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Gideon
It's the year 2400. Toba has erupted and plunges the earth into a cold, dark volcanic winter. The world is divided into two factions, Denizens who opted to go underground, and Solarians who remain on the surface. But there is something more than sinister in the air; children have developed kinetic powers, which, used in the wrong hands, could decimate all of humanity. Governments all around the world want them. But Commander Gideon Kinsman won't have any of that. He's prepared to do anything to stop them in their tracks and risk losing friends and colleagues. More than this, he must be prepared to face the ultimate choice; choose the children, or lose the man he loves more than anything in the world, or choose the man he loves and lose the children. What would you do?
319 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2018
6 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Lee Quail
10 books18 followersLee Quail (1993) was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to British immigrant parents. Qualified as a horticulturist (but does not practice). His first book, "Gideon," was published via Amazon on 21 December, 2018. He lives with his husband and two yorkies in a large house in Sandton, Johannesburg.
(Source: Amazon.com)
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 6, 2019
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars, because there was some potential, I can’t deny it.
The blurb caught my attention : a futuristic world, with two populations, one living above the earth and the other one below grounds, some children with unusual powers, the world in danger and a man who has to choose between saving children or love.
It’s not a romance, but I don’t think that was the intention anyway. It’s love at first sight, it’s being told, and here we are. Not necessarily an issue for me : if the plot entertains me, I can deal with that.
The world-building is quite promising, there is a lot of imagination there. But then, I felt like I had a whiplash without really understanding what happened. A lot of action, with a fast pace would have been entertaining for me if coupled with more depth and development. Everything felt as if there was only time to “mention” it.
A huge "BIG, BAM, BOUM". What a disillusion for me.
ARC of “Gideon” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb caught my attention : a futuristic world, with two populations, one living above the earth and the other one below grounds, some children with unusual powers, the world in danger and a man who has to choose between saving children or love.
It’s not a romance, but I don’t think that was the intention anyway. It’s love at first sight, it’s being told, and here we are. Not necessarily an issue for me : if the plot entertains me, I can deal with that.
The world-building is quite promising, there is a lot of imagination there. But then, I felt like I had a whiplash without really understanding what happened. A lot of action, with a fast pace would have been entertaining for me if coupled with more depth and development. Everything felt as if there was only time to “mention” it.
A huge "BIG, BAM, BOUM". What a disillusion for me.
ARC of “Gideon” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Wow. Gideon is a doozy. It is a sci-fi on a serious level and, as a result, it takes a serious amount of patience to untangle. Think Inception or The Matrix meets … well I don’t know what. Because things get down right crazy at times and while I’m not sure the story ever really makes sense, it’s a heck of a ride. Gideon has some excellent world building and, from the start, it’s obvious the author has spent a lot of time creating this wild arena of androids, telekinetic children, and global disasters. The scale of it is impressive and laudable. The problem is that things are so complex that despite the author’s best efforts, I never fully understood what was happening. I found that more than a bit maddening, but it didn’t fully detract from my enjoyment either. Once I accepted the plot was bonkers and that I wasn’t going to have every question answered, I was actually able sit back and just enjoy the action on the page.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Wow. Gideon is a doozy. It is a sci-fi on a serious level and, as a result, it takes a serious amount of patience to untangle. Think Inception or The Matrix meets … well I don’t know what. Because things get down right crazy at times and while I’m not sure the story ever really makes sense, it’s a heck of a ride. Gideon has some excellent world building and, from the start, it’s obvious the author has spent a lot of time creating this wild arena of androids, telekinetic children, and global disasters. The scale of it is impressive and laudable. The problem is that things are so complex that despite the author’s best efforts, I never fully understood what was happening. I found that more than a bit maddening, but it didn’t fully detract from my enjoyment either. Once I accepted the plot was bonkers and that I wasn’t going to have every question answered, I was actually able sit back and just enjoy the action on the page.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
January 4, 2019
3.5 🌟 hesitantly rounded up
4.5 🌟 Sci-fi book
2.0 🌟 Romance
It is really difficult to rate this book.
This is an interesting read. The story is pretty well written, the world building is done well, and some of the characters are fairly well developed.
This is a Sci-fi book with an underdeveloped romance. The story line is unique in many ways, and held my attention until the last probably 10%. There is a lot of action, and some mystery. The politics weaved through the story play a very important role.
The introduction tells the reader that they will most likely like one of the MCs and dislike the other. I don't necessarily agree. The story is told from multiple POVs, so we see things from both MCs. However, I felt that the author provides more details about the one MC than the other. However, I did not really dislike either character. One just had more secrets, and was definitely more closed off than the other.
As for the romance; I did not connect with it at all. The characters barely interact through most of the book. Yet, somehow, they find themselves madly in love with each other, best friends, and so on by the end of the story. The relationship was just not realistic at all, IMO. The brief sexy times were all mentioned, but not really a part of the story. There is nothing explicit in the book.
Overall, as a Sci-fi book, I really enjoyed the story. The author intends to write a sequel. I feel that the story line would have had a more natural flow had the romantic interest maybe been foreshadowed, but left out of this first installment.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
4.5 🌟 Sci-fi book
2.0 🌟 Romance
It is really difficult to rate this book.
This is an interesting read. The story is pretty well written, the world building is done well, and some of the characters are fairly well developed.
This is a Sci-fi book with an underdeveloped romance. The story line is unique in many ways, and held my attention until the last probably 10%. There is a lot of action, and some mystery. The politics weaved through the story play a very important role.
The introduction tells the reader that they will most likely like one of the MCs and dislike the other. I don't necessarily agree. The story is told from multiple POVs, so we see things from both MCs. However, I felt that the author provides more details about the one MC than the other. However, I did not really dislike either character. One just had more secrets, and was definitely more closed off than the other.
As for the romance; I did not connect with it at all. The characters barely interact through most of the book. Yet, somehow, they find themselves madly in love with each other, best friends, and so on by the end of the story. The relationship was just not realistic at all, IMO. The brief sexy times were all mentioned, but not really a part of the story. There is nothing explicit in the book.
Overall, as a Sci-fi book, I really enjoyed the story. The author intends to write a sequel. I feel that the story line would have had a more natural flow had the romantic interest maybe been foreshadowed, but left out of this first installment.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
January 22, 2019
Gideon by Lee Quail this book was really hard to review. There are things I really loved about this story and somethings I felt the author needed to slow down and expand more. The bones of this story so to speak, they are good. Mr. Quail is a gifted writer and it shows in this story.
This story has a very long-winded prologue, if you are not big on them, well this is not the book for you, you really do need to read it and not skip it.
What I found dislikable about this story is where we are and when we are is not established right away. When you do a futuristic or sci fi themed story I should never have to guess where I. am, I like stories that are straight forward and clear. That is a personal preference of mine. This story lacks that.
We just jump into a ton of action, which is fine had this been a screenplay and we were watching this on TV. However, the translation into the written word means some of this is lost on me.
I think when the author finesses this story more though, that is when it will really shine. Needs to slow down and really paint the picture for the story to work.
Nonromance for me. There are hints but it does not have the connection a true romance has. It does have a great storyline. But the story cannot find the genre it really wants to be in, scifi or futuristic. Or a combination? So, I loved the base of the story, the execution needs some work and finessing, but I would pick up this author again, I would love to see where they go next.
Four Twinkling Stars
This story has a very long-winded prologue, if you are not big on them, well this is not the book for you, you really do need to read it and not skip it.
What I found dislikable about this story is where we are and when we are is not established right away. When you do a futuristic or sci fi themed story I should never have to guess where I. am, I like stories that are straight forward and clear. That is a personal preference of mine. This story lacks that.
We just jump into a ton of action, which is fine had this been a screenplay and we were watching this on TV. However, the translation into the written word means some of this is lost on me.
I think when the author finesses this story more though, that is when it will really shine. Needs to slow down and really paint the picture for the story to work.
Nonromance for me. There are hints but it does not have the connection a true romance has. It does have a great storyline. But the story cannot find the genre it really wants to be in, scifi or futuristic. Or a combination? So, I loved the base of the story, the execution needs some work and finessing, but I would pick up this author again, I would love to see where they go next.
Four Twinkling Stars
January 11, 2019
The story was quite interesting and entertaining, with a lot of action. Though it reminded me of Matrix, actually I think it's quite original. I liked both MCs but the relationship between them is not really developed so I didn't feel their connection, in any case I think that was something secondary to the story so it's not a problem.
January 11, 2019
i hope there is more to come! i really liked this book, the science fiction was good, the romance not as much as i'd like. this to me was more like a first book, so hopefully there is a continuation of their story. i just didn't feel their love, but overall i enjoyed this book. i would def recommend.
February 10, 2019
This story was great introduction into the future after a great destruction. If you like to see a lot action with a sci fi twist then you will enjoy this book. We see journey of Callus & Gideon will they be able to stay ahead of the Xenocon. recommend this sci fi book
January 21, 2019
Didn't know what i was reading at first then next thing I knew, I couldn't put it down. This book made me think. i think you'll like this book.
June 3, 2019
I can't say enough about this book. The prose itself is stunning. So often books in this genre don't pay attention to the actual *writing* itself. It's rare to stumble across an author that does, and Quail is one of them. Worth reading JUST FOR THAT.
His world-building is stellar; character development works well, and yes: the sex is hot.
If this genre is your jam, this book's a must-read. Quail's now on my list of fav authors in this genre, and there's a reason for that.
His world-building is stellar; character development works well, and yes: the sex is hot.
If this genre is your jam, this book's a must-read. Quail's now on my list of fav authors in this genre, and there's a reason for that.
February 10, 2020
A different world
This was a wonderful story. A post apocalyptic world. Humans with extraordinary powers and the love of two men, fighting to save those around them. This was a fun and interesting read. I enjoyed Lee Quail's new world and would like to see more.
This was a wonderful story. A post apocalyptic world. Humans with extraordinary powers and the love of two men, fighting to save those around them. This was a fun and interesting read. I enjoyed Lee Quail's new world and would like to see more.
April 5, 2021
A Look into the Future
A post apocalyptic story of love, loss and renewal in a future I hope we never encounter, but enjoyed visiting and will look forward to the next glimpse into the future! Awesome and enjoyable story.
A post apocalyptic story of love, loss and renewal in a future I hope we never encounter, but enjoyed visiting and will look forward to the next glimpse into the future! Awesome and enjoyable story.
Read
May 12, 2019I truly enjoy Lee Quail as a writer! His stories have so much personality. You have to love his characters and prose!
Gideon is quite a character and a great lover.
I hope u enjoy this and all of his books as much asvI do!
Gideon is quite a character and a great lover.
I hope u enjoy this and all of his books as much asvI do!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews