Official Review: The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)
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- Latest Review: "The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)" by R. K. Holliday
Official Review: The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)" by R. K. Holliday.]
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The Edifice is a young adult sci-fi novel by R. K. Holliday. It tells the story of young Connor Laurel, a boy who has been identified by the enigmatic United Eden Federation as having a special power. He is taken to a facility for children like himself and the story follows the people he meets, the classes he takes, and a mystery he becomes involved in.
The Edifice begins with almost-thirteen-year-old Connor’s strange dream in the middle of a normal life in a world about 100 years ahead of our own. He lives with his parents until one day when two men show up at his family’s door to take him away because Connor has a “virus,” known by the name “Impetus.” His condition is actually the potential for great power, and he is taken to a facility where there are others like him (called “operators”) to discover his ability and continue his schooling.
The story, in large part, focuses on Connor and his relationships: with his peers, his teachers, his parents, and his previously unknown power. He meets and quickly befriends two of his classmates, who become his partners in his adventures. His professors add to the varied cast of characters and bestow wisdom on Connor, but they may also be hiding some things. Connor is a late bloomer, not discovering his particular gift until later than most children do. The author does a good job of portraying Connor’s feelings as he struggles through the process of finding his ability and how this affects him and helps him grow up.
There are a few exciting events that happen throughout the book, but the scene with the most action is the finale, which was short compared to the number of pages it took to get to that point. And for a while in the middle, the book does not seem to have a purpose and meanders from scene to scene without furthering the plot very much.
There are a few mysterious figures that appear late in the novel and add some suspense and reintroduce a sense of progression to the story. But even after more is revealed about these figures, it is not clear whether the mysterious characters were supposed to be on the side of Connor and his friends or against them. Giving the author the benefit of the doubt, this may be set-up for the sequel, as this is supposed to be the first book in a series.
The writer excels at showing Connor's inner thoughts (I was reminded of Ender’s Game), describing the setting and the events that unfold, and utilizing the small cast of characters effectively. The story also shows the importance of friendship, bravery, and being true to who you are, which are old messages for older readers, but good ones to reinforce for younger readers.
I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. This book was good overall. Younger readers will be well-equipped for the simple language, action scenes, and characters their own ages. There were some usage, grammar, and typographical errors that were sometimes distracting but rarely obscured the author’s meaning. The Edifice has a Harry Potter vibe in that it is about a young boy who has a special power and goes to a new school to make new friends and learn about his abilities. I think it will be enjoyed by its intended audience but will be less entertaining for higher-level readers.
***
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The Edifice begins with almost-thirteen-year-old Connor’s strange dream in the middle of a normal life in a world about 100 years ahead of our own. He lives with his parents until one day when two men show up at his family’s door to take him away because Connor has a “virus,” known by the name “Impetus.” His condition is actually the potential for great power, and he is taken to a facility where there are others like him (called “operators”) to discover his ability and continue his schooling.
The story, in large part, focuses on Connor and his relationships: with his peers, his teachers, his parents, and his previously unknown power. He meets and quickly befriends two of his classmates, who become his partners in his adventures. His professors add to the varied cast of characters and bestow wisdom on Connor, but they may also be hiding some things. Connor is a late bloomer, not discovering his particular gift until later than most children do. The author does a good job of portraying Connor’s feelings as he struggles through the process of finding his ability and how this affects him and helps him grow up.
There are a few exciting events that happen throughout the book, but the scene with the most action is the finale, which was short compared to the number of pages it took to get to that point. And for a while in the middle, the book does not seem to have a purpose and meanders from scene to scene without furthering the plot very much.
There are a few mysterious figures that appear late in the novel and add some suspense and reintroduce a sense of progression to the story. But even after more is revealed about these figures, it is not clear whether the mysterious characters were supposed to be on the side of Connor and his friends or against them. Giving the author the benefit of the doubt, this may be set-up for the sequel, as this is supposed to be the first book in a series.
The writer excels at showing Connor's inner thoughts (I was reminded of Ender’s Game), describing the setting and the events that unfold, and utilizing the small cast of characters effectively. The story also shows the importance of friendship, bravery, and being true to who you are, which are old messages for older readers, but good ones to reinforce for younger readers.
I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. This book was good overall. Younger readers will be well-equipped for the simple language, action scenes, and characters their own ages. There were some usage, grammar, and typographical errors that were sometimes distracting but rarely obscured the author’s meaning. The Edifice has a Harry Potter vibe in that it is about a young boy who has a special power and goes to a new school to make new friends and learn about his abilities. I think it will be enjoyed by its intended audience but will be less entertaining for higher-level readers.
***
Buy "The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)" on Amazon
Latest Review: "The Edifice (Drifter Book 1)" by R. K. Holliday
