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Becoming Middle Earth #1
Ida's Awakening
On April 6, 2029, of the old calendar, airbursts from a meteor shower scattered alien genetic material across the planet, transforming every living thing.
Those humans who managed to survive the transformations, and the chaos that followed, took many forms. Based on their appearance, they adopted names from the fantasy genre best exemplified by Tolkien.
Besides humans, the vastly changed world had dwarves, elves and hobbits, along with creatures from the darker side of the genre.
This is the first part in the story of those events that ushered in the first age's true beginning as told by Ida, one of the Maiar.
Those humans who managed to survive the transformations, and the chaos that followed, took many forms. Based on their appearance, they adopted names from the fantasy genre best exemplified by Tolkien.
Besides humans, the vastly changed world had dwarves, elves and hobbits, along with creatures from the darker side of the genre.
This is the first part in the story of those events that ushered in the first age's true beginning as told by Ida, one of the Maiar.
- GenresFantasyPost Apocalyptic
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2022
188 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 13, 2022
I love that Corden writes such strong female characters. I'm excited for what comes next in this new series along with the other two written by this author.
July 15, 2024
Wow! I've not read this author's work before, so it was a shock to discover such an excellent novel set in and around Brisbane – my birth city.
The writing was professional, although a pedantic person could make some corrections in grammar. Almost everything else was perfect – from the premise to the plot and characters.
This story sank its teeth into me from the start. The protagonist, Ida, is an octogenarian infected by alien super DNA, like the rest of the world. Unlike most people/fauna/flora she wins the upgrade lotto. Not only does she survive her transformation but she gets the super-power variety pack. The nice part is that these powers are well-grounded and deeply ingrained in her tactics. She can't fly, or shoot laserbeams from her eyes for example but strength, speed, and perceptions are all turned to eleven. And, instead of resting on her gifted laurels while reigning over the lesser folk, she lives a small, private life, and constantly trains to develop all of her abilities – not just the ones of an alien nature. Hard-working, independent, and competent... my kind of hero.
The first half of the novel is driven by Ida's reluctant emotional thawing as she starts to invest in one wayward youngster. But that's just the start of her awakening. It seems that everywhere she goes, her influence improves the lives of decent people in small ways. That is until, in the second half, she is embroiled in a city-wide cabal of ambitious and immoral elves. At that point, her live-and-let-live philosophy goes out the window, and Ida starts to stretch her wings.
If I were to change anything about this book it would be to add the occasional alternate perspective. It's sometimes nice to experience the veil being lifted from the entitled eyes of the elite or to delve into the mind of the antagonist. I think some of the "apprentices" deserve to have their experiences depicted more directly via their unique voices. This varied approach can enhance pacing and structure. Alternate POVs might also be used to expand the reader's appreciation of the cultures of races that don't speak common.
If I were younger, this read would have been an all-nighter. As it was, I managed to see sense at 3:30 AM and get some sleep. Now that I'm finished, and given that there's no sequel yet published, I'll be diving into Corden's Stork Tower series.
The writing was professional, although a pedantic person could make some corrections in grammar. Almost everything else was perfect – from the premise to the plot and characters.
This story sank its teeth into me from the start. The protagonist, Ida, is an octogenarian infected by alien super DNA, like the rest of the world. Unlike most people/fauna/flora she wins the upgrade lotto. Not only does she survive her transformation but she gets the super-power variety pack. The nice part is that these powers are well-grounded and deeply ingrained in her tactics. She can't fly, or shoot laserbeams from her eyes for example but strength, speed, and perceptions are all turned to eleven. And, instead of resting on her gifted laurels while reigning over the lesser folk, she lives a small, private life, and constantly trains to develop all of her abilities – not just the ones of an alien nature. Hard-working, independent, and competent... my kind of hero.
The first half of the novel is driven by Ida's reluctant emotional thawing as she starts to invest in one wayward youngster. But that's just the start of her awakening. It seems that everywhere she goes, her influence improves the lives of decent people in small ways. That is until, in the second half, she is embroiled in a city-wide cabal of ambitious and immoral elves. At that point, her live-and-let-live philosophy goes out the window, and Ida starts to stretch her wings.
If I were to change anything about this book it would be to add the occasional alternate perspective. It's sometimes nice to experience the veil being lifted from the entitled eyes of the elite or to delve into the mind of the antagonist. I think some of the "apprentices" deserve to have their experiences depicted more directly via their unique voices. This varied approach can enhance pacing and structure. Alternate POVs might also be used to expand the reader's appreciation of the cultures of races that don't speak common.
If I were younger, this read would have been an all-nighter. As it was, I managed to see sense at 3:30 AM and get some sleep. Now that I'm finished, and given that there's no sequel yet published, I'll be diving into Corden's Stork Tower series.
March 22, 2022
great read
Loved the story, as with all his books. Get it and read it too, I’m sure you’ll like it too
Loved the story, as with all his books. Get it and read it too, I’m sure you’ll like it too
March 18, 2022
Another great heroine.
I like all the full novels of this author. He brings the story to life quickly with just enough background to set the stage and then on to the story. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment.
I like all the full novels of this author. He brings the story to life quickly with just enough background to set the stage and then on to the story. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment.
March 19, 2022
I wasn’t too sure about the book at the start, as some of the science didn’t bear close examination and I wasn’t happy with all Tolkien references. However it didn’t take long before I found ‘Ida’ quite intriguing and was soon totally engrossed in the story, in fact I didn’t put the book down until I had finished.
I do have one slight concern that now with eight different series on the go, how well is the author going to keep on top of them all?
I do have one slight concern that now with eight different series on the go, how well is the author going to keep on top of them all?
July 3, 2023
A decent beginning to a series. Will need to see how it develops.
Read
April 21, 2022Excellent!!
This first novel in the series just kept getting better and better. Highly recommended! The main character was extremely interesting. I loved her dry sense of humor and her keen wit. Tons of action! The world was also fascinating and vicious. I can't wait for the next one!!
This first novel in the series just kept getting better and better. Highly recommended! The main character was extremely interesting. I loved her dry sense of humor and her keen wit. Tons of action! The world was also fascinating and vicious. I can't wait for the next one!!
October 30, 2022
This starts off as a slice of life book,
But turns into a proper adventure story about a quarter of the way in. This has a simple set up with a wonderful world state, the care given into crafting the details is exquisite. This is a very good start to a series.
But turns into a proper adventure story about a quarter of the way in. This has a simple set up with a wonderful world state, the care given into crafting the details is exquisite. This is a very good start to a series.
August 17, 2024
Ida’s Awakening
Ida starts off as a pleasant Australian grandmother, retired and living quietly with her husband John on the Sunshine Coast of Southeast Queensland (along the north east coast of Australia). They had a home that they’d purchased, complete with a swimming pool, in hopes of having their children and grandchildren visit.
Things didn’t work out as planned. First, John died of cancer, right in the midst of Covid-19. Then, the kids proved to be too busy with their own lives to visit or bother to even call. And thirdly, on her eightieth birthday (no, they didn’t call), there was a magical apocalypse.
Human beings, along with everything else, were changed. Amongst humans, the changes followed vaguely Tolkienian forms, with supercilious elves (without the music, or the joy), dwarves, so called because of their ability to work with the earth— they were actually very tall, orcs and goblins, etc. And long-lived wizards, which is where Ida fell.
The nomenclature from Tolkien may have helped with organizing the changes in their minds but didn’t often have much to do with the actual results. Elves were metal workers, having the power to control one or more metals with their minds. Dwarves, despite their height, worked with the earth. Goblins were shape changers, able to change their structure into a form like a large cat.
But those were the changes that humans made. The flora and fauna of Australia was already the most dangerous on the planet. The apocalypse made it many times worse, so that a twelve inch snake whose venom was a neurotoxin became a six meter snake and twenty times more poisonous. Dangerous plants became massively large and massively lethal. Even birds such as magpies grew in size and became carnivorous predators.
Ida has moved from being a nice grandmotherly sort to being a woman of serious power, but it may not be enough.
Ida starts off as a pleasant Australian grandmother, retired and living quietly with her husband John on the Sunshine Coast of Southeast Queensland (along the north east coast of Australia). They had a home that they’d purchased, complete with a swimming pool, in hopes of having their children and grandchildren visit.
Things didn’t work out as planned. First, John died of cancer, right in the midst of Covid-19. Then, the kids proved to be too busy with their own lives to visit or bother to even call. And thirdly, on her eightieth birthday (no, they didn’t call), there was a magical apocalypse.
Human beings, along with everything else, were changed. Amongst humans, the changes followed vaguely Tolkienian forms, with supercilious elves (without the music, or the joy), dwarves, so called because of their ability to work with the earth— they were actually very tall, orcs and goblins, etc. And long-lived wizards, which is where Ida fell.
The nomenclature from Tolkien may have helped with organizing the changes in their minds but didn’t often have much to do with the actual results. Elves were metal workers, having the power to control one or more metals with their minds. Dwarves, despite their height, worked with the earth. Goblins were shape changers, able to change their structure into a form like a large cat.
But those were the changes that humans made. The flora and fauna of Australia was already the most dangerous on the planet. The apocalypse made it many times worse, so that a twelve inch snake whose venom was a neurotoxin became a six meter snake and twenty times more poisonous. Dangerous plants became massively large and massively lethal. Even birds such as magpies grew in size and became carnivorous predators.
Ida has moved from being a nice grandmotherly sort to being a woman of serious power, but it may not be enough.
August 20, 2024
Silly premise, good story telling.
The premise serves to turn our world into a fantasy setting: An alien genetic payload hits the earth, disperses, and infects everyone and anything. The survivors are transformed physically and gain powers. (This applies to animals too, so being attacked by a pack of giant carnivorous venomous rabbits can be a thing.)
The "Middle Earth" nomenclature just provides a shorthand for describing the new subspecies of human descent. The robust, long-lived folks with earth-related powers are known as Dwarfs, the gracile, potentially-immortal folks are known as Elves, people who look human - now with some super powers - are known as Humans, et several cetera. And then there are a handful of people who got *all* the powers. Since they also tend to be insane, they are known as Dark Lords, Witch Kings, etc.
Ida is one of the latter but, as she is sane, she prefers to think of herself as a Wizard.
It's been 2500 years since the genetic apocalypse, and Ida has maintained a low profile. Until she doesn't, which is where the story starts. Something dangerous is emerging, threatening to expand throughout the latter-day Australia, and Ida gets involved. (Australia has doubled down on "everything is trying to kill you".)
As noted, a silly premise redeemed by good story telling.
The premise serves to turn our world into a fantasy setting: An alien genetic payload hits the earth, disperses, and infects everyone and anything. The survivors are transformed physically and gain powers. (This applies to animals too, so being attacked by a pack of giant carnivorous venomous rabbits can be a thing.)
The "Middle Earth" nomenclature just provides a shorthand for describing the new subspecies of human descent. The robust, long-lived folks with earth-related powers are known as Dwarfs, the gracile, potentially-immortal folks are known as Elves, people who look human - now with some super powers - are known as Humans, et several cetera. And then there are a handful of people who got *all* the powers. Since they also tend to be insane, they are known as Dark Lords, Witch Kings, etc.
Ida is one of the latter but, as she is sane, she prefers to think of herself as a Wizard.
It's been 2500 years since the genetic apocalypse, and Ida has maintained a low profile. Until she doesn't, which is where the story starts. Something dangerous is emerging, threatening to expand throughout the latter-day Australia, and Ida gets involved. (Australia has doubled down on "everything is trying to kill you".)
As noted, a silly premise redeemed by good story telling.
August 4, 2024
Book one
While reading this book I got the distinct impression that the author knows little to nothing about weapons of any sort. I was prepared to overlook this as I was enjoying the story and the lack of weapon knowledge had my imagination playing it out like an 80's action movie from Hollywood.
What did cause me to drop the star level was that along with no weapons knowledge the author also has no knowledge of the human body.
Without any neural pathways you are dead. They control every single function of the body. So even if you mutate you still need them.
I don't understand the total dislike the author has for assault style weapons. With how strong everyone has become keeping an automatic rifle on target would be no problem, so there wouldn't be any spray and pray.
You can not realistically carry a sword or arrows across your back, don't care what Hollywood says.
Being able to fire a pistol at the same time from each hand at two different targets is also practically impossible. People normally fire one gun then the other, especially if they are actually trying to hit a target.
3/10 Would have been higher if only some research had been done.
While reading this book I got the distinct impression that the author knows little to nothing about weapons of any sort. I was prepared to overlook this as I was enjoying the story and the lack of weapon knowledge had my imagination playing it out like an 80's action movie from Hollywood.
What did cause me to drop the star level was that along with no weapons knowledge the author also has no knowledge of the human body.
Without any neural pathways you are dead. They control every single function of the body. So even if you mutate you still need them.
I don't understand the total dislike the author has for assault style weapons. With how strong everyone has become keeping an automatic rifle on target would be no problem, so there wouldn't be any spray and pray.
You can not realistically carry a sword or arrows across your back, don't care what Hollywood says.
Being able to fire a pistol at the same time from each hand at two different targets is also practically impossible. People normally fire one gun then the other, especially if they are actually trying to hit a target.
3/10 Would have been higher if only some research had been done.
September 6, 2025
A kind of post-apocalyptic fantasy. Pretty cool.
As the series name and blurb says, everyone and everything (plants, animals, people) are turned into a scary kind of Middle Earth. Our MC is a rare Wizard who has NOT gone insane with power. Probably.
I like how she might be over powered, but has angst, and questions herself. She has self-delusions, mostly humourous. It makes her feel more human. More approachable.
The world building is great; very creative. The is more doing/showing than explaining. Always good to keep the story moving along.
The people are not one-dimensional.
The books do not stop on cliff hangers. That's important. You know she has work to do and there is a goal, but none of these stupid cliché endings forcing you to read the next in the series. I avoid those if I know about them.
It took me 5 days to read all 3 books. I wish there was a fourth.
Highly recommended.
As the series name and blurb says, everyone and everything (plants, animals, people) are turned into a scary kind of Middle Earth. Our MC is a rare Wizard who has NOT gone insane with power. Probably.
I like how she might be over powered, but has angst, and questions herself. She has self-delusions, mostly humourous. It makes her feel more human. More approachable.
The world building is great; very creative. The is more doing/showing than explaining. Always good to keep the story moving along.
The people are not one-dimensional.
The books do not stop on cliff hangers. That's important. You know she has work to do and there is a goal, but none of these stupid cliché endings forcing you to read the next in the series. I avoid those if I know about them.
It took me 5 days to read all 3 books. I wish there was a fourth.
Highly recommended.
May 30, 2022
It seems Australia is actually Middle Earth, not Oz, which works much better than I expected. A meteor shower sprays Earth with extraterrestrial organic matter. Which matter combines with earthly DNA, making the survivors (plant, animal, human) stronger and often more aggressive. Humans are split into several new species, named for peoples in Tolkien’s Middle Earth (humans, dwarves, elves, goblins, troll) with which they share some-repeat-some characteristics. This all happened an unspecified Long Time Ago.
Our main character - current alias Ida - considers herself a wizard, albeit one who has given up meddling. But something new has been added.
Our main character - current alias Ida - considers herself a wizard, albeit one who has given up meddling. But something new has been added.
June 17, 2022
bi hobbling your main character you only get four stars.
Great story yes, plenty of action yes, world building enough to let us know the environment yes. Ida is a great character compassionate about people she cares about, wouldn’t spit on her enemies. She reminds me of another great female character named Bethany Ann. Unfortunately I have to give this book 4 instead of five because we never got to see her full potential the author decided to hobble his character during the last third of the book. The supporting cast is engaging and likable so far. Unfortunately I now have to wait for the next book in the series it is well worth the read even with my minor quibble.
Great story yes, plenty of action yes, world building enough to let us know the environment yes. Ida is a great character compassionate about people she cares about, wouldn’t spit on her enemies. She reminds me of another great female character named Bethany Ann. Unfortunately I have to give this book 4 instead of five because we never got to see her full potential the author decided to hobble his character during the last third of the book. The supporting cast is engaging and likable so far. Unfortunately I now have to wait for the next book in the series it is well worth the read even with my minor quibble.
May 7, 2023
Initially I was a bit skeptical that this was going to be a bit of LoTR fanfic, but I loved Tony's other work, so started it. I was certainly glad that I did. This was an absolute cracker of a book. The LoTR aspect is very small and is used as just a categorization system. What you do get is a fast-paced, well fleshed out world build, with a unique powers system and a number of different black/white/grey players with their own agendas - that's incredibly well written. Really hope there's another one in the mix, because there's so much more story to tell! Well done Tony!
June 14, 2025
Plot/conflict ⭐️ Lots of threads woven together beautifully.
Characters/development ⭐️ I enjoyed seeing Ida grow and share her wisdom.
World/setting ⭐️ - the world is fascinating, especially for a fan of LotR. I enjoyed the “before this age” setting being Australia.
Style/craft - for me, there was a lot of “telling” about things that were tangential to the story (for example, about the capabilities of various predator animals that attacked and were killed). Don’t get me wrong, the details don’t take away from anything. Just slowed pace when I wanted it to be faster.
I’m on to the next!
Characters/development ⭐️ I enjoyed seeing Ida grow and share her wisdom.
World/setting ⭐️ - the world is fascinating, especially for a fan of LotR. I enjoyed the “before this age” setting being Australia.
Style/craft - for me, there was a lot of “telling” about things that were tangential to the story (for example, about the capabilities of various predator animals that attacked and were killed). Don’t get me wrong, the details don’t take away from anything. Just slowed pace when I wanted it to be faster.
I’m on to the next!
November 8, 2022
fascinating
LitRPG adjacent, post apocalypse-type setting. Australia, so not only is everything trying to kill you, it’s rather proficient at it…then they upgraded. Deadly sugar-gliders!!
A little emotional flat, but everything moves forward well. Clean prose.
I’d love to see more…but I want more Stork Tower too. Or Weaves of Empire. You know what? Just write something, mister.
LitRPG adjacent, post apocalypse-type setting. Australia, so not only is everything trying to kill you, it’s rather proficient at it…then they upgraded. Deadly sugar-gliders!!
A little emotional flat, but everything moves forward well. Clean prose.
I’d love to see more…but I want more Stork Tower too. Or Weaves of Empire. You know what? Just write something, mister.
April 27, 2022
The premise made me rather unsure going in but wow this is a shockingly good page turner.
The protagonist is rather unique and makes for a great storytelling POV.
The banter is often quick witted and characters and the world all feel tangible.
I quickly binged through this book and simply can’t wait to explore more of this LOTR like world through Ida’s unique perspective.
The protagonist is rather unique and makes for a great storytelling POV.
The banter is often quick witted and characters and the world all feel tangible.
I quickly binged through this book and simply can’t wait to explore more of this LOTR like world through Ida’s unique perspective.
May 13, 2022
Great story
At first I wasn't sure I'd like this book. The MC is hard to take. She's rude, condescending, and generally irascible. That being said, she becomes a much more likeable character about 3/4 through the book. Minor quibbles aside, this is a very well written and pulls you in. I highly recommend it, just give the MC some time to grow on you.
At first I wasn't sure I'd like this book. The MC is hard to take. She's rude, condescending, and generally irascible. That being said, she becomes a much more likeable character about 3/4 through the book. Minor quibbles aside, this is a very well written and pulls you in. I highly recommend it, just give the MC some time to grow on you.
June 14, 2022
Good but not great.
I liked the premise and all, but the execution lacked. The book needs some editing. The characters are flat.
Not sure how this is receiving so many 5 star ratings... something is fishy.
I'll most likely read any follow-up novel as I liked the story line, and to see if the writing has improved.
I liked the premise and all, but the execution lacked. The book needs some editing. The characters are flat.
Not sure how this is receiving so many 5 star ratings... something is fishy.
I'll most likely read any follow-up novel as I liked the story line, and to see if the writing has improved.
December 31, 2022
Entertaining
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but once I started reading could not put it down. The main character was intelligent, talented and just a badass. The world building was interesting and supporting characters well written. I can't remember being so entertained by a fantasy story in quite awhile. Can't wait for book 2.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but once I started reading could not put it down. The main character was intelligent, talented and just a badass. The world building was interesting and supporting characters well written. I can't remember being so entertained by a fantasy story in quite awhile. Can't wait for book 2.
August 27, 2023
Military SF without the military
This reads like a lot of military SF I've read, except the setting is an apocalyptic Australia, where everything has been changed and renamed after Tolkien's Middle Earth. The change is precipitated by alien DNA so there's no real magic. It's well written and the plot moves along quickly so you never get bored.
This reads like a lot of military SF I've read, except the setting is an apocalyptic Australia, where everything has been changed and renamed after Tolkien's Middle Earth. The change is precipitated by alien DNA so there's no real magic. It's well written and the plot moves along quickly so you never get bored.
September 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book
We’ll written. I enjoy adventure type stories and the was a great take on the dystopian future story with a strong female lead. I do hope there is a sequel but this story wraps at the end with just enough left open to leave the possibility for additional adventures.
We’ll written. I enjoy adventure type stories and the was a great take on the dystopian future story with a strong female lead. I do hope there is a sequel but this story wraps at the end with just enough left open to leave the possibility for additional adventures.
September 1, 2024
Awesome Stuff
The beginning of this book takes a little bit to comprehend. Elves, goblins, Dwarves and the other races are totally redefined. They seam more in line with the Trek’s theme. Vulcans, Remulants, and so forth.
The story of the highest being pretending to be just a human and the Elves acting all high and mighty being brought low was fantastic.
The beginning of this book takes a little bit to comprehend. Elves, goblins, Dwarves and the other races are totally redefined. They seam more in line with the Trek’s theme. Vulcans, Remulants, and so forth.
The story of the highest being pretending to be just a human and the Elves acting all high and mighty being brought low was fantastic.
August 24, 2025
Amazing start for a new series
I liked the world setting and story development, I particularly enjoyed how fast the introductory chapters were and the way Ida's character was portrayed. Ida is one of my favorites main characters she is strong, competent, smart and ruthless. I got through the book in record time Nd I'm picking up the next one right now.
I liked the world setting and story development, I particularly enjoyed how fast the introductory chapters were and the way Ida's character was portrayed. Ida is one of my favorites main characters she is strong, competent, smart and ruthless. I got through the book in record time Nd I'm picking up the next one right now.
April 2, 2022
Didnt want to read this. Im waiting for the next chapters in Tony and Ethans collections already and I knew this would add another book to that list.
Yep, I like the new characters and look forward to more of Ida's story. Good character development, and good story. Thanks again Tony.
Yep, I like the new characters and look forward to more of Ida's story. Good character development, and good story. Thanks again Tony.
April 19, 2022
very entertaining
An interesting take on the apocalypse and Tolkien literature, a intricate plot of intrigue and mayhem, strong engaging characters and a world that could best be described as survival of the fittest! Well worth your reading dollar.
An interesting take on the apocalypse and Tolkien literature, a intricate plot of intrigue and mayhem, strong engaging characters and a world that could best be described as survival of the fittest! Well worth your reading dollar.
April 19, 2022
Wow!
Interesting story and characters, main character is awesome! Love coming in at the end of the befores and the start of a new level/paradigm! Really like how mc clarifies situations. Excellent adventure!
Interesting story and characters, main character is awesome! Love coming in at the end of the befores and the start of a new level/paradigm! Really like how mc clarifies situations. Excellent adventure!
May 5, 2022
outstanding
One of the best story lines and alternative earths I have ever read. loved the way humans mutated into the creatures from fantasy while still retaining some human characteristics. looking forward to the next book.
One of the best story lines and alternative earths I have ever read. loved the way humans mutated into the creatures from fantasy while still retaining some human characteristics. looking forward to the next book.
May 7, 2022
A really fresh take on post-apocalyptic fantasy
I can't wait for the next book. Ida is the best heroine I've come across in a long time. Corden's world and it's creation story are great fun and leave a lot room for science to keep it's place in the world.
I can't wait for the next book. Ida is the best heroine I've come across in a long time. Corden's world and it's creation story are great fun and leave a lot room for science to keep it's place in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews