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46. Ascending #2
Shape of Secrets
You can't outrun the past in this mystery adventure where things are not always as they appear
Zane, a young man with the ability to change his appearance, is starting his first job at Penthes Pharmaceuticals. However, it's not what he expects. Soon he is drawn into a world of corporate secrets and dangerous knowledge.
The deceptions are only beginning. A sales trip to the South Pacific leaves Zane dealing with an unsolved murder, an unsavory boot camp manager, and new friends with abilities as surprising as his own.
Can he use his unique talents to unravel the mysteries he's been presented with? More importantly, can he find out who framed his friend for murder before it's too late?
Zane, a young man with the ability to change his appearance, is starting his first job at Penthes Pharmaceuticals. However, it's not what he expects. Soon he is drawn into a world of corporate secrets and dangerous knowledge.
The deceptions are only beginning. A sales trip to the South Pacific leaves Zane dealing with an unsolved murder, an unsavory boot camp manager, and new friends with abilities as surprising as his own.
Can he use his unique talents to unravel the mysteries he's been presented with? More importantly, can he find out who framed his friend for murder before it's too late?
281 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
2000 people want to read
About the author
Sherrie R. Cronin
10 books619 followersSherrie Cronin is the author of a collection of six speculative fiction novels known as 46. Ascending and is now in the process of publishing a historical fantasy series called The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters. A quick look at the synopses of her books makes it obvious she is fascinated by people achieving the astonishing by developing abilities they barely knew they had.
She’s made a lot of stops along the way to writing these novels. She’s lived in seven cities, visited forty-six countries, and worked as a waitress, technical writer, and geophysicist. Now she answers a hot-line. Along the way, she’s lost several cats but acquired a husband who still loves her and three kids who’ve grown up just fine, both despite how odd she is.
All her life she has wanted to either tell these kinds of stories or be Chief Science Officer on the Starship Enterprise. She now lives and writes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she admits to occasionally checking her phone for a message from Captain Picard, just in case.
She’s made a lot of stops along the way to writing these novels. She’s lived in seven cities, visited forty-six countries, and worked as a waitress, technical writer, and geophysicist. Now she answers a hot-line. Along the way, she’s lost several cats but acquired a husband who still loves her and three kids who’ve grown up just fine, both despite how odd she is.
All her life she has wanted to either tell these kinds of stories or be Chief Science Officer on the Starship Enterprise. She now lives and writes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she admits to occasionally checking her phone for a message from Captain Picard, just in case.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 25, 2012
Having read Ms. Cronin’s previous novel x0, I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. This is a marvelously complex tale combining a credible murder mystery with South Seas romance and corporate intrigue. Filled with a cast of real and likeable characters, plus a few bad ones too, it tackles major social and ethical issues without being preachy and it’s all wrapped up in a highly entertaining story that grabs your attention and keeps it. Plus, I love books with multiple intertwined story lines which all merge together before the end.
Ms. Cronin clearly does a great deal of research to ensure that the realism part of her magical realism is in fact accurate, and the fantasy elements are very well done. I don’t want to give spoilers so just take my word for it – this book is excellent. No wait; don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself.
Ms. Cronin clearly does a great deal of research to ensure that the realism part of her magical realism is in fact accurate, and the fantasy elements are very well done. I don’t want to give spoilers so just take my word for it – this book is excellent. No wait; don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself.
abandoned
June 3, 2019This book is only like 200 pgs & I’ve been trying to read it for almost 3 months now. I just have absolutely no desire to try and make it through this book. Time to hang it up, flatscreen.
September 11, 2015
First of all, I'm really glad that I could read this book thanks to a Goodreads giveaway.
I LOVED this book! The excerpt of the book made me interested, but I didn't know what to expect. Especially with all those paranormal books nowadays. I liked that, in spite of Zane's amazing abilites being an important point in the novel (for a reason, not just as a filler to make a story more interesting), they didn't take up all the novel. I liked how the human interactions and the non-chameleon plot were in the center, with Zane's ablities perfectly inserted, without being artificial or unnecessary.
I loved so many things about it. I think the strongest point of the novel was the structure. The story itself has a really interesting, fast-paced plot, which was introduced as little clues and hints here and there, getting together later... like putting a puzzle together from the pieces. These puzzle pieces was so well placed in the novel. It kept us doing the guessing game, it kept us wondering how, for example, a young boy from Kiribati on the run is connected to our main hero Zane, working at a pharmaceutical company. And these specks of truth and story kept getting together, with tiny little clues and facts left. It truly was exciting and making us, readers involved with the story and curious about what happened there.
I also loved the characters. Some were better executed as others, of course, but none of them were flat in any means. I also liked how this novel dealt with romance. It wasn't soppy and cliché. I also liked that it dealt with homosexuality in a totally other way than I've read in books. I know being gay is still not accepted by some people, but it was refreshing to read about a homosexual couple and love story without focusing on how the couple are mistreated by others... just really naturally. I liked that approach (eith that being said, in the beginning, I was shipping Chloe and Zane... I knew they really clicked... maybe just in another way, haha :D).
The only negative thing for me were some editing mistakes, typos and stuff like that. OK, it may have bothered me so much because this historical figure hails from my country, but John von Neumann's name is spelt with 2 n's. I'm not that catty about plain typos, because that could happen. But it's strange that no one realized that a once-lived person's name is misspelled not once in a book, when he was quite famous (I mean, just a Google search, and you see from the first finds how his name is written). But that's just my little pet peeve. And it clearly didn't spoil my reading experience (that much :P).
I LOVED this book! The excerpt of the book made me interested, but I didn't know what to expect. Especially with all those paranormal books nowadays. I liked that, in spite of Zane's amazing abilites being an important point in the novel (for a reason, not just as a filler to make a story more interesting), they didn't take up all the novel. I liked how the human interactions and the non-chameleon plot were in the center, with Zane's ablities perfectly inserted, without being artificial or unnecessary.
I loved so many things about it. I think the strongest point of the novel was the structure. The story itself has a really interesting, fast-paced plot, which was introduced as little clues and hints here and there, getting together later... like putting a puzzle together from the pieces. These puzzle pieces was so well placed in the novel. It kept us doing the guessing game, it kept us wondering how, for example, a young boy from Kiribati on the run is connected to our main hero Zane, working at a pharmaceutical company. And these specks of truth and story kept getting together, with tiny little clues and facts left. It truly was exciting and making us, readers involved with the story and curious about what happened there.
I also loved the characters. Some were better executed as others, of course, but none of them were flat in any means. I also liked how this novel dealt with romance. It wasn't soppy and cliché. I also liked that it dealt with homosexuality in a totally other way than I've read in books. I know being gay is still not accepted by some people, but it was refreshing to read about a homosexual couple and love story without focusing on how the couple are mistreated by others... just really naturally. I liked that approach (eith that being said, in the beginning, I was shipping Chloe and Zane... I knew they really clicked... maybe just in another way, haha :D).
The only negative thing for me were some editing mistakes, typos and stuff like that. OK, it may have bothered me so much because this historical figure hails from my country, but John von Neumann's name is spelt with 2 n's. I'm not that catty about plain typos, because that could happen. But it's strange that no one realized that a once-lived person's name is misspelled not once in a book, when he was quite famous (I mean, just a Google search, and you see from the first finds how his name is written). But that's just my little pet peeve. And it clearly didn't spoil my reading experience (that much :P).
September 11, 2012
Even tho I am not a big sci fi fan, I loved this book! I fell in love with Zane, the smart, quiet reluctant hero of the story who has an unusual gift. This book is a page turner -- do not open it unless you have a few hours to spend sailing the South Sea, navigating corporate politics, outwitting crooks and solving murders with a remarkable hero and his fascinating friends.
December 17, 2015
Published: 06/12/2012
Author: Sherrie Cronin
Recommended for: fans of sci-fi
I won this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competiton
I thought that this book was really amazing! I was so happy when I found out that I had won it and couldn't wait for it to arrive. I thought that the characters in the novel were really well described and they were easy to like and understand, they were described in a vivid way that helped the reader be able to picture what they are doing/saying. The main hero character is Zane who is very smart and also has a rather unusual gift. This book is very easy to get lost into as it transports you to another world entirely that Sherrie Cronin has created. Even though this book does have alot of pages in it, there isn't a moment that I found to be really dull or boring it keeps a very good pace throughout it. I would highly recommended this book as I loved it.
Author: Sherrie Cronin
Recommended for: fans of sci-fi
I won this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competiton
I thought that this book was really amazing! I was so happy when I found out that I had won it and couldn't wait for it to arrive. I thought that the characters in the novel were really well described and they were easy to like and understand, they were described in a vivid way that helped the reader be able to picture what they are doing/saying. The main hero character is Zane who is very smart and also has a rather unusual gift. This book is very easy to get lost into as it transports you to another world entirely that Sherrie Cronin has created. Even though this book does have alot of pages in it, there isn't a moment that I found to be really dull or boring it keeps a very good pace throughout it. I would highly recommended this book as I loved it.
August 5, 2016
I've got this book from an giveaway and I thank the autor for it.
When I started to read this book, I had a lot of expectations because the plot made me interested. The story was well written but there were a little things that I didn't like. I wish that at the end of each episode,the book would have been more suspense and intrigue. But there weren't. I continue reading the book only because I expected the story could be more interesting.
The real mystery didn't start until page 220 aproximately and I think I waited too long to get to the climax of the story. But I have to admit that I enjoyed the end and all the mystery around Brenda's death.
I didn't love this book but I can't say that I hated it because it was a real joyful reading.
I won this through a Goodreads giveaway but this fact didn't influence the review.
When I started to read this book, I had a lot of expectations because the plot made me interested. The story was well written but there were a little things that I didn't like. I wish that at the end of each episode,the book would have been more suspense and intrigue. But there weren't. I continue reading the book only because I expected the story could be more interesting.
The real mystery didn't start until page 220 aproximately and I think I waited too long to get to the climax of the story. But I have to admit that I enjoyed the end and all the mystery around Brenda's death.
I didn't love this book but I can't say that I hated it because it was a real joyful reading.
I won this through a Goodreads giveaway but this fact didn't influence the review.
March 25, 2014
I was the lucky winner of this book in a giveaway.Thank you to the author and very sorry for taking me so long to write a preview.
What a great sci-fi book, didn't expect that. Great job Sherrie. Well written, great storyline and love the characters expecially the main character Zane. It was enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this book.
What a great sci-fi book, didn't expect that. Great job Sherrie. Well written, great storyline and love the characters expecially the main character Zane. It was enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2019
A really well written story.
I enjoyed the story and I think a lot of people in the upper teens and their twenties would like it as much a I did. There is something for everyone, A bit of romance for those who want that and several small mysteries that twists and turns right up to the conclusion for those that don't care too much about the mushy stuff.
I normally don't like stories with too many point of views as those might make the story too hard to follow. There was no problem with that here despite the many people trying to make their voices heard.
I really liked Zane and Toby. Joy was a bit flat to me and Afi felt a bit childish. Because of that I liked that there were no real explicit content between him and Zane, but I would personally not have been opposed to a bit more show of affection between the two. For two people supposedly in love they felt more like very close friends and companions. As it was it was hard to actually see them having a long lasting relationship.
Even though the mystery and investigations were at the center of the story there were some romance mixed in, which made me not quite knowing if I wanted the romance or the suspense.
In one way I wanted more personal interaction and feelings. On the other hand the romance and relationships that were there sometimes felt forced and somewhat out of place. I think, if the author had gone either way it would have been an even better story.
Thank you so much to the publisher Cinnabar Press that provided an advanced reading copy through Net Galley
I enjoyed the story and I think a lot of people in the upper teens and their twenties would like it as much a I did. There is something for everyone, A bit of romance for those who want that and several small mysteries that twists and turns right up to the conclusion for those that don't care too much about the mushy stuff.
I normally don't like stories with too many point of views as those might make the story too hard to follow. There was no problem with that here despite the many people trying to make their voices heard.
I really liked Zane and Toby. Joy was a bit flat to me and Afi felt a bit childish. Because of that I liked that there were no real explicit content between him and Zane, but I would personally not have been opposed to a bit more show of affection between the two. For two people supposedly in love they felt more like very close friends and companions. As it was it was hard to actually see them having a long lasting relationship.
Even though the mystery and investigations were at the center of the story there were some romance mixed in, which made me not quite knowing if I wanted the romance or the suspense.
In one way I wanted more personal interaction and feelings. On the other hand the romance and relationships that were there sometimes felt forced and somewhat out of place. I think, if the author had gone either way it would have been an even better story.
Thank you so much to the publisher Cinnabar Press that provided an advanced reading copy through Net Galley
August 4, 2013
Y1 is the 2nd book (out of 6 i hope) in the series about the wonderful Zeitman family and their voyage to discover their special abilities.
A few word about the series as a whole (i am deep inside Z2, the 3rd in the series):
Each book connect and "speaks" with the others but stands for itself and you do not need to read the whole series in a certain order, to be able to understand it all, because the connection line is the family itself. The plot in each book is unique and stands for itself.
Each family member has his or her own story to tell, a unique mission or goals to achieve, in a way that makes the whole series very easy to go back to with no particular order of reading, and believe me, this series makes you want to go back for some more reading.
Y1 is the story of Zane Zeitman, discovering his ability to camouflage and the way this ability help him fight his was out of the cables of "normality" and help him do right. All, in a fast moving plot that takes one sailing to and from islands and atolls in the South Pacific, and a pharmaceutical conspiracy that turns into a murder investigation. Yes. i guess you can read it like that and enjoy the book very much.
Or, one could look deep inside and dive into the real meaning behind the allegory and enjoy it twice as much as i did. It makes a sharp and critical observation on the way our modern society deals with mental pain, teenage rebellion and priorities in life. The way we run after money to the point where we stop enjoying it, and the money becomes the goal, not the mean to achieve our dreams as it suppose to be.
Zane Zeitman is each and every one of us. We all have the tendency to camouflage ourselves and to be "one of the guys" rather than to stand out. Y1 celebrates uniqueness. It implores the reader to discover his or her own special abilities, colorful spirit and environmental conscience.
It is the story of our blue globe and the way we treat it. It is the story of the way we treat ourselves.
One important remark i must add at this point:
I give 5 stars only to the classic books as the bible (managed to keep civilization in uproar for more than 3000 years, which makes it a literary masterpiece), Catch 22 or To Kill a Mockingbird.. all those books which survived time and are still loved and read these days. This is the only reason to give X0, Y1 or the rest of the Zeitman family series 4 stars only. If i would ignore this rule and consider Y1 regardless of its "newness", it certainly worth 5 stars, no less.
If you find yourself thinking of ways to change the way people think, about freedom of the spirit, of environment, or even if you plainly love good adventure and books that takes your sleep away simply because you cannot put it down: READ IT.
A few word about the series as a whole (i am deep inside Z2, the 3rd in the series):
Each book connect and "speaks" with the others but stands for itself and you do not need to read the whole series in a certain order, to be able to understand it all, because the connection line is the family itself. The plot in each book is unique and stands for itself.
Each family member has his or her own story to tell, a unique mission or goals to achieve, in a way that makes the whole series very easy to go back to with no particular order of reading, and believe me, this series makes you want to go back for some more reading.
Y1 is the story of Zane Zeitman, discovering his ability to camouflage and the way this ability help him fight his was out of the cables of "normality" and help him do right. All, in a fast moving plot that takes one sailing to and from islands and atolls in the South Pacific, and a pharmaceutical conspiracy that turns into a murder investigation. Yes. i guess you can read it like that and enjoy the book very much.
Or, one could look deep inside and dive into the real meaning behind the allegory and enjoy it twice as much as i did. It makes a sharp and critical observation on the way our modern society deals with mental pain, teenage rebellion and priorities in life. The way we run after money to the point where we stop enjoying it, and the money becomes the goal, not the mean to achieve our dreams as it suppose to be.
Zane Zeitman is each and every one of us. We all have the tendency to camouflage ourselves and to be "one of the guys" rather than to stand out. Y1 celebrates uniqueness. It implores the reader to discover his or her own special abilities, colorful spirit and environmental conscience.
It is the story of our blue globe and the way we treat it. It is the story of the way we treat ourselves.
One important remark i must add at this point:
I give 5 stars only to the classic books as the bible (managed to keep civilization in uproar for more than 3000 years, which makes it a literary masterpiece), Catch 22 or To Kill a Mockingbird.. all those books which survived time and are still loved and read these days. This is the only reason to give X0, Y1 or the rest of the Zeitman family series 4 stars only. If i would ignore this rule and consider Y1 regardless of its "newness", it certainly worth 5 stars, no less.
If you find yourself thinking of ways to change the way people think, about freedom of the spirit, of environment, or even if you plainly love good adventure and books that takes your sleep away simply because you cannot put it down: READ IT.
May 19, 2013
I was the lucky winner of this book in a giveaway, and was really looking forward to start reading it.
Unfortunately my mother broke her leg and moved into my house – with her dog - for 6 weeks, so I didn’t really manage to find the time to get started reading. (Reading a book in english, I need to be able to concentrate for more than 5 minutes at a time).
Sitting here trying to write this review, I cannot help but feel that I fall a bit short of words.... There is much I would like to say, but since english isn't my first language, I feel that I can't really do this book justice with my simple vocabulary. (Guess I will improve with more training, but that doesn't really help me right now....Sorry!)
Anyway – once I started reading, I could hardly stop – and this is definitely one of the best reads so far this year!
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I was in every way positively surprised!
How to review a book like this? Well – the story has so many layers, and it is hard to figure out what “genre-box” to store it in! I found it an enjoyable mix of all the different genres; lovestory, Sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, detective, realism. I truly love the ethical and humanity issues raised in this book, and the characters were well described.
I LOVED Zane – and Afi…… Joy… Toby… and Chloe! And the way Peter Sr. "grew into the story"!
I enjoyed their adventures and would have loved to sail with them all for a couple of weeks! The whole story was well-written and realistic
Things happened very fast a the end of the book – and when it came to the last chapter….. well at first I didn’t really know what to think of it….. But….. after finishing the very last page, I was happy about the way the author let me get “the full story”.
So… All in all a very good book that I can highly recommend!
…. First thing on my “to-do-list” will be to trace down X0 and Y2 from same author…. I really enjoyed my first meeting with the Zeitman family, and am eager to spend more time in their company!
Next thing will be to follow some of the links from the book!
A big thank you to Sherrie Cronin and Goodreads for giving me a chance to read this book!
Unfortunately my mother broke her leg and moved into my house – with her dog - for 6 weeks, so I didn’t really manage to find the time to get started reading. (Reading a book in english, I need to be able to concentrate for more than 5 minutes at a time).
Sitting here trying to write this review, I cannot help but feel that I fall a bit short of words.... There is much I would like to say, but since english isn't my first language, I feel that I can't really do this book justice with my simple vocabulary. (Guess I will improve with more training, but that doesn't really help me right now....Sorry!)
Anyway – once I started reading, I could hardly stop – and this is definitely one of the best reads so far this year!
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I was in every way positively surprised!
How to review a book like this? Well – the story has so many layers, and it is hard to figure out what “genre-box” to store it in! I found it an enjoyable mix of all the different genres; lovestory, Sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, detective, realism. I truly love the ethical and humanity issues raised in this book, and the characters were well described.
I LOVED Zane – and Afi…… Joy… Toby… and Chloe! And the way Peter Sr. "grew into the story"!
I enjoyed their adventures and would have loved to sail with them all for a couple of weeks! The whole story was well-written and realistic
Things happened very fast a the end of the book – and when it came to the last chapter….. well at first I didn’t really know what to think of it….. But….. after finishing the very last page, I was happy about the way the author let me get “the full story”.
So… All in all a very good book that I can highly recommend!
…. First thing on my “to-do-list” will be to trace down X0 and Y2 from same author…. I really enjoyed my first meeting with the Zeitman family, and am eager to spend more time in their company!
Next thing will be to follow some of the links from the book!
A big thank you to Sherrie Cronin and Goodreads for giving me a chance to read this book!
September 16, 2013
Y1 - Sherrie Cronin
An intriguing title and a smashing book opening the series led me towards y1. In this book that follows the eldest child of Lola Zeitman, her son Zane, the concept of shape shifting is dealt with. The story is an enticing cocktail of events, people and unique abilities they possess. The usual twists and turns are in abundance all through the plot and the story is not hero centric or even based onto the life of one person.
The book opens with Zane’s childhood and the moment he discovers his new ability. Over time he develops his skills. And he tries to engage his overactive brain to get a degree in neuroscience. Once he settles in his ‘dream job’ in a pharmaceutical, Zane realises that this was not what he signed up for. The narrative that covers the company’s search for an heir and the apparent rat race is well written.
Zane’s dilemma over his principles is again brought out well. But the story could have gained better momentum if the events had been explained in quick succession. What makes the story geographically enticing allows a drag to creep into the otherwise fast paced narrative. The author has got the facts and places correct and the description is vivid. The protagonist is supported by his family during his toughest decisions and his life path crosses with people who, at best, seem to be innocent but have a past to hold on to.
Sensitive issues have been dealt with in a gentle manner and social causes have maintained their prime spot as the central theme. What would become a series of shocking deceptions is underplayed to make them more realistic and acceptable. On the whole, the book is a rapid sequence of events strung together in an interesting plot line. And the people in the plot find their lives centred on a few exotic locations which surely make for an interesting read.
Much like the previous novel x0, the book travels along the lives of an American and a man living miles apart who shares a special bond. So the readers are treated to a detailed description of life in both sectors. Some quirks like a runway with no lights against a chartered flight from the USA are funny to read and are highlight-worthy.
An intriguing title and a smashing book opening the series led me towards y1. In this book that follows the eldest child of Lola Zeitman, her son Zane, the concept of shape shifting is dealt with. The story is an enticing cocktail of events, people and unique abilities they possess. The usual twists and turns are in abundance all through the plot and the story is not hero centric or even based onto the life of one person.
The book opens with Zane’s childhood and the moment he discovers his new ability. Over time he develops his skills. And he tries to engage his overactive brain to get a degree in neuroscience. Once he settles in his ‘dream job’ in a pharmaceutical, Zane realises that this was not what he signed up for. The narrative that covers the company’s search for an heir and the apparent rat race is well written.
Zane’s dilemma over his principles is again brought out well. But the story could have gained better momentum if the events had been explained in quick succession. What makes the story geographically enticing allows a drag to creep into the otherwise fast paced narrative. The author has got the facts and places correct and the description is vivid. The protagonist is supported by his family during his toughest decisions and his life path crosses with people who, at best, seem to be innocent but have a past to hold on to.
Sensitive issues have been dealt with in a gentle manner and social causes have maintained their prime spot as the central theme. What would become a series of shocking deceptions is underplayed to make them more realistic and acceptable. On the whole, the book is a rapid sequence of events strung together in an interesting plot line. And the people in the plot find their lives centred on a few exotic locations which surely make for an interesting read.
Much like the previous novel x0, the book travels along the lives of an American and a man living miles apart who shares a special bond. So the readers are treated to a detailed description of life in both sectors. Some quirks like a runway with no lights against a chartered flight from the USA are funny to read and are highlight-worthy.
December 2, 2013
This was an intriguing book that happened to teach me a little bit of knowledge on a lot of varied subjects, all while focusing on an exciting plot and enthralling characters. I’d never have believed that a book could take a murder mystery, a missing person mystery, paranormal abilities, fire dancing, pharmaceuticals, South Pacific geography and history, and meritocracy teachings and turn it into one cohesive story. Yet this book managed it.
I loved how all the various elements played into each other in a smooth and believable manner, yet there was very little info dumping. Instead, the learnings where pieced out in appropriately small bits during the applicable parts in the story. This was truly a globe-spanning tale.
The characters were quite an intriguing mix. Zane was an incredibly talented and morale-guided young man. Toby was a mysterious yet helpful father-figure. Afi was sweet, and I wanted every happiness for him. Joy was incredibly strong, and so supportive. All the secondary characters, and even the bad guys, were also well developed and a delight to encounter.
Overall, this was a story that took me completely by surprise because while I expected to like it, I ended up loving it. There is so much in the story, yet it never gets confusing or overwhelming. I picked up this story during a free download special, and I definitely regret not picking up the other books in the series at the same time. Speaking of which, this may be the second book in the series, but it is a completely stand alone story, which is always great to find.
I loved how all the various elements played into each other in a smooth and believable manner, yet there was very little info dumping. Instead, the learnings where pieced out in appropriately small bits during the applicable parts in the story. This was truly a globe-spanning tale.
The characters were quite an intriguing mix. Zane was an incredibly talented and morale-guided young man. Toby was a mysterious yet helpful father-figure. Afi was sweet, and I wanted every happiness for him. Joy was incredibly strong, and so supportive. All the secondary characters, and even the bad guys, were also well developed and a delight to encounter.
Overall, this was a story that took me completely by surprise because while I expected to like it, I ended up loving it. There is so much in the story, yet it never gets confusing or overwhelming. I picked up this story during a free download special, and I definitely regret not picking up the other books in the series at the same time. Speaking of which, this may be the second book in the series, but it is a completely stand alone story, which is always great to find.
May 2, 2014
This book has a fantastic format. The e-book version I read had hyperlinks to pertinent facts to the storyline. Maps, cultural info, and scientific facts were only a click away. Sometimes the links led to pretty amazing videos.
Really loved the way the author presented this story about intolerance, pharmaceutical overreach, and greed. It never felt preachy or dry.
The fantastical elements were believable and enviable :0) I would love to be able to morph into someone else every once in a while.
This was my first novel by Sherrie Cronin but it won't be my last. This is the second book in a series about the 'gifted' Zeitman family. All of the books can reportedly stand alone and this one did very well in that respect. I am planning to read z2 in the very near future.
Really loved the way the author presented this story about intolerance, pharmaceutical overreach, and greed. It never felt preachy or dry.
The fantastical elements were believable and enviable :0) I would love to be able to morph into someone else every once in a while.
This was my first novel by Sherrie Cronin but it won't be my last. This is the second book in a series about the 'gifted' Zeitman family. All of the books can reportedly stand alone and this one did very well in that respect. I am planning to read z2 in the very near future.
May 2, 2019
This book is filled with science fiction, fantasy, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, and a dash of romance!
This book is intriguing, captivating, compelling, well-researched, with complex characters, elaborate plot points, and touches on multiple topics including real-life issues.
This is the second book I’ve read from the incredible writer, S. R. Cronin. A couple months ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “One of One,” which is part of the 46. Ascending Book Series and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read her latest work – which also happens to fall in the same series. “One of One,” is Book One in the 46. Ascending Book Series, while this new book, “Shape of Secrets,” is Book Two.
Like book one, and with the rest of this book series, this book follows the Zeitman family. This particular book focuses on the son, Zane and his first job, working at Penthes Pharmaceuticals.
I really like Zane’s tenacity to want to help everyone and do the right thing – the superhero complex. Zane is peculiar, intelligent, misunderstood, and a bit socially awkward. But he’s also sweet, kind, considerate, and thoughtful. Zane’s special ability is camouflage. He can change his body type, hair, skin color, etc. to blend in and disguise himself – like a chameleon. It’s a pretty cool ability that definitely comes in handy and it’s a craft that will hopefully help him stay alive while he tries to solve the murder investigation and catch the culprit!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I love the messages the author conveys and the questions she inspires throughout the book. For example, this book touches on greed, wealth, intolerance, pharmaceutical overreach, teen rebellion, teen boot camps, corporate politics, social and ethical issues, moral dilemmas, etc. These quandaries encourage you to think, evaluate, empathize, and connect with the characters. There really is so much to this book in just 264 pages!!!
Unfortunately, I have the same tiff about this book as I did with book one – the pace. This book started out very slow-paced and again was difficult to hold my attention. Thankfully, it also picked up about half-way in and finally got captivating where I was actually hanging on to every word. I was glad I stuck with it as the second half of the book made up for the slow start.
This is very disappointing, because the author’s writing technique and style in all other aspects is superb. However, I struggle to understand her slow start writing method. There is so much going on in this book, and the author writes almost consistently in such beautiful, detailed passages. Yet, somehow, this does not translate within the beginning of the book as it is more dragged out and the words stagnate on the page.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of the South Pacific Islands. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
Mrs. Cronin goes above and beyond in her research and it strongly shows in her writing. She always seems to find a way to add significant historical references into fun and interesting scenes while showing an active knowledge of the area.
This book genre is marketed as a science fiction/fantasy book and yet the author found a way to throw in adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating extra component to the story!
I really liked all the additions to the book besides the story. This book included a map that Toby drew for Joy and includes all of the locations they were discussing in the book. It’s not to scale, but it shows you the jiff and helps you kind of see where everything is located. This book also included a list of resources the author used while researching and writing this book that includes songs, cultural, historical, and scientific information, etc. The website links and books are listed for easy access to follow up on the data. Also, at the end of this book is a list of all the places mentioned in the book and a short description of how they played into the book. In addition, at the end of this book is a list of characters names and their role in the book. These additions provided readers a little something extra. Plus, it allows the reader the chance to decide if they want to follow up with reading more research on sailing, fire dancing, the pharmaceutical industry, biomimetics, the South Pacific Islands, etc. instead of having too much information forced on them by overloading too many facts into the book.
This book is book two in the 46. Ascending Book Series. It can be read as a standalone. There is a total of six books in this book series and all them have already been released for sale. All six books feature the Zeitman family and their special abilities. According to the author, all of these books in this series can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all science fiction and fantasy readers will like this book - and this book series too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is intriguing, captivating, compelling, well-researched, with complex characters, elaborate plot points, and touches on multiple topics including real-life issues.
This is the second book I’ve read from the incredible writer, S. R. Cronin. A couple months ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “One of One,” which is part of the 46. Ascending Book Series and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read her latest work – which also happens to fall in the same series. “One of One,” is Book One in the 46. Ascending Book Series, while this new book, “Shape of Secrets,” is Book Two.
Like book one, and with the rest of this book series, this book follows the Zeitman family. This particular book focuses on the son, Zane and his first job, working at Penthes Pharmaceuticals.
I really like Zane’s tenacity to want to help everyone and do the right thing – the superhero complex. Zane is peculiar, intelligent, misunderstood, and a bit socially awkward. But he’s also sweet, kind, considerate, and thoughtful. Zane’s special ability is camouflage. He can change his body type, hair, skin color, etc. to blend in and disguise himself – like a chameleon. It’s a pretty cool ability that definitely comes in handy and it’s a craft that will hopefully help him stay alive while he tries to solve the murder investigation and catch the culprit!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I love the messages the author conveys and the questions she inspires throughout the book. For example, this book touches on greed, wealth, intolerance, pharmaceutical overreach, teen rebellion, teen boot camps, corporate politics, social and ethical issues, moral dilemmas, etc. These quandaries encourage you to think, evaluate, empathize, and connect with the characters. There really is so much to this book in just 264 pages!!!
Unfortunately, I have the same tiff about this book as I did with book one – the pace. This book started out very slow-paced and again was difficult to hold my attention. Thankfully, it also picked up about half-way in and finally got captivating where I was actually hanging on to every word. I was glad I stuck with it as the second half of the book made up for the slow start.
This is very disappointing, because the author’s writing technique and style in all other aspects is superb. However, I struggle to understand her slow start writing method. There is so much going on in this book, and the author writes almost consistently in such beautiful, detailed passages. Yet, somehow, this does not translate within the beginning of the book as it is more dragged out and the words stagnate on the page.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of the South Pacific Islands. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
Mrs. Cronin goes above and beyond in her research and it strongly shows in her writing. She always seems to find a way to add significant historical references into fun and interesting scenes while showing an active knowledge of the area.
This book genre is marketed as a science fiction/fantasy book and yet the author found a way to throw in adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating extra component to the story!
I really liked all the additions to the book besides the story. This book included a map that Toby drew for Joy and includes all of the locations they were discussing in the book. It’s not to scale, but it shows you the jiff and helps you kind of see where everything is located. This book also included a list of resources the author used while researching and writing this book that includes songs, cultural, historical, and scientific information, etc. The website links and books are listed for easy access to follow up on the data. Also, at the end of this book is a list of all the places mentioned in the book and a short description of how they played into the book. In addition, at the end of this book is a list of characters names and their role in the book. These additions provided readers a little something extra. Plus, it allows the reader the chance to decide if they want to follow up with reading more research on sailing, fire dancing, the pharmaceutical industry, biomimetics, the South Pacific Islands, etc. instead of having too much information forced on them by overloading too many facts into the book.
This book is book two in the 46. Ascending Book Series. It can be read as a standalone. There is a total of six books in this book series and all them have already been released for sale. All six books feature the Zeitman family and their special abilities. According to the author, all of these books in this series can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all science fiction and fantasy readers will like this book - and this book series too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
January 22, 2013
Interesting book I thought it would be more sci-fi then it was. It read well and other then the main character being able to shift his appearance and one other character being double jointed for lack of a better description there was not a whole lot of sci-fi feeling. I enjoyed reading the book and felt like the author really put her feelings on certain things in the book. It reads well but it really wasn't what I was expecting.
March 7, 2013
Wonderful book! A departure from my usual genre, so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book, but I couldn't put it down! It turns out to be a study of humanity more than anything else, with a little sci-fi/fantasy and mystery thrown in there, too. I have to admit that I predicted the outcome of the mystery parts long before they were revealed, but it didn't detract from the book at all. Well worth the read!
February 22, 2015
Really enjoyed reading this book loved thesci fi elementthreaded throughall the conspiracystory regarding mental health drugs and pharmaceutical industry and how there is is indeed an element of truth behind the cocktail ofdrugs, drug companies schmoozing doctors.
Will definitely recommend to others
Will definitely recommend to others
April 4, 2017
This was an interesting book with several interesting subjects! This book gave me so much to think about and research further. I really do enjoy a good realistic science fiction story, and this one definitely was! I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
July 3, 2013
This book was great and so different from what I expected. I expected it to be good, but it was better than that and I learned some things in the process.
May 9, 2019
“Shape of Secrets (46. Ascending Book 2)” by S.R. Cronin tells Zane Zeitman’s story, as he becomes involved in a pharmaceutical company named Penthes and is tasked with far more responsibility than he ever imagined. Zane’s extraordinary powers of mimicry are showcased more and more as his life progresses, but he never dreams how important they can be, until he meets an unusual trio of people who remind him that the world is more connected than anyone realizes.
This intriguing story is a combination of science and speculative fiction with elements of fantasy and adult romance. Although it is part of a series, one can read this story without having read any of the other books. The cameos by characters from other stories help interconnect the tales and give interesting dimensions and thought-provoking concepts. I love the way seemingly unconnected elements are introduced and elaborated on until things start to weave together into a fun and complex set of mysteries.
The heartbreaking elements behind young Afi’s experience with a conversion camp and the struggle that Joy has to go through to live the life she wants as well as the mystery surrounding their reluctant benefactor all combine to keep one curious about what is going to happen. Those who are concerned with such things should be advised that there are unconventional romances portrayed. The stories I’ve read in this series thus far combine science and fantasy, suspense, family dynamics, and world issues in an entertaining tale and each main character has remarkable abilities. I look forward to learning what other powers these folks will display.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
This intriguing story is a combination of science and speculative fiction with elements of fantasy and adult romance. Although it is part of a series, one can read this story without having read any of the other books. The cameos by characters from other stories help interconnect the tales and give interesting dimensions and thought-provoking concepts. I love the way seemingly unconnected elements are introduced and elaborated on until things start to weave together into a fun and complex set of mysteries.
The heartbreaking elements behind young Afi’s experience with a conversion camp and the struggle that Joy has to go through to live the life she wants as well as the mystery surrounding their reluctant benefactor all combine to keep one curious about what is going to happen. Those who are concerned with such things should be advised that there are unconventional romances portrayed. The stories I’ve read in this series thus far combine science and fantasy, suspense, family dynamics, and world issues in an entertaining tale and each main character has remarkable abilities. I look forward to learning what other powers these folks will display.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
April 26, 2019
After reviewing the first and last book in the series, this time it’s on to book 3. As a note, while this is book 3 in the series, it’s not a direct sequel, more like a companion novel set in the same universe. I would definitely recommend reading the entire series in order though since there are people and events here that do come up later in the series.
As I’ve said before, I love the amount of research this author puts into her books. The worlds and backstories she builds come to life because of it, and I learn something new every time I read one of her books.
I also loved the characters. This book is focused on multiple storylines and characters, and the mystery is how they all fit together. Plus, then there’s the actual mystery plot, which once it started going, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Which bring me to the main downside again: the pacing. The book was slow to start, and with all the different storylines and characters, there was a lot going on, which made it hard to focus at times. Some judicious editing and cutting down on content would have helped the story flow more smoothly.
All in all, I’m still enjoying this series, and recommend it to sci-fi fans or anyone looking for something different.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
As I’ve said before, I love the amount of research this author puts into her books. The worlds and backstories she builds come to life because of it, and I learn something new every time I read one of her books.
I also loved the characters. This book is focused on multiple storylines and characters, and the mystery is how they all fit together. Plus, then there’s the actual mystery plot, which once it started going, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Which bring me to the main downside again: the pacing. The book was slow to start, and with all the different storylines and characters, there was a lot going on, which made it hard to focus at times. Some judicious editing and cutting down on content would have helped the story flow more smoothly.
All in all, I’m still enjoying this series, and recommend it to sci-fi fans or anyone looking for something different.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 27, 2019
Zane is a smart, inquisitive boy with parents who don't understand him. His mother and father try, but Zane is mostly left to figure out life on his own. He discovers a talent - that of disguising himself by changing his body shape, and even his skin color. Very cool! Later, this comes in handy as he manages to blend in at the university, becoming nearly invisible, which suits him just fine, as he's not very sociable. However, he does have a "super hero" syndrome - he can't stand by and watch people get hurt. After he graduates, he lands in the sales department of Penthes Pharmaceuticals, he begins to uncover layers of corporate secrets.
A murder mystery with a sci-fi slant, it was a hard book to classify. There is a homosexual relationship, and the author also addresses the ideas of greed, inherited wealth vs wealth that has been earned, and troubled teens sent away to "boot camps" in faraway tropical islands. I could not decide what age group the book was aimed at - in the begining it reads like a book aimed at 10 -12 yr olds, then changes and it becomes more of a young adult or even a new adult book.
A murder mystery with a sci-fi slant, it was a hard book to classify. There is a homosexual relationship, and the author also addresses the ideas of greed, inherited wealth vs wealth that has been earned, and troubled teens sent away to "boot camps" in faraway tropical islands. I could not decide what age group the book was aimed at - in the begining it reads like a book aimed at 10 -12 yr olds, then changes and it becomes more of a young adult or even a new adult book.
August 10, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author and WOW! What an awesome adventure! One of the things I like in a story is when an author pairs a young couple and we 'see' them grow and mature. Very few delve with the couple's golden years. Corning, in this case, did just that. I really enjoyed the story and recommend you read it as well. This was a freebie from last week and I'm glad I downloaded it. Thanks for sharing, Sherrie!
May 3, 2019
When Zane was seven-years-old he hated it when adults would ask him what he wanted to be when he grew up. All he wanted was to be seven-years-old but no one liked it when he gave them that for an answer so he would tell them he wanted to be a teacher or a fireman but he didn’t like lying so he began coming up with different kinds of things to tell them.
Right before his seventh birthday his dad’s friend asked him “the question”. Zane told him to wanted to be a chameleon. When Zane’s dad told his mom what he said she knew that it meant that he wanted a chameleon not that he wanted to be one. So Zane got his chameleon for his seventh birthday.
Zane loved his chameleon because it could change its color and shape so that it could camouflage hide itself. Zane has these special power or abilities where he can alter his own appearance this is one of the reasons he loved his pet chameleon so much.
Toby is a sailor who lives on his boat Miss Demeanor. After the police search his boat Toby finds a young man Afi hiding on his boat. Afi was hiding on his boat because he had ran away from this institution for teens who had gotten in trouble and was sent there by their parents. The teens were being mistreated at the institution. Toby decides to investigate the institution to help all the other kids.
A young woman Joy is hiding from her father because he is trying to control her life and tell her who to marry. She has been teaching in Fiji but decides to go home hoping that her father would not try to tell her what to do anymore but changes her mind real quick like when she learns that the man her father is trying to force her to marry will be waiting for her when her plane lands. Wanting to escape her father Joy talks Toby into letting her work for him on his boat Miss Demeanor for a while; he could drop her off at his next stop. Zane, Joy, Afi and Toby meet when Zane is sent on assignment to Fiji and hires Toby and Miss Demeanor to take him there.
Shape of Secrets has more than one story line and I enjoyed reading it and trying to figure out how they were going to intertwine. All the characters were just great and amazing people who all got along very well and it was fun trying to figure out how all their stories and lives were going to come together. Shape of Secrets has its share of secrets keeping you guessing the whole way with each twists and turn. I enjoyed sailing from place to place and island to island with Toby, Afi, Joy and Zane learning about each and every island.
If you like a book that likes to hold on to its secrets with lots of twists and turns and sailing from island to island then you are going to love Shape of Secrets.
Right before his seventh birthday his dad’s friend asked him “the question”. Zane told him to wanted to be a chameleon. When Zane’s dad told his mom what he said she knew that it meant that he wanted a chameleon not that he wanted to be one. So Zane got his chameleon for his seventh birthday.
Zane loved his chameleon because it could change its color and shape so that it could camouflage hide itself. Zane has these special power or abilities where he can alter his own appearance this is one of the reasons he loved his pet chameleon so much.
Toby is a sailor who lives on his boat Miss Demeanor. After the police search his boat Toby finds a young man Afi hiding on his boat. Afi was hiding on his boat because he had ran away from this institution for teens who had gotten in trouble and was sent there by their parents. The teens were being mistreated at the institution. Toby decides to investigate the institution to help all the other kids.
A young woman Joy is hiding from her father because he is trying to control her life and tell her who to marry. She has been teaching in Fiji but decides to go home hoping that her father would not try to tell her what to do anymore but changes her mind real quick like when she learns that the man her father is trying to force her to marry will be waiting for her when her plane lands. Wanting to escape her father Joy talks Toby into letting her work for him on his boat Miss Demeanor for a while; he could drop her off at his next stop. Zane, Joy, Afi and Toby meet when Zane is sent on assignment to Fiji and hires Toby and Miss Demeanor to take him there.
Shape of Secrets has more than one story line and I enjoyed reading it and trying to figure out how they were going to intertwine. All the characters were just great and amazing people who all got along very well and it was fun trying to figure out how all their stories and lives were going to come together. Shape of Secrets has its share of secrets keeping you guessing the whole way with each twists and turn. I enjoyed sailing from place to place and island to island with Toby, Afi, Joy and Zane learning about each and every island.
If you like a book that likes to hold on to its secrets with lots of twists and turns and sailing from island to island then you are going to love Shape of Secrets.
May 28, 2021
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was an entertaining mystery which certainly had a twist.
There was a little bit of romance and fantasy.
Unfortunately it was spoilt in my opinion by too much unnecessary foul language.
This was an entertaining mystery which certainly had a twist.
There was a little bit of romance and fantasy.
Unfortunately it was spoilt in my opinion by too much unnecessary foul language.
March 7, 2013
Here we go again - it deleted my first review, sigh. I received this as a Goodreads first reads. I did not know it was the second in a series and thus had to locate the first and read it. As a note on my rating system - I like to keep 5 star for the truly out of this world books (not many) and thus a 3 star for me is rather like a 4 star for someone else. It was a good book and I would recommend it.
The author introduces the "powers" sooner and more often in this book than in the last. And as in the last book, they are not super hero or X-men type powers, they are more similar to a very highly developed talent or skill.
It's always enjoyable to read a series that handles the story the way these have so far. Each book could really be read individually, but each has little bits and pieces of the other story in it, but from another perspective. If you hadn't read the first, you wouldn't know you were missing anything, but if you have read the first, it makes the two books better combined than two books individually.
The author does a good job of handling a lot of sensitive subjects. She discusses problems in the pharmaceutical industry, while also touching on the "other" point of view, she hits the problems with inherited wealth and the wealth-ostracy which has developed from generations of inherited wealth, in addition to the power base the wealthy have and the imbalance it creates. At the same time, she acknowledges that people who work and earn or create wealth have every right to enjoy what they have worked for.
I am all for her idea of meritocracy, and I do believe in equal opportunity. I also believe that equal opportunity only lasts so long and then if you didn't take advantage, it doesn't not have to be re-offered over and over. I think people should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors without feeling guilty or being made to feel guilty that they were successful. But generations of inherited wealth do damage the ability to provide equal opportunity. That being said, how do you fix it? Our country tends to want to fix everything through legislation and while I don't like the aristocracy and power imbalance that generations of inherited wealth creates, neither do I think the government has the right to determine my relationship with my family and with the money I earn. One person's "should" is not the same as another and our government is constantly trying to legislate "should". You can not teach a person to be generous and caring by taking money out of their paycheck and redistributing it to someone else. You can not teach someone else to be responsible and self-motivated by constantly handing them the result of another's labor. And yet we continue to follow this course. You can not take God and values out of our primary environments and then try to legislate in the results that come from being raised with God and values. My point here is that while I like some of her thinking, I am waiting on needles to see where she takes it and how she intends to make it work. Reading books like this often has me hunched over, waiting to see where the hammer will hit, waiting to get blasted for my beliefs - being told I'm the bad guy. This author, once again, has been very delicate and balanced in her handling of some sensitive areas such as wealth, family, and so on. While I can tell by the style of the story that she has some foundational beliefs which are far from mine, she has so far been good about actually demonstrating what many others preach as they are busy accusing - she has been tolerant with other points of view - the book is generally balanced in how it handles the sensitive issues.
Without a spoiler - I loved how the company was handled at the end. I think it's a grand idea for dealing with the inherited wealth thing - assuming there is not a family member who is actually an active working part of the company and a valid leader to pass it on to, but again, I do not think it should be legislated - I think it has to be a social movement.
Final note - for my "friends" on Goodreads. A few swearwords, not rampant, but I could really do without the F words. Also - gay relationship. I understand everyone wanting to find someone to have that companionship with, but I just don't want to read the details. The companionship is one thing, the physical aspect just leaves my skin crawling. It is not a huge part of the book, but it is definitely a factor so if you don't want to read it at all, don't start and get hooked on the plot only to be hit with the relationship you don't like reading about.
I will definitely be looking forward the the next in the series. Depending on the prevalence of the gay relationships and where she takes this social theory of meritocracy - I look forward to reading the entire series.
The author introduces the "powers" sooner and more often in this book than in the last. And as in the last book, they are not super hero or X-men type powers, they are more similar to a very highly developed talent or skill.
It's always enjoyable to read a series that handles the story the way these have so far. Each book could really be read individually, but each has little bits and pieces of the other story in it, but from another perspective. If you hadn't read the first, you wouldn't know you were missing anything, but if you have read the first, it makes the two books better combined than two books individually.
The author does a good job of handling a lot of sensitive subjects. She discusses problems in the pharmaceutical industry, while also touching on the "other" point of view, she hits the problems with inherited wealth and the wealth-ostracy which has developed from generations of inherited wealth, in addition to the power base the wealthy have and the imbalance it creates. At the same time, she acknowledges that people who work and earn or create wealth have every right to enjoy what they have worked for.
I am all for her idea of meritocracy, and I do believe in equal opportunity. I also believe that equal opportunity only lasts so long and then if you didn't take advantage, it doesn't not have to be re-offered over and over. I think people should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors without feeling guilty or being made to feel guilty that they were successful. But generations of inherited wealth do damage the ability to provide equal opportunity. That being said, how do you fix it? Our country tends to want to fix everything through legislation and while I don't like the aristocracy and power imbalance that generations of inherited wealth creates, neither do I think the government has the right to determine my relationship with my family and with the money I earn. One person's "should" is not the same as another and our government is constantly trying to legislate "should". You can not teach a person to be generous and caring by taking money out of their paycheck and redistributing it to someone else. You can not teach someone else to be responsible and self-motivated by constantly handing them the result of another's labor. And yet we continue to follow this course. You can not take God and values out of our primary environments and then try to legislate in the results that come from being raised with God and values. My point here is that while I like some of her thinking, I am waiting on needles to see where she takes it and how she intends to make it work. Reading books like this often has me hunched over, waiting to see where the hammer will hit, waiting to get blasted for my beliefs - being told I'm the bad guy. This author, once again, has been very delicate and balanced in her handling of some sensitive areas such as wealth, family, and so on. While I can tell by the style of the story that she has some foundational beliefs which are far from mine, she has so far been good about actually demonstrating what many others preach as they are busy accusing - she has been tolerant with other points of view - the book is generally balanced in how it handles the sensitive issues.
Without a spoiler - I loved how the company was handled at the end. I think it's a grand idea for dealing with the inherited wealth thing - assuming there is not a family member who is actually an active working part of the company and a valid leader to pass it on to, but again, I do not think it should be legislated - I think it has to be a social movement.
Final note - for my "friends" on Goodreads. A few swearwords, not rampant, but I could really do without the F words. Also - gay relationship. I understand everyone wanting to find someone to have that companionship with, but I just don't want to read the details. The companionship is one thing, the physical aspect just leaves my skin crawling. It is not a huge part of the book, but it is definitely a factor so if you don't want to read it at all, don't start and get hooked on the plot only to be hit with the relationship you don't like reading about.
I will definitely be looking forward the the next in the series. Depending on the prevalence of the gay relationships and where she takes this social theory of meritocracy - I look forward to reading the entire series.
May 6, 2013
Zane swore as a child to someday protect all the odd people in the world. He studied chameleons and muscle groups as he taught himself to alter his own appearance, and it turned out that skills for blending were very helpful to a young boy too smart and too different to fit in well.
But as an adult, things have changed. Zane finds that he now just wants to be himself. He gets a degree in neuroscience to understand abilities that even he recognizes as astonishing. Worst of all, he is fast discovering that everyone is odd. He hadn’t counted on that.
When he lands in the sales department of Penthes Pharmaceuticals, he begins to uncover layers of corporate secrets that ultimately will hide surprisingly vile plans. Sent on a sales boondoggle to the South Pacific, he finds others with talents as surprising as his own and with problems far worse. As his new friends flee the malicious schemes of those who would control them, Zane wants to help. Their freedom-loving philosophy of y1 calls to him.
But first, he must deal with a murder charge. And an unsavory boot camp manager. And serious repercussions from the fact that not everyone at Penthes likes him, or wants him to knows the mysteries that the company has worked so hard to keep hidden.
Can he help them all? Can he even help himself? Fantasy, reality and a bit of speculative science come together as Zane uses all the unique abilities he has to resist turning from a murder suspect into a murder victim. Then he has to sort out just how to keep that childhood promise.
Y1 is book number two in an as yet to be released collection of six. X0 is the first book in the series, which I have yet to read. I found this book a bit slow in the beginning, I think that is due at least in part to the fact that I haven’t read the first book. However once you get a bit into the book it does pick up quite a bit especially toward the end.
Our hero Zane is not your average everyday hero. He is a bit odd and never really fit in that well growing up. He is also ultra intelligent, a righter of wrongs and defender of those who can’t defend themselves and a shape shifter to boot.
The book takes you along many different roads from murder and intrigue to the business of pharmaceutical companies and homosexuality. It gives you a little science fiction, a bit of fantasy with a helping of what I would call young adult romance all rolled into one book. Bottom line folks if you enjoyed Xo well it goes without saying that you will enjoy Y1. If you enjoy the young adult category or reading fantasy you will enjoy this book also. I look forward to reading not only X0 but also the other as yet to be released works of Mrs. Sherrie Cronin.
But as an adult, things have changed. Zane finds that he now just wants to be himself. He gets a degree in neuroscience to understand abilities that even he recognizes as astonishing. Worst of all, he is fast discovering that everyone is odd. He hadn’t counted on that.
When he lands in the sales department of Penthes Pharmaceuticals, he begins to uncover layers of corporate secrets that ultimately will hide surprisingly vile plans. Sent on a sales boondoggle to the South Pacific, he finds others with talents as surprising as his own and with problems far worse. As his new friends flee the malicious schemes of those who would control them, Zane wants to help. Their freedom-loving philosophy of y1 calls to him.
But first, he must deal with a murder charge. And an unsavory boot camp manager. And serious repercussions from the fact that not everyone at Penthes likes him, or wants him to knows the mysteries that the company has worked so hard to keep hidden.
Can he help them all? Can he even help himself? Fantasy, reality and a bit of speculative science come together as Zane uses all the unique abilities he has to resist turning from a murder suspect into a murder victim. Then he has to sort out just how to keep that childhood promise.
Y1 is book number two in an as yet to be released collection of six. X0 is the first book in the series, which I have yet to read. I found this book a bit slow in the beginning, I think that is due at least in part to the fact that I haven’t read the first book. However once you get a bit into the book it does pick up quite a bit especially toward the end.
Our hero Zane is not your average everyday hero. He is a bit odd and never really fit in that well growing up. He is also ultra intelligent, a righter of wrongs and defender of those who can’t defend themselves and a shape shifter to boot.
The book takes you along many different roads from murder and intrigue to the business of pharmaceutical companies and homosexuality. It gives you a little science fiction, a bit of fantasy with a helping of what I would call young adult romance all rolled into one book. Bottom line folks if you enjoyed Xo well it goes without saying that you will enjoy Y1. If you enjoy the young adult category or reading fantasy you will enjoy this book also. I look forward to reading not only X0 but also the other as yet to be released works of Mrs. Sherrie Cronin.
May 29, 2015
Before I begin I would like to thank the Author Sherrie Cronin and Goodreads as I received this book via a giveaway.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
This is the second novel in the 46. Ascending collection and I have not read any of the other books nor been introduced to Ms Cronin's writing before. It is printed from an e-book format, which didn't bother me, and I really liked the cover with Zane and the chameleon, although I would have liked to see this aspect of Zane pushed further during the book, beyond simple human genetics. If this was for a Sci-Fi genre, I expected more.
It was an interesting story and well researched, covering all facts from medications to fire dancing to Island inhabitants in the South Pacific, setting the book up at an intelligent pace. The characters were very likeable and accessible, especially in the first two thirds of the book, but as the end drew near with so many juggling story lines, most died without living an adult life that you could get very emotionally invested in, and I really wanted to, especially Afi, Joy, Toby and Zane.
I loved the inclusion of a real website! I did look up the URL and was gleefully happy that it existed. It is those little touches that make a story so interactive. Thank you for including that!!
While I liked the directions most of the plot lines took, there were several obvious tedious roles such as Brenda's death which made the book drag and really took the focus off the clever and more meaningful earlier stories such as the prison like teens schools. I agree that the pharmaceutical companies are big business, but this book made it too moralistic and a tad soppy.
All storylines are set in the present time for the majority of the story, with some childhood memories, therefore it was an uncomfortable rush to suddenly be 20 years later, and then another 20 years later the following chapter around 20 pages from the finish to justify ageing all the characters and killing a few off so the book could have a neat tidy ending.
If this was book 2, and the rest of the series are also of Zane's family, are his parents going to be in those novels? I ask, as right now, they are dead! There was no cliffhanger, which is fine if it's Zane's story, but why kill off his parents in the second book? It doesn't make me want to read more, especially with all the plots so conveniently tied up. I find this a shame as during the middle of the book I was really enjoying sailing around the ocean and may have invested in the rest of the series.
Again I thank you for letting me read Y1. I look forward to a new series by Sherrie Cronin.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
This is the second novel in the 46. Ascending collection and I have not read any of the other books nor been introduced to Ms Cronin's writing before. It is printed from an e-book format, which didn't bother me, and I really liked the cover with Zane and the chameleon, although I would have liked to see this aspect of Zane pushed further during the book, beyond simple human genetics. If this was for a Sci-Fi genre, I expected more.
It was an interesting story and well researched, covering all facts from medications to fire dancing to Island inhabitants in the South Pacific, setting the book up at an intelligent pace. The characters were very likeable and accessible, especially in the first two thirds of the book, but as the end drew near with so many juggling story lines, most died without living an adult life that you could get very emotionally invested in, and I really wanted to, especially Afi, Joy, Toby and Zane.
I loved the inclusion of a real website! I did look up the URL and was gleefully happy that it existed. It is those little touches that make a story so interactive. Thank you for including that!!
While I liked the directions most of the plot lines took, there were several obvious tedious roles such as Brenda's death which made the book drag and really took the focus off the clever and more meaningful earlier stories such as the prison like teens schools. I agree that the pharmaceutical companies are big business, but this book made it too moralistic and a tad soppy.
All storylines are set in the present time for the majority of the story, with some childhood memories, therefore it was an uncomfortable rush to suddenly be 20 years later, and then another 20 years later the following chapter around 20 pages from the finish to justify ageing all the characters and killing a few off so the book could have a neat tidy ending.
If this was book 2, and the rest of the series are also of Zane's family, are his parents going to be in those novels? I ask, as right now, they are dead! There was no cliffhanger, which is fine if it's Zane's story, but why kill off his parents in the second book? It doesn't make me want to read more, especially with all the plots so conveniently tied up. I find this a shame as during the middle of the book I was really enjoying sailing around the ocean and may have invested in the rest of the series.
Again I thank you for letting me read Y1. I look forward to a new series by Sherrie Cronin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2013
Received a copy of this book free through First Reads. Thank you to the author and publisher.
This book had a novel plot idea, but I found myself not particularly enjoying the read. Found coincidence and chance meetings used to the point where I was just incredulous once things started coming together. As well I found the author was not skilled at writing from various points of view. The story was told through the perspectives of multiple characters, however, they all seemed like the same person. The facts of what made them separate characters existed, but they all seemed to think and react exactly the same. I find that hard to believe, as they were written to come from some pretty varied backgrounds.
I'm disappointed I didn't connect more with this book. I love science, have a working knowledge of pharmaceuticals and am relatively idealistic. Some of the ideals presented regarding societal change were things I could get behind, however I'm not sure they were presented well in this book. It felt like I was getting beat over the head with message and continual explanations of things. Really ruined the story being told for me. I think it would have been more powerful if those ideas were worked into the story more organically (or to a lesser extent, and a further discussion on the topic presented by the author at the end of the book).
This was also annoying the hell out of me 'He found Vampire Weekend's November 2008 tune "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance". Perfect. With a smile he selected the Miike Snow remix.'
Who the hell thinks like that in their private thoughts? Ever? No one that I can conceive of. I see what the author was trying to do with clickable links in the original e-copy, but it really wasn't working with the descriptions. Even if I had been reading this as on my e-reader (Where clickable links wouldn't work anyways).
After completing this story I actually went back and removed myself from the First Reads giveaway for X0 (Another novel by Sherrie Cronin. Not for me.
This book had a novel plot idea, but I found myself not particularly enjoying the read. Found coincidence and chance meetings used to the point where I was just incredulous once things started coming together. As well I found the author was not skilled at writing from various points of view. The story was told through the perspectives of multiple characters, however, they all seemed like the same person. The facts of what made them separate characters existed, but they all seemed to think and react exactly the same. I find that hard to believe, as they were written to come from some pretty varied backgrounds.
I'm disappointed I didn't connect more with this book. I love science, have a working knowledge of pharmaceuticals and am relatively idealistic. Some of the ideals presented regarding societal change were things I could get behind, however I'm not sure they were presented well in this book. It felt like I was getting beat over the head with message and continual explanations of things. Really ruined the story being told for me. I think it would have been more powerful if those ideas were worked into the story more organically (or to a lesser extent, and a further discussion on the topic presented by the author at the end of the book).
This was also annoying the hell out of me 'He found Vampire Weekend's November 2008 tune "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance". Perfect. With a smile he selected the Miike Snow remix.'
Who the hell thinks like that in their private thoughts? Ever? No one that I can conceive of. I see what the author was trying to do with clickable links in the original e-copy, but it really wasn't working with the descriptions. Even if I had been reading this as on my e-reader (Where clickable links wouldn't work anyways).
After completing this story I actually went back and removed myself from the First Reads giveaway for X0 (Another novel by Sherrie Cronin. Not for me.
November 10, 2019
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
Cronin does it again with another thought-provoking and expertly woven tale of the human condition and what special gifts can do.
Having read the previous installment in this group, One of One, I found the parallels between the storylines to be fascinating. It was interesting to see how this book’s events played out in relation to the events in One of One. That said, it is not at all necessary to read One of One to understand or enjoy Shape of Secrets. Having read both, I have to hand credit for a conversation that appears in both books and gives Zane the push to really get his journey started. It’s amazing to see the impact of both sides of a discussion, something we don’t get often in real life.
The characters struck me as so realistic, especially the main four. I loved the crew of four and their excursion at sea. Each of these characters comes from some kind of trouble (some more than others), and I loved watching them come together to form an amazing family. I also loved the clever ways they found to fix their problems. I also set aside a special place in my heart for Zane’s boss—a man with good intentions that went astray. Who can’t relate to that?
Like One of One, this book is not necessarily action-packed or fast-paced. It is suspenseful, but the suspense is of an intellectual kind. There are tense moments, but if you want edge-of-your-seat action, you won’t find it here. Instead, you’ll get an ever-tightening web of intrigue. Personally, it left me just as breathless as any high-octane thriller.
I highly recommend, not only this book, but the series. I’ve only read the first two, but I can just tell there are great things at work here. I look forward to seeing what adventures the rest of Lola and Zane’s family get up to.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
Cronin does it again with another thought-provoking and expertly woven tale of the human condition and what special gifts can do.
Having read the previous installment in this group, One of One, I found the parallels between the storylines to be fascinating. It was interesting to see how this book’s events played out in relation to the events in One of One. That said, it is not at all necessary to read One of One to understand or enjoy Shape of Secrets. Having read both, I have to hand credit for a conversation that appears in both books and gives Zane the push to really get his journey started. It’s amazing to see the impact of both sides of a discussion, something we don’t get often in real life.
The characters struck me as so realistic, especially the main four. I loved the crew of four and their excursion at sea. Each of these characters comes from some kind of trouble (some more than others), and I loved watching them come together to form an amazing family. I also loved the clever ways they found to fix their problems. I also set aside a special place in my heart for Zane’s boss—a man with good intentions that went astray. Who can’t relate to that?
Like One of One, this book is not necessarily action-packed or fast-paced. It is suspenseful, but the suspense is of an intellectual kind. There are tense moments, but if you want edge-of-your-seat action, you won’t find it here. Instead, you’ll get an ever-tightening web of intrigue. Personally, it left me just as breathless as any high-octane thriller.
I highly recommend, not only this book, but the series. I’ve only read the first two, but I can just tell there are great things at work here. I look forward to seeing what adventures the rest of Lola and Zane’s family get up to.
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