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Prism
“Your journey will be seven years. Your destination is Earth.”
In the pristine society of Dromini, Kyla’s genetic condition is considered a crime worthy of exile. She’s banished to Earth, where she hopes to find the love and acceptance she craves. Kyla soon learns, however, that fear and ignorance are inescapable forces in the universe—and her problems don’t end there. Earth’s atmosphere has triggered a series of changes in her cells that give her abilities she can’t control, abilities the military powers on Earth want to exploit.
With the help of Emmy Saria, lead scientist for the PRISM project, Kyla learns to harness her new gifts. As Emmy struggles to convince her peers that Kyla isn’t dangerous, Kyla is called upon to stop an arms race that threatens to engulf the world in war. She’s forced to decide not only if she’s capable of fighting the battle she’s asked to fight, but whether she wants to go to war for a society who so desperately wants to treat her as an outsider.
In the pristine society of Dromini, Kyla’s genetic condition is considered a crime worthy of exile. She’s banished to Earth, where she hopes to find the love and acceptance she craves. Kyla soon learns, however, that fear and ignorance are inescapable forces in the universe—and her problems don’t end there. Earth’s atmosphere has triggered a series of changes in her cells that give her abilities she can’t control, abilities the military powers on Earth want to exploit.
With the help of Emmy Saria, lead scientist for the PRISM project, Kyla learns to harness her new gifts. As Emmy struggles to convince her peers that Kyla isn’t dangerous, Kyla is called upon to stop an arms race that threatens to engulf the world in war. She’s forced to decide not only if she’s capable of fighting the battle she’s asked to fight, but whether she wants to go to war for a society who so desperately wants to treat her as an outsider.
- GenresSuperheroes
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Matt King
9 books38 followersHi. I'm Matt.
Mythology is high on my revolving list of hyperfixations. I've taken my love of Greek myths and mixed those characters with modern stories of people learning to cope with superhuman abilities. Everything I write takes place in the same universe because I like to think my characters would try to get together for game nights.
When I'm not writing or buying things based solely on its sweet, sweet artwork, I can usually be found in an airport terminal because I won't rest until I've bought Magic cards in every major city.
Mythology is high on my revolving list of hyperfixations. I've taken my love of Greek myths and mixed those characters with modern stories of people learning to cope with superhuman abilities. Everything I write takes place in the same universe because I like to think my characters would try to get together for game nights.
When I'm not writing or buying things based solely on its sweet, sweet artwork, I can usually be found in an airport terminal because I won't rest until I've bought Magic cards in every major city.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 22, 2019
Matt King dedicates this book “to those fighting every day to belong”, and truly the theme of belonging touches every piece of this sci-fi, first contact with alien life, superhero origin on a dystopian world story.
When Kyla(Prism) is cast out of her own Drominian society for being different, she hopes to find a home on the planet to which she has been sent. What she gets is a whole lot more complex - relationships and unexpected super powers are just the beginning.
King does an amazing job of breathing life into this uniquely gifted hero. The dynamic between the four main characters – Kyla, Emmy, Jon and Rector – demonstrates so many shades of empathy and the ways in which people can choose to accept or reject each other. The plot line is well thought out and solid in its presentation. There were a few little gaps in the world building- pertaining to the opposing factions and the lack of description of new plant and animal life - where more detail could have been included.
At its core, this is a coming of age story of a young, uniquely abled person finding her way to a form of belonging that looks a bit different than the perfect unequivocal acceptance she had dreamt of but is a form of family just the same.
On the whole, a really great read! Can’t wait to see what else is in store for Kyla (Prism).
When Kyla(Prism) is cast out of her own Drominian society for being different, she hopes to find a home on the planet to which she has been sent. What she gets is a whole lot more complex - relationships and unexpected super powers are just the beginning.
King does an amazing job of breathing life into this uniquely gifted hero. The dynamic between the four main characters – Kyla, Emmy, Jon and Rector – demonstrates so many shades of empathy and the ways in which people can choose to accept or reject each other. The plot line is well thought out and solid in its presentation. There were a few little gaps in the world building- pertaining to the opposing factions and the lack of description of new plant and animal life - where more detail could have been included.
At its core, this is a coming of age story of a young, uniquely abled person finding her way to a form of belonging that looks a bit different than the perfect unequivocal acceptance she had dreamt of but is a form of family just the same.
On the whole, a really great read! Can’t wait to see what else is in store for Kyla (Prism).
September 13, 2020
Prism comes from a world that is always desperate for more resources. Their weak, damaged, or imperfect offspring are used as canaries in the mine and flung out to other potentially life supporting worlds to see if they are worth conquering.
The planet she lands on is Earth, and first contact does not go the way she envisioned, starting with some surprising abilities she didn't know she had.
What follows is a poignant story of a brilliant scientist and a young girl most likely with Reactive Attachment Disorder learning to trust each other - and the larger planet spanning conspiracies they find themselves embroiled in.
I did not realize until after I read this that it is a stand alone book written in a larger universe, but it felt like a very well developed world. There were a few spots (specifically where the factions are concerned) where I think the story would have more depth if I had already read the other books set in this universe, but it was an enjoyable independent read.
The planet she lands on is Earth, and first contact does not go the way she envisioned, starting with some surprising abilities she didn't know she had.
What follows is a poignant story of a brilliant scientist and a young girl most likely with Reactive Attachment Disorder learning to trust each other - and the larger planet spanning conspiracies they find themselves embroiled in.
I did not realize until after I read this that it is a stand alone book written in a larger universe, but it felt like a very well developed world. There were a few spots (specifically where the factions are concerned) where I think the story would have more depth if I had already read the other books set in this universe, but it was an enjoyable independent read.
September 9, 2019
Prism takes place on two worlds. The world the MC comes from, and a future version of Earth.
Author King does a nice job weaving this standalone story together in a way that allows those who have read his previous Circle Wars trilogy to see what happens after, but also to allow first time readers a story in which to become immersed.
An outcast on her own world, the MC is sent away to a new one. While the trip is uneventful, the landing and her subsequent stay is not so uneventful. Focusing on several characters, the story unfolds and an entertaining book emerges.
I enjoy reading this book. It's a combination SF adventure and story of a wider, political world. The story flows and the plot unfolds at a good reading pace.
I hope to read more set in the Prism world in the future.
I was given a copy of this book and have chosen to review it.
Author King does a nice job weaving this standalone story together in a way that allows those who have read his previous Circle Wars trilogy to see what happens after, but also to allow first time readers a story in which to become immersed.
An outcast on her own world, the MC is sent away to a new one. While the trip is uneventful, the landing and her subsequent stay is not so uneventful. Focusing on several characters, the story unfolds and an entertaining book emerges.
I enjoy reading this book. It's a combination SF adventure and story of a wider, political world. The story flows and the plot unfolds at a good reading pace.
I hope to read more set in the Prism world in the future.
I was given a copy of this book and have chosen to review it.
October 7, 2019
This is book isn't at all what I thought it would be. It starts on Dromini, where abnormals are sequestered away from the normals. One of these abnormals, a girl who is unable to hear well, is sent to Earth. There, she meets Emmy, Jon, and Rector. Emmy and Jon are married scientists, working on separate projects. Rector is a general for WU, an organization formed since the destruction of most of the Earth. This girl is given the name Prism, given for her various abilities, which cause her body to glow different colors. Later, it is revealed her name is Kyla. As her abilities and intentions are learned, everyone begins to trust her. However, there is another society, Tartarus, that wants to rule. Secrets are revealed, and Kyla may be the only one who can save them. I can't wait for the next installment!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
I was a fan of Matt’s previous Circle War series and was excited to see a son off in the same universe. Prism is a fun action adventure in a sci-fi world. Come for the clever characters and humor, stay to see if the characters can pull off the impossible feats necessary to save everyone!
September 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The story was exciting. The characters were well developed. And the narrator did a good job.
August 4, 2020
Well, I wrote it sooooooo....5/6 stars.
October 2, 2019
I was given a copy of this for an honest review. I loved it. I like the characters, the story line, and the world. It's well written. Never dull. Can't wait for his next book.
January 29, 2025
I swear Matt King can do no wrong. This book had me in its clutches from the first chapter all the way through the epilogue. 5/5, would recommend. In fact, if you haven't read it, WTF ARE YOU WAITNG FOR?!
October 9, 2019
Good superhero book that takes places in the same universe as King's previous trilogy, but an entirely standalone novel in it's own right. It is a fast pace read, perhaps too fast in my opinion, as I revel in drawn out epic novels when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy (like the Circle War), and a refreshing take in what is quickly becoming an oversaturated (not necessarily a bad thing) superhero world. Additionally, my 15yr old thought it was one of the best books he has read this year and is anxious to see more books like this one from King.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews