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Riddled Worlds
David, a teenage boy, is the only survivor from a world eaten, devoured, and riddled by Holes. But though his home is lost, he has been given another chance. David escapes into a twisted version of Earth, one where the apocalypse is still on the horizon. Now, to save this world—and maybe his own—he must race across a crumbling land to reach the center of the Holes. But dark forces are bent on stopping him at all costs…
In this powerful novel, the wicked, the primal, the clever, and the surreal combine to form a fantasy adventure like none other.
In this powerful novel, the wicked, the primal, the clever, and the surreal combine to form a fantasy adventure like none other.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
About the author
Phil Coleman
5 books4 followersAuthor of middle grade, young adult, fantasy, adventure, and science fiction.
Phil Coleman lives at the end of the road in the side of a mountain. Having grown up with hobbits, tesseracts, and spaceships, he is a lover of stories that take us to other worlds to teach us about our own.
He is the author of five books for both middle grade and young adult readers, has a creative writing MFA specializing in genre fiction from Western Colorado University, and has been a writer in residence with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.
His stories are about grounded characters taking a stand despite incredible odds, with themes of family, friendship, and the environment.
Phil Coleman lives at the end of the road in the side of a mountain. Having grown up with hobbits, tesseracts, and spaceships, he is a lover of stories that take us to other worlds to teach us about our own.
He is the author of five books for both middle grade and young adult readers, has a creative writing MFA specializing in genre fiction from Western Colorado University, and has been a writer in residence with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.
His stories are about grounded characters taking a stand despite incredible odds, with themes of family, friendship, and the environment.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 5, 2022
You can also see this review here: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
I loved this book. First off, isn't that cover gorgeous? Secondly, it's a really great story, told very well. This book reminded me of Stephen King's Dark Tower series in the way it layered myth and legend, an aesthetic drawn from the Western genre, and a brilliant fantasy plot. But, with all due respect to Mr. King's masterpiece (of which I do consider myself a fan), this book is quite a bit more enjoyable to read.
This is a thoughtful take on the portal fantasy genre. It tells the story of a young boy from a world largely similar to our own who enters a Hole, a sort of reality-eating portal, to find himself in a vastly different America plagued by dangerous chimeras.
The plotting is excellent, neatly marrying scene-by-scene conflict with an overarching plot. The characters are great, particularly the secondary characters. However, for me the standout aspect of this book is the themes it addresses. I won't spoil the ending, but the book takes a turn into the philosophical that I thought was very well done, and that left me thinking about its message long after I had turned the last page.
I loved this book. First off, isn't that cover gorgeous? Secondly, it's a really great story, told very well. This book reminded me of Stephen King's Dark Tower series in the way it layered myth and legend, an aesthetic drawn from the Western genre, and a brilliant fantasy plot. But, with all due respect to Mr. King's masterpiece (of which I do consider myself a fan), this book is quite a bit more enjoyable to read.
This is a thoughtful take on the portal fantasy genre. It tells the story of a young boy from a world largely similar to our own who enters a Hole, a sort of reality-eating portal, to find himself in a vastly different America plagued by dangerous chimeras.
The plotting is excellent, neatly marrying scene-by-scene conflict with an overarching plot. The characters are great, particularly the secondary characters. However, for me the standout aspect of this book is the themes it addresses. I won't spoil the ending, but the book takes a turn into the philosophical that I thought was very well done, and that left me thinking about its message long after I had turned the last page.
June 2, 2022
I was given an eArc copy of "Riddled Worlds" in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of this book was wholly original and interesting. In an apocalyptic future, David is the only survivor of a world occupied by Holes. When he is given another chance to escape into an Earth that is yet to be infested, he must get to the center of the Holes to stop it from destroying yet another planet.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read that didn't drag on or reveal any of its plot twists until the last second. In the beginning, you're left with a bunch of questions as to why the protagonist is so special by being able to see the Holes that are invisible to everyone else, but most of them are resolved by the last couple of chapters.
The thing is, there was a lot of info-dumping in some parts throughout the book that I had to re-read a couple of times, while other times, I felt as if the author could've elaborated more on a specific plot line.
I would recommend this book to middle-grade students who enjoy dystopian/sci-fi books.
The concept of this book was wholly original and interesting. In an apocalyptic future, David is the only survivor of a world occupied by Holes. When he is given another chance to escape into an Earth that is yet to be infested, he must get to the center of the Holes to stop it from destroying yet another planet.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read that didn't drag on or reveal any of its plot twists until the last second. In the beginning, you're left with a bunch of questions as to why the protagonist is so special by being able to see the Holes that are invisible to everyone else, but most of them are resolved by the last couple of chapters.
The thing is, there was a lot of info-dumping in some parts throughout the book that I had to re-read a couple of times, while other times, I felt as if the author could've elaborated more on a specific plot line.
I would recommend this book to middle-grade students who enjoy dystopian/sci-fi books.
May 31, 2022
I got an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
Well this was certainly different. Why is the world disappearing into random holes of nothingness? What is causing them? Why can only one person see them? From page one you're into serious weirdness and intriguing descriptions. There's a short disconnect when another world appears in the book but stick with it - all is connected and explained fairly quickly. In this 'other' world there are other problems completely...until the holes start to appear THERE as well. All the way through I was trying to figure out what was going on but had no clue as to the real reason revealed in the last couple of chapters, which was a clever dénouement explaining everything that had been happening.
Four stars instead of five because I really think the author could have gone into the 'reasons' with more depth and maybe built the world there with more detail - I did feel a little bit that there could have been deeper explanation and more about David and how that place affected him and the other person there. Can't say more without spoilers. Definitely worth a read.
Well this was certainly different. Why is the world disappearing into random holes of nothingness? What is causing them? Why can only one person see them? From page one you're into serious weirdness and intriguing descriptions. There's a short disconnect when another world appears in the book but stick with it - all is connected and explained fairly quickly. In this 'other' world there are other problems completely...until the holes start to appear THERE as well. All the way through I was trying to figure out what was going on but had no clue as to the real reason revealed in the last couple of chapters, which was a clever dénouement explaining everything that had been happening.
Four stars instead of five because I really think the author could have gone into the 'reasons' with more depth and maybe built the world there with more detail - I did feel a little bit that there could have been deeper explanation and more about David and how that place affected him and the other person there. Can't say more without spoilers. Definitely worth a read.
June 5, 2022
Sorry this is on the wrong format but the review would be the same. This is a surprisingly good story. Another great examples of alternative futures for us us. The main characters all seem to be really well fleshed out. There is an epic journey, of course, as with most fantasy novels. The good guys must race against the world coming apart slowly with holes. In there way are miles of road, bad characters that are only out for themselves and then the climax. Which doesn't really disappoint.
Yes, it is mostly aimed at the young and new adult fantasy crowd but the story is intriguing and keeps you guessing till the very end. Good luck Phil Coleman with your release and sales!
Yes, it is mostly aimed at the young and new adult fantasy crowd but the story is intriguing and keeps you guessing till the very end. Good luck Phil Coleman with your release and sales!
June 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this book.
Such a refreshing story idea and so brilliantly executed.
I was hooked after the very first page - and I have to say I wasn't disappointed.
Not very often I happen upon such well written story, with great characters (even minor ones are well written) and mystery to solve.
Although the book is for YA, the author wasn't patronizing and YA characters weren't childish in their behavior or dialogues. Add to that really nice storytelling and you have a great book.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Such a refreshing story idea and so brilliantly executed.
I was hooked after the very first page - and I have to say I wasn't disappointed.
Not very often I happen upon such well written story, with great characters (even minor ones are well written) and mystery to solve.
Although the book is for YA, the author wasn't patronizing and YA characters weren't childish in their behavior or dialogues. Add to that really nice storytelling and you have a great book.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 15, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
David’s world is riddled with holes that keep appearing out of nowhere and sucking whatever is directly above them, into an abyss. What is causing this to happen? How can it be stopped before it destroys and kills everything in his world?
David ends up in an alternate world, where things are quite different from his world.
He must locate the Sage to help figure out how to stop the holes from swallowing everything. Along the way, he meets up with several characters, a farmer, hunter, philosopher, and a pilot, to name a few. He must traverse this strange world, while trying to outrun and outmaneuver the holes, which have made an appearance in this world as well.
The last half of this book was a thrill ride like no other I’ve read before. If I’d had the time, I would have read through it in one go. I’m glad I had to take my time though. It is, after all, all about the journey.
I was drawn to this book from the first page! Masterful storytelling. I found myself cheering for David from the very beginning.
David’s world is riddled with holes that keep appearing out of nowhere and sucking whatever is directly above them, into an abyss. What is causing this to happen? How can it be stopped before it destroys and kills everything in his world?
David ends up in an alternate world, where things are quite different from his world.
He must locate the Sage to help figure out how to stop the holes from swallowing everything. Along the way, he meets up with several characters, a farmer, hunter, philosopher, and a pilot, to name a few. He must traverse this strange world, while trying to outrun and outmaneuver the holes, which have made an appearance in this world as well.
The last half of this book was a thrill ride like no other I’ve read before. If I’d had the time, I would have read through it in one go. I’m glad I had to take my time though. It is, after all, all about the journey.
I was drawn to this book from the first page! Masterful storytelling. I found myself cheering for David from the very beginning.
May 26, 2022
Riddled Worlds is one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time. Not only is the basis original, but so is the ending. The author’s voice is easy-to-follow, and the dialogue is realistic. My only complaint is that the blurb made it sound like something malicious was going on, and I wouldn’t consider that the case. Regardless, the book is a fun, unique read that I would describe as a dystopian portal fantasy.
May 11, 2022
I received a free ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This is a massively interesting concept. It’s a rather unique take on a dystopian future which adds an element of a ticking clock to the already present survivalist nature. We are limited in our knowledge which makes the journey with our protagonist even better.
The downside is that there is sometimes a lot of information suddenly given at once but I wouldn’t call it info dumping. We still learn through our main characters, which is the best way. But you might need to reread a few sections.
Definitely give it a read, especially if dystopian sci fi is your jam.
This is a massively interesting concept. It’s a rather unique take on a dystopian future which adds an element of a ticking clock to the already present survivalist nature. We are limited in our knowledge which makes the journey with our protagonist even better.
The downside is that there is sometimes a lot of information suddenly given at once but I wouldn’t call it info dumping. We still learn through our main characters, which is the best way. But you might need to reread a few sections.
Definitely give it a read, especially if dystopian sci fi is your jam.
June 20, 2022
A quest to find answers. A quest to understand the truth. A quest to save the world. Any one of these goals could be worth risking one’s life; thirteen year old David needs to accomplish all three. As you accompany him on his quest to save the world, don’t be surprised if you become as invested as he is in the search for answers. Why is the world dying? What is creating the holes? Why is he the only that can see them? You won’t be able to put this book down until you have discovered the truth.
A heroic tale with a philosophical twist, Riddled Worlds is an engaging fantasy adventure perfect for younger readers of YA. A plot thick with danger and harrowing foes, combines with an eclectic cast of characters in whose unlikely alliance the fate of the world rests. The themes of integrity, friendship, and selflessness provide a rich under layer to this journey where every step takes the characters further into unknown realms and deeper into danger.
An experience you don’t want to miss! Riddled Worlds is a story that takes on a life of its own.
A heroic tale with a philosophical twist, Riddled Worlds is an engaging fantasy adventure perfect for younger readers of YA. A plot thick with danger and harrowing foes, combines with an eclectic cast of characters in whose unlikely alliance the fate of the world rests. The themes of integrity, friendship, and selflessness provide a rich under layer to this journey where every step takes the characters further into unknown realms and deeper into danger.
An experience you don’t want to miss! Riddled Worlds is a story that takes on a life of its own.
June 21, 2022
I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book, the characters were really well fleshed out and likeable, the world was well described and character motivations clear for the most part. There were a few places that had me scratch my head and reread a part to understand a choice but all in all it flowed really well. The twist towards the end took me entirely by surprise and I was delighted!
I really liked this book, the characters were really well fleshed out and likeable, the world was well described and character motivations clear for the most part. There were a few places that had me scratch my head and reread a part to understand a choice but all in all it flowed really well. The twist towards the end took me entirely by surprise and I was delighted!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews