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Child of Etherclaw
The bonds of family go well beyond blood.
But can those bonds hold when the blood itself carries a devastating secret?
Fenlee’s opal necklace had always radiated a certain warmth since her mother’s death. But now, at sixteen, her world begins to unravel as the stone sparks to life, revealing itself to be an otherworldly artifact of untold power.
Between her mechatronics studies at the academy and scavenging expeditions beneath the sprawling city of New Cascadia, Fenlee and her adopted brother, Elliot, try to decipher the mysteries of her necklace and its link to events in Fenlee’s past.
But they’re not alone in their search.
Strange undercity dwellers offer cryptic warnings, drones track their movements, and deadly corporate agents lurk in the shadows. When tragedy rips Fenlee’s family apart, she must learn to use the artifact’s power to save those who are deeply precious to her. But nothing can prepare her for the dark truths that she will uncover on that journey…
“Lee,” Elliot mumbled. “I’m not who you think I am.”
But can those bonds hold when the blood itself carries a devastating secret?
Fenlee’s opal necklace had always radiated a certain warmth since her mother’s death. But now, at sixteen, her world begins to unravel as the stone sparks to life, revealing itself to be an otherworldly artifact of untold power.
Between her mechatronics studies at the academy and scavenging expeditions beneath the sprawling city of New Cascadia, Fenlee and her adopted brother, Elliot, try to decipher the mysteries of her necklace and its link to events in Fenlee’s past.
But they’re not alone in their search.
Strange undercity dwellers offer cryptic warnings, drones track their movements, and deadly corporate agents lurk in the shadows. When tragedy rips Fenlee’s family apart, she must learn to use the artifact’s power to save those who are deeply precious to her. But nothing can prepare her for the dark truths that she will uncover on that journey…
“Lee,” Elliot mumbled. “I’m not who you think I am.”
348 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
10 people are currently reading
2896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 16, 2022
Fenlee Harper and her adopted younger brother, Elliot, are navigating the world mostly alone. Since her mother’s passing, her father is always away working, which leaves Fenlee to look after herself and Elliot. Life in the low tier has been hard, but she has aspirations for a better life, and applying herself in the Mechatronics class at The Academy was the way she was going to do it. For her, it was a priority to be in the top of her class, and for that she needed access to materials that were hard to find.
Scavenging in the Undercity of New Cascadia was dangerous but a necessity. Little did Fenlee know that a typical day of scavenging would change the trajectory of her life for good. There was more to the cheap opal her mom left her than meets the eye. She’s introduced to a power she never knew existed and some strange characters that help her along the way. From then on, Fenlee’s world is never the same.
This sci-fi fantasy novel introduces us to a futuristic world where a class system exists that is both literal and metaphoric. From the beginning, it opens with action that just sucks you in. I had no idea what was going on, but I was down for the ride. First we meet Fenlee and Elliot, both capable and street smart, but they get themselves into some trouble, and as the story unfolds, we see that they aren’t as alone as they may have thought.
The characters were well developed and the storyline was exciting and imaginative, with an evil villain and endearing allies. The descriptions of the environment were vivid and really made me feel like I was in New Cascadia experiencing the sights and smells. The story is unpredictable, full of futuristic technology and government conspiracy. The author does a good job of introducing the history of this world mixed into the storyline so that the reader was not inundated with too much information.
I love a good coming-of-age story and this definitely fits the bill. It has the right amount of teen angst mixed with action, mystery, and even a little bit of romance. If this is the first in a series, I’d say it’s off to a great start and I would definitely love to read a sequel. I would recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy this genre.
Scavenging in the Undercity of New Cascadia was dangerous but a necessity. Little did Fenlee know that a typical day of scavenging would change the trajectory of her life for good. There was more to the cheap opal her mom left her than meets the eye. She’s introduced to a power she never knew existed and some strange characters that help her along the way. From then on, Fenlee’s world is never the same.
This sci-fi fantasy novel introduces us to a futuristic world where a class system exists that is both literal and metaphoric. From the beginning, it opens with action that just sucks you in. I had no idea what was going on, but I was down for the ride. First we meet Fenlee and Elliot, both capable and street smart, but they get themselves into some trouble, and as the story unfolds, we see that they aren’t as alone as they may have thought.
The characters were well developed and the storyline was exciting and imaginative, with an evil villain and endearing allies. The descriptions of the environment were vivid and really made me feel like I was in New Cascadia experiencing the sights and smells. The story is unpredictable, full of futuristic technology and government conspiracy. The author does a good job of introducing the history of this world mixed into the storyline so that the reader was not inundated with too much information.
I love a good coming-of-age story and this definitely fits the bill. It has the right amount of teen angst mixed with action, mystery, and even a little bit of romance. If this is the first in a series, I’d say it’s off to a great start and I would definitely love to read a sequel. I would recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy this genre.
November 14, 2022
Great YA science fiction adventure
I fell in love instantly with Fenlee, her brother Elliot, and Kavi the cat. The characters are so endearing and I loved their different strengths and weaknesses.
The world building is great. Both the future earth details as well as the backstory. I could see and smell New Cascadia. It was a totally believable and realistic world.
The ether claw was interesting and I liked how it manifested in different ways. There were only a couple of times it came close to being a bit X Men super powered. Most of the time I was totally invested in it’s technology.
I loved Nico (although he was a bit gross at times), the solfs and the animals.
I really liked how much hope and love there was in this dystopian world. A couple of times, especially at the end, the pacing went a little too cozy for me when I really wanted it to embrace the more epic, big themes of the story.
A really enjoyable, entertaining read with characters I loved and a great science fiction world. I love the cover too! I’ll be looking out for more by this author.
I fell in love instantly with Fenlee, her brother Elliot, and Kavi the cat. The characters are so endearing and I loved their different strengths and weaknesses.
The world building is great. Both the future earth details as well as the backstory. I could see and smell New Cascadia. It was a totally believable and realistic world.
The ether claw was interesting and I liked how it manifested in different ways. There were only a couple of times it came close to being a bit X Men super powered. Most of the time I was totally invested in it’s technology.
I loved Nico (although he was a bit gross at times), the solfs and the animals.
I really liked how much hope and love there was in this dystopian world. A couple of times, especially at the end, the pacing went a little too cozy for me when I really wanted it to embrace the more epic, big themes of the story.
A really enjoyable, entertaining read with characters I loved and a great science fiction world. I love the cover too! I’ll be looking out for more by this author.
August 16, 2022
I receive a free digital copy of the book trough BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I had absolutely the right feeling about this book as it turns out I really liked it. It delivered everything the book blurb promised and I really enjoyed reading it.
This is one of those books that have a really strong opening and set the mood for the whole journey. I have to say I was pretty hooked from the very beginning. The author really managed to project the whole world to the book perfectly and it was really easy to imagine everything I read. The worldbuilding was well developed, with a detailed history of New Concordia but it's done subtly enough so it's not overwhelming. The story is set in the near future, that's quite technologically advanced. And if the technology itself isn't enough, there's some strange magic put into the mix of everything.
Another thing that I absolutely loved are the characters. Fenlee is just amazing. She is talented, smart but not privileged enough to make her stand out and use her abilities. She is trying every way possible to get a place in a secure position in Norfayne Labs, which would move her family up a tier. As much as she's talented, she also does have faults which makes her a much more believable character you can absolutely relate to. She also has a younger brother Elliot, who is quirky in his own way, and they fit together perfectly. But Elliot learns a truth about himself he never expected and might possibly shake up the whole situation.
With that in mind, the book offered quite a few twists and turns. There were plot twists I never saw coming and it made it a true page turner. The plot was well thought out and it's constantly developing into a more complex story, that is quite action packed. With the story, the complexity is also transferred to the characters, who constantly grow and mature through the events.
I don't pick up young adult books as much as I used to, but I'm really glad I picked this one up. It's an amazing young adult dystopian sci-fi thriller, and if you like those kinds of books, this one should be perfect.
I had absolutely the right feeling about this book as it turns out I really liked it. It delivered everything the book blurb promised and I really enjoyed reading it.
This is one of those books that have a really strong opening and set the mood for the whole journey. I have to say I was pretty hooked from the very beginning. The author really managed to project the whole world to the book perfectly and it was really easy to imagine everything I read. The worldbuilding was well developed, with a detailed history of New Concordia but it's done subtly enough so it's not overwhelming. The story is set in the near future, that's quite technologically advanced. And if the technology itself isn't enough, there's some strange magic put into the mix of everything.
Another thing that I absolutely loved are the characters. Fenlee is just amazing. She is talented, smart but not privileged enough to make her stand out and use her abilities. She is trying every way possible to get a place in a secure position in Norfayne Labs, which would move her family up a tier. As much as she's talented, she also does have faults which makes her a much more believable character you can absolutely relate to. She also has a younger brother Elliot, who is quirky in his own way, and they fit together perfectly. But Elliot learns a truth about himself he never expected and might possibly shake up the whole situation.
With that in mind, the book offered quite a few twists and turns. There were plot twists I never saw coming and it made it a true page turner. The plot was well thought out and it's constantly developing into a more complex story, that is quite action packed. With the story, the complexity is also transferred to the characters, who constantly grow and mature through the events.
I don't pick up young adult books as much as I used to, but I'm really glad I picked this one up. It's an amazing young adult dystopian sci-fi thriller, and if you like those kinds of books, this one should be perfect.
July 4, 2022
Characters
The main character is Fenlee — a 16-year-old girl living in the lower tier of a city with her adopted brother and dad. She is definitely a badass in the best meaning of this word. Not a stereotypically "strong" action movie type of character, but a real and breathing person with flaws who makes mistakes while trying to do her best. She's passionate about mechatronics and wants to get a job at a well-known corporation to ensure a better life for her family, but because she's poor, she has to go on dangerous scavenging expeditions for mechanical parts to build her projects.
Her brother Elliot is a kind boy who cares about his sister, but... well, I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that he has a secret.
There are more interesting characters who play an important role in the book, and I think the author did a great job making them feel like real people with their unique quirks and motivations. Some of them were quite weird, which made them even more entertaining to read about.
World-building
I enjoyed the wold-building a lot! Matty Roberts managed to create an immersive and very atmospheric post-apocalyptic cyberpunk city. The more I read, the more secrets and mysteries the world revealed, and I'm sure there will be more to discover in the next book(s).
Plot
The plot is straightforward and gripping, with twists and turns, a mystery to solve, a villain to defeat, a group of teens on a dangerous quest, a bit of angst and some real losses.
Impressions
I loved Child of Etherclaw! It was very entertaining and easy to read. I kept coming back to the book and couldn't put it down even when it was time to go to sleep. I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
You might enjoy the book if you like YA sci-fi, cyberpunk / post-apocalyptic / dystopian settings, found family and mysterious artifacts.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi where you'll find more reviews, interviews, lists, short stories and more.
The main character is Fenlee — a 16-year-old girl living in the lower tier of a city with her adopted brother and dad. She is definitely a badass in the best meaning of this word. Not a stereotypically "strong" action movie type of character, but a real and breathing person with flaws who makes mistakes while trying to do her best. She's passionate about mechatronics and wants to get a job at a well-known corporation to ensure a better life for her family, but because she's poor, she has to go on dangerous scavenging expeditions for mechanical parts to build her projects.
Her brother Elliot is a kind boy who cares about his sister, but... well, I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that he has a secret.
There are more interesting characters who play an important role in the book, and I think the author did a great job making them feel like real people with their unique quirks and motivations. Some of them were quite weird, which made them even more entertaining to read about.
World-building
I enjoyed the wold-building a lot! Matty Roberts managed to create an immersive and very atmospheric post-apocalyptic cyberpunk city. The more I read, the more secrets and mysteries the world revealed, and I'm sure there will be more to discover in the next book(s).
Plot
The plot is straightforward and gripping, with twists and turns, a mystery to solve, a villain to defeat, a group of teens on a dangerous quest, a bit of angst and some real losses.
Impressions
I loved Child of Etherclaw! It was very entertaining and easy to read. I kept coming back to the book and couldn't put it down even when it was time to go to sleep. I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
You might enjoy the book if you like YA sci-fi, cyberpunk / post-apocalyptic / dystopian settings, found family and mysterious artifacts.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi where you'll find more reviews, interviews, lists, short stories and more.
July 24, 2022
Strong world building meets high-tension and layer after layer of secrets in this excitingly gritty, scifi read.
Fenlee loves her mechatronic studies and will do anything to make her creations stay above everyone else's. That includes hunting for parts in the off-limits, underground city. With her younger brother, she crawls through dangerous areas and is always careful not to be spotted by the security drones. When one of their runs lands her in trouble, she discovers a woman who bears a very cryptic message about the necklace around her neck. Told that the stone has given her access to certain powers, Fenlee soon learns that she's been left in the dark about many things, and those secrets are about to endanger her and everyone she loves. But even that doesn't prepare her for the biggest secret of all.
From the very first page, the reader dives into a vivid world. The author has done a good job at letting the scenes and surroundings come to life in a way that makes the reader almost feel as if they were there. And that without falling into description word dumps. It was science fiction fun and carried a grimy dark hint, which made it a treat to see what would come next.
The plot is well laid with tiny hints and clues sprinkled throughout. There were more than a few action-packed moments and other times, where emotions came through. It was a good balance on this end, and even had a last turn, which was extremely hard to see coming. There were a few moments, when the information or scenes came too quickly and easily, but these by no means ruined the tale. So, there are quite a few things about this read, which make it more than a little entertaining.
I do recommend this one for science fiction fans, who enjoy rescue action, a hint of the unknown, and a setting, which has all the darkness of a grabbing, dystopian world. I received an DRC and found this to be an intriguing world.
Fenlee loves her mechatronic studies and will do anything to make her creations stay above everyone else's. That includes hunting for parts in the off-limits, underground city. With her younger brother, she crawls through dangerous areas and is always careful not to be spotted by the security drones. When one of their runs lands her in trouble, she discovers a woman who bears a very cryptic message about the necklace around her neck. Told that the stone has given her access to certain powers, Fenlee soon learns that she's been left in the dark about many things, and those secrets are about to endanger her and everyone she loves. But even that doesn't prepare her for the biggest secret of all.
From the very first page, the reader dives into a vivid world. The author has done a good job at letting the scenes and surroundings come to life in a way that makes the reader almost feel as if they were there. And that without falling into description word dumps. It was science fiction fun and carried a grimy dark hint, which made it a treat to see what would come next.
The plot is well laid with tiny hints and clues sprinkled throughout. There were more than a few action-packed moments and other times, where emotions came through. It was a good balance on this end, and even had a last turn, which was extremely hard to see coming. There were a few moments, when the information or scenes came too quickly and easily, but these by no means ruined the tale. So, there are quite a few things about this read, which make it more than a little entertaining.
I do recommend this one for science fiction fans, who enjoy rescue action, a hint of the unknown, and a setting, which has all the darkness of a grabbing, dystopian world. I received an DRC and found this to be an intriguing world.
June 24, 2022
Well done Matty. Great first book, really fun engaging story. Can’t wait for the next one!
June 13, 2022
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. *
** True rating 3,5 out of 5 stars **
I hadn’t had a difficult review in a little while now but that is exactly what Child of Etherclaw was for me. Especially because I can almost feel how personal this book is to the Author. I suspect Fenlee’s experiences in no small part are based on the authors’. Naturally, that is true for lots of books but it did give me pause here. It feels rawer, more exposed which is certainly commendable. So when you have a book that is so personal, that is neither bad nor good, where do you go? As I said - difficult.
Starting with a big positive – without trying to give too much away – I certainly did not see the big plot twist coming. It is hard to strike a balance as an author, between twists coming completely out of the blue and twists being predictable from a mile away. You don’t want your readers to be left reeling, feeling as if there was no rhyme and reason to what just happened. Equally, you don’t want your readers to know too much and get bored with what is inevitably about to come. In Child of Etherclaw, Roberts struck that delicate balance quite elegantly. Looking back there were clues and hints as to what was to come, but never was it blatantly obvious.
Sadly with the big reveal came another change that I struggled with. As soon as we started seeing the world through the eyes of Elliot, as well as Fenlee’s, their personalities seemed to blend together. In my eyes, up until that point they had been two very distinct people with different responses to emotional stimuli. After the big reveal that no longer seemed to be the case, with Elliot taking on more of Fenlee’s approach to problem-solving. While it wasn’t enough to take the joy out of reading, it was noticeable.
Another point for me was the use of language. I am fully aware this is 100% down to personal preference and most definitely not a mark of quality, one way or another, however, the writing style felt almost staccato. Personally, I am more drawn to long, flowery sentences, as is quite clearly demonstrated in this section alone. Whereas Roberts employs a more to-the-point type of storytelling.
Aside from the above though, the story was well constructed. Pleasant pacing that kept me at the edge of my seat without being exhausting. An interesting cast of characters who all brought something different to the table, with the aforementioned exception. A believable world with a mysterious past you can’t help but want to learn more about. Underdogs fighting for their own survival, and much much more. I for one am interested to see where the second instalment will be taking us!
** True rating 3,5 out of 5 stars **
I hadn’t had a difficult review in a little while now but that is exactly what Child of Etherclaw was for me. Especially because I can almost feel how personal this book is to the Author. I suspect Fenlee’s experiences in no small part are based on the authors’. Naturally, that is true for lots of books but it did give me pause here. It feels rawer, more exposed which is certainly commendable. So when you have a book that is so personal, that is neither bad nor good, where do you go? As I said - difficult.
Starting with a big positive – without trying to give too much away – I certainly did not see the big plot twist coming. It is hard to strike a balance as an author, between twists coming completely out of the blue and twists being predictable from a mile away. You don’t want your readers to be left reeling, feeling as if there was no rhyme and reason to what just happened. Equally, you don’t want your readers to know too much and get bored with what is inevitably about to come. In Child of Etherclaw, Roberts struck that delicate balance quite elegantly. Looking back there were clues and hints as to what was to come, but never was it blatantly obvious.
Sadly with the big reveal came another change that I struggled with. As soon as we started seeing the world through the eyes of Elliot, as well as Fenlee’s, their personalities seemed to blend together. In my eyes, up until that point they had been two very distinct people with different responses to emotional stimuli. After the big reveal that no longer seemed to be the case, with Elliot taking on more of Fenlee’s approach to problem-solving. While it wasn’t enough to take the joy out of reading, it was noticeable.
Another point for me was the use of language. I am fully aware this is 100% down to personal preference and most definitely not a mark of quality, one way or another, however, the writing style felt almost staccato. Personally, I am more drawn to long, flowery sentences, as is quite clearly demonstrated in this section alone. Whereas Roberts employs a more to-the-point type of storytelling.
Aside from the above though, the story was well constructed. Pleasant pacing that kept me at the edge of my seat without being exhausting. An interesting cast of characters who all brought something different to the table, with the aforementioned exception. A believable world with a mysterious past you can’t help but want to learn more about. Underdogs fighting for their own survival, and much much more. I for one am interested to see where the second instalment will be taking us!
August 1, 2022
3.5
What I appreciated most about this book was the myriad of representations. The main character is an amputee (without and drama, it’s just her reality), there’s adoptive family, found family, gender parity in number of powerful characters, sexual and racial diversity, etc. But the writing is also very good, the cover is eye-catching, and I liked the characters a lot. I really felt the siblings’ love for one another.
I did think that the parental figure (and any apparent affection held toward them) was little more than contrivance, the side characters weren’t fleshed out well, the villain was a little cliched, there was some predictability, and just a few too many plot-convenient occurrences. But all in all, I’d be up for continuing the series.
What I appreciated most about this book was the myriad of representations. The main character is an amputee (without and drama, it’s just her reality), there’s adoptive family, found family, gender parity in number of powerful characters, sexual and racial diversity, etc. But the writing is also very good, the cover is eye-catching, and I liked the characters a lot. I really felt the siblings’ love for one another.
I did think that the parental figure (and any apparent affection held toward them) was little more than contrivance, the side characters weren’t fleshed out well, the villain was a little cliched, there was some predictability, and just a few too many plot-convenient occurrences. But all in all, I’d be up for continuing the series.
August 8, 2022
The Child of Etherclaw is an interesting book and has the potential to become a very popular series for Dystopian fans. It is set in a time hundreds of years in the future. Earth has been drained of its resources and an alien entity came to, supposedly, save it by putting up towers to enhance resources.
The story centers on a girl and her adopted younger brother. The mother had been killed in an accident. The devastated husband quit being a father for awhile. The young girl had to fend for herself and her younger brother. The Brother did most of the cooking. They depended on each other.
The father was often gone weeks for his job. Since losing the mother's income, they had to sell everything and move to a lower level. She studied hard and was determined to get a good job after graduation and get them back to a higher level of living.
She developed a very close friendship with a girl and a boy fellow students. They shared interests in important things and became very close.
She invented electronic type of things. To do so, she scavenged the underground for scraps and parts with which to create with or to sell so she could purchase other parts.Her brother insisted on going with her although it was dangerous and illegal. One time things took a turn for the worst and their whole lives were forced into a different direction.
The action and suspense increases, new characters evolve, unexpected twists occur, and fantastical things happen.
The characters were defined well and the scenes were described well and easily visualized. The characters felt real although, at times, were slightly "far-fetched". The "Child" of Etherclaw wasn't quite accurate for the title. The cover image was done quite well.
I felt a few parts of the story, especially at the end, was awkwardly done...Like the author wasn't sure how to continue. However, each time this occurred the story did move forward quite well even though it felt "choppy". If it was solidified, it would be a great novel.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this novel
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
The story centers on a girl and her adopted younger brother. The mother had been killed in an accident. The devastated husband quit being a father for awhile. The young girl had to fend for herself and her younger brother. The Brother did most of the cooking. They depended on each other.
The father was often gone weeks for his job. Since losing the mother's income, they had to sell everything and move to a lower level. She studied hard and was determined to get a good job after graduation and get them back to a higher level of living.
She developed a very close friendship with a girl and a boy fellow students. They shared interests in important things and became very close.
She invented electronic type of things. To do so, she scavenged the underground for scraps and parts with which to create with or to sell so she could purchase other parts.Her brother insisted on going with her although it was dangerous and illegal. One time things took a turn for the worst and their whole lives were forced into a different direction.
The action and suspense increases, new characters evolve, unexpected twists occur, and fantastical things happen.
The characters were defined well and the scenes were described well and easily visualized. The characters felt real although, at times, were slightly "far-fetched". The "Child" of Etherclaw wasn't quite accurate for the title. The cover image was done quite well.
I felt a few parts of the story, especially at the end, was awkwardly done...Like the author wasn't sure how to continue. However, each time this occurred the story did move forward quite well even though it felt "choppy". If it was solidified, it would be a great novel.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this novel
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
July 19, 2022
Humanity was on the brink of extinction, their last days upon them. That is, until the mysterious entities known as Aeons arrived and gave the humans of earth a second chance. Now, under the control of a universal conglomerate, the world begins anew. Fenlee and her brother Elliot are two poor children, who spend their days scavenging the now abandoned undercity for anything they can sell. When Fenlee has her life saved by a stranger, it sets off a chain of events that will not only change her completely but also affect the lives of those closest to her.
Child of Etherclaw by Matty Roberts is a riveting young adult, sci-fi adventure that is set in an intriguing dystopian future. The story follows Fenlee and her younger brother, Elliot, two young scavengers. One day, Fenlee has her life saved and discovers a secret about herself, her family and her future that will have her question everything she ever knew.
I enjoyed the unique and detailed world that Roberts has created in this futuristic story. The backstory feels deep and is well suited for the methodical plot that unfolds slowly and in interesting ways. This creates a fantastic foundation for what can be a fascinating series where the ideas in this novel are fleshed out and explored further.
If you are a fan of dystopian fiction then you will find yourself right at home with Matty Roberts’ cyberpunk thriller. I enjoyed the diversity in the characters and wanted to see them develop further; which is one of the reasons why I can see this being a series where the characters go through more evolution. This is a novel that thrives on its compelling plot and its ability to wield genre tropes to great effect. If this is your first foray into young adult science fiction then this novel will feel fresh and exciting.
The author has created a compelling universe for their intriguing plot to wind through. Child of Etherclaw is an engrossing post-apocalyptic story that will send readers on a spellbinding adventure.
Child of Etherclaw by Matty Roberts is a riveting young adult, sci-fi adventure that is set in an intriguing dystopian future. The story follows Fenlee and her younger brother, Elliot, two young scavengers. One day, Fenlee has her life saved and discovers a secret about herself, her family and her future that will have her question everything she ever knew.
I enjoyed the unique and detailed world that Roberts has created in this futuristic story. The backstory feels deep and is well suited for the methodical plot that unfolds slowly and in interesting ways. This creates a fantastic foundation for what can be a fascinating series where the ideas in this novel are fleshed out and explored further.
If you are a fan of dystopian fiction then you will find yourself right at home with Matty Roberts’ cyberpunk thriller. I enjoyed the diversity in the characters and wanted to see them develop further; which is one of the reasons why I can see this being a series where the characters go through more evolution. This is a novel that thrives on its compelling plot and its ability to wield genre tropes to great effect. If this is your first foray into young adult science fiction then this novel will feel fresh and exciting.
The author has created a compelling universe for their intriguing plot to wind through. Child of Etherclaw is an engrossing post-apocalyptic story that will send readers on a spellbinding adventure.
July 27, 2022
Roberts introduces a new exciting world, with diverse characters to fill it.
I just recently finished the book and I'm a bit saddened to learn that I have to wait for the second one to be released. Throughout the journey you'll meet an array of people, a few animals, and about the city New Cascadia. I found myself fascinated with the back story, and really hope we learn more about the events that took place prior to book one in the subsequent books.
Side notes, I have no idea what the author has in mind for this series, but I can easily visualize this both as a animated movie or live action. Also, my two favorite characters were definitely Murdok and Nico. I'm hoping we see more of them in the future :)
If you enjoy character focused stories, new dystopian worlds to explore, and a few mysteries, then this book is for you!
I just recently finished the book and I'm a bit saddened to learn that I have to wait for the second one to be released. Throughout the journey you'll meet an array of people, a few animals, and about the city New Cascadia. I found myself fascinated with the back story, and really hope we learn more about the events that took place prior to book one in the subsequent books.
Side notes, I have no idea what the author has in mind for this series, but I can easily visualize this both as a animated movie or live action. Also, my two favorite characters were definitely Murdok and Nico. I'm hoping we see more of them in the future :)
If you enjoy character focused stories, new dystopian worlds to explore, and a few mysteries, then this book is for you!
December 17, 2022
Honestly might be a 4.5 rather than a 4, haven't decided yet. I won this in a giveaway and was intrigued because it's fairly out of my regular reading genre. I really enjoyed it! The characters were very easy to fall in love with, and the universe was interesting and new. Definitely want to read any follow ups to this book if/when they come out!
July 16, 2022
From the very first page of this book the reader is taken on a Science Fiction ride where the action is non-stop. The author has created a very realistic world where society lives on the fringes. Only those in New Cascadia who work for the major company, controlled by a "religion" live a good life. Fenlee and her brother Elliott live on the bottom tier of New Cascadia. Fenlee is pretty much raising her brother as their father is away for work. I mean away as in somewhere in space. The lives of Fenlee and hear two best friends are put in danger the day Eliott is kidnapped.
Fenlee learns just how corrupt the government is, and it is so much worse than she ever imagined. I was hooked from page one. The world building is so realistic I was drawn in and felt the fear, anger and range of emotions that Fenleed and the other characters felt. The book ended in a way that was nice and tidy. However, I am hoping that there will be a sequel as there were a couple of things that were not tied up a neatly as I would have like. This is definitely a book I want to put in the hands of my students.
Fenlee learns just how corrupt the government is, and it is so much worse than she ever imagined. I was hooked from page one. The world building is so realistic I was drawn in and felt the fear, anger and range of emotions that Fenleed and the other characters felt. The book ended in a way that was nice and tidy. However, I am hoping that there will be a sequel as there were a couple of things that were not tied up a neatly as I would have like. This is definitely a book I want to put in the hands of my students.
July 24, 2022
I won this book here on Goodreads. I really enjoyed it. It started off slow but picked up at the end. I really enjoyed the characters. I hope I get to read more about them in the future.
July 26, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because it started out a little slow for me. It took me a couple of chapters to get immersed in the world and get to know the characters. Once that happened though, I was hooked. There were parts of this book that made me gasp out loud, parts that made me bite my nails with anxiety and other parts that were so action packed, I had that I was flying over the pages. This book will definitely keep you on your toes and make you want more!
June 2, 2022
I loved the book. It had a great amount of detail, and all the characters and their personalities fit the plot and setting perfectly. The story gave a good amount of information without overloading the reader with a complete history lesson, which was a huge positive. Moreover, the action was well spaced out and the climax towards the end was well written and extremely interesting.
My favourite character was definitely Nico. Peculiar, but in a good way, I found myself waiting for him to once again grace my Kindle screen. I also liked Fenlee and Elliot’s relationship that showed how blood definitely doesn’t define family. Overall, a wonderful read.
Note: I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My favourite character was definitely Nico. Peculiar, but in a good way, I found myself waiting for him to once again grace my Kindle screen. I also liked Fenlee and Elliot’s relationship that showed how blood definitely doesn’t define family. Overall, a wonderful read.
Note: I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2022
This is book one of the Etherclaw series and the main characters are Fenlee Harper (16) and her adopted brother Elliot (14), who live in the Lower Ashe Ward of New Cascadia. Her father adopted Elliot after finding him curled up with Fenlee, in the aftermath of the explosion where he lost his wife and Fenlee lost a leg. Elliot has no memories of his life before the explosion and is happy to have a friend and sister in Fenlee and for her father to adopt him, especially after losing his wife. Fenlee is an academy student and is always looking for scraps for her mechatronics projects and other stuff she likes to tinker with. The only things she has of her mothers are an opal necklace she always wears close to her heart and a small figurine. ON her latest trip to the abandoned undercity below New Cascadia, they run into trouble and Fenlee gets her prosthetic leg stuck when she falls through some loose debris, just as an autodrone could be heard coming to sweep the area. Elliot has to help her hobble away with the lightweight and expensive leg her father had recently bought her and a cat appears and seems to want them to follow it! Instead of a Sentry Class drone coming for them, she is shocked to see it is a Guardian Class autodrone and that has shot to kill authority, for anyone it finds in these areas. Just as she dives on top of Elliot to protect him, the drone explodes above them unexpectedly. She can’t figure out how or why.
The cat, Kavi, soon reappears along with a young barefooted boy called Nico and a very strong looking warrior type woman called Kyara. They live in this undercity along with other refugees without official citizenship for New Arcadia and make a living for themselves down there. Nico knows exactly what caused the explosion, Etherclaw, and points to the opal necklace Fenlee is wearing. He doesn’t speak much nor in proper sentences, but he always seems to know when danger is approaching! Etherclaw can be within a person, such as with Nico, or enclosed in an item such as Fenlee’s opal, and can be used in a multitude of different ways to redirect energy, usually closely linked to the person wielding it. There isn’t much information about it, but it seems to be something from the Aeons era, the beings who constructed the huge Void Pillars, just before the Great Collapse, saving mankind from certain death due to their destruction of the atmosphere. The pillars solved that issue, but there are some at Norfayne Labs that are experimenting with Etherclaw for their own purposes, trying to make superior beings and wipe out the rest. Nico and Kyara show them another way out of the undercity and they go back home, with Kyara telling Fenlee she will need to practise using the Etherclaw, if she wants any control over it and so she doesn’t use all of her own bioenergy to fuel its use.
When Fenlee decides to put her own creation into an airduct back by the Waterfront entrance to the undercity, she has Elliot are caught out by some guards from SecForce and are about to be detained until Kyara comes to their rescue. It is far too dangerous to go back for her little robot creation, but that doesn’t stop Elliot from sneaking off and being captured and taken to someone who tells him he is his father! Not that he treats him in any sort of humane manner, wanting his blood and torturing him to get the results he wants. Fenlee is desperate to get her only family back and has to rely on her friend Casper and the girl she is crushing on Alex, and Alex’s aunt Lily to come to her aid. But they aren’t the only ones going after Elliot’s supposed father, Dr Seth Arkamis, as others have a much longer history with him and want him to pay for what he did to them and others! A tragedy hits Fenlee, Elliot and Casper, as a deep space mining operation fails spectacularly, placing her under even more pressure to make a living and survive, as well as look after Elliot. Her family is down to just those chosen few and with Elliot taken by unknown forces, she will do anything to get him back. Thankfully Lily is a wise head and makes her stop and think before she acts, ensuring they don’t go off half-cocked and end up all dead or prisoners themselves. Strange things are happening in Elliot’s new surroundings, with a boy called Rook and a resident researcher aide Loxi, with them treating him so differently. He has no memories of any of these people, but soon wants to get back to Fenlee. The only problem is what he himself did in the past and the danger he could be to Fenlee and her friends in the present. He doesn’t believe he belongs in hr family anymore, but she will discover how to use the opal and all its costs to her and others, just to get the last of her family back where he belongs. An additional twist at the end which leads nicely onto another book to follow in the series. I look forward to reading it when it comes out and finding out what happens to all of the characters. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The cat, Kavi, soon reappears along with a young barefooted boy called Nico and a very strong looking warrior type woman called Kyara. They live in this undercity along with other refugees without official citizenship for New Arcadia and make a living for themselves down there. Nico knows exactly what caused the explosion, Etherclaw, and points to the opal necklace Fenlee is wearing. He doesn’t speak much nor in proper sentences, but he always seems to know when danger is approaching! Etherclaw can be within a person, such as with Nico, or enclosed in an item such as Fenlee’s opal, and can be used in a multitude of different ways to redirect energy, usually closely linked to the person wielding it. There isn’t much information about it, but it seems to be something from the Aeons era, the beings who constructed the huge Void Pillars, just before the Great Collapse, saving mankind from certain death due to their destruction of the atmosphere. The pillars solved that issue, but there are some at Norfayne Labs that are experimenting with Etherclaw for their own purposes, trying to make superior beings and wipe out the rest. Nico and Kyara show them another way out of the undercity and they go back home, with Kyara telling Fenlee she will need to practise using the Etherclaw, if she wants any control over it and so she doesn’t use all of her own bioenergy to fuel its use.
When Fenlee decides to put her own creation into an airduct back by the Waterfront entrance to the undercity, she has Elliot are caught out by some guards from SecForce and are about to be detained until Kyara comes to their rescue. It is far too dangerous to go back for her little robot creation, but that doesn’t stop Elliot from sneaking off and being captured and taken to someone who tells him he is his father! Not that he treats him in any sort of humane manner, wanting his blood and torturing him to get the results he wants. Fenlee is desperate to get her only family back and has to rely on her friend Casper and the girl she is crushing on Alex, and Alex’s aunt Lily to come to her aid. But they aren’t the only ones going after Elliot’s supposed father, Dr Seth Arkamis, as others have a much longer history with him and want him to pay for what he did to them and others! A tragedy hits Fenlee, Elliot and Casper, as a deep space mining operation fails spectacularly, placing her under even more pressure to make a living and survive, as well as look after Elliot. Her family is down to just those chosen few and with Elliot taken by unknown forces, she will do anything to get him back. Thankfully Lily is a wise head and makes her stop and think before she acts, ensuring they don’t go off half-cocked and end up all dead or prisoners themselves. Strange things are happening in Elliot’s new surroundings, with a boy called Rook and a resident researcher aide Loxi, with them treating him so differently. He has no memories of any of these people, but soon wants to get back to Fenlee. The only problem is what he himself did in the past and the danger he could be to Fenlee and her friends in the present. He doesn’t believe he belongs in hr family anymore, but she will discover how to use the opal and all its costs to her and others, just to get the last of her family back where he belongs. An additional twist at the end which leads nicely onto another book to follow in the series. I look forward to reading it when it comes out and finding out what happens to all of the characters. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 18, 2022
Child of Etherclaw is a delightful dystopian novel (yes, I said delightful; I'm a sucker for good dystopian writing) set about 200 years in the future. New Cascadia is the backdrop for this new world, and Fenlee is our protagonist. She's a sixteen year old girl, and her adopted brother Elliot is her only companion. Her mother is dead, and her father is off-planet for work. Fenlee is obsessed with mechatronics and is eager to do whatever it takes to prove she's better than the other students at the academy. She's determined to nab a spot at Norfayne Labs so she can help lift herself and her brother out of the low tier and into a better life. Hence why the book opens with her and Elliot scavenging in the undercity of New Cascadia. But scavenging is dangerous for many reasons, and Fenlee, unfortunately, discovers that the hard way. Not only is she trapped and having to give up her leg (prosthetic), but she and Elliot have to contend with the drones searching for illegal activity happening in the undercity. Fearing they'll be caught and/or killed, Fenlee and Elliot are surprised to discover two strange people--a woman and a little boy--have come to their rescue. What's even more strange is what the woman tells Fenlee about her necklace. It's this interaction that sets off the rest of the story, and boy, is it a good one.
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging right off the bat, and I found myself sucked right in, eagerly flipping pages to see what might happen next and how it would all end. I can't say I was disappointed. It was just so good.
The world-building is really done well. You feel as though you could be living in New Cascadia right there alongside Fenlee and Elliot. It's easy to imagine this new world, with its strange Void Pillars and abandoned undercity patrolled by drones.
As for the characters, I thought Fenlee was well-written. She's a likeable character, and it's not hard to want to root her for to uncover the truth. She comes across as a typical big sister sometimes, but you can tell she loves Elliot. She's also a very strong character--maybe not physically, but for sure mentally strong. She has to be, since there are people in power who come for her, wanting the power of her necklace for their own purposes. And they're very threatening.
Plot-wise, this is a fast-paced, fun read with a couple of twists thrown in (one of which I never expected). Even though a couple of spots may be a little slow at times, that in no way detracts from the rest of the story. I would have finished the book much faster if real life hadn't gotten in the way sometimes. It's that good.
Overall, if you're looking for a wonderfully written, engaging, and exciting sci-fi/fantasy read with a few twists to throw you off, definitely give Child of Etherclaw a go.
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging right off the bat, and I found myself sucked right in, eagerly flipping pages to see what might happen next and how it would all end. I can't say I was disappointed. It was just so good.
The world-building is really done well. You feel as though you could be living in New Cascadia right there alongside Fenlee and Elliot. It's easy to imagine this new world, with its strange Void Pillars and abandoned undercity patrolled by drones.
As for the characters, I thought Fenlee was well-written. She's a likeable character, and it's not hard to want to root her for to uncover the truth. She comes across as a typical big sister sometimes, but you can tell she loves Elliot. She's also a very strong character--maybe not physically, but for sure mentally strong. She has to be, since there are people in power who come for her, wanting the power of her necklace for their own purposes. And they're very threatening.
Plot-wise, this is a fast-paced, fun read with a couple of twists thrown in (one of which I never expected). Even though a couple of spots may be a little slow at times, that in no way detracts from the rest of the story. I would have finished the book much faster if real life hadn't gotten in the way sometimes. It's that good.
Overall, if you're looking for a wonderfully written, engaging, and exciting sci-fi/fantasy read with a few twists to throw you off, definitely give Child of Etherclaw a go.
4.5 stars!
February 19, 2024
2.5/5
I've been struggling with how to rate this book, and ultimately based on my enjoyment I'm going with 2.5 stars.
Child of Etherclaw started off a bit rocky and then had potential which was ultimately squandered in the last section of the book. In the beginning few pages there was very little hook or personal investment in the characters. It wasn't bad but it could've been stronger. As we progress further into the book, things start getting interesting and ramping up with a decent air of mystery around all the characters.
I quickly got attached to the main characters, especially Elliot and Nico. I think this story could've been explored in a better manner though. Things start feeling rushed and sort of dumped on the reader to move the plot ahead. The world-building wasn't the best, I still have so many questions for this book which never got answered. I'll say though that this book is supposed to be the first in the series so I'll be a little lenient on the worldbuilding for that reason.
But because certain worldbuilding aspects aren't built well some reveals don't hit the same way I wish they would've and I come up feeling empty. I wish the author had also done more foreshadowing to battle this, a lot of the reveals feel lackluster and unsatisfying because they seem to come out of nowhere or pertain to things that weren't well explored.
Other than that, the side characters felt like they were just there to make the plot move forward and support the mc. They felt underdeveloped and just rushed? After t he halfway point everything started feeling rushed. Once more of what Arkamis is doing gets explored it almost starts to feel like a different book altogether. The ideas brought up are quite interesting but the way they're laid out really needs to be worked on. Towards he end I had more or less lost most of my interest because of the rather lackluster relationships and a forced romance or two which I couldn't really give a shit about.
I guess in the end I'm disappointed because this could have maybe been a 4-star read if some of these points could've been improved.
(I received an arc of this book long back so it pains me to write a rather negative review but nevertheless I thank the author for sending me a copy and wish them all the best with their future books.)
I've been struggling with how to rate this book, and ultimately based on my enjoyment I'm going with 2.5 stars.
Child of Etherclaw started off a bit rocky and then had potential which was ultimately squandered in the last section of the book. In the beginning few pages there was very little hook or personal investment in the characters. It wasn't bad but it could've been stronger. As we progress further into the book, things start getting interesting and ramping up with a decent air of mystery around all the characters.
I quickly got attached to the main characters, especially Elliot and Nico. I think this story could've been explored in a better manner though. Things start feeling rushed and sort of dumped on the reader to move the plot ahead. The world-building wasn't the best, I still have so many questions for this book which never got answered. I'll say though that this book is supposed to be the first in the series so I'll be a little lenient on the worldbuilding for that reason.
But because certain worldbuilding aspects aren't built well some reveals don't hit the same way I wish they would've and I come up feeling empty. I wish the author had also done more foreshadowing to battle this, a lot of the reveals feel lackluster and unsatisfying because they seem to come out of nowhere or pertain to things that weren't well explored.
Other than that, the side characters felt like they were just there to make the plot move forward and support the mc. They felt underdeveloped and just rushed? After t he halfway point everything started feeling rushed. Once more of what Arkamis is doing gets explored it almost starts to feel like a different book altogether. The ideas brought up are quite interesting but the way they're laid out really needs to be worked on. Towards he end I had more or less lost most of my interest because of the rather lackluster relationships and a forced romance or two which I couldn't really give a shit about.
I guess in the end I'm disappointed because this could have maybe been a 4-star read if some of these points could've been improved.
(I received an arc of this book long back so it pains me to write a rather negative review but nevertheless I thank the author for sending me a copy and wish them all the best with their future books.)
August 11, 2022
I really did enjoy this young adult dystopian story written by Matty Roberts. It is an introduction in a world full of character and charm, and whilst it is complex in its world, the story that is told is simple and conveyed with real skill.
I think the greatest feat of this book is its sense of place. The world is dark and grim, with a grubby steampunk footprint stepping all over it. I loved hearing about how the world fell into ruin in the Great Collapse and how humans had relied (and been overtaken by) technology, and the inclusion of things like the undercity and the patrolling drones really added a sense of tension. The action and the events leading up to it are really well constructed, and the inclusion of even more of a backstory into this world (aliens, aeons, magical powers, social injustice and unrest, for example) only served to enhance what was already there, when often I would say so much going on can drag a story down.
Fenlee was a brilliant lead and Eliott a worthy companion. They were both headstrong and determined, scrappy and smart, and it is their upbringing in this world that really made them stand out. I loved how they complimented the world they were born in, and the world complimented them, from the way they get about to the way they hide and fight. They have a good arc and set themselves for further installment.
This book has a wonderful feel to it that is dark and thrilling. It would appeal to a YA audience but also an adult audience due to its readability and world-building. I am watching this author eagerly for whatever comes next.
I think the greatest feat of this book is its sense of place. The world is dark and grim, with a grubby steampunk footprint stepping all over it. I loved hearing about how the world fell into ruin in the Great Collapse and how humans had relied (and been overtaken by) technology, and the inclusion of things like the undercity and the patrolling drones really added a sense of tension. The action and the events leading up to it are really well constructed, and the inclusion of even more of a backstory into this world (aliens, aeons, magical powers, social injustice and unrest, for example) only served to enhance what was already there, when often I would say so much going on can drag a story down.
Fenlee was a brilliant lead and Eliott a worthy companion. They were both headstrong and determined, scrappy and smart, and it is their upbringing in this world that really made them stand out. I loved how they complimented the world they were born in, and the world complimented them, from the way they get about to the way they hide and fight. They have a good arc and set themselves for further installment.
This book has a wonderful feel to it that is dark and thrilling. It would appeal to a YA audience but also an adult audience due to its readability and world-building. I am watching this author eagerly for whatever comes next.
August 18, 2022
Child Of Etherclaw by Matty Roberts is an intriguing YA coming of age story that tackles pertinent issues regarding self identity , and understanding when to seek help around navigating any confusion around this. Fenlee and Elliott were rather likeable characters ,and I particularly admired how resilient and independent Fenlee is. This causes her angst at times, but she learns how to be self sufficient at the same time. She has a strong bond with her younger brother Elliott, but is still learning how to reach out and trust her friends, both past and present. I enjoyed seeing how her friendships progressed throughout the story. The author has created a diverse range of characters in this novel and created an intriguing dark dystopian city as the setting.
Child Of Etherclaw is set well into the future, however humans do not appear to have evolved as much as we would hope, or to have learned many lessons from the current global issues. Greed is still largely prevalent, and one large corporation has control over most of the city which allows the leaders to cover up their criminal intent behind an apparently gentle facade. I note it was examined to what extent employees of such a corporation should be held responsible for its ethics which was interesting.
Child Of Etherclaw has a rare mix of fantasy and science fiction which makes it a unique read. The strength of this work is the interactions between the friends in this story, and Roberts' descriptive narrative that allows the reader to almost view the tale in three dimensions. Bravo!
Child Of Etherclaw is set well into the future, however humans do not appear to have evolved as much as we would hope, or to have learned many lessons from the current global issues. Greed is still largely prevalent, and one large corporation has control over most of the city which allows the leaders to cover up their criminal intent behind an apparently gentle facade. I note it was examined to what extent employees of such a corporation should be held responsible for its ethics which was interesting.
Child Of Etherclaw has a rare mix of fantasy and science fiction which makes it a unique read. The strength of this work is the interactions between the friends in this story, and Roberts' descriptive narrative that allows the reader to almost view the tale in three dimensions. Bravo!
January 23, 2023
“Life is green.”
💚
"Humans being humans, they cannibalized the remains and sought to steal that poor creature’s power."
👽
"We're going to let all these animals out. No one has the right to cage another creature.”
🐾
🤖
I freaking loved this book! Sci-fi! Powers related to aliens! Animal companion and queer characters (meaning both strange and gay) and the author is Non-binary and vegan! It's a full package!
I thought I'd just post one quote and then some words describing how it made me feel but they weren't enough so here's me rambling about it and hoping I'm making any sense. I know second book is planned for publication in 2023 and I'm looking forward to continuing the story.(I was going to say I need it now, but that sounds too needy)
I'm not really a kid person, but I'd protect Nico with my life! And Kavi! I'm very much a cat person, so Kavi will be protected without a word, they both are too precious!
Cool sci-fi books by vegan authors and characters will always be top of my TBR!
Anyway, my taste in books tends to be a bit chaotic, but I truly love almost everything I read, I always find something that captures my heart or brain, when I'm lucky, it happens to both at the same time.
I have vivid imagination and colorful and action-packed dreams, but whenever I read sci-fi, they get more vibrant and knowing life is shitty and boring most of the time, nobody can blame me for my hunger for science fiction.
💚
"Humans being humans, they cannibalized the remains and sought to steal that poor creature’s power."
👽
"We're going to let all these animals out. No one has the right to cage another creature.”
🐾
🤖
I freaking loved this book! Sci-fi! Powers related to aliens! Animal companion and queer characters (meaning both strange and gay) and the author is Non-binary and vegan! It's a full package!
I thought I'd just post one quote and then some words describing how it made me feel but they weren't enough so here's me rambling about it and hoping I'm making any sense. I know second book is planned for publication in 2023 and I'm looking forward to continuing the story.(I was going to say I need it now, but that sounds too needy)
I'm not really a kid person, but I'd protect Nico with my life! And Kavi! I'm very much a cat person, so Kavi will be protected without a word, they both are too precious!
Cool sci-fi books by vegan authors and characters will always be top of my TBR!
Anyway, my taste in books tends to be a bit chaotic, but I truly love almost everything I read, I always find something that captures my heart or brain, when I'm lucky, it happens to both at the same time.
I have vivid imagination and colorful and action-packed dreams, but whenever I read sci-fi, they get more vibrant and knowing life is shitty and boring most of the time, nobody can blame me for my hunger for science fiction.
August 2, 2022
It's been awhile since I dived into a SciFi book, so I was intrigued to read Child of the Etherclaw. While the author has been writing for awhile, this is their first novel, and it's aimed at the YA market.
The plot takes us to a post crisis world. Strange aliens had appeared to put up pillars that counteracted serious global warming, giving mankind a second chance, then disappeared. The world is in shambles and trying to rebuild, with the elite living high up in the tiers, and the rest of the people scattered down below. The further down, the harder the life. The main character we follow - Fenlee - is in the lower tiers. Her mother died years ago, her father is off world working. It's just her and her brother, trying to survive, while Fenlee works hard to raise them up.
There is a secret about Fenlee and her brother that slowly develops over the course of the story. They have something the story's evil protagonist wants, and what he will do with it will destroy many lives. Roberts has worked in many themes that will appeal to YA readers - an evil villain, a twisted plot, young people who are targeted, and their struggles to defeat evil. Only they can save the day. Will they succeed?
Well written with an interesting story line. I suspect with the twist at the end, this talented author will go on to offer new titles in an Etherclaw series.
The plot takes us to a post crisis world. Strange aliens had appeared to put up pillars that counteracted serious global warming, giving mankind a second chance, then disappeared. The world is in shambles and trying to rebuild, with the elite living high up in the tiers, and the rest of the people scattered down below. The further down, the harder the life. The main character we follow - Fenlee - is in the lower tiers. Her mother died years ago, her father is off world working. It's just her and her brother, trying to survive, while Fenlee works hard to raise them up.
There is a secret about Fenlee and her brother that slowly develops over the course of the story. They have something the story's evil protagonist wants, and what he will do with it will destroy many lives. Roberts has worked in many themes that will appeal to YA readers - an evil villain, a twisted plot, young people who are targeted, and their struggles to defeat evil. Only they can save the day. Will they succeed?
Well written with an interesting story line. I suspect with the twist at the end, this talented author will go on to offer new titles in an Etherclaw series.
August 23, 2022
Child of Etherclaw was quite a fun, interesting, suspenseful dystopian read! It in intended to be a young adult read, but as an adult, I enjoyed the story.
Set in the future – far after our turn here on Earth – lives Fenlee and her brother… well, adopted brother. Her mother has died and her father is away at work, leaving Fenlee and Elliot to fare on their own.
Fenlee is quite intelligent and has goals to get her family back to the higher level of society where they once resided, but along the journey; things happen and secrets are revealed.
The entire story kept me hooked, intrigued, wanting to know more – how Fenlee’s mom died, how Elliot came to be a part of their family, what is happening to the world that Fenlee lives in and what happened before.
Most of these questions get answered throughout the story, but I really feel like there is so much more that we can learn and I hope that is a book two that I can read because I thoroughly loved all of the characters, the journey, and the secrets left us wanting more.
If you are a fan of dystopian stories; you will definitely enjoy Child of Etherclaw.
Set in the future – far after our turn here on Earth – lives Fenlee and her brother… well, adopted brother. Her mother has died and her father is away at work, leaving Fenlee and Elliot to fare on their own.
Fenlee is quite intelligent and has goals to get her family back to the higher level of society where they once resided, but along the journey; things happen and secrets are revealed.
The entire story kept me hooked, intrigued, wanting to know more – how Fenlee’s mom died, how Elliot came to be a part of their family, what is happening to the world that Fenlee lives in and what happened before.
Most of these questions get answered throughout the story, but I really feel like there is so much more that we can learn and I hope that is a book two that I can read because I thoroughly loved all of the characters, the journey, and the secrets left us wanting more.
If you are a fan of dystopian stories; you will definitely enjoy Child of Etherclaw.
September 28, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
#iReadBookTours
CHILD OF ETHERCLAW by Matty Roberts is a Sci-Fi/Dystopian Young Adult Fiction that I found very interesting. I was actually surprised at how well I enjoyed this one! The beginning did get a little creepy when Fenlee and her younger adopted brother Elliot were sneaking through the Undercity dodging drones, sadly the two live in the very bottom of the towers, the top ones saved for those more wealthy. But the driven plot is pretty fast and keeps readers attention well. The characters are well created and played their parts well as each scene was so vividly described. I have to admit sometimes I was kinda lost in the story but then I picked it back up ok. But that’s just me not the author or the story.
I think younger readers will really enjoy this story that is geared toward this age. I highly encourage you to check out this book if you enjoy the Sci-Fi/Dystopian genre.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
#iReadBookTours
CHILD OF ETHERCLAW by Matty Roberts is a Sci-Fi/Dystopian Young Adult Fiction that I found very interesting. I was actually surprised at how well I enjoyed this one! The beginning did get a little creepy when Fenlee and her younger adopted brother Elliot were sneaking through the Undercity dodging drones, sadly the two live in the very bottom of the towers, the top ones saved for those more wealthy. But the driven plot is pretty fast and keeps readers attention well. The characters are well created and played their parts well as each scene was so vividly described. I have to admit sometimes I was kinda lost in the story but then I picked it back up ok. But that’s just me not the author or the story.
I think younger readers will really enjoy this story that is geared toward this age. I highly encourage you to check out this book if you enjoy the Sci-Fi/Dystopian genre.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 14, 2023
So much happened and yet I have so many questions!
Strong independent female mc due to the tragic death of her mother and depression induced neglect of her father, Fenlee was convincing but impulsive, smart but naive, and fiercely loyal. I got a Star Wars vibe right off the bat, complete with junk search and pawn shop mentor, but the enemy here is the real treat. I love a good villain, and Dr. Arkemis was/is a fantastically evil villain.
There's a whole separate undercurrent of social justice issues, people just want to survive and be recognized as human, not dictated to pieces over the future improvements of the species and health (or nonexistence thereof) of the planet and a second potential collapse. I loved that aliens interfered (or assisted) saving humanity but I didn't get enough info about them. I loved that a product of alien interference gave humans a type of magic (etherclaw) but I didn't get enough info about how that integration worked or why. I guess I wanted more sci-fi explanation alongside the YA quest to save the family thing - but it was a super exciting ride.
Many thanks to the author and Voracious Readers for the free ecopy, this is my honest review.
Strong independent female mc due to the tragic death of her mother and depression induced neglect of her father, Fenlee was convincing but impulsive, smart but naive, and fiercely loyal. I got a Star Wars vibe right off the bat, complete with junk search and pawn shop mentor, but the enemy here is the real treat. I love a good villain, and Dr. Arkemis was/is a fantastically evil villain.
There's a whole separate undercurrent of social justice issues, people just want to survive and be recognized as human, not dictated to pieces over the future improvements of the species and health (or nonexistence thereof) of the planet and a second potential collapse. I loved that aliens interfered (or assisted) saving humanity but I didn't get enough info about them. I loved that a product of alien interference gave humans a type of magic (etherclaw) but I didn't get enough info about how that integration worked or why. I guess I wanted more sci-fi explanation alongside the YA quest to save the family thing - but it was a super exciting ride.
Many thanks to the author and Voracious Readers for the free ecopy, this is my honest review.
August 17, 2022
I absolutely love dystopian stories, and this one did not let me down! There is fantastic world-building, compelling characters, and an interesting plot!
This dystopian world has highly advanced technology, a bit of magic, and oppressed people. The story follows Fenlee Harper, a teen trying to help her family move up in the world. I don’t want to give away everything, but as the story progresses, there are so many surprising reveals, I couldn’t stop reading!
The world building is incredible in this book. The author has done a fantastic job of creating descriptions that bring everything to life! The backstory of the people and the history of the Great Collapse are detailed, and quite interesting!
With a main character who is 16, this story is definitely a YA book, but with a complex and detailed plot, I really think this will appeal to readers of YA and adult fiction! I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys science fiction and dystopian storylines!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
This dystopian world has highly advanced technology, a bit of magic, and oppressed people. The story follows Fenlee Harper, a teen trying to help her family move up in the world. I don’t want to give away everything, but as the story progresses, there are so many surprising reveals, I couldn’t stop reading!
The world building is incredible in this book. The author has done a fantastic job of creating descriptions that bring everything to life! The backstory of the people and the history of the Great Collapse are detailed, and quite interesting!
With a main character who is 16, this story is definitely a YA book, but with a complex and detailed plot, I really think this will appeal to readers of YA and adult fiction! I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys science fiction and dystopian storylines!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 5, 2023
What an super interesting concept the author gives us in this story. I enjoyed Fenlee, Elliot, Cas, and Alex as the author has made them all multi- dimensional. Giving each person a true back story the reader could relate to. This type of story building will keep your readers quickly turning pages.
I cannot wait for others to meet Arkamis, as he is the worlds most wow factor dad in any universe!!!! Most children adore their parents, but Elliot and Rook may have received the short straw where their day is concerned. Written so well that you want more of him throughout the book.
Award for most interesting character in a story Nico and Kavi!!! At one point I thought they were the same person/cat. I thought maybe Nico was a shapeshifter...maybe he is, maybe he is not. You must pick up this book to find out.
Grab this story as it has so much for everyone to enjoy!!! I would recommend this story to everyone of all ages. Thank you Voracious Readers Only and author for my free copy of this great story.
I cannot wait for others to meet Arkamis, as he is the worlds most wow factor dad in any universe!!!! Most children adore their parents, but Elliot and Rook may have received the short straw where their day is concerned. Written so well that you want more of him throughout the book.
Award for most interesting character in a story Nico and Kavi!!! At one point I thought they were the same person/cat. I thought maybe Nico was a shapeshifter...maybe he is, maybe he is not. You must pick up this book to find out.
Grab this story as it has so much for everyone to enjoy!!! I would recommend this story to everyone of all ages. Thank you Voracious Readers Only and author for my free copy of this great story.
August 10, 2022
A young adult dystopian that will have you on the edge of your seat. Mankind has been given a second chance, the world is destroyed and they are trying to rebuild. There's different levels to living. The prestigious up top and the less fortunate the person is the lower down they live. That's where Fenlee and her brother live, struggling to make it. When they discover an artifact that's where the story really takes off. Full of tension, suspense and page turning action. I love the diversity of characters, they were all well drawn out. The plot was refreshing and unique. Overall, it was a phenomenal book. I'll be impatiently waiting for the next one!
September 6, 2022
Fenlee's had a rough life. Her mother's death left her father responsible for supporting her and her adopted brother doing a dangerous job that kept him away for extended periods. Fenlee's resourceful, and has dreams. When a scavenging mission goes awry, Fenlee becomes the hunted and has to rely on both friends and uncertain allies.
I really enjoyed this novel. I thought the dystopian elements were interesting and different. I really liked Fenlee as a character in all her imperfections. The pacing was excellent. I was very much invested in the story.
I received a copy of this novel via Voracious Readers Only.
I really enjoyed this novel. I thought the dystopian elements were interesting and different. I really liked Fenlee as a character in all her imperfections. The pacing was excellent. I was very much invested in the story.
I received a copy of this novel via Voracious Readers Only.
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