Review: Flare

Flare by Jonathan Maas
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

FLARE
By Jonathan Maas

This is religious science fiction! There is nothing in the description to indicate that this book is religion oriented.

My opinion is that this is deceptive marketing.

I was looking for straight science fiction, not religious or spiritual fiction.

Now on to the book itself.

I found it very hard to continue reading for almost the first half of the book, but since I received it free through Goodreads Giveaways I felt obligated to review it even though it is not a requirement. To do an honest review I feel I should read the entire book if I find that possible.

It was like reading a history book, boring.

There was no character development to speak of until halfway through. The people were all cardboard cutouts almost as interesting as paper dolls.

The narrative style was to describe events with no emotion involved. Even emotions were described unemotionally. I just didn't feel someone's pain, happiness or anything.

About halfway through the book the story finally started to get interesting, but never actually got to the point that I was glad I had read it. The characters even filled out a little more but never full enough to really cause any interest in them.

Surprisingly, the most interesting character was Zeke, who never spoke a single word in the entire book.

And what was up with the fox? She was brought in like she was important to the story but there was no followup.

A couple of other story lines didn't seem to go anywhere, as well.

The science in this book, both physical and biological, seems more like pseudo- science. This book takes place in the present time but the science doesn't seem to follow what is currently known, theorized or thought to be known.

It seems like the science in this was made up to fit the story without an research or concern that it may be wrong.

I did no research to see if the science was right or wrong, it's just the way it seems to me.

The religious aspect increased as the story progressed. No particular religion was ever mentioned, but the story seemed to have as its' basis the Christian bible, both old and new testaments.

Overall, I would not recommend this to anyone unless they are interested in reading a religion based book that is written more like a history book than an actual story.

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Emissary by Thomas Locke - My Review

Emissary by Thomas Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting.

Hyam is pulled into a world he has no interest in. He just wants to be a farmer.

As his mastery of power develops he becomes so accustomed to it that he can no longer conceive of it not being part of him. He matures from a surly young farmboy to a powerful leader that commands respect and loyalty from his allies, as well as his followers.

In a war, mostly of magic, he is confident -- maybe overconfident.

Hyam's character could have been developed more. He is believable, but a little flat.

Overall, a good read. I will read more of this series, I want to know what further endangers the realm and how Hyam and friends will react to them.

I received this book free through Goodreads Giveaways.

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