Well written, five star, speculative science fiction, that is great entertainment especially for those that like the zany end of the Sci-fi family of genres.
I have a fundamental criticism, but I hope it doesn't put people off reading. This book has plenty of merit so that really wouldn't be justice. I have no idea whether the lack of descriptive writing of the finished work was due to the pen of Twiss or the scalpel of the editor. The book certainly has the harsh editing of tangential description that is so fashionable. We are repeatedly told that this thin-form style is necessary to overcome the short attention span of modern readers. It is certainly a love of 'fashionable' book critics. I feel that this was a book written twenty thousand words longer only to starved of anything more than was strictly necessary to keep the heart pumping fast through every chapter. Sadly, we had to get to the final pages of the book before we could really appreciate the 'form', the fat, of the principle characters. Unfortunately the minimalistic prose leaves the early chapters with the narrowness of focus expected in children's rather than adult literature. If I was the author and had actually written a less stripped version I would strongly consider editing back some of the flesh.
I felt that the author has read as widely of mythological plotted books as of science fiction genres. To me, the plot carries a lot of re-inventive mythology, (traditional fantasy), though clearly set in a future virtual world. Certainly the beasts' names and the line-drawings in the book were very similar to chimera type creatures and other mythological hybrids. They added a lot of creativity to the plot outline.
As some others' have suggested, Twiss may have been done better by putting the 'end notes' at the start of the book and also included character profiles; noting that this content was for reference not initial reading. The e-book format means that most readers are unaware of the help pages until they have already finished the book. I am particularly aware of this problem having published and being criticised for making this same fundamental mistake.
Great book, which I believe has been seriously over content edited by either the author himself or his editorial team. It is a testament to the quality of the writing that this reads so well even though we are kept so blinkered. My overall view is, wonderful, when can I purchase the next in the series?
OR
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All 4 for you in this series
See full series
From the Publisher
I Am Sleepless Series
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BOOK 1 - I Am Sleepless: Sim 299Sim 299 holds a secret of great power that can end the devastating Splicer War. No one has ever reached the final simulation, except Aidan. He's different. He's sleepless. All children on the planet Ethos receive the Prime Injection at birth, from which some develop special powers. Those with abilities are conscripted into the military to train for a war against an alien threat. But each power is different and comes with a unique defect. Aidan is unlike any other prime cadet and has multiple abilities. His defect is he can not sleep--he's not capable of it. While all the other cadets sleep, each night he trains in the virtual simulations. Aidan's special gifts give him unprecedented success in the sims, advancing him all the way to the final simulation--Sim 299. No other cadet in history has ever been close to completing all of the sims. When Aidan finally defeats Sim 299, he discovers a truth that changes their world. |
Book 2 - I Am Sleepless: The HuntressThe plan was simple--escape and join the rebellion. But nothing is simple when the Director sends his Huntress after you. In this thrilling sequel, Aidan and his coterie are put to the test, escaping the Mount Fegorio complex after discovering the secrets of Sim 299. But when things don't go as planned, the team must band together to avoid being captured by Sheva, the High Huntress. |
Book 3 - I Am Sleepless: TraitorsA secret island, mythical beasts, and unsuspecting traitors. Will Aidan discover the hidden android army in time to save his friends? After the devastating loss in Vapor City, Aidan and his ragtag team search for the Reader and the remnants of the rebellion--desperate for his help to save their captured friends. Aidan continues to develop his abilities and is led to the island from his visions where he faces a legendary beast and gains a remarkable new companion. But the discovery of an android army hidden by Director Tuskin, and a deep betrayal from those Aidan trusted, lead him into a tailspin that tests his integrity, his loyalty, and his newfound powers. |
Book 4 - I Am Sleepless: Dark ThroneAidan must partner with Director Tuskin to complete a superweapon capable of destroying the splicers forever. But at what cost? After assuming control of the rebellion, Aidan plans a prison break to free his captured friends. Things are not what they seem when he faces Director Tuskin and learns of a secret weapon that can destroy the Splicers forever, but at a great cost. Aidan believes there is a different solution, one that requires a final confrontation at the Dark Throne. |
About Johan Twiss
Dear Brilliant Reader, Thank you for your interest in my books. I am passionate about writing clean science fiction and fantasy stories that are not only exciting, but suitable for tweens, teens and adults alike. Have a question? Complaint? Want to send me a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory? Simply reach out to me online via my website. And if you really want to make my day, please leave a review for my books on Amazon and Goodreads. Your reviews help new readers discover my books, for which I am very thankful. All the best and happy reading, Johan
4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace
When Sister Soul Stole the Blues
30 Red Dresses
The Fourth law of Kanaloa
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Reviews with images
Amazing, Awesome, page turner
I got this book in hopes that my 9 year old son would learn to love to read. It exceeded our expectations! He didn't put the book down reading for HOURS at a time. He loved the imaginative setting and animals that were introduced and loved the plot and characters. I'm so thankful we stumbled across Johan Twiss at a local festival. This book has captured my son in a whole new world! He said he loves that he can picture each character and feels like he is right alongside Aidan. He cannot wait to get the second book!
Top reviews from other countries
Strawberry
Good story plot and unique but never as exciting or engaging as it could have been. NO spoilers review.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2016
Peter Eerden
Young adult fiction is alive and thriving
Reviewed in Australia on December 8, 2015
