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Halfhero #3
The Last Of The First
The conclusion of the Amazon and Audible bestselling Halfhero series
When The Deterrent comes out of hiding and kidnaps the titans, it triggers the biggest manhunt in history.
On one side, the military might of the United States and Air Commodore Fiona Bardock, Britain’s most talented investigator.
On the other, three halfheroes, one human, and a puddle of slime.
Daniel Harbin hopes to get through this alive and track down the children he never knew existed.
What no one realises is they’re about to confront the greatest danger of all.
Reviews for the Halfhero series:
Love the style and originality of everything Mr Sainsbury writes
gripping and unputdownable
Ian W Sainsbury could well be the 21st century equivalent of Arthur C Clarke
A rollercoaster that never heads where you think it's going
If you like the works of Charley Stross, Neil Gaiman, people of that ilk, give this, and its sequel a go
When The Deterrent comes out of hiding and kidnaps the titans, it triggers the biggest manhunt in history.
On one side, the military might of the United States and Air Commodore Fiona Bardock, Britain’s most talented investigator.
On the other, three halfheroes, one human, and a puddle of slime.
Daniel Harbin hopes to get through this alive and track down the children he never knew existed.
What no one realises is they’re about to confront the greatest danger of all.
Reviews for the Halfhero series:
Love the style and originality of everything Mr Sainsbury writes
gripping and unputdownable
Ian W Sainsbury could well be the 21st century equivalent of Arthur C Clarke
A rollercoaster that never heads where you think it's going
If you like the works of Charley Stross, Neil Gaiman, people of that ilk, give this, and its sequel a go
Audible Audio
Published October 2, 2018
96 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Ian W. Sainsbury
25 books221 followersIan W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 26, 2020
Stop it with the ideological agendas, please.
The last book has our (half)hero’s sidelined by the new titans. Essentially they’re outclassed to the point of being observers. This is especially problematic as the titans are essentially all powerful. Not much potential for exciting struggle there.
If the titans had stayed vanished as in the first book, this whole series would have been night and day better.
Additionally, at this point I have wokeness fatigue. Progressive narrative exhaustion. As themes, bashing on Trump, gender equality, female empowerment, and global warming / climate change are soooo dull. I don’t know why all the authors have decided to cram these into their books, but give us a break and pick something original. Even just something that’s not an obvious trope. Please, if you really must do it. At least write it into a story like in book two. This one was just a lecture.
The last book has our (half)hero’s sidelined by the new titans. Essentially they’re outclassed to the point of being observers. This is especially problematic as the titans are essentially all powerful. Not much potential for exciting struggle there.
If the titans had stayed vanished as in the first book, this whole series would have been night and day better.
Additionally, at this point I have wokeness fatigue. Progressive narrative exhaustion. As themes, bashing on Trump, gender equality, female empowerment, and global warming / climate change are soooo dull. I don’t know why all the authors have decided to cram these into their books, but give us a break and pick something original. Even just something that’s not an obvious trope. Please, if you really must do it. At least write it into a story like in book two. This one was just a lecture.
September 11, 2018
Whoops he did it again!
Yes, another great series of books from this English author. ( I'm English and very proud we can still produce authors of quality!) Ian Sainsbury has created yet another brilliant world for us to escape into and let's face it as he rightly expressed through the pages of this story, with the chaos and uncertainty in our world we all need to find it somewhere. So jump in and even if you do not normally read science fiction or fantasy, you will find Ian's stories are much more inclusive than that. His broader message is to all humanity. I do not wish to mention the storyline, characters, and other such spoilers as other review s often do. Instead I will say, as a fellow author of two books ( on amazon) I have a perspective which is my own and prefer a more impartial yet helpful critique. Ian's writing is a joy to read. It is easy to follow the story's which open over three books seamlessly. I read them over six days and as always follows a period of grief as it sinks in that's the end. (Quietly sobs) . As I edit and review my own work glaring mistakes usually jump of the page at me. Usually typos ,spelling etc. I found a few. It's my OCD brain. Everything else was perfect. A masterpiece of glorious science fantasy so believable I was in very page with them. I wanted to go to the stars, I wanted to stroke the sleepy ginger Tom and watch the small tv in that cosy cottage....
Thank you Ian for taking me out of my ability challenged body to fly around history , geography, biology and our only home. Amazing. Can't wait for your next series please let them live in in a sequel. I haven't got an aunt at netflix, but I do subscribe... I hope they pick up on your success and invite you to be one of their specials!!
Yes, another great series of books from this English author. ( I'm English and very proud we can still produce authors of quality!) Ian Sainsbury has created yet another brilliant world for us to escape into and let's face it as he rightly expressed through the pages of this story, with the chaos and uncertainty in our world we all need to find it somewhere. So jump in and even if you do not normally read science fiction or fantasy, you will find Ian's stories are much more inclusive than that. His broader message is to all humanity. I do not wish to mention the storyline, characters, and other such spoilers as other review s often do. Instead I will say, as a fellow author of two books ( on amazon) I have a perspective which is my own and prefer a more impartial yet helpful critique. Ian's writing is a joy to read. It is easy to follow the story's which open over three books seamlessly. I read them over six days and as always follows a period of grief as it sinks in that's the end. (Quietly sobs) . As I edit and review my own work glaring mistakes usually jump of the page at me. Usually typos ,spelling etc. I found a few. It's my OCD brain. Everything else was perfect. A masterpiece of glorious science fantasy so believable I was in very page with them. I wanted to go to the stars, I wanted to stroke the sleepy ginger Tom and watch the small tv in that cosy cottage....
Thank you Ian for taking me out of my ability challenged body to fly around history , geography, biology and our only home. Amazing. Can't wait for your next series please let them live in in a sequel. I haven't got an aunt at netflix, but I do subscribe... I hope they pick up on your success and invite you to be one of their specials!!
August 26, 2019
Absolutely amazing!! Wish it were longer. Far too much to say about this book. About its social consciousness notably. And the inevitable extinction of the human species (though not of course by "the First"). As well how Daniel's children primarily have a group consciousness which they pervade through all of humanity via Bardok as their conduit. Presently there is about 1+% of the population who is in a similar position as these children. We simply do not have the powers they do. And we are being forcibly suppressed by our Societies and presently very strongly by our Asshole-In-Chief here in the U.S., pervading forth to the rest of the world as our government has for many years felt justified to do. Anyway, unless WE receive a serious assist from some outside force(s), alien in all necessity, our mission WILL fail and we will not be able to do essentially what those children did (but in our own way). And so I say to anyone reading this that I am personally sorry that I am not enough. That WE are not enough. AND that our species will go extinct (or at least virtually so) before the end of this century (and perhaps much sooner). I am sure most of you will laugh at this; laugh at me. It doesn't matter. Someday soon NO ONE will laugh any longer. We will no longer exist. Just like The First. They ended up having 9+1 of their species remaining. Our fate will surely mirror theirs. Of this there is zero doubt. Least not without OUTSIDE (alien) intervention. And frankly, well, as we stand as a species we do not warrant saving. I once believed we may have. I sincerely doubt so now.
August 15, 2018
The last book
Wow! This trilogy just got better and better. Two thirds of the way through this book it felt like the second book of a trilogy, everything was going down, people dying, a new threat, impending doom... I was thinking, hang on is there another book yet? I’m 70% through and the shit has hit the fan, how is this ever going to work out!?
Sainsbury is a great writer, he got it sorted, it didn’t feel rushed or contrived and everything fell very neatly into place.
A brilliant story and one I will be recommending to anyone wanting a sci fi with some great characters, some good action and a neat plot. Brilliant!
Wow! This trilogy just got better and better. Two thirds of the way through this book it felt like the second book of a trilogy, everything was going down, people dying, a new threat, impending doom... I was thinking, hang on is there another book yet? I’m 70% through and the shit has hit the fan, how is this ever going to work out!?
Sainsbury is a great writer, he got it sorted, it didn’t feel rushed or contrived and everything fell very neatly into place.
A brilliant story and one I will be recommending to anyone wanting a sci fi with some great characters, some good action and a neat plot. Brilliant!
August 20, 2018
An essential read for any fan of science fiction.
This final book in the Halfhero trilogy takes us on quite a wild ride. It provides a satisfying conclusion for all concerned, and by the end, nothing will ever be the same again. The action comes thick and fast, and at long last, Daniel Harbin comes face to face with his destiny...
Although fantastical in nature, the story feels very current, threading very relevant themes and ideas throughout the book, regarding humanity and its place in the world. Ian W. Sainsbury is one of those truly rare authors whose books are very difficult to put down until you've read the last page.
This final book in the Halfhero trilogy takes us on quite a wild ride. It provides a satisfying conclusion for all concerned, and by the end, nothing will ever be the same again. The action comes thick and fast, and at long last, Daniel Harbin comes face to face with his destiny...
Although fantastical in nature, the story feels very current, threading very relevant themes and ideas throughout the book, regarding humanity and its place in the world. Ian W. Sainsbury is one of those truly rare authors whose books are very difficult to put down until you've read the last page.
December 6, 2018
A craftman in the making
I picked up Ian’s first book, some weeks ago and he has been my sturdy companion ever since.
I am a big Gaiman fan and occasionally enjoy King as well. These past seven books are not major league (yet), but the story telling and character development is far from average and I have not been able to swap writer - something I generally do after 1-3 books of the same author.
Ian has however kept my interested for more, both in the individual storylines, but also in the “where’s the next project gonna take me/us.
Us, because I appreciate the writers words, very similar to before mentioned writers, he his down to earth, humble and likable.
If you keep writing - I’ll keep reading!
Thanks
I picked up Ian’s first book, some weeks ago and he has been my sturdy companion ever since.
I am a big Gaiman fan and occasionally enjoy King as well. These past seven books are not major league (yet), but the story telling and character development is far from average and I have not been able to swap writer - something I generally do after 1-3 books of the same author.
Ian has however kept my interested for more, both in the individual storylines, but also in the “where’s the next project gonna take me/us.
Us, because I appreciate the writers words, very similar to before mentioned writers, he his down to earth, humble and likable.
If you keep writing - I’ll keep reading!
Thanks
September 9, 2018
Awesome amazing and un put downable read!
The final book in the halfhero trilogy. The characters are realistic and I loved them all. The storyline filled with suspense and dread for the worlds inhabitants. The good guys were good and the bad guys were evil. I am saddened the story has come to an . :(
Totally gripping, right up till the last printed word.
Great author I will follow forever, highly recommend this book and the 2 previous in the series. Good ready for you all! Now download!!!
The final book in the halfhero trilogy. The characters are realistic and I loved them all. The storyline filled with suspense and dread for the worlds inhabitants. The good guys were good and the bad guys were evil. I am saddened the story has come to an . :(
Totally gripping, right up till the last printed word.
Great author I will follow forever, highly recommend this book and the 2 previous in the series. Good ready for you all! Now download!!!
August 12, 2018
A beautiful look at humanity
I have enjoyed Ian's books from the beginning and they just carry on getting better and better. This latest book has twists and turns to keep you gripped until the very last word. A look at humanity and what it means to be human are excellently put forward. emotions and feelings examined with a fresh perspective. Be warned you won't be able to put it down.
I have enjoyed Ian's books from the beginning and they just carry on getting better and better. This latest book has twists and turns to keep you gripped until the very last word. A look at humanity and what it means to be human are excellently put forward. emotions and feelings examined with a fresh perspective. Be warned you won't be able to put it down.
November 29, 2018
Fantastic ending!
Every time I would sit down to read (usually at night, before bed) I'd say, okay, I'll read for ---- minutes only! Ha! 1.75 hours later, I look up, and gulp....where did the time go?? Lesson? If you love to get lost in a story and lose ALL sense of time, any book by Ian Sainsbury will do. If you're only wanting to read for a few minutes and NOT get lost in another world......read the dictionary.
Every time I would sit down to read (usually at night, before bed) I'd say, okay, I'll read for ---- minutes only! Ha! 1.75 hours later, I look up, and gulp....where did the time go?? Lesson? If you love to get lost in a story and lose ALL sense of time, any book by Ian Sainsbury will do. If you're only wanting to read for a few minutes and NOT get lost in another world......read the dictionary.
August 25, 2018
Another cracking good read.
The story of the Halfheroes moves forward. We now have not only children of the Deterrent, but also grandchildren. What I love about Sainsbury's books is how realistic the teenage characters are.
As a pessimist I relish the way his optimistic ending is grounded in realism.
I would definitely recommend this to the boys at our school.
The story of the Halfheroes moves forward. We now have not only children of the Deterrent, but also grandchildren. What I love about Sainsbury's books is how realistic the teenage characters are.
As a pessimist I relish the way his optimistic ending is grounded in realism.
I would definitely recommend this to the boys at our school.
March 4, 2019
Mission accomplished, sort of.
Ian, I hope I can call him by his first name, I have read all of his author notes after all, said at the end of this book that he hoped that one day someone would be so engrossed in one of his books that they miss their stop on a train. I didn't, but I haven't slept much.
As usual, not a review, but it's a bloody marvellous trilogy, so read it.
Ian, I hope I can call him by his first name, I have read all of his author notes after all, said at the end of this book that he hoped that one day someone would be so engrossed in one of his books that they miss their stop on a train. I didn't, but I haven't slept much.
As usual, not a review, but it's a bloody marvellous trilogy, so read it.
December 9, 2022
A totally great surprise.
Here I go again. Another great author I am going to HAVE TO find time to follow. Ian W. Sainsbury! I've read two of his series and am solidly hooked. Great believable characters, realistic scenarios (even for science fiction) and a draw you along style that kept me totally involved.
Here I go again. Another great author I am going to HAVE TO find time to follow. Ian W. Sainsbury! I've read two of his series and am solidly hooked. Great believable characters, realistic scenarios (even for science fiction) and a draw you along style that kept me totally involved.
August 17, 2018
Brilliant end to a very original triology
I don't have much to say, but read this trilogy, there were so many twists and turns that at the end of the third book i really wasn't sure how it would end, but end it did and what a satisfying and it was.
I don't have much to say, but read this trilogy, there were so many twists and turns that at the end of the third book i really wasn't sure how it would end, but end it did and what a satisfying and it was.
August 18, 2018
Well written and full of humour.
Have just finished book three of the Halfhero trilogy.
Well thought out stories full of humour quirky and somewhat different to a lot of SF.
Enjoyed all three books, guessed that the first were from earth though ! Pretty quickly
Have just finished book three of the Halfhero trilogy.
Well thought out stories full of humour quirky and somewhat different to a lot of SF.
Enjoyed all three books, guessed that the first were from earth though ! Pretty quickly
September 5, 2018
Loved it
This is not so much a review of this book, more of the whole story spanning across the three. It's bloody brilliant. I look forward to reading more by Mr Sainsbury, possibly, but not guaranteed, involving a telepathic lobster...
This is not so much a review of this book, more of the whole story spanning across the three. It's bloody brilliant. I look forward to reading more by Mr Sainsbury, possibly, but not guaranteed, involving a telepathic lobster...
September 9, 2018
Creative and imaginatve
I'm so glad I've discovered Ian Sainsbury , started with the Worldwallker and ended up here. Not too challenging which is just what I like. I read to be entertained and all of his books do just that.
I'm so glad I've discovered Ian Sainsbury , started with the Worldwallker and ended up here. Not too challenging which is just what I like. I read to be entertained and all of his books do just that.
October 18, 2018
Good end to an enjoyable series
Great lighthearted easy reading. Like the first two books in the series, the story progresses at a nice speed and keeps you turning the page. Nice for a book to actually finish for a change as well.
Great lighthearted easy reading. Like the first two books in the series, the story progresses at a nice speed and keeps you turning the page. Nice for a book to actually finish for a change as well.
January 1, 2019
A great end to the saga of HalfHeroes. After the events of the last book it is time to wrap everything up (or start a new chapter). Each of the characters we know are back and a new/old threat is looming.
Finally we get to learn more about Abos and where they are from.
Finally we get to learn more about Abos and where they are from.
September 14, 2019
The best of the three books. Perfect conclusion for a very complex species
The abominable bunch of shit , is a delightful story where super powered minds connect. I enjoyed this alot. 3 generations wow
The abominable bunch of shit , is a delightful story where super powered minds connect. I enjoyed this alot. 3 generations wow
November 9, 2019
A brilliant book that ends a great series
The half hero books are wonderfully innovative and yet familiar as they are still grounded in the everyday now. Part of me wonders if some of their delight may be lost in the years to come as the world changes but I hope not.
The half hero books are wonderfully innovative and yet familiar as they are still grounded in the everyday now. Part of me wonders if some of their delight may be lost in the years to come as the world changes but I hope not.
November 12, 2019
A fantastic conclusion to a brilliant trilogy
Ian Sainsbury has fast become one of my favourite author's, with books that I can't put down! I love the humour threaded through each book, these from Ian being the best I have read so far.
Ian Sainsbury has fast become one of my favourite author's, with books that I can't put down! I love the humour threaded through each book, these from Ian being the best I have read so far.
June 23, 2020
A relatively simple series but with a rapidly moving plot that kept me excited to pick it up each evening. Almost gave a 5 but like so many series I just didn't love the climax at the end. Definitely enjoyed this more than Ian's more well known World Walker series.
March 6, 2021
Great!
Following the example of James Michener we have a series of books that encompass the entire history of earth. But, I never imagined I would read a series that would leave my thinking of mushy peas in such a new and unusual way. 😄
Following the example of James Michener we have a series of books that encompass the entire history of earth. But, I never imagined I would read a series that would leave my thinking of mushy peas in such a new and unusual way. 😄
May 14, 2021
This book introduces a new character, the Old Man. His background made me think I knew the book ending, but I was only half right. Slightly sad. I quite liked my version. But the author's ending is good too. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and the last book does not disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and the last book does not disappoint.
August 7, 2021
Excellent series!
Some truly clever twists - enjoyed this tremendously! It has been a long time since a series scratched my sci-fi itch while also causing me to think or hit my funny bone...
Some truly clever twists - enjoyed this tremendously! It has been a long time since a series scratched my sci-fi itch while also causing me to think or hit my funny bone...
December 25, 2021
Amazing
This was a great trip. With the Deterrent, Daniel and all the others. It clearly shows the mistakes we as.humans are making. Both the damage.to mother earth and each other. We can learn something from these books.
This was a great trip. With the Deterrent, Daniel and all the others. It clearly shows the mistakes we as.humans are making. Both the damage.to mother earth and each other. We can learn something from these books.
November 5, 2023
A great ending of a wonderful trilogy!
This was a good read with many surprises and provided a great way to wrap up the series. It had a satisfying ending, but since i enjoyed it so much, of course I did not want it to end and selfishly wish there was just one more volume!
This was a good read with many surprises and provided a great way to wrap up the series. It had a satisfying ending, but since i enjoyed it so much, of course I did not want it to end and selfishly wish there was just one more volume!
March 13, 2026
Really enjoyed the series. Good story line, interesting characters and some entertaining one liners.
Not my usual, but I have an acquaintance who is friends with the author and after 15 years I thought I’d read one of his books. I was pleasantly impressed and will read more of Ian’s books.
Not my usual, but I have an acquaintance who is friends with the author and after 15 years I thought I’d read one of his books. I was pleasantly impressed and will read more of Ian’s books.
August 24, 2018
Brilliantly written
Great writing brilliant couldn't put any of them down. Highly recommended great escapism really enjoyed this series of books excitement with a hint of whimsy!
Great writing brilliant couldn't put any of them down. Highly recommended great escapism really enjoyed this series of books excitement with a hint of whimsy!
September 6, 2018
Interesting book. Fun and thought-provoking. Looking forward to reading the next series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews