Immortal Creators

by Jill Bowers

Sixteen-year-old author Scott Beck never wanted to be an Immortal Writer—not after his father was killed on a mission attempting to dispatch his own villain. Scott blames Shakespeare and the Writers for his father's untimely demise, but no amount of hatred will prevent the oncoming alien attack, which has come over to reality straight from Scott's book.

Scott is forced to collect his characters—an Air Force colonel, two of the best pilots on Earth, and an alien enthusiast from the year 2134—and defeat the alien king before Earth is obliterated by his ships. But an odd sickness Scott calls his Writing Fever might just kill him before the aliens have the chance.

Will Scott be able to defeat the monsters he created, or will the world end in flames?

Genres: Fantasy

266 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book, as I had loved “Immortal Writers”. The concept of brilliant writers – and their key creations – becoming immortal, is just so wonderful. How often do you read a book and really, really want the hero to be real (Aragorn, Arithon s’Ffalenn, Nevyn, Rand al’Thor ….)? In the “Immortal Writers” series, they can be, as they cross from the ‘Imagination Field’ into the ‘Reality Field’, when their writer becomes an Immortal. Tolkien is, of course, one of the Immortals, so I am guessing that Aragorn made it. Unfortunately, the villains often cross over too, and it is up to the Writer to make the world safe from their own creations – either by destroying (killing) them, or by safely containing them within the Hilbert’s-Hotel-like Writer’s Castle.
The newest member of the Immortal Writers is sixteen-year old Scott Beck, son of another Immortal (who died!), and writer of a Sci-Fi adventure. Scott does not want to be part of the Immortal Writers, as he blames them (especially Shakespeare) for the death of his father. Unfortunately, he has no choice, as only he can stop the alien Betan horde from invading Earth. With his (mortal) brother Dylan, his heroes (Paul, the twins Yin and Yang and Colonel Caspiz) and the combined might of the Immortal Writers, it is up to Scott to save the world.
Scott is not just a reluctant Immortal Writer, he is also a reluctant Writer. He frequently suffers from severe bouts of ‘fever’, where (often violent) visions overwhelm him, and he can only keep hold of his health and sanity by writing, however much he hates doing it.
Not everyone is convinced that Scott belongs in the Immortal Writers. HG Wells eyes “projected nothing aside from disapproval and scepticism. ‘This lad can’t even write stories that make logical sense’”. Luckily, Philip K Dick and Shakespeare are on his side. While the last book concentrated on fantasy writers, here it is the Sci-Fi writers that take centre stage. Their unique ability to speedily create anything Sci-Fi-related (such as teleporters, weapons, spaceships, drones, …) to help fight the Betans really comes in handy. However, Liz (heroine of previous book) and her Healer creation, Curtis, have their parts to play, as does Tolkien with his linguistic expertise.
I could not warm to Scott and his creations, and tended to agree with HG Wells. Because of that, I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous (excellent) story. I felt the ending did not sit well with the rest of the book. However, it does set us up perfectly for the next book in the series (Please, say there will be one!)
“Immortal Creators” does have so much to recommend it to anyone who loves books, and wants to see their favourite authors (Jane Austen, Madeleine L’Engle, LM Montgomery, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Grimm brothers, …) as characters in another novel, and I will definitely be reading any more books in this series.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**

Sixteen year old Scott Beck never wanted to be an immortal writer. After his father was killed on a mission to dispatch his own villain, he's always blamed Shakespeare and the Writer's for his father's death. Unfortunately, no amount of anger or hatred will put a stop to the alien attack that's heading straight for Earth that has crossed into reality as a direct result of Scott's book. And as the writer, he's the only one who can stop it! So, now, Scott must gather his characters -an Air Force Colonel, two of the best pilots on Earth, and an alien enthusiast from the year 2134-to defeat the alien king before Earth is obliterated by his ships! Further complicating things, Scott is suffering from an odd sickness that he calls Writing Fever that may kill him before he ever has the chance to save the Earth! Will Scott be able to put aside his anger and hatred, at least long enough to work with the writers so that he can save the world?

This was the second in Jill Bowers' Immortal Writers series and it was just as imaginative and fun as the first one. This one dealt primarily with the sci-fi wing of the castle but brought back several of the characters that we enjoyed so very much in the first book. It spotlighted different Immortal Writers because, this time we were dealing with science fiction. But, new authors were also introduced. Scott was every bit as much of a conflicted, complicated character as Liz was in book one, probably even more so, to be honest. I liked his brother and his characters a great deal. Really, Jill Bowers just has a knack for storytelling and is incredibly talented at keeping your attention and making you really want to see what happens next. I honestly can't wait to see what happens next in the series!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Immortal Writers #2, I didn't really like this one as much as the first one. Normally I love sci-fi but I didn't feel a connection to the characters like I did the first book. Scott, the main character, really got on my nerves he acted like a petulant child for most of the book. Like in the first book Scott becomes an Immortal Writer which basically means the characters he wrote came to life and now it is up to him to defeat the antagonist in this case the leader of a bloodthirsty alien warrior race set on conquering the earth. Scott has to tell his protagonist the truth of the situation and get their help. The other Immortal Writers lend their support such literary icons such as H.G. Wells, Philip K.Dick, and the leader of the Writers, William Shakespeare; we also see the main characters from the first book lend a hand. This can be read as a stand alone if you haven't read the first one. Overall, I do love the whole concept of this series, I think it's absolutely brilliant and I do want to read the next book in the series but this one just fell short.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Warning: this review may contain spoiler-y content for the first book in this series.)

Sequels should be about coming home, and this book really hits the mark. While readers get to enjoy a fresh new author protagonist and wonderful supporting characters, they are also treated with a glimpse into everything that made the first book so wonderful: the Writer's Castle and its colourful quirks, a few memorable appearances by Liz and Curtis, and, of course, Shakespeare and other well-known authors. Bowers writes so well that readers will end up with a series containing entertaining books that are both familiar and fresh – I already can't wait to read the third one.

Back to the book itself: this time around, we are dealing with a science fiction book and not a fantasy one, so instead of dragons, we get aliens as antagonists. I actually thought it was pretty cool, and I look forward to seeing what other genres will be explored in the next book, as the author really seems to be nailing each one so far.

I suppose that if I had to choose something to complain about, it would be the lack of chemistry between the author (the in-book author, Scott, and not Jill Bowers - she has excellent chemistry with her characters!) and his characters. I suppose that this might have been intended, since Scott is a lot more reluctant to follow the Immortal Writer lifestyle than Liz was in the first book; however, I wish there would have been more delving into the characters' lives and personalities. It didn't stop me from enjoying the book, however, so it was more of a disappointment than a deal breaker… I guess it’s not a flaw when your only complaint is “I wish I knew more about the characters”!

Still, I really loved Scott. I was disappointed at first that Liz wasn't the protagonist, but Scott was such a well-rounded character that I quickly got over it. He feels so real. He is an angry teenage boy who gets embarrassed when he's not as mighty as the others, who eats strange food combinations and who bickers with his brother. Also, he transforms throughout the book, and last-chapter Scott is so different than first-chapter Scott. You'll love it, trust me.

And the ending... don't get me started on that cliff-hanger. I can't believe this book is only going to be published in 2018, which means I'll have to wait for a long time before the third book.

I'd like to thank Blue Moon Publishers for the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would recommend this book, and I really look forward to reading what else Jill Bowers comes up with!

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

We begin with the acknowledgement of a death, though the how and why are still a mystery, and the open vehemence of young Scott for our dearly beloved Bard. Yes, that's right...Shakespeare. What? Didn't you read the first one? Well, why not? Quick summary, author's whose writing surpassed the page live on beyond their years just like their works...including the characters they brought to life. Yes, literal LIFE. Good? Can I continue? Okay. We continue with a kidnapping of talent, meaning Scott is taken by the Bard because let's face it, that's his usual m.o. plus he's needed, oh so desperately...so desperately in fact that his brother is brought with him as well. This time around, the characters aren't arriving first, the creator is...and it's a good thing too because being invaded by aliens from another planet whose only goal is to kill, conquer, and rule...let's just say it won't be a walk in the park, and some may not make it out alive. *gulp* Yes, this is one danger filled trip through the Reality Field and you know what, the Imagination Field is looking pretty darn grim at the moment too!

I gotta say, while I was in love with the first, this one...well, I wasn't NOT in love with it, but I was left with more questions and I'm one of those readers that likes a nice tidy ending. Oh, there's definitely an ending of galactic proportions, but tidy it is not. Seriously, there are SO MANY QUESTIONS unanswered!?! What's with the wall? Why is it (or was it) there? Who IS he exactly? Why is he? Did I miss something? All I know is that next book needs to be here now, no yesterday. (No, really. That tease excerpt at the end...OMG!) Yes, I know this one is just releasing today, but what's your point exactly? ^-^

In conclusion, I highly recommend losing yourself in this series from start to temporary finish. You'll get to play with the "what if" questions until your heart is content, while making new friends and greeting those you already hold dear. (Hi Liz!) The twists and turns will keep you guessing and formulating your own explanations for the seemingly improbable, and yet the ending will still catch you by surprise. In short, a MUST READ for Young Adult Fantasy fans of all ages penned by a writer who is making quite a name for herself, at least in my book.


**copy received for review

[Anna Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Beck doesn’t want to be an Immortal Writer. Not after watching his father, Kent Beck, die defeating his own villains. Yet, there he is. His characters are coming over into the Real World and he needs his protagonists help to defeat the Betans, horrible blood-thirsty aliens, before they destroy earth.

Immortal Creators is an absolutely fun read. I liked it much better than the first one, Immortal Writers, even though I’m mostly a fantasy fan and this book camped out in the SciFi wing of the Castle. Well, fun that is, until you hit the ending and go, “What? But I don’t understand…” See, cos Scott has this Writing Fever and a weird connection to the Imagination Field that no one can explain. Bowers drops hints here and there, and something happens at the end which makes Scott go OH NOW I KNOW WHY. But that eureka moment is never explained to the readers. At all. I thought I might have missed it, but I went back and read through the last few chapters to try to figure it out, but I still don’t get it. All I can tell is that it’s something to do with him being different and something his father did. But what?! (I doubt that’s a spoiler because it’s so vague, ha)

One thing I loved about Immortal Creators is how self-aware it is as a novel about writers. Bowers pokes fun at writers who have fuzzy ideas of some parts of their creation—but it works in the book because the details weren’t necessary. One of the problems they faced is the fact that Scott may have dreamt up their alien spaceship, but he doesn’t know the details of the second floor because he never had to use it! (And of course, the Reality Field fit in whatever it thought best when the fictional characters crossed over.) They faced a similar problem with the Betan language, but Tolkien was there to help.

Also had a little squee moment when CS Lewis showed up.

Immortal Creators is really a writer’s fan book, disguised as a novel. You’ll love it if you love everything to do with writing and reading. And long-dead writers.

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first book in the series and I’m guessing that Scott and his father featured to some extent in that story, too, because this sequel certainly felt as if I was missing a chunk from Scott’s backstory. He loathes Shakespeare, holding him responsible for his father’s death and is dismayed when he is sucked into a similar situation that cost his father his life. Bowers does a really good job of depicting Scott’s understandable rage and grief, as well as his complicated relationship with his brother – though given it’s Dylan’s decision to secretly publish Scott’s book that creates the situation in the first place, I do think Scott should feel more angry with him over that.

The unfolding situation is well handled. Despite the fact that we were repeatedly told the Immortal Writers generally could cope with all the terrible fates facing the world, there was a real edge of urgency caused by an unexpected death that had me turning the pages to discover what would happen next.

The aliens are every bit as ruthless and horrible as everyone feared – while an upsetting traitor to humanity is also discovered, which I think would shock to those who have read Immortal Writers. I enjoyed the fact that the missions to avert the alien invasion don’t go to plan and Scott is furious and humiliated at his poor performance in the middle of these action scenes.

Once the story hit its stride, I figured I had a good idea where exactly the story was going – and then Bowers tipped it all on its head. That ending is a real doozy – and one I didn’t see coming. I’d love to discuss it more, but that would mean lurching into spoiler territory which I refuse to do. But – oh my goodness! I will certainly be tracking down the first book and getting hold of the third one, too. Because I want to read more from an author capable of pulling off such an ending… While I obtained an arc of Immortal Creators from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bowers has given readers another thought provoking and imagination stimulating novel in the Immortal series. Second in the series, it reads very well on its own. The Immortal Writers are those with characters and plots so realistic and powerful that the stories enter into the realm of reality. In this story, the science fiction novel of sixteen year old Scott has gone from the Imagination Field to the Reality Field. Deadly aliens are approaching earth and Scott must be instrumental in the attempt to prevent the earth's destruction.

I really like this novel. The plot is so imaginative. We meet Shakespeare, C. S. Lewis and many others, as they help Scott prepare for his task. Bowers' writing style is very readable. There's also some great dialogue with sarcasm and humor. The character development is done pretty well. I watched Scott deal with many internal issues and grow in his understanding, confidence, and responsibility. Until the shocking end.

The end of the novel was shocking to me and disturbing. I know there will be a sequel as a sample of it is included at the end of this novel. Bowers cannot come out with it soon enough for me.

I recommend this novel to readers who would like science fiction with literary figures involved. You'll find some interesting futuristic items, like a food serving table that recognizes what a person is craving and produces it. You'll experience some exciting battles with aliens. You'll be stimulated to think about the power of stories. Would you dare create an evil villain if you thought he might actually come to life?

I received a complimentary egalley of this novel from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Dhawal Joshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is second in the Immortal Writer series. I have read the previous one and hence was very excited for the second instalment in the world of Immortal writers. It was really awesome to see the characters from previous book working with the new ones. It felt like a strong world buildup in its own.

But if I forget that it was a second in series book, there weren't any exciting plot developments here. Somehow I felt the character development was a bit weak and they weren't put into light properly. The story felt rushed because it there was the preparation phase and then directly action phase. I was about to give it a 3 star while I was in the midst of the book where the plot started to get my interest.

I'd give mixed opinions on the climax as it was good but not that good as compared to previous one. Maybe the first book has increased my expectations much. Though as I finishing the book and was on the last few chapters, it took me by the surprise. There was a plot twist, no I am not going to give out spoilers. You have to read the book and find out what exactly I am talking about.

I really liked the way book ended in last few chapters. I feel they're the best in book. The epilogue hinted towards the next book in the series where something more interesting and fun is about to happen. If I compare it with the first book then there was certainly more scope to put in the story here, characters could've have been much better and I felt this one was a bit rushed in terms of story. I just wished there could've been much more to read in here.

Overall it was a nice good read which I totally enjoyed over weekend.

[Patricia Hamill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immortal Creators is the sequel to Immortal Writers and seems to set up quite nicely for a third book. The main premise of these books is what would happen if the greatest storytellers literally become immortal and bring their stories to life.

I very much enjoyed this book. Blending together conflicts from Scott’s sci-fi characters, the Immortal Writers, and Scott’s Writing Fever, there was a lot going on, but I had no trouble keeping up. I enjoyed how Curtis and Liz came back in this one as supporting characters, and I think having to fight off a technologically superior alien invasion definitely kicked it up a notch. Once I got going in the book, I had a hard time putting it down.

As for the set up for the third book, wow. I had no clue that was where this was going, and I’m anxious to see what happens next. If you’re reading cliffhanger into that, you’d be right, but the primary focus of this book is resolved, it just sets up the next in the ongoing storyline. I thought it was well done.

Overall, I loved this book, and I feel it outdid the first in the series. Highly recommended to folks who get a kick out of the idea of fiction leaking into reality.

I received this ARC from NetGalley.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immortal Creators (Paperback)
by Jill Bowers
Immortal Creators (Paperback)
by Jill Bowers

The second book in a thrilling new Young adult series. Immortal creators is a twist on the original. The premise of Immortal writers is that threw their ability to write worlds and stories that are so astonishing and life like these writers gain immortality. Not only in their writing but in actuality. Scott has lost his father who was an immortal writer because despite being immortal they can be killed. This has traumatized him greatly. He did not want to become an immortal writer himself, but was overcome by the Fever of writing only writing for his own sanity. When his brother published his story it gained a life of its own. Scott has to struggle to connect to his characters, has to battle against his enemy protagonist form his own story. With a slight twist at the end that will make the fans long for the next book. Great job Jill Bowers, i need to get two more books into the school libraries now..

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this second installment in "Immortal Writers" series. I think that this book is every reader's dream fantasy. I had previously read and loved book one, book two just as interesting. It's a world where our favorite authors are immortal and their characters also come to life. The only problem is that villains can also come to life. So it's not a very safe world and authors have an obligation to protect people. It's not a task that can be taken lightly and newly immortalized young writer Scott is going to face a difficult situation. He must stop the aliens attacking Earth with the help of his characters. However, he might not be up to the task, he is willing to try his best though.
I think that this sequel has done a good job of continuing the fantasy that was created in book one. I enjoyed every minute of it and would recommend to all fantasy fans. The book has it all, i.e. likable characters, great plot, and well-written story. Honestly, I couldn't get enough of it.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Marinda (rindasreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immortal Creators is the story of author Scott Beck, a sixteen-year-old boy fighting his own demons (dubbed as “writers fever” by his loyal older brother Dylan). He never meant—and never wanted—to become an immortal writer like his father, whose immortality was short-lived when he died in an accident that the writers were helpless to prevent. When Shakespeare, head immortal writer, shows up and informs Scott that his story has come to life, Scott reluctantly finds himself fighting against his own alien creations with the help of his brother and his own characters, as well as well-known authors HG Wells, Phillip K. Dick, Octavia Butler, Madeline L’Engle and the newest immortal author, Liz McKinnon.

A story within a story within a story, Immortal Creators works on so many levels as science fiction but has enough to keep non-alien enthusiasts (such as myself) engaged all the way to the unexpected ending that will stir up all sorts of emotions and keep readers waiting and hoping for a quick release of Book Three!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley and Blue Moon Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

2.5 stars.
I feel so bad giving this such a low rating but it just didnt work so well with me which is surprising because I really enjoyed the first book. This one just felt too repetitive and a bit too slow. I liked the two brothers at the beginning but at about 30% my interest faded. I liked having Liz back in this story, that was a nice touch. Plus ALIENS! Definitely a topic I usually enjoy. I want to give this another try some day though because I feel like its more me than the book as others have given it such high ratings. Hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was even better. The idea of great fiction becoming reality is such a creative and fun idea, that I was hooked on this series from the beginning. The plot was compelling, the characters relatable, and the tension high.

I love how all of the conflicts were interwoven into a complex story complete with aliens, immortal writers, and the writing fever. Scott Beck is a flawed yet likable character with many torments. The end of this book surprised me and set the series up nicely for another book which I can't wait to read.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immortal Creators is a worthy and creative follow-up to Immortal Writers. Author Jill Bowers must be quite the bibliophile to draw on so many ideas, many from classic literary works, and implant them into her own invention.

As a science fiction/fantasy reader, I found this book to be a bright new direction in storytelling and I will be curious to see where Bowers takes the rest of her series.

Like first book, this book is an exciting page-turner. A very professionally done text.

[Kelli Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited to read and review this book by the publisher Blue Moon Voices and NetGalley. While I did enjoy the first book, I found this one a little harder to get into. It's a fantasy type book, which isn't my usual type so that could be my issue. It has such a great storyline though. The thought of what you write in a book coming to life is an awesome plot. The ending seems to set up for another in the series so I am interested to see where it goes next.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Well written, imaginative, action packed.
Scott is a written and needs to protect The Earth from Her creations. Will he manage to convince nie other characters to help him in this mission?
in The end There is a twist I nad not expected. I will check book 2 for sure.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start felt disjointed but I actually preferred the storyline. It ended on a high so I'm going to have to read the next one....

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun learning more about the Immortal Writers' world! I read this book courtesy of Net Galley for an honest review.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had more time with the characters, but by the end I was seriously 😭 then 😱

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series, Immortal Writers, I was excited for the release of the follow up. The world Jill Bowers created in Immortal Writers was so immersive and fascinating. How often do you read a book and connect so much with the characters or the story that you feel like it could be real, or want it to be real? Bowers brought that idea to life with writers who's words are so influential that they become real, making them immortal.

Immortal Creators brings us back to the Writer's Castle along with the newest immortal writer, Scott. Scott is a science fiction writer who's stories of alien invasion will soon pose new threats to the world and challenge Scott to rely on people he doesn't trust.

I did not feel as emotionally attached to the new characters introduced this time around. I found Scott to be rather unlikable and irritating, but I suppose that was at least somewhat intentional. The other characters, his characters, were easier to get on board with but were still just a little lacking for me. What I did enjoy though was the mystery surrounding him. The story was not all cut and dry, the writer must rise up and become the hero of their own story and it's over, deal. You are left curious about Scott's past, his "fever", his connection to the Imagination Field and that complete cliffhanger ending. I am curious to see where this goes for book three, but also hopeful that while Scott will obviously be back in some capacity, we will have a new writer (and genre?) to go on a journey with!
*I received a copy of this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*

[Jamie Moesser · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book is that the contents of certain books cross over into reality, and their authors become Immortal Writers. The book that Scott Beck wrote about a megalomaniacal alien race coming to invade Earth has come to life, but Scott has no desire to fight them, or write whatever needs to be written to prevent them from attacking Earth, but he doesn't appear to have a choice. Until a strange sickness befalls him....

While I enjoyed this book, I felt like I was "dumped on the front porch of the strangeness" of the plot, instead of being led into it, as Orson Scott Card instructs in his book How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy. It would have been stronger if Scott's introduction into the world of Immortal Writers had been slower or if more he would've had more flashbacks that enabled me to relate to him more.

And while I thought the premise of this book--that science fiction writers can create things that become reality--was wildly entertaining, Immortal Creators ultimately didn't pull me in. The writing was solid, the details and world-building great and the main character intriguing, but the conflict--that of their preparation to confront and destroy the invading Betans--wasn't compelling to me. It didn't seem to be that pressing, as Scott and the supporting characters seemed to have plenty of time to prepare. In the place of such an unhurried pace, Scott's emotional conflict and the conflict between any two or three of the supporting characters might have taken center stage with satisfaction, but I wasn't given enough detail about Scott's past to really sympathize with him, nor was there enough "meat" in his relationships with the other characters, even his brother (I felt), to hang most of the story on.

There were a couple of other semi-minor issues that prevented my full enjoyment of the book, issues that might have been addressed in the book but which I missed. It would have helped, for instance, if there had been, at some point, a two-or-three-paragraph summary of the book that Scott wrote, the one from which all the characters arose. And, I kept asking myself: if Scott knew that it was possible for the bad things he wrote to come to life, as he must have from when his father was alive, why did he write about a megalomaniacal alien race coming to invade Earth?

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in Jill Bower's Immortal Writers series and I was excited to start it and be back in the world of the Writer's Castle where authors are so good that their creations can't help but come to life crossing from the Imagination Field to the Reality Field.

This one is about a young male science-fiction author whereas Immortal Writers was about a female fantasy writer and as a heavy fantasy reader I adored being put into the world of Shethara alongside that of the fantasy reality of the writers castle. It is nice to see that Bowers can write about both female led fantasy and male led science fiction.

It was an easy read and very easy to reacquaint myself and re-immerse myself into the world. However it was a very different read to what I loved in Immortal Writers and I struggled to connect to this one. I also didn't feel the attachment to the secondary characters as I had in the previous installment.

The plot itself felt a little repetitive and didn't move along with the momentum I felt with the original book. The final chapter ended on a cliffhanger and obviously leads into another story with the same characters. I will definitely have a look at it considering that I've read two books in this world already but I would be hoping for more of the original spark I felt with the series.

[Bob]

I'd say this is definitely a Young Adult series - older readers would be coming up with questions about. for example, the emotional toll of immortality, whether or not the writers were still writing, and, if so, did they publish under their own names.

However, it IS an interesting premise to take literally the oft-expressed but figurative "immortality" of leading writers. The fact that their immortality also drags their leading characters into the world also throws up a virtual infinity of plot devices, so well done Jill Bowers!

I've read the first two in the series and, given a certain degree of willing suspension of disbelief, I found them enjoyable reading. I suspect someone a good bit younger than my 67 years would get even more out of them!