Official Review: Ultrix by Michael Sales

[ritah]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ultrix" by Michael Sales.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Ultrix by Michael Sales is an intriguing read that takes readers into a whole new futuristic world: filled with super powered mutants, angels, droids, and aliens. The book is a Science-Fiction novel, the first of three in the Tandem Recruiters Series. First published on April 1st of 2017 by Hotspot publishing.

Jetmond Sky is a quad-core mutant: a hybrid of Human, Hoodia, and Atlantean. Owing to his unique gene combination, he gets to possess superior abilities, which give him an added advantage when it comes to combat and survival unattainable to your average human. Captain Cuz, Jet’s Boss aboard a secret space station doesn’t take him seriously and often subjects him to ridicule; he wishes to terminate their work relationship, and hence takes drastic measures that nearly cost Jet his life! Soon after Jet and his droid land on earth, he finds himself at the receiving end of some serious threats: All in a bid to coerce him to become a special agent for the Incoming Residents and Cargo Authority (IRCA). He soon becomes fully aware that the guidance and torment that has been riddling him comes from the Computer Oriented Angelic Personifications (COAPs). He quickly realizes that his romantic interest might also be under the influence of these COAPs, leading him to question the authenticity of their almost-relationship. Due to his affiliations with IRCA and the COAPs, he once again finds the question of his freedom and mere existence hanging in the balance.

After reading the first chapter, I felt that those that followed dragged the story for quite a bit before gaining momentum. I would have enjoyed the earlier chapters more if there was a point of reference (like a glossary or appendix) as there was repeated use of a made up word and being that the story did take place in the year 2250 not everything introduced was familiar or understood right away. However, I have to mention that what was unclear previously, gradually became clear the more I read on, including, the made up word. I also found errors littered throughout the book. I noticed spelling mistakes (“know” instead of no, “you’re” where it should be your), missing words and or letters, repeated words, and confused sentences. This book is in a desperate need of an additional round of editing.

What first drew me to the book was the enticing cover. Once I read the blurbs of book one and two, my mind was made up. Did it live up to the expectations? Yes and No. No because of all the errors and the drag in the early chapters. Yes for the reason that once the pace picked up, the plot worked and managed to heighten my interest in the second book. I should mention that there were a few action scenes and gory descriptions, but nothing graphic at all. Another worthy mention is this book had little science and a lot of fiction.

I especially enjoyed the turn of events that caught me unawares. I gained an appreciation for the author's skill in creating unique characters and for descriptions that awakened my imagination. The biggest appeal for me was the sense of humor that filled the protagonist's indirect interactions with the COAPs. I also found most of the blonde jokes shared between Jet and his love interest quite funny.

I recommend this book to fans of the genre who don’t mind a science-fiction novel with a few action scenes. Readers who will persevere through errors and a little initial drag for a good story. Since I enjoyed the book and it genuinely had me laughing, I don’t think it’d be fair of me to give it a rating of 2 despite its flaws.Given the numerous editing mistakes, I also couldn’t award the book a 4-star rating. Therefore, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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Ultrix
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[juliusotinyo]

Hi,
You always write well thought out reviews, I've felt as if I was reading the book itself. However, this might not be for me, I prefer to watch Sci-Fi than reading. Watching completes your immersion into the complex environments and characters common with this genre. There are exceptions, is this one?

[kandscreeley]

Interesting. I don't know if I would get past the first chapters if they drag so much. Thanks for the review, though!

[ritah]

Hi,
You always write well thought out reviews, I've felt as if I was reading the book itself. However, this might not be for me, I prefer to watch Sci-Fi than reading. Watching completes your immersion into the complex environments and characters common with this genre. There are exceptions, is this one?

Hey Julius, Thank You! As a fan of the genre, I'd say I genuinely enjoy both books and movies/series in the same genre. Like you said watching a movie most times completely immerses you into the complex environment dealt to the characters. That being said, books exercise your imagination into new worlds and creatures especially when the author can paint characters and new exotic environments with his or her words alone. In my opinion, this book is definitely worth reading because the author succeeded in capturing my imagination.

-- 23 Aug 2017, 11:06 --

Interesting. I don't know if I would get past the first chapters if they drag so much. Thanks for the review, though!

They don't

drag so much

just a bit in my opinion although that could be because I'm kind of addicted to fast-paced, thrilling from page one, type of reads. Which I've noticed aren't that common 'cause most stories work well when they're given time to develop - is what I think.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

This book sounds so cool, its just a pity about all the errors!

[ritah]

This book sounds so cool, its just a pity about all the errors!

It really was. Another round of editing will do the trick.

[Manang Muyang]

I think this author wants people to relate the book to the hit movie Matrix. Jet must be a character to watch out for.

You are a gifted writer, Ritah! Keep writing those inspired reviews.

[ritah]

I think this author wants people to relate the book to the hit movie Matrix. Jet must be a character to watch out for.

You are a gifted writer, Ritah! Keep writing those inspired reviews.

He was a character I loved to follow, his interactions with the COAPs was amusing. If this book was to be made into a movie...I know I'd be watching. It'd be interesting to see that world come to life.

Thank You So Much! It means a lot coming from you being that I always get hooked by your introductions, you have an amazing way with words and know exactly how to reel in readers.

[Manang Muyang]

Ooh, I thank you back, Ritah!

[Czarmaine AM]

I agree that this kind of book needs some sort of glossary or appendix. Others even have a map on the first page. Hehe. You have given this a fair rating and you wrote the review well. Thanks for sharing this!

[Ayosinmi]

Beautiful review. It's quite succinct. Well done. I am not getting anywhere near it though ? I still love the character - Jet. Extend my greetings to him ? I must say that I love reading your review. Cheers

[Marylynn]

Despite the errors in the book, the book sounds like a worthy read. Thank you for the review, it is just amazing!

[ritah]

I agree that this kind of book needs some sort of glossary or appendix. Others even have a map on the first page. Hehe. You have given this a fair rating and you wrote the review well. Thanks for sharing this!

hehe, a map on the first page .
Funny, the book I'm currently reading right now actually has a map though not on the first page lol.
Thank you for appreciating my review.

Beautiful review. It's quite succinct. Well done. I am not getting anywhere near it though ? I still love the character - Jet. Extend my greetings to him ? I must say that I love reading your review. Cheers

Thank you, I appreciate the compliment
Why won't you get anywhere near it?lol..not a fan of the genre?
haha.will make sure to say hello, when I start reading book 2: Grizzly Fond ( Chiefdom Dominion: Epitome)

Despite the errors in the book, the book sounds like a worthy read. Thank you for the review, it is just amazing!

Thank you Marylynn, it was a worthy one in my books.

[Donatelloo]

I love books on mutants and stuff. I would love to read this book .
And yes! Its cover is definitely the one to attract readers.
Admirable review as always ??

[ritah]

I love books on mutants and stuff. I would love to read this book .
And yes! Its cover is definitely the one to attract readers.
Admirable review as always ??

Shux, thanks
I'm sure it's a book you would enjoy.