a couple of times. Also when we see a couple of characters use the Televator, we get the same description twice. In each situation, just the first mention would have been enough in my opinion.
This book could also use a tune up editing wise, but only in regards to simple things like capitalization and slight rewording.
My final thoughts:
I would definitely recommend this book! I had so much fun reading this and I cannot wait for the second book.
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Halfway is set in a futuristic place called Enigma, a halfway point between Earth and Hell or Elysium. The people, now called Myrits in this realm, have been reborn after their death. They awaken in an amphitheater with no memory of who they are. A man standing at a podium informs them that they are indeed in the afterlife and now must face trials for the crimes that they had committed in their human lives. If they are proven compatible and deemed worthy for Elysium, they will be granted access to move on.
The Myrits are confused. Some of them question the speaker. Before things can get out of hand, the speaker tells them that in order to get their human memories back, they must put on a bracelet that sits on a table in front of them. For some, the memories come rushing back as soon as the bracelet is on, but for others, it takes more time. The speaker warns them that if they take the bracelet off, they will lose all of their memories and could potentially lose them forever because they will not be able to remember to put the bracelet back on.
From there, we dive deeper into the story.
My thoughts:
In this situation, I really loved that we were just dropped into the story! This is such a great example of a book that starts in the middle of the action and then backs up to explain the situation in a way that doesn't rely on a ton of information dumping.
So needless to say, I was hooked right from page one. I really enjoyed the quick prologue, though it was a bit confusing because it was right in the middle of the action. However, I felt that it really set the tone of the book perfectly. I was only confused for a short while because right in the first chapter, we got the important information that helped us understand the world.
The storyline flowed well and it was all so wonderfully paced. I really enjoyed that there were chapters sprinkled throughout the book that jumped back to the main characters human lives in order to fill in their backstories.
I really enjoyed all of the characters! Each of them were just so interesting to me. I loved that we met the Myrits when they were very vulnerable and confused, but then got to learn more and more about them each each time we jumped back to see them as humans. I absolutely loved discovering how the characters we focused on were all linked in their human lives as well. I cannot wait to see how things turn out for all of them!
There was a bit of violence included and to me it was wonderfully done! It really made me shudder, but I didn't feel like it was overdone. It was very refreshing!
Beware, the negatives:
The writing was a bit repetitive (my personal reading irk). For example, we learned about going before the Department of Justice through one character, then learned about it again through another character. We also hear the bit about how some Myrits have a hard time using their bracelets and why that is a couple of times. Also when we see a couple of characters use the Televator, we get the same description twice. In each situation, just the first mention would have been enough in my opinion.
This book could also use a tune up editing wise, but only in regards to simple things like capitalization and slight rewording.
My final thoughts:
I would definitely recommend this book! I had so much fun reading this and I cannot wait for the second book.
December 11, 2017
An old rule of science fiction writing states that an author is allowed one independent miracle per story. In "Halfway," Lokesh Sharma and Anubhav Sharma hit us with a real doozy: your memories are being harvested, and after you die you are remade with an engineered body and a little bracelet that connects you to those saved memories. Thus reborn into a world called Enigma, you are judged for your actions during your Earthly life and either admitted into the paradise of Elysium or condemned to the torment of Hell. But these realms are not religious/spiritual realms. Rather, they are technological realms situated in a distant part of the galaxy. Pardon the pun, but how the hell did that come about? We aren't told, and for now it doesn't matter. Independent miracle. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!
And it is an amazing ride. Like their authors, the key characters hail from India and have backstories bound up with the customs and history of that land. Dev, a young computer wiz who pulled himself out of a suicidal funk by entering into an illegal cell phone scam with his over-the-top pal Sid, faces Hell because he was killed when he ran in front of a truck with an old suicide note in his pocket. An open and shut case, except he didn't kill himself at all. His death was a tragic accident. Meanwhile, a young woman named Aparna is in similarly deep trouble. After her enraged father killed her boyfriend in front of her for the crime of dating Aparna, she retaliated by murdering him. Worse, she's now killed two of the locals in Enigma, although in self-defense. But in Enigma, justice can be as elusive as on Earth. In fact, the "afterlife" doesn't seem all that different from Earth, riddled with politics, corruption, lust, murder, and other lesser crimes and sins. Worse still, lurking in the background is the specter of war as Hell's self-appointed queen Phoenix prepares to attack Enigma. This is an amazingly good story given that the premise makes absolutely no sense. I found it hard to stop reading. Even better (or flummoxing, depending on how you feel about it), this is book 1 in the "Aspiration for Deliverance" series, and in some ways it's not a complete story. The lives of Dev and Aparna don't intersect at all. This is just the set-up for whatever comes next. But it works, so long as you're willing to wait for book 2, where at least some questions will presumably be answered.
In spite of my raving, this is not a perfect book. It's a first novel by a pair of indie writers, and as usually happens the writing could stand some editing. Not that it's terrible. It's among the better-written first indie novels that I've read. But it could do with a fair bit of tightening. Some material needs reorganization for clarity, and many of the information dumps should be cleaned up. The description is a bit klunky. There are too many sound effects for my taste (I'd get rid of them all, guys, and write some engaging action instead). Oh, and many of those hyphenations and capitalizations shouldn't be there. Because of these issues, I'd make the writing a 3, but the story easily deserves 4+ if not 5. So overall, let's give it a 4.
And it is an amazing ride. Like their authors, the key characters hail from India and have backstories bound up with the customs and history of that land. Dev, a young computer wiz who pulled himself out of a suicidal funk by entering into an illegal cell phone scam with his over-the-top pal Sid, faces Hell because he was killed when he ran in front of a truck with an old suicide note in his pocket. An open and shut case, except he didn't kill himself at all. His death was a tragic accident. Meanwhile, a young woman named Aparna is in similarly deep trouble. After her enraged father killed her boyfriend in front of her for the crime of dating Aparna, she retaliated by murdering him. Worse, she's now killed two of the locals in Enigma, although in self-defense. But in Enigma, justice can be as elusive as on Earth. In fact, the "afterlife" doesn't seem all that different from Earth, riddled with politics, corruption, lust, murder, and other lesser crimes and sins. Worse still, lurking in the background is the specter of war as Hell's self-appointed queen Phoenix prepares to attack Enigma. This is an amazingly good story given that the premise makes absolutely no sense. I found it hard to stop reading. Even better (or flummoxing, depending on how you feel about it), this is book 1 in the "Aspiration for Deliverance" series, and in some ways it's not a complete story. The lives of Dev and Aparna don't intersect at all. This is just the set-up for whatever comes next. But it works, so long as you're willing to wait for book 2, where at least some questions will presumably be answered.
In spite of my raving, this is not a perfect book. It's a first novel by a pair of indie writers, and as usually happens the writing could stand some editing. Not that it's terrible. It's among the better-written first indie novels that I've read. But it could do with a fair bit of tightening. Some material needs reorganization for clarity, and many of the information dumps should be cleaned up. The description is a bit klunky. There are too many sound effects for my taste (I'd get rid of them all, guys, and write some engaging action instead). Oh, and many of those hyphenations and capitalizations shouldn't be there. Because of these issues, I'd make the writing a 3, but the story easily deserves 4+ if not 5. So overall, let's give it a 4.
April 16, 2017
Got a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
A very unique take on the Science Fiction genre. A nice, light, quick and fast-paced read with the necessary amount of questions and plot-twists!
This review was first posted on BiteIntoBooks Blog
Pros
Worldbuilding: This is SO cool! A realm where people who died on earth are reborn and have their after-life. It's so well thought through. It is hard to keep in mind that the people in the story actually DIED on Earth. It felt like this was just Earth but then 1500 years later or something. So, yes, really a Sci-Fi world, but then with people who died...
Fast paced: As you can see, I rushed through! Started yesterday and finished pretty quick. I do think this book has the right length for a first book. A lot is explained and you learn more about the lives of the main-characters when they were alive and on Earth. It's actually more a book that feels like a set-up for a longer story.
Storylines come together: It's so nice that the storylines actually come together a bit. It first feels like loose stories about people who randomly end up in Enigma, but when the story develops you learn that they might know the same people...
Cons
No fav character: I did not feel a real connection with the characters. It was hard for me to try and be in their shoes, and therefore I did not really care for the characters. They were all pretty okay, and you learn enough about their backgrounds, but I missed some characteristic features which could make me fall in love with them.
Not emotionally involved: Because I did not really care for a character or felt like it was my favorite, I was less emotionally involved. I really hope, now the story is set up in this first book, that this will change in the next book for me.
A very unique story that is well set-up in this first book. Enigma; a highly unique, futuristic realm where I hope to spend another book-adventure. This first book felt like a good set-up for a next one! Keep in mind that this is REAL Science-Fiction!
A very unique take on the Science Fiction genre. A nice, light, quick and fast-paced read with the necessary amount of questions and plot-twists!
This review was first posted on BiteIntoBooks Blog
Pros
Worldbuilding: This is SO cool! A realm where people who died on earth are reborn and have their after-life. It's so well thought through. It is hard to keep in mind that the people in the story actually DIED on Earth. It felt like this was just Earth but then 1500 years later or something. So, yes, really a Sci-Fi world, but then with people who died...
Fast paced: As you can see, I rushed through! Started yesterday and finished pretty quick. I do think this book has the right length for a first book. A lot is explained and you learn more about the lives of the main-characters when they were alive and on Earth. It's actually more a book that feels like a set-up for a longer story.
Storylines come together: It's so nice that the storylines actually come together a bit. It first feels like loose stories about people who randomly end up in Enigma, but when the story develops you learn that they might know the same people...
Cons
No fav character: I did not feel a real connection with the characters. It was hard for me to try and be in their shoes, and therefore I did not really care for the characters. They were all pretty okay, and you learn enough about their backgrounds, but I missed some characteristic features which could make me fall in love with them.
Not emotionally involved: Because I did not really care for a character or felt like it was my favorite, I was less emotionally involved. I really hope, now the story is set up in this first book, that this will change in the next book for me.
A very unique story that is well set-up in this first book. Enigma; a highly unique, futuristic realm where I hope to spend another book-adventure. This first book felt like a good set-up for a next one! Keep in mind that this is REAL Science-Fiction!
April 6, 2017
~I received a free copy for my honest review~
Halfway is an interesting science fiction tale in which a handful of people are brought back from the dead with no memories of who they are in order to put them on trial for the crimes they committed during their lives. Those that pass will move onto the next realm but punishment awaits the failures.
This is an interesting tale for sure and a short, easy read for anyone pressed for time. For people who aren’t big into science fiction, I think this is the perfect book to get them started. Fantastic job! I look forward to seeing where the series goes from here.
Halfway is an interesting science fiction tale in which a handful of people are brought back from the dead with no memories of who they are in order to put them on trial for the crimes they committed during their lives. Those that pass will move onto the next realm but punishment awaits the failures.
This is an interesting tale for sure and a short, easy read for anyone pressed for time. For people who aren’t big into science fiction, I think this is the perfect book to get them started. Fantastic job! I look forward to seeing where the series goes from here.
March 13, 2017
I just finished reading this book the second time and decided to increase the rating by one star, because this book deserves all five of them. I can tell at least a thousand good things about this book like it was written on an original idea, the futuristic ream called Enigma was exceptionally well built, characters were strong. But that would be pointless now because other readers have already mentioned the best things about this book.
The moment I started reading the first chapter, I don’t know how but I knew I was going to like it, and I did! Almost every chapter and every character was as interesting as the other. Even after rereading the book, I couldn’t find a single flaw in the storyline. It was just perfect!
The thing I liked most about the authors is that they know when to break the rules of writing and when to stay within them. If you are thinking about reading this book, then simply go for it. I am sure you won’t be disappointed unless you are a YA reader. Because YA readers might not like the suspenseful tone the authors used in this book. So if you are a YA reader, then I think you should just wait and hope that the next book they write is a YA novel, because trust me, if you haven’t read a book written by these authors, you are missing a lot! I could simply kill for their next book!
September 16, 2017
In Halfway (Aspiration for Deliverance #1), the recently dead find themselves in an amphitheatre in a strange, other-worldly realm called Enigma. No one knows how they got there or what Enigma's purpose is. It transpires Enigma is a halfway holding-place where dead people are tried for their crimes on Earth. If innocent, they'll be welcomed into Salvation; if guilty, Hell awaits.
The story is told through the perspectives of several main characters. The authors have skillfully brought each one to life (excuse the pun) and the reader is drawn in wanting to know more. The plot is both highly original and exciting. The pacing is just about right for a relatively short book of slightly more than 200 pages.
In my opinion, Halfway (Aspiration for Deliverance #1) is a very enjoyable read and isn't bogged down by futuristic technological terminology or complicated 'world building' as some books in this genre can be. It's an easy read with a very good plot, which I'm sure will continue into book two.
Thanks to authors Lokesh Sharma & Anubhav Sharma for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2...
The story is told through the perspectives of several main characters. The authors have skillfully brought each one to life (excuse the pun) and the reader is drawn in wanting to know more. The plot is both highly original and exciting. The pacing is just about right for a relatively short book of slightly more than 200 pages.
In my opinion, Halfway (Aspiration for Deliverance #1) is a very enjoyable read and isn't bogged down by futuristic technological terminology or complicated 'world building' as some books in this genre can be. It's an easy read with a very good plot, which I'm sure will continue into book two.
Thanks to authors Lokesh Sharma & Anubhav Sharma for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2...
January 27, 2018
Finished reading: January 27th 2018
“We want others to care about us. But without feelings, nobody would care about anybody.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Full review on my blog Here.
Full review on my blog Here.
February 24, 2017
I downloaded a free copy of this book from instafreebie. I don’t read indie authors, even if those books are for free, but the description intrigued me so much that I ended up downloading it:
Enigma is a futuristic city where dead humans are reborn and tried for the crimes they committed in their human lives!!!
I am really happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed with my decision. If you are looking for a book that will make you feel like this
then this
and sometimes this
in almost every chapter, then this book is for you.
As soon as i finished it, I came straight here to review.
The book was released only a couple days ago, and i found that i was probably the first person to review it (not just here, but anywhere). I think i should get a free copy of Authors' next book too--as a reward. But even it i don't, that's fine, because free or not, no one can stop be from reading their next book.
Enigma is a futuristic city where dead humans are reborn and tried for the crimes they committed in their human lives!!!
I am really happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed with my decision. If you are looking for a book that will make you feel like this
then this
and sometimes this
in almost every chapter, then this book is for you.
As soon as i finished it, I came straight here to review.
The book was released only a couple days ago, and i found that i was probably the first person to review it (not just here, but anywhere). I think i should get a free copy of Authors' next book too--as a reward. But even it i don't, that's fine, because free or not, no one can stop be from reading their next book.
August 22, 2018
DNF @ 21% - Plot seemed to be going in an interesting direction but did a complete 180. The allegory is very hamfisted in this also.
December 10, 2017
I received this from BookGobbler.
This is a science fiction story. This story takes place is a different realm called Enigma. Enigma is where you go when you have died on Earth. Once on Enigma you are get a bracelet to help you remember your time on Earth. You will go in front of 4 "people" virtually who will decide whether you go to hell. Whether you do some sort of sentence by working for the government of Enigma for an slotted time. If you've done nothing, maybe you could go to Salvation.
The story starts with a very angry Abraham. He has plead not guilty of 2 murders that he claims he was framed. Enigma investigators found no proof of his innocence, so he was sentenced to Hell. Abraham's part was very short, but I think he might play a bigger part in book 2.
Next we meet Dev who has plead not guilty to the murder of himself. Since Dev's handler was best friends with grandpa Vasudev, he may get a better chance.
We next meet Aparna, she gets a big part in this story. She's only been in Enigma few days, but has a whole chapter. Maybe her tie to the main characters will become clearer in book 2.
We get a small intro to Phoenix in Hell. There is a war brewing between Hell and Enigma.
This author has amazing world building skills. I felt I could visualize Enigma while I was reading. The secondary characters, even though they play a small part, they feel needed. I could feel the outrage of Abraham from injustice, who wouldn't immediately like Dev, the shy nerdy guy? The heartbroken Aparna, I'm not sure how I feel about her.
The book is unique and interesting. The plot is easy to follow. It's well written and I enjoyed very much.
My 1 complaint with 2 parts: A, it finished with a cliffhanger - B, I don't think book 2 is out yet.
This is a science fiction story. This story takes place is a different realm called Enigma. Enigma is where you go when you have died on Earth. Once on Enigma you are get a bracelet to help you remember your time on Earth. You will go in front of 4 "people" virtually who will decide whether you go to hell. Whether you do some sort of sentence by working for the government of Enigma for an slotted time. If you've done nothing, maybe you could go to Salvation.
The story starts with a very angry Abraham. He has plead not guilty of 2 murders that he claims he was framed. Enigma investigators found no proof of his innocence, so he was sentenced to Hell. Abraham's part was very short, but I think he might play a bigger part in book 2.
Next we meet Dev who has plead not guilty to the murder of himself. Since Dev's handler was best friends with grandpa Vasudev, he may get a better chance.
We next meet Aparna, she gets a big part in this story. She's only been in Enigma few days, but has a whole chapter. Maybe her tie to the main characters will become clearer in book 2.
We get a small intro to Phoenix in Hell. There is a war brewing between Hell and Enigma.
This author has amazing world building skills. I felt I could visualize Enigma while I was reading. The secondary characters, even though they play a small part, they feel needed. I could feel the outrage of Abraham from injustice, who wouldn't immediately like Dev, the shy nerdy guy? The heartbroken Aparna, I'm not sure how I feel about her.
The book is unique and interesting. The plot is easy to follow. It's well written and I enjoyed very much.
My 1 complaint with 2 parts: A, it finished with a cliffhanger - B, I don't think book 2 is out yet.
December 26, 2017
Although I’m not a big fan of sci-fi, nor do I accept doing reviews for that genre very often, however, I was very appreciative to accept Halfway by Lokesh Sharma with Anubhav Sharma for free in exchange for an honest review. And I must say, I was not disappointed. A few hundred people wake up in an auditorium with no memory of their past, scared and confused, struggling to remember who they are and how they got here. A voice draws their attention to the person standing on the podium, impeccably dressed, an air of calm confidence about him that suggests he has the answers to all their questions. As he starts explaining the situation, they slowly begin to realize they are in a futuristic realm called Enigma, where dead humans are reborn and brought to trials for the crimes they committed in their human lives.
I really didn’t have a favorite character due to there was so many to keep up with. However, they were so well written and their storyline was fascinating. The authors did one hell of a good job not mixing the character’s stories, nor causing confusion. The detailing of the characters, their past, their emotions and their settlement into Enigma was thrilling and interesting. I loved how we the readers are going through experiencing a new world and a new life, beyond the dead, with them.
Halfway reminds me of the sci-fi thriller movie The Island with Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor. If you haven’t seen it, A man living in a futuristic sterile colony begins to question his circumscribed existence when his friend are chosen to go to the Island, the last uncontaminated place on earth. Different storyline, but that’s how I visioned Enigma - a futuristic island for the dead!
I really didn’t have a favorite character due to there was so many to keep up with. However, they were so well written and their storyline was fascinating. The authors did one hell of a good job not mixing the character’s stories, nor causing confusion. The detailing of the characters, their past, their emotions and their settlement into Enigma was thrilling and interesting. I loved how we the readers are going through experiencing a new world and a new life, beyond the dead, with them.
Halfway reminds me of the sci-fi thriller movie The Island with Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor. If you haven’t seen it, A man living in a futuristic sterile colony begins to question his circumscribed existence when his friend are chosen to go to the Island, the last uncontaminated place on earth. Different storyline, but that’s how I visioned Enigma - a futuristic island for the dead!
March 14, 2017
Halfway was a quick and easy novel to read. It was such a novel concept, the characters wake up and find themselves living in an afterlife called Enigma. This is where they come after death, to be tried for crimes they committed when they were humans. The story line follows two main characters, Dev and Aparna. The story has a mixture of the present with them in Enigma, and flashbacks to their life on Earth. We learn quite quickly what Dev's alleged crime on Earth was, but I'm still not clear what Aparna did. But this may have something to do with the issues Aparna is having settling into Enigma.
The information in the brackets annoyed me. It usually wasn't necessary as it was reminding us of something we already knew, and I felt a little bit like it was talking down to us (like we wouldn't understand without the information) .
I wasn't very happy with the ending as it ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I understand it's a series, but there was too much left unanswered and not enough information provided in this book for me. I can't even imagine how the two main characters relate. At the moment seems like two very different story lines in one book. And it just kind of ended....very abruptly.
The information in the brackets annoyed me. It usually wasn't necessary as it was reminding us of something we already knew, and I felt a little bit like it was talking down to us (like we wouldn't understand without the information) .
I wasn't very happy with the ending as it ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I understand it's a series, but there was too much left unanswered and not enough information provided in this book for me. I can't even imagine how the two main characters relate. At the moment seems like two very different story lines in one book. And it just kind of ended....very abruptly.
April 5, 2017
This was really such a great book. I can't even imagine the author decided on the concept. Like... wow. It's that fantastic. I really enjoyed the ending to this, as well. I'm crazy excited for the second book. I don't know when it's coming out, but I'm pumped.
I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves a short, thrilling read. It was just over 100 pages, but there promises to hundreds more of great material!
I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves a short, thrilling read. It was just over 100 pages, but there promises to hundreds more of great material!
April 17, 2017
I got a copy of this book for free from the author. For now, all I can say is, the world building that this book entails is amazing for a sci-fi novel. I will post a full review of this book on my blog (http://thegrimreaderph.wordpress.com).
I just hate how I have to wait for the next book to know what happens next. Its a killer.
I just hate how I have to wait for the next book to know what happens next. Its a killer.
March 9, 2017
Full Review here: https://malloryreadsblog.wordpress.co...
This book series has so much potential and it's good, even if I don't say it is, other readers were all extremely positive.
I found myself getting extremely confused because nothing really stuck. I loved the idea of the story, the fact that it's set in the after life and people are being punished for their crimes in life. It's original and a foundation for a great story.
But my brain just didn't seem to agree with the style of writing and I struggled most of the way through, I've just finished it and I don't really know what I read. The book is from a few characters point of views but is a little vague at the start.
Some parts of the books I absolutely loved, mostly the parts about the character's pasts and what ended up getting them into Enigma.
I do recommend this book, it's an easy read and it's original, don't let my brain functioning put you off! I am excited to see what the second book is like as there is a lot of cliffhangers at the end of the this book and I want the answer :')
This book series has so much potential and it's good, even if I don't say it is, other readers were all extremely positive.
I found myself getting extremely confused because nothing really stuck. I loved the idea of the story, the fact that it's set in the after life and people are being punished for their crimes in life. It's original and a foundation for a great story.
But my brain just didn't seem to agree with the style of writing and I struggled most of the way through, I've just finished it and I don't really know what I read. The book is from a few characters point of views but is a little vague at the start.
Some parts of the books I absolutely loved, mostly the parts about the character's pasts and what ended up getting them into Enigma.
I do recommend this book, it's an easy read and it's original, don't let my brain functioning put you off! I am excited to see what the second book is like as there is a lot of cliffhangers at the end of the this book and I want the answer :')
March 14, 2017
Aloha,
This book is awesome! It gives you a view of what happens after death. It gives this perspective from the eyes of different characters. It would be hard to pinpoint a favorite characters. There are a few characters that I bond with, despite being a short story. It also made me reflect on the curevballs and roses that life threws at you. It also reminds you that life does not go as plan and the power of love. I would recommend to any science fiction fan! The ending is mysteerious. It gives a thirst for more of this book.
Mahalo,
Tiffany April
This book is awesome! It gives you a view of what happens after death. It gives this perspective from the eyes of different characters. It would be hard to pinpoint a favorite characters. There are a few characters that I bond with, despite being a short story. It also made me reflect on the curevballs and roses that life threws at you. It also reminds you that life does not go as plan and the power of love. I would recommend to any science fiction fan! The ending is mysteerious. It gives a thirst for more of this book.
Mahalo,
Tiffany April
February 19, 2017
I have to say good going on this one. I honestly don’t know where to begin. This will be a short review because I can’t really say much about the story…I’d hate to give it away. The characters are basically living in purgatory—a city called Enigma. When the humans die, they’re reborn, so to speak, to be tried for the crimes they committed in their human life.
Halfway was absolutely nothing like I expected. But, then again, I wasn’t exactly sure what I expected. It did take a little bit for me to get into at first, but I soon found myself drawn deep into the story. The characters were three-dimensional, the plot first-rate. I found the idea of the storyline quite intriguing and original.
I recommend this book.
You can see more book reviews at https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...
Halfway was absolutely nothing like I expected. But, then again, I wasn’t exactly sure what I expected. It did take a little bit for me to get into at first, but I soon found myself drawn deep into the story. The characters were three-dimensional, the plot first-rate. I found the idea of the storyline quite intriguing and original.
I recommend this book.
You can see more book reviews at https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...
March 15, 2017
***4.5 Stars***
Wow!! These guys really know what they are doing!
I don’t want to post any spoilers here, so I won’t talk much about the story. All I am going to say is that the book is short (only 200 pages) and I read it in one sitting. About the writing style, I would just say that it was well written and perfectly paced.
This book really surprised me, in a good way! It was totally different from what I had expected of it. I wasn’t expecting such character depth, especially when I noticed that it was written with multiple POVs, but characters in this book were lifelike, for which the Authors deserve a big thumbs up.
Only this one character named Dev seemed a little weak in the beginning, but I think authors knew that too, because in chapter 6 (which basically tells Dev’s story before his death), the book switches from third to first person. In my opinion, this was the wisest thing Authors did to give depth to Dev’s character, because it really breathes new life into the story.
Would I recommend this book to readers? I definitely would!
Wow!! These guys really know what they are doing!
I don’t want to post any spoilers here, so I won’t talk much about the story. All I am going to say is that the book is short (only 200 pages) and I read it in one sitting. About the writing style, I would just say that it was well written and perfectly paced.
This book really surprised me, in a good way! It was totally different from what I had expected of it. I wasn’t expecting such character depth, especially when I noticed that it was written with multiple POVs, but characters in this book were lifelike, for which the Authors deserve a big thumbs up.
Only this one character named Dev seemed a little weak in the beginning, but I think authors knew that too, because in chapter 6 (which basically tells Dev’s story before his death), the book switches from third to first person. In my opinion, this was the wisest thing Authors did to give depth to Dev’s character, because it really breathes new life into the story.
Would I recommend this book to readers? I definitely would!
December 29, 2017
So, to start off, this book does an amazing job of world building. The book's setting is creative and well fleshed out. Likewise, the characters are well developed and realistic. As a straight up character piece, the book is fantastic. The downside is that the whole book feels like set up. The pacing feels slow and very little really happens until late in the book. This is forgivable for the first book in a series, but could frustrate some readers. This will probably be less of a problem when other books in the series are out. Still, this is one of the more creative works I've read in quite a while. I recommend this book and look forward to seeing more in the future.
March 12, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'd give 3.5 stars if I could. There was a lot about the book that I loved so I'll start there. I love the idea of this book and I think it is very original. THe story moves quickly and creates a clear image in my head of "'the after life". The world that they are in is so clear and like nothing I've ever read.
I also like the way the characters were introduced and the flow back and forth between the past and the present. I wanted to know more about the characters, their lives, and more about what life is like in Enigma. It was a quick read and I found it easy to get to the end.
I did have a few issues that made it difficult for me to give this 4 stars. First, there were a nUmber of sentences that were grammatically incorrect as well as some that were just so strange, I didn't know what the author was saying. These sentences disrupted the flow of the story. This issue is more of an editing issue.
My biggest issue was actually how abruptly to story ended. I understand writing a series; however, there was no resolution or answers.I feel like the story ended right in the middle or at the climax of the plot. I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series but, if it's more than three, I think the author could have added a bit more to make this book more complete.
I wouldn't hesitate to read the next story because I want to know what happens!
I'd give 3.5 stars if I could. There was a lot about the book that I loved so I'll start there. I love the idea of this book and I think it is very original. THe story moves quickly and creates a clear image in my head of "'the after life". The world that they are in is so clear and like nothing I've ever read.
I also like the way the characters were introduced and the flow back and forth between the past and the present. I wanted to know more about the characters, their lives, and more about what life is like in Enigma. It was a quick read and I found it easy to get to the end.
I did have a few issues that made it difficult for me to give this 4 stars. First, there were a nUmber of sentences that were grammatically incorrect as well as some that were just so strange, I didn't know what the author was saying. These sentences disrupted the flow of the story. This issue is more of an editing issue.
My biggest issue was actually how abruptly to story ended. I understand writing a series; however, there was no resolution or answers.I feel like the story ended right in the middle or at the climax of the plot. I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series but, if it's more than three, I think the author could have added a bit more to make this book more complete.
I wouldn't hesitate to read the next story because I want to know what happens!
December 19, 2017
The setting is interesting and the world building is brilliant, the story is set around a world far from Earth called Enigma, here people who died on Earth are reborn and put on trials to decide whether they deserve heaven or an eternal punishment in hell. The characters were three dimensional with interesting back stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an unbiased review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an unbiased review.
March 13, 2017
*DISCLAIMER: This review consists of my own honest opinions. As such, please don’t let it affect you from giving this novel a chance.
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