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The Phase Transition
For millennia humanity has fought against the notion of magic. Superstition and irrational fear have slowly been replaced with reason and logic. Our species entered the twenty-first century with only the slightest trappings of our former, peasant selves. This was our downfall. For science and magic are merely transitory fluctuations our planet has experienced a thousand times in its history. As has happened in the past, so must happen again. As the Phase sweeps over the earth, America is lost in chaos. Electricity and gunpowder become useless, and anarchy rules. From amongst this pandemonium strikes forth one man, an ancient from the dark past, who realizes the plight of humanity and strives to create order in the bedlam of the present. Professor Avedesh gathers those he knows to have the magical strength of the ancients; those who’s very genes carry power. Fighting off starvation and shadowy cults that pursue them, the Professor must teach his followers to use their latent powers, not only to save themselves, but civilization.
- GenresFantasy
351 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2018
80 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Okerlund
2 books6 followersRyan Okerlund lives in the northwoods of Minnesota, near the headwaters of the Mississippi. He currently is part owner in a pharmacy in Bemidji, MN. His interests include curling, brewing, and any random thing he happens to stumble upon. He lives with his wife and three children, and an alarmingly growing population of assorted pets.
The concept of The Rise of the Gray Order series came to him while working in Athlone, Ireland. The main concept, that the laws of physics are not necessarily stable, but fluctuate, is based loosely on some ideas presented in Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time'. Guinness was also involved.
The concept of The Rise of the Gray Order series came to him while working in Athlone, Ireland. The main concept, that the laws of physics are not necessarily stable, but fluctuate, is based loosely on some ideas presented in Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time'. Guinness was also involved.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 26, 2018
I decided to give this fledgling author the same chance as I would appreciate being given as a fellow author of fantasy. I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed!
It began somewhat similar to that of S.M. Stirling, but in several respects I preferred this one by Okerlund, especially since he gave an understandable and appreciated explanation about what caused many things to cease functioning and the breakdown of many others in a near-future of this world we call home. I also enjoyed the fantasy twist to the end of common society as we know it (Chosen, with the ability to morph into mythical creatures-Cool stuff! And Magi, those blessed with the talent of magic).
An enjoyable read with likeable characters and a bit of humor mixed in to counter the less likeable and not quite so fleshed out villains. I'm sure all will be developed in the next book, which I've already purchased and will begin reading tonight.
Well done, Okerlund, keep up the good work!
It began somewhat similar to that of S.M. Stirling, but in several respects I preferred this one by Okerlund, especially since he gave an understandable and appreciated explanation about what caused many things to cease functioning and the breakdown of many others in a near-future of this world we call home. I also enjoyed the fantasy twist to the end of common society as we know it (Chosen, with the ability to morph into mythical creatures-Cool stuff! And Magi, those blessed with the talent of magic).
An enjoyable read with likeable characters and a bit of humor mixed in to counter the less likeable and not quite so fleshed out villains. I'm sure all will be developed in the next book, which I've already purchased and will begin reading tonight.
Well done, Okerlund, keep up the good work!
September 27, 2017
I have to say I rather enjoyed The Phase Transition (and will soon start it's sequel, Skyrock).
I found a certain element of similarity to "the walking dead" in the sense of various small groups of characters finding the world changing drastically around them and travelling through a suddenly dangerous world, facing many challenges, all in an effort to survive against the odds. This is not a zombie book however, and some of the characters may find themselves having some potentially interesting new advantages, assuming they have chance to realise and discover it for themselves.
Quite an enjoyable adventure, and a series I am happy to keep reading.
I found a certain element of similarity to "the walking dead" in the sense of various small groups of characters finding the world changing drastically around them and travelling through a suddenly dangerous world, facing many challenges, all in an effort to survive against the odds. This is not a zombie book however, and some of the characters may find themselves having some potentially interesting new advantages, assuming they have chance to realise and discover it for themselves.
Quite an enjoyable adventure, and a series I am happy to keep reading.
September 26, 2017
I'm afraid I had to put this one down only about a quarter of the way through. The large amounts of internal dialogue was onerous but not a deal breaker. In the end it was the writing style that forced me to put the book down. The author switches back and forth from one point of view on one character to another, to yet another. Perhaps it is inexperience, but every author should know that you pick one character and write from that person's point of view throughout the chapter. Constantly bouncing around makes for confusing, disjointed writing.
September 21, 2017
Story With Many Surprises
So glad I made it through the beginning. The beginning was full of internal dialogue, not a great way to develop characters. Something kept me going and I am most pleased. The characters tackle their inner weakness as they transform into powerful, magical beings. Love the wolf! She was one of several pleasant surprises. The story develops as the planet shifts into a time where magic triumphs over electronics. Works for me.
So glad I made it through the beginning. The beginning was full of internal dialogue, not a great way to develop characters. Something kept me going and I am most pleased. The characters tackle their inner weakness as they transform into powerful, magical beings. Love the wolf! She was one of several pleasant surprises. The story develops as the planet shifts into a time where magic triumphs over electronics. Works for me.
August 30, 2017
Nice little adventure book. Groups of people come together for a common goal and have to overcome various obstacles in their way. Main focus is on the good guys which are the Gray Order. You really don't get much insight into the White & Black orders, which is fine, I like good guy books. This book helps me with my GOT withdrawals..lol.
August 13, 2018
OUTSTANDING! I am purchasing the 2nd book now, "Skyrock".
Absolutely stunning read. Every character well thought out. Story line and plot creatively concise but you have all the nuances need to understand each individual. Well written. Thank you for a great read. I look forward to the 2nd book!
AVB
Absolutely stunning read. Every character well thought out. Story line and plot creatively concise but you have all the nuances need to understand each individual. Well written. Thank you for a great read. I look forward to the 2nd book!
AVB
September 17, 2017
A wonderful read
Very enjoyable, engaging characters, great back story and a fascinating spin to the Apocalypse stories out there. Made me really think about how I could survive in that situation. Looking forward to reading Book 2 and any others he writes.
Very enjoyable, engaging characters, great back story and a fascinating spin to the Apocalypse stories out there. Made me really think about how I could survive in that situation. Looking forward to reading Book 2 and any others he writes.
August 26, 2017
Awesome!
Loved this story! I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start Skyrock! Thank you Ryan for an exciting ride!
Loved this story! I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start Skyrock! Thank you Ryan for an exciting ride!
December 27, 2016
Imagine waking up one day to find your cell phone is dead. Could be sunspots, right? Then the power goes out. Then your car stops working. At first you think it’ll come back, but it never does.
That’s pretty much the backdrop of this book, The Phase Transition, a story following several individuals as they experience the planet’s shift from technological to magical. But this story takes a more epic-journey approach as every one of the heroes and heroines are on the run without a clue why they’re being chased. The only man who can help is the Professor.
I really liked the idea behind this book, the notion that the laws of nature aren’t as stable as we might think. The author did a good job building his system of magical growth and technological breakdown. The changes are much more apocalyptic than I’d imagined from the description.
I also liked the idea of the White and Black Orders being not so good vs. evil, despite the expected connotations. Even the Grey Order, those taking the middle ground between White and Black, is responsible for its share of chaos. I had some trouble keeping them straight at first, but once the Professor started explaining the history, it all came together.
On the other hand, I did think some of the plot points were a bit corny, even though they were worked into the story in a logical way. Also, despite being well written, the story could have used a bit more editing, particularly for out of place, missing, or misused words.
Overall, I really liked The Phase Transition. I’d recommend this to folks who enjoy contemporary fantasy and epic, action/adventure stories, particularly those who like a unique twist on the apocalyptic. It’s part one of a duology, and you’ll find you want to read both to get the whole story.
I received the review copy of this book from the author (indirectly via PureTextuality). This review was written for the blog at Puretextuality.com.
That’s pretty much the backdrop of this book, The Phase Transition, a story following several individuals as they experience the planet’s shift from technological to magical. But this story takes a more epic-journey approach as every one of the heroes and heroines are on the run without a clue why they’re being chased. The only man who can help is the Professor.
I really liked the idea behind this book, the notion that the laws of nature aren’t as stable as we might think. The author did a good job building his system of magical growth and technological breakdown. The changes are much more apocalyptic than I’d imagined from the description.
I also liked the idea of the White and Black Orders being not so good vs. evil, despite the expected connotations. Even the Grey Order, those taking the middle ground between White and Black, is responsible for its share of chaos. I had some trouble keeping them straight at first, but once the Professor started explaining the history, it all came together.
On the other hand, I did think some of the plot points were a bit corny, even though they were worked into the story in a logical way. Also, despite being well written, the story could have used a bit more editing, particularly for out of place, missing, or misused words.
Overall, I really liked The Phase Transition. I’d recommend this to folks who enjoy contemporary fantasy and epic, action/adventure stories, particularly those who like a unique twist on the apocalyptic. It’s part one of a duology, and you’ll find you want to read both to get the whole story.
I received the review copy of this book from the author (indirectly via PureTextuality). This review was written for the blog at Puretextuality.com.
November 28, 2016
Alternating Lives
This is one hard book to stop reading. It consistently keeps you engrossed in both characters and story. At first, you may be puzzled by the characters, but they are brought together in a finesse way. One story leads right to another. Automatically, you want to know more. The group's of the White order and the group of the Block order, both want to destroy the Grey of order. Even though everything is changing, both the he White and Black orders want to be on top and are willing to kill to achieve that goal. All I can say is that you don't want to miss this book.
This is one hard book to stop reading. It consistently keeps you engrossed in both characters and story. At first, you may be puzzled by the characters, but they are brought together in a finesse way. One story leads right to another. Automatically, you want to know more. The group's of the White order and the group of the Block order, both want to destroy the Grey of order. Even though everything is changing, both the he White and Black orders want to be on top and are willing to kill to achieve that goal. All I can say is that you don't want to miss this book.
December 5, 2016
Magic Returns!
For Fantasy genre readers this is an excellent story. The modern world begins to crumble as the Universe begin the Phase Shift; just as the last Phase Shift brought about the destruction of Atlantis over 6000 years ago. This novel focuses on a small band of special travellers brought together by an enigmatic man, who is far more than his appearance hints at. Together they drive, battle, walk, and ride towards the place of respite envisioned by their mysterious guide and councillor. The seed of a new civilization, a place called Skyrocketed.
For Fantasy genre readers this is an excellent story. The modern world begins to crumble as the Universe begin the Phase Shift; just as the last Phase Shift brought about the destruction of Atlantis over 6000 years ago. This novel focuses on a small band of special travellers brought together by an enigmatic man, who is far more than his appearance hints at. Together they drive, battle, walk, and ride towards the place of respite envisioned by their mysterious guide and councillor. The seed of a new civilization, a place called Skyrocketed.
July 23, 2016
I couldnt put it down
This book definitely deserves 5 stars. The characters are well conceived. The storyline is masterful. I want more from this author.
This book definitely deserves 5 stars. The characters are well conceived. The storyline is masterful. I want more from this author.
April 12, 2017
Good story, likeable characters. Shows great promise.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews