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Death Bytes
Where there is death, there is also life, only in a different form. High school student Sam Benson had to die in order to experience it, and once he did, he found it the most thrilling ride of his life! Death Bytes, a Young Adult Fantasy of the highest order.
222 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
5 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Frankel
92 books237 followersJ.S. Frankel was born in Toronto, Canada, many moons ago and managed to scrape through high school and university, earning a BA in English Literature and leaving no book unopened during his time at the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Japan in order to teach English to the hapless residents of whichever city he happened to be living at the time.
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two rather interesting children. Frankel and his family make their home in Osaka where he teaches during the day and attempts to write YA fiction at night.
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two rather interesting children. Frankel and his family make their home in Osaka where he teaches during the day and attempts to write YA fiction at night.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 22, 2025
And here I have read another of Mr Frankel's stories. I have read over 20 of his books now, and was never disappointed of his amazing, imagination stories. It's amazing how his brain is producing all this stories and all are so well written, with good characters and exciting to read. Again, well done, Mr Frankel
October 2, 2013
***I received a free copy in exchange for a book review***
I loved this 13 chapter book. It was told through Sam’s first person point-of-view. The author was great with voice; it sounded authentic like the way a 17 year old guy, who’s losing it all, would think and act. I loved his sense of humor–sarcasm.
I immediately felt sorry for Sam. He and his girlfriend broke up because she wanted to live her social life instead of take care of her dying boyfriend. He had a fatal illness with no cure or surgery to offer comfort. Plus, Sam’s poor mom. I couldn’t even imagine knowing my child would leave Earth before me.
Luckily, they found a doctor who dabbled in experimental science–the consciousness of a human’s mind would be transferred to a computer program chip instead of a disabled body.
My favorite lines: 1) How would one go to the bathroom here? I mean, what would come out, bytes? 2) Disease didn’t care who it got and death cared even less. 3) So far, I’d died and gone to cyberspace, dodged a cyclops, fought a duel, and decked a king. Real or not, it beat watching television.
Once Sam entered the cyberspace world, the pages were action-packed with adventure. Twists kept me entertained as well as trying to solve the mystery of: Who was responsible for the tragedy at the lab? And, why did Boris and Merlin want Sam dead so badly within cyberspace?
The author painted a vivid picture with cool dialogue, overall setting details, characterization, voice, plot, and description. I could definitely see this as a Blockbuster hit.
My favorite moments were when Boris and Merlin were chasing Sam. I liked that he was proactive in helping himself instead of waiting for help. I also enjoyed that he researched for answers–reminded me of Sherlock Holmes or something. My other favorite moments were when he met a mysterious 17 year old girl in cyberspace. She had a sad past as well, so as a reader, I appreciated that they bonded over that.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved this 13 chapter book. It was told through Sam’s first person point-of-view. The author was great with voice; it sounded authentic like the way a 17 year old guy, who’s losing it all, would think and act. I loved his sense of humor–sarcasm.
I immediately felt sorry for Sam. He and his girlfriend broke up because she wanted to live her social life instead of take care of her dying boyfriend. He had a fatal illness with no cure or surgery to offer comfort. Plus, Sam’s poor mom. I couldn’t even imagine knowing my child would leave Earth before me.
Luckily, they found a doctor who dabbled in experimental science–the consciousness of a human’s mind would be transferred to a computer program chip instead of a disabled body.
My favorite lines: 1) How would one go to the bathroom here? I mean, what would come out, bytes? 2) Disease didn’t care who it got and death cared even less. 3) So far, I’d died and gone to cyberspace, dodged a cyclops, fought a duel, and decked a king. Real or not, it beat watching television.
Once Sam entered the cyberspace world, the pages were action-packed with adventure. Twists kept me entertained as well as trying to solve the mystery of: Who was responsible for the tragedy at the lab? And, why did Boris and Merlin want Sam dead so badly within cyberspace?
The author painted a vivid picture with cool dialogue, overall setting details, characterization, voice, plot, and description. I could definitely see this as a Blockbuster hit.
My favorite moments were when Boris and Merlin were chasing Sam. I liked that he was proactive in helping himself instead of waiting for help. I also enjoyed that he researched for answers–reminded me of Sherlock Holmes or something. My other favorite moments were when he met a mysterious 17 year old girl in cyberspace. She had a sad past as well, so as a reader, I appreciated that they bonded over that.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
June 12, 2013
Well, I have to start by saying that this was a surprising read for me. I rarely read YA, though it used to be my favorite genre before I discovered M/M, and never read one by a male author. I must say, with the utmost respect to female authors, I believe guys write better. It's just how it is (with a few female exceptions, of course, but it's not the place to launch myself in a discourse). Men not only have a rich imagination, but also an analytical mind, which makes writing flow better, in my opinion. It's no wonder, thus, that I enjoyed J.S. Frankel's book immensely. The beginning was intriguing, though a bit unrealistic, but the world he build is extraordinary. The more I read, the more dumbfounded I found myself by his universe. How can someone be so creative is beyond me (I must admit I'm a bit jealous ^_^).
I also loved the romance between character. This is essentially a love story for teens. Albeit it might give a different impression, it is definitely a love story and the ending was so beautiful! It made me connect with the characters quite a lot and made me sad it had to end.
I apologize if my review doesn't sound too coherent. I tend to do that when I'm excited, so I'm really bad at reviews. Point is, I truly recommend this book to all YA readers. You will surely enjoy the superb cyber universe J.S. Frankel has created and the innocent, sweet love story between the two MCs.
I also loved the romance between character. This is essentially a love story for teens. Albeit it might give a different impression, it is definitely a love story and the ending was so beautiful! It made me connect with the characters quite a lot and made me sad it had to end.
I apologize if my review doesn't sound too coherent. I tend to do that when I'm excited, so I'm really bad at reviews. Point is, I truly recommend this book to all YA readers. You will surely enjoy the superb cyber universe J.S. Frankel has created and the innocent, sweet love story between the two MCs.
March 19, 2016
Title: Death Bytes
Author: J.S. Frankel
Publisher: Devine Destinies
ISBN: 978-1-77111-537-7
Buy Link: http://www.devinedestinies.com/j-s-fr...
Reviewer: Teresa - Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Death is not the end.
Where there is death, there is also life, only in a different form. High school student Sam Benson had to die in order to experience it, and once he did, he found it the most thrilling ride of his life!
Death Bytes, a Young Adult Fantasy of the highest order.
Summary:
This story opened with the knowledge that Sam had only six months to live. Sam had been gone from active in many sports and popular in school to a recluse at home needing his mother's help in a short time. You would think that was the end of his story until Dr. Lind told his mother about a procedure that could send him into the net. His mother thought it was crazy until in desperation Sam asked to see Mr. Matthias
who invented the experimental process. As a last resort Sam finally agreed, but what he found was beyond anything he ever imagined. Sam thought he would be alone until he met Ariel, Dr. Matthias's daughter. From running for their lives from a foe who was determined to kill them, finding his way in a new world, to looking for new allies, Sam and Ariel's lives will never be the same. This book has an intricate plot and characters who come to life for the reader. This book is definitely a recommended read for me!
Author: J.S. Frankel
Publisher: Devine Destinies
ISBN: 978-1-77111-537-7
Buy Link: http://www.devinedestinies.com/j-s-fr...
Reviewer: Teresa - Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Death is not the end.
Where there is death, there is also life, only in a different form. High school student Sam Benson had to die in order to experience it, and once he did, he found it the most thrilling ride of his life!
Death Bytes, a Young Adult Fantasy of the highest order.
Summary:
This story opened with the knowledge that Sam had only six months to live. Sam had been gone from active in many sports and popular in school to a recluse at home needing his mother's help in a short time. You would think that was the end of his story until Dr. Lind told his mother about a procedure that could send him into the net. His mother thought it was crazy until in desperation Sam asked to see Mr. Matthias
who invented the experimental process. As a last resort Sam finally agreed, but what he found was beyond anything he ever imagined. Sam thought he would be alone until he met Ariel, Dr. Matthias's daughter. From running for their lives from a foe who was determined to kill them, finding his way in a new world, to looking for new allies, Sam and Ariel's lives will never be the same. This book has an intricate plot and characters who come to life for the reader. This book is definitely a recommended read for me!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews