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Elixir
How far can you fall before you can’t pick yourself back up?
The Mayor has ruled that the use of eliXir will carry the death penalty.
That’s the news Tobias see’s on every holoscreen in the city as he fights through the mass of commuters.
There will still be those that use it. The possibility of execution is a small price to pay for the immeasurable high it gives. Those who inject it, quickly find themselves addicted to the euphoria it provides and the temporary superpowers that come with it.
When the bank Tobias works at is robbed by criminals enhanced by the drug, he finds himself suspected of eliXir use and on the run from the authorities. Unwittingly thrust into the underbelly of the city, he finds his normal life replaced by one of danger and deceit. Hunted by a government task force called the Archangels as well as eliXir fueled thugs, everyone seems to be taking an interest in him.
The further he descends into the underworld the more his world views are shattered. As he fights for his survival he is forced to question everything he knows about the drug and face the possibility that perhaps it could be used for good.
Can Tobias take back his normal life and return to his colony no matter the cost?
The Mayor has ruled that the use of eliXir will carry the death penalty.
That’s the news Tobias see’s on every holoscreen in the city as he fights through the mass of commuters.
There will still be those that use it. The possibility of execution is a small price to pay for the immeasurable high it gives. Those who inject it, quickly find themselves addicted to the euphoria it provides and the temporary superpowers that come with it.
When the bank Tobias works at is robbed by criminals enhanced by the drug, he finds himself suspected of eliXir use and on the run from the authorities. Unwittingly thrust into the underbelly of the city, he finds his normal life replaced by one of danger and deceit. Hunted by a government task force called the Archangels as well as eliXir fueled thugs, everyone seems to be taking an interest in him.
The further he descends into the underworld the more his world views are shattered. As he fights for his survival he is forced to question everything he knows about the drug and face the possibility that perhaps it could be used for good.
Can Tobias take back his normal life and return to his colony no matter the cost?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2018
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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August 26, 2021
3.5 stars!
“Sir, I’m afraid you have tested positive for the use of eliXir, put your hands on the ground and stay calm.”
Tobias is a normal bank worker in the middle habs. The bank he works at gets attacked by powered people. Leaving him fighting for his life when he tests positive for elixir use.
Escaping to the lower habs, he has to change his entire outlook on life and the structure of the 3 habs.
He ends up helping the lower habs fight out of their opression and ultimately creating a monster that threatens the rest of the habs.
This was a great story, brilliant ideas and concept. However riddled with poor formatting, and several grammatical errors it really lets this one down.
“Sir, I’m afraid you have tested positive for the use of eliXir, put your hands on the ground and stay calm.”
Tobias is a normal bank worker in the middle habs. The bank he works at gets attacked by powered people. Leaving him fighting for his life when he tests positive for elixir use.
Escaping to the lower habs, he has to change his entire outlook on life and the structure of the 3 habs.
He ends up helping the lower habs fight out of their opression and ultimately creating a monster that threatens the rest of the habs.
This was a great story, brilliant ideas and concept. However riddled with poor formatting, and several grammatical errors it really lets this one down.
September 26, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
I’ll start by saying I really wanted to like this one, the premise seemed so exciting, I mean a drug that can give you superpowers? Hell yeah. But there was so much wrong with this book that I really struggled to even finish it let alone enjoy it. Firstly in the first half of the book, at least, the majority of the paragraphs were made up of single sentences. It was so hard to read. There were also so many spelling and grammatical errors, it was painful. The author kept switching tense and there was so many plot holes it was like Swiss cheese.
Secondly I couldn’t connect or even care about the main character I mean he’s just a self absorbed cry baby with absolutely no personality and apart from his parents dying when he was young he had no discernible background to speak of.
It started to pick up somewhat in the second half, the spelling mistakes and the paragraph long sentences petered out for the most part but by then I just didn’t care, the characters were flat and the book ended in a most unsatisfactory conclusion.
Overall I think I’m being pretty generous giving this one two stars, I really hoped for more.
I’ll start by saying I really wanted to like this one, the premise seemed so exciting, I mean a drug that can give you superpowers? Hell yeah. But there was so much wrong with this book that I really struggled to even finish it let alone enjoy it. Firstly in the first half of the book, at least, the majority of the paragraphs were made up of single sentences. It was so hard to read. There were also so many spelling and grammatical errors, it was painful. The author kept switching tense and there was so many plot holes it was like Swiss cheese.
Secondly I couldn’t connect or even care about the main character I mean he’s just a self absorbed cry baby with absolutely no personality and apart from his parents dying when he was young he had no discernible background to speak of.
It started to pick up somewhat in the second half, the spelling mistakes and the paragraph long sentences petered out for the most part but by then I just didn’t care, the characters were flat and the book ended in a most unsatisfactory conclusion.
Overall I think I’m being pretty generous giving this one two stars, I really hoped for more.
October 3, 2020
The main character of this tale is a middle aged man called Tobias (Toby), who works in a bank. He works in a future where the use of a drug called elixir is banned from being both creates and used. It is a super drug which gives its user superhuman powers temporarily and a massive high. The High Council announces in the latest newscast that new punishments include the death penalty, but some will still seek to steal or use this drug. Society is split into different levels, with even a ‘To the Top’ lottery which allows the lower classes a slim chance of moving up to a new and better life in the upper habitats, with all expenses paid. Tobias isn’t exactly happy with his life, in a world full of technology and AI at every moment. On this day, the security officer asks if he saw the news of the latest raid on the low habs, with Archangels and mech units, to take out any elixir farms. Just as they are discussing this, a loud explosion interrupts them and the guard falls to the ground injured.
The bank is being robbed and all Tobias can do is hide under a counter. The robbers are led by a man calling himself Cesar, two other men and a woman called Hayley. Once they get underway and the police arrive, the men inject themselves with eliXir and change physically in terrifying ways. One grows immensely bigger and stronger, another bursts out into flames, as they race out to attack the police. Shortly after a hovering craft arrives on scene, with Archangels on board, who soon takedown the two robbers outside, but inside the other two seem to have disappeared. When the police enter, everyone is told to stand still and await a scan, to verify who they are. When Tobias is scanned, it doesn’t seem to work properly and another officer, Sergeant Russells, comes over and scans him. He finds himself arrested, as the officer announces he has eliXir in his system! His Captain is all for the Mayor’s new and tough stance and the mayor just wants to get re-elected again.
The police are now meant to act as executioners, on the spot, for anyone found to be using eliXir, something many are not happy about. They signed up to work as peacekeepers not killers. When one of the eager officers tries to hold a weapon on Tobias, he stands there frozen until the female robber attacks and blocks the main entrance with metal furniture. As other hostages begin to panic, they run towards Tobias and one knocks him down. Luckily he knows where another exit is and makes it out the rear exit, only to end up by a VacChute, where rubbish is sent down to the low hab. Using a VacChute to get from the low habs to the mid habs, is illegal and can also be punished by death! Now Tobias is going the opposite way and running from a police officer, which won’t be good. He is found by some inhabitants of the lower habitats, but he might not be quite as lucky to still be alive as he thought!
He finds out a few secrets about eliXir as he descends further into the underworld of the lower habs, and it seems that the upper habs are filled with people who like to use a very pure version of the drug and pay well for the privilege. Those stuck in the lower habs, are more used to a lower quality version of eliXir, which many are addicted to, but isn’t the high quality drug that can give them enhanced powers. It seems the very corporation setting all these harsh new laws, is in fact part of the manufacturing of the drug, especially the purest version. The usual use of bribes and corruption amongst those in power, as in any civilization. A power hungry doctor making the drug and any missing mid hab inhabitants, not being noticed, as they are harvested for a crucial ingredient of the drug. Those in the low habs, are nearly all descendant from someone that has used the drug already and don’t have a good enough quality of parts for manufacture. Nothing is quite what it seems and the lower habs are nothing like he expected, they are more like the mid habs, once he gets out of the slum area he came down into.
It seems the higher ups have been using the lower habs to create their high quality version of the drug and much more, turning a blind eye to shipments of goods or people going back and forth between different levels of habs. Something about Toby is different and when a woman called Neomi that he helps from the lower habs, gets him started on stopping Doctor Lorenz and the inequality between the habs, he is soon drawn into the start of a resistance group. Only once Neomi realises what his blood could do, she has other plans. The group of lowers use the VacChutes to gains access to the mid labs and start to spread the power. Only problem is that anyone with powers can be shot dead on sight. Neomi has a twist to this though and carries out her own plans, with complete disregard to the danger she could be putting other citizens in, from either hab.
Whether the drug could ever be actually used for good is unclear and chaos is going to reign if Neomi gets her way. Toby races back to the mid habs as soon as he can after her, but she is more powerful than ever and he will need to take even more extreme measures to stop her. Sergeant Russells is back in the mix again and the link between him and Toby’s parent’s death becomes clear. There is still more in the background and even more powerful people behind the scenes. Not clear if there is another book to follow, but it would be nice to see where things go from the point it was left at. A futuristic world with inequality and power hungry corporations exploiting the little people for their own purposes. An interesting world and unusual superpowers advancement. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The bank is being robbed and all Tobias can do is hide under a counter. The robbers are led by a man calling himself Cesar, two other men and a woman called Hayley. Once they get underway and the police arrive, the men inject themselves with eliXir and change physically in terrifying ways. One grows immensely bigger and stronger, another bursts out into flames, as they race out to attack the police. Shortly after a hovering craft arrives on scene, with Archangels on board, who soon takedown the two robbers outside, but inside the other two seem to have disappeared. When the police enter, everyone is told to stand still and await a scan, to verify who they are. When Tobias is scanned, it doesn’t seem to work properly and another officer, Sergeant Russells, comes over and scans him. He finds himself arrested, as the officer announces he has eliXir in his system! His Captain is all for the Mayor’s new and tough stance and the mayor just wants to get re-elected again.
The police are now meant to act as executioners, on the spot, for anyone found to be using eliXir, something many are not happy about. They signed up to work as peacekeepers not killers. When one of the eager officers tries to hold a weapon on Tobias, he stands there frozen until the female robber attacks and blocks the main entrance with metal furniture. As other hostages begin to panic, they run towards Tobias and one knocks him down. Luckily he knows where another exit is and makes it out the rear exit, only to end up by a VacChute, where rubbish is sent down to the low hab. Using a VacChute to get from the low habs to the mid habs, is illegal and can also be punished by death! Now Tobias is going the opposite way and running from a police officer, which won’t be good. He is found by some inhabitants of the lower habitats, but he might not be quite as lucky to still be alive as he thought!
He finds out a few secrets about eliXir as he descends further into the underworld of the lower habs, and it seems that the upper habs are filled with people who like to use a very pure version of the drug and pay well for the privilege. Those stuck in the lower habs, are more used to a lower quality version of eliXir, which many are addicted to, but isn’t the high quality drug that can give them enhanced powers. It seems the very corporation setting all these harsh new laws, is in fact part of the manufacturing of the drug, especially the purest version. The usual use of bribes and corruption amongst those in power, as in any civilization. A power hungry doctor making the drug and any missing mid hab inhabitants, not being noticed, as they are harvested for a crucial ingredient of the drug. Those in the low habs, are nearly all descendant from someone that has used the drug already and don’t have a good enough quality of parts for manufacture. Nothing is quite what it seems and the lower habs are nothing like he expected, they are more like the mid habs, once he gets out of the slum area he came down into.
It seems the higher ups have been using the lower habs to create their high quality version of the drug and much more, turning a blind eye to shipments of goods or people going back and forth between different levels of habs. Something about Toby is different and when a woman called Neomi that he helps from the lower habs, gets him started on stopping Doctor Lorenz and the inequality between the habs, he is soon drawn into the start of a resistance group. Only once Neomi realises what his blood could do, she has other plans. The group of lowers use the VacChutes to gains access to the mid labs and start to spread the power. Only problem is that anyone with powers can be shot dead on sight. Neomi has a twist to this though and carries out her own plans, with complete disregard to the danger she could be putting other citizens in, from either hab.
Whether the drug could ever be actually used for good is unclear and chaos is going to reign if Neomi gets her way. Toby races back to the mid habs as soon as he can after her, but she is more powerful than ever and he will need to take even more extreme measures to stop her. Sergeant Russells is back in the mix again and the link between him and Toby’s parent’s death becomes clear. There is still more in the background and even more powerful people behind the scenes. Not clear if there is another book to follow, but it would be nice to see where things go from the point it was left at. A futuristic world with inequality and power hungry corporations exploiting the little people for their own purposes. An interesting world and unusual superpowers advancement. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
April 17, 2020
*I received a free copy of the book through Voracious Readers.*
I'm a sucker for a good scifi novel and this one, Elixir by Chris Rook, grabbed my attention from the first page. It starts at a fast pace and keeps up that momentum for most of the book.
Tobias is an average guy going about his normal, boring day when something he'd only seen on video happens. Then an apparent error thrusts him into a world he had no knowledge of or concern about. It takes his life being threatened before he makes a choice and finally takes a stance.
Since this book is set in a technologically advanced age it's good that the terms and descriptions Rook use facilitate the imagination. Yup, I can envision most of what he described.
There are a lot of descriptions of the surroundings, how people look, and the environment, etc., however, it could be a bit wordy. At some points I was stumbling over the words trying to figure out what was happening or rereading because I thought had missed something.
That's the reason for the four stars plus the fact that I disliked the ending. It seemed to fade away like not as much effort was given to the last pages. I thought it would be redeemed by the epilogue, but for me it wasn't.
Those issues won't keep me from reading other books by Rook; he seems like an author that will only get better.
I'm a sucker for a good scifi novel and this one, Elixir by Chris Rook, grabbed my attention from the first page. It starts at a fast pace and keeps up that momentum for most of the book.
Tobias is an average guy going about his normal, boring day when something he'd only seen on video happens. Then an apparent error thrusts him into a world he had no knowledge of or concern about. It takes his life being threatened before he makes a choice and finally takes a stance.
Since this book is set in a technologically advanced age it's good that the terms and descriptions Rook use facilitate the imagination. Yup, I can envision most of what he described.
There are a lot of descriptions of the surroundings, how people look, and the environment, etc., however, it could be a bit wordy. At some points I was stumbling over the words trying to figure out what was happening or rereading because I thought had missed something.
That's the reason for the four stars plus the fact that I disliked the ending. It seemed to fade away like not as much effort was given to the last pages. I thought it would be redeemed by the epilogue, but for me it wasn't.
Those issues won't keep me from reading other books by Rook; he seems like an author that will only get better.
May 21, 2024
I received a free copy of Elixir from the author, Chris Rook via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review.
I was looking forward to reading this book, but sadly it didn't meet my expectations.
An abundance of grammatical errors, (case in point, one of the police officers named Russells, in an early section of Chapter 6 has his name spelled Russells, then moments later Russells' & just after spelled as Russell's).
long rambling sentences with poor punctuation, sometimes with words missing (for example: Russell ` s maintains his focus on the dusty opening as a bulk of muscle and armored chitin, similar to a beetle, the human head atop the mountain of meat looks oddly small and out of place, but the chitin has formed a sort of helmet around him.)
left me giving up on the whole thing shortly into Chapter 6.
I can only describe the story, from what I read and the author's own summary, as a mash-up of Judge Dredd, Robocop, and The Running Man.
Some good ideas but in need of much better proofreading & editing.
I was looking forward to reading this book, but sadly it didn't meet my expectations.
An abundance of grammatical errors, (case in point, one of the police officers named Russells, in an early section of Chapter 6 has his name spelled Russells, then moments later Russells' & just after spelled as Russell's).
long rambling sentences with poor punctuation, sometimes with words missing (for example: Russell ` s maintains his focus on the dusty opening as a bulk of muscle and armored chitin, similar to a beetle, the human head atop the mountain of meat looks oddly small and out of place, but the chitin has formed a sort of helmet around him.)
left me giving up on the whole thing shortly into Chapter 6.
I can only describe the story, from what I read and the author's own summary, as a mash-up of Judge Dredd, Robocop, and The Running Man.
Some good ideas but in need of much better proofreading & editing.
July 24, 2024
"Elixir" by Chris Rook is a dystopian novel that delves into themes of addiction, control, and rebellion. The story is set in a stratified society where a powerful substance called EliXir is both a blessing and a curse. The protagonist, Tobias, becomes entangled in a dangerous game as he navigates the underworld and the stark class divisions that define his world.
Rook's narrative is driven by intense and fast-paced action, with characters like Neomi and Lorenz adding depth to the conflict. Neomi's struggle with addiction and Tobias's transformation from a desperate man to a determined leader highlights the novel's exploration of personal and societal upheaval. The author skillfully portrays the dire consequences of dependence on a powerful drug, mirroring real-world issues in a speculative setting.
The writing is compelling, with vivid descriptions that bring the grim reality of the low habs to life. Rook's world-building is meticulous, creating a believable and immersive environment. The novel's structure, with its 43 chapters and an epilogue, allows for detailed character development and plot progression. Overall, "Elixir" is a gripping read that tackles heavy themes through an engaging storyline and well-crafted characters.
Rook's narrative is driven by intense and fast-paced action, with characters like Neomi and Lorenz adding depth to the conflict. Neomi's struggle with addiction and Tobias's transformation from a desperate man to a determined leader highlights the novel's exploration of personal and societal upheaval. The author skillfully portrays the dire consequences of dependence on a powerful drug, mirroring real-world issues in a speculative setting.
The writing is compelling, with vivid descriptions that bring the grim reality of the low habs to life. Rook's world-building is meticulous, creating a believable and immersive environment. The novel's structure, with its 43 chapters and an epilogue, allows for detailed character development and plot progression. Overall, "Elixir" is a gripping read that tackles heavy themes through an engaging storyline and well-crafted characters.
January 17, 2019
A pretty good first outing for this author.
The story is an interesting play on powers, drug use and social hierarchies with the main character becoming embroiled in an underground he was unaware of in the drudgery of his average middle-class life.
The author does well to convey the drastic change in environment for, and consequently the development of, a character facing the unknown as well as clearly portraying the live lead by those that live below him.
The ending left a few unanswered questions and the epilogue certainly left me feeling like there was more to be told but too few books end like that without pandering and writing more so I hope it stays as a sole novel in this world.
I feel as though the writing could do with a little work as there were multiple points where the tense within a sentence would change making for quite jarring reading. I would also suggest that the author make use of a professional copy editor as there were enough grammatical and spelling errors to distract me from what is a decent story.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The story is an interesting play on powers, drug use and social hierarchies with the main character becoming embroiled in an underground he was unaware of in the drudgery of his average middle-class life.
The author does well to convey the drastic change in environment for, and consequently the development of, a character facing the unknown as well as clearly portraying the live lead by those that live below him.
The ending left a few unanswered questions and the epilogue certainly left me feeling like there was more to be told but too few books end like that without pandering and writing more so I hope it stays as a sole novel in this world.
I feel as though the writing could do with a little work as there were multiple points where the tense within a sentence would change making for quite jarring reading. I would also suggest that the author make use of a professional copy editor as there were enough grammatical and spelling errors to distract me from what is a decent story.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Elixir through the Voracious Readers Only mailing list.
I would like to say that I enjoyed Elixir as it has some interesting concepts and the author has clearly spent time developing the world. Unfortunately I couldn't make it more than a third of the way in due to the writing style. To provide an example from the first chapter:
"He spares a moment to look over at the photo on one of the cabinets, him as a toddler next to his biological parents, one of the only pictures he has of them, his mind wanders to them as it often does in the morning as he stands up and appraoches the mirrored wall, it slides open automatically, granting access to his wardrobe, the familiar view of cleanly pressed grey suits and white shirts, whilst in the corner sits the standard holographic simulator."
That's a single paragraph long sentence and unfortunately the book is littered with them. Coupled with regular changes in tense and inconsistent points of view I found what I was able to get through a slog. The book would greatly benefit from professional editing, which would help showcase the world that the author has developed.
I would like to say that I enjoyed Elixir as it has some interesting concepts and the author has clearly spent time developing the world. Unfortunately I couldn't make it more than a third of the way in due to the writing style. To provide an example from the first chapter:
"He spares a moment to look over at the photo on one of the cabinets, him as a toddler next to his biological parents, one of the only pictures he has of them, his mind wanders to them as it often does in the morning as he stands up and appraoches the mirrored wall, it slides open automatically, granting access to his wardrobe, the familiar view of cleanly pressed grey suits and white shirts, whilst in the corner sits the standard holographic simulator."
That's a single paragraph long sentence and unfortunately the book is littered with them. Coupled with regular changes in tense and inconsistent points of view I found what I was able to get through a slog. The book would greatly benefit from professional editing, which would help showcase the world that the author has developed.
April 9, 2022
Disclaimer: copy received free from Voracious Readers Only
The story started off decently strong, but I feel like it fell off partway towards the end. The premise in general is really good and was what got me interested in the story, but the execution ends up feeling a little messy and incoherent. The story isn't bad, but I felt myself asking why certain characters were doing the things they were, or why the system worked the way it did. And I feel the story didn't offer enough compelling reason for the conflicts the characters were getting into. A lot of it fell into 'we have no choice' style reasoning but no one really felt like they had very strong convictions other than maybe the main antagonist (who I did like). Maybe if the governing system, or the world was built up a little better it would have helped give a stronger foundation to the story.
I will say right now though, and maybe this is a tiny spoiler, but I did really like the fact that the main character did not have everything going their way. Other characters had clear influence and impacted the story in ways that didn't just end up in a perfect happily ever after for the main guy.
The story started off decently strong, but I feel like it fell off partway towards the end. The premise in general is really good and was what got me interested in the story, but the execution ends up feeling a little messy and incoherent. The story isn't bad, but I felt myself asking why certain characters were doing the things they were, or why the system worked the way it did. And I feel the story didn't offer enough compelling reason for the conflicts the characters were getting into. A lot of it fell into 'we have no choice' style reasoning but no one really felt like they had very strong convictions other than maybe the main antagonist (who I did like). Maybe if the governing system, or the world was built up a little better it would have helped give a stronger foundation to the story.
I will say right now though, and maybe this is a tiny spoiler, but I did really like the fact that the main character did not have everything going their way. Other characters had clear influence and impacted the story in ways that didn't just end up in a perfect happily ever after for the main guy.
December 4, 2018
MY RATING 4.5
Firstly, I would like to thank Chris for getting in touch and sending me a copy of his debut novel to read and review.
I really enjoyed reading this one. I raced through it and actually finished the who thing in two separate sitting.
The book is set in the future where a new drug called Elixir has been developed. It gives people who take it a temporary superpower. The weird thing is no one ever gets the same superpower, which I thought was so cool.
I felt the book was really well written, with lots of details to help understand what is going on. The start of the book was a little slow but necessary. This is where we learn about Tobias the main character.
I found the characters were very interesting. I thought the main character Tobias, was really good. I actually felt sorry for him at the beginning. I felt the characters developed well as the book went on.
I loved the ending of this book, it left me wanting more. I really hope there will be another book to follow on, as I’d definitely be up for reading it.
If you’re looking for an exciting and fast paced science fiction/super hero book then I highly recommend this book.
Firstly, I would like to thank Chris for getting in touch and sending me a copy of his debut novel to read and review.
I really enjoyed reading this one. I raced through it and actually finished the who thing in two separate sitting.
The book is set in the future where a new drug called Elixir has been developed. It gives people who take it a temporary superpower. The weird thing is no one ever gets the same superpower, which I thought was so cool.
I felt the book was really well written, with lots of details to help understand what is going on. The start of the book was a little slow but necessary. This is where we learn about Tobias the main character.
I found the characters were very interesting. I thought the main character Tobias, was really good. I actually felt sorry for him at the beginning. I felt the characters developed well as the book went on.
I loved the ending of this book, it left me wanting more. I really hope there will be another book to follow on, as I’d definitely be up for reading it.
If you’re looking for an exciting and fast paced science fiction/super hero book then I highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here it goes….
I love sci-fi and fantasy. I liked the premise of this book. He’s left it open for a sequel which is cool. The idea that the world is divided into three social tiers isn’t new but every story told us unique and the idea of a drug that gives you temporary superpowers is interesting.
The downside is that there were quite a few grammatical errors and spelling errors that detract from the story. It’s always worth investing in some type of editing because grammar does matter. Also the switching character viewpoints and retelling a whole scene or even a chapter from another point of view can seem redundant and boring. It was also confusing at times.
The author also left a lot of loose threads that aren’t explained and you don’t get any kind of sense that they will ever be explained which is frustrating. While the ending does leave it open for a sequel it isn’t clear that there will be one.
It was an ok first attempt and if he continues hopefully the writing will get better too.
I love sci-fi and fantasy. I liked the premise of this book. He’s left it open for a sequel which is cool. The idea that the world is divided into three social tiers isn’t new but every story told us unique and the idea of a drug that gives you temporary superpowers is interesting.
The downside is that there were quite a few grammatical errors and spelling errors that detract from the story. It’s always worth investing in some type of editing because grammar does matter. Also the switching character viewpoints and retelling a whole scene or even a chapter from another point of view can seem redundant and boring. It was also confusing at times.
The author also left a lot of loose threads that aren’t explained and you don’t get any kind of sense that they will ever be explained which is frustrating. While the ending does leave it open for a sequel it isn’t clear that there will be one.
It was an ok first attempt and if he continues hopefully the writing will get better too.
September 8, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Elixir through the Voracious Readers Only mailing list.
I ended up buying this book on my kindle to continue reading on the train home as I was so hooked into the story.
I really loved that the characters were so unique, not often is a middle age man from a bank the MC! I also liked the progression of the characters conflict and how it wasn't just a 'happily ever after/ solved my issues' ending.
The end of the book where all the conflict came to a head did feel a little dragged out with a lot of scene/action description with no dialogue, but over all the book had nice pacing.
While I notice a lot other reviews complained about the formatting and the grammar etc for me the story was interesting enough to ignore the minor errors and keep reading without hindering my understanding of the story (so if your a stickler for these kind of things this book may not be for you).
To summarise~
I really enjoyed this book and would really love for a continuation as I feel the story is not over yet!
I ended up buying this book on my kindle to continue reading on the train home as I was so hooked into the story.
I really loved that the characters were so unique, not often is a middle age man from a bank the MC! I also liked the progression of the characters conflict and how it wasn't just a 'happily ever after/ solved my issues' ending.
The end of the book where all the conflict came to a head did feel a little dragged out with a lot of scene/action description with no dialogue, but over all the book had nice pacing.
While I notice a lot other reviews complained about the formatting and the grammar etc for me the story was interesting enough to ignore the minor errors and keep reading without hindering my understanding of the story (so if your a stickler for these kind of things this book may not be for you).
To summarise~
I really enjoyed this book and would really love for a continuation as I feel the story is not over yet!
June 13, 2024
This book reminded me of the TV series my son watched The boys. It was a great idea but I can't say the story really grabbed me and drew me in. Whilst it had plenty of action and was very imaginative it just did not "do it" for me. There was a lot that I did like about it though. I liked that the main character Tobias was not changed by his usage of elixir. He managed to retain his own moral code in the presence of power. I also liked the fact that Neomi is not all out evil just desperate to try and make things better for people like her that she can't think things through. It is thought provoking if you look at the deeper meanings behind the story on how much power big companies have in the world today and could a world like this become a reality? Do I have an urge to read on I am afraid not sorry.
October 6, 2020
This book was a decent science fiction novel. It was about a drug that gave people superpowers. It had a very x men feel, but instead of fesring a cure they feared the powers.
The society created by Rook was very interested. The world was broken up into the lower, mid, and upper habitat based on income. However, each lived very different lives.
One of the things that was hard to read with this book was the tense. It was predominantly written in present. However, it would randomly jump into past. There was also random head hopping while most was either in Toby or Russells.
Overall, I would be interested in seeing where the story goes as it ends on a cliffhanger
I recieved a copy through voracious readers.
The society created by Rook was very interested. The world was broken up into the lower, mid, and upper habitat based on income. However, each lived very different lives.
One of the things that was hard to read with this book was the tense. It was predominantly written in present. However, it would randomly jump into past. There was also random head hopping while most was either in Toby or Russells.
Overall, I would be interested in seeing where the story goes as it ends on a cliffhanger
I recieved a copy through voracious readers.
February 8, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers.
This book is in need of a good edit ... however, if you can overlook the spelling and grammatical errors (and the odd plot hole), then its a pretty cool story. It's a fast-paced read, with an easy to follow storyline. A neat way to combine science fiction/super hero fiction about the impact of banning a drug (Elixir) that can give you temporary superpowers. I think its especially cool that everyone seems to develop different powers from using the substance which certainly adds an extra layer to the story! The story escalates right up until the end. A great debut story by Chris Rook.
This book is in need of a good edit ... however, if you can overlook the spelling and grammatical errors (and the odd plot hole), then its a pretty cool story. It's a fast-paced read, with an easy to follow storyline. A neat way to combine science fiction/super hero fiction about the impact of banning a drug (Elixir) that can give you temporary superpowers. I think its especially cool that everyone seems to develop different powers from using the substance which certainly adds an extra layer to the story! The story escalates right up until the end. A great debut story by Chris Rook.
July 26, 2021
The premise of this book was good. Random super powers delivered by a drug. The story moved along well and the descriptions were brilliant. I could really picture the scene. The epilogue has left me looking forward to the next book.
Unfortunately the brilliant story was marred by being set in the present tense (something i personally don’t enjoy) spelling and grammar mistakes and other little errors which could have been fixed by having someone proofread the book. That’s why I only gave this book 3 stars. I hope the sequel is proofread well so that I can enjoy what was a good story otherwise.
Unfortunately the brilliant story was marred by being set in the present tense (something i personally don’t enjoy) spelling and grammar mistakes and other little errors which could have been fixed by having someone proofread the book. That’s why I only gave this book 3 stars. I hope the sequel is proofread well so that I can enjoy what was a good story otherwise.
October 22, 2021
*I received a free copy of the book through Voracious Readers.*
Good idea, the premise of somewhat sci/fi maybe dystopian world could worth exploring. I have seen similar ideas of vertical representation of wealth. But it felt incomplete, I would appreciate some time to clearly give the outline of the world the story takes place. It seemed like book one of a series rather stand alone. Good action sequences, not clearly described. Some plot holes were too big to my taste. It suffers from antagonists, personally I don't like it if the characters don't have consistency and overstepping from their initial norms for no good reason. Nice read, promising author, it would worth to be read.
Good idea, the premise of somewhat sci/fi maybe dystopian world could worth exploring. I have seen similar ideas of vertical representation of wealth. But it felt incomplete, I would appreciate some time to clearly give the outline of the world the story takes place. It seemed like book one of a series rather stand alone. Good action sequences, not clearly described. Some plot holes were too big to my taste. It suffers from antagonists, personally I don't like it if the characters don't have consistency and overstepping from their initial norms for no good reason. Nice read, promising author, it would worth to be read.
January 9, 2022
I read this book a few months ago but it has left such a lasting impression on me that I can remember the details clearly. This was an edge of your seat, action packed book. Not one that I would typically read but was delightfully surprised by the story. I loved the entirety of the book. The characters were both lovable and flawed. The story had me rooting for the protagonist throughout the book. I loved the concept of a tiered planet and enraged when I discovered how the other half lived both up and below. This book truly had me hooked.
I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers Only.
June 3, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited for this book but it really didn't match my expectations. The concept is really captivating and interesting but the author doesn't deliver. Lots of grammatical mistakes, characters lacking in depth and inconsistencies in the story in general. I had a hard time finishing the book but I wanted to know the end and see where this was all leading which was ultimately a let down.
I was really excited for this book but it really didn't match my expectations. The concept is really captivating and interesting but the author doesn't deliver. Lots of grammatical mistakes, characters lacking in depth and inconsistencies in the story in general. I had a hard time finishing the book but I wanted to know the end and see where this was all leading which was ultimately a let down.
April 26, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Apart from the writing style, which I found difficult, I really enjoyed the majority of the story. The whole premise of superpowers from drugs and the social status' of each character was relatable. The dilemmas were believable and the lack of solutions raised those questions asked in every philosophy class!
But...it left unanswered questions - what about Tobias's parents? Where did he go? Did Russell's develop powers?
The book needed a good editor and a better ending.
Apart from the writing style, which I found difficult, I really enjoyed the majority of the story. The whole premise of superpowers from drugs and the social status' of each character was relatable. The dilemmas were believable and the lack of solutions raised those questions asked in every philosophy class!
But...it left unanswered questions - what about Tobias's parents? Where did he go? Did Russell's develop powers?
The book needed a good editor and a better ending.
August 31, 2025
Upon starting the book I was neutral, but found myself being drawn more and more into the dynamics of the elixir. It reminds of connotations of Covid as a virus but offers a deeper layer of a behind the scenes thinking.
For those who are contemplative, it offers a perspective of, what if this could be applied to a real scenario.
The story unfolds at a good pace, with good eloquence and pace.
Great to be able to have an advance preview at voracious bookreaders.
Definitely worth a read.
For those who are contemplative, it offers a perspective of, what if this could be applied to a real scenario.
The story unfolds at a good pace, with good eloquence and pace.
Great to be able to have an advance preview at voracious bookreaders.
Definitely worth a read.
November 2, 2019
This was a fascinating read. I was totally wrapped up in this story because it wasn't a simple good guys versus bad guys scenario. The author created a futuristic world which is uncomfortably close to society today - brought to the extreme. The protagonists are caught up in a situation they are not responsible for and cannot control. The vivid imagery created by the author had me glued to the page. This is a story that kept me thinking after I put down the book.
November 13, 2019
Really no down time and keeps you guessing. A drug that "stays" in your system due to changing your dna is a scary thought. This book is a good look into the differences and ignorance between different social groups. Fun story, but the idiocracy some characters had of how the world works, bothered me a bit to much to fully enjoy. Good read overall and curious how the next one is going to play out.
October 23, 2024
Ok protagonist but felt rushed after the second half. Book began great and had me hooked. Second half went downhill. Too many unanswered questions, stories started without any endings, and some parts needed way more explanation to fully understand but weren't provided. The ending was not good. Book had great potentil though.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2019
Brilliant story, had me completely gripped! Only gripe with it is a slight mess up in the story where at the beginning it says Toby loses his wallet them a little later he had his wallet in his pocket, it overall the storyline was great and I got really into the characters backgrounds too. Great job!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2023
He is just a simple man working hard at a bank and on the commute there is warnings that if you take the drug you risk being executed. A robbery takes place and he is accused of helping so he loses his job. Life is about to get worse for him. How will he get his life back? See just how it will all go
July 15, 2019
What would you do if you had powers for a day?
What would you do if they were permanent?
Would the power drive you? Corrupt you?
I love the questions this book inspires. And the ending makes me think maybe there's another book in the works
What would you do if they were permanent?
Would the power drive you? Corrupt you?
I love the questions this book inspires. And the ending makes me think maybe there's another book in the works
September 2, 2020
This reminds me of what would happen if you'd mix together Divergent and The Truman Show. Toby is just your normal, boring, everyday guy with his normal, boring bank job until a robbery by super powered drug addicts turns his life completely upside down. Good read for any dark scifi fan.
January 19, 2025
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
An action packed Sci-fi adventure.
A society of stacked habitats, a drug that gives you superpowers, a change to the laws relating to users and chaos ensues.
Read the story here.
An action packed Sci-fi adventure.
A society of stacked habitats, a drug that gives you superpowers, a change to the laws relating to users and chaos ensues.
Read the story here.
June 6, 2025
This was a great read. It surprised me. It's got a good pace and some real twists and turns.
My only gripe is I don't love the 3rd person, but can see how it enhances the story.
Give it a go if you like dystopian action vibes.
My only gripe is I don't love the 3rd person, but can see how it enhances the story.
Give it a go if you like dystopian action vibes.
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