August 7th, 2009
This was a free book from the author on Librarything. After reading this book, I found myself wanting more. There is a sequel, and a part three according to the author, and I can't wait to read the next installment. Anyone interested in virtual reality and a plausible scenario to Earth's "coming" demise, should add this to the top of your to-read list; it is one phenomenal book.
Review posted by Dan on Librarything.com
A great adventure with several grammatical issues, August 16th, 2009
William Bailey's first novel asks a lot of questions. Is the evil present on earth worth it? Why have we done so little to prevent mutually assured destruction? But most of all, it asks "Is life just a dream?" If you're reading this review however, I am guessing the only question you're asking is it worth reading. In my opinion, yes. This book is a fascinating read...if you can stand grammar the level of a high school creative writing class.
The story starts out extremely shakily and feels as if the reader is being rushed into Learning Earth's Deathly History. But once we get there, it begins to pick up steam. The main plot follows a team of navy seals in an operation to bring down the evil DOOMS-TEAM. While the name may seem corny, doom is definitely their main goal. Without spoiling the story, once the history lesson is over, the reader is brought back to the present (1000 years in the future). What follows is the best part of the novel in my opinion, answering just enough questions and leaving just enough mystery to satisfy a reader.
One final warning: Grammar police, stay away. I found myself editing in my head as I read the multiple tense misuses, spelling errors, and overuse of some words. However, as the novel progresses, there is a slow but steady decline in the poor grammar usage. After talking to the author, I know that he is taking steps to improve his writing skills for the rest of the trilogy.
If one thing stands out in this novel, it is the author’s enthusiasm for his story. This is both good and bad as the story is occasionally rushed yet still is an entertaining ride. I rate the story itself a 4/5, but the poor grammar sadly was enough for me to knock off a point. In short, while the diction isn't exactly spot-on, I recommend this novel to science fiction fans who are ready for a new adventure.
Review posted by C.G.T. on Amazon.com
A Truly Unique Science Fiction Experience,
August 18, 2009
This book is a gem of a science fiction story. That's not all it is. It's a cry for the people of the world to wake up before they destroy the planet they live on. And it's a very realistic depiction of the holocaust and destruction that will take place if we continue on the present path. In this regard, it is truly frightening in its vivid and seemingly very realistic portrayal of current events escalating into apocalyptic proportions with the final outcome being an all too possible, human-wrought, Armageddon. The people that we follow in the story are living out a dream sequence, even as their physical beings are being stored in limbo onboard very elaborate space craft bound for a new planet to inhabit. They have been enroute for a thousand years, and are now just arriving at their destination. These "dreamers" who are to populate the new world, must first virtually live out a life on the Earth of a thousand years ago and the nightmare of the Armageddon that occurred then. The powers that be felt in this way, they would learn to respect their new world and all mankind would live in peace after they had seen for themselves what the stupidity of religious and racial hatred did to the Earth. How these "dreamers" were saved from the destruction of Earth is only hinted at, and is to be explained in detail in later volume(s).
The depiction of the strife that led to the Earth's destruction; as well as the portrayal of the advanced space traveling crew, "dreamers", futuristic equipment and gadgets, space craft full of specimens from the old world that were salvaged and are being transported to the new planet, holographic workers of all kinds, complete with elaborate costumes; and especially vivid descriptions of various modes of futuristic transport is awe-inspiring. I have read alot of science fiction books, and never has one painted such a vivid picture in my mind; as if a movie were playing in the background. This story just begs to be made into a movie--3D please!!!!
The foreword describes the eerie birth of this story; that alone is truly frightening. In it, the author also explains that he is not a writer, and is rather poor in English subjects, including spelling and tense; as mentioned by an English teacher he had originally asked to look over the manuscript. I appreciate his honesty and I must say, he is absolutely right. As far as English is concerned, this book would appear to be a pretty rough draft greatly in need of massive proofreading, spelling corrections and heavy editing. The tense issue is a prevalent one. Sentence structure is very poor, with long, run-on sentences full of ambiguity. Ordinarily, the problems mentioned in this paragraph would have turned me off of a book I was reading. I used to think that was the main reason I read; to experience elegant usage of the English language, which is truly an art form of its own. I've changed my mind after reading this book. The story that is told here, is worth it!
Library Thing and the author of this book have afforded me the opportunity to experience a book that I would not ordinarily have come across; and I would like to extend my thanks to them for their consideration. This book has enriched my imagination and also filled me with a new level of dread for the current state of affairs of this world we live in. Reading this book has truly been a unique and rewarding experience.
Review posted by Shirley A. Worthen on Amazon.com.
September 12th, 2009
This is a very enjoyable read. The overall plot is interesting and original, and the ending definitely leaves you wanting more. Some of the imagery is beautifully striking, particularly in the more futuristic sections of the book. The main downside to this book is the prose, and in particular the dialogue, which would benefit from a rigorous edit. Overall, I'd rate this as an excellent debut novel, which is both thought-provoking and fun to read.
Review posted by EveOfDestruxion (Eve Gerrard) on Bookarmy.com
September 13th, 2009
I want to be upfront that I received this book free from the author from a giveaway on this website. I enjoyed the overall premise of the book and found it to be very creative and interesting. My husband even picked up this book and started to read it. Originally I thought the book would only appeal to male readers. There is a lot of technical information on mechanics and graphic descriptions of battles between the good/evil characters. However, I think because William Bailey develops such full-bodied characters and relationships that women will be drawn into the story as well. My only critique of this book is that I thought it could be edited down to around four hundred pages. There was a lot of redundant information as well as take-home messages that were a tad too preachy for my taste. Otherwise an interesting read.
Review posted by Michele on Librarything.com
November 10th, 2009
Like many of the others I found the beginning a little 'wordy' and often hard to follow. I did struggle with the sometimes over descriptive 'ships log' which, although bringing the characters to life, as well as giving you background, just left me a little cold. However the concept was one that really caught my imagination - what if everything you are experiencing now is in fact just a history lesson! I would say it is well worth persevering with and warms through in the end. The sequel would definitely be on my want to read list.
Review posted by TJMum (Donna Newnham) on Bookarmy.com
November 20th, 2009
This is one of the best science fiction books I have read. Although the author’s writing is a little too descriptive in the first few chapters, he did manage to rein it in by mid-book. I won’t be a spoiler other than to say the last few chapters, or the third part of this story, had me truly electrified. I can’t wait for the next installment to come out.
Review posted by Joan on Goodreads.com
January 5th, 2010
This book is the confluence of a creative imagination with extensive real-world research, resulting in an entertaining, yet believable, story - a thought provoking story about ethical dilemmas facing modern humans.
Review posted by John Pehrson on Goodreads.com