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The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs: The Complete Science Fiction Fantasy Trilogy
This box set contains the complete trilogy, over 2000 pages of fiction! They tell me heroes are the first to volunteer. But I was drafted.
An Alien, Heyer, did this to me. I asked him once why I had to do all the fighting while he watched from the shadows. He said he couldn't be replaced. But I could be.
My name is Jonathan Tibbs. I'm the one standing between Earth and the Enemy.
They tell me every hero's story follows a path. But if I'm going to save the world, I have to find a different one. "Only trust a man with power when he's wise enough not to want it." 2015, The Never Hero received an Honorable Mention in the category of Science Fiction.
2017, The Never Paradox received a Bronze Metal for the category of Young Adult Urban Fantasy.
2021, The Never Army received a Gold Metal for the category of Young Adult Action.
The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and garnered over 5000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon, Audible, and Goodreads.
“The moment I saw the premise, I was hooked.”
Amazon Reviewer - Dnorz ★★★★★
“Most satisfying book I have ever read.”
Amazon Reviewer - Estefany Chavez ★★★★★
“Jonathan Tibbs will forever have real estate in my mind and my heart!”
Audible Reviewer - Darrell Harris ★★★★★
“Just finished it and can't keep the tears out of my eyes. Whether they're from joy or sadness, I'm not sure.”
Goodreads Reviewer - Wright Michael ★★★★★
“I put this book on my shelf The Codex Alera series by Jim butcher, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and The Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor with a twist of Marvel comic book heroes thrown in. I would buy it for you if I could.”
Audible Reviewer - Anonymous ★★★★★
“Say Joss Whedon's Buffy The Vampire Slayer got together with Christopher Nolan's Inception and made a baby. Then, M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable got together with Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and made a baby. Then those two babies grew up, eloped and had a love child, who they put up for adoption, and was raised by the surrogate parent's of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky and the Wachowski Brother's Matrix, but had a crazy Uncle they all called The Karate Kid... Then you might get something as awesome as The Never Hero.”
Amazon Reviewer - Scott Baker ★★★★★
“Game of Thrones failed, Star Trek didn't succeed, and the less said about Star Wars the better, but The Never Army sticks the landing.”
Amazon Reviewer - Anonymous ★★★★★
“These books have made it into my fortress of solitude. The books, movies, and games you find yourself going back to-- a few times a year-- to enjoy all over again.”
Amazon Reviewer - Mark Sawhill ★★★★★
“Exhilarating, complex, and moving. The thought and intelligence that went into this book was staggering at times. But all of it was just so well put together. My only qualm is it's over now. For me, This book is what reading and stories are all about.”
Amazon Reviewer - Jay Teasley ★★★★★
An Alien, Heyer, did this to me. I asked him once why I had to do all the fighting while he watched from the shadows. He said he couldn't be replaced. But I could be.
My name is Jonathan Tibbs. I'm the one standing between Earth and the Enemy.
They tell me every hero's story follows a path. But if I'm going to save the world, I have to find a different one. "Only trust a man with power when he's wise enough not to want it." 2015, The Never Hero received an Honorable Mention in the category of Science Fiction.
2017, The Never Paradox received a Bronze Metal for the category of Young Adult Urban Fantasy.
2021, The Never Army received a Gold Metal for the category of Young Adult Action.
The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and garnered over 5000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon, Audible, and Goodreads.
“The moment I saw the premise, I was hooked.”
Amazon Reviewer - Dnorz ★★★★★
“Most satisfying book I have ever read.”
Amazon Reviewer - Estefany Chavez ★★★★★
“Jonathan Tibbs will forever have real estate in my mind and my heart!”
Audible Reviewer - Darrell Harris ★★★★★
“Just finished it and can't keep the tears out of my eyes. Whether they're from joy or sadness, I'm not sure.”
Goodreads Reviewer - Wright Michael ★★★★★
“I put this book on my shelf The Codex Alera series by Jim butcher, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and The Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor with a twist of Marvel comic book heroes thrown in. I would buy it for you if I could.”
Audible Reviewer - Anonymous ★★★★★
“Say Joss Whedon's Buffy The Vampire Slayer got together with Christopher Nolan's Inception and made a baby. Then, M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable got together with Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and made a baby. Then those two babies grew up, eloped and had a love child, who they put up for adoption, and was raised by the surrogate parent's of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky and the Wachowski Brother's Matrix, but had a crazy Uncle they all called The Karate Kid... Then you might get something as awesome as The Never Hero.”
Amazon Reviewer - Scott Baker ★★★★★
“Game of Thrones failed, Star Trek didn't succeed, and the less said about Star Wars the better, but The Never Army sticks the landing.”
Amazon Reviewer - Anonymous ★★★★★
“These books have made it into my fortress of solitude. The books, movies, and games you find yourself going back to-- a few times a year-- to enjoy all over again.”
Amazon Reviewer - Mark Sawhill ★★★★★
“Exhilarating, complex, and moving. The thought and intelligence that went into this book was staggering at times. But all of it was just so well put together. My only qualm is it's over now. For me, This book is what reading and stories are all about.”
Amazon Reviewer - Jay Teasley ★★★★★
- GenresScience Fiction
2224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2021
151 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
T. Ellery Hodges
6 books471 followersT. Ellery Hodges was born in Sacramento, Ca in 1981. He moved to Seattle at nineteen and received his Bachelors of Science from the University Of Washington.
Somewhere in high school and early college, he gravitated toward writing. Then he forced unsuspecting students, who had made the mistake of taking creative writing during the same period as him, to endure the reading of his short stories.
During his twenties he worked in a laboratory performing drug trials, traveled most of Washington State fixing computers for Apple, sold gym memberships, and helped manage an international supply chain for a chemical distributor. Yet, much like the rest of his generation, he found that he wasn't well suited to doing any type of work for long.
So, he brushed the metaphorical dust off the novel he'd been writing in his head for the last six years. Then, he looked up the definition of 'metaphorical' because he was pretty sure that people who called themselves writers knew that one. He found that there was at least one thing he could endure doing for forty hours a week for the rest of his life.
There is a lesson in all that about ignoring what you want to do for what you think you should, but this is a biography not a lecture.
Currently, he lives with his wife, sons, and daughter, in Seattle. He has two dogs, a Border Collie and a Doberman, Darwin and Dharma, respectively.
In the 2015 Reader's Favorite book award contest, T. Ellery Hodges' debut novel, The Never Hero, was awarded an honorable mention in the category of Science Fiction. In 2017, the sequel, The Never Paradox, was awarded a Bronze Metal for the category of YA Urban Fantasy.
Somewhere in high school and early college, he gravitated toward writing. Then he forced unsuspecting students, who had made the mistake of taking creative writing during the same period as him, to endure the reading of his short stories.
During his twenties he worked in a laboratory performing drug trials, traveled most of Washington State fixing computers for Apple, sold gym memberships, and helped manage an international supply chain for a chemical distributor. Yet, much like the rest of his generation, he found that he wasn't well suited to doing any type of work for long.
So, he brushed the metaphorical dust off the novel he'd been writing in his head for the last six years. Then, he looked up the definition of 'metaphorical' because he was pretty sure that people who called themselves writers knew that one. He found that there was at least one thing he could endure doing for forty hours a week for the rest of his life.
There is a lesson in all that about ignoring what you want to do for what you think you should, but this is a biography not a lecture.
Currently, he lives with his wife, sons, and daughter, in Seattle. He has two dogs, a Border Collie and a Doberman, Darwin and Dharma, respectively.
In the 2015 Reader's Favorite book award contest, T. Ellery Hodges' debut novel, The Never Hero, was awarded an honorable mention in the category of Science Fiction. In 2017, the sequel, The Never Paradox, was awarded a Bronze Metal for the category of YA Urban Fantasy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 19, 2022
I gave this book 2 stars because I didn’t have the patience to finish it. It is well written but the story contains interminably long conversations between characters, which prolongs the plots to an extent where I lost patience. I found myself speed reading through the chapters in order to get to more interesting parts. In the end, even this didn’t work for me and I gave up. Once started I very rarely give up on a book but this one had me beaten.
July 29, 2022
Starts with a bang, struggles through the middle, and ends with a whimper.
I mostly enjoyed this trilogy. The writing is proficient, character development is good (if a bit too explicit and mystical), action is fine, and pacing is okay. The major conceit (alternate dimensions including “The Never”) is fine. There’s a lot of exposition, and the author makes a lot of easy plotting choices, but this doesn't really impact my enjoyment.
My main complaint is that the entire thing doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I never really bought into the antagonist’s personality and decisions. I kept thinking things like “but you’ve got free access to The Never, why is any of this an issue?” The G men never really felt quite right. All of the artificial limitations placed by “the rules” seemed sort of arbitrary. None of these problems were fatal, and the first two books deserve a 5 and 4 respectively.
The real problem was the third book and the ending. The structure, multiple perspectives, and time jumping drove me crazy. It was basically “I’m going to now show you the thing you missed that explains all of the stuff that’s been happening that didn't make any sense.” This should have been written more like a mystery. Show us the parts with the clues first, so it doesn’t feel like it’s entirely made up on-demand. And the ending was a serious letdown for many spoiler-type reasons. Book 3 was a solid 2 for me, which is not something you want to end on.
I mostly enjoyed this trilogy. The writing is proficient, character development is good (if a bit too explicit and mystical), action is fine, and pacing is okay. The major conceit (alternate dimensions including “The Never”) is fine. There’s a lot of exposition, and the author makes a lot of easy plotting choices, but this doesn't really impact my enjoyment.
My main complaint is that the entire thing doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I never really bought into the antagonist’s personality and decisions. I kept thinking things like “but you’ve got free access to The Never, why is any of this an issue?” The G men never really felt quite right. All of the artificial limitations placed by “the rules” seemed sort of arbitrary. None of these problems were fatal, and the first two books deserve a 5 and 4 respectively.
The real problem was the third book and the ending. The structure, multiple perspectives, and time jumping drove me crazy. It was basically “I’m going to now show you the thing you missed that explains all of the stuff that’s been happening that didn't make any sense.” This should have been written more like a mystery. Show us the parts with the clues first, so it doesn’t feel like it’s entirely made up on-demand. And the ending was a serious letdown for many spoiler-type reasons. Book 3 was a solid 2 for me, which is not something you want to end on.
March 7, 2022
This was a fascinating set of novels. Since I read all three of them in sequence, I'm not certain, but I suspect that they do need to be read in order to be fully enjoyed.
There were many things I enjoyed about the series. First, there were some great characters. I especially liked the interplay between the three male roommates. Thier philosophical discussions were actually fascinating.
The action scenes were almost all thrilling. And, there were enough teasers about secrets to come that there was always a sense of mystery.
And, the final wrap up did a nice job of tying up most of any loose ends.
One thing I really hated was "The Never" and the repeated loops through an event. Too often, I was confused by these.
But, all in all, this was a lot of fun with some interesting philosophy hidden within all the action.
There were many things I enjoyed about the series. First, there were some great characters. I especially liked the interplay between the three male roommates. Thier philosophical discussions were actually fascinating.
The action scenes were almost all thrilling. And, there were enough teasers about secrets to come that there was always a sense of mystery.
And, the final wrap up did a nice job of tying up most of any loose ends.
One thing I really hated was "The Never" and the repeated loops through an event. Too often, I was confused by these.
But, all in all, this was a lot of fun with some interesting philosophy hidden within all the action.
January 3, 2024
Good read, but too long and too many stories
I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I also had a few problems with it. It seemed far too long and had lots of scenes that didn’t seem to lead anywhere nor advance the plot. Also, it appeared to be trying to tell too many stories at one time that might have been served by being separated. Lastly, I really don’t like it when a book series doesn’t have at least some sort of wrap up at the end of each book. This set just seemed to be divided up whenever the page count hit a certain level. Now, having been a bit harsh with all that, I really did enjoy the story, even though I had trouble accepting some of the premises and actions. Still, very entertaining and I’m glad I hung in until the end.
I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I also had a few problems with it. It seemed far too long and had lots of scenes that didn’t seem to lead anywhere nor advance the plot. Also, it appeared to be trying to tell too many stories at one time that might have been served by being separated. Lastly, I really don’t like it when a book series doesn’t have at least some sort of wrap up at the end of each book. This set just seemed to be divided up whenever the page count hit a certain level. Now, having been a bit harsh with all that, I really did enjoy the story, even though I had trouble accepting some of the premises and actions. Still, very entertaining and I’m glad I hung in until the end.
April 29, 2022
Review of the 3 book series:
Book One has a slow start and is a bit confusing at first. However, it does get really good. This is my favorite book in the series. 5 stars.
Book two was good, but there is a middle part that really dragged on for too long. I also was not a fan of the added “romantic” elements. 4 stars.
Book three. Kind of awful. It is hard for me to believe it was even written by the same author of book 1. If you’re a fan of serial fanfic than you’d probably enjoy this book. A very generous 2 stars.
Overall, book 3 left me feeling bitter and disappointed. If it wasn’t for book 3, then easily recommended.
Book One has a slow start and is a bit confusing at first. However, it does get really good. This is my favorite book in the series. 5 stars.
Book two was good, but there is a middle part that really dragged on for too long. I also was not a fan of the added “romantic” elements. 4 stars.
Book three. Kind of awful. It is hard for me to believe it was even written by the same author of book 1. If you’re a fan of serial fanfic than you’d probably enjoy this book. A very generous 2 stars.
Overall, book 3 left me feeling bitter and disappointed. If it wasn’t for book 3, then easily recommended.
January 16, 2022
The 'Never?'
The tale of the Never Hero is the first series I have read without stopping. Usually I will switch between sci-fi and fantasy but this series is set in current time. Without magic but plenty of unexplained events. so fantastical yet believable! I always did root for the underdog, which Jonathan Tibbs most definitely is. The quality of visual that one's mind creates depends on the strength of the story. T Ellory Hodges doesn't fail to trap you into his world! Thank you.
The tale of the Never Hero is the first series I have read without stopping. Usually I will switch between sci-fi and fantasy but this series is set in current time. Without magic but plenty of unexplained events. so fantastical yet believable! I always did root for the underdog, which Jonathan Tibbs most definitely is. The quality of visual that one's mind creates depends on the strength of the story. T Ellory Hodges doesn't fail to trap you into his world! Thank you.
February 4, 2022
A captivating trilogy with fascinating characters
A incredible storyline which is captivating from the first few pages and kept me reading right into the night. Characters are evolving seamlessly as the story unfolds and friendship, freedom, honour and love are becoming an integral part for this fantastic series.
I recommend this trilogy to anyone with a love for wonderfully written adventurers which go from strength to strength and get you totally immersed..
A incredible storyline which is captivating from the first few pages and kept me reading right into the night. Characters are evolving seamlessly as the story unfolds and friendship, freedom, honour and love are becoming an integral part for this fantastic series.
I recommend this trilogy to anyone with a love for wonderfully written adventurers which go from strength to strength and get you totally immersed..
March 6, 2022
Very Engaging Trilogy
This is one of those fantasy/ science fiction series that makes you think as it entertains you. The story line moves quickly with some mystery and lots of action...twists and unexpected turns. I’m not sure all of it makes sense when you finish the series, but maybe I’m just not smart enough to put all the pieces together as the author does at the end? But the journey is never dull and always moving towards an exciting and satisfying ending.
This is one of those fantasy/ science fiction series that makes you think as it entertains you. The story line moves quickly with some mystery and lots of action...twists and unexpected turns. I’m not sure all of it makes sense when you finish the series, but maybe I’m just not smart enough to put all the pieces together as the author does at the end? But the journey is never dull and always moving towards an exciting and satisfying ending.
April 22, 2022
A classic that cannot be
I would not recommend "The Chronicles of Johnathan Tibbs" to my kids. Too much bad language and sex. And that's a shame. No one I know has watched all those movies as my children and I have. And because no one will know the references within a couple of decades, this exemplary work of science fiction will never be known as the classic it actually is! Strong irony in my view.
I would not recommend "The Chronicles of Johnathan Tibbs" to my kids. Too much bad language and sex. And that's a shame. No one I know has watched all those movies as my children and I have. And because no one will know the references within a couple of decades, this exemplary work of science fiction will never be known as the classic it actually is! Strong irony in my view.
December 17, 2021
Thoroughly fun read
I really enjoyed this trilogy, in fact I was so hooked I read it straight through in 4 days. The concept was so fresh and interesting it kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book for younger readers also. The adult themes are handled very tastefully.
I really enjoyed this trilogy, in fact I was so hooked I read it straight through in 4 days. The concept was so fresh and interesting it kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book for younger readers also. The adult themes are handled very tastefully.
January 14, 2024
truly amazing
Getting through this trilogy took time, but I spend it gladly. The thoughts of and interplay between the characters constantly kept me “on my toes”, throughout the books many very unsuspected twists and turns. I enjoyed this trilogy very much. And again when I thought we were done, another surprise with amazing questions asked and answered.
Getting through this trilogy took time, but I spend it gladly. The thoughts of and interplay between the characters constantly kept me “on my toes”, throughout the books many very unsuspected twists and turns. I enjoyed this trilogy very much. And again when I thought we were done, another surprise with amazing questions asked and answered.
January 8, 2022
Roller coaster ride
Wow! Great trilogy and at one point during the rescue felt like "oceans 11" with alien technology. What an imagination this author has. Really, read this series. Above and beyond the usual. As my son used to say, *it's a classic."
Wow! Great trilogy and at one point during the rescue felt like "oceans 11" with alien technology. What an imagination this author has. Really, read this series. Above and beyond the usual. As my son used to say, *it's a classic."
February 8, 2022
Very original read!
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and the originality of the plot. I did not know what to expect, and hard a hard time not reading it all at once to find out.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and the originality of the plot. I did not know what to expect, and hard a hard time not reading it all at once to find out.
February 12, 2022
Chronicles of Jonathan Tibs
The there are 2 things I really liked in this book and that it got my attention and kept it. The second is there was little profanity. Just goes to prove that foul language does not make a good book!
The there are 2 things I really liked in this book and that it got my attention and kept it. The second is there was little profanity. Just goes to prove that foul language does not make a good book!
November 10, 2022
Move over DC and MARVELV
One of the best books I ever read. Loved the characters and the story was amazing. Hope to read more of his work soon. Thank you for the wonderful ride through dimensions.
One of the best books I ever read. Loved the characters and the story was amazing. Hope to read more of his work soon. Thank you for the wonderful ride through dimensions.
February 2, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Great series, found myself delaying bedtime for hours because I couldn't put it down, haven't been this invested in a book for a while.
Great series, found myself delaying bedtime for hours because I couldn't put it down, haven't been this invested in a book for a while.
March 4, 2022
Excellent
I really enjoyed these books and would recommend them to any sci-fi fan I also think they would make excellent movies
I really enjoyed these books and would recommend them to any sci-fi fan I also think they would make excellent movies
May 8, 2022
Very interesting and different
The characters are all addictive, the story line imaginative never boarding and I'm sorry the last page has turned .Highly recommended😁
The characters are all addictive, the story line imaginative never boarding and I'm sorry the last page has turned .Highly recommended😁
January 15, 2024
A really good trilogy that was unique from the other sci-fi books I've read
January 22, 2024
This is the best trilogy I have ever read. It is so mind warping and unique. This is the most criminally underrated trilogy of all time.
August 16, 2022
Great read
Although it rambles a bit in places it’s a great story and very engaging to the end. The science fiction ideas presented are unique and interesting. Well worth reading.
Although it rambles a bit in places it’s a great story and very engaging to the end. The science fiction ideas presented are unique and interesting. Well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews