Review of Chrome Mountain
-
Aditi S 3
- Posts: 30
- Joined: 19 Feb 2024, 12:14
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 26
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-aditi-s-3.html
- Latest Review: Ituy by Taylor Willingham
Review of Chrome Mountain
[Following is a volunteer review of "Chrome Mountain" by Ben Schneider.]
5 out of 5 stars.
Ben Schneider's Chrome Mountain is a gripping science fiction narrative that demands to be crowned with five stars. Former gang member Sonya McCall, who has a history with Chrome Mountain and is desperate to outrun a violent past, pairs with Trey Radisson, a brilliant inventor who possesses an advanced cloaking device that enemies both known and not are desperate to get their hands on. A tight story that alternates between Sonya's and Trey's perspectives, the thrilling and emotionally charged events that unfold ensure that this book will have readers up far into the night. A treasure trove of masterful storytelling, all of it running hand-in-glove with a great many well-done action scenes, ensures a potent and unforgettable cocktail of characters and events.
Trey Radisson, a gifted inventor, faces a complex conflict of interest. When he interacts with others in society, he must wonder if the grand theft omnipresent in their actions—assume, for a moment, everyone Radisson deals with is worthy of "collections and spectacles"—should be covered by his "cloak of invisibility." After all, that's what makes his brilliant invention valuable—when used by the "good guys." Nonetheless, appearances can be deceiving, and only time tells. Radisson keeps returning to those "moral compass" moments, mulling over the "murderous possibilities" that cloak presents.
Schneider's creation of a world is quite amazing because it instantly places a reader within the very imagined framework of the tale. It is a world of almost palpable political intrigue with its many nefarious motives that are hard to untangle as you read. What makes it so remarkable is the vast array of descriptive detail with which everything is rendered, from the inside of a government building to the dust on an old path. It is a world that is similar enough to our own to hold one's attention and different enough to make one incredibly curious.
Schneider's prose is not limited to heart-pounding action alone. It also effectively presents the deeper, more thoughtful side of the characters. When the story unfolds at a rapid pace, we do not lose sight of our heroes. Sonya, in particular, seems to have won Schneider's heart and mind; the reader will feel for her as she deals with private fears and past tragedies in order to carry on this important work. And Trey, good old Trey, isn't just muscle and heavy artillery. A few well-chosen snippets here and there give us an inkling of the internal battles he fights to keep himself motivated and focused.
"Chrome Mountain" by Ben Schneider is an outstanding book that I would give a full five stars if not for a few small shortcomings. Although the rapid pace and constant action make the book a page-turner, the characters and their development could have used a lot more room. "Chrome Mountain" is a pretty complex story, and it might take some effort to keep up with everything that's going on. But it's a difficulty I didn't mind because of how much I enjoyed the book: The adventure is thrilling, and I got invested in the characters and the world they inhabit.
The book editing is marvelous. I didn't find any typos or grammatical errors overall book deserves a perfect 5-star rating.
In conclusion, "Chrome Mountain" is an exciting rollercoaster, full of curves and unknown bends. It has a very palpable suspense, and the stakes are high. The characters aren't perfect. We like Russell and have a soft spot for him since he puts in a lot of hard work to be a good detective. The way he gets himself back up and tries again is what keeps the reader holding on. "Chrome Mountain" isn't just a good science fiction novel; it's also a good novel that just happens to be set in the future.
******
Chrome Mountain
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
5 out of 5 stars.
Ben Schneider's Chrome Mountain is a gripping science fiction narrative that demands to be crowned with five stars. Former gang member Sonya McCall, who has a history with Chrome Mountain and is desperate to outrun a violent past, pairs with Trey Radisson, a brilliant inventor who possesses an advanced cloaking device that enemies both known and not are desperate to get their hands on. A tight story that alternates between Sonya's and Trey's perspectives, the thrilling and emotionally charged events that unfold ensure that this book will have readers up far into the night. A treasure trove of masterful storytelling, all of it running hand-in-glove with a great many well-done action scenes, ensures a potent and unforgettable cocktail of characters and events.
Trey Radisson, a gifted inventor, faces a complex conflict of interest. When he interacts with others in society, he must wonder if the grand theft omnipresent in their actions—assume, for a moment, everyone Radisson deals with is worthy of "collections and spectacles"—should be covered by his "cloak of invisibility." After all, that's what makes his brilliant invention valuable—when used by the "good guys." Nonetheless, appearances can be deceiving, and only time tells. Radisson keeps returning to those "moral compass" moments, mulling over the "murderous possibilities" that cloak presents.
Schneider's creation of a world is quite amazing because it instantly places a reader within the very imagined framework of the tale. It is a world of almost palpable political intrigue with its many nefarious motives that are hard to untangle as you read. What makes it so remarkable is the vast array of descriptive detail with which everything is rendered, from the inside of a government building to the dust on an old path. It is a world that is similar enough to our own to hold one's attention and different enough to make one incredibly curious.
Schneider's prose is not limited to heart-pounding action alone. It also effectively presents the deeper, more thoughtful side of the characters. When the story unfolds at a rapid pace, we do not lose sight of our heroes. Sonya, in particular, seems to have won Schneider's heart and mind; the reader will feel for her as she deals with private fears and past tragedies in order to carry on this important work. And Trey, good old Trey, isn't just muscle and heavy artillery. A few well-chosen snippets here and there give us an inkling of the internal battles he fights to keep himself motivated and focused.
"Chrome Mountain" by Ben Schneider is an outstanding book that I would give a full five stars if not for a few small shortcomings. Although the rapid pace and constant action make the book a page-turner, the characters and their development could have used a lot more room. "Chrome Mountain" is a pretty complex story, and it might take some effort to keep up with everything that's going on. But it's a difficulty I didn't mind because of how much I enjoyed the book: The adventure is thrilling, and I got invested in the characters and the world they inhabit.
The book editing is marvelous. I didn't find any typos or grammatical errors overall book deserves a perfect 5-star rating.
In conclusion, "Chrome Mountain" is an exciting rollercoaster, full of curves and unknown bends. It has a very palpable suspense, and the stakes are high. The characters aren't perfect. We like Russell and have a soft spot for him since he puts in a lot of hard work to be a good detective. The way he gets himself back up and tries again is what keeps the reader holding on. "Chrome Mountain" isn't just a good science fiction novel; it's also a good novel that just happens to be set in the future.
******
Chrome Mountain
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Ituy by Taylor Willingham
