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Mechcraft
Mechcraft is the first in a trilogy of thrilling nanotech sci-fi with the awe and wonder of secret societies.
In science fiction thriller, Mechcraft, 15-year-old Jake London''s ideal teen life is thrown into chaos when he discovers the ability to control millions of shape-shifting nanotech robots that have, until recently, lain dormant in his DNA. Mentally connected to the tech within, Jake can summon liquid metal through his pores, and with it, create any object he can possibly imagine.
But he’s not alone. A secret world in Los Angeles opens to him, revealing a hidden society of Mechcrafters- all having gained their power through a rigorous injection process. Philosophical disagreements on the best use of the Mechcraft ability fractured the group, leading to all-out war, and leaving each of the three factions vying for dominance.
Being the first person born with the nanotech, Jake finds himself caught in the center of the warring factions’ designs and schemes, each believing his potential power will be the wildcard that will deliver victory. Now, with two young Mechcraft agents, Bex and Trent, escorting him, and a horde of enemies chasing them down, Jake finds himself in a desperate race to safety.
Faction leader, Sasha, obsessed with possessing and controlling Jake to finally win the war, grows increasingly mad in her pursuit of the teen. She is always one step ahead, and her twisted connection to Jake becomes symbiotic and complex.
Their deadly paths lead to a final confrontation that shakes the hidden community to its very core, and pits novice Jake against legendary Sasha in a long-anticipated battle for survival.
Mechcraft delves into ethics, moral dilemmas, vulnerability, and loss wrapped in an action-packed coming-of-age tale. It's The Matrix meets Harry Potter.
In science fiction thriller, Mechcraft, 15-year-old Jake London''s ideal teen life is thrown into chaos when he discovers the ability to control millions of shape-shifting nanotech robots that have, until recently, lain dormant in his DNA. Mentally connected to the tech within, Jake can summon liquid metal through his pores, and with it, create any object he can possibly imagine.
But he’s not alone. A secret world in Los Angeles opens to him, revealing a hidden society of Mechcrafters- all having gained their power through a rigorous injection process. Philosophical disagreements on the best use of the Mechcraft ability fractured the group, leading to all-out war, and leaving each of the three factions vying for dominance.
Being the first person born with the nanotech, Jake finds himself caught in the center of the warring factions’ designs and schemes, each believing his potential power will be the wildcard that will deliver victory. Now, with two young Mechcraft agents, Bex and Trent, escorting him, and a horde of enemies chasing them down, Jake finds himself in a desperate race to safety.
Faction leader, Sasha, obsessed with possessing and controlling Jake to finally win the war, grows increasingly mad in her pursuit of the teen. She is always one step ahead, and her twisted connection to Jake becomes symbiotic and complex.
Their deadly paths lead to a final confrontation that shakes the hidden community to its very core, and pits novice Jake against legendary Sasha in a long-anticipated battle for survival.
Mechcraft delves into ethics, moral dilemmas, vulnerability, and loss wrapped in an action-packed coming-of-age tale. It's The Matrix meets Harry Potter.
- GenresScience Fiction
166 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
89 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Brian Fitzpatrick
6 books57 followersBrian Fitzpatrick is the author of the bestselling science fiction trilogy, MECHCRAFT, and the co-screenwriter for the upcoming science fiction film, THE SIMIAN TRIALS.
Fitzpatrick’s writing journey began at the age of seven after accidentally watching the horror classic, Night of the Living Dead. After a week of sleepless nights, his mother encouraged him to write stories of his own. He took her advice, put pen to paper, and has been creating tales of wonder and terror ever since.
His nanotech science fiction novel series, MECHCRAFT, began as a screenplay which he converted to a novel. The story has expanded to a trilogy of novels, a short story, and even a song written and released by industrial rock band, Chemical Straitjacket.
Fitzpatrick was hired by actress/producer, Gina Nemo, to co-write the gritty science fiction feature, THE SIMIAN TRIALS, which is currently in post-production.
He also contributed cyberpunk horror short story, DEUS EX SYNTHETICA, to the Blood Fiction V2 anthology of challenging fiction.
He recently completed an epic fantasy adventure novel, TO SLAY A GOD, set in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad, from Storytellers Forge, which will be published in June 2025.
Between writing commitments, Fitzpatrick engages with readers and writers as a panelist, a speaker, and workshop presenter at a variety of events both in person and online.
He has also compiled his 10 years of author branding, marketing, and networking experience into a self-directed online course to help fellow writers navigate a writing career.
Fitzpatrick is repped by One Moorer Management, 6265979475, james@onemoorer.com
Fitzpatrick’s writing journey began at the age of seven after accidentally watching the horror classic, Night of the Living Dead. After a week of sleepless nights, his mother encouraged him to write stories of his own. He took her advice, put pen to paper, and has been creating tales of wonder and terror ever since.
His nanotech science fiction novel series, MECHCRAFT, began as a screenplay which he converted to a novel. The story has expanded to a trilogy of novels, a short story, and even a song written and released by industrial rock band, Chemical Straitjacket.
Fitzpatrick was hired by actress/producer, Gina Nemo, to co-write the gritty science fiction feature, THE SIMIAN TRIALS, which is currently in post-production.
He also contributed cyberpunk horror short story, DEUS EX SYNTHETICA, to the Blood Fiction V2 anthology of challenging fiction.
He recently completed an epic fantasy adventure novel, TO SLAY A GOD, set in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad, from Storytellers Forge, which will be published in June 2025.
Between writing commitments, Fitzpatrick engages with readers and writers as a panelist, a speaker, and workshop presenter at a variety of events both in person and online.
He has also compiled his 10 years of author branding, marketing, and networking experience into a self-directed online course to help fellow writers navigate a writing career.
Fitzpatrick is repped by One Moorer Management, 6265979475, james@onemoorer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 17, 2018
this book is awesome. a wicked magic system with a edgy cast of characters. I want more
September 25, 2018
Once in a great while, I read a book far outside my normal reading genres, and am no only thoroughly entertained by it, but also struck with just how 'cinematic' the story is. Mechcraft by Brian Fitzpatrick is one of those books. It's science-fiction and action-packed, chock full of mind-bending technology and creativity. The pace is lightning-fast, and every time you think you're about to get a chance to breathe, the rug is pulled out from under you and you're thrust back into the fray.
The story is straightforward enough: a new nano-mechanical technology is developed which can be injected into people and they can control these mechs with their mind, causing them to create nearly anything, weapon or object, they can conjure in their minds. It's incredible technology, but also dangerous. Three warring factions arise from this, all vying for control. One group wants to use this tech behind the scenes to help humanity, another wants to rule humanity with it--best interests, of course--and another wants to destroy any and all who possess it, including themselves. Then a teenager discovers he has this tech, and he was never injected with it. He was born with it.
Jake is a wild card and possesses near limitless power...and everyone in all factions want him.
As I said before, the action never lets up. It's fun, it's imaginative, and SCREAMS to be on the big screen. There's lots of material to work with here, and I could see an ongoing universe born from these ideas. Fitzpatrick delivers a great sci-fi actioner with Mechcraft which brings with it echoes of The Terminator and Iron Man, but is something wholly unique and engrossing. Anybody could enjoy this book, and you do yourself a disservice in skipping. Don't miss it!
The story is straightforward enough: a new nano-mechanical technology is developed which can be injected into people and they can control these mechs with their mind, causing them to create nearly anything, weapon or object, they can conjure in their minds. It's incredible technology, but also dangerous. Three warring factions arise from this, all vying for control. One group wants to use this tech behind the scenes to help humanity, another wants to rule humanity with it--best interests, of course--and another wants to destroy any and all who possess it, including themselves. Then a teenager discovers he has this tech, and he was never injected with it. He was born with it.
Jake is a wild card and possesses near limitless power...and everyone in all factions want him.
As I said before, the action never lets up. It's fun, it's imaginative, and SCREAMS to be on the big screen. There's lots of material to work with here, and I could see an ongoing universe born from these ideas. Fitzpatrick delivers a great sci-fi actioner with Mechcraft which brings with it echoes of The Terminator and Iron Man, but is something wholly unique and engrossing. Anybody could enjoy this book, and you do yourself a disservice in skipping. Don't miss it!
April 6, 2018
Man, talk about action! Mechcraft is a blast from start to finish. If you want to go for a non-stop ride along with a bunch of nanobot gifted teenagers, Fitzpatrick has written exactly the book for you. The style and pacing reminded me a lot of Jumpers and The Tomorrow People, but the characters are way better developed and much easier to relate to. The plot has some great twists and turns, and overall it was a joy to read. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!!
June 21, 2018
Nicely done, Brian Fitzpatrick. I will be recommending this YA gem to fans of Harry Potter, X-Men, and The Matrix. This quick read is engaging from page one, and would make an incredible adaptation to film. I know the author is working on a sequel, and, without going into spoilers, I can't wait to read about the aftermath of this adventure. I hope the author dives into the world's reaction to the events that took place in book one. Great debut novel!
October 14, 2018
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I requested this book because I thought the technology premise sounded interesting. It reminded me of a cartoon I used to watch, and I wanted to see how the author would handle it. The answer is well. I enjoyed the novel’s world, and found the social and psychological aspects of mechcraft fascinating, especially in how it played out across the factions.
My notes include the line: This is a mad, violent, power rush of a book, but with real-people stories mixed in. It’s a pretty accurate description as between ritualized suicide (bad guy zealots) and deadly battles, it’s not for the weak-hearted. At the same time, the novel has depth. I connected with the characters very much, having moments of fear and frustration when they acted just as they should have but I could see how it would go wrong.
I had one major quibble, and it’s in the beginning setup, but maybe not what you think. The book starts with a sort of prologue in almost a noir detective narrative voice. It then rolls into a well-written close omniscient (not to be confused with head hopping where you can’t tell what point of view you’re in). Then, it stops dead for a chapter that is, in my opinion, a novel synopsis for an unwritten book 1. That’s my quibble. I didn’t find the back story uninteresting. If anything, I found there was a lot I would have enjoyed exploring. However, it’s full of critical information and relationships told in summary. I would have preferred to see what led up to this situation with Jake in detail. That said, the necessary data points are there. I was able to track everything that followed in part because of the back-story chapter, so I suppose it serves its purpose.
I enjoyed the relationships between Bex, Trent, and Jake a lot. They’re teens with some of the traditional social and hormonal pressures despite the very different context they live in. And rather than have it a battle to the death over the lone female, one is a platonic, brother/sister relationship. This is cool because that aspect is often left by the wayside when friendships are critical at any age. What makes it better is how they have falling outs that are then realistically resolved. The novel touches on self-identity, and being faced with responsibility and making scary decisions, in a good way. None of the coming-of-age aspects felt tacked on for extra credit but instead were integrated into the story.
I could go on, but bottom line is I found it a compelling novel with an interesting narrative approach that worked for me. There were a couple of small tech glosses and a few places where questions that seemed obvious to me weren’t asked, but it didn’t clash with the world enough to be implausible. The tech itself is fascinating, especially in first manifestation, while the advanced capabilities is part of a mystery yet to be solved. This is clearly going to be a series, because intriguing hints were dropped about a bigger picture we’ve yet to see. Oh, and supportive parents plus cooperation against a common foe? These are things I am happy to see.
P.S. I received this ARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I requested this book because I thought the technology premise sounded interesting. It reminded me of a cartoon I used to watch, and I wanted to see how the author would handle it. The answer is well. I enjoyed the novel’s world, and found the social and psychological aspects of mechcraft fascinating, especially in how it played out across the factions.
My notes include the line: This is a mad, violent, power rush of a book, but with real-people stories mixed in. It’s a pretty accurate description as between ritualized suicide (bad guy zealots) and deadly battles, it’s not for the weak-hearted. At the same time, the novel has depth. I connected with the characters very much, having moments of fear and frustration when they acted just as they should have but I could see how it would go wrong.
I had one major quibble, and it’s in the beginning setup, but maybe not what you think. The book starts with a sort of prologue in almost a noir detective narrative voice. It then rolls into a well-written close omniscient (not to be confused with head hopping where you can’t tell what point of view you’re in). Then, it stops dead for a chapter that is, in my opinion, a novel synopsis for an unwritten book 1. That’s my quibble. I didn’t find the back story uninteresting. If anything, I found there was a lot I would have enjoyed exploring. However, it’s full of critical information and relationships told in summary. I would have preferred to see what led up to this situation with Jake in detail. That said, the necessary data points are there. I was able to track everything that followed in part because of the back-story chapter, so I suppose it serves its purpose.
I enjoyed the relationships between Bex, Trent, and Jake a lot. They’re teens with some of the traditional social and hormonal pressures despite the very different context they live in. And rather than have it a battle to the death over the lone female, one is a platonic, brother/sister relationship. This is cool because that aspect is often left by the wayside when friendships are critical at any age. What makes it better is how they have falling outs that are then realistically resolved. The novel touches on self-identity, and being faced with responsibility and making scary decisions, in a good way. None of the coming-of-age aspects felt tacked on for extra credit but instead were integrated into the story.
I could go on, but bottom line is I found it a compelling novel with an interesting narrative approach that worked for me. There were a couple of small tech glosses and a few places where questions that seemed obvious to me weren’t asked, but it didn’t clash with the world enough to be implausible. The tech itself is fascinating, especially in first manifestation, while the advanced capabilities is part of a mystery yet to be solved. This is clearly going to be a series, because intriguing hints were dropped about a bigger picture we’ve yet to see. Oh, and supportive parents plus cooperation against a common foe? These are things I am happy to see.
P.S. I received this ARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 24, 2020
I found Mechcraft quite a fascinating read. It starts off slow to give the reader a bit of space to meet the characters and get to know their present lifestyles, and you are very quickly swept into a world filled with complex emotions, relatable characters, and a good balance of action and downtime.
I did find that at times it glossed over the science discussed in the book, but in doing so it kept the focus on the story at hand. It covers a lot of things the scientific community and society as a whole contend with, such as moral dilemmas around scientific experimentation, choosing between life/ family and our commitments, and ones own interpretation of good-vs-evil.
I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for anyone looking for a sci-fi with a solid storyline that leans heavily into the action.
I did find that at times it glossed over the science discussed in the book, but in doing so it kept the focus on the story at hand. It covers a lot of things the scientific community and society as a whole contend with, such as moral dilemmas around scientific experimentation, choosing between life/ family and our commitments, and ones own interpretation of good-vs-evil.
I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for anyone looking for a sci-fi with a solid storyline that leans heavily into the action.
February 8, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable action packed Science Fiction story.
I certainly could not put it down as it just got better and better.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable action packed Science Fiction story.
I certainly could not put it down as it just got better and better.
February 6, 2018
This book had me hooked from the first two chapters! Brian has created an intriguing world that keeps you on edge,where people can literally create weapons as needed, think T-1000 but more effective and deadly.
The characters, both good and bad, are well though out, helping to add more depth and spur on the plot with ease. A wonderful YA novel that I highly recommend.
The characters, both good and bad, are well though out, helping to add more depth and spur on the plot with ease. A wonderful YA novel that I highly recommend.
December 30, 2018
Once you start you won't want to stop. It's so action packed and the characters are beyond relatable. Brian weaves sci-fi and fantasy together in fluid story telling. He's straight to the point but also knows how to leave you wanting more. This universe, yes has it's similarities to other current popular fiction, but Fitzpatrick has created a world that is visually appealing and unique it sucks you in. The characters themselves have personality and a sense of realness. I could see myself living with these characters in my life and even see myself in this world.
I want more and can't wait for a sequel. Bravo my friend. This book is brilliant! :)
I want more and can't wait for a sequel. Bravo my friend. This book is brilliant! :)
November 20, 2018
A fast-paced and well-plotted sci-fi adventure. Great dialogue and characters, with world-building that leaves you wanting more. There are some great visual moments that point to the story's screenplay origins, with special effects that go wild in the mind of the readers. I'd love to see this up on the big screen! In the meantime, can't wait to read future stories that dig even further into the drama, politics, and family ties bonding this next evolution of humanity.
April 13, 2018
If you like a character with the power of Wolverine and the personality of Peter Parker, then you will enjoy Mechcraft!!!
August 21, 2021
I asked for this book in the Early Reviewers programs because the premise sounded amazing. A world in witch nanotech was part of people and could be used at will? Sign me in. I tough it would be more science fiction based, but it ended up being more like a fantasy thing. Not that I'm complaining about it, I love science fantasy!
But, I had my problems with this book and that's why it doesn't have a higher rating.
What I liked:
- The mechcraft "magic" system: it was really cool, with a cool origin story and it was really interconnected with the characters, plot and world in general. It gave characters a solid backstory and made them more interesting, it also gave them distinct personality trials based on how they used the nanos.
- The action: I love action scenes, and this books has a lot of it, so I was happy with them. They're well written, well paced and they're very engaging. It were also well used to established power levels, relationships, ideologies and to move the story forward.
What I didn't like:
- The ending: getting into spoilers territory here...
Indifferent about:
- The characters: I wanted to get invested in them, honestly, I really wanted to relate to them or feel something for them... but I couldn't. Maybe it was because this a YA book and the characters are quite young and I'm an adult, but I just couldn't relate to them. They weren't annoying or anything, they were just... meh. The only one I liked, at first, was Sasha. I think she has a lot of potential but I'm disappointed that it ended up being just another crazy villain.
- The plot: honestly? I don't even know what the central plot was. Get Jake to safety, I guess? It didn't hook me much, I keep reading because I wanted to know how Sasha ended up lol
But, I had my problems with this book and that's why it doesn't have a higher rating.
What I liked:
- The mechcraft "magic" system: it was really cool, with a cool origin story and it was really interconnected with the characters, plot and world in general. It gave characters a solid backstory and made them more interesting, it also gave them distinct personality trials based on how they used the nanos.
- The action: I love action scenes, and this books has a lot of it, so I was happy with them. They're well written, well paced and they're very engaging. It were also well used to established power levels, relationships, ideologies and to move the story forward.
What I didn't like:
- The ending: getting into spoilers territory here...
Indifferent about:
- The characters: I wanted to get invested in them, honestly, I really wanted to relate to them or feel something for them... but I couldn't. Maybe it was because this a YA book and the characters are quite young and I'm an adult, but I just couldn't relate to them. They weren't annoying or anything, they were just... meh. The only one I liked, at first, was Sasha. I think she has a lot of potential but I'm disappointed that it ended up being just another crazy villain.
- The plot: honestly? I don't even know what the central plot was. Get Jake to safety, I guess? It didn't hook me much, I keep reading because I wanted to know how Sasha ended up lol
January 3, 2020
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
Some individuals were injected with nanobots as an experiment. The results were unexpected, and several factions with incompatible views arose from this. Jake is the first human born from two parents who were injected, he is an unknown, and this is why the three factions are fighting to get him.
I have read so many good things about this book that I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. I found the plot to be more on the urban side fantasy than science-fiction side. The science in the book involves nanobots but the physics and biology are so far fetched that it really tested my willing suspension of disbelief. It could have been a good story though, the world-building was interesting and original enough but I would have liked it to have been more developed. I just did not buy the hunters’ autodestructive view or why they were so fixated on Jake. I also had issues understanding some of the character’s actions, and could not relate to any of them. I see the appeal of this book to some young readers, but it just was not for me. My main issue is that I found a lack of motivation behind the events in the book, and this prevented me from fully getting into the story.
I also had serious issues with Meghan Kelly’s narration. The characters’ interpretations were good, and their voices were distinctive, but the rest of the narrative was done in a way that gave the impression that Kelly was whispering. Even action scenes were performed this way, which I found terribly distracting, and I struggled to keep my attention on the book, as I kept zoning out constantly. There were also clear volume differences between these parts and the dialogues, which did not help. There is a repeated sentence around 2:34:07.
I do not want people to be put off by this review. Again, I have read great things about this book, it was just not for me.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Some individuals were injected with nanobots as an experiment. The results were unexpected, and several factions with incompatible views arose from this. Jake is the first human born from two parents who were injected, he is an unknown, and this is why the three factions are fighting to get him.
I have read so many good things about this book that I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. I found the plot to be more on the urban side fantasy than science-fiction side. The science in the book involves nanobots but the physics and biology are so far fetched that it really tested my willing suspension of disbelief. It could have been a good story though, the world-building was interesting and original enough but I would have liked it to have been more developed. I just did not buy the hunters’ autodestructive view or why they were so fixated on Jake. I also had issues understanding some of the character’s actions, and could not relate to any of them. I see the appeal of this book to some young readers, but it just was not for me. My main issue is that I found a lack of motivation behind the events in the book, and this prevented me from fully getting into the story.
I also had serious issues with Meghan Kelly’s narration. The characters’ interpretations were good, and their voices were distinctive, but the rest of the narrative was done in a way that gave the impression that Kelly was whispering. Even action scenes were performed this way, which I found terribly distracting, and I struggled to keep my attention on the book, as I kept zoning out constantly. There were also clear volume differences between these parts and the dialogues, which did not help. There is a repeated sentence around 2:34:07.
I do not want people to be put off by this review. Again, I have read great things about this book, it was just not for me.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 4, 2021
This is the first book in the :Mechcraft Book Series .
This is an interesting start to a new young adult/supernatural/Fantasy Book Series . It has all of the cliques of type of genre which is kinda disappointing don't get me wrong I loved the sci-fi aspect of this book . We have our shady government who finds this incredible nano tech/ Alien tech that they stole of course . And of course the government wants to use this new tech to create weapons yay . So the government has a bunch of stupid and to damn curious for their own good scientist create something that can be weaponized . Themselves yes the human scientist inject this liquid tech into themselves and it works they become the government's super weapon yeah . But hold on not only do the scientist inject themselves they inject their children yes they do . Then so have a change of heart some think we've gone too far and this sparks a war among the scientist which causes them to split into three different factions each faction believing their way of thinking was the right one . That leaves us with our protagonist who just happen to be the only son of the two lead scientist who headed this insane project and our boy is about to come into his own . Our hero is the ONLY child that didn't get juiced up on the Alien wonder elixir no our boy gets his mojo natural he was born a Mechcrafte r the only One . So of course all of the factions are fighting and killing each other over our boy . But I'm not finished yet we young love in the air typical and still I liked this I loved the premise of the plot but there was a lot good than not so good . Overall I'm ready for book .
This is an interesting start to a new young adult/supernatural/Fantasy Book Series . It has all of the cliques of type of genre which is kinda disappointing don't get me wrong I loved the sci-fi aspect of this book . We have our shady government who finds this incredible nano tech/ Alien tech that they stole of course . And of course the government wants to use this new tech to create weapons yay . So the government has a bunch of stupid and to damn curious for their own good scientist create something that can be weaponized . Themselves yes the human scientist inject this liquid tech into themselves and it works they become the government's super weapon yeah . But hold on not only do the scientist inject themselves they inject their children yes they do . Then so have a change of heart some think we've gone too far and this sparks a war among the scientist which causes them to split into three different factions each faction believing their way of thinking was the right one . That leaves us with our protagonist who just happen to be the only son of the two lead scientist who headed this insane project and our boy is about to come into his own . Our hero is the ONLY child that didn't get juiced up on the Alien wonder elixir no our boy gets his mojo natural he was born a Mechcrafte r the only One . So of course all of the factions are fighting and killing each other over our boy . But I'm not finished yet we young love in the air typical and still I liked this I loved the premise of the plot but there was a lot good than not so good . Overall I'm ready for book .
August 25, 2020
This review relates to the audiobook version.
This book was written with a teenage/ young adult audience in mind. It tends to have a lot of action, some teenage angst, hints of romance, clear villains and heroes. The story-line itself is good but there are some glaring holes. For example, when the lead character is kidnapped, his "girlfriend-in-waiting" is the first person to think of scanning the area with illegal Russian satellites to detect the unique heat patterns of the nano-enhanced kidnappers. Since the main character is about 16 or 18, and the conflict has been raging for about that long, are we to believe that in all that time nobody thought about scanning for heat signatures??
Another one: In the book the bad guys are a group that have nano's but believe that everybody with nano's should be killed. So once the bad guys have given one of their own people his "reward" by killing him I was wondering how anybody would stay with the group. The "reward" was horrific and painful. I don't think anybody, no matter how insane they were, would stick around for that reward.
The nano "house" was another: If the one group knew about the ability because they had been using it why did they not anticipate its use by the other group?
The story itself is undemanding, easy to follow and reasonably good if you ignore the holes.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
This book was written with a teenage/ young adult audience in mind. It tends to have a lot of action, some teenage angst, hints of romance, clear villains and heroes. The story-line itself is good but there are some glaring holes. For example, when the lead character is kidnapped, his "girlfriend-in-waiting" is the first person to think of scanning the area with illegal Russian satellites to detect the unique heat patterns of the nano-enhanced kidnappers. Since the main character is about 16 or 18, and the conflict has been raging for about that long, are we to believe that in all that time nobody thought about scanning for heat signatures??
Another one: In the book the bad guys are a group that have nano's but believe that everybody with nano's should be killed. So once the bad guys have given one of their own people his "reward" by killing him I was wondering how anybody would stay with the group. The "reward" was horrific and painful. I don't think anybody, no matter how insane they were, would stick around for that reward.
The nano "house" was another: If the one group knew about the ability because they had been using it why did they not anticipate its use by the other group?
The story itself is undemanding, easy to follow and reasonably good if you ignore the holes.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book and its narration and gave them 4* only because you cannot give a book 3.5*.
Both the book and narration were good but ultimately forgettable. When I first found out that the main protagonist was a teenage boy entering puberty I thought middle grade or maybe young adult, but after hearing some of the language in the story I thought “nope, definitely adults only.” There is no way I would recommend this book to an adolescent. I would not have allowed my daughter to read itand would not recommend it for my grandson. I took off one star for that reason. The other half star was because of its forgettable nature.
Meghan Kelly did a decent job of narration but she never really varied her tone that much. For example, when I read a battle scene in a book Itend to read it with more intensity in my head. Kelly just gives it a straight reading without any enthusiasm. For all I know that’s what the producer or director wanted. Seems that the only time the reading took any intensity was when the characters were arguing. I haven’t made up my mind whether or not to listen to any follo up books in the series. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I received this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Both the book and narration were good but ultimately forgettable. When I first found out that the main protagonist was a teenage boy entering puberty I thought middle grade or maybe young adult, but after hearing some of the language in the story I thought “nope, definitely adults only.” There is no way I would recommend this book to an adolescent. I would not have allowed my daughter to read itand would not recommend it for my grandson. I took off one star for that reason. The other half star was because of its forgettable nature.
Meghan Kelly did a decent job of narration but she never really varied her tone that much. For example, when I read a battle scene in a book Itend to read it with more intensity in my head. Kelly just gives it a straight reading without any enthusiasm. For all I know that’s what the producer or director wanted. Seems that the only time the reading took any intensity was when the characters were arguing. I haven’t made up my mind whether or not to listen to any follo up books in the series. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I received this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2018
Have it in Audio. This story reminds me of Wolverine in XMen
I see this is the authors first Audio. I also know that Brian has a winner on his hands. Brian takes a subject that is in the future and makes it into everyday life. It reminds me of Wolverine in X-Men how you take a person and bring out the natural side, DNA to the surface.
Meghan Kelly was phenomenal. She blew this out of the ball park. Meghan brought Brian’s works to live. Her voice is clear and the way she does the different characters is fantastic.
Hero is Jake
Jake one day is feeling weird. He has weird urges, only thing is he doesn’t know why . His urges are in his hands . Jake also notice that he is being followed but he doesn’t know why . Why is someone out to get him , for what ?
While that is happening there is a team of a male and female that tries to help him. They want to explain tomJake what is going on . When they explain to Jake and Jake understands it he knows how powerful he can be and what he can control.
Jake also wants to get back at the group that is trying to put him down.
It’s a MUST listen. Loved it
I see this is the authors first Audio. I also know that Brian has a winner on his hands. Brian takes a subject that is in the future and makes it into everyday life. It reminds me of Wolverine in X-Men how you take a person and bring out the natural side, DNA to the surface.
Meghan Kelly was phenomenal. She blew this out of the ball park. Meghan brought Brian’s works to live. Her voice is clear and the way she does the different characters is fantastic.
Hero is Jake
Jake one day is feeling weird. He has weird urges, only thing is he doesn’t know why . His urges are in his hands . Jake also notice that he is being followed but he doesn’t know why . Why is someone out to get him , for what ?
While that is happening there is a team of a male and female that tries to help him. They want to explain tomJake what is going on . When they explain to Jake and Jake understands it he knows how powerful he can be and what he can control.
Jake also wants to get back at the group that is trying to put him down.
It’s a MUST listen. Loved it
July 24, 2018
"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
4.5 stars
This was a pretty good story out of the gate and kept me hooked through. I was a little disappointed by how short it was (took me less than 3 days to get through it), but it was still good either way! I liked that the story wrapped itself up with a nice bow at the end, with perhaps a vague hint of continuation, maybe not. If there is, I would be interested in reading more about this book's universe. One thing that I did find bothersome was the fact that a lot of action happened in the real world, with only minor consequence - only small follow up on the "real world" side. While he did address this, I felt that the impact the people in this story had on the towns and cities and people within would have garnered a bigger 'investigative' response. Fitzpatrick crafted a story that was believable and intriguing, and I want to know more about it! I want to know more about the tech and and backstory behind it. All in all, a good read to recommend.
4.5 stars
This was a pretty good story out of the gate and kept me hooked through. I was a little disappointed by how short it was (took me less than 3 days to get through it), but it was still good either way! I liked that the story wrapped itself up with a nice bow at the end, with perhaps a vague hint of continuation, maybe not. If there is, I would be interested in reading more about this book's universe. One thing that I did find bothersome was the fact that a lot of action happened in the real world, with only minor consequence - only small follow up on the "real world" side. While he did address this, I felt that the impact the people in this story had on the towns and cities and people within would have garnered a bigger 'investigative' response. Fitzpatrick crafted a story that was believable and intriguing, and I want to know more about it! I want to know more about the tech and and backstory behind it. All in all, a good read to recommend.
June 24, 2022
Wonderful !!!
All I can say is that I totally want more of this excellently written face paced book.
The author Brian Fitzpatrick truly amazed by this amazing story full of action, twists and all that he managed to get into an only five hours of an audiobook.
All his writing is easy to understand and always perfectly done with different surprises at the exact timing.
Stories like this are hard to find, Brian is truly gifted with an awesome imagination !
Before writing this review I was thinking how there are openings left for an easy ways to continue this creation and I’ve just done a search finding out that the the author have created a series by continuing
with two more books, so now all I can do is wait for it all to come out on audio and wish to be one of the first to review each of his masterpieces.
Meghan Kelly was an excellent choice for the narration, her voice truly fitted the story !
Without a doubt,
I fully recommend
this for you all !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
All I can say is that I totally want more of this excellently written face paced book.
The author Brian Fitzpatrick truly amazed by this amazing story full of action, twists and all that he managed to get into an only five hours of an audiobook.
All his writing is easy to understand and always perfectly done with different surprises at the exact timing.
Stories like this are hard to find, Brian is truly gifted with an awesome imagination !
Before writing this review I was thinking how there are openings left for an easy ways to continue this creation and I’ve just done a search finding out that the the author have created a series by continuing
with two more books, so now all I can do is wait for it all to come out on audio and wish to be one of the first to review each of his masterpieces.
Meghan Kelly was an excellent choice for the narration, her voice truly fitted the story !
Without a doubt,
I fully recommend
this for you all !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
July 15, 2018
I liked this book lots!
So far, I've never read a story about anything related to nanobots so I can't judge how well it does in comparison to similar works but in my uneducated opinion Fitzpatrick did quite a good job.
You do notice that Mechcraft is his first novel, though. Some things didn't appear natural to me and he sometimes used exclamation marks where none would have been nessecary [such as "He impaled his enemy!" - taken from memory.] but other than that it was very enjoyable and fun and I read it in one sitting.
I especially was happy about the fact that the main character had a good relationship to both his parents. I could count on one hand how many books I've read in which both parents are still alive and on good terms with their kid, so this novel was refreshing in this aspect.
I for one will eagerly await the sequel!
---
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for my opinion.
So far, I've never read a story about anything related to nanobots so I can't judge how well it does in comparison to similar works but in my uneducated opinion Fitzpatrick did quite a good job.
You do notice that Mechcraft is his first novel, though. Some things didn't appear natural to me and he sometimes used exclamation marks where none would have been nessecary [such as "He impaled his enemy!" - taken from memory.] but other than that it was very enjoyable and fun and I read it in one sitting.
I especially was happy about the fact that the main character had a good relationship to both his parents. I could count on one hand how many books I've read in which both parents are still alive and on good terms with their kid, so this novel was refreshing in this aspect.
I for one will eagerly await the sequel!
---
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for my opinion.
August 11, 2018
This book left me with a list of questions like 'why are children being sent out on missions while all the adults stay at base?', or 'how is it that only one child has been born to people with nanotechnology?' and 'how was it passed on, do the nano's duplicate?'
You're going to have to suspend disbelief and most logic with this book, but if you can do that, then the story is quite entertaining. The world building is well done and the characters are interesting and either likeable or dis-likeable.
There's lots of action, always something happening or about to happen. The book would make a good film.
The narration is excellent, the character voices are distinct and easily recognizable, and the delivery adds to the tension in the book with great pacing and a dynamic tone.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
You're going to have to suspend disbelief and most logic with this book, but if you can do that, then the story is quite entertaining. The world building is well done and the characters are interesting and either likeable or dis-likeable.
There's lots of action, always something happening or about to happen. The book would make a good film.
The narration is excellent, the character voices are distinct and easily recognizable, and the delivery adds to the tension in the book with great pacing and a dynamic tone.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
August 17, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
When Sci-fi and Fantasy are the genre that you mostly read, most of the books you read start sounding the same. It is kinda difficult to find a book that tells a unique story or tells a familiar story uniquely. Mechcraft manages to do just that. This is basically a teen's coming-of-age story, with a great sci-fi angle. It's a brilliant concept that kept me hooked throughout. The character is well developed and story is paced well. I wanted to keep listening to it till the end, in one sitting. There's hardly any dull moment. Enjoyed from start to end.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Meghan Kelly was awesome. She breathed life into the story and made the listening experience all that more enjoyable.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
When Sci-fi and Fantasy are the genre that you mostly read, most of the books you read start sounding the same. It is kinda difficult to find a book that tells a unique story or tells a familiar story uniquely. Mechcraft manages to do just that. This is basically a teen's coming-of-age story, with a great sci-fi angle. It's a brilliant concept that kept me hooked throughout. The character is well developed and story is paced well. I wanted to keep listening to it till the end, in one sitting. There's hardly any dull moment. Enjoyed from start to end.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Meghan Kelly was awesome. She breathed life into the story and made the listening experience all that more enjoyable.
February 12, 2022
If you like superheroes and supervillains this is for you
Fifteen-year-old Jake has been battling agonizing pain for a while as though something is trying to burst free from inside. When it finally happens it's a swarm of nanites that he can telepathically control, his parents try to explain but before they can all hell breaks loose. Fast-moving and action-packed as various factions vie to control or help him, great storylines with wonderful well-written characters, this could be the start of a great series let's see what book two brings I've already downloaded it. Highly recommended, Baz
Fifteen-year-old Jake has been battling agonizing pain for a while as though something is trying to burst free from inside. When it finally happens it's a swarm of nanites that he can telepathically control, his parents try to explain but before they can all hell breaks loose. Fast-moving and action-packed as various factions vie to control or help him, great storylines with wonderful well-written characters, this could be the start of a great series let's see what book two brings I've already downloaded it. Highly recommended, Baz
August 26, 2018
Wow, what an action-filled story! Thought this was a very interesting concept, and I think both writer and narrator did it justice. Well written suspenseful story that's a great addition to the sci-fi genre. Jake is a teen who has someone others want... BAD. Will he be able to out-run those who are trying to get him, or will they come and take it? Definitely a great listen, I really enjoyed it, and will definitely be up for reading more in the series, as they are released :) What a world!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 25, 2018
A quick moving story set in a near-future that kept me turning pages and finding it hard to put down when my lunch break was over. The characters are easy to like (main and side alike), and there's a nice change in pace where adults respect the opinions of teenagers just as much as they do their fellow adults.
Looking forward to the next one (because hello cliffhanger please tell me what's in that secret space)!!
Looking forward to the next one (because hello cliffhanger please tell me what's in that secret space)!!
July 3, 2023
Imagine being able to create anything your imagination could produce, from swords to vehicles. A group of scientists have done just that and have gone to war with each other. Years later, their children have evolved with this gift within their DNA. But the fight might be over before it actually begins because enemy forces are closing in on the newest Meck warrior.
The pages fly, reading this story. There’s non-stop action. And the fun part is there are three books in the series.
The pages fly, reading this story. There’s non-stop action. And the fun part is there are three books in the series.
December 15, 2021
An interesting idea not particularly well-executed. The book is rather uneven, i.e. spells of wooden and/or unbelievable dialogue, or a relationship coming virtually out of nowhere. I enjoyed it but it was in spite of some of the writing.
May 31, 2024
Mechraft brings a fresh, new superpower for superhero fans. The lead villain is twisted and tortured, and the protagonists are funny, cool, and kick-ass. And, though a riot from the first page, the deeper message shines through--what can happen if we question a people's right to exist?
November 15, 2024
The danger of technology is that it can be directed for evil. This is that story hidden behind a boy's coming into powers of his own. Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
February 24, 2018
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Great read. I had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep. Looking forward to the next book.
Great read. I had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep. Looking forward to the next book.
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