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Quantum Assassin #1
Chainworld:
How do you escape an enemy who can follow you everywhere and everywhen?
Shryke knows you can't, yet still he runs for his life. There are horrors buried deep in his memory that have been locked away from him by some secret magic. All he knows is that he is the Quantum Assassin, and he stands alone against the end of everything - the lone warrior in a war he can’t hope to win.
The God-Queen’s hunger for destruction will only be sated by the end of Chainworld, a series of impossible constructs held together by science so advanced the inhabitants mistake it for magic. Shryke and those he meets along the way must complete his memory so he can stand against her; otherwise, the Chainworld will be shattered and life as they know it will cease to be.
Get book one in this stunning science fantasy adventure that will challenge what you know about reality!
Also available on Audible, narrated by award -winning narrator Derek Perkins.
Shryke knows you can't, yet still he runs for his life. There are horrors buried deep in his memory that have been locked away from him by some secret magic. All he knows is that he is the Quantum Assassin, and he stands alone against the end of everything - the lone warrior in a war he can’t hope to win.
The God-Queen’s hunger for destruction will only be sated by the end of Chainworld, a series of impossible constructs held together by science so advanced the inhabitants mistake it for magic. Shryke and those he meets along the way must complete his memory so he can stand against her; otherwise, the Chainworld will be shattered and life as they know it will cease to be.
Get book one in this stunning science fantasy adventure that will challenge what you know about reality!
Also available on Audible, narrated by award -winning narrator Derek Perkins.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
332 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2019
13 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 20, 2019
For me this was a fast paced, unique Science Fantasy pulp novel. Loved every minute of it.
June 29, 2019
3.5 Stars. It was slow in getting my attention because of how repeatative the first 50ish pages felt, but it quickly picked up. The characters were interested and the concept was unique. Definitely a bit above average, and based off of how this book improved from being to end, I expect the series to get better and better.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair, honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair, honest review.*
July 12, 2023
Sākotnēji divās viena ar otru nesaistītās instancēs Shryke, jau, maigi sakot, pieredzējis karotājs un Baal, pavisam jauniņš un vēl apjucis, personāži tiek izrauti no ierastajām vidēm, lai cīnīties pret dievu, kas nolēmis iznīcībai paša reiz radītu pasauli.
https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...
https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...
June 24, 2019
Chainworld is a Science Fiction Fantasy novel that is well beyond the scope of Epic, it is a story of such astonishing proportions that when you do reach the end (and you will be racing through pages to reach the end, as the story is totally enthralling from the first to the last page), when you do reach the end, you will sit back and just go WOW!
Whilst I have not actually delved into many books of this type in the genre (I am a fan of Peter Newman, and this fell into the realms of the Legends of the Duskwalkers and The Vagrant Trilogies, all of which are exceptional), this was of a quality that was awe-inspiring.
The world-building in this novel is some of the most detailed, creative and intricate work I have ever read in a Sci-Fi or Fantasy book, and was done with such a fine touch, that it was weaved amongst the story so that we learnt about it whilst reading the book, so as to not be weighed down with pages and pages of heavy descriptions. Some parts make you stop and think which is always amusing, others are rather brutal (this is not a YA novel), and others are not only beautiful, but extraordinary in their detail.
The main character, Shryke is one of the most interesting characters I have read this year, with a multitude of personality traits gathered over 35000yrs, making him both an elite and brutal killer, but at the same time, a caring human being will to sacrifice themselves for the life of another. The contrast in personality, his warring emotions, and his battle to complete his mission are at the centre of this story and make for a stunning storyline.
The other main character (the story is split into two halves as such), is Barl, a young boy, whisked from his village and taken to a place he has no understanding of, told he has abilities he does not understand, and a destiny that makes no sense to him. Rather than fall into a withering heap on the floor like most of us would, Barl faces the challenges before him, and is faced with an incredible journey through this unbelievable world.
There are several other characters in the story, each of them with such depth, such power, that you feel like you know each of them by the end of the book. Summer, Galdar, Lucillian, the members of Galdar’s church. Then there are the creatures that the authors have created. The God-Queen is perhaps one of the best, terrifying characters I have read of this year (for this type of genre – sorry, I don’t read horror – I was a cop for 11yrs, saw enough there). Even with comparisons to my Mother, this thing is still one of the scariest things I know of.
Chainworld sets a new level for the genre of Sci-Fi Fantasy, once you read this, you will forever be holding books up against it. If you love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or a combo of both, you must do yourself a favour and read this, you will not be disappointed as it is going to be one of the Top 10 books of the year for the genre.
Whilst I have not actually delved into many books of this type in the genre (I am a fan of Peter Newman, and this fell into the realms of the Legends of the Duskwalkers and The Vagrant Trilogies, all of which are exceptional), this was of a quality that was awe-inspiring.
The world-building in this novel is some of the most detailed, creative and intricate work I have ever read in a Sci-Fi or Fantasy book, and was done with such a fine touch, that it was weaved amongst the story so that we learnt about it whilst reading the book, so as to not be weighed down with pages and pages of heavy descriptions. Some parts make you stop and think which is always amusing, others are rather brutal (this is not a YA novel), and others are not only beautiful, but extraordinary in their detail.
The main character, Shryke is one of the most interesting characters I have read this year, with a multitude of personality traits gathered over 35000yrs, making him both an elite and brutal killer, but at the same time, a caring human being will to sacrifice themselves for the life of another. The contrast in personality, his warring emotions, and his battle to complete his mission are at the centre of this story and make for a stunning storyline.
The other main character (the story is split into two halves as such), is Barl, a young boy, whisked from his village and taken to a place he has no understanding of, told he has abilities he does not understand, and a destiny that makes no sense to him. Rather than fall into a withering heap on the floor like most of us would, Barl faces the challenges before him, and is faced with an incredible journey through this unbelievable world.
There are several other characters in the story, each of them with such depth, such power, that you feel like you know each of them by the end of the book. Summer, Galdar, Lucillian, the members of Galdar’s church. Then there are the creatures that the authors have created. The God-Queen is perhaps one of the best, terrifying characters I have read of this year (for this type of genre – sorry, I don’t read horror – I was a cop for 11yrs, saw enough there). Even with comparisons to my Mother, this thing is still one of the scariest things I know of.
Chainworld sets a new level for the genre of Sci-Fi Fantasy, once you read this, you will forever be holding books up against it. If you love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or a combo of both, you must do yourself a favour and read this, you will not be disappointed as it is going to be one of the Top 10 books of the year for the genre.
July 23, 2019
I received this book for free at my request and have provided this voluntary review.
I listened to the audiobook of this book and was pleasantly surprised, especially considering this was the first time I have ever read anything under the science fantasy genre. That took a bit to get used to.
Overall, the book wasn't bad and I enjoyed myself. The chapters would go back and forth between Shryke/Galdar and Barl, which irritated me to no end (in a good way!) because I would get so invested in what was happening right then with those characters. The characters were developing really well, too.
I always worry when male authors create a pivotal female character because a lot of times they can be handled very poorly and turn into a characterization of what they could have been. However, I thought these authors did an excellent job with both Galdar and Summer. I think there is still a lot of potential for the authors to grow Galdar, though I wanted more from her as her arc progressed and her internal struggles were laid out. Summer was pretty badass, but again, I would have liked to have seen more action scenes from her.
The Chainworld idea itself was a little hard to grasp at first, especially when the authors started throwing in the science fiction elements. It came together a little bit more as the story went on.
The narrator was fairly good as well and handled the various characters very well.
I listened to the audiobook of this book and was pleasantly surprised, especially considering this was the first time I have ever read anything under the science fantasy genre. That took a bit to get used to.
Overall, the book wasn't bad and I enjoyed myself. The chapters would go back and forth between Shryke/Galdar and Barl, which irritated me to no end (in a good way!) because I would get so invested in what was happening right then with those characters. The characters were developing really well, too.
I always worry when male authors create a pivotal female character because a lot of times they can be handled very poorly and turn into a characterization of what they could have been. However, I thought these authors did an excellent job with both Galdar and Summer. I think there is still a lot of potential for the authors to grow Galdar, though I wanted more from her as her arc progressed and her internal struggles were laid out. Summer was pretty badass, but again, I would have liked to have seen more action scenes from her.
The Chainworld idea itself was a little hard to grasp at first, especially when the authors started throwing in the science fiction elements. It came together a little bit more as the story went on.
The narrator was fairly good as well and handled the various characters very well.
June 29, 2019
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Chainworld was an ok book that could have been great with more world building and character background. I thought the writing was well done there just wasn’t much story to it. There were also two completely separate storylines for Shryke and Baal that didn’t seem to have any crossover for most of the book.
I did find the world somewhat interesting but it could have used a lot more description. I’m still not quite sure what the “chainworld” actually is. The villain and the idea of the God Queen killing the same person across different realities and times is another interesting aspect of this book. It was really well written and I see potential in the series. As a first book this was a decent start but to determine if it’s actually good or not I need to see where the series goes.
I listened to the audio book. Derek Perkins may have been the best part about this book. His narration was spot on.
Chainworld was an ok book that could have been great with more world building and character background. I thought the writing was well done there just wasn’t much story to it. There were also two completely separate storylines for Shryke and Baal that didn’t seem to have any crossover for most of the book.
I did find the world somewhat interesting but it could have used a lot more description. I’m still not quite sure what the “chainworld” actually is. The villain and the idea of the God Queen killing the same person across different realities and times is another interesting aspect of this book. It was really well written and I see potential in the series. As a first book this was a decent start but to determine if it’s actually good or not I need to see where the series goes.
I listened to the audio book. Derek Perkins may have been the best part about this book. His narration was spot on.
August 4, 2019
I tried this one out on the basis of the cover, and here’s a book that lives up to it! I was hooked when a character is sucked out of his primitive surroundings as a young boy and finds himself on a space craft where the pilot points out his world, contained within a giant metal sphere, then says he’ll be trained to use his gift as a quantum assassin using ‘magic’ based on quantum physics, I knew I was here for the long haul.
We’re treated to pair of POV narratives, of the kid in question as well as an amnesiac warrior wandering through a world of about medieval/steampunk levels of technology/magic. On the con side, we don’t get any idea what the real stakes are or what the overriding conflict is until about 80 percent into the book, if you don’t count the opening creation narrative, but the characters and the world they explore are more than interesting enough to keep a reader occupied.
I wanted to read more, but was sad to see there were no other volumes in the series yet.
We’re treated to pair of POV narratives, of the kid in question as well as an amnesiac warrior wandering through a world of about medieval/steampunk levels of technology/magic. On the con side, we don’t get any idea what the real stakes are or what the overriding conflict is until about 80 percent into the book, if you don’t count the opening creation narrative, but the characters and the world they explore are more than interesting enough to keep a reader occupied.
I wanted to read more, but was sad to see there were no other volumes in the series yet.
July 15, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Forgive me, Mother, for I have sinned."
'It was the best of times. It was the worst of times...'
A tale of two heroes.
Or is it one, or three?
I have to 'fess up here: I love science fiction, fantasy not so much. But this book intrigued me ...
And it continues to do so.
To be honest, at first I did not have a clue what was happening. The words made sense, indeed, it was beautifully written, but the meaning of the sentences when put together just seemed disjointed and unfathomable - and I began to doubt my decision to venture into fantasy. But the imagery was stunning even if it didn't seem to be going anywhere, so I stuck with it through both of the journeys separated in time by 35,000 years, through the fear and fighting and gore ...
And then there was the ending, the serpent's tail, leaving me, if I'm honest, slightly stunned. And waiting for the next book to arrive.
Narration by English accented Derek Perkins was perfect steady, calm, relentless - yes, perfect.
My deepest of thanks to the rights holder of Chainworld, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. I still have become a convert to fantasy, but this book was simply amazing, mind images made strong and so vivid that the story itself rather fades into the ether. Have no expectations. Be prepared to be confused, especially early in the story. But just keep reading, let the images swirl in your head...
"Forgive me, Mother, for I have sinned."
'It was the best of times. It was the worst of times...'
A tale of two heroes.
Or is it one, or three?
I have to 'fess up here: I love science fiction, fantasy not so much. But this book intrigued me ...
And it continues to do so.
To be honest, at first I did not have a clue what was happening. The words made sense, indeed, it was beautifully written, but the meaning of the sentences when put together just seemed disjointed and unfathomable - and I began to doubt my decision to venture into fantasy. But the imagery was stunning even if it didn't seem to be going anywhere, so I stuck with it through both of the journeys separated in time by 35,000 years, through the fear and fighting and gore ...
And then there was the ending, the serpent's tail, leaving me, if I'm honest, slightly stunned. And waiting for the next book to arrive.
Narration by English accented Derek Perkins was perfect steady, calm, relentless - yes, perfect.
My deepest of thanks to the rights holder of Chainworld, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. I still have become a convert to fantasy, but this book was simply amazing, mind images made strong and so vivid that the story itself rather fades into the ether. Have no expectations. Be prepared to be confused, especially early in the story. But just keep reading, let the images swirl in your head...
December 23, 2019
Not to Bad
This story involves the age old theme of saving the universe but it does this through a lot of interesting aspects involving dimensional and time travel whilst allowing some good characters to shine through.
A little bit of dragging I feel but still a worthy read.
Solid 4 stars across the board and i shall to my keep an eye on more list.
This story involves the age old theme of saving the universe but it does this through a lot of interesting aspects involving dimensional and time travel whilst allowing some good characters to shine through.
A little bit of dragging I feel but still a worthy read.
Solid 4 stars across the board and i shall to my keep an eye on more list.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews