The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas [Joint Review!]

2.5 out of 5 Stars!

The Immortal Heights By Sherry Thomas

Series: Elemental #3

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: October 13, 2015

Paperback:  432 Pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.

However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort…(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. What are your general thoughts on Immortal Heights?

Shannon:  I don't really know what to think.  I know I really enjoyed the first two books but I really struggled with this one.  I could not get into it at all!  I don't know what changed between the 2nd and 3rd book but I was just really...bored.

Julia: My thoughts are full of apathetic nothingness. This book didn't do anything for me, zero emotions. I would have quit halfway through if it wasn't the last one, but I figured I owed it to myself to at least see how the trilogy ended. I thought the first one was pretty good, the second was okay.... this one? Ugh!! In all fairness, my favorite character died in the previous installment so maybe there wasn't anything else to carry me through. 

2. How did you feel about the plot?

Shannon:  It meandered too much for me.  A lot of talk, not a lot of action.  I had trouble remembering details of what happened in the previous books, so that's on me.  But I also kind of felt there wasn't much of a plot and there was a lot of treading water.

Julia: What plot? Lol. I need action in my books, especially the fantasy ones. There isn't any action here, but lots of talking about things. Come on. 

3. This is the third and final book in this series- did the characters evolve?

Shannon: I think so?  They must have?  As I mentioned, the details from the previous books are fuzzy.

Julia: The characters do evolve, but there isn't much that makes you really care for them or feel connected with them. It's all rather flat.

4. Any thoughts on the chemistry between Iolanthe and Titus?

Shannon: I always liked them together.  But I definitely liked them better when they didn't always know who each other ways or know all the secrets.  There was a lot more push and pull and it was more exciting.  The "dearest" and "darling" stuff got a little...much...for my tastes at least.

Julia: They work- that's obvious. There isn't chemistry popping out of the pages, but they've got it. Shannon's right, the dearest and darling stuff got silly. 

5. Is the ending satisfying? 

Shannon: Here's a common problem with a Big Bad.  The characters spend three books worrying about the villain, so your expectation as a reader is that the climatic showdown is going to be epic.  Unfortunately, sometimes the showdown is more of a fizzle than a bang and I think that is the case here.  But I do think it wrapped up the story well.  I didn't feel like there was any loose threads.  So in that sense, I am satisfied.

Julia: I don't have any lingering questions, though there isn't any big bang at the end to get you all worked up and happy. It's only satisfying in that, well, you know how it goes for everyone. I HATED the epilogue. I thought it was just... weird. I mean, awesome, thanks, I know what happens to the characters... but it just made my eyes roll. A lot.

6. Rating and recommendation?

Shannon:  I would give it 3 out 5 based on my boredom.  It was a real struggle to get through this book.  I'm crazy busy right now, so I really need something to hold my attention and make me want to read.  In general, I have recommended this series, but...I would put a little asterisk on the final book. 

Julia: 2 Stars, I was so bored and apathetic about the ending, plot and characters. I'm not recommending this book, though the first two were just okay. This one made me not want to recommend the others either. Kind of put a damper on the entire series.

Books in this series:

1. The Burning Sky - REVIEW

2. The Perilous Sea - REVIEW

3. The Immortal Heights

The Heir by Kiera Cass [Joint Review]

2 out of 5 Robots!

The Heir by Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection Series #4
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: May 5, 2015
Hardcover: 368 Pages
Publisher: Harper Teen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon

Book Summary:

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new. 

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

1. Sum up your feelings in a sentence of two?

Julia: The Heir is stuffed full of whiny, self centered dialogue by Eadlyn, the queen to be. But for some reason, I really wanted to know how it ended.

Shannon: The Selection was such a guilty pleasure for me.  I view it the same way I view The Bachelor or Real Housewives...completely ridiculous, very cheesy and probably killing off a some brain cells.  But there is also something so completely compelling about it.  I WANTED to hate it, but instead I just kept reading it.  So when The Heir rolled around, I thought "well, I've gone this far...might as well keep going".  But I was very disappointed.  And that's saying something for this series.  I did not like this book very much. 

2. What worked?  What didn't work?

Julia: Ahren and Camille worked. Kile worked. Nothing else worked for me. It was way more interesting reading from the contestant point of view in the previous novels.

Shannon: Honestly, not much worked for me.  I did like Eadlyn's brother (talk about being the voice of reason!).  Oh!  And it was a quick read (thank god).  What didn't work for me?  Just about everything else.  I didn't like the protagonist, I found everyone to be inept, the Selection was boring, the reason behind the Selection was insane and worst of all...I realized that this is probably going to be milked into a trilogy.

3. How does The Selection 2.0 compare to the original?

Julia: It doesn't! I mean, the first books weren't the best books I've ever read.... They will were so much better. I can't even. I have nothing to say.

Shannon: Yeah, I agree with Julia.  At least the first books were interesting in a "oh god, now what?!".  I rolled my eyes plenty.  But this book took all the worst parts of the first series and made them the best parts in this book.  I didn't just rolled my eyes, I was actually angry!  

4. Are you rooting for any of the Selected guys?

Julia: Kile and Henri. For as much as I despise Eadlyn, I love her interactions with these two guys. 

Shannon:  Kile and Henri were both nice decent boys.  But all of the boys were problematic.  Either they were perfect (Kile, Henri, Henri's translator, Erik), or they were cocky and egotistical or they were self-righteous agreessive neanderthals.  None of them felt real. 

5. Did you like Eadlyn?  Do you think she makes a good protagonist?

Julia: She is the WORST. She is insufferable. She is so self centered, that she actually tries to break her brother and his girlfriend up because he should love no one else more than her. Uh-wha? Oh, hey, Eadlyn, did you ever think of learning Henri's language? And all she does it talk about how much work she has because she is the princess and running this country...... yet, we never see her do any work. Ever. Also, the King is alive, soooo.... yeah, he's running the country. This girl sucks... She confuses being strong with being selfish as hell.

Shannon: Eadlyn is not a fun protagonist.  She gets strong armed into doing The Selection by her parents because they want to distract the masses who have been protesting the monarchy (I won't give go into how asinine that is) and I approve of her "I don't need a man to complete me" mantra.  But at the same time - dang, is she a spoiled brat.  She is completely out of touch. Eadlyn is poised to take over the kingdom soon as they keep telling us (keep in mind that Maxon is about 40...I'm 34 so I take offense over how they keep acting like Maxon was going to drop dead of old age any day now), but she had no idea what the people think of her or how to really run the country.  She's mean and snobby.  I was hoping she would have a nice little character arc, but no, she is even worse by the end of the book.  Goody.

6. What would you rate this book?  Who would you recommend it to?

Julia: 2 out of 5. And that's being generous. I'm not recommending this book to anyone.... Can we go back and make this book about Camille and Ahren instead? In the short time that Camille is in the book, she outshines Eadlyn completely.

Shannon: 2 out of 5 as well.  Only because I was able to finish it.  I can't say I recommend it either - even to fans of the first set of books.  

Other Books in the Series:
1. The Selection
2. The Elite
3. The One
4. The Heir

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall [Joint Review!]

2 out of 5 Robots!

  

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
Series: Conspiracy of Us, #1
Genre: Young Adult
Release: January 15, 2015
Hardcover:  336 Pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. In a couple of sentences, what did you think of The Conspiracy of Us?

Shannon:  I admit I had high expectations for this book.  The plot sounded sweeping and epic.  I was expecting it to be a lot of fun, full of twists, and fast paced.  Ultimately though, I was pretty disappointed.  I found it just too improbable and I was underwhelmed.

Julia: I had no idea what I was getting into when I began The Conspiracy of Us. Didn't even read the plot summary- so I went in with an open, fresh mind. I barely made it through the first half, but kept chugging (skimming) because I had a little hope. (And I wanted to talk to Shannon about it.) This book is a major disappointment and is so packed of cliches, I just didn't enjoy it.

2. Was the plot something that kept you hooked?

Shannon:  I was really trying to get on board with the conspiracy theories and the secret societies and the Da Vinci Code-ness.  But I just couldn't.  It was just a little too much for me.  And while the plot was fast paced, there wasn't enough substance for me to feel invested in the characters or the story.

Julia: No, the plot is not fast paced or thrilling. There isn't anything about the plot that even intrigued me. I think this is because there wasn't any real development in the characters or the story. For awhile I cared about who her family was, but then that fizzled. 

3."Beautiful, volatile" Stellan or "magnetic" Jack?

Shannon: Ugh.  I mean, Jack, because he's the more "upstanding" guy and that's usually who I gravitate towards, but could these two guys be any more cliched?  Why is it always the loose cannon bad boy and the brooding yet safe boy?  Over it.  The other thing I can say is that there really isn't much of a love triangle, in the truest sense.  One boy is definitely more of the love interest in than the other. 

Julia: Well, Stellan is definitely volatile and beautiful, but I didn't find Jack magnetic. They're both pretty flat characters, if it were me, I'd choose Jack. Obviously, he's safe and handsome. But, being the reader, Stellan is much more interesting. The "love triangle" isn't much of a love triangle, so if the book sounds intriguing to you and you don't like love triangles, don't worry about that. 

4. How did you get along with Avery?

Shannon: This was a huge sticking point for me.  I could not handle Avery.  She made me want to hurl the book across the room.  First of all, she should have all her decision making revoked.  For example, someone pulls a knife on her and yet she boards a private jet to Paris with him without telling anyone because he's pretty and she "knows" he won't hurt her.  REALLY?!  I can't even.  She is more concerned about shopping at Prada than she is about letting her mom know where she is.  And of course, she is the Special Snowflake who everyone loves and wants to protect.  She always figures things out faster than the people who have been in involved in Circle their entire lives. 

Julia: Avery and I didn't get along. I couldn't relate to her at all, I don't even think my 17 year-old-self could understand her "rash" teenage decisions. She's pretty silly and everything Shannon said. (Sorry, if you couldn't tell, I'm pretty apathetic about this book.) 

5. Anything you wish the story had, or wish it would drop?

Shannon:  I wish it didn't feel like a million other books I've read. I wish that Avery was a little more concerned about taking jet rides from strangers.  I wish that the plot actually made a little more sense.  I wish it would drop the incessant Prada name dropping.  Did Prada pay for product placement?

Julia: I just wish the beginning hadn't started off the way it did- with her trip to Paris right after her prom. Silly... It really set the tone for the rest of the book and kind of destroyed it for me. 

6. Rating? Reading the sequel? Who are you recommending this to!

Shannon: 2.5 Stars for me.  I don't think I will read the sequel, even with that big twist at the end.  I do think that if you like All Fall Down by Ally Carter, then you will probably like this book.  They have a similar feeling to them.

Julia: 2 Stars for me, and only because I finished it. I won't be reading the sequel or recommending this to anyone.

The Conspiracy of Us Series:

1. The Conspiracy of Us

2. Untitled - Due 2016

3. Untitled - Due 2017

The Body Electric by Beth Revis [Joint Review!]

2 out of 5 Robots!

  

The Body Electric
By Beth Revis
Genre: Young Adult SciFi
Release: October 4, 2014
Hardcover:  351 Pages
Publisher: Scripturient Books
My Copy: Library
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. In a couple sentences, what did you think of The Body Electric? 
Shannon: The premise sounded pretty interesting (kind of like Inception meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), but ultimately I was disappointed.  There was too much going on that was left unexplained and the writing was just too over the top for me.  

Julia: The Body Electric is boring and somewhat unbelievable. I mean, I know it is science fiction, but the whole point in reading a book is that you're able to fall completely into the story. I didn't feel like anything was really happening and the relationships are lacking and feel forced. The descriptions of Ella's actions, surroundings, are also forced and cheesy. I really wasn't entertained... 

2. What did you like about The Body Electric?
Shannon: The beginning was actually my favorite part.  Once we got past the "getting to know the characters", things seemed like they were on an exciting path once the androids went crazy.  Buuuttt, that's about it.

Julia:  I really didn't like very much. When I started, I thought, ok, this has potential and this can get better. But I couldn't stop feeling let down. I didn't like the main character that much and I didn't feel any sort of emotional attachment to her. Then androids explode and I'm like, this is going to get interesting! Intense! Then, it didn't. So, I guess the only part I can say I liked would be all the androids exploding...


3. What did you dislike? 
Shannon: There was a lot I was confused about, or not quite on board with (like the overuse of the bee motif), but the writing was the hardest part to get past.  It was so over the top sometimes!  I felt like I was reading an cheesy 80's sci-fi movie.  

Julia: The part I disliked the most? The writing. I know that sounds awful, but I couldn't stand how the author tried to make scenes come alive... or how she tried to describe situations. For example, "I slip into representative belles mind as if it was a comfortable t shirt." Orrrrr. "Science can make your heart beat but it can't make it race."


4. What did you think of the characters?
Shannon: I think some people will resonate with Ella.  She is spunky, for sure.  But I can't say I really connected with any of the characters.  I could take or leave Ella and she is the only one with any real dimension.  Jack was a cipher to me.  Supposedly they had a past together, but I never really felt their chemistry.  All the other characters are pretty one dimensional.  Revis leans a lot more on the plot and actions to carry her story than the characters.

Julia: I didn't think much of them. It took Ella way too long to piece things together and to trust whatshisface. See what I mean, I can't even remember his name. Jack! I think that was his name. They just fell flat. Merp. 

5. This book takes place 300 years in the future. Did that work for you?
Shannon: I liked that it was far enough in the future that you couldn't really argue with some of the technology.  In fact, I really liked some of the technology, especially the wrist cuffs which measured biometric information, but also acted as a communication device.  But it some ways it didn't really feel all that futuristic either.  I'm not exactly sure why though.

Julia: Yes and no. It would have worked for me if it actually felt futuristic. I don't know why, but even with the wrist cuffs and androids, it just didn't feel like 300 years from now. I can't put my finger on why that is. I just can't seem to find my words when it comes to how I feel about The Body Electric and why I couldn't get into a single aspect of it.

6. How many stars would you give this book? Would you recommend it? ? 
Shannon: I would give it two stars.  I was having a hard time finishing.  The ending was just...kind of ridiculous.  I know this book is getting a lot of good reviews, so I don't know.  YMMV?

Julia: I am giving The Body Electric two stars. It only gets two stars because I finished it. There were too many laughable moments and I did not find myself enjoying it at any single time. I can't say I would recommend this one to anyone.

Shadow Walkers by Brent Hartinger [Review]

2 out of 5 Robots!

Title: Shadow Walkers
Author: Brent Hartinger
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: February 8, 2011
Print Length: 216 pages
Publisher: Flux
ISBN-10: 9780738723648
ISBN-13: 978-0738723648
My Copy: Author (TBS)
Reviewer: Rex

Book Blurb:

Living with his grandparents on a tiny island off the Washington State coast, Zach feels cut off from the world. Especially when he's forbidden to chat with his online friends. But then his little brother, Gilbert, is kidnapped. To find him, Zach discovers how to astral project. Soon, his spirit is soaring through the strange and boundless astral realm—a shadow place.

While searching for his brother, Zach meets a boy named Emory, another astral traveler who's intriguing (and cute). As they track the kidnappers from the astral realm, their bond grows—but each moment could be Gilbert's last. Even worse, there's a menacing, centuries-old creature in their midst that devours souls and possesses physical bodies. And it's hungry for Zach.

Book Review:

Shadow Walkers is the first novel I have read that focuses on astral projection. Hartinger did a wonderful job explaining how his characters are able to walk through another realm. I didn't feel lost at all and by the end of the book I felt like I knew the concept of astral projection pretty well. Definitely interesting.

However, there is something about astral projection that makes me roll my eyes. I realize how silly this sounds coming from someone who loves to read about shape shifters and zombies. So, to begin, this book is given two stars more because it just isn't for me. If astral projection fascinates you, read this! You will probably really like it.

Now, that being said, the plot is fun, but I felt like the characters are a little blah. There emotions were clear but I couldn't find myself feeling anything with them. I didn't find myself relating to any of them much or liking them a whole lot. And though I loved Zach's relationship with his little (adorable!) brother Gilbert, I didn't like his relationship with Emory. It seemed rushed to me. Did not find myself wondering what they were doing after I put the book down. 

I did finish the book because I had to know what happens at the end. Does Zach get his happily ever after? Does he find his brother and return him home safely? Definitely recommend Shadow Walkers to the younger readers and those that enjoy reading about astral projection.

And check back on May 9th for an awesome
interview with Brent Hartinger!

American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout [Review]

Title: American Vampire
Author: Jennifer Armintrout
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: February 22, 2011
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Mira
ISBN-10: 0778328783
ISBN-13: 978-0778328780
Reviewer: Mona

2 out of 5 Robots!

 

Book Blurb:

He's the good kind of vampire...sort of. 

 

Buried in the Heartland is a town that no one enters or leaves. Graf McDonald somehow becomes its first visitor in more than five years…and he was only looking for a good party. Unfortunately, Penance, Ohio, is not that place. And after having been isolated for so long, they do not like strangers at all. 

Jessa’s the only one to even remotely trust him, and she’s desperate for the kind of protection that only a vampire like Graf can provide. Supplies are low, the locals are ornery for a sacrifice and there’s a monster more powerful than Graf lurking in the woods. New men are hard to come by in this lonesome town, and this handsome stranger might be Jessa’s only hope for salvation. Even if she has to die first… 

My Review:

American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout is a twisted tale of romance and horror. It pulled me in with the GPS dysfunctional vampire that I actually found very likeable, with his penchant for leather and great taste in vintage cars. But the interaction between the main characters left me dragging. I loved the snarky comments and dialogue between them at times, but the overall connection was very slow in the making.

At first I felt sorry for the town being trapped by an unknown "It" that harassed them. Then I got to know the towns people and I really felt sorry for Graf the unwittingly trapped vampire. By the time romance came into play, I was actually prompting Graf in my head to run away. The horror element was possibly a tie between the "It" monster and the townspeople themselves!

As a reader of Jennifer Armintrout's previous books, this one left me feeling quite flat. I would recommend other Armintrout fans give this book a try to see if it works for you. But if you're looking to get into her books, don't start with this one. I love some of her other books- like the Blood Ties series.

Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell

2 out of 5 Robots!

  

Title: Take the Monkeys & Run
Series: Barbara Marr Murder Mystery, 1
Release: August 26, 2010 
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1453721096
ISBN-13: 978-1453721094
My Copy: Author
Reviewer: Dewey

My Review:

Barbara Marr is a fairly normal middle aged woman, living in a fairly normal suburban community in Northern Virginia, but when she witnesses some not so normal activity at the house next door, she can’t help her curiosity. The peculiar, abandoned house she has nicknamed “The House of Many Bones” has always been a mystery to her so when on a late night walk around her house she sees and hears bizarre activity she dives head first into her own personal investigation for some answers.

Warnings from friends, neighbors and even the police are proving useless in stopping Barbara from her mission. And when two stereotypical mafia wise-guys show up and threaten her to keep her nose out of their business, she realizes that this whole situation is a lot more serious than she suspected and decides to continue her research more carefully. Now Barbara is way out of her league and eventually gets herself, her friends and even her family in a deadly situation with a dangerous group of people. Fortunately for her, her movie knowledge and quick wit keep her alive long enough to attempt an escape, but can she outwit the wise guys in time???

I was pulled into the story fairly quickly. I found myself completely entertained by the personality of the main character and her quick wit and sarcasm. The writing is quite humorous and finds a way to take odd events and make them realistic in the way everyday people would deal with them. Unfortunately the story took a more serious turn, well I should say attempted to, and it caught me off guard. As the mafia elements were introduced to the story I found it to not quite fit with the flow of the story. I had a hard time taking it serious and it became a bit cheesy and predictable. On the whole I enjoyed the writing and the characters, the storyline just seemed tough to get into to.

Synarchy: The Awakening by DCS [Review]

2 out of 5 Robots!
 

Title: Synarchy: The Awakening 

Author: DCS

Genre: SciFi

Release Date: May 22, 2008

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: SVT Publishing
ISBN-10: 0615196756
ISBN-13: 978-0615196756

My Copy: Author

Reviewer: Rex

Synopsis:

A plan is exposed, centuries in the making and so sinister not even the legend himself could have predicted the depth of its impact on the world. In his lifetime Stefano Terenzio had a merciless ambition for absolute power. Two generations later the shock wave he ignited was still being felt. Now, as the world inches closer to 2012 sides are chosen, families divide and an epic battle begins that will determine whether mankind continues existing in a world of lies or shatters the chains that have held us prisoner since his-story was written. "I will die to see my will done, and it will be done." Shocking yet hopeful, Synarchy slowly unravels the tightly laced reality we have created for ourselves. Blending the metaphysical with conspiracy, fact with fiction, debut author DCS has opened up a world that will force you to rethink everything you believe about your own. The knowledge within provokes the question: do you really want to know?

My Review: 
Synarchy: The Awakening has many layers and has both a complex plot and three dimensional characters. The reader has the privilege of following around the Terenzio family- a family that somewhat reminds me of mobsters...the mafia. Unfortunately for this family, some internal rivalries have turned traitorous.

This is an extremely detailed, predictable novel with tons of action and mystery. Don't pick it up if you're looking for a light, quick read. Though I wouldn't reread this and it isn't one of my favorite novels, it is extremely unique and I have not read anything like it before. I would primarily recommend this to SciFi junkies.