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The Firewall Trilogy #1
A Girl From Nowhere
Surrounded by fire, a girl with mysterious powers and a young warrior search for safety.
Life in the wasteland is a constant struggle. No one knows it better than Taimin. Crippled, and with only his indomitable aunt to protect him, Taimin must learn to survive in a world scorched by two suns and frequented by raiders.
But when Taimin discovers his homestead ransacked and his aunt killed, he sets off with one mission: to seek revenge against those who stole everything. With nowhere to call home, his hunt soon takes a turn when he meets a mystic, Selena, who convinces him to join her search for the fabled white city. Taimin and Selena both need refuge, and the white city is a place where Taimin may find someone to heal his childhood injury.
As they avoid relentless danger, Taimin and Selena attempt to reach the one place that promises salvation. And they can only hope that the city is the haven they need it to be…
Life in the wasteland is a constant struggle. No one knows it better than Taimin. Crippled, and with only his indomitable aunt to protect him, Taimin must learn to survive in a world scorched by two suns and frequented by raiders.
But when Taimin discovers his homestead ransacked and his aunt killed, he sets off with one mission: to seek revenge against those who stole everything. With nowhere to call home, his hunt soon takes a turn when he meets a mystic, Selena, who convinces him to join her search for the fabled white city. Taimin and Selena both need refuge, and the white city is a place where Taimin may find someone to heal his childhood injury.
As they avoid relentless danger, Taimin and Selena attempt to reach the one place that promises salvation. And they can only hope that the city is the haven they need it to be…
445 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
7269 people are currently reading
17990 people want to read
About the author
James Maxwell
16 books1,106 followersJames Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 539 reviews
April 2, 2020
Told Not Shown
I enjoy fantasy on occasion, and I'm always looking for a new series to sink my teeth into. I had high hopes for this first book of a fantasy series. However, I found myself disappointed.
As I started reading this book, something felt off and odd, and it took me a bit to puzzle out what was bothering me. I finally figured it out, though. The book feels like it is more telling than showing. There’s a writing adage that authors should “show rather than tell,” but this author misses the mark. When authors tell more than show style, it puts an artificial distance between the reader and the characters and what happens in the book, and I found that to be the case here.
The book appears to be aimed at the young adult fantasy reader, as the language is simple and straightforward. No problem there. Even though I am far past that age, I often enjoy books written for the YA audience. I don't let it deter me; I just love good books, no matter who they are written for. If only I could call this a good book! If the book description and the promise of a new fantasy series interests you, I suggest you read the Look Inside at Amazon to see if this writing style works for you. It didn't for me.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I enjoy fantasy on occasion, and I'm always looking for a new series to sink my teeth into. I had high hopes for this first book of a fantasy series. However, I found myself disappointed.
As I started reading this book, something felt off and odd, and it took me a bit to puzzle out what was bothering me. I finally figured it out, though. The book feels like it is more telling than showing. There’s a writing adage that authors should “show rather than tell,” but this author misses the mark. When authors tell more than show style, it puts an artificial distance between the reader and the characters and what happens in the book, and I found that to be the case here.
The book appears to be aimed at the young adult fantasy reader, as the language is simple and straightforward. No problem there. Even though I am far past that age, I often enjoy books written for the YA audience. I don't let it deter me; I just love good books, no matter who they are written for. If only I could call this a good book! If the book description and the promise of a new fantasy series interests you, I suggest you read the Look Inside at Amazon to see if this writing style works for you. It didn't for me.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 30, 2020
Whoa!!! The Girl From Nowhere is part one of a new trilogy by James Maxwell. The trilogy is called The Firewall Trilogy.
In depth look at surviving the wastelands and how the Firewall limits life for those trying to find food and water. The character development seems slow but steady. Possibly aimed at young adults and though I am 50, I am quite young at heart. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Kindle Unlimited read and listen!
In depth look at surviving the wastelands and how the Firewall limits life for those trying to find food and water. The character development seems slow but steady. Possibly aimed at young adults and though I am 50, I am quite young at heart. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Kindle Unlimited read and listen!
January 30, 2021
I liked the whole setting- the non-humans, the whole mystic power and the beasts. I know it’s a dystopian survival trope with gladiator mixed in (and possibly Divergent series by the looks of the ending) but it is a fantasy, very fast paced and the action scenes were good. It’s an okay read to pass the time.
However there was a bit too much telling rather than showing, hence, I couldn’t connect to the protagonists’ (Taimin and Selena’s) relationship and moreover, I couldn’t feel that bad for Taimin after his whole family gets murdered.
The character development was too slow. I didn’t like the end where Taimin had to save Selena (Another female MC trope with the MC having huge power and doesn’t realise/control it) even though he was a non-mystic and a mystic was available.
Over-all, the setting of humans and human-like creatures and the world being different from Earth (while always being referred to Earth), the want for explanation about the Firewall, Zorn being bigger (as if not built for humans), the dual suns, the real cause of the planet’s wasteland and the absolute fast pace kept me going.
I would be sorely disappointed if the explanation resembled anything like Divergent series or other series’ where the reason for confinement is experimentation. But I am looking forward to all the answers in the sequels!
Edit: I read this on Kindle Unlimited!
Total time spent: 7h 38m.
However there was a bit too much telling rather than showing, hence, I couldn’t connect to the protagonists’ (Taimin and Selena’s) relationship and moreover, I couldn’t feel that bad for Taimin after his whole family gets murdered.
The character development was too slow. I didn’t like the end where Taimin had to save Selena (Another female MC trope with the MC having huge power and doesn’t realise/control it) even though he was a non-mystic and a mystic was available.
Over-all, the setting of humans and human-like creatures and the world being different from Earth (while always being referred to Earth), the want for explanation about the Firewall, Zorn being bigger (as if not built for humans), the dual suns, the real cause of the planet’s wasteland and the absolute fast pace kept me going.
I would be sorely disappointed if the explanation resembled anything like Divergent series or other series’ where the reason for confinement is experimentation. But I am looking forward to all the answers in the sequels!
Edit: I read this on Kindle Unlimited!
Total time spent: 7h 38m.
June 7, 2020
Buy the book or borrow it on Amazon KU.
I got this book from Amazon First Reads. I thought it started out really good and then I just got bored. I didnt care about any of the characters or anything they were doing. I had zero connection. I did like the description of all the different species though.
Overall, very meh. I dont care enough to finish the series.
I got this book from Amazon First Reads. I thought it started out really good and then I just got bored. I didnt care about any of the characters or anything they were doing. I had zero connection. I did like the description of all the different species though.
Overall, very meh. I dont care enough to finish the series.
March 11, 2022
I feel like the girl on the cover
April 28, 2020
I mean, it was okay. Getting past the telling-not-showing style of writing did my head in, but it was fast paced, there was some basic world building (largely off the back of post apocalyptic scarcity, so plenty of tropes in there) and thanks to the telling-not-showing I didn’t feel particularly attached to any of the characters (bar baby Griff. He was clearly the best of the bunch). It was more fantasy than sci-fi (maybe it’ll turn into sci-fi in the later books?) and generally, it was a time filler.
It was fine, it worked as distraction/escapism. I wouldn’t have read it if it wasn’t one of the free Amazon First Reads. I’d read the next book if we’re still in lockdown by the time it comes out, but generally I don’t think this is a series I’d revisit.
It was fine, it worked as distraction/escapism. I wouldn’t have read it if it wasn’t one of the free Amazon First Reads. I’d read the next book if we’re still in lockdown by the time it comes out, but generally I don’t think this is a series I’d revisit.
May 11, 2020
This book is so far out of what I would typically read, but after reading a sample of the first few chapters I was hooked. The descriptions are so vivid that it really brings this other world to life and the characters are so relatable through their struggles. It is the characters relationships to each other that make this book so good.
May 29, 2020
Too tropey and clumsy writinv
Taimin's story is a unique one. As a child, he is crippled after he witnesses his parents' murder. That is traumatizing to watch for a child. In response, his "aunt" abuses him in the name of survival. This part of the book made me cringe the most because of how often she insulted him for being a cripple and told him he would die. If that's the case, then why bother trying to help him? At one point, she brings him home, then carries him back to the place he was injured originally so he could hobble home on his own. Which clearly makes no sense because, in order for his leg to heal properly, he shouldn't be putting pressure on it. This among other things was a major issue I encountered.
The relationships between characters was clearly underdeveloped. Many characters were there just to aid the main characters and served little else to the plot (Lars never should've existed because he is only useful for one part of the book). Selena and Taimin were the only slightly developed characters. They're both clumsily written, as they're completely dependent on every trope you can think of for a fantasy novel, but they're still the most thought out. However, their relationship is not developed well and seems to come out of nowhere. Just like the title of the book suggests.
At the end, there is a moment in which Selena nearly kills herself using her power and only Taimin is able to save her despite their being another mystic. Again, this is all for plot reasons, but it's just painful to read through. Why should a non-Mystic be capable of more than someone who is trained?
Overall, I think that the concept is what sells this book. There were moments in which I did enjoy the story, but do wish the writing had been improved upon and certain elements were removed from the book. It would've made for a much more interesting and better written story.
Taimin's story is a unique one. As a child, he is crippled after he witnesses his parents' murder. That is traumatizing to watch for a child. In response, his "aunt" abuses him in the name of survival. This part of the book made me cringe the most because of how often she insulted him for being a cripple and told him he would die. If that's the case, then why bother trying to help him? At one point, she brings him home, then carries him back to the place he was injured originally so he could hobble home on his own. Which clearly makes no sense because, in order for his leg to heal properly, he shouldn't be putting pressure on it. This among other things was a major issue I encountered.
The relationships between characters was clearly underdeveloped. Many characters were there just to aid the main characters and served little else to the plot (Lars never should've existed because he is only useful for one part of the book). Selena and Taimin were the only slightly developed characters. They're both clumsily written, as they're completely dependent on every trope you can think of for a fantasy novel, but they're still the most thought out. However, their relationship is not developed well and seems to come out of nowhere. Just like the title of the book suggests.
At the end, there is a moment in which Selena nearly kills herself using her power and only Taimin is able to save her despite their being another mystic. Again, this is all for plot reasons, but it's just painful to read through. Why should a non-Mystic be capable of more than someone who is trained?
Overall, I think that the concept is what sells this book. There were moments in which I did enjoy the story, but do wish the writing had been improved upon and certain elements were removed from the book. It would've made for a much more interesting and better written story.
September 25, 2021
So my friend told me I had to read "A Girl from Nowhere," but I couldn't find it in the library, or cheaply on Thriftbooks. So I opted for "Enchantress," the first book of James Maxwell's Evermen Saga, and could barely finish it.
But I sighed, and went ahead with "A Girl From Nowhere." After all, that's what a friend would do -- and I was vastly relieved to read a solid piece of science fiction, though be warned it's much closer to a young adult effort than a full-blown novel aimed at a mature audience.
The setup is more complex than it first appears, but there are multiple races (who somehow are able to articulate and understand the same language) competing for scarce food and water inside a firewall that keeps them from leaving. Humans Taiman and Selena have heard of a White City where life is easier, and they set off, separately, to find their way there.
The usual adventures ensue, with several twists, but Taiman's fighting skills and Selena's psychic powers help them battle through betrayals and challenges through 435 well-done pages.
So now I'm actually looking forward to reading the next James Maxwell book -- and I'm forced to admit my friend was right all along.
But I sighed, and went ahead with "A Girl From Nowhere." After all, that's what a friend would do -- and I was vastly relieved to read a solid piece of science fiction, though be warned it's much closer to a young adult effort than a full-blown novel aimed at a mature audience.
The setup is more complex than it first appears, but there are multiple races (who somehow are able to articulate and understand the same language) competing for scarce food and water inside a firewall that keeps them from leaving. Humans Taiman and Selena have heard of a White City where life is easier, and they set off, separately, to find their way there.
The usual adventures ensue, with several twists, but Taiman's fighting skills and Selena's psychic powers help them battle through betrayals and challenges through 435 well-done pages.
So now I'm actually looking forward to reading the next James Maxwell book -- and I'm forced to admit my friend was right all along.
April 24, 2020
I encountered this as one of the “Kindle First Reads”. After reading the sample, I have no desire to keep going.
When he was a child, Tasmin’s parents were killed by “rovers”; he was crippled at the same time. His aunt Abi raised him and trained him to survive in the waste, which is filled with hazards. He tamed a wyvern, and is able to ride it, apparently making up for his own inability to run.
The prose is simple and procedural — at the end of the Kindle sample, I feel like I don’t know the inner life of any of the characters. Just what they did. Even when a raiding band of Bax (I assume some non-human threat) torched the homestead and kill his aunt, I felt uninvolved in the story.
When he was a child, Tasmin’s parents were killed by “rovers”; he was crippled at the same time. His aunt Abi raised him and trained him to survive in the waste, which is filled with hazards. He tamed a wyvern, and is able to ride it, apparently making up for his own inability to run.
The prose is simple and procedural — at the end of the Kindle sample, I feel like I don’t know the inner life of any of the characters. Just what they did. Even when a raiding band of Bax (I assume some non-human threat) torched the homestead and kill his aunt, I felt uninvolved in the story.
August 2, 2022
Audiobook version:
Narration / voice acting was superb for this book.
A good story with the theme of uniting different peoples and races, and the great things they can accomplish, and those that seek to divide and conquer them. A fitting message for the times we are in, in the US, right now.
The ending makes you want to grab the next book in the series right away, and I did!
Narration / voice acting was superb for this book.
A good story with the theme of uniting different peoples and races, and the great things they can accomplish, and those that seek to divide and conquer them. A fitting message for the times we are in, in the US, right now.
The ending makes you want to grab the next book in the series right away, and I did!
November 17, 2022
Terrific fantasy. Loved the characters, setting and story. It doesn't take long for the action to happen and from there it continues on while we also build a relationship with all of the characters. Very curious to see where this series goes. Will definitely be getting the next book.
Read
January 11, 2021The writing didn't work for me. It was all tell, no show. Setting was interesting, but plot too predictable.
August 24, 2020
1 star and only barely that. Dreadful. I can't believe this drivel is as popular as the numbers indicate because it is some of the worst writing I've come across in a long, long time. Maybe its just 2020 talking, but this title will go down as nothing more than another nail in the coffin of what was once my interest in the fantasy genre.
Equally astounding is that so many people consider this 'young adult' fiction. It is anything but as the YA genre relies on good writing built around the lives of a particular audience and/or cast of players (I won't say interests because when its well!!! executed it can interest everyone). This, however, just literally reads like its been written by a child at summer camp. "The suns are hot. It is hot. We must look for water or we shall surely die. Oh no, repeated attacks by various people that don't like us have us escaping with unbelievable luck. AGAIN." Think I'm kidding? Here is a bit I copied from around page 120: "She was out in the open as the rising sun washed the rugged plain in bright light. A hot wind blew against her skin. Her mouth was dry." See? I found myself sighing way too much to continue to punish my brain like this and wound up quitting before I was half through (and it took me days to slog through that much). I don't care if these characters live, I don't care if they die, I just don't care. It's that bad.
And the way the "classic elements" of the fantasy genre are slapped into this trite story make it a superficial and lackluster endeavour at best. All that is achieved by this is that I did not have any sympathy for any of the characters. AT ALL. I felt no connection to them at any stage, nor this world or the plight of any of the species involved. And to be blunt, reading this was akin to having to decipher some poorly translated technical manuals for a device I'll probably never use more than once.
I am nothing less than utterly disappointed as I hoped to find a new author to enjoy, particularly with so many offers on Kindle Unlimited. Even with that subscription giving me 'free' access to this book, it wasn't worth it.
Equally astounding is that so many people consider this 'young adult' fiction. It is anything but as the YA genre relies on good writing built around the lives of a particular audience and/or cast of players (I won't say interests because when its well!!! executed it can interest everyone). This, however, just literally reads like its been written by a child at summer camp. "The suns are hot. It is hot. We must look for water or we shall surely die. Oh no, repeated attacks by various people that don't like us have us escaping with unbelievable luck. AGAIN." Think I'm kidding? Here is a bit I copied from around page 120: "She was out in the open as the rising sun washed the rugged plain in bright light. A hot wind blew against her skin. Her mouth was dry." See? I found myself sighing way too much to continue to punish my brain like this and wound up quitting before I was half through (and it took me days to slog through that much). I don't care if these characters live, I don't care if they die, I just don't care. It's that bad.
And the way the "classic elements" of the fantasy genre are slapped into this trite story make it a superficial and lackluster endeavour at best. All that is achieved by this is that I did not have any sympathy for any of the characters. AT ALL. I felt no connection to them at any stage, nor this world or the plight of any of the species involved. And to be blunt, reading this was akin to having to decipher some poorly translated technical manuals for a device I'll probably never use more than once.
I am nothing less than utterly disappointed as I hoped to find a new author to enjoy, particularly with so many offers on Kindle Unlimited. Even with that subscription giving me 'free' access to this book, it wasn't worth it.
May 29, 2020
I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love fantasy so much and when I saw this cover and read the description I feel excited to beginning a new fantasy series! But then I was very disappointed so, here we go
The positive: It´s a very fast reading and the world is fascinating, all the idea about this books it´s amazing but...
The negative: I was a little boring while I am reading this book, like a said the idea and the world was amazing but the developing was boring, this is my personal opinion!
This book is more telling than showing BUT don´t get me wrong! This is only a warning for people who wants to read a book more showing than telling because for me it´s not a problem, my favorite books are like that (The Hobbit, Dune, IT, etc...)
About the characters I don´t feel very attached to them, maybe Selena was my favorites but I am very sure I forget her in the next months. It was more fantasy than sci-fi but maybe it’ll turn into sci-fi in the later books? And Taimin was very disappointed for me, I understand he feels bad because he is a cripple and all his life her aunt says he es weak and can´t survived alone so she take the responsibility to train him... I sincerely hoped that he could evolve during the story but clearly his condition was an impediment, and I think it is not a good example for any reader who goes through the same.
So... that´s all.
I love fantasy so much and when I saw this cover and read the description I feel excited to beginning a new fantasy series! But then I was very disappointed so, here we go
The positive: It´s a very fast reading and the world is fascinating, all the idea about this books it´s amazing but...
The negative: I was a little boring while I am reading this book, like a said the idea and the world was amazing but the developing was boring, this is my personal opinion!
This book is more telling than showing BUT don´t get me wrong! This is only a warning for people who wants to read a book more showing than telling because for me it´s not a problem, my favorite books are like that (The Hobbit, Dune, IT, etc...)
About the characters I don´t feel very attached to them, maybe Selena was my favorites but I am very sure I forget her in the next months. It was more fantasy than sci-fi but maybe it’ll turn into sci-fi in the later books? And Taimin was very disappointed for me, I understand he feels bad because he is a cripple and all his life her aunt says he es weak and can´t survived alone so she take the responsibility to train him... I sincerely hoped that he could evolve during the story but clearly his condition was an impediment, and I think it is not a good example for any reader who goes through the same.
So... that´s all.
April 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this high fantasy. Yes, the ending isn’t a full resolution, but it’s clearly titled as a trilogy and stops at an appropriate place in the plot. It’s a young YA story that also appeals to adults.
I was surprised how mixed this book’s reviews are. The world building is excellent and I immediately connected with the hero, Taimin, and how he battles his way to a fabled city, despite his mangled foot. I think a more appropriate title would have been ‘A Boy From Nowhere,’ as Taimin is the main protagonist. His arena fight scenes were vivid without being gory.
I could clearly picture the different races and their leaders’ motivations. I particularly liked the characterisation of the ‘bad’ characters: complex and believable.
I’m looking forward to Book 2!
I was surprised how mixed this book’s reviews are. The world building is excellent and I immediately connected with the hero, Taimin, and how he battles his way to a fabled city, despite his mangled foot. I think a more appropriate title would have been ‘A Boy From Nowhere,’ as Taimin is the main protagonist. His arena fight scenes were vivid without being gory.
I could clearly picture the different races and their leaders’ motivations. I particularly liked the characterisation of the ‘bad’ characters: complex and believable.
I’m looking forward to Book 2!
January 15, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! One of the most original fantasies I’ve read, the snappy pace hooked me and the twists kept me guessing (and guessing incorrectly, which doesn’t usually happen!). Not only that, but, as the best of literature should, this tale caused me to ponder parallel situations of our world to consider the world beyond the boundaries of what we can see, and to assess my own interior world. I enjoyed this book so much and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a swashbuckling, thought-provoking, and (thankfully) not gratuitously dark story.
February 8, 2021
A sci-fi fantasy story with a dystopian feel. Lots of action and interesting world building. I enjoyed the different species and races and liked watching the development of shared trust that erased racial fears and saved their world. I became attached to the characters and will continue to see what happens next! I enjoyed the audiobook version of the novel.
January 21, 2021
Good
This is a good book and a quick read. It has danger, fantasy and love of family. It's a book of endings and new beginnings. I interested to BB see how the story continues.
This is a good book and a quick read. It has danger, fantasy and love of family. It's a book of endings and new beginnings. I interested to BB see how the story continues.
April 26, 2020
Strange yet fascinating
What a strange world this is, I am not, much for science fiction but this kept me reading, and I will read the nezt
What a strange world this is, I am not, much for science fiction but this kept me reading, and I will read the nezt
May 28, 2023
Loving this series, the characters are interesting and well developed, the storyline is different and compelling
February 15, 2023
I liked this book a lot when I started it, but then it got slow, and I became a little bored. I hate to say it, but it's true. There is a period in the book when not much is happening. They're traveling, Selena is learning how to control this power that she hates, and they're trying to find their place in the world. This sort of boring plateau in the story doesn't have to be boring. An example of this is Patrick Rothfuss. His books are huge, the story is very detailed, lots of world building, and there are quiet periods, one of them very long. But I was never bored. It's been a bit since I have read those books, so I do not feel qualified to try to lay out how he did it and why it was different from this, but if you haven't read his work and you enjoy high fantasy, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I did enjoy this, though. I love new worlds and foreign creatures and seeing what another's imagination can create. I loved the premise and thought it was well-executed. I wasn't confused as to what was going on, I didn't feel like there was history I should be privy to, and most of the pacing was good. As someone with a physical disability, I enjoyed Taimin the most, seeing him learn to compensate for his weaknesses and play on his strengths. There is nothing quite like a character who gets dismissed for not being physically imposing, or having powers, or whatever else, and then they prove to be so adaptable. Maybe your body doesn't function quite right and doesn't always do what you need it to, but that doesn't make one weak or worth less.
I was satisfied with the ending and have decided I will give the sequel a chance to redeem its predecessor for the boring spell.
I did enjoy this, though. I love new worlds and foreign creatures and seeing what another's imagination can create. I loved the premise and thought it was well-executed. I wasn't confused as to what was going on, I didn't feel like there was history I should be privy to, and most of the pacing was good. As someone with a physical disability, I enjoyed Taimin the most, seeing him learn to compensate for his weaknesses and play on his strengths. There is nothing quite like a character who gets dismissed for not being physically imposing, or having powers, or whatever else, and then they prove to be so adaptable. Maybe your body doesn't function quite right and doesn't always do what you need it to, but that doesn't make one weak or worth less.
I was satisfied with the ending and have decided I will give the sequel a chance to redeem its predecessor for the boring spell.
June 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
*ARC received from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSz0J...
The world-building in the story is wonderful. This world, this wasteland, is completely surrounded by fire. Nobody knows why. It's a very arid desert-like place where survival, water, food, and supplies are all mixed together. Which is why everybody is in search of this White City.
There's also an introduction to the mystic system, which I quite enjoyed. And later in the
story, a gladiatorial arena was introduced and this is when things really took off for me. I struggled at the beginning to really get into the story. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. You had characters explaining other characters but we never really got to see what they were telling us about.
The story was told by the perspective of these two main characters Taimin and Selena but at the weirdest times, we'd suddenly switch perspectives to some of the minor characters. These transitions feel weird and this ended up leading to the relationship development in this story, even between some of the minor character friendships, not feeling authentic. Some of these connections felt like they were forced there to move the plot along or because there needed to be a romance. It didn't seem necessary. The connection between the two main characters could have been built up a little bit more. This story had the feel of an epic journey but with the number of pages we got and how much of the story that was told, we lost a lot of that development and that build. So the connection, as a reader, to these characters dropped.
I did really enjoy the story that was being told and the different creatures and races. It seemed like it could have been fleshed out more. Mainly because you were introduced to a lot of politics and characters with these backstories, quickly thrown at you that could have been something of weight and story all of their own. I wanted to see more of that from this story.
Some of the creatures in this world were so fascinating. Griff is by far the one who stole the
story. Griff and Taimin, I just think that dynamic there, if there was more of that in this book, I would have loved it so much more.
*ARC received from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSz0J...
The world-building in the story is wonderful. This world, this wasteland, is completely surrounded by fire. Nobody knows why. It's a very arid desert-like place where survival, water, food, and supplies are all mixed together. Which is why everybody is in search of this White City.
There's also an introduction to the mystic system, which I quite enjoyed. And later in the
story, a gladiatorial arena was introduced and this is when things really took off for me. I struggled at the beginning to really get into the story. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. You had characters explaining other characters but we never really got to see what they were telling us about.
The story was told by the perspective of these two main characters Taimin and Selena but at the weirdest times, we'd suddenly switch perspectives to some of the minor characters. These transitions feel weird and this ended up leading to the relationship development in this story, even between some of the minor character friendships, not feeling authentic. Some of these connections felt like they were forced there to move the plot along or because there needed to be a romance. It didn't seem necessary. The connection between the two main characters could have been built up a little bit more. This story had the feel of an epic journey but with the number of pages we got and how much of the story that was told, we lost a lot of that development and that build. So the connection, as a reader, to these characters dropped.
I did really enjoy the story that was being told and the different creatures and races. It seemed like it could have been fleshed out more. Mainly because you were introduced to a lot of politics and characters with these backstories, quickly thrown at you that could have been something of weight and story all of their own. I wanted to see more of that from this story.
Some of the creatures in this world were so fascinating. Griff is by far the one who stole the
story. Griff and Taimin, I just think that dynamic there, if there was more of that in this book, I would have loved it so much more.
November 4, 2020
I’m not going to lie, when I downloaded this book, I was thinking it’s a book to read at night, when I’m in bed. That way, if I’m bored, I’ll let the story drag until it’s died.
I was wrong.
When I got going with A Girl From Nowhere, by James Maxwell, I was stunned into loving the story. The actually plot, the characters and even the action was filled with something new. Something fresh, that I hasn’t read in a very long time. I’d fallen into this rut of wanting horror more than anything else, that fantasy had gotten away from me. So let me share why I think you should read this one- as well as read the second book. Book three isn’t out yet.
Tainan is a young man who’s gone through a stint of bad luck. His parent’s have been killed, his foot was crushed, making him a cripple, and in the Wasteland, that’s not healthy for anyone. Tainan lives in a world where of the driest sand, creatures that eat anything that lives and cactus is the main source of water, since most of the land’s water has gone dry. But there is word of a place, possibly imaginary, where food is plenty, water is vast and everyone lives together, no matter the race.
But is it real? Could such a Utopia exist? Tainan heads out to see. He makes friends along the way, but once they come tot he walls of the place that was supposed to be for all to share, they’re treated poorly and turned away. Why? You’ll have to read to find out.
The story is pure fun and the storyline, the magic, is cool. It’s not like The Hobbit or anything but it’s’ fantastical. It’s enjoyable and well worth the read.
I was wrong.
When I got going with A Girl From Nowhere, by James Maxwell, I was stunned into loving the story. The actually plot, the characters and even the action was filled with something new. Something fresh, that I hasn’t read in a very long time. I’d fallen into this rut of wanting horror more than anything else, that fantasy had gotten away from me. So let me share why I think you should read this one- as well as read the second book. Book three isn’t out yet.
Tainan is a young man who’s gone through a stint of bad luck. His parent’s have been killed, his foot was crushed, making him a cripple, and in the Wasteland, that’s not healthy for anyone. Tainan lives in a world where of the driest sand, creatures that eat anything that lives and cactus is the main source of water, since most of the land’s water has gone dry. But there is word of a place, possibly imaginary, where food is plenty, water is vast and everyone lives together, no matter the race.
But is it real? Could such a Utopia exist? Tainan heads out to see. He makes friends along the way, but once they come tot he walls of the place that was supposed to be for all to share, they’re treated poorly and turned away. Why? You’ll have to read to find out.
The story is pure fun and the storyline, the magic, is cool. It’s not like The Hobbit or anything but it’s’ fantastical. It’s enjoyable and well worth the read.
May 7, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! James Maxwell did a wonderful job creating a vivid and intractable world. There were new races, interesting places, and action to boot. Every page was entertaining, and I read the whole thing in two sittings. Being that it was so fast paced, I didn’t find there to be any slow areas, and I think that the second half of the novel is even more page-turning than the beginning.
My only complaint is that, throughout, I felt like I was missing something with the characters. It took me a bit to figure out what that was before I realized that it was the way the story was written. Though engaging and throughly fun, there is a lot of ‘telling’ in the book. By that I mean things like this: at one point, the female main character (Selena) says “Taimin always thought he was right”. I would have much rather had some deep POV from Taimin saying something like ‘Taimin huffed, looking at her intently. Though her Idea was sound, his harsh survival instinct had kept him alive this far. As much as he trusted her, he knew he was right.’. Something like that, throughout the book, would have given a much more intense emotional connection to the main characters. By the second half, I feel like Maxwell did dive deeper.
All in all, I really liked the book, and look forward to reading the next one!
My only complaint is that, throughout, I felt like I was missing something with the characters. It took me a bit to figure out what that was before I realized that it was the way the story was written. Though engaging and throughly fun, there is a lot of ‘telling’ in the book. By that I mean things like this: at one point, the female main character (Selena) says “Taimin always thought he was right”. I would have much rather had some deep POV from Taimin saying something like ‘Taimin huffed, looking at her intently. Though her Idea was sound, his harsh survival instinct had kept him alive this far. As much as he trusted her, he knew he was right.’. Something like that, throughout the book, would have given a much more intense emotional connection to the main characters. By the second half, I feel like Maxwell did dive deeper.
All in all, I really liked the book, and look forward to reading the next one!
May 30, 2020
I’ve read James Maxwell’s previous series and loved them, but this feels like it was written by a different author. Maybe he’s trying something new? Well, it didn’t work for me. The writing was simplistic but too wordy (was he paid per word?). Many of the alien species just seemed like different types of human; they didn’t really have “alien” characteristics. Is he trying for a YA audience? I’ve read far better YA books.
The story itself was ok, if a bit predictable. The last half of the book was better than the first (took my rating up from 2 to 3 stars). I’ll probably read the next book, but it won’t be a priority, so I may or may not get around to it...
The story itself was ok, if a bit predictable. The last half of the book was better than the first (took my rating up from 2 to 3 stars). I’ll probably read the next book, but it won’t be a priority, so I may or may not get around to it...
June 10, 2020
I loved reading this book with thanks to Amazon first reads, I've never read anything from this author before and now I must read his others I loved this book that much, it was so gripping from the first chapter , I didn't see anything coming has a few different view points ( which I wasn't expecting ) which do help follow the storyline. I love the main character was scared for him a few times he goes through a lot in this book . this is a must read can't wait for book 2
May 3, 2022
Fucking garbage. Like it was a rough draft written by a high-school freshman. There is a considerable lack of development in nearly all aspects: character, setting, tone or otherwise. In turn, like many other readers, I was put off by the 3rd grade writing level and constant telling rather showing. Breaks the most basic writing rules. I don't understand how this hot mess was approved by an editor let alone published.
January 6, 2021
This book was ok. Kind of a mix of dystopian and fantasy. The female protagonist was typical of these sorts of books. Girl has special powers. Girl doesn’t realize how powerful she is. Girl gets captured and is forced to use power for evil. Girl gets tired of evil and summons up her inner “force”. And so on. Over all, nothing spectacular, but also not the worst.
January 2, 2023
Wow, just wow. This book was the only one I read in a week because I didn't want any distractions ❤️ the world building😍❤️ the characters have my heart❤️ I'm glad I got this one for Christmas, I will be reading more of his work in the future 😍❤️ Highly recommend this to everyone 😍❤️
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