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Trent Foster & The Council of 10
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What would you do if you suddenly discovered you are wanted by ancient intergalactic beings and that you have nearly unlimited powers? This is exactly the question Trent must answer in Trent Foster and the Council of 10 by Matt Whiteside. Lately, Trent has been depressed. His life feels empty, and his job as a personal trainer just isn’t fulfilling anymore. Everything changes, though, when Trent’s apartment is blown up and Trent is kidnapped.
Rainjier is a Sentinel, a being with magnificent abilities tasked with keeping the galaxy safe. When the Council (ten beings who give the Sentinels their assignments) start gunning for Trent, Rainjier knows something’s wrong. Trent has no history of violence and can’t possibly be a threat to the galaxy. He rushes to Earth and gets Trent before the real bad guys can. Along with Trent’s dog and co-worker, Trent and Rainjier must figure out why the Council wants Trent, as well as what Trent’s powers are, before the other Sentinels catch them.
This book contains a fantastic adventure. From the first explosion, the action takes off running. Once Trent comes into his powers, things get even more interesting, as his abilities seem almost limitless. This could have had the effect of making Trent overcome everything too easily, but the author did a great job of keeping the threat real.
Speaking of the threat, the Sentinels were my favorite part of this book. There were several from different planets. Their various appearances added a nice touch. For example, a giant Sentinel captures Trent’s friend Ferra. At one point aboard the Sentinel’s ship, Ferra has to use the facilities, which are appropriately sized for her captor. The result was quite humorous. The array of powers was fascinating, too. One Sentinel could create stunningly realistic visual and auditory illusions. Another has abilities similar to the sirens of Greek myth, and it turns out she’s descended from them.
There are quite a few instances of adult language and thoughts in this book, which means I recommend it only for readers aged eighteen and up. Fans of superhero fiction or science fiction adventure stories might enjoy this book. If it bothers you, beware the cynicism. Otherwise, hop aboard a ship and join Trent on a journey into the unknown.
What would you do if you suddenly discovered you are wanted by ancient intergalactic beings and that you have nearly unlimited powers? This is exactly the question Trent must answer in Trent Foster and the Council of 10 by Matt Whiteside. Lately, Trent has been depressed. His life feels empty, and his job as a personal trainer just isn’t fulfilling anymore. Everything changes, though, when Trent’s apartment is blown up and Trent is kidnapped.
Rainjier is a Sentinel, a being with magnificent abilities tasked with keeping the galaxy safe. When the Council (ten beings who give the Sentinels their assignments) start gunning for Trent, Rainjier knows something’s wrong. Trent has no history of violence and can’t possibly be a threat to the galaxy. He rushes to Earth and gets Trent before the real bad guys can. Along with Trent’s dog and co-worker, Trent and Rainjier must figure out why the Council wants Trent, as well as what Trent’s powers are, before the other Sentinels catch them.
This book contains a fantastic adventure. From the first explosion, the action takes off running. Once Trent comes into his powers, things get even more interesting, as his abilities seem almost limitless. This could have had the effect of making Trent overcome everything too easily, but the author did a great job of keeping the threat real.
Speaking of the threat, the Sentinels were my favorite part of this book. There were several from different planets. Their various appearances added a nice touch. For example, a giant Sentinel captures Trent’s friend Ferra. At one point aboard the Sentinel’s ship, Ferra has to use the facilities, which are appropriately sized for her captor. The result was quite humorous. The array of powers was fascinating, too. One Sentinel could create stunningly realistic visual and auditory illusions. Another has abilities similar to the sirens of Greek myth, and it turns out she’s descended from them.
There are quite a few instances of adult language and thoughts in this book, which means I recommend it only for readers aged eighteen and up. Fans of superhero fiction or science fiction adventure stories might enjoy this book. If it bothers you, beware the cynicism. Otherwise, hop aboard a ship and join Trent on a journey into the unknown.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 4, 2019
Picking up an unfamiliar sci-fi book can be a bit daunting, considering that the genre covers quite a bit. One can go from Isaac Asimov to Douglass Adams and get such a huge variety—anything from hard-core sci-fi to a more softer fantasy angle like Star Wars. I admit that I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I picked up Trent Foster and the Council of 10 by Matt Whiteside. What I ended up with was a fun, humorous adventure with some reflective moments and an ending that give the book a much, much deeper meaning.
Trent Foster is your seemingly average guy. He’s a personal trainer who loves to help and inspire his clients. However, over the past six months, he began to spiral into a deep depression. When he apartment blows up out of the blue, he feels like his life has completely spiraled out of control, resorting to drinking to get by.
What he didn’t plan on, though, was a crazy old man showing up and declaring that Trent was wanted dead by the Council of 10, a group of powerful beings who protect the galaxy. Not only that, but the Council of 10 has directed their Sentinels to destroy Trent. These Sentinels are badass beings with cool powers. Rainjier, the man who came after Trent, is one of them but thinks that the Council has made a mistake. You see, Trent has some awesome powers himself—pretty much unlimited, actually. In fact, he’s more powerful than all the Sentinels thrown at him. However, there are larger forces at work that Trent must defeat when he realizes what the Council ultimately wants to do with the universe.
Trent Foster and the Council of 10 is more of a soft sci-fi mash-up that has humor, action, and some touching moments that will make you pause. During the novel, there are flashbacks to Trent’s past, and the reader gets to have a glimpse of his troubled past. We get to watch as Trent’s power grow and change as well as how he reacts to these new-found abilities. His friends added a lot of charm and humor, while the different Sentinels that appeared had some great action sequences.
The ending completely blew my mind. Suddenly, a book that I thought was a just fun sci-fi romp, turned into something much more. I’ll explain…
***Spoilers here.***
At the end of the book, we find out that all the sci-fi action that Trent experiences was actually his mind processing during an overdose of opioids and alcohol. He does come back from it and goes to rehab. However, the reader is left with a stunning literary theme.
All the power that Trent has in his dream symbolizes his potential as a human being. Close to the end, when Trent leaves his body to defeat the Council is like him shedding his physical addiction to drugs and alcohol. Without addiction pulling him down, he is a person with infinite potential. When he begins rehab, that is the start of Trent’s real adventure and the way for him to find his true power. We learn that we all have potential as human beings and sometimes there are huge obstacles that stand in our way. Trent Foster is a shining beacon for those who have had stumbling blocks in their lives.
**End spoilers.***
I saw a review online of this book that completely missed the point of the book, and it made me sad. Sure, the book is fun science fiction, but it ends up being much more. I highly recommend this book to people who want a cool sci-fi adventure but also to anyone in the recovery community as well. I will also point out that the book does need some editing work. However, I do not think it detracts from the overall story and theme. If you get the chance, I would pick this book up. It might just change your life.
Trent Foster is your seemingly average guy. He’s a personal trainer who loves to help and inspire his clients. However, over the past six months, he began to spiral into a deep depression. When he apartment blows up out of the blue, he feels like his life has completely spiraled out of control, resorting to drinking to get by.
What he didn’t plan on, though, was a crazy old man showing up and declaring that Trent was wanted dead by the Council of 10, a group of powerful beings who protect the galaxy. Not only that, but the Council of 10 has directed their Sentinels to destroy Trent. These Sentinels are badass beings with cool powers. Rainjier, the man who came after Trent, is one of them but thinks that the Council has made a mistake. You see, Trent has some awesome powers himself—pretty much unlimited, actually. In fact, he’s more powerful than all the Sentinels thrown at him. However, there are larger forces at work that Trent must defeat when he realizes what the Council ultimately wants to do with the universe.
Trent Foster and the Council of 10 is more of a soft sci-fi mash-up that has humor, action, and some touching moments that will make you pause. During the novel, there are flashbacks to Trent’s past, and the reader gets to have a glimpse of his troubled past. We get to watch as Trent’s power grow and change as well as how he reacts to these new-found abilities. His friends added a lot of charm and humor, while the different Sentinels that appeared had some great action sequences.
The ending completely blew my mind. Suddenly, a book that I thought was a just fun sci-fi romp, turned into something much more. I’ll explain…
***Spoilers here.***
At the end of the book, we find out that all the sci-fi action that Trent experiences was actually his mind processing during an overdose of opioids and alcohol. He does come back from it and goes to rehab. However, the reader is left with a stunning literary theme.
All the power that Trent has in his dream symbolizes his potential as a human being. Close to the end, when Trent leaves his body to defeat the Council is like him shedding his physical addiction to drugs and alcohol. Without addiction pulling him down, he is a person with infinite potential. When he begins rehab, that is the start of Trent’s real adventure and the way for him to find his true power. We learn that we all have potential as human beings and sometimes there are huge obstacles that stand in our way. Trent Foster is a shining beacon for those who have had stumbling blocks in their lives.
**End spoilers.***
I saw a review online of this book that completely missed the point of the book, and it made me sad. Sure, the book is fun science fiction, but it ends up being much more. I highly recommend this book to people who want a cool sci-fi adventure but also to anyone in the recovery community as well. I will also point out that the book does need some editing work. However, I do not think it detracts from the overall story and theme. If you get the chance, I would pick this book up. It might just change your life.
April 16, 2019
Firstly, this is not my normal genre to read. Secondly, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. I expected "otherworldly" beings. A few spaceships. Probably aliens. What I did not expect was the absolute profound and moving message lying at the core of this novel. I was deeply moved by the intensity of the message and its ultimate revelation was breathtaking! I was brought to tears, more than once. This book is not what you expect. And then, it is. Exciting story building and well-developed characters, along with the exhilarating action/battle scenes drive the plot forward in a very pleasing way. I found myself holding my breath and rooting for my favorites. Yes, this is a Sci-fi novel. But, it is SO much more. This is a story about a man. An ordinary man in search of extraordinary "powers", who in the end, finds himself in an extraordinary way. This is a MUST read. I highly recommend Matt Whitesides's "Trent Foster & The Council of 10" to anyone who enjoys Sci-fi and anyone who is open to being moved and elevated in an amazing, mind-expanding way. You will not be disappointed.
March 28, 2019
I'll admit, this isn't the genre I usually read. However, in the case of Trent Foster and The Council of 10, I'm glad I did. Matt did a great job with visualization and building strong characters. The story was never boring or predictable. I thoroughly enjoyed going on the journey with Trent as he discovered his destiny. But, as much as I enjoyed the entire book, I have to say the ending touched my heart. I was shocked and brought to tears. Please do yourself a favor and read this book. I promise you will not be disappointed.
April 7, 2019
Wow
This book is incredible, just when you think you can breathe from all the action sequences, bam, it starts all over again. This story is about fair, a willingness, strength and real using that life is what you make if it. Also a huge twist within the book but you gotta read it to find out.
This book is incredible, just when you think you can breathe from all the action sequences, bam, it starts all over again. This story is about fair, a willingness, strength and real using that life is what you make if it. Also a huge twist within the book but you gotta read it to find out.
March 26, 2019
I have to say that I give Matt Whiteside's story a strong 5.0/5.0 stars for quite a few reasons. When a story keeps me on my toes, and I am unable to predict anything, that is a major plus. The story was intriguing and maintained my attention.
The story has humor, action and realistic, emotional occurrences which propelled the story for me. The flashback scenes were written well.
Also, a story with someone gaining/having abilities is ALWAYS a plus for me. I won't spoil what they are, or how Trent obtains them...you'll have to read the story!
And...what an ending. Great job Matt!
The story has humor, action and realistic, emotional occurrences which propelled the story for me. The flashback scenes were written well.
Also, a story with someone gaining/having abilities is ALWAYS a plus for me. I won't spoil what they are, or how Trent obtains them...you'll have to read the story!
And...what an ending. Great job Matt!
March 19, 2019
Trent Foster and the Council of 10, written by the big butthead jerk Matt Whiteside, was not what I was expecting.
The story he paints is vivid, intriguing, and heartbreaking. The message he conveys through his words is inspiring, to say the least.
Fantastic job, Matt. I’m so happy I read your book. You’re not that much of a butthead jerk. You did make me cry though...
I guess I’ll forgive you since I enjoyed your book so much!
The story he paints is vivid, intriguing, and heartbreaking. The message he conveys through his words is inspiring, to say the least.
Fantastic job, Matt. I’m so happy I read your book. You’re not that much of a butthead jerk. You did make me cry though...
I guess I’ll forgive you since I enjoyed your book so much!
April 18, 2019
ROUSING/QUIRKY/CAMPY SPACE ADVENTURE AT ITS BEST
I have just finished reading Trent Foster and the Council of 10. To tell the truth, I’m a tad flabbergasted. This story presents as a rousing, campy style, space adventure. It’s full of people with all kinds of quirks; aliens of various ilk; spaceships, wormholes; and beings of unimaginable power. At its heart, though, it is a morality tale about each person taking responsibility for their own life. It is also a treatise about the duality of nature and existence: There is no light without dark, no good without evil… Those who attempt to extinguish evil and dark may find themselves destroying goodness and light.
In this story the universe is watched over by a council of 10 beings of almost limitless power. These beings are responsible for keeping the universe safe and in balance. To this end they have a corps of sentinels – powerful beings from the corners of the universe who are tasked with the daily job of policing the universe. My thoughts on this ran almost immediately to the Green Lantern Corps from DC comics. It seems very similar except no rings or lanterns. However, the sentinel corps of this novel is much more akin to the corps created by the evil-corrupted Yellow Lantern Sinestro. It seems that some of the worst purveyors of atrocity in the universe are the sentinels who are supposed to be keeping it safe. The first event of the book is a sentinel destroying an entire populated planet.
As for the Council of 10: Unfortunately, as with so many in the past, they have been corrupted by their power. The council has come up with a plan that defies the very nature of their reason for existence. For this plan, they need Trent Foster. The plan would involve remaking the entire universe in a new pattern of their personal design- eliminating all they deem bad. Yeah, we’ve seen that before.
Trent Foster, a human being who works at a fitness center, was raised an orphan, never knowing who his parents were or where he came from. His youth was difficult, moving from foster home to foster home – always being rejected for one reason or another. Even his name is because nobody knew what it actually should be. Trent has demons of his own to fight. In his daily life Trent Foster seems bright, capable, and helpful. He is a positive influence on almost everyone he meets. However, he has his own problems which haven’t been dealt with effectively and he uses helping others to try to suppress his own inner demons. Trent Foster, though, is no normal human being. He is actually a being of almost supreme power yet to be tapped. As his power is unlocked after a tragedy, he undergoes an unbelievable journey that is just fun to experience. It is one of personal growth and heroic effort.
Apartments are blown up; lots of things explode; dogs are saved; aliens rampage; matter is created; matter is destroyed. But what matters is the journey wherein Trent learns about overcoming his past, and growing into a powerful being that takes a hold of and accepts responsibility for his own destiny.
I won’t tell you how the story ends… I will let you find out for yourself. Suffice to say, it is very personal to the author and the lessons learned are as profound as the journey to the end was fun.
My only issue with the book, other than the power levels displayed seemed almost ridiculously cosmic in some ways and possibly too convenient, was that the book would benefit from a good editing. There is a fair amount of incorrect word usage that would have been caught by a professional. That is the reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
Still, that did not detract from the story enough to be a true problem. I highly recommend this book for those who love quirky space adventure with lots of power displays and explosions. Even more so if you like a good moral lesson thrown in for good measure.
I have just finished reading Trent Foster and the Council of 10. To tell the truth, I’m a tad flabbergasted. This story presents as a rousing, campy style, space adventure. It’s full of people with all kinds of quirks; aliens of various ilk; spaceships, wormholes; and beings of unimaginable power. At its heart, though, it is a morality tale about each person taking responsibility for their own life. It is also a treatise about the duality of nature and existence: There is no light without dark, no good without evil… Those who attempt to extinguish evil and dark may find themselves destroying goodness and light.
In this story the universe is watched over by a council of 10 beings of almost limitless power. These beings are responsible for keeping the universe safe and in balance. To this end they have a corps of sentinels – powerful beings from the corners of the universe who are tasked with the daily job of policing the universe. My thoughts on this ran almost immediately to the Green Lantern Corps from DC comics. It seems very similar except no rings or lanterns. However, the sentinel corps of this novel is much more akin to the corps created by the evil-corrupted Yellow Lantern Sinestro. It seems that some of the worst purveyors of atrocity in the universe are the sentinels who are supposed to be keeping it safe. The first event of the book is a sentinel destroying an entire populated planet.
As for the Council of 10: Unfortunately, as with so many in the past, they have been corrupted by their power. The council has come up with a plan that defies the very nature of their reason for existence. For this plan, they need Trent Foster. The plan would involve remaking the entire universe in a new pattern of their personal design- eliminating all they deem bad. Yeah, we’ve seen that before.
Trent Foster, a human being who works at a fitness center, was raised an orphan, never knowing who his parents were or where he came from. His youth was difficult, moving from foster home to foster home – always being rejected for one reason or another. Even his name is because nobody knew what it actually should be. Trent has demons of his own to fight. In his daily life Trent Foster seems bright, capable, and helpful. He is a positive influence on almost everyone he meets. However, he has his own problems which haven’t been dealt with effectively and he uses helping others to try to suppress his own inner demons. Trent Foster, though, is no normal human being. He is actually a being of almost supreme power yet to be tapped. As his power is unlocked after a tragedy, he undergoes an unbelievable journey that is just fun to experience. It is one of personal growth and heroic effort.
Apartments are blown up; lots of things explode; dogs are saved; aliens rampage; matter is created; matter is destroyed. But what matters is the journey wherein Trent learns about overcoming his past, and growing into a powerful being that takes a hold of and accepts responsibility for his own destiny.
I won’t tell you how the story ends… I will let you find out for yourself. Suffice to say, it is very personal to the author and the lessons learned are as profound as the journey to the end was fun.
My only issue with the book, other than the power levels displayed seemed almost ridiculously cosmic in some ways and possibly too convenient, was that the book would benefit from a good editing. There is a fair amount of incorrect word usage that would have been caught by a professional. That is the reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
Still, that did not detract from the story enough to be a true problem. I highly recommend this book for those who love quirky space adventure with lots of power displays and explosions. Even more so if you like a good moral lesson thrown in for good measure.
April 22, 2019
A Fun Adventure
I had a great time reading this book. There was a lot of fun, sci-fi action. The author created an exciting new world with interesting alien and human characters. The writing wasn't the strongest--it could've used another edit--but I feel the message was more important. I've gone through some rough times--my partner of 11 years left out of the blue--and this book spoke to me, made me feel like I wasn't alone.
I had a great time reading this book. There was a lot of fun, sci-fi action. The author created an exciting new world with interesting alien and human characters. The writing wasn't the strongest--it could've used another edit--but I feel the message was more important. I've gone through some rough times--my partner of 11 years left out of the blue--and this book spoke to me, made me feel like I wasn't alone.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews