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Starfall
Fantasy. Sci-fi. The world was brought back from the brink of annihilation, but its still-new institutions are rattled once again as heroes and criminals clash in a neon-drenched cyberpunk metropolis.
606 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
9 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Drew Harrison
4 books45 followersFort Lauderdale, Chapel Hill, London
Educator, novelist, guerilla poet, and journalist
Educator, novelist, guerilla poet, and journalist
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 9, 2022
Based on the reviews on goodreads and Amazon, I knew that I was in for an absolutely unique experience with this book, which definitely got me excited. It's somewhat outside of my normal realm of epic and modern fantasy, but once I read the reviews and the synopsis, I was hooked into the possibilities. From an overarching plot standpoint, the book absolutely did not disappoint. I could immediately visualize the gritty, almost dystopian world that Harrison built after just the first few chapters, which the front and back cover of the print version absolutely contributed to (highly recommend looking it up if you're an eBook or audiobook reader). The premise is compelling: the question of advanced AI ethics, dooms of corporate greed, and inequity of a rigid tiered social structure makes it absolutely stand out from other science fiction books on the shelves today. Not to mention the novel creation and characterization of one of the coolest premises of the book - the ability that some characters mysteriously have to control and manipulate light. For these distinctive elements alone, this book is worth the read.
That being said - this is a self published book. And to be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with self publishing books, but it generally means that the quality of the writing, the clarity of the plot, and the focus on character development may not be up to par with what you find from books associated with mainstream publishing houses. This book absolutely could have benefitted from going through a formal development- and copy-editing process. Harrison attempted a massive undertaking with Starfall by condensing what could justifiably be a 3-4 book series into one 700-page book, and as a result, a few of the main characters were left underdeveloped in favor of efficient plot movement. I often felt like some of the characters lacked justification for their actions and choices as a result. Character-driven mysteries, such as the identity of the Hunter or the Basilisk, were revealed nonchalantly and far too soon, leaving me feeling dissatisfied and wondering where this was all headed. These issues were not resolved by the end of the book, but the conclusion was still absolutely show stopping.
In terms of formatting, the print version of the book was not type set, so if you're a stickler for book formatting, that may bother you. I got used to it a few chapters in. This next feedback point is no fault of Harrison's, but I'd describe Amazon's book binding for the print version to be shoddy at best, resulting in pages towards the center of the book pulling out with little effort. As a result I highly recommend the eBook or the audiobook version if you're looking to give this a read!
Overall, I'm glad that this made it onto my book shelf. If nothing else, I hope the author revisits Starfall and considers expanding it into a multi-book series to give the characters the breathing room they deserve to do all of the amazing plot points and set pieces featured throughout the book. With a premise this unique, I hope that a major publishing snags it and makes the realm of Starfall everything it has the potential to be!
That being said - this is a self published book. And to be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with self publishing books, but it generally means that the quality of the writing, the clarity of the plot, and the focus on character development may not be up to par with what you find from books associated with mainstream publishing houses. This book absolutely could have benefitted from going through a formal development- and copy-editing process. Harrison attempted a massive undertaking with Starfall by condensing what could justifiably be a 3-4 book series into one 700-page book, and as a result, a few of the main characters were left underdeveloped in favor of efficient plot movement. I often felt like some of the characters lacked justification for their actions and choices as a result. Character-driven mysteries, such as the identity of the Hunter or the Basilisk, were revealed nonchalantly and far too soon, leaving me feeling dissatisfied and wondering where this was all headed. These issues were not resolved by the end of the book, but the conclusion was still absolutely show stopping.
In terms of formatting, the print version of the book was not type set, so if you're a stickler for book formatting, that may bother you. I got used to it a few chapters in. This next feedback point is no fault of Harrison's, but I'd describe Amazon's book binding for the print version to be shoddy at best, resulting in pages towards the center of the book pulling out with little effort. As a result I highly recommend the eBook or the audiobook version if you're looking to give this a read!
Overall, I'm glad that this made it onto my book shelf. If nothing else, I hope the author revisits Starfall and considers expanding it into a multi-book series to give the characters the breathing room they deserve to do all of the amazing plot points and set pieces featured throughout the book. With a premise this unique, I hope that a major publishing snags it and makes the realm of Starfall everything it has the potential to be!
June 19, 2022
If you liked season one of altered carbon (all I watched) you’ll love this.
Starfall has a futuristic yet believable setting where ai and tech has improved to have so much potential to make everyone’s lives better. But of course the rich use it to keep classes separated so they can remain all powerful in contrast to those who must suffer just because they were born in a different situation.
This book has interesting characters, a twisting plot and a well written ending that ties everything together in a way that resolves the story but makes you question the world. Immediately felt like I wanted to go back and read it again.
The narration was also very well done with the exception of reading out the computer punctuation which broke the immersion. I don’t know if there would be a better way to handle this however.
Can’t wait to read more by the author.
Starfall has a futuristic yet believable setting where ai and tech has improved to have so much potential to make everyone’s lives better. But of course the rich use it to keep classes separated so they can remain all powerful in contrast to those who must suffer just because they were born in a different situation.
This book has interesting characters, a twisting plot and a well written ending that ties everything together in a way that resolves the story but makes you question the world. Immediately felt like I wanted to go back and read it again.
The narration was also very well done with the exception of reading out the computer punctuation which broke the immersion. I don’t know if there would be a better way to handle this however.
Can’t wait to read more by the author.
February 26, 2022
Starfall by Drew Harrison is a murder mystery that also happens to be a dystopian/science fiction novel. The story is set in a city called New Phoenix in the year 2153. The name of the city perfectly describes both the city's past adversities and its history. Vitacorp, an extra-government cooperation, was controlling almost every sector of New Phoenix. An old crisis in the city's past led Vitacorp's rise to power. The city's skyline is dominated by the onyx-black tower of the medical mega-corporation VitaCorp, a major medical conglomerate, that has the most influence in the city. Their influence is so strong that even the city government bows to their authority. Abductions and even murders are reported in the city by stoic, suited employees of the black tower, and their enforcers are rumored to possess technology unlike anything else in the history of mankind.
Hannah Preacher hopes to find out what killed Quaine O'Connor (suspected to have been killed by Vitacorps for the truth he knew). With the help of city police agents Sam Pollock and Rob Boardsmith, she tries to unravels a web of murder, exploitation, cruelty. On their quest, they were constantly pursued by one of Vitacorp's most dangerous enforcers, a hunter in black leather who kept track of every soul he reaped on his battery pack. What follows is a near perfect police procedural which at the same time is used as a vehicle to showcase the entirety of this 'AI' reality; through the hopes and goals of the future of mankind. So needless to say, the story revolves around moral conflict.
From the very beginning, Drew Harrison pulls the reader into this disorientating future city of New Phoenix, allowing them to discover all of the subtle developments and changes that have now become the norm. Author Drew Harrison manages to paint a truly vivid and uncompromisingly bleak vision of this urban future that screams eerily of a potentially close prediction. The premise is extraordinarily interesting and meticulously developed. It’s tragic and emotionally charged. And yet it’s actually written in very simple, straightforward terms.
Author utilises a number of carefully developed characters, each fulfilling their own unique role within the tale. As the plot moves further along, so these characters begin to play out their individual parts, drawing together a close knit collection of characters, who bring the gloomy premise of the tale to life. Starfall asks many interesting questions about the nature of humanity and proposes an interesting future scenario for the human race.
With the plot becoming more and more involved, so the storyline becomes more gripping. Drew Harrison’s story telling and characters keep the reader feeling totally engaged with each development in to tale. As the novel draws towards its monstrous finale, author throws in an abundance of over-the-top action for our principal characters as they jump from one dramatic situation to the next, with barely a breather in between. The novel ends with a totally unforeseen twist ending that will make the reader scan back a chapter or two in their head, as the all pieces fall together.
Starfall by Drew Harrison is a solid cyberpunk detective story that plays out in a fascinating science fiction universe. It's pitch-black dark, brutally ultra-violent and a cold, difficult reality in which humans exist, and it feels lived-in, with a lot of backstory beneath the surface. If you’re a fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up.
Hannah Preacher hopes to find out what killed Quaine O'Connor (suspected to have been killed by Vitacorps for the truth he knew). With the help of city police agents Sam Pollock and Rob Boardsmith, she tries to unravels a web of murder, exploitation, cruelty. On their quest, they were constantly pursued by one of Vitacorp's most dangerous enforcers, a hunter in black leather who kept track of every soul he reaped on his battery pack. What follows is a near perfect police procedural which at the same time is used as a vehicle to showcase the entirety of this 'AI' reality; through the hopes and goals of the future of mankind. So needless to say, the story revolves around moral conflict.
From the very beginning, Drew Harrison pulls the reader into this disorientating future city of New Phoenix, allowing them to discover all of the subtle developments and changes that have now become the norm. Author Drew Harrison manages to paint a truly vivid and uncompromisingly bleak vision of this urban future that screams eerily of a potentially close prediction. The premise is extraordinarily interesting and meticulously developed. It’s tragic and emotionally charged. And yet it’s actually written in very simple, straightforward terms.
Author utilises a number of carefully developed characters, each fulfilling their own unique role within the tale. As the plot moves further along, so these characters begin to play out their individual parts, drawing together a close knit collection of characters, who bring the gloomy premise of the tale to life. Starfall asks many interesting questions about the nature of humanity and proposes an interesting future scenario for the human race.
With the plot becoming more and more involved, so the storyline becomes more gripping. Drew Harrison’s story telling and characters keep the reader feeling totally engaged with each development in to tale. As the novel draws towards its monstrous finale, author throws in an abundance of over-the-top action for our principal characters as they jump from one dramatic situation to the next, with barely a breather in between. The novel ends with a totally unforeseen twist ending that will make the reader scan back a chapter or two in their head, as the all pieces fall together.
Starfall by Drew Harrison is a solid cyberpunk detective story that plays out in a fascinating science fiction universe. It's pitch-black dark, brutally ultra-violent and a cold, difficult reality in which humans exist, and it feels lived-in, with a lot of backstory beneath the surface. If you’re a fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up.
April 24, 2022
Monster Cyberpunk Story.
If you loved Snowcrash or Neuromancer, this is a love letter for you. I believe this is the authors first book but he came out swinging with a Cyberpunk home run. It drips in atmosphere and makes the oppression you can imagine in an high tech, low life city almost real. Its got likeable protagonists, hateable badguys and has a city feel thats straight out of blade runner.
Wont spoil anything just go in knowing your in for a good time.
If you loved Snowcrash or Neuromancer, this is a love letter for you. I believe this is the authors first book but he came out swinging with a Cyberpunk home run. It drips in atmosphere and makes the oppression you can imagine in an high tech, low life city almost real. Its got likeable protagonists, hateable badguys and has a city feel thats straight out of blade runner.
Wont spoil anything just go in knowing your in for a good time.
March 27, 2022
Starfall is a great story that weaves dystopia, AI, and Fantasy-style powers into a compelling, gripping narrative. There are many characters who have their own journeys that impact the ultimate plot. Definitely recommend!
September 20, 2023
Starfall was recommended to me by a friend and I was hooked from the first few pages, the 700+ page length may seem daunting but the way the story is paced and the characters that are introduced makes it a joy to read rather than a slog. The moral quandaries about ai and its uses, whether the ends justify the means (for both factions within the story), and what defines the truth will keep the reader engaged throughout and leave them thinking on their views long after they have read the last page.
The plot is set in future long after society was ravaged by a global pandemic, based in the city of New Phoenix in a world run by corporations the story follows a fair few main characters who's tales may start in separate places but soon interwind as things progress. Said characters all have interesting lives and backstory which reveal realistic motivations for their actions and goals and you'll definitely become attached to them (or despise them in case of some less savoury characters) as you progress through the story.
While reading you are likely to generate many questions about the events that take place and the information the characters uncover, and the large majority of them get answered throughout the book as the plot progress, so you won't be left scratching your head as to why certain events took place or characters acted the way they did. The ending wraps up everything very nicely while also leaving room for a sequel, although if there wasn't one Starfall works excellently as a stand alone story by itself.
I think the best chapter for selling the book to someone is an early chapter where one of the characters is teaching some school children how ai was developed in their world by getting the children to program an ai to cook some eggs. It runs the reader through some interesting scenarios where the children try to work out how to get the ai to run in their best interests and allows the reader to think of how they would try and solve the problem the children are faced with. I think this chapter is a unique way in doing what is essentially an exposition dump but in a very engaging way.
Overall a really enjoyable read and I was especially surprised to discover it was the authors first novel and I can't wait to see what they come up with next
The plot is set in future long after society was ravaged by a global pandemic, based in the city of New Phoenix in a world run by corporations the story follows a fair few main characters who's tales may start in separate places but soon interwind as things progress. Said characters all have interesting lives and backstory which reveal realistic motivations for their actions and goals and you'll definitely become attached to them (or despise them in case of some less savoury characters) as you progress through the story.
While reading you are likely to generate many questions about the events that take place and the information the characters uncover, and the large majority of them get answered throughout the book as the plot progress, so you won't be left scratching your head as to why certain events took place or characters acted the way they did. The ending wraps up everything very nicely while also leaving room for a sequel, although if there wasn't one Starfall works excellently as a stand alone story by itself.
I think the best chapter for selling the book to someone is an early chapter where one of the characters is teaching some school children how ai was developed in their world by getting the children to program an ai to cook some eggs. It runs the reader through some interesting scenarios where the children try to work out how to get the ai to run in their best interests and allows the reader to think of how they would try and solve the problem the children are faced with. I think this chapter is a unique way in doing what is essentially an exposition dump but in a very engaging way.
Overall a really enjoyable read and I was especially surprised to discover it was the authors first novel and I can't wait to see what they come up with next
September 25, 2022
This is like 2 books put together in one really long book. But I'd have to say that the "in between" period reallllly tested my patience. It came to the point where at multiple times I considered putting it down. It took a lot of grit to continue reading when I got to the middle of this book.
Altogether the story and setting is actually pretty cool and largely original. The closest comparison I can give is imagine a post apocalyptic America but in the style of Altered Carbon except set in a vertically planned out city where different social groups are separated into rings. The main character is a cop set on a case to catch a mystery assassin with what seem to be superpowers as a whole bunch of other shady stuff is going on in the city which sets the stage for the rest of the story to revolve around.
Although I found the light-bending powers and all that to be original and kind of cool, the rest of the story just didn't seem to jive well. The characters weren't all that likeable or have much to them and I don't know, much of it just felt off. Some characters felt way too weirdly simplistic while with others it seemed like there was way too much going on with them to seem real or grounded.
As mentioned earlier, once you get to the second half of the book a large part of the writing was like filler merging together what seemed to be two books. But just as importantly the ending was just bad. Didn't enjoy how it was done and how it just speeds through time like that. I mean, I guess it made sense in a roundabout way? But it really cheapened the experience and just wasn't executed properly. And I felt once the full plot of the book was revealed it didn't really do much for me. The things that the plot clung on just didn't make much sense or were super naïve.
All in all, a different kind of sci-fi techno-thriller. Yes, there is a lot of originality but there are just as many holes and errors in execution that got in the way to properly enjoy the story.
Altogether the story and setting is actually pretty cool and largely original. The closest comparison I can give is imagine a post apocalyptic America but in the style of Altered Carbon except set in a vertically planned out city where different social groups are separated into rings. The main character is a cop set on a case to catch a mystery assassin with what seem to be superpowers as a whole bunch of other shady stuff is going on in the city which sets the stage for the rest of the story to revolve around.
Although I found the light-bending powers and all that to be original and kind of cool, the rest of the story just didn't seem to jive well. The characters weren't all that likeable or have much to them and I don't know, much of it just felt off. Some characters felt way too weirdly simplistic while with others it seemed like there was way too much going on with them to seem real or grounded.
As mentioned earlier, once you get to the second half of the book a large part of the writing was like filler merging together what seemed to be two books. But just as importantly the ending was just bad. Didn't enjoy how it was done and how it just speeds through time like that. I mean, I guess it made sense in a roundabout way? But it really cheapened the experience and just wasn't executed properly. And I felt once the full plot of the book was revealed it didn't really do much for me. The things that the plot clung on just didn't make much sense or were super naïve.
All in all, a different kind of sci-fi techno-thriller. Yes, there is a lot of originality but there are just as many holes and errors in execution that got in the way to properly enjoy the story.
June 1, 2023
Starfall by Drew Harrison is a cyberpunk post-apocalyptic dystopia set in 2153 after
most of the world died from a pandemic. The survivors consolidate into the city of New Phoenix.
To solve the pandemic, all power is invested in the corporation VitaCorp. They get to claim the bodies of all dead as part of the bargain. They reclaim corpses from funerals for medical research. It pays off when VitaCorp cures the plague.
VitaCorp starts New Phoenix, with its giant blank obelisk in the center, a symbol of its power. The rich live in inner rings around the obelisk. With outer rings holding the poor people. Corporations with unlimited power even control law enforcement.
Much of the book revolves around lightbenders, enhanced people able to access power from light sources to access superpowers. With the mechanics of being more powerful, this book would be good source material for a video game.
Besides lightbenders, there are the standard tropes of cyberpunk, like people augmented with cybernetic enhancements, techno gadgets, high-tech espionage, and AI characters. Some philosophizing is thrown in to deepen the impact. Little quotes and vignettes that open the chapters help with the intricate world-building.
Great cast of characters with distinct backstories. Hannah Preacher tries to solve the mystery of her murdered lover, which puts her straight into the path of the lightbenders.
The dead can be brought back for the right price. I love the way it's used.
Beverly Beadie, one of the creators of Michelangelo, an AI that generates most of the movies and other creative endeavors has scars over how a policy of her employer affected her personally.
I loved the reference to Roko's basilisk for the leader of the terrorist group Halogen. It's fitting for cyberpunk.
The ruthless nature of the VitaCorp CEO is displayed in a memorable scene with a prostitute. Words and the power behind them are their own sort of violence.
The ending is particularly satisfying.
As an author, I appreciate the level of effort that went into building this world and easily rate 5 stars. Recommended for all sci-fi fans, especially cyberpunk fans. I look forward to the next one.
most of the world died from a pandemic. The survivors consolidate into the city of New Phoenix.
To solve the pandemic, all power is invested in the corporation VitaCorp. They get to claim the bodies of all dead as part of the bargain. They reclaim corpses from funerals for medical research. It pays off when VitaCorp cures the plague.
VitaCorp starts New Phoenix, with its giant blank obelisk in the center, a symbol of its power. The rich live in inner rings around the obelisk. With outer rings holding the poor people. Corporations with unlimited power even control law enforcement.
Much of the book revolves around lightbenders, enhanced people able to access power from light sources to access superpowers. With the mechanics of being more powerful, this book would be good source material for a video game.
Besides lightbenders, there are the standard tropes of cyberpunk, like people augmented with cybernetic enhancements, techno gadgets, high-tech espionage, and AI characters. Some philosophizing is thrown in to deepen the impact. Little quotes and vignettes that open the chapters help with the intricate world-building.
Great cast of characters with distinct backstories. Hannah Preacher tries to solve the mystery of her murdered lover, which puts her straight into the path of the lightbenders.
The dead can be brought back for the right price. I love the way it's used.
Beverly Beadie, one of the creators of Michelangelo, an AI that generates most of the movies and other creative endeavors has scars over how a policy of her employer affected her personally.
I loved the reference to Roko's basilisk for the leader of the terrorist group Halogen. It's fitting for cyberpunk.
The ruthless nature of the VitaCorp CEO is displayed in a memorable scene with a prostitute. Words and the power behind them are their own sort of violence.
The ending is particularly satisfying.
As an author, I appreciate the level of effort that went into building this world and easily rate 5 stars. Recommended for all sci-fi fans, especially cyberpunk fans. I look forward to the next one.
June 26, 2023
A Fun and Smart Sci-Fi Super Adventure
Starfall is a novel about many concepts that are intertwined well together. The three concepts that stood out to me the most were the potential of artificial intelligence, superhuman powers, and corporate greed.
I can't recall a book or movie that goes into as much detail with AI as this one does. There is a field trip that takes place towards the beginning of the book that does a great job of introducing the influence of AI in this book. It does this by having the students try and program the AI to do what they want. The concept is expounded upon and provides very compelling conflict as the book goes on.
The superhuman powers in Starfall remind me very much of Avatar the Last Airbender. Part of this is due to the fact that they even call it "bending." However in this book, the characters don't Air bend, Fir bend, Water bend, or Earth bend, but rather they Light bend. It seems much like fire bending but more precise. Of course, if you're not familiar with the Avatar show, you may not be following this comparison. My point is, the powers are fun, but I think the other concepts stood out more. Maybe after a second read, I could see the possibility of changing my mind.
I don't have much to say about the last concept (Corporate Greed) except that the author did an amazing job of making the corporation in this book a very dislikeable character.
The only thing that stand out to me as negative is that I walked away not really knowing who the characters are (except for Michael the AI, and the woman he would interact with). This could be more of just a personal issue with the way I listen/read, but I thought I'd share it. Also if you don't like swearing then you may want to steer clear of this book.
In conclusion, I think it's a great book, and I feel like the author is very intelligent, and uses that intelligence to convey a fun and intriguing story.
Starfall is a novel about many concepts that are intertwined well together. The three concepts that stood out to me the most were the potential of artificial intelligence, superhuman powers, and corporate greed.
I can't recall a book or movie that goes into as much detail with AI as this one does. There is a field trip that takes place towards the beginning of the book that does a great job of introducing the influence of AI in this book. It does this by having the students try and program the AI to do what they want. The concept is expounded upon and provides very compelling conflict as the book goes on.
The superhuman powers in Starfall remind me very much of Avatar the Last Airbender. Part of this is due to the fact that they even call it "bending." However in this book, the characters don't Air bend, Fir bend, Water bend, or Earth bend, but rather they Light bend. It seems much like fire bending but more precise. Of course, if you're not familiar with the Avatar show, you may not be following this comparison. My point is, the powers are fun, but I think the other concepts stood out more. Maybe after a second read, I could see the possibility of changing my mind.
I don't have much to say about the last concept (Corporate Greed) except that the author did an amazing job of making the corporation in this book a very dislikeable character.
The only thing that stand out to me as negative is that I walked away not really knowing who the characters are (except for Michael the AI, and the woman he would interact with). This could be more of just a personal issue with the way I listen/read, but I thought I'd share it. Also if you don't like swearing then you may want to steer clear of this book.
In conclusion, I think it's a great book, and I feel like the author is very intelligent, and uses that intelligence to convey a fun and intriguing story.
August 30, 2024
Intriguing, gripping, thoughtful Sci-fi thriller
(This is a review for the audiobook)
I fell in love with the relationship between Beverly and Michelangelo almost straight away as a possible future of how A.I. may progress is explored. But this dynamic is just one of the threads to the story of New Phoenix; a futuristic city risen from the ashes of the old world. Among the threads of a corporate sponsored police force, powerful corporations, criminal gangs, and a grass roots campaign for change come rumours and stories of people who can bend and yield light.
The story entertains and intrigues while bringing to light new angles to questions of our nature, our comforts, our truths, and our ability to change them. Questions that kept me awake a few nights and excited for what happens in the next chapters. I loved the nature of A.I. in this and one of the best interpretations of this future tech that I’ve read.
I was a little apprehensive with the light bending aspect at first, worried I was getting myself into another Superhero and villains like story when the world Drew had already painted in his words was interesting and gripping enough without it. I was pleasantly surprised though on how this played out and my apprehension was entirely unfounded.
All the main characters, good, bad and somewhere in between, human or not, were interesting to read about, learn and see how their arcs progressed. Was hooked until the end.
Looking forward to hearing more from this author.
I should also note that John Pirhalla did a fantastic job on the narration and brought the story and world of New Phoenix to life.
I was given a free copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review which has not been influenced by the party that provided it.
(This is a review for the audiobook)
I fell in love with the relationship between Beverly and Michelangelo almost straight away as a possible future of how A.I. may progress is explored. But this dynamic is just one of the threads to the story of New Phoenix; a futuristic city risen from the ashes of the old world. Among the threads of a corporate sponsored police force, powerful corporations, criminal gangs, and a grass roots campaign for change come rumours and stories of people who can bend and yield light.
The story entertains and intrigues while bringing to light new angles to questions of our nature, our comforts, our truths, and our ability to change them. Questions that kept me awake a few nights and excited for what happens in the next chapters. I loved the nature of A.I. in this and one of the best interpretations of this future tech that I’ve read.
I was a little apprehensive with the light bending aspect at first, worried I was getting myself into another Superhero and villains like story when the world Drew had already painted in his words was interesting and gripping enough without it. I was pleasantly surprised though on how this played out and my apprehension was entirely unfounded.
All the main characters, good, bad and somewhere in between, human or not, were interesting to read about, learn and see how their arcs progressed. Was hooked until the end.
Looking forward to hearing more from this author.
I should also note that John Pirhalla did a fantastic job on the narration and brought the story and world of New Phoenix to life.
I was given a free copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review which has not been influenced by the party that provided it.
November 9, 2022
The best way to describe the story is bland. I would say that it has a firm worldbuilding (although I still reel from the idea of 83% of humanity dead as a background for a cyberpunk, because it breaks the idea of a super advanced society with that in the very recent past) and the power is used in a somewhat interesting manner (its the stormlight archive powerset, almost literally), it didn't mesh with the level of technology or the sense of awe/power compared with what the society and powers that be should have (its a emp bomb at most).
But its presented in a dry, academic way that feels unexciting. The author doesn't show emotion, he constantly tell us what each character feels or presents through the description while the dialogue comes as if they are in the recording boot making outtakes for the real work. So many characters and none of them come as real or interesting, so its a massive chore continuing and while I have heard it gets good at the middle, I'm of the opinion that if you need more than 50 pages to actually get into the plot/becoming interesting, its not a worthy read.
So I'm leaving it at 25% because I honestly can't bring myself to play it again and continue with the story just to get to the "good bits". Wait, I'm have been only reading for three days? I could swear I have been with this for weeks, such a chore it was.
But its presented in a dry, academic way that feels unexciting. The author doesn't show emotion, he constantly tell us what each character feels or presents through the description while the dialogue comes as if they are in the recording boot making outtakes for the real work. So many characters and none of them come as real or interesting, so its a massive chore continuing and while I have heard it gets good at the middle, I'm of the opinion that if you need more than 50 pages to actually get into the plot/becoming interesting, its not a worthy read.
So I'm leaving it at 25% because I honestly can't bring myself to play it again and continue with the story just to get to the "good bits". Wait, I'm have been only reading for three days? I could swear I have been with this for weeks, such a chore it was.
October 9, 2024
Engaging science fiction action romp with some satisfyingly deep consideration of possible AI futures.
July 30, 2022
Fascinating read. A bit clunky, hard to follow at first, but once you got the idea of the various characters and sub-plots and world building....great stuff.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews