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Seven hundred years in the future, Earth has been invaded by the Jegg, a powerful alien race. Half of the Terran Confederation has been wiped out.
In a hidden base under the Sahara desert, a team of scientists is working to mount a resistance against the invaders. Their plan is to fit an Earth ship with Jegg folding-space technology and travel to the other side of the galaxy, where a mysterious energy source is believed to exist... an energy source that could help them defeat the Jegg.
But just before departure, catastrophe strikes. Only two of the crew survive and make it their destination: the team leader's wife Maeve, and her teenage son Davin. What they find on the distant planet will forever change both the future of their family and their planet, as they enter a race against time... and against seemingly impossible odds.
In a hidden base under the Sahara desert, a team of scientists is working to mount a resistance against the invaders. Their plan is to fit an Earth ship with Jegg folding-space technology and travel to the other side of the galaxy, where a mysterious energy source is believed to exist... an energy source that could help them defeat the Jegg.
But just before departure, catastrophe strikes. Only two of the crew survive and make it their destination: the team leader's wife Maeve, and her teenage son Davin. What they find on the distant planet will forever change both the future of their family and their planet, as they enter a race against time... and against seemingly impossible odds.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2017
About the author
Patrick Hodges
48 books122 followersI guess I am the classic "late bloomer." I had to sit in the front row of the class picture every year in elementary school; I didn't reach my present, permanent height until the year I got my driver's license. It took me a long time to "grow up" mentally, too; I was probably the least goal-oriented person you could ever meet.
I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I'd already seen.
And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn't hold it in any more. I'm sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn't wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.
Better a "late bloomer" than a "never bloomer," I guess.
What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I'll let you figure out which is which).
I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I'd already seen.
And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn't hold it in any more. I'm sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn't wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.
Better a "late bloomer" than a "never bloomer," I guess.
What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I'll let you figure out which is which).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 30, 2019
Creativia, a publisher with a vast range of fantastic authors, is a go-to stop for me each month. I choose at least one new author and often a minimally-read genre (for me) to expand my knowledge and literary exposure. This month, I went with the first book, Pawns, in a three-book fantasy series called The Wielders of Arantha written in 2016 by Patrick Hodges. For those who follow my reviews, I rarely read science-fiction or fantasy because I tend to want to know all the rules of what can and what cannot happen. I've picked up a few popular ones, a few non-popular ones, and now I'm reading recommendations from others I trust... maybe one day I'll actually be a mega fan!
Hodges kicks off the ~400 page book with a prologue from a dying woman who knows she has only a few breaths left. She hopes she's done enough to protect her race and train the new protectress of her kind, but sadly she will never know as she breathes her last moment forever. Immediately, readers are thrust into a spaceship crash where we learn a woman has recently lost her husband to 'the cause' and she's working with his protegee to navigate the ship as well as protect her teenage son. But there's an accident, the protegee dies, and she is stuck trying to figure out how to fulfill her husband's last wish to protect their kind. Who are they and are they related to the woman in the prologue? Then we meet a brother and a sister who at first seem like angry, vengeful people.... then we meet the daughter from the prologue... and then... it goes on switching character perspectives and story-lines. I'll leave out the rest of the plot because there are 3 books and so much I could cover... suffice to say, this is quite a book and saga.
After the first 10%, we've met most of the major characters and understand enough of their plight and history. We don't know how they connect to one another nor how all the planets or worlds function. In many ways, this is no different than a novel where you've got a bunch of characters who are somehow connected, but you don't find out until midway thru -- just there's science fiction and fantasy holding it together. That's when I realized I had immersed myself in the various stories. I worried less about the rules and began to care about each protagonist or supporting character. A mother fighting for her son... siblings with a tortured past... a daughter hoping to live up to her mother's expectations while raising her own daughter who's rebellious and likely to cause a major issue for their society. It's a captivating story. I definitely found myself anxious to know who knew who... and when you realize there are different names/beliefs for people depending on the world you come from, it's even more of a thriller and suspense ride.
Hodges has created a wonderful saga in Arantha full of human (and not so human) emotions that speak to readers of all kinds. His writing style is smooth and easy, but descriptive and intriguing. I found myself following along quite well for the most part, and the only times I pulled away from the story were when it got deeper into the fantasy and science-fiction elements. BUT... that's only due to my reading style and genre preferences. The book is full of traditional fantasy and science fiction components that I've experienced in Star Trek or Lord of the Rings or The Hunger Games. Hodges is adept at keeping a good balance to satisfy a hard-core genre fan but also bring in a new set of readers who aren't ready to commit to something so different. That's a good writer!
I will read book two in early 2019 after I finish some commitments already set for this year. I'm curious to find out how some of the action sequences and cliffhanger revelations at the end of this first book will play out. A surprise genealogical connection (which I love), a potential death (traumatic but necessary), a potential pregnancy, and a fit of rage... who's gonna win? Who's gonna suffer more? Throw in the beginnings of a romance between different species (I think), and the book has a bit of everything built inside its pages. A definite recommend for all sorts of readers but definitely those who love trilogies (with a prequel novella too) and fantasy. Don't miss out on this one.
Hodges kicks off the ~400 page book with a prologue from a dying woman who knows she has only a few breaths left. She hopes she's done enough to protect her race and train the new protectress of her kind, but sadly she will never know as she breathes her last moment forever. Immediately, readers are thrust into a spaceship crash where we learn a woman has recently lost her husband to 'the cause' and she's working with his protegee to navigate the ship as well as protect her teenage son. But there's an accident, the protegee dies, and she is stuck trying to figure out how to fulfill her husband's last wish to protect their kind. Who are they and are they related to the woman in the prologue? Then we meet a brother and a sister who at first seem like angry, vengeful people.... then we meet the daughter from the prologue... and then... it goes on switching character perspectives and story-lines. I'll leave out the rest of the plot because there are 3 books and so much I could cover... suffice to say, this is quite a book and saga.
After the first 10%, we've met most of the major characters and understand enough of their plight and history. We don't know how they connect to one another nor how all the planets or worlds function. In many ways, this is no different than a novel where you've got a bunch of characters who are somehow connected, but you don't find out until midway thru -- just there's science fiction and fantasy holding it together. That's when I realized I had immersed myself in the various stories. I worried less about the rules and began to care about each protagonist or supporting character. A mother fighting for her son... siblings with a tortured past... a daughter hoping to live up to her mother's expectations while raising her own daughter who's rebellious and likely to cause a major issue for their society. It's a captivating story. I definitely found myself anxious to know who knew who... and when you realize there are different names/beliefs for people depending on the world you come from, it's even more of a thriller and suspense ride.
Hodges has created a wonderful saga in Arantha full of human (and not so human) emotions that speak to readers of all kinds. His writing style is smooth and easy, but descriptive and intriguing. I found myself following along quite well for the most part, and the only times I pulled away from the story were when it got deeper into the fantasy and science-fiction elements. BUT... that's only due to my reading style and genre preferences. The book is full of traditional fantasy and science fiction components that I've experienced in Star Trek or Lord of the Rings or The Hunger Games. Hodges is adept at keeping a good balance to satisfy a hard-core genre fan but also bring in a new set of readers who aren't ready to commit to something so different. That's a good writer!
I will read book two in early 2019 after I finish some commitments already set for this year. I'm curious to find out how some of the action sequences and cliffhanger revelations at the end of this first book will play out. A surprise genealogical connection (which I love), a potential death (traumatic but necessary), a potential pregnancy, and a fit of rage... who's gonna win? Who's gonna suffer more? Throw in the beginnings of a romance between different species (I think), and the book has a bit of everything built inside its pages. A definite recommend for all sorts of readers but definitely those who love trilogies (with a prequel novella too) and fantasy. Don't miss out on this one.
April 17, 2017
Let's just start by saying, wowza. Such an incredibly complex and intriguing story.
The story:
There's so much to tell here. It's a story that has an incredible amount of moving parts. There's Maeve and Davin who have escaped tragedy and found themselves stranded on this new planet that is quite a bit more primitive than the one they've come from. There's the society consisting of all women who live in secret. There is the evil dude and his sister who are bent on ruling everything. And at the center of it, there are these stones.
What I loved:
Does everything count? I'm not a big fan of science fiction usually and one of the reasons is because its a very male dominated genre. That's what this book gets right. The female characters are just as important, sometimes more, as the male ones. The relationships are real, the writing is tight and humorous. It's setting up for an epic story and I can't wait for the next one.
What was just okay for me:
Nothing. I loved it all.
Final Verdict:
A smart, fun, science fiction story that can appeal to lovers of all genres because at it's heart, it isn't about the science or technology at all. It's about the people.
The story:
There's so much to tell here. It's a story that has an incredible amount of moving parts. There's Maeve and Davin who have escaped tragedy and found themselves stranded on this new planet that is quite a bit more primitive than the one they've come from. There's the society consisting of all women who live in secret. There is the evil dude and his sister who are bent on ruling everything. And at the center of it, there are these stones.
What I loved:
Does everything count? I'm not a big fan of science fiction usually and one of the reasons is because its a very male dominated genre. That's what this book gets right. The female characters are just as important, sometimes more, as the male ones. The relationships are real, the writing is tight and humorous. It's setting up for an epic story and I can't wait for the next one.
What was just okay for me:
Nothing. I loved it all.
Final Verdict:
A smart, fun, science fiction story that can appeal to lovers of all genres because at it's heart, it isn't about the science or technology at all. It's about the people.
April 17, 2017
This book is an imaginative, fascinating story set in a well-thought-out world and with fully fleshed out characters. It is told from quite a few points of view, which is great for getting into the characters' heads and understanding them on a deeper level. Somehow the author manages to keep the story coherent, easy to follow, and moving forward while switching POVs with virtually every chapter. Major props for that! There is a lot going on, but the storylines intermingle with lots of great twists and turns. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
March 2, 2023
DNF 4%
This one rubbed me the wrong way from the outset. I've seen fantasy and science combined well but this was like oil and water. It didn't help that the science sounded ridiculous... jets in space again. Why?
The second problem was the lack of a focusing element. I was drowning in characters about whom I knew almost nothing and cared less. This was painful for me.
This one rubbed me the wrong way from the outset. I've seen fantasy and science combined well but this was like oil and water. It didn't help that the science sounded ridiculous... jets in space again. Why?
The second problem was the lack of a focusing element. I was drowning in characters about whom I knew almost nothing and cared less. This was painful for me.
April 3, 2018
Maeve and her son Davin find themselves stuck on a primitive planet that holds secrets they'll soon uncover. In PAWNS, Patrick Hodges weaves an excellent tale that's full of action and adventure. I loved how the chapters switched POVs in PAWNS. It gives insight to what's really going on with the residents of this planet and there's so many characters for you to fall in love with.
It begins with Maeve who lost her husband in the attack from the Jegg, but she won't stop this mission until it's completed. There's something on this planet that can save her and her son's planet from the Jegg and they won't stop until the mission is completed.
Then, there is Kelia who is the leader of the women's only society. They live in fear of men and seem to be thriving without them. They reproduce by seeking out men for that reason only. And we can't forget Kelia's daughter Nyla. She was my favorite character and I enjoyed all the scenes that contained her. The women of this society are known as wielders because they each hold a power within themselves. But to the rest of the planet, it's abnormal for women to wield powers, which is another reason Kelia fears what would happen if they were ever discovered.
Lastly, you have Elzor and Elzaria. Elzaria is also a wielder who can see bits of the future. These two siblings are wanting to conquer the planet and become the supreme rulers. Even though they're the bad guys, I still enjoyed their characters. Patrick Hodges does an excellent job of making the characters personalities different, so you can't help but to remember who's who.
Final Verdict: Fans of Science Fiction novels will enjoy this read. It was one of the first science fiction books I've read and it leaves me wondering what I've missed out on. I'm eagerly waiting for the second one to hit the shelves and hope it will be as powerful as this one was.
It begins with Maeve who lost her husband in the attack from the Jegg, but she won't stop this mission until it's completed. There's something on this planet that can save her and her son's planet from the Jegg and they won't stop until the mission is completed.
Then, there is Kelia who is the leader of the women's only society. They live in fear of men and seem to be thriving without them. They reproduce by seeking out men for that reason only. And we can't forget Kelia's daughter Nyla. She was my favorite character and I enjoyed all the scenes that contained her. The women of this society are known as wielders because they each hold a power within themselves. But to the rest of the planet, it's abnormal for women to wield powers, which is another reason Kelia fears what would happen if they were ever discovered.
Lastly, you have Elzor and Elzaria. Elzaria is also a wielder who can see bits of the future. These two siblings are wanting to conquer the planet and become the supreme rulers. Even though they're the bad guys, I still enjoyed their characters. Patrick Hodges does an excellent job of making the characters personalities different, so you can't help but to remember who's who.
Final Verdict: Fans of Science Fiction novels will enjoy this read. It was one of the first science fiction books I've read and it leaves me wondering what I've missed out on. I'm eagerly waiting for the second one to hit the shelves and hope it will be as powerful as this one was.
April 20, 2017
Wielders of Arantha is a series that I plan to follow very closely. Book #1, Pawns, is one of the best books I've read in the past few years. It was an engaging and exciting read, and I enjoyed it immensely. The author knows how to pull the reader in with truly wonderful characters that come alive and grab your attention. This is the author's strongest achievement, characters that I, as a reader, actually cared about.
The action is done extremely well. Not too much, not too little. It is intermixed with the story progression in a very balanced way, and when the action appears, it carries a well-written air of excitement and anticipation for what happens next. In fact, the entire story pulls the reader along for a magnificent and thrilling ride. I found it difficult to put down, and if I did, I was anticipating picking it back up again to read more.
All in all, this is a really great book, full of all the things that make reading fun. A perfect blend of science and fantastical elements that puts it squarely in the Science-Fantasy genre. I very much look forward to more of this series. The author has a fan, and I'm happy to say I've found a new favorite. If you love sci-fi, fantasy, or both, this is a book I believe you will enjoy tremendously.
The action is done extremely well. Not too much, not too little. It is intermixed with the story progression in a very balanced way, and when the action appears, it carries a well-written air of excitement and anticipation for what happens next. In fact, the entire story pulls the reader along for a magnificent and thrilling ride. I found it difficult to put down, and if I did, I was anticipating picking it back up again to read more.
All in all, this is a really great book, full of all the things that make reading fun. A perfect blend of science and fantastical elements that puts it squarely in the Science-Fantasy genre. I very much look forward to more of this series. The author has a fan, and I'm happy to say I've found a new favorite. If you love sci-fi, fantasy, or both, this is a book I believe you will enjoy tremendously.
May 24, 2017
An incredible adventure that weaves together several storylines, Wielders of Arantha is one of the best books I’ve read this year! Filled with action, suspense, and romance, mixing primitive societies with future beings, seamlessly blending exciting and suspenseful narratives, Patrick Hodges creates a tremendous world with complex and diverse characters that will pull you in immediately.
When Maeve and Davin arrive on a new planet to search for an energy source, they never anticipate uprooting a magical energy that several societies deem critical to their own survival and future. As alliances are formed and a battle between good and evil emerges, Maeve and Davin are swept up in the realities of their new world – which includes much more than they ever imagined.
Patrick Hodges has written a masterpiece! Wielders of Arantha is sharp, thought-provoking, entertaining, and incredibly exciting. I connected with so many of the characters on such a deep level which is rare in a book with several competing viewpoints. Hodges’ ability to craft several intertwining storylines in addition to complex characters is incredible. I’m relieved that Pawns is the first book in this series as it means I will have the opportunity to immerse myself in more of this new world!
When Maeve and Davin arrive on a new planet to search for an energy source, they never anticipate uprooting a magical energy that several societies deem critical to their own survival and future. As alliances are formed and a battle between good and evil emerges, Maeve and Davin are swept up in the realities of their new world – which includes much more than they ever imagined.
Patrick Hodges has written a masterpiece! Wielders of Arantha is sharp, thought-provoking, entertaining, and incredibly exciting. I connected with so many of the characters on such a deep level which is rare in a book with several competing viewpoints. Hodges’ ability to craft several intertwining storylines in addition to complex characters is incredible. I’m relieved that Pawns is the first book in this series as it means I will have the opportunity to immerse myself in more of this new world!
July 17, 2017
I'm familiar with Hodges contemporary MG work so I was thrilled to check out his latest YA sci-fi, fantasy offering. Could the author pull off this switch?
The answer is unequivocally yes. In fact, he nails it.
Told in rotating POVs, Pawns is the first tightly-woven story in a series about Maeve and son Davin who travel to another planet where a female only society exists (and thrives) in an attempt to save their own world. Kelia her daughter Nyla are two of my favorite "aliens" and what I like about them the most is that although they have supernatural abilities, they are flawed rendering them believable as actual characters. This coming of age piece takes place in a richly detailed world which Hodges does a particularly wonderful job of painting for the reader - I was easily transported into these future landscapes. The action scenes were also extremely well done and paced perfectly between more introspective passages, giving readers a time to reflect on the action.
In all, I highly recommend Pawns to any fans of sci-fi/fantasy and will definitely read the second installment. And if you're wondering, YES, Pawns passes the Bechdel Test. Bravo, Hodges!
The answer is unequivocally yes. In fact, he nails it.
Told in rotating POVs, Pawns is the first tightly-woven story in a series about Maeve and son Davin who travel to another planet where a female only society exists (and thrives) in an attempt to save their own world. Kelia her daughter Nyla are two of my favorite "aliens" and what I like about them the most is that although they have supernatural abilities, they are flawed rendering them believable as actual characters. This coming of age piece takes place in a richly detailed world which Hodges does a particularly wonderful job of painting for the reader - I was easily transported into these future landscapes. The action scenes were also extremely well done and paced perfectly between more introspective passages, giving readers a time to reflect on the action.
In all, I highly recommend Pawns to any fans of sci-fi/fantasy and will definitely read the second installment. And if you're wondering, YES, Pawns passes the Bechdel Test. Bravo, Hodges!
April 18, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'm very glad I did! This is my first introduction to Sci-Fan and have to say I enjoyed it quite a lot. The blending of magic and technology brings together the two things I love about speculative fiction.
I found this to be a very enjoyable novel, with a solid storyline that kept me reading without losing my interest. There were no parts where the story lagged or got bogged down by unnecessary exposition. Though it took a while to get interesting in the beginning, I was hooked before I hit page 100. It was very easy to read through the story, and I couldn't wait to hit the climax and find out what the deal was with these magical stones that had called an Earther from across the galaxy.
I LOVED the plot twist (no spoilers) that shows up near the endpoint—totally caught me by surprise. The characters were well-written and easy to understand, even the villains. All in all, a solid book that I will definitely be returning to when the Book 2 is released.
I found this to be a very enjoyable novel, with a solid storyline that kept me reading without losing my interest. There were no parts where the story lagged or got bogged down by unnecessary exposition. Though it took a while to get interesting in the beginning, I was hooked before I hit page 100. It was very easy to read through the story, and I couldn't wait to hit the climax and find out what the deal was with these magical stones that had called an Earther from across the galaxy.
I LOVED the plot twist (no spoilers) that shows up near the endpoint—totally caught me by surprise. The characters were well-written and easy to understand, even the villains. All in all, a solid book that I will definitely be returning to when the Book 2 is released.
July 7, 2017
I don’t usually read a lot of sci-fi books, but I’m so glad I read this one. It held my interest from the beginning, as Mr. Hodge’s writing has a way of pulling you in, painting a vivid picture of the world created. And what a world it is. Full of elemental magic, intriguing characters who you’ll love and hate, and told from multiple points of view there’s so much to keep you invested and wondering what’s going to happen next when all the different aspects of the story inevitably come together. Overall, this was a great read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 17, 2017
WHAT DID I JUST READ?? So freaking good! One of the best Sci-Fi books I've read in a very long time. I'm in love with the strong, independent female characters, the worlds, the magic, the complex plot....all of it is top notch. VIVID imagery. Wildly imaginative. Smart. Humorous moments as well as gut wrenching and emotional. Very tense at times! This story will be under my skin for a long time. love love love can't wait for the next one!
April 18, 2017
It's like Star Wars meets Avatar in this intergalactic adventure! The author introduces us to a whole new world told in multiple view points with exciting worlds and complex plot twists. What I loved about this book was the strong female characters - Maeve, the entire society of women, and even the evil wielder were all kickass women. This was a great start to this new Sci-Fi series and I'm really interested to see where the author goes from here!
July 8, 2017
Bring on Book 2
I am heavily into the story and characters of the book. I can't wait to get book 2. I found the characters engaging and the story exciting.
I am heavily into the story and characters of the book. I can't wait to get book 2. I found the characters engaging and the story exciting.
Want to Read
March 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/9/2020)! 🎁
May 12, 2020
I'm a big fan of high fantasy, but even if you are not, this is a book that is nearly impossible not to enjoy. Patrick has done such a fantastic job of creating a world where characters come alive, and the way their stories unravel and yet interweave is just amazing. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work!
December 7, 2020
I had the amazing opportunity to meet this author 2 years in a row and have the first two books in this series signed. He was super nice and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. He is usually at the Tucson Book Festival each year. I love sci-fi and dystopian. This book has so much world building into the story you only need to continue reading to answer your questions. Amazing books.
October 6, 2017
Wielders is a book of many voices. Plenty of authors lately have picked up the style of writing through multiple pov's, (most likely inspired by GOT) but few can achieve the proper balance and intrigue to keep the reader involved chapter to chapter. Patrick Hodges does a marvelous job in keeping my attention.
Fantastic worlds, magical abilities, personal struggle and a scope that is greater than just one small world. Wielders has it all. I love the authors ability to get me to connect to the characters, even the protagonist. How he brings family and loyalty in to breath life into a grand tale.
The world building here is vivid, the plot thick with possibilities and each character painted in the pages is someone you can't wait to find out what happens to next. There is a strong female theme in the first book, but it is far from feminine. I love how the author twists the plots together to reveal each character's strengths and flaws. Fantastic writing!
I hate giving spoilers so will simply say that the first book in this series will grab you, keep you turning pages and have you cheering out loud.
Well done, keep em coming :)
Fantastic worlds, magical abilities, personal struggle and a scope that is greater than just one small world. Wielders has it all. I love the authors ability to get me to connect to the characters, even the protagonist. How he brings family and loyalty in to breath life into a grand tale.
The world building here is vivid, the plot thick with possibilities and each character painted in the pages is someone you can't wait to find out what happens to next. There is a strong female theme in the first book, but it is far from feminine. I love how the author twists the plots together to reveal each character's strengths and flaws. Fantastic writing!
I hate giving spoilers so will simply say that the first book in this series will grab you, keep you turning pages and have you cheering out loud.
Well done, keep em coming :)
December 27, 2017
I loved this mash-up of science fiction and fantasy.
Patrick Hodges, has woven a complex but easy to follow tale that switches from various POV’s so the reader can uncover the pieces of this intriguing puzzle as the story unravels.
With so much happening it’s hard to explain the story in its entirety. Maeve and Davin have found themselves on a new planet after escaping an invasion of an alien race that destroyed Earth. They’re on a mission to find a way to defeat the aliens who invaded their home, but have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into when they find themselves on this new planet. Along with Maeve and Davin, we're introduced to a tribe consisting only of women, and a pair of siblings who are a force to be reckoned with.
I enjoyed the way the stories of these well written characters at times collided, while other times sewed seeds and hints of what is to come in the rest of the series. I look forward to finding out what happens next in book two of The Wielders of Arantha.
Patrick Hodges, has woven a complex but easy to follow tale that switches from various POV’s so the reader can uncover the pieces of this intriguing puzzle as the story unravels.
With so much happening it’s hard to explain the story in its entirety. Maeve and Davin have found themselves on a new planet after escaping an invasion of an alien race that destroyed Earth. They’re on a mission to find a way to defeat the aliens who invaded their home, but have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into when they find themselves on this new planet. Along with Maeve and Davin, we're introduced to a tribe consisting only of women, and a pair of siblings who are a force to be reckoned with.
I enjoyed the way the stories of these well written characters at times collided, while other times sewed seeds and hints of what is to come in the rest of the series. I look forward to finding out what happens next in book two of The Wielders of Arantha.
May 4, 2017
Pawns - Book 1 of The Wielders of Arantha saga has, at its heart, the same kinds of studies of growing up and learning to adapt, but packages it in a sci-fi realm where magic and technology are suddenly thrust together. So, now my opening paragraph makes sense.
Pawns is a unique mixture of sci-fi and fantasy, set on a faraway planet where the rules are different from what our intrepid Earthlings expect. It's a tightly woven story told from multiple points of view and, while it's the first in a series, gives us a solid tale.
And that's the only real downside to the story. This book, like most first books in a series, is primarily here to introduce the characters and situation and get the ball rolling. Don't get me wrong, there's a solid story here, but Pawns' primary purpose is to build a world. And, to be fair, it's a heck of a world, richly detailed and populated with interesting characters. I don't know how many books Hodges has planned for the series, but this one will definitely be the one to start with.
The fact that it's a great read is just icing on the cake.
Pawns is a unique mixture of sci-fi and fantasy, set on a faraway planet where the rules are different from what our intrepid Earthlings expect. It's a tightly woven story told from multiple points of view and, while it's the first in a series, gives us a solid tale.
And that's the only real downside to the story. This book, like most first books in a series, is primarily here to introduce the characters and situation and get the ball rolling. Don't get me wrong, there's a solid story here, but Pawns' primary purpose is to build a world. And, to be fair, it's a heck of a world, richly detailed and populated with interesting characters. I don't know how many books Hodges has planned for the series, but this one will definitely be the one to start with.
The fact that it's a great read is just icing on the cake.
January 22, 2018
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves either traditional high fantasy or sci-fi. the world building is beautiful and the text is exceptionally well written. The characters are well developed and stand out while drawing the reader in. The characters and the world were the best part of this book, which says a lot. It was clearly well thought out and planned. There was nothing about the rules of magic or science in this universe that confused me. It all fit together well and in fact, I enjoyed the reveals and how everything pieced together. The reason I couldn't give this book five stars was because it's labeled as Young Adult and though there are YA characters in the book, this was most definitely an adult book that focused on adult issues for the majority of the time. Not that teens can't or won't enjoy it, but those picking it up thinking it's YA may be confused. Also, my one pet peeve was the cliffhanger. I wanted a complete story arc in one book though I can see that this is meant to be an epic series.
August 10, 2018
This fantasy trilogy opener is one of the best "free/near free" books I've read in a very long time. It checked every box. It has a great storyline, fantastic world building and character development, it captured my interest from the opening and held it to the end, and it left me wanting to get right into book two.
It takes place on the planet Elystra, very much like Earth, with one continent and six countries. Earth has been attacked and occupied by the Jegg and a small resistance group has managed to get a spaceship through the Jegg's web of patrolships to a planet believed to have a power source that can save them. But the pilot, Maeve, and her fourteen year old son, Davin, are the only ones who made it through alive and their ship has been damaged. They locate the stone, but can they get back home? Or are they meant to stay, pawns of the godess Arantha, who brought them to another planet on the brink of war and destruction?
It takes place on the planet Elystra, very much like Earth, with one continent and six countries. Earth has been attacked and occupied by the Jegg and a small resistance group has managed to get a spaceship through the Jegg's web of patrolships to a planet believed to have a power source that can save them. But the pilot, Maeve, and her fourteen year old son, Davin, are the only ones who made it through alive and their ship has been damaged. They locate the stone, but can they get back home? Or are they meant to stay, pawns of the godess Arantha, who brought them to another planet on the brink of war and destruction?
April 24, 2017
Some books are fast-paced romps; some are even-paced, methodical grippers; and some are just boring. While Pawns, book 1 of Patrick Hodges’ Wielders of Arantha series is not a rollercoaster-ride of a tale, it’s anything but boring. I suppose, to put it into words, it’s a slow burn that builds to a comfortable, engaging pace. I had a couple minor bones, but they were so minor they barely matter.
For Hodges’ first foray into science fantasy, I think he’s done a pretty damn good job. I very much enjoyed reading The Wielders of Arantha Book One, Pawns and look forward to book two. I have a feeling we’ll get to learn more about the stakes of the great galactic game and who the unseen hand belongs to that’s moving all of the pieces on the board.
For Hodges’ first foray into science fantasy, I think he’s done a pretty damn good job. I very much enjoyed reading The Wielders of Arantha Book One, Pawns and look forward to book two. I have a feeling we’ll get to learn more about the stakes of the great galactic game and who the unseen hand belongs to that’s moving all of the pieces on the board.
August 14, 2017
I’ll say it straightaway, I’m a Star Trek fan and I rate everything else Sci-Fi by those criteria; however, this is not a negative. It’s a high standard to live up to and Patrick Hodges does just that with this first installment of the Wielders of Arantha series. Not only was the pace well driven, giving you time to get to know the extremely well developed characters and care about what happens to them; it compelled you to keep reading. So hard to put down, this book will stay in your thoughts even when you aren’t reading it. Dynamic and resourceful writing sets this author apart from many other contemporary writers; yet what really drew me in was the unique setting. 700 years in the future! I couldn’t even imagine what that would look like….well, until now!
September 23, 2017
On the surface, book one of the Wielders of Arantha series is an immense, scifan, space opera, but at its heart, it’s a story about family. Told through multiple POVs, the story follows 3 families on a crash course with each other. The characters are real, the world is vivid, and the prose is solid. I found myself comparing Pawns to Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire, but of course, with a magical, fantasy twist. Patrick Hodges has proven yet again that he knows how to weave a compelling tale. Looking forward to book two!
December 18, 2017
I was amazed by the story right from the start, pulled into the action, and characters with depth and purpose. It’s rare to find a story so complex and intertwined without it also being confusing or long winded...Pawns was never that.
I found myself having to read “just one more chapter” so I could find out what happened next. This is a world so well developed and thought out that each and every small detail connects to something bigger and I never saw the twists and turns the story took.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. A must read!
I found myself having to read “just one more chapter” so I could find out what happened next. This is a world so well developed and thought out that each and every small detail connects to something bigger and I never saw the twists and turns the story took.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. A must read!
November 16, 2017
I forgot to review this book has I read through it so fast! But seriously it is worth the read. The characters fight for freedom, but are troubled by the here and now, not the future. The annoying point of view changing from the main characters was annoying at first, but I could feel that a plot and something bigger was being wove. So I fought on, and was not disappointed.
Careful though the cliff is steep.
Careful though the cliff is steep.
September 20, 2017
I have read Patrick's James Madison books and since this was a bit different, I wasn't sure how I would like it to be honest. It was so different from his other books. But I loved it. The fact that he could change from real life fiction about bullying in the James Madison books and change completely to a fantasy genre was incredible. The story is told very well and I look forward to reading more in the series.
August 6, 2018
I never thought someone could blend futuristic sci-fi with traditional epic fantasy, and Mr. Hodges has pulled it off masterfully! What a complex, original world he's created. It's fully realized and immersive, beautifully written, and holds a cast of richly diverse characters. The magic system is well defined and uniquely executed, and the switching POVs made this difficult to put down. Highly recommend to fans of epic fantasy (and those who might love a little fantasy with their sci-fi).
August 10, 2017
This first in the Wielders of Arantha series is a wonderful mix of science fiction and fantasy. It is an intriguing tale that pulled me right into the world of Elystra. I found characters to care about, which is important to me. The ending left me wanting more. Patrick Hodges weaves a wonderful story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 4, 2017
You start this book wondering how hard science fiction, tribal religion, magic, and armies and castles could possibly be woven together. By the end you know. There are some interesting developments toward the end that will lend themselves to an action-packed sequel.
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