What do you think?
Rate this book
The Eye of the Gods #1
The Eye of the Gods Episode One
Vivian Bond has a secret that could bring down the Milky Way. Special Commander Jake Trace doesn't care – he hates her.
When Jake meets the irritating Vivian at a gallery and she steals a painting he must secure for his superiors, he locks onto her like a hunter to prey.
It’s the only thing that saves her life. For Vivian Bond has enemies. Everywhere. She has a twisted destiny she’s run from her whole life. Now it will catch up.
Vivian and Jake are thrown together in a fight for the Milky Way and beyond as an ancient power rises once more.
….
The Eye of the Gods follows a hidden alien power and a meddlesome soldier fighting destiny in another galaxy. If you love your space operas with action, heart, and a splash of romance, grab The Eye of the Gods Episode One today and soar free with an Odette C. Bell series.
The Eye of the Gods is the 10th Galactic Coalition Academy series. A sprawling, epic, and exciting sci-fi world where cadets become heroes and hearts are always won, each series can be read separately, so plunge in today.
When Jake meets the irritating Vivian at a gallery and she steals a painting he must secure for his superiors, he locks onto her like a hunter to prey.
It’s the only thing that saves her life. For Vivian Bond has enemies. Everywhere. She has a twisted destiny she’s run from her whole life. Now it will catch up.
Vivian and Jake are thrown together in a fight for the Milky Way and beyond as an ancient power rises once more.
….
The Eye of the Gods follows a hidden alien power and a meddlesome soldier fighting destiny in another galaxy. If you love your space operas with action, heart, and a splash of romance, grab The Eye of the Gods Episode One today and soar free with an Odette C. Bell series.
The Eye of the Gods is the 10th Galactic Coalition Academy series. A sprawling, epic, and exciting sci-fi world where cadets become heroes and hearts are always won, each series can be read separately, so plunge in today.
154 pages, ebook
Published April 20, 2019
197 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Odette C. Bell
622 books226 followersOdette C. Bell has authored over 50 books, in genres ranging from sci-fi adventure to urban fantasy.
Odette started off on FictionPress many moons ago. Her original name was Muscularkevin. Her first work was Gladys the Guard. She later became Scrabblecat before finally publishing in 2011/2012.
previous pen names include J.C. Luck, Monica Shepherd, Sarah Good, and Jilly McQueen
Odette started off on FictionPress many moons ago. Her original name was Muscularkevin. Her first work was Gladys the Guard. She later became Scrabblecat before finally publishing in 2011/2012.
previous pen names include J.C. Luck, Monica Shepherd, Sarah Good, and Jilly McQueen
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 11, 2023
1.5/2 stars because the story itself is good. Some *spoilers* below (a few excerpts to demonstrate the writing style - not anything to spoil the story though)
I wish I would have read the reviews before jumping in on this. The story itself is not bad. I like the idea. However the writing is just so very distracting that I found myself at first re-reading sentences and paragraphs that didn't make much sense thinking I was missing something. When it kept happening I just gave up trying to understand it all and skimmed the rest of the book instead of taking a DNF. Considering it was less than 200 pages, I forced myself through it.
The writing style wasn't the only problem. The character development was lacking in a way I've never encountered before. It was so hard to understand what the characters were actually thinking. This should never be a problem in writing since it's a medium in which character thoughts & feelings can be so thoroughly conveyed to the audience. Still, I was constantly trying to figure out the characters intentions, feelings, and motives. You never really get to know them themselves or what they think of the other characters. Especially our two main characters. I felt like I understood the AI robot Paci more than the others.
Because of this, and because of the writing style, it was hard to become attached to anything enough in this book for me to want to continue the series. The story alone can't carry it.
Early on in the book I was pulling bits that didn't make much sense to me, or that bothered me (maybe more than they should have?):
*“The guy came marching up the engineered, sophisticated floating steps that led to the gallery. The gallery itself was cut right into the side of a hill. Sorry, she meant cliff. It had a stunning view through plateglass windows down into a ravine and the capital city beyond.
To get to it, you either flew your private cruiser to the helipad on top, or you used the directional floating stairs that led from the top of the ravine above.”
"The guy must've remotely hacked the building security, because even as she reached the open door, it closed and locked."
"Her world came crashing down around her ears."
"She fancied her skin became green and her lips cracked open like someone splitting a belly with a knife."
"The soldier ran his tongue around his teeth. It served to shift his blocklike jaw to the left and right. It looked like a swinging blade."*
I realized I could pull pages worth of quotes to makes notes on so I gave up on that... I stopped thinking: I'm sorry, what? And just got it done (although it took much longer than it should have since I wasn't craving the read). I'd really like to know what happens in the rest of the series because again, I like the idea, so maybe I'll go read some summaries.
I wish I would have read the reviews before jumping in on this. The story itself is not bad. I like the idea. However the writing is just so very distracting that I found myself at first re-reading sentences and paragraphs that didn't make much sense thinking I was missing something. When it kept happening I just gave up trying to understand it all and skimmed the rest of the book instead of taking a DNF. Considering it was less than 200 pages, I forced myself through it.
The writing style wasn't the only problem. The character development was lacking in a way I've never encountered before. It was so hard to understand what the characters were actually thinking. This should never be a problem in writing since it's a medium in which character thoughts & feelings can be so thoroughly conveyed to the audience. Still, I was constantly trying to figure out the characters intentions, feelings, and motives. You never really get to know them themselves or what they think of the other characters. Especially our two main characters. I felt like I understood the AI robot Paci more than the others.
Because of this, and because of the writing style, it was hard to become attached to anything enough in this book for me to want to continue the series. The story alone can't carry it.
Early on in the book I was pulling bits that didn't make much sense to me, or that bothered me (maybe more than they should have?):
*“The guy came marching up the engineered, sophisticated floating steps that led to the gallery. The gallery itself was cut right into the side of a hill. Sorry, she meant cliff. It had a stunning view through plateglass windows down into a ravine and the capital city beyond.
To get to it, you either flew your private cruiser to the helipad on top, or you used the directional floating stairs that led from the top of the ravine above.”
"The guy must've remotely hacked the building security, because even as she reached the open door, it closed and locked."
"Her world came crashing down around her ears."
"She fancied her skin became green and her lips cracked open like someone splitting a belly with a knife."
"The soldier ran his tongue around his teeth. It served to shift his blocklike jaw to the left and right. It looked like a swinging blade."*
I realized I could pull pages worth of quotes to makes notes on so I gave up on that... I stopped thinking: I'm sorry, what? And just got it done (although it took much longer than it should have since I wasn't craving the read). I'd really like to know what happens in the rest of the series because again, I like the idea, so maybe I'll go read some summaries.
August 16, 2022
Rough draft; needs professional proofreading and editing
The story has potential, but the writer needs to hone her skills by revising with a focus on word choice. The author has a bad habit of overusing the following: crumpled, jolted, right at, felt, was, were, you, got, started, began, and that.
In addition, the author needs to tighten point-of-view so that if a character is oblivious about something, so is the reader. Some examples of POV errors found in the writing: She might have been making a joke, based on the way she said it, but he missed it and asked her again. The robot looked surprised, but there was no way she could have known that.
The author also needs to improve word economy. Here’s a made up example of what is annoying about the author’s writing style: He felt his lips begin to start to be able to dig downward across his face in what she would probably notice was a frown. Ugh!
The author spends too much time telling the reader what the characters are feeling instead of letting the reader figure it out. For example: “Please help,” her voice trembled [because she was afraid and needed assistance]. So much of the writing needs trimming that the book could be half as long. It would be much more intense with better verb choices and more succinct phrasing.
There is also a need for more nuanced character behaviors and gestures. Enough with the jaw sawing, raising hands, chest rubbing, jerking heads, and crossing arms.
I do not recommend this book until it is revised.
The story has potential, but the writer needs to hone her skills by revising with a focus on word choice. The author has a bad habit of overusing the following: crumpled, jolted, right at, felt, was, were, you, got, started, began, and that.
In addition, the author needs to tighten point-of-view so that if a character is oblivious about something, so is the reader. Some examples of POV errors found in the writing: She might have been making a joke, based on the way she said it, but he missed it and asked her again. The robot looked surprised, but there was no way she could have known that.
The author also needs to improve word economy. Here’s a made up example of what is annoying about the author’s writing style: He felt his lips begin to start to be able to dig downward across his face in what she would probably notice was a frown. Ugh!
The author spends too much time telling the reader what the characters are feeling instead of letting the reader figure it out. For example: “Please help,” her voice trembled [because she was afraid and needed assistance]. So much of the writing needs trimming that the book could be half as long. It would be much more intense with better verb choices and more succinct phrasing.
There is also a need for more nuanced character behaviors and gestures. Enough with the jaw sawing, raising hands, chest rubbing, jerking heads, and crossing arms.
I do not recommend this book until it is revised.
Read
September 15, 2024Female love interest dies in the first scene.
Will she be revived later? Will she be replaced by another love interest?
I don’t know what direction this is going, but I’m not in the mood for death of a beloved spouse this early (or ever, really). This hook is not for me, but it might work for other readers, and that’s okay!
Will she be revived later? Will she be replaced by another love interest?
I don’t know what direction this is going, but I’m not in the mood for death of a beloved spouse this early (or ever, really). This hook is not for me, but it might work for other readers, and that’s okay!
April 21, 2022
Lost in Space
I liked the fmc, Vivian, but there are some real problems with this book.
Trying to slog through the somewhat immature prose, I was distinctly reminded of why I am generally not a fan of the science-fiction and fantasy genre. Apparently the fmc has something the author refers to as “trestle locks” instead of hair. I realize that calling hair “locks” is supposed to be poetic or sophisticated, but it always reminds me of fanfic. It’s right up there will using the word “orb” in lieu of eye. I cannot even begin to guess what they meant by choosing the word “trestle” as I am most familiar with train trestles.
As for the plot, the AU, or the other characters…this is basically a 160 page teaser that ends on a cliffhanger. Maybe the other 4 books explain something, maybe the author just skips right over it. The first chapter is a look at something that happens later and it’s really not as exciting as I am sure the author hoped.
I liked the fmc, Vivian, but there are some real problems with this book.
Trying to slog through the somewhat immature prose, I was distinctly reminded of why I am generally not a fan of the science-fiction and fantasy genre. Apparently the fmc has something the author refers to as “trestle locks” instead of hair. I realize that calling hair “locks” is supposed to be poetic or sophisticated, but it always reminds me of fanfic. It’s right up there will using the word “orb” in lieu of eye. I cannot even begin to guess what they meant by choosing the word “trestle” as I am most familiar with train trestles.
As for the plot, the AU, or the other characters…this is basically a 160 page teaser that ends on a cliffhanger. Maybe the other 4 books explain something, maybe the author just skips right over it. The first chapter is a look at something that happens later and it’s really not as exciting as I am sure the author hoped.
August 30, 2022
Intriguing but Short Unresolved Springboard
Vivian Bond has a secret past she is unaware of that may lead beyond the Milky Way galaxy. Special Commander Jake Trace hates her when he first meets the irritating art dealing CEO at a gallery. She purchases a painting out from under him. He’s been tasked to secure it for his superior, the admiral of the Coalition, and locks onto her like a hunter to prey.
In a twist of fate, it’s the only thing that saves her life. Vivian Bond's powerful enemies lock onto her as a twisted past opens an unforeseen destiny where she will run for her life and the threat to the Coalition.
A well written tale of sudden events. They lead Vivian and her robotic assistant, Paci, on a twisting and life threatening, futuristic adventure as they try to escape Commander Jake and confinement for illegal tech she's been warned not to explain.
The Eye of the Gods is the opener to a five-part series that throws Vivian and Jake together in what is promised to be a fight for the Milky Way and beyond as an ancient power rises. -- I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this adventure.
Vivian Bond has a secret past she is unaware of that may lead beyond the Milky Way galaxy. Special Commander Jake Trace hates her when he first meets the irritating art dealing CEO at a gallery. She purchases a painting out from under him. He’s been tasked to secure it for his superior, the admiral of the Coalition, and locks onto her like a hunter to prey.
In a twist of fate, it’s the only thing that saves her life. Vivian Bond's powerful enemies lock onto her as a twisted past opens an unforeseen destiny where she will run for her life and the threat to the Coalition.
A well written tale of sudden events. They lead Vivian and her robotic assistant, Paci, on a twisting and life threatening, futuristic adventure as they try to escape Commander Jake and confinement for illegal tech she's been warned not to explain.
The Eye of the Gods is the opener to a five-part series that throws Vivian and Jake together in what is promised to be a fight for the Milky Way and beyond as an ancient power rises. -- I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this adventure.
June 3, 2019
Clunky
It is not necessary to call the alien and alien every time it is mentioned. As a matter of fact, simply describing it is likely sufficient for readers to identify its alien-ness.
Capitalizing ‘Barbarians’ does little to describe or contextualize raiders.
A medical robot does not ‘prevent’ injury.
Basically, the writing is a touch pedantic. And the early chapters force feed background information almost without context. There were some interesting concepts and the writing was ‘clean’ (few to no proofreading errors). It didn’t flow and establish a narrative, however.
Seriously needs a content editing pass or two.
It is not necessary to call the alien and alien every time it is mentioned. As a matter of fact, simply describing it is likely sufficient for readers to identify its alien-ness.
Capitalizing ‘Barbarians’ does little to describe or contextualize raiders.
A medical robot does not ‘prevent’ injury.
Basically, the writing is a touch pedantic. And the early chapters force feed background information almost without context. There were some interesting concepts and the writing was ‘clean’ (few to no proofreading errors). It didn’t flow and establish a narrative, however.
Seriously needs a content editing pass or two.
March 31, 2022
I really liked this book. It was short, but definitely hooks you into having to read the balance of the entire story. Bell did not do anything overly brilliant in writing this story, but rather did EVERYTHING right. I thought that the story was somewhat unique, and that the relatively small cast of characters were very relatable. I haven't read any of Bell's stories before, but I certainly will now. There is very little build up to this story, you pretty much go from a quick description of the main characters, to action. And somehow that works perfectly. Less really is more sometimes! Great job Odette, I'll be reading more of your "Coalition" stories!
July 21, 2019
Intriguing and enthralling tale.
I was really gripped by this first episode in a five "book" series. Once into the story I found it impossible to put down. Interesting characters, aliens, robots, mystery and action.All you need from space opera! My my criticism is that each episode is just that, and you will need to all buy all 5 - maybe more ?? - if you embark on the first one. I will certainly be doing that - but could this not have been one , maybe two, rather that 5 separate "books"? Not sure I approve of the packaging - but the content I found riveting!
I was really gripped by this first episode in a five "book" series. Once into the story I found it impossible to put down. Interesting characters, aliens, robots, mystery and action.All you need from space opera! My my criticism is that each episode is just that, and you will need to all buy all 5 - maybe more ?? - if you embark on the first one. I will certainly be doing that - but could this not have been one , maybe two, rather that 5 separate "books"? Not sure I approve of the packaging - but the content I found riveting!
April 3, 2022
This was “space opera” I could really get into. The main character, Vivian, has just enough quirks to intrigue me. At the end, when you finally find out what is going on, I was definitely hooked. Vivian has been procuring hard to find items for rich people so she can keep her father’s medical business going. At the start of the book she’s in the process of buying a painting when she notices something odd about it. When she gets back to her ship and is about to take possession of the painting, the military becomes involved. That’s when all the fun starts.
August 6, 2024
I don’t know what kind of psych training on manipulating human emotions the team of writers (or AI) masquerading as a human writer under the name of Odette C. Bell possess or what government lab they got it out of. This one got to me in a most visceral way. I'm at page 87 of 160 and I can’t go on and I can’t stop. Only the opening preface promising some degree of human redemption keeps me from deleting the file. Curse you all.
Read
March 31, 2022I saw this book on Bookbub and was going to read it. When I checked to see how much the next book was, I saw the marketing ploy you use to sell your books and disliked it immensely. Obviously a buy by the Chapter sales program. I don't mind paying for a good book, but I don't liked to be scammed into buying parts of a book over time. Sorry. I"ll moved on to the next one.
April 11, 2022
Too short, incomplete
I feel like I read a serial in a magazine rather than a novel. This novel does not stand alone, and didn’t even tell a whole story. I realize it’s called episode one, but even episodes usually have some conclusion. I don’t recommend it because it’s going to cost too much to read the whole series.
I feel like I read a serial in a magazine rather than a novel. This novel does not stand alone, and didn’t even tell a whole story. I realize it’s called episode one, but even episodes usually have some conclusion. I don’t recommend it because it’s going to cost too much to read the whole series.
May 23, 2023
It's almost so bad it's good. I enjoyed reading it because I enjoyed making fun of it.
If you try to read it for the entertainment of the story itself, well, you'll probably be too annoyed to continue past the prologue.
But read it with some heavy sarcastic commentary and you might enjoy it too. Or just read my sarcastic commentary instead and that's pretty much the same thing.
If you try to read it for the entertainment of the story itself, well, you'll probably be too annoyed to continue past the prologue.
But read it with some heavy sarcastic commentary and you might enjoy it too. Or just read my sarcastic commentary instead and that's pretty much the same thing.
April 16, 2022
Good.start.into series but....
Hard to get into but.keep.reading and you'll end up liking it except for the fact that it.is.just.so short.
That was the main issue with this book. You finally get into it and it's over.
Hard to get into but.keep.reading and you'll end up liking it except for the fact that it.is.just.so short.
That was the main issue with this book. You finally get into it and it's over.
January 18, 2023
Closer look plot
Interesting combination of cyber devices. Author keeps reader guessing where plot going to very end. Human main characters hard to relate with. Recommend read as creative plot line.
Interesting combination of cyber devices. Author keeps reader guessing where plot going to very end. Human main characters hard to relate with. Recommend read as creative plot line.
January 28, 2023
At least Ms Bell ended this book better than the last one I read. The ending still feels like a cliffhanger because the information provided on the book is completely different from what you read, and the end doesn't read like an ending. Everything is left hanging.
October 13, 2025
Couldn't finish
The MMC was written as a total jackass with no redeeming qualities. I love sci-fi but the characters have to be believable/relatable, these were not. Shame because it was well written.
The MMC was written as a total jackass with no redeeming qualities. I love sci-fi but the characters have to be believable/relatable, these were not. Shame because it was well written.
May 5, 2019
Crystals from space
Not generally a fan of serials...but here we are. This is a pretty good one. Space AI's, medical mystery, killer robots. What's not to love...except, serials.
Not generally a fan of serials...but here we are. This is a pretty good one. Space AI's, medical mystery, killer robots. What's not to love...except, serials.
April 18, 2022
Wow!
This book kept my attention beginning to end. Enthralling, well written and exciting. The author must be a total genius. Makes me want to read all her books.
This book kept my attention beginning to end. Enthralling, well written and exciting. The author must be a total genius. Makes me want to read all her books.
April 30, 2022
A hologram painting that represents a worm hole - but is it just a painting? She wants the painting to use as a bribe; he wants it for military reason.
Good start to the series
Good start to the series
August 7, 2023
Might have been slightly less eye roll inducing had the main character not begun every other sentence with "believe you me."
December 8, 2023
Eye of the Gods
An interesting Si-Fi adventure. Good chacterization. Good suspense, makes for non stop reading. One understands The relevance of the title in the last paragraph.
An interesting Si-Fi adventure. Good chacterization. Good suspense, makes for non stop reading. One understands The relevance of the title in the last paragraph.
August 19, 2024
ok, I'm a sucker for space operas. Read this in one sitting. Of course there are sequels. Of course! maybe there's a deal on a set.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews