Official Review: The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions
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RussetDivinity
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Official Review: The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions" by Nathaniel Stewart.]
3 out of 4 stars
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The book opens with death and mystery, which are always good at getting people’s attention. A man named Hektor has arrived at his friend Victor’s house just in time to help his friend escape a group of superhuman attackers who have killed Victor’s wife and are attempting to do the same to Victor. After a tense battle, there is a moment for Hektor and Victor (and the reader) to catch their breaths and recover somewhat, we learn that the attackers are called Agonimen and work for someone named Mordikin. We also learn that Hektor and Victor are immortal (or something close). By the end of the first chapter, the reader has far more questions than answers, and if more of those questions had been answered, I might have given the book a higher rating, but instead it only barely reached 3 out of 4 stars.
From the second chapter on, the book focuses on five teenagers: Awbrey, Hudson, Androse, Zander, and Natalye. All of them have powers of some sort – though these powers are not specified until about halfway through the book – and all of them are tied together in some way, as they learn when they are suddenly plucked from their normal lives and brought to stay with Hudson’s grandmother. There, they find themselves at odds with each other, particularly Awbrey (who is hot-headed and has a sharp tongue) and Zander (who can’t seem to stop picking fights).
Though all of the characters are distinct, I found them to be rather flat and one-dimensional. Considering a large part of the book consists of them trying to get used to each other and their new situation of having a destiny, I felt there could have been much more in the way of growth and depth. Instead, I had some trouble connecting to them and their decisions. I could understand why they made the choices they did, but it was difficult to empathize with them, and at some points, only the interest I had in the plot kept me reading.
The interest I had did pay off – not to give anything away, but I will say that the climax is far more intense than I would have expected – but not nearly as much as I had hoped. While this is only the first book in a series and would have to build up to the others, I couldn’t help feeling as though everything that happened in this book could have been accomplished in a few chapters. There were points where it felt drawn-out and the action too sparse, and if it hadn’t been for the distinct characters and how I did grow fond of them by the end, this book might well have only gotten two stars.
This is the sort of book that I rather wish I had gotten with the second (and possibly third as well) to read right after. The plot arc is likely going to be stretched out, and I’d like a chance to get more of a feel for it than I could get in only this book. However, that shouldn’t stop you from buying this book; just keep in mind that you may have to be patient.
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The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions
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3 out of 4 stars
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The book opens with death and mystery, which are always good at getting people’s attention. A man named Hektor has arrived at his friend Victor’s house just in time to help his friend escape a group of superhuman attackers who have killed Victor’s wife and are attempting to do the same to Victor. After a tense battle, there is a moment for Hektor and Victor (and the reader) to catch their breaths and recover somewhat, we learn that the attackers are called Agonimen and work for someone named Mordikin. We also learn that Hektor and Victor are immortal (or something close). By the end of the first chapter, the reader has far more questions than answers, and if more of those questions had been answered, I might have given the book a higher rating, but instead it only barely reached 3 out of 4 stars.
From the second chapter on, the book focuses on five teenagers: Awbrey, Hudson, Androse, Zander, and Natalye. All of them have powers of some sort – though these powers are not specified until about halfway through the book – and all of them are tied together in some way, as they learn when they are suddenly plucked from their normal lives and brought to stay with Hudson’s grandmother. There, they find themselves at odds with each other, particularly Awbrey (who is hot-headed and has a sharp tongue) and Zander (who can’t seem to stop picking fights).
Though all of the characters are distinct, I found them to be rather flat and one-dimensional. Considering a large part of the book consists of them trying to get used to each other and their new situation of having a destiny, I felt there could have been much more in the way of growth and depth. Instead, I had some trouble connecting to them and their decisions. I could understand why they made the choices they did, but it was difficult to empathize with them, and at some points, only the interest I had in the plot kept me reading.
The interest I had did pay off – not to give anything away, but I will say that the climax is far more intense than I would have expected – but not nearly as much as I had hoped. While this is only the first book in a series and would have to build up to the others, I couldn’t help feeling as though everything that happened in this book could have been accomplished in a few chapters. There were points where it felt drawn-out and the action too sparse, and if it hadn’t been for the distinct characters and how I did grow fond of them by the end, this book might well have only gotten two stars.
This is the sort of book that I rather wish I had gotten with the second (and possibly third as well) to read right after. The plot arc is likely going to be stretched out, and I’d like a chance to get more of a feel for it than I could get in only this book. However, that shouldn’t stop you from buying this book; just keep in mind that you may have to be patient.
******
The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Barnes and Noble | on Smashwords
Like RussetDivinity's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Heart of Flint" by Scott Stricklen
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NateStewart
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Thank you for reviewing my first book! I always appreciate any and all opinions and pieces of feedback. I think my intention to have the characters get used to each other (and the reader to them) was a bit strong, but I believed it necessary (especially when you are doing a series). I didn't want to throw strangers together and push them into too many situations that would require a group of people who really trust and know each other and would have each other's backs (Awbrey would let Zander kick the bucket lol).
One of the things that you wrote that really stuck out to me was, "Though all of the characters are distinct, I found them to be rather flat and one-dimensional." I like the fact that you grew fond of my characters and I do see where you are coming from. I am in the editing stages of the second installment, and it is significantly more eventful and gets a lot deeper into the kids themselves, their powers, families, history, and the opposition. When I submit it for review, I do hope that you choose to give it a read.
P.S. I love that my plot kept you interested, and I appreciate the honesty and rating!
One of the things that you wrote that really stuck out to me was, "Though all of the characters are distinct, I found them to be rather flat and one-dimensional." I like the fact that you grew fond of my characters and I do see where you are coming from. I am in the editing stages of the second installment, and it is significantly more eventful and gets a lot deeper into the kids themselves, their powers, families, history, and the opposition. When I submit it for review, I do hope that you choose to give it a read.
P.S. I love that my plot kept you interested, and I appreciate the honesty and rating!
