Aden and team have won the day but not without paying a price.
Some traitors have been defeated while others were revealed. While he gained the resources of an entire robotics company and gained independence from the board and military, it raised other questions about what the shadow is truly up to. Playing whack-a-mole with enemies would be enough to discourage any superhero.
Fortunately, Aden will do what he does best: survive and push on. For once though, Aden can hope for more than just survival. His heart is full of hope and love because he no longer has to do this alone.
David Burke is a mild manner something who tries to enjoy each day a bit more than the last. It dawned upon him at some point that life was racing him by and he wasn’t nearly as young as he used to be.
So now he spends his nights and lunch hours and any other free time he can putting down on paper all the stories that have collected up over a life time.
Introduction: Greetings, fellow beings of HowlStrom. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf of our frozen realm. As the winter season grips our world once more, I find solace in the tales of other universes. Today, I shall share my thoughts on an audiobook that has captured my attention during these long, cold nights - Prism Academy #3: Sybilla by David Burke.
Basic Plot Summary: The tale revolves around Aden and his team who, despite their recent victories, find themselves facing new challenges. While they have defeated some traitors and acquired the resources of a robotics company, the shadow's true intentions remain elusive. Aden's journey is not just about survival anymore; it's about hope, love, and the realization that he doesn't have to face these challenges alone.
Analysis/Evaluation: The narrative is a blend of fantasy, superheroes, and harem genres. It delves deep into the complexities of relationships, power dynamics, and the eternal battle between light and shadow. The story is a testament to resilience, highlighting Aden's determination to push forward despite the odds.
Characters: Aden stands out as a beacon of hope and strength. His evolution from a lone warrior to a leader with a team that he deeply cares for is commendable. The bonds he forms, especially with ANOP, add depth to his character. The supporting characters, especially the women in Aden's life, each bring their unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives, enriching the narrative.
Structure: The story is well-paced, balancing action sequences with moments of introspection and character development. The author masterfully intertwines the past, present, and potential futures, keeping the reader engaged and invested.
Impact: Prism Academy #3: Sybilla is not just a tale of superheroes and their adventures. It's a reflection on the human spirit, resilience, and the power of bonds. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope can shine through.
Hook and Thesis: The mysterious shadow and its intentions serve as a compelling hook, drawing the reader into the world of Aden and his team. The central thesis revolves around the idea that unity, hope, and love can overcome the most formidable challenges.
Praise and Critique: The narrative is gripping, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the reader on their toes. However, some readers felt that certain sections, especially the intimate scenes, were a tad excessive and detracted from the main storyline. The anticipation surrounding Aden's final bond choice also seemed to stretch a bit too long for some.
Comparison: While Prism Academy #3: Sybilla stands tall in its own right, it does evoke memories of other superhero tales where the protagonist faces internal and external challenges. However, the unique blend of genres and the depth of character development set it apart.
Conclusion: In the icy realms of HowlStrom, where the cold can numb one's spirit, tales like Prism Academy #3: Sybilla serve as a warm beacon. It's a tale I'd recommend to any being looking for a blend of action, emotion, and a deep dive into the human psyche. As the winter season continues its grip on our world, I find solace in such tales, and I believe you will too.
May the icy winds of HowlStrom guide you to your next adventure. Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
As required by U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations and Audible requirements, I am disclosing that I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request. I have listened to the audiobook, and I have voluntarily left an honest review. Receiving a review copy did not influence my rating nor my review.
“Prism Academy- Sybilla” is the best of the three books out so far! And that’s quite the accomplishment considering how much I enjoyed the first book (Inferna)!
Now, granted, the first book benefited from being an origin story. Let’s face it; origin stories are often the best for any character. How many times have we seen Peter Parker being bitten by a spider, Kal-el escaping the dying planet Krypton to land on earth, Bruce Wayne….well, you get it. I must’ve re-listened to the scene in “Inferna” with Aden being capacity tested and learning of his affinity scores at least 20 times by now.
Book two (Demis) was very good, but I was annoyed at how bonding Demis played out. Plus, while Queenie was never meant to be a sympathetic character, Aden’s emotional bonding with her without ANOP’s mitigation, and his subsequent…well, no spoilers for those who might read this review without listening to Book 2, but I haven’t re-listened to Book 2.
Book 3, however, was fantastic; I’ll certainly re-listen to this one in its entirety. It moves along quicker than Book 1, which often rambled a bit, and works with Aden, ANOP, his bonds, his friends who aren’t currently bonds, and his enemies extremely well! I always liked ANOP, but wow…author David Burke is taking her in a terrific direction; he reminds us why we love science fiction! Cara is given an unexpected turn of events that is very interesting.
This book gives some explanations for the Light, the Shadows, and….well, no spoilers…but….no, no spoilers!
Some of the major characters who were in conflict with Aden in earlier books are absent, which helps streamline the action in this book (see above comment on Book 1). The only one I was particularly surprised to see completely absent was Todd. Still, the machinations of Catherine and Inertia give Aden and team plenty to keep us paying attention!
Be sure to listen to the first two books in the series before this one; Sybilla is not a stand-alone story. Then listen to Sybilla again, and probably again and again! Then keep an eye (ear?) out for the audio version of Books 4 (Prism Academy- Prophecy), and 5 (Prism Academy- Shadowfall). Easily a full 5* for “Sybilla”!
I have to credit David burke for being able to write so prolifically while also being able to write stories of a quality that feels more like tv movies rather than just tv show episodes, unlike so many other authors i could mention. That said, after completing 2 of his series, and being several books into 2 more, i gotta say his books are pretty hit and miss. Some of them i like quite a bit, and some i just don't. This one i didn't care for as i felt it was just boring. Sure there was some progression of the over-arching story, but not much of interest happened otherwise. And i don't really care about the over-arching story or the fate of mankind, at this point, the only thing that could possibly interest me enough to pick up the next book would be to find out who Adens final bond is going to be.
Now for some spoilers.
Ex-druggie Kara as Aden's potential shadow-bond? Oh god please no. I wish Burke left that character back in the slums because absolutely no one except Aden himself gives a shit about her, and i'm not sure why he even does. I would infinitely prefer Queenie to come back and be his dark-bond, at least she was a likable character with a couple redeemable qualities, even while reveling in all her nastiness. And seriously, why is Aden even keeping Kara around? That chick is a loose cannon just waiting to go off and cause some havoc and when it happens Aden's gonna regret not kicking her to the curb way earlier. But then, Aden's been a total dumbass more times than i can count in this series. Of the four Burke series that i've read, he's easily the least likable MC. I don't know, something about him just rubs me the wrong way. Which is ironic, because his harem is my most liked. Those girls are easily the best harem in the four Burke series i'm familiar with.
But one thing i really did like was the big shared sensation orgy scene. I didn't think i would, and i almost skipped it, but it was pretty good. It was...unconventional.
At my request I received a copy of this audiobook in order to give a fair and unbiased review
Genre: LitRPG Super hero adventure with harem elements
Summary: Aden and his girls regroup and gain a better understanding they live in. They need every edge they can get in order to save the world.
LitRPG system: Stat based with powers and power types. Fits perfectly with both the hero theme and the augmented human aspects of the book Power dynamics in harem: The Main Character is central and in charge, but respects and listens to the members. Girls all have their own lives and goals, but have a strong loyalty once bonded. Explicit/adult material: Explicit and steamy. The powers make for some interesting scenes.
Narration: Voice diversity: Each character has distinct voices and conversation is always easy to follow. Pacing and intonation: Excellently done. Very immersive, suddenly the book was over. Sex scenes: Very well done. As immersive as the rest of the story. Overall: 5 / 5 stars.
The book’s strengths. - The increasing understanding of the rules of the world is interesting - There is a great balance between action and slices of life. - The litrpg system is interesting and really well integrated. - Great narration
The book’s weaknesses. - The harem members are feeling less distinct, maybe mainly because of the bonds effect and more girls. Still above average for the genre.
As much as I enjoy this author's storytelling, I don't know that I will continue with this series. At least not without taking a break.
I struggled to finish this book. The Cara storyline is as bad as Queenie and as inexplicable to me. The harem stuff is just killing me; not only are the women nauseating in their fawning and juvenile non-stop sexual innuendo, everything is repeated five times over because the MC is a swell guy and pays attention to each of his women's one kink. Most egregiously, I read this series because I wanted to scratch that superhero itch and I'm getting none of that. It's a lot of stats and overstated amazement at how powerful everyone is becoming but ultimately there is no pay off. Despite novel sized character sheets, they each are really still one trick ponies and there is no real opposition against which to flex and do something novel.
DNF. The “awesome” protagonist occasionally fights monsters between running a harem of perfect women who want nothing more than to fulfill his every sexual whim. It’s old. By chapter 10, there’s yet another round of violent fellatio, plus a bonus of full out anal. The author wrote the only LGBTQIA+ character in his series to be a lesbian who secretly desires the protagonist and engages in the above mentioned sex scenes the moment she gets him alone. I kept hoping something would improve, but even without the plot or characters, he could have at least written the women to be women instead of blow up dolls. Oof.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A lot more of prism's housekeeping. Bonding and entertaining his bond are big in this book. Also coming to understand his abilities more and doing more to enhancing himself and his bonds. That left a lot less room for fighting. But at this point we know more about the enemy and where the powers come from. Don't particularly enjoy all of the MC's decisions. Hopefully it doesn't cost him bonds or good people. The next book should be interesting.
This is not my genre, but I love audiobooks. I was gifted this one by the author through Story Origin. I have not experienced any of the other books in this series. So there is alot going on that I don't know about or understand. But these two narrators, Jonathan Waters and Maeve York, really brought life to this strange to me romance. Lots of characters. Lots of sex. Lots of caring. Lots of robotic wonders. Lots of super powers. A few human faults. Some danger and violence. I really enjoyed meeting Aden and learning about this strange world, Prism Academy.
Sooo I love this series the story is fantastic and everytime a new book comes out I find myself completely engrossed till I'm done. Yet, I had been holding out hope that the writing on the wall wouldn't come to fruition. The current situation with Cara just isn't something that I enjoy. I'm just not the biggest fan of "old flames" getting a second chance with an MC.
I am still invested in that series and it did not change after reading this book. I only found some small writing mistakes but overall it is a good book.
Adan needs to make a decision about his bonds. Yes, plural - bonds. It turns out that there are not only six bonds to be expected as everyone thought. The Prism and his ladies need to step up their game, as the shadows turn up the heat to win against humanity.
As my title says this is my favorite series I'm currently reading by this author!!! An absolutely amazing storyline with a growing MC and his powerful women!! What a wonderful world for our imagination to enjoy!! Wether it be two months three or four months even it will definitely be worth the wait!!!
The cara surprise is an interesting one. I always wondered how you would bring her back in some capacity. Finally Sybilla joins the gang. Overall great entry. Only downside is the stakes don’t feel as daunting for some reason as I would expect considering the world circumstances.
Good, but I felt the extended and numerous sex scenes took up more of the book than (I felt) they should have, derailing the story elements. The MC dragging out the process of choosing his last bond is starting to wear pretty thin too.
I felt there was not enough story and too much sex for me. This left the novel lacking. Like going out for a curry. And when your food comes it is all sauce and hardly enough meat.
Aden and his bonds are really coming together as a powerful fighting force. Aden has some new powerful tricks in his arsenal of powers to really make a difference in the fight against the shadows.
Great story line, the Rays are great too!!! Cara meh?!? I’m on team Twinkle for the orange!!!! Priska is ohh-kayyy but Valkyrie is cool but weak power set
I hope our protagonist makes some futuristic tech.
Still no super tech, and the start of this book was focused more on relationships and touchy than the plot or story. It picked up near the end, but it was boring at first.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
Fantastic series. This is in my top 5 favorites. When one of these drops it immediately goes to the top of my to be read list. If you’re a fan of the genre or new to it this is a must read!!