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Leviticus
In a high-tech antediluvian world, a secretive organization hopes to forestall a prophesied flood, but the balance of power is shifting toward an enemy who seeks chaos and destruction.
Ancient forces collide in an attempt to control a new technology developed by a group of graduate students at Denmount Centre for Learning. The lives of each are forever altered as they discover the world is a very different place than they thought.
One of them is a gifted computational engineer whose perceptions are unique and powerful. As he learns more about his abilities, it becomes apparent that he will play a pivotal role in the battle to come.
The group will have to set aside personal conflicts and work together in an attempt to prevent the end of everything they hold dear. The decisions they make could lead the world to safety, or hasten its doom.
Ancient forces collide in an attempt to control a new technology developed by a group of graduate students at Denmount Centre for Learning. The lives of each are forever altered as they discover the world is a very different place than they thought.
One of them is a gifted computational engineer whose perceptions are unique and powerful. As he learns more about his abilities, it becomes apparent that he will play a pivotal role in the battle to come.
The group will have to set aside personal conflicts and work together in an attempt to prevent the end of everything they hold dear. The decisions they make could lead the world to safety, or hasten its doom.
- GenresScience Fiction
329 pages, ebook
Published February 22, 2022
41 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Kallen Samuels
9 books7 followersKallen Samuels lives in the Rocky Mountains of Canada with his wife of over 30 years. It’s the perfect place for contemplative and creative thought. Kallen is one of those people who has dialogue running through his head all day long. Apparently that’s not the case for everyone (there have been studies), who knew? Well, those internal conversations come in handy when writing a novel. Eventually, some of those thoughts found their way to the page, and here we are, three novels in and more on the way.
When he’s not reading or writing, Kallen is baking sourdough bread or tending his latest batch of wine. Now if only he could perfect the art of cheese making — he’d have all the staples of life close at hand.
When he’s not reading or writing, Kallen is baking sourdough bread or tending his latest batch of wine. Now if only he could perfect the art of cheese making — he’d have all the staples of life close at hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 8, 2023
“Leviticus” is an alternative retelling of biblical history set in a technologically advanced antediluvian world.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 5, 2023
A well-written, fast-paced, page-turner
Good story, excellent characterization, with all pov characters having back stories and believable motivation. The relationships between Lev and Nico, Nico and Kayla, and even Kade and Selica were done well.
I did get flipped out of the story a few times due to medieval-ish, fantasy-sounding words (trencher, mead, parchment) and concepts such as ledgers and silver coins. They seemed incongruous in a futuristic setting. But that’s a minor nitpick. Oh, and if you’re worried about biblical overtones, there was no proselytizing.
I would have liked to have a more detailed description of the overlords and explanation of their motivation, as their treatment was thin compared to everyone else. That would have been interesting, but perhaps something to be explored in the sequels. Also, for a Chosen One protag, Lev’s extraordinary talents might be better off toned down a little for readers who are not huge fans of the trope.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
Good story, excellent characterization, with all pov characters having back stories and believable motivation. The relationships between Lev and Nico, Nico and Kayla, and even Kade and Selica were done well.
I did get flipped out of the story a few times due to medieval-ish, fantasy-sounding words (trencher, mead, parchment) and concepts such as ledgers and silver coins. They seemed incongruous in a futuristic setting. But that’s a minor nitpick. Oh, and if you’re worried about biblical overtones, there was no proselytizing.
I would have liked to have a more detailed description of the overlords and explanation of their motivation, as their treatment was thin compared to everyone else. That would have been interesting, but perhaps something to be explored in the sequels. Also, for a Chosen One protag, Lev’s extraordinary talents might be better off toned down a little for readers who are not huge fans of the trope.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
January 7, 2023
I love when a world is nothing recognizable if done right. Leviticus is just that. Yes, there’s bible references and a semi-theological plot, but the high tech theme, brilliant characters, and exotic complexity makes this a very original story. The writer creates a clean story with. Strong dialogue and seamless transition. This book clearly sets up for future tales, and I’m good with that. I’d like to see more of this futuristic world be told, as well as the surviving characters. If you’re looking for something “different” in fiction, this is the book for you.
October 28, 2022
Fantastic
This book is fantastic. It is the first of a series and it does end in a couple of cliffhangers. I felt I would love to be friends with the protagonists. I wouldn't want to be caught by the villains or to follow their path myself. But what if I did start going down that path and then decided I wanted to get off of it? Would I deserve that chance? "Leviticus" has led to such thoughts. It's amazing, I hope the rest of the series lives up to it's promise.
This book is fantastic. It is the first of a series and it does end in a couple of cliffhangers. I felt I would love to be friends with the protagonists. I wouldn't want to be caught by the villains or to follow their path myself. But what if I did start going down that path and then decided I wanted to get off of it? Would I deserve that chance? "Leviticus" has led to such thoughts. It's amazing, I hope the rest of the series lives up to it's promise.
December 17, 2022
We are proud to announce that LEVITICUS (Dictates of the Servators, #1) by Kallen Samuels has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
September 11, 2022
I was intrigued by the description of this book as an alternate timeline. I enjoy alternate histories and science fiction in general. Leviticus begins by introducing several young people, the main characters of the novel. Selica is in the oppressive society of the Breachers; she is commanded to infiltrate a university to recruit the star student to their cause. This student at the Denmouth Court of Learning is Leviticus Radix, a whiz at “writ weaving ,” or in our world, coding.
An adversarial student, Kade, is jealous of Leviticus' talent. Kayla is assigned by the Servators to recruit Lev to their cause. These are Book 1's main characters. Lev's best friend is Nico, heir to a shipping empire who may figure more importantly in the subsequent books of the Dictates of the Servators series. Given the main characters, this book may be targeted to Young Adult readers.
The Breachers are opposed by the Servators, a secret group keeping the Breachers from sowing complete chaos in the world. The Servators also have soldiers, but their philosophy is to do good where they can and to avoid killing whenever possible. The conflict takes place in a certain year “after Genesis,” there have been “quantum revelations,” so many scoff at belief in the Maker's Way, which predicts there will be a cataclysmic flood in the future.
Clearly, this series is built on the backbone of the Book of Leviticus in the Torah and the Bible. That Book follows Exodus, a telling of the Israelites' escape from the oppressive Pharoahs. It is essentially a book of regulations and rituals, also explaining that Moses assigned his brother Aaron's sons as the first priests. Regulations about purity are interpreted as means to teach ethical thinking.
Thus, the Pharoahs are like the Breachers; the Servators are similar to the Israelites. The novel is the first of the Dictates of the Servators, as the Book of Leviticus dictates the Israelite's rituals and rules. The “priests” will soon be assigned. Interesting.
I received an ecopy of this book from Voracious Readers. This is an honest review.
An adversarial student, Kade, is jealous of Leviticus' talent. Kayla is assigned by the Servators to recruit Lev to their cause. These are Book 1's main characters. Lev's best friend is Nico, heir to a shipping empire who may figure more importantly in the subsequent books of the Dictates of the Servators series. Given the main characters, this book may be targeted to Young Adult readers.
The Breachers are opposed by the Servators, a secret group keeping the Breachers from sowing complete chaos in the world. The Servators also have soldiers, but their philosophy is to do good where they can and to avoid killing whenever possible. The conflict takes place in a certain year “after Genesis,” there have been “quantum revelations,” so many scoff at belief in the Maker's Way, which predicts there will be a cataclysmic flood in the future.
Clearly, this series is built on the backbone of the Book of Leviticus in the Torah and the Bible. That Book follows Exodus, a telling of the Israelites' escape from the oppressive Pharoahs. It is essentially a book of regulations and rituals, also explaining that Moses assigned his brother Aaron's sons as the first priests. Regulations about purity are interpreted as means to teach ethical thinking.
Thus, the Pharoahs are like the Breachers; the Servators are similar to the Israelites. The novel is the first of the Dictates of the Servators, as the Book of Leviticus dictates the Israelite's rituals and rules. The “priests” will soon be assigned. Interesting.
I received an ecopy of this book from Voracious Readers. This is an honest review.
October 3, 2022
An amazing scifi that will keep you intrigued forever. An amazing beginning to a fantastic series. Love the characters and the well written plot.
August 1, 2022
I was asked to write a review of Leviticus. At first, I was afraid it would be too philosophical. Then, while reading the early chapters, it seemed like it was going to be primarily the misadventures of a group of gifted university students. But eventually, it became so much more.
The book blurb suggests that this book takes place in an alternative timeline, so I assume it is happening on some version of Earth. But the technology, terminology, and place names are so different that it might as well be some alien planet. The technology seems much farther advanced than anything currently available or likely to become available soon.
But a few basic things haven’t changed. Most of the main characters are involved with something called “writ weaving” – a mostly mathematical endeavor that must be very much like computer programming. There is still money in some form, and people still need and very much want money. And there are still good guys and bad guys.
The good guys call themselves Servators. They follow something called The Maker’s Way, a quasi-religious code of ethics and morals with an underpinning of myth and prophecy that is regarded with skepticism even by some of those who agree with the moral code.
The bad guys are known as Breachers. They are big sponsors of all the popular vices. Their goal seems to be to create as much chaos as possible. (Of all the aspects of this book, this one seems to be the closest to real life on present-day Earth).
Both sides support an extensive military or quasi-military presence. The Servators are much inclined to non-violent, or at least non-lethal, means of controlling their opponents. This is one of the most interesting ideas, and I would like to see more of this. The main character, Leviticus Radix, discovers near the end of the book when he attacks a Breacher who has hurt one of his Servator friends that killing the Breachers and thus taking them out of operation is not looked upon with favor by the Servators. The Breachers, in contrast, have few qualms about killing Servators, or anybody else, unless it is someone they want to recruit to their own cause. The Breachers do a lot of their recruiting using manipulation and blackmail. The Breacher leaders are in serious competition for power. I suspect that many of the rank-and-file Breacher followers are Breachers because they are being compelled to be in one way or another.
When the book opens, Leviticus Radix is a senior at Denmount Court of Learning. He is nearing graduation in his chosen field of Computational Engineering. He is highly gifted at pattern recognition. Because of this, both the Servators and the Breachers want to recruit him to their cause.
Kayla Vantos, daughter of the Chief Sentry of the Denmount Servitor base, is charged with watching Leviticus and possibly bringing him in. But she is overconfident and too sure that only she can carry out the mission properly. She ignores orders, and though she just barely manages to get Leviticus into Servitor custody, her actions allow the Breachers to discover the base. It must be abandoned. She is dismissed from her trial position and sent to other Servitor bases to get her out of harm’s way. Her mother manages to explain the Servitor position to Leviticus and persuades him to join them. The Breachers are furious, and heads roll (almost literally) in their organization.
Nico Callan is Leviticus’ best friend. Nico’s parents were killed years ago in an ‘accident.’ But before that, his father was head of the largest logistics company in the world, and though not officially a member of the Servitors’ organization, he was instrumental in supporting them in many ways. Nico is at the point in his life where he must decide whether to take over his father’s business himself or continue to live the life of a rich playboy while someone else continues to run the business for him. He too is introduced to the Servitor cause and decides to assume control of the business himself. He is also informed that the accident that killed his parents was no accident and that all indications lead back to someone inside his company. Nico doesn’t hear, but we learn that the woman who has been running the company is furious that he has had the contract under which he will be taking over the company reviewed and modified to remove most of her power. She tries to get her assistant to look for ways to get Nico out of the way – have him killed or declared insane. Nothing comes of this in this book, but the threat remains hanging to possibly show up sometime in the future. A terrible shame, since Nico is the nicest and most sympathetic character in the book. He is also, in his own sphere, almost as gifted as Leviticus.
I can’t really decide about Kayla. After a couple of months at other bases, she sneaks back into the now abandoned Denmount base where she grew up. She makes her way by another secret passage to Nico’s house, where she confesses all she has done to him. Nico kind of likes her, and they become a couple. She also confesses to her mother, who, true to the Servitor ideals gives her another chance, although she does not return to the job she botched so badly. It looks as if she will hold to her principles after all, but I worry that her overconfidence will get her in trouble yet.
And finally, there is Kade Brixton and Selica Lor. Kade is a classmate of Leviticus. He is also a talented writ weaver, but not the prodigy Leviticus is. He is jealous of Leviticus’ superior abilities. He is also running short of money for tuition and loan payments. He likes to drink and party a little too much. The Breachers get their claws into him, and when they can’t get to Leviticus, Kade convinces them to give him a job working on the facial recognition algorithm he has stolen from their class project instead. He soon realizes he is their prisoner even though he is not technically locked up.
Selica has been the property of the Breachers for a very long time. They killed her mother years ago, and she has been doing her best to avoid being noticed by the higher-ups ever since. They sent her to facilitate the abduction of Leviticus, warning her that if she could not get him she should bring someone equally talented for them. She gets attached to Kade and fills him in on what the Breachers are up to. They are both shocked when the facial recognition software is used to kill Breacher agents and Servitors.
Kade and Selica come up with a plan to insert coding into the facial recognition software to alert Leviticus that they are in danger. But will he find it and understand? And even if so, is there anything he will be able to do?
There is definitely more to come in this series, and I am looking forward to reading the rest.
The book blurb suggests that this book takes place in an alternative timeline, so I assume it is happening on some version of Earth. But the technology, terminology, and place names are so different that it might as well be some alien planet. The technology seems much farther advanced than anything currently available or likely to become available soon.
But a few basic things haven’t changed. Most of the main characters are involved with something called “writ weaving” – a mostly mathematical endeavor that must be very much like computer programming. There is still money in some form, and people still need and very much want money. And there are still good guys and bad guys.
The good guys call themselves Servators. They follow something called The Maker’s Way, a quasi-religious code of ethics and morals with an underpinning of myth and prophecy that is regarded with skepticism even by some of those who agree with the moral code.
The bad guys are known as Breachers. They are big sponsors of all the popular vices. Their goal seems to be to create as much chaos as possible. (Of all the aspects of this book, this one seems to be the closest to real life on present-day Earth).
Both sides support an extensive military or quasi-military presence. The Servators are much inclined to non-violent, or at least non-lethal, means of controlling their opponents. This is one of the most interesting ideas, and I would like to see more of this. The main character, Leviticus Radix, discovers near the end of the book when he attacks a Breacher who has hurt one of his Servator friends that killing the Breachers and thus taking them out of operation is not looked upon with favor by the Servators. The Breachers, in contrast, have few qualms about killing Servators, or anybody else, unless it is someone they want to recruit to their own cause. The Breachers do a lot of their recruiting using manipulation and blackmail. The Breacher leaders are in serious competition for power. I suspect that many of the rank-and-file Breacher followers are Breachers because they are being compelled to be in one way or another.
When the book opens, Leviticus Radix is a senior at Denmount Court of Learning. He is nearing graduation in his chosen field of Computational Engineering. He is highly gifted at pattern recognition. Because of this, both the Servators and the Breachers want to recruit him to their cause.
Kayla Vantos, daughter of the Chief Sentry of the Denmount Servitor base, is charged with watching Leviticus and possibly bringing him in. But she is overconfident and too sure that only she can carry out the mission properly. She ignores orders, and though she just barely manages to get Leviticus into Servitor custody, her actions allow the Breachers to discover the base. It must be abandoned. She is dismissed from her trial position and sent to other Servitor bases to get her out of harm’s way. Her mother manages to explain the Servitor position to Leviticus and persuades him to join them. The Breachers are furious, and heads roll (almost literally) in their organization.
Nico Callan is Leviticus’ best friend. Nico’s parents were killed years ago in an ‘accident.’ But before that, his father was head of the largest logistics company in the world, and though not officially a member of the Servitors’ organization, he was instrumental in supporting them in many ways. Nico is at the point in his life where he must decide whether to take over his father’s business himself or continue to live the life of a rich playboy while someone else continues to run the business for him. He too is introduced to the Servitor cause and decides to assume control of the business himself. He is also informed that the accident that killed his parents was no accident and that all indications lead back to someone inside his company. Nico doesn’t hear, but we learn that the woman who has been running the company is furious that he has had the contract under which he will be taking over the company reviewed and modified to remove most of her power. She tries to get her assistant to look for ways to get Nico out of the way – have him killed or declared insane. Nothing comes of this in this book, but the threat remains hanging to possibly show up sometime in the future. A terrible shame, since Nico is the nicest and most sympathetic character in the book. He is also, in his own sphere, almost as gifted as Leviticus.
I can’t really decide about Kayla. After a couple of months at other bases, she sneaks back into the now abandoned Denmount base where she grew up. She makes her way by another secret passage to Nico’s house, where she confesses all she has done to him. Nico kind of likes her, and they become a couple. She also confesses to her mother, who, true to the Servitor ideals gives her another chance, although she does not return to the job she botched so badly. It looks as if she will hold to her principles after all, but I worry that her overconfidence will get her in trouble yet.
And finally, there is Kade Brixton and Selica Lor. Kade is a classmate of Leviticus. He is also a talented writ weaver, but not the prodigy Leviticus is. He is jealous of Leviticus’ superior abilities. He is also running short of money for tuition and loan payments. He likes to drink and party a little too much. The Breachers get their claws into him, and when they can’t get to Leviticus, Kade convinces them to give him a job working on the facial recognition algorithm he has stolen from their class project instead. He soon realizes he is their prisoner even though he is not technically locked up.
Selica has been the property of the Breachers for a very long time. They killed her mother years ago, and she has been doing her best to avoid being noticed by the higher-ups ever since. They sent her to facilitate the abduction of Leviticus, warning her that if she could not get him she should bring someone equally talented for them. She gets attached to Kade and fills him in on what the Breachers are up to. They are both shocked when the facial recognition software is used to kill Breacher agents and Servitors.
Kade and Selica come up with a plan to insert coding into the facial recognition software to alert Leviticus that they are in danger. But will he find it and understand? And even if so, is there anything he will be able to do?
There is definitely more to come in this series, and I am looking forward to reading the rest.
July 30, 2022
This is an interesting book with creative world building. It follows three characters who independently get sucked into a world just underneath the surface of everyday life that is dictated by a generations long war going on between two very different entities. One is more or less a religious order, and the other is closer to a crime syndicate (or at least at this point in the story, it appears to be shady enough to be one). I enjoyed the story and the structure of short chapters from a variety of POVs. Nico was my favorite just because we have some things in common that resonated with me, but I also especially felt for Kade who kind of just messed up and found himself in over his head. It was well written and generally a great book. I would definitely read more from this author. (I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.)
July 14, 2022
I very much enjoyed this book. The beginning was a bit slow and slightly chaotic but once it got going I was enthralled. I found the characters likable and interesting. I really enjoyed the entire concept and as a lover of patterns and analysis it was awesome to see those things represented in a science fiction story. I felt the author created an intriguing world with lots of history and background. I definitely plan on reading the rest of the series as the cliffhanger left me very curious to find out what is next. I would definitely recommend this book to both science fiction and fantasy readers.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
June 19, 2022
I loved the overt and less overt connections to scripture. It was accomplished without turning into a book focused only on religion but still gave us some connections to make. I didn’t like the start. It jumped between character lines and left me confused quite a bit. After picking it up again later I pushed through and found a good story after all. This became an interesting blend of sci-fi and magic with an alternate to a bible theme.
August 14, 2022
This was a great start to the Dictates of the Servators series, I was so invested in what was going on in the story. It was wonderfully done and I enjoyed a lot of the scifi elements. I enjoyed the way Kallen Samuels writes both a world and the characters in it. It was a joy to read and I can't wait to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2022
A book for fans of the Dune series, this is a well written and action packed novel that will definitely keep you turning the pages. The writing is amazing, the characters are easy to connect with, this good vs evil story will draw you immediately. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to read more from this author.
August 13, 2022
Enjoyable read
Leviticus has been an enjoyable and quick read into a world that developed in a divergent manner. only downside so far in the series, i feel is that this first part is low on context to the upcoming problems. it would be nice to understand the world a bit better or know more about it.
Leviticus has been an enjoyable and quick read into a world that developed in a divergent manner. only downside so far in the series, i feel is that this first part is low on context to the upcoming problems. it would be nice to understand the world a bit better or know more about it.
October 11, 2023
This book, judging by its blurb, sounds great. Sadly, what one might initially perceive as a solid literary edifice is revealed instead to be a house of cards.
Leviticus is a collection of declarative sentences better suited to an outline. From poor characterization to flimsy and sloppy world-building to a winding plot that uses tired tropes to lumber from one scene to the next, Leviticus is a literary slog better left on the shelf.
I found this book incredibly difficult to finish. It is a jumbled mess that requires significant work done on it before I would even think of sending it to an editor, never mind putting it out into the world with the expectation of monetization.
I didn’t care one whit about any of the characters. They were cardboard cutouts who all spoke in the same voice. They had little to no individuation, never mind any descriptions as to physicality, clothing, demeanor, what have you. They all have names that seem either pretentious or overly complex. Why? Because it’s cool? There are also far too many characters in this book with new characters popping up whenever the plot and pacing require it, which is often.
The science in the fiction needs to be explained much more clearly and concisely. I have the distinct impression the author is just reguritating and stringing together half understood concepts from higher physics and doing an extremely poor job of it.
As to the world-building, where are the descriptions of this amazing place set so far in the future? Why does everything feel like our current world? Much is told, very little is shown. Why set it so far in the future if not to spread your wings as a theoretician, philosopher, futurist and author?
The prose is grey and pedestrian. Nothing is described with verve or word-smithing and everything is propped up by the repeated use of clichés.
Constantly while enduring this word-salad I found myself asking why am I reading this?
How do you expect a reader to have investiture in your work when you have presented something so half-baked as to border on insult?
I would not recommend this book.
Leviticus is a collection of declarative sentences better suited to an outline. From poor characterization to flimsy and sloppy world-building to a winding plot that uses tired tropes to lumber from one scene to the next, Leviticus is a literary slog better left on the shelf.
I found this book incredibly difficult to finish. It is a jumbled mess that requires significant work done on it before I would even think of sending it to an editor, never mind putting it out into the world with the expectation of monetization.
I didn’t care one whit about any of the characters. They were cardboard cutouts who all spoke in the same voice. They had little to no individuation, never mind any descriptions as to physicality, clothing, demeanor, what have you. They all have names that seem either pretentious or overly complex. Why? Because it’s cool? There are also far too many characters in this book with new characters popping up whenever the plot and pacing require it, which is often.
The science in the fiction needs to be explained much more clearly and concisely. I have the distinct impression the author is just reguritating and stringing together half understood concepts from higher physics and doing an extremely poor job of it.
As to the world-building, where are the descriptions of this amazing place set so far in the future? Why does everything feel like our current world? Much is told, very little is shown. Why set it so far in the future if not to spread your wings as a theoretician, philosopher, futurist and author?
The prose is grey and pedestrian. Nothing is described with verve or word-smithing and everything is propped up by the repeated use of clichés.
Constantly while enduring this word-salad I found myself asking why am I reading this?
How do you expect a reader to have investiture in your work when you have presented something so half-baked as to border on insult?
I would not recommend this book.
April 8, 2022
This is a fantastic sci-fi with heart and characters dealing with moral dilemmas. The worldbuilding and technology is imaginative and complex, and at the same time feeling plausible. I could clearly picture everything and felt a part of the story. The overall feeling of the book, with the technology combined with a religion factor sort of reminded me of Dune, while being wholly its own story and world. I could feel other sci-fi influences, but it retains a level of uniqueness that made me not want to put this book down, I always needed to read at least one more chapter! The cast of characters was well balanced, and the multiple POVs were handled superbly, every time I started to wonder what was going on with a particular character, it would switch to that POV within a few pages. There were fantastic breadcrumbs which were so great when they were paid off, I love when I discover something at the same time or slightly before a character, it's like an exciting morsel I delight in finding. I can also feel there are more breadcrumbs that are laid out for the next books, but they aren't quite so big that they were needed to be paid off in this book. I find that's a really difficult balance to achieve. It's a thoroughly entertaining read and am already started on Book 2 of the series.
June 13, 2022
*Goodreads first reads copy*
Overall I would give this story a 3 1/2 star rating. The actual story was engaging and I did race through reading it. However, at times I found myself annoyed when the story would jump back and forth in time when it switched character viewpoints. I understand the author wants the reader to remember each of the character's storylines. Switching between viewpoints does help. However, it sometimes became confusing when suddenly we, as the reader, would be brought back in time to follow the other character's story. I don't mind the occasional flashback, but constantly bouncing in time bothers me.
Another drawback in my mind was a couple of the characters. I understand redemption is a very powerful plot device. To me, there can be no redemption without understanding how your own actions have helped lead you to the point where you need redemption.
Lastly, I felt the story ended rather abruptly. Yes, the author was setting up sequels in this series, but I'm not sure the point chosen was the best. It may make some people interested enough to get the next book. At this point, with the other points that lessened my enjoyment of the story, I am not sure I care to continue reading. The payoff wasn't enough to pique my interest.
It is a good enough story that I believe some fans of science fiction will enjoy it. It's just not a great story.
Overall I would give this story a 3 1/2 star rating. The actual story was engaging and I did race through reading it. However, at times I found myself annoyed when the story would jump back and forth in time when it switched character viewpoints. I understand the author wants the reader to remember each of the character's storylines. Switching between viewpoints does help. However, it sometimes became confusing when suddenly we, as the reader, would be brought back in time to follow the other character's story. I don't mind the occasional flashback, but constantly bouncing in time bothers me.
Another drawback in my mind was a couple of the characters. I understand redemption is a very powerful plot device. To me, there can be no redemption without understanding how your own actions have helped lead you to the point where you need redemption.
Lastly, I felt the story ended rather abruptly. Yes, the author was setting up sequels in this series, but I'm not sure the point chosen was the best. It may make some people interested enough to get the next book. At this point, with the other points that lessened my enjoyment of the story, I am not sure I care to continue reading. The payoff wasn't enough to pique my interest.
It is a good enough story that I believe some fans of science fiction will enjoy it. It's just not a great story.
July 13, 2023
I was actually surprised by how much I liked this book. I know there is the saying not to judge a book by its cover, but lets be real, we all do, and I do not like this cover. However, what is inside is a gem.
The books plays with a lot of the tried and true sci-fi/fantasy genre, with a coming of age story with a group of young adults, and an oppressive militaristic society.
I am not going to go into any plot spoilers, but the group of young people are a diverse lot that represent different parts of their society and exist in a school where they have use their "writ weaving" to meet their own goals.
This novel does shift POV, and like most novels you will find yourself gravitating more to particular characters, for myself that was Nico and Lev. They felt like the more complex characters, and I particularly enjoyed how they interacted with others.
On a negative I did find at times I was wanting to read a bit more creative description at times. Sometime the writing did feel matter of fact, where a bit more poetic styling would have created deeper meaning. However, this is not a major issue, as the writing style of Samuels is clear, consistent, and most importantly engaging.
Overall, this is a great read and I recommend picking it up.
The books plays with a lot of the tried and true sci-fi/fantasy genre, with a coming of age story with a group of young adults, and an oppressive militaristic society.
I am not going to go into any plot spoilers, but the group of young people are a diverse lot that represent different parts of their society and exist in a school where they have use their "writ weaving" to meet their own goals.
This novel does shift POV, and like most novels you will find yourself gravitating more to particular characters, for myself that was Nico and Lev. They felt like the more complex characters, and I particularly enjoyed how they interacted with others.
On a negative I did find at times I was wanting to read a bit more creative description at times. Sometime the writing did feel matter of fact, where a bit more poetic styling would have created deeper meaning. However, this is not a major issue, as the writing style of Samuels is clear, consistent, and most importantly engaging.
Overall, this is a great read and I recommend picking it up.
March 16, 2023
A well-written work of science fiction
When I first picked up this book, I was worried about the biblical undertones to it, the complexities of which I might not be able to grasp. However, my fears were unfounded. Leviticus tells a intriguing science-fiction story that stands on its own merits. The characters are interesting, well-rounded, and worth rooting for. I generally don't like books with cliffhangers, but I would be happy to read more from this author just to find out what happens next.
When I first picked up this book, I was worried about the biblical undertones to it, the complexities of which I might not be able to grasp. However, my fears were unfounded. Leviticus tells a intriguing science-fiction story that stands on its own merits. The characters are interesting, well-rounded, and worth rooting for. I generally don't like books with cliffhangers, but I would be happy to read more from this author just to find out what happens next.
April 9, 2023
Promising sci-fi by a new author that reminds me a bit of Foundation / Divergent. The world building is intriguing but needs more details. Not a fan of multi POV but I did slowly grow to care most if not all of them. Despite this being set in a very different time and potentially planet (?), the dialogue feels very American - not good or bad, just weird.
**potentially spoiler below**
The thing that really bugs me is the cliffhanger ending. Really wish this is one story that wraps up by the end instead of one big long story divided into three parts. Not sure if I will pick up the sequel(s) to find out what happens next... perhaps eventually.
**potentially spoiler below**
The thing that really bugs me is the cliffhanger ending. Really wish this is one story that wraps up by the end instead of one big long story divided into three parts. Not sure if I will pick up the sequel(s) to find out what happens next... perhaps eventually.
July 14, 2024
This is an interesting story. I'm not sure how I found it, but I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and engaging. The story itself is a little steam punk (but just a tiny bit, thankfully, because I'm not a fan of those stories). Overall, this was a good read. The middle lags a bit, but not too terribly, and I didn't love the ending, but I'd probably read book 2 because Lev is such an interesting character.
September 12, 2022
As a whole I enjoyed this book. At first it was slow reading but then the author was able to pick up the pace so that a reader could grasp at what he was trying to convey. Two entities uisng different methods to prove their power. One good , the other evil. I hope I get a chance to read further into the series.
February 11, 2024
Bought this after finding it on sale on Kobo store, so I had no expectations. I found this book really dull and flat. The worldbuilding and the dialogues are weak and it doesn't show up anything different from most books in the same genre. Despite it is not tagged as Young Adult it reads as so, which threw me off a little bit since I am not that much into it
September 6, 2022
This was an amazing read! Right from the beginning I got engrossed in the story and couldn’t put it down. I was sad when I reached the end of the book, until I realized there were 2 more in this series so I bought them immediately.
December 22, 2022
Love the author's writing style to the extent that I'd be apt to even read a cookbook if they wrote one (disclaimer: I do not cook). Delighted that this was merely book 1 of a series because I just wasn't ready for the story to end. Would love to see this adapted into a screenplay.
February 20, 2023
Compare to Lewis' Narnia books
A fantasy depicting mankind's struggle with Good and Evil. I'd compare it to C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, only with a sci fi twist. Relatable characters and interesting plot twists keep the reader engaged.
A fantasy depicting mankind's struggle with Good and Evil. I'd compare it to C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, only with a sci fi twist. Relatable characters and interesting plot twists keep the reader engaged.
September 1, 2023
I loved every twist and turn in this book! This story had me after more each time and I wanted to know what happened to Leviticus! Amazing dystopia story worthy of even Ayn Rand!
I received a copy of this from the author.
I received a copy of this from the author.
June 14, 2023
Kept me on the edge of my seat
Very well written storyline that kept me on edge the entire time. Well established characters and plot. Nice work! I enjoyed this book.
Very well written storyline that kept me on edge the entire time. Well established characters and plot. Nice work! I enjoyed this book.
April 1, 2024
Interesting!
I like the concept and the story line. I wonder what is next? Looking forward to finding out!
I like the concept and the story line. I wonder what is next? Looking forward to finding out!
Read
May 6, 2024unique and memorable ... will continue with the series
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