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The Silver Sphere
Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy). His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere.
With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless… Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?
With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless… Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2012
About the author
Michael Dadich
3 books338 followersI’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure. The Silver Sphere recently won Mom's Choice highest award, Gold, for Young Adult - Fantasy.
Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly young son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.
For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.org.
Watch for the release of The Silver Sphere on November 26, 2012.
Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly young son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.
For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.org.
Watch for the release of The Silver Sphere on November 26, 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 5, 2013
I might be a little biased, since I've read this book dozens of times pre-release, but it's one of those stories you can read more than once and find something new and exciting every time. The characters pop, the unique world will invite you in, even if you're not sure you want to go, and the prose keeps you turning pages until dawn. If you have a chance, read it, or if you know someone who loves a good YA fantasy, buy it for them for the holidays. I cannot recommend this book more highly!
December 7, 2012
Shelby Pardow has lived an ordinary existence. Her mother disappeared from her life when she was but a child, leaving her and her father to fend for themselves. Her abandonment hasn't been easy on the two of them. Her father has been living with the ghosts of his past and drowns his sorrows with alcohol every night, leaving her to fear his wrath whenever the beast within him decides to take hold.
A trek to her favorite jaunt one day proves to be anything but routine. Transported to a new world with the resident librarian in tow, Shelby soon realizes that the world as she's known it is definitely not what it seems. Several soldiers lie in wait to take her to their rendezvous point. Unfortunately, their path in getting there is much more treacherous than they imagined.
Summoned to help Azimuth counter the horrific clutches of Malefic Cacoethes and his father, Biskara, Shelby and Mr. Dempsey must learn to co-exist within this new world, and fast, if they're to survive what's headed their way. The members of the Aulic Assembly have been kidnapped in hopes of keeping them from accessing the Silver Sphere that will keep Biskara at bay. It's his wish, alongside Malefic, to gain control of the entire realm and they'll use any means necessary to make it happen.
Unfortunately, they never took into account the combined powers of the summoned Kin. Hastily learning what they should have learned a long time ago, Shelby and her new friends band together in hopes of saving the realm itself. The paths they now tread aren't as easy as they thought they'd be, yet they're determined to keep Azimuth from falling into the wrong hands. With the body count rising and enemies coming at them from every direction, the Kin know that they'll need to find the strength and courage within themselves to bring hope and prosperity back to a land ravaged by Malefic and his Nightlanders before they try to wipe away the Assembly and those that stand against them, once and for all.
This was such a delightful story. It's definitely an original storyline that draws you in and keeps you glued to the turn of every page. There were times when I wondered as to what would happen next and was pleased to find that the action and intrigue flowed continuously and kept me entertained until the very end. So much so, that I refused to put the book down until I finished reading. It's that good!
The included illustrations were also a bonus in itself, I think. I kinda admit that I found myself wanting more and think this is the start of a wonderful series. At least, I hope it'll be a series and look forward to seeing what comes next for these beloved Kin.
A trek to her favorite jaunt one day proves to be anything but routine. Transported to a new world with the resident librarian in tow, Shelby soon realizes that the world as she's known it is definitely not what it seems. Several soldiers lie in wait to take her to their rendezvous point. Unfortunately, their path in getting there is much more treacherous than they imagined.
Summoned to help Azimuth counter the horrific clutches of Malefic Cacoethes and his father, Biskara, Shelby and Mr. Dempsey must learn to co-exist within this new world, and fast, if they're to survive what's headed their way. The members of the Aulic Assembly have been kidnapped in hopes of keeping them from accessing the Silver Sphere that will keep Biskara at bay. It's his wish, alongside Malefic, to gain control of the entire realm and they'll use any means necessary to make it happen.
Unfortunately, they never took into account the combined powers of the summoned Kin. Hastily learning what they should have learned a long time ago, Shelby and her new friends band together in hopes of saving the realm itself. The paths they now tread aren't as easy as they thought they'd be, yet they're determined to keep Azimuth from falling into the wrong hands. With the body count rising and enemies coming at them from every direction, the Kin know that they'll need to find the strength and courage within themselves to bring hope and prosperity back to a land ravaged by Malefic and his Nightlanders before they try to wipe away the Assembly and those that stand against them, once and for all.
This was such a delightful story. It's definitely an original storyline that draws you in and keeps you glued to the turn of every page. There were times when I wondered as to what would happen next and was pleased to find that the action and intrigue flowed continuously and kept me entertained until the very end. So much so, that I refused to put the book down until I finished reading. It's that good!
The included illustrations were also a bonus in itself, I think. I kinda admit that I found myself wanting more and think this is the start of a wonderful series. At least, I hope it'll be a series and look forward to seeing what comes next for these beloved Kin.
July 25, 2013
With all the fantasy books out there, it's hard to find a good one that can stand up to the major series like Harry Potter or Hunger Games. Silver Sphere had enough excitement and fantasy that it could easily be powerful enough to be on the popular fantasy book list.
Six kids are magically transported to the planet Azimuth where they learn what it means to be a Kin to an Assembly member. Of course Malefic has evil plans that are always getting int he way. The goal is to save the world and stop all corruption.
The author does an amazing job at working the reader into the other world. While reading the book, I couldn't be sure what was going to happen next. It was completely unpredictable, which is always hard to find in a book, especially fantasy stories.
Every character in this book had so much depth and illustration that I could clearly imagine what sort of person everyone was. Shelby of course was my favorite character, she is a little lost at moments but it never changes how strong of a character she is all throughout the book. I felt everything the characters felt from fear to joy and everything in-between.
The imagination that the author has for some of the characters is truly amazing, it didn't resemble any other book to where it felt repetitive. Each character seemed original and unique to any other fantasy books I've read before, which is always so refreshing.
The only negative comment that I have towards this book is that the names of the creatures, and places were hard to read. I ended up making up my own words for the words that I wasn't sure on the pronunciation. It definitely wasn't too much of a big deal for me since it really did not change the way I felt about the story as a whole.
The climactic build up towards the end of the book, kept me wide eyed and on the edge of my seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The ending made me cringe with disappointment that there weren't any more pages to read. I hope this book might turn into a series, it just can't stop here! Of course, I give this book 5/5.
Six kids are magically transported to the planet Azimuth where they learn what it means to be a Kin to an Assembly member. Of course Malefic has evil plans that are always getting int he way. The goal is to save the world and stop all corruption.
The author does an amazing job at working the reader into the other world. While reading the book, I couldn't be sure what was going to happen next. It was completely unpredictable, which is always hard to find in a book, especially fantasy stories.
Every character in this book had so much depth and illustration that I could clearly imagine what sort of person everyone was. Shelby of course was my favorite character, she is a little lost at moments but it never changes how strong of a character she is all throughout the book. I felt everything the characters felt from fear to joy and everything in-between.
The imagination that the author has for some of the characters is truly amazing, it didn't resemble any other book to where it felt repetitive. Each character seemed original and unique to any other fantasy books I've read before, which is always so refreshing.
The only negative comment that I have towards this book is that the names of the creatures, and places were hard to read. I ended up making up my own words for the words that I wasn't sure on the pronunciation. It definitely wasn't too much of a big deal for me since it really did not change the way I felt about the story as a whole.
The climactic build up towards the end of the book, kept me wide eyed and on the edge of my seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The ending made me cringe with disappointment that there weren't any more pages to read. I hope this book might turn into a series, it just can't stop here! Of course, I give this book 5/5.
November 27, 2012
The Silver Sphere is a young adult fantasy in the vein of Harry Potter, the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Inkheart, Twilight, Dark Materials, et et
What makes this book similiar to the aforementined hits is, the book stands on its own, feeling original, and yet familiar enough that the story resonates to the basic human elements which is the key to a succesful fantasy. You will care about this strange land, you feel the fellowship of the kin and the dangers they face, and as the world unfolds, and the quest becomes clear, you will cheer the heroes of this story like they are cherished athletes of your favorite sports team.
Another aspect of the story I liked is, there are no lulls. The pacing is excellent, where every chapter is filled with purposeful prose. Too many fantasies I read are filed with fluff, too much backdrop in an attempt to explain some event in the past. The Silver Sphere is different in that each page further illumiates the world through action and dialouge, rather than tedious info dumps on what once happened.
The characters are like a group of friends you know or grew up with, and the world is also filled with strange creatures, that will either stir fears in your deepest subconcious or warm your heart like the touch of an unseen angel.
I highly recommend this book, and can see this being a movie one day
What makes this book similiar to the aforementined hits is, the book stands on its own, feeling original, and yet familiar enough that the story resonates to the basic human elements which is the key to a succesful fantasy. You will care about this strange land, you feel the fellowship of the kin and the dangers they face, and as the world unfolds, and the quest becomes clear, you will cheer the heroes of this story like they are cherished athletes of your favorite sports team.
Another aspect of the story I liked is, there are no lulls. The pacing is excellent, where every chapter is filled with purposeful prose. Too many fantasies I read are filed with fluff, too much backdrop in an attempt to explain some event in the past. The Silver Sphere is different in that each page further illumiates the world through action and dialouge, rather than tedious info dumps on what once happened.
The characters are like a group of friends you know or grew up with, and the world is also filled with strange creatures, that will either stir fears in your deepest subconcious or warm your heart like the touch of an unseen angel.
I highly recommend this book, and can see this being a movie one day
December 7, 2012
Shelby Pardow doesn’t have the easiest life, her father is abusive and her mother is long gone. Shelby uses the library as her escape, one day she is at one of the computer when she gets an incoming massage that reads: You Are Needed. She is soon transported to Azimuth where it turns out she is Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members who are imprisoned by an evil warlord. Shelby with the help of the other Kin will soon be thrust head first into a battle to stop Malefic once and for all.
This is one of those novels that I just could not put down. From the beginning Michael Dadich displays a phenomenal ability to involve the reader into the storyline with an emotional entrance into the novel as Shelby’s father is tormenting her through to the transformation she undergoes as the story progresses. Not only does the author pull you in emotionally but he also creates some highly unique creatures as well as the setting of the book making each scene more fascinating than the next. I certainly had a lot of fun reviewing this book and I look forward to seeing what Michael Dadich will come up with next.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
This is one of those novels that I just could not put down. From the beginning Michael Dadich displays a phenomenal ability to involve the reader into the storyline with an emotional entrance into the novel as Shelby’s father is tormenting her through to the transformation she undergoes as the story progresses. Not only does the author pull you in emotionally but he also creates some highly unique creatures as well as the setting of the book making each scene more fascinating than the next. I certainly had a lot of fun reviewing this book and I look forward to seeing what Michael Dadich will come up with next.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
May 16, 2013
This book is unlike any I’ve read before. I literally read this book thinking, “Wow!! This is something new!” Now, granted, there were similarities to other novels, great ones too, like The Chronicles of Narnia. But it was a really fun, original plot!
The characters were pretty easy to get into. I say pretty easy because the one thing I didn’t like was some of the dialogue. It was sticky, jerky, didn’t read well. And everyone kept saying each other’s names. I think Mr. Dadich did that so he didn’t need dialogue tags, especially in areas where the people talking weren’t visible. I found it distracting.
However, the action just ROCKED! The plot really carried this book! It was phenomenal! Man! This book…it was so great to pick it up and read it. I seriously needed something just different!
Should you read it? YES!!! OMW! YES!
The characters were pretty easy to get into. I say pretty easy because the one thing I didn’t like was some of the dialogue. It was sticky, jerky, didn’t read well. And everyone kept saying each other’s names. I think Mr. Dadich did that so he didn’t need dialogue tags, especially in areas where the people talking weren’t visible. I found it distracting.
However, the action just ROCKED! The plot really carried this book! It was phenomenal! Man! This book…it was so great to pick it up and read it. I seriously needed something just different!
Should you read it? YES!!! OMW! YES!
December 10, 2012
Well, I don’t know about you, but I love fantasy literature and this book was right up my alley. I loved the concept of earth children being called to save another world. I especially loved that they were children who had a rough life. I thought it was sweet that the librarian, Mr. Dempsey, didn’t just dismiss Shelby’s words as nonsense like a lot of adults do to kids. And I loved that he ended up going through the portal also.
That said, I did have a difficult time following the book initially. It jumps around in who it follows as there are several main characters. After the first few chapters I got used to the changing views, but it did confuse me somewhat initially.
Overall, this is a really good book. I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
That said, I did have a difficult time following the book initially. It jumps around in who it follows as there are several main characters. After the first few chapters I got used to the changing views, but it did confuse me somewhat initially.
Overall, this is a really good book. I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
December 4, 2012
Ok, I was trying to judbe a book by its cover when I decided that I wanted to read this book. I mean, OMG this book's cover is gorgeous. The second thing that grabbed me were the comparisons to The Hunger Games.
I'm one of the few people that haven't read that series, but I've not heard much bad about it, so I figured I'd give this book a go, and I'm glad I did.
Very action packed and a quick read. Great YA for fantasy lovers or for someone looking for something different to read. I didn't find the comparisons to The Hunger Games to be accurate from what I've heard of the other series, but the story was definitely engaging and the ending left me eagerly wanting the next book.
I'm one of the few people that haven't read that series, but I've not heard much bad about it, so I figured I'd give this book a go, and I'm glad I did.
Very action packed and a quick read. Great YA for fantasy lovers or for someone looking for something different to read. I didn't find the comparisons to The Hunger Games to be accurate from what I've heard of the other series, but the story was definitely engaging and the ending left me eagerly wanting the next book.
January 1, 2013
This review is also published on Always a Booklover.
The Silver Sphere was a good read. I really did enjoy it. Though I will not say that this book is without its flaws, I did feel that the good parts of the book far outweighed the bad! So yep, let's get started!
For the storyline, I found it to be really good and well thought out. While it wasn't flawless, I found myself drawn into this new world more and more. And perhaps its just me, but this world was a place I truly wanted to live on because it just seemed like such a perfect place. I really did find the whole world of Azimuth to have a great load of potential, and I’m certainly very excited to see how the author develops this world as the series progresses. There should be a next book right? You can’t just leave me like this!
So yes, character-wise, this book was full of them. Some might even say there were too many. For people like me, who have problem remembering names and characters, I found myself getting confused at parts. There were just too many characters that I kept forgetting who was who and whether they were good or bad or what they were supposed to be doing. Then again, it was a minor problem I guess!
Another issue I had was that the changing perspectives at the beginning of the book made it difficult to keep up. Let’s see if I can express this properly. You see, when we first start reading, it takes a while to get drawn into a character’s perspective and see things from that person’s eyes. What I felt was the problem was that the moment I started understanding things from that person’s view, the story moved to another character in another place. This made it difficult for me to keep up and understand some parts, especially in the beginning. But later on, when I got used to the story and actually understood what was going on, then I found it alright! ☺
And yes, overall, I felt that the plot was well thought out, with good portions of action inside it to satisfy. I liked the fact that the book wasn’t solely about the action but there was a good storyline and there was a good purpose to everything the characters were doing.
I have one minor complaint though. I just could not stand the romance in the book, if you can even call it that. While I’m a hopeless romantic, I just felt that the attraction the characters felt to each other were just very forced. And besides, they were running for their lives, to save Azimuth. Was there really so much time to think about a person in another way like what the characters did? I’m sorry, but this is just something I’m anal about!
Oh and I did enjoy reading about the main characters in this book. One thing I liked was having a glimpse of some of the characters life on Earth so as to help us better relate to the characters. I do hope, however, that all of the Kin will get more of a part. In this book, Shelby got most of the story, along with Max and Zach. I found myself wanting to know more about Emily, Riley and Stuart. I do hope that in the next books in this series, we’ll get to know more about them! In this book, I found the characters to be rather mature for their age. I loved that. I loved that there wasn’t much immaturity in the book and needless complaining (which I hate).
All in all, I really did enjoy reading this book, and I can’t wait for the next books in this series! Oh, I would have liked the action with Malefic at the end of the book to have been more drawn-out and suspenseful. Because, somehow, I feel that throughout the book he was talked about as some really great warrior and hence it would have been a little more difficult to defeat him, even if it was only temporary. A good read and definitely a series that I’ll be continuing.
P.S. Sorry if this review isn’t really that well-written, I found it really difficult to write this for some reason:(
Disclaimer: This ebook was provided free to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The Silver Sphere was a good read. I really did enjoy it. Though I will not say that this book is without its flaws, I did feel that the good parts of the book far outweighed the bad! So yep, let's get started!
For the storyline, I found it to be really good and well thought out. While it wasn't flawless, I found myself drawn into this new world more and more. And perhaps its just me, but this world was a place I truly wanted to live on because it just seemed like such a perfect place. I really did find the whole world of Azimuth to have a great load of potential, and I’m certainly very excited to see how the author develops this world as the series progresses. There should be a next book right? You can’t just leave me like this!
So yes, character-wise, this book was full of them. Some might even say there were too many. For people like me, who have problem remembering names and characters, I found myself getting confused at parts. There were just too many characters that I kept forgetting who was who and whether they were good or bad or what they were supposed to be doing. Then again, it was a minor problem I guess!
Another issue I had was that the changing perspectives at the beginning of the book made it difficult to keep up. Let’s see if I can express this properly. You see, when we first start reading, it takes a while to get drawn into a character’s perspective and see things from that person’s eyes. What I felt was the problem was that the moment I started understanding things from that person’s view, the story moved to another character in another place. This made it difficult for me to keep up and understand some parts, especially in the beginning. But later on, when I got used to the story and actually understood what was going on, then I found it alright! ☺
And yes, overall, I felt that the plot was well thought out, with good portions of action inside it to satisfy. I liked the fact that the book wasn’t solely about the action but there was a good storyline and there was a good purpose to everything the characters were doing.
I have one minor complaint though. I just could not stand the romance in the book, if you can even call it that. While I’m a hopeless romantic, I just felt that the attraction the characters felt to each other were just very forced. And besides, they were running for their lives, to save Azimuth. Was there really so much time to think about a person in another way like what the characters did? I’m sorry, but this is just something I’m anal about!
Oh and I did enjoy reading about the main characters in this book. One thing I liked was having a glimpse of some of the characters life on Earth so as to help us better relate to the characters. I do hope, however, that all of the Kin will get more of a part. In this book, Shelby got most of the story, along with Max and Zach. I found myself wanting to know more about Emily, Riley and Stuart. I do hope that in the next books in this series, we’ll get to know more about them! In this book, I found the characters to be rather mature for their age. I loved that. I loved that there wasn’t much immaturity in the book and needless complaining (which I hate).
All in all, I really did enjoy reading this book, and I can’t wait for the next books in this series! Oh, I would have liked the action with Malefic at the end of the book to have been more drawn-out and suspenseful. Because, somehow, I feel that throughout the book he was talked about as some really great warrior and hence it would have been a little more difficult to defeat him, even if it was only temporary. A good read and definitely a series that I’ll be continuing.
P.S. Sorry if this review isn’t really that well-written, I found it really difficult to write this for some reason:(
Disclaimer: This ebook was provided free to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
January 30, 2013
The Silver Sphere (The Kin Chronicles) by Michael Dadich is exciting YA fantasy. Shelby, Zach and four other youngsters are unexpectedly called to help the planet Azimuth and are transported to Meridia, one of its countries. They discover that each of them is Kin to a member of Azimuth’s Aulic Assembly all of whom have been captured by the wicked Malefic of the Nightlanders, who personifies the ancient evil Biskara. The humans – the Kin who are linked to the assembly by psychic links - inherit the special abilities of the assembly member they replace and have to lead the battle to keep Azimuth, and ultimately also Earth, out of the hands of the enemy. They need the help of the Silver Sphere to do this, an armillary sphere, an old astronomical device, that gives the co-ordinates of where to find Biskara, so it’s crucial to them. But only the Assembly members can operate it.
This is a very interesting and entertaining story. The Kin, none of them particularly special or promising to begin with, rise to the challenge they are suddenly faced with quickly and develop strengths and qualities they never knew they had. They prove to have been good choices. Azimuth is a fascinating new world for us to discover, with much that is good as well as true evil in the form of the Nightlanders. We meet witches and demons too. The story is gripping and has depth to it. Fantasy and science fiction intermingle to create a complex plot that moves at a sharp pace and grabs your attention from the very beginning. There’s more to come in this series which is already a very impressive addition to this genre.
This is a very interesting and entertaining story. The Kin, none of them particularly special or promising to begin with, rise to the challenge they are suddenly faced with quickly and develop strengths and qualities they never knew they had. They prove to have been good choices. Azimuth is a fascinating new world for us to discover, with much that is good as well as true evil in the form of the Nightlanders. We meet witches and demons too. The story is gripping and has depth to it. Fantasy and science fiction intermingle to create a complex plot that moves at a sharp pace and grabs your attention from the very beginning. There’s more to come in this series which is already a very impressive addition to this genre.
February 26, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
High school kids transported to another world through magical portals, joining together to save the world… what’s not to love?
There are many good things to like about The Silver Sphere. The author wastes no time in jumping right into the action–from the first line of “Your world will be over soon, won’t it, dear Bianca?” to the last line that hints at another volume in the series to come–the book doesn’t slow down. The chapters are short (averaging around 3 pages per chapter) and the action is frequently breath-taking.
The book has multiple POV characters, but–as each chapter features one–it’s not difficult to keep up with them. The one drawback to this story is the fact that not all of the characters are seen as much as they should have been. Hopes are, since this is the first book of the series, later books will be able to feature more of these characters.
Recommended for fans of the fantasy genre teens and up! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
High school kids transported to another world through magical portals, joining together to save the world… what’s not to love?
There are many good things to like about The Silver Sphere. The author wastes no time in jumping right into the action–from the first line of “Your world will be over soon, won’t it, dear Bianca?” to the last line that hints at another volume in the series to come–the book doesn’t slow down. The chapters are short (averaging around 3 pages per chapter) and the action is frequently breath-taking.
The book has multiple POV characters, but–as each chapter features one–it’s not difficult to keep up with them. The one drawback to this story is the fact that not all of the characters are seen as much as they should have been. Hopes are, since this is the first book of the series, later books will be able to feature more of these characters.
Recommended for fans of the fantasy genre teens and up! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 6, 2012
Michael pens "The Silver Sphere" in an original, unique plot that is fast paced, action packed, filled with twists and turns. His characters were very well developed and the "creatures" so interesting that it kept my attention from the beginning. Highly recommended for all YA and adult fantasy sci-fi fans
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
January 31, 2013
Being new to the "YA" genre I have to say I think this tag can be a disservice to the older generation because I would have skipped over it if it had not been recommended to me. I am so thankful that it was because I love a good fantasy book and this one defintely is.
January 16, 2013
A fantastic and unique story. There is a little bit of everything in this book, something for everyone. The book is action packed, I wasn't bored for a second. No skipping pages with this story!
The characters are quite well rounded. You will love Shelby! As for the cover, I could go on all day about how beautiful it is! (Yes, I'm a sucker for a great book cover)
I think I read this book in just under a day. If you like action, fantasy and fun you will love this book!
The characters are quite well rounded. You will love Shelby! As for the cover, I could go on all day about how beautiful it is! (Yes, I'm a sucker for a great book cover)
I think I read this book in just under a day. If you like action, fantasy and fun you will love this book!
September 29, 2014
First and foremost I have to say thank you to I.O. Book Tours for allow me a copy to read. ^_^ It was very much appreciated.
Fantasy books have always been my favorite genre. Take me to another world let me see some crazy stuff and I’m a happy camper. Most of the time, anyway.
The book starts off in several places at once. Anyone that has ever read an Tolkien or Dragonlance book knows what I’m talking about. Environments are multiple and instead of rating them all (that would take forever) I’ll just say that it was clearly and distinctly written. I could see the environment on the projection screen in my mind, which is always a plus.
The characters were very much like any standard fantasy characters. They all had their strengths and weakness, though from my perspective (and it’s probably because I have read other similar fantasy books) they felt a little stiff. I wouldn’t say cookie cutter characters exactly but they were (in my opinion) run of the mill fantasy characters.
The story does move along on its own though. It’s definitely action packed and incorporates the quest like situation that standardize most fantasy novels. Dialogue felt kind of underdeveloped, though the meaning of the story isn't lost because of it.
Overall it’s a pleasant read. It’ll definitely be comfortable and familiar to anyone who’s read fantasy before. For those that haven’t it may be a little stiff and difficult to understand at points. Either way it’s a solid book.
Fantasy books have always been my favorite genre. Take me to another world let me see some crazy stuff and I’m a happy camper. Most of the time, anyway.
The book starts off in several places at once. Anyone that has ever read an Tolkien or Dragonlance book knows what I’m talking about. Environments are multiple and instead of rating them all (that would take forever) I’ll just say that it was clearly and distinctly written. I could see the environment on the projection screen in my mind, which is always a plus.
The characters were very much like any standard fantasy characters. They all had their strengths and weakness, though from my perspective (and it’s probably because I have read other similar fantasy books) they felt a little stiff. I wouldn’t say cookie cutter characters exactly but they were (in my opinion) run of the mill fantasy characters.
The story does move along on its own though. It’s definitely action packed and incorporates the quest like situation that standardize most fantasy novels. Dialogue felt kind of underdeveloped, though the meaning of the story isn't lost because of it.
Overall it’s a pleasant read. It’ll definitely be comfortable and familiar to anyone who’s read fantasy before. For those that haven’t it may be a little stiff and difficult to understand at points. Either way it’s a solid book.
March 10, 2013
1 word. Awesome! I really loved this book. I loved the action and the creatures most of all. This author has instantly become one of my favorite authors! The story was well written and got me hooked on page one. I was dragged (not unwilling) into this book. I loved the characters and I found Shelby to be fierce, loyal, empathetic, and passionate. I loved her and all the other Kin. And I loved the part with Nick in space. I must say this book seemed fresh and new to me. Not just the same story rewritten with different characters, like a few I have read. It seemed as if several genres where blended to create the beginning to one possibly epic story! Bravo Michael Dadich! You have a new fan!
March 7, 2013
Truly captivating.. love love love this book
June 14, 2013
Wise Bear Books Reviews The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich -- 5 Paws!
The Silver Sphere is a classic good-versus-evil fantasy adventure of epic proportions. We've often said that science fiction and fantasy are the hardest novels to write as it involves the arduous task of world building. The Silver Sphere is successful in its creation of sister planet Azimuth, we suspect, because author Dadich let his heroic story marinate since childhood.
Stories of this caliber need time to develop and mature to be told properly. J.R.R. Tolkien took 12+ years to write, edit and release his magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings trilogy. J.K. Rowling conceived many of her ideas about Harry Potter and Hogwarts in her childhood, only to return to them later and leave her mark on the literary world. C.S. Lewis originally envisioned what would become The Chronicles of Narnia ten years before he wrote the first book in the series. Our point is that Dadich is in good company, and the protracted construction time might portend great things for The Silver Sphere.
We mention Tolkien, Rowling and Lewis upfront because you'll inevitably start making comparisons about these authors' great works right away; but The Silver Sphere is no knock off of these iconic novels. Dadich's sophisticated novel can stand on its own.
There is a complexity to his storytelling that requires the reader's immediate scrutiny. The story begins simply enough with a sinister plot revealed, followed by an introduction to our female protagonist. Shelby Pardow is a young teen abandoned by her mother and living with an abusive, alcoholic father. Her magical passage to Azimuth occurs quickly and coming to understand her role and purpose in this mysterious, unknown world unfolds just as fast—hence our caution to pay attention.
Shelby is one of six teens known on Azimuth as Kin. Essentially they are the Earthly counterparts of the Aulic Assembly, which is the highest governing body beneath Lord Achenar—think Knights of the Round Table with psychic links to their Azimuth match. Each teen arrives through the use of mobile portals and they assemble together—except one. Zach's entry lands off course and he must find his way back to the larger group. All six Kin must work together to save the Assembly, find The Silver Sphere and defeat evil Malefic and his demonic father Biskara.
The Silver Sphere is filled with mythical creatures and strange characters which keep the book's pace moving. There's much to say about this multi-faceted novel, but it could be confusing to summarize out of context. There are a lot of characters in this novel with at least three major storylines and a couple other subplots. The shift between storylines is managed fairly well, but the volume of characters can be difficult to track.
Dadich's novel is well written, but starts slower in terms of action than some readers of this genre might like. Be patient because the story really shines by the second half of the book and all the information you obtain in the first half is essential to the novel's fine ending as well as subsequent books in the series.
Although the story centers on the six Kin, the focal point is clearly on Shelby and Zach. We're not sure why Zach isn't given exposure in the book's summary, but his presence is more of male protagonist or co-protagonist rather than supporting character. We suspect that other Kin will have more visibility in coming books, but for now Shelby and Zach carry the story with charm and believability.
Dadich has done a lot of things right with his inaugural novel. The title is outstanding and the front cover art is superbly professional. The fierce imagery of Shelby is sure to attract the right reading audience.
A final word of advice . . . use the book's glossary early and often. Your immersion into the author's imaginary world, its culture, laws and vernacular will be immeasurably enhanced with this concise, helpful background. At times it felt as though we needed a score card to keep track of truth seekers, Stonecoats, Nightlanders and the rest.
While The Silver Sphere has broad appeal for many age groups, we highly recommend this coming-of-age book for middle and high school students as well as their teachers and parents. The novel is slightly old for an elementary school audience without adult involvement. This is definitely a book to watch as it has all the right elements to be the next Hunger Games-type phenomenon.
This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.
The Silver Sphere is a classic good-versus-evil fantasy adventure of epic proportions. We've often said that science fiction and fantasy are the hardest novels to write as it involves the arduous task of world building. The Silver Sphere is successful in its creation of sister planet Azimuth, we suspect, because author Dadich let his heroic story marinate since childhood.
Stories of this caliber need time to develop and mature to be told properly. J.R.R. Tolkien took 12+ years to write, edit and release his magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings trilogy. J.K. Rowling conceived many of her ideas about Harry Potter and Hogwarts in her childhood, only to return to them later and leave her mark on the literary world. C.S. Lewis originally envisioned what would become The Chronicles of Narnia ten years before he wrote the first book in the series. Our point is that Dadich is in good company, and the protracted construction time might portend great things for The Silver Sphere.
We mention Tolkien, Rowling and Lewis upfront because you'll inevitably start making comparisons about these authors' great works right away; but The Silver Sphere is no knock off of these iconic novels. Dadich's sophisticated novel can stand on its own.
There is a complexity to his storytelling that requires the reader's immediate scrutiny. The story begins simply enough with a sinister plot revealed, followed by an introduction to our female protagonist. Shelby Pardow is a young teen abandoned by her mother and living with an abusive, alcoholic father. Her magical passage to Azimuth occurs quickly and coming to understand her role and purpose in this mysterious, unknown world unfolds just as fast—hence our caution to pay attention.
Shelby is one of six teens known on Azimuth as Kin. Essentially they are the Earthly counterparts of the Aulic Assembly, which is the highest governing body beneath Lord Achenar—think Knights of the Round Table with psychic links to their Azimuth match. Each teen arrives through the use of mobile portals and they assemble together—except one. Zach's entry lands off course and he must find his way back to the larger group. All six Kin must work together to save the Assembly, find The Silver Sphere and defeat evil Malefic and his demonic father Biskara.
The Silver Sphere is filled with mythical creatures and strange characters which keep the book's pace moving. There's much to say about this multi-faceted novel, but it could be confusing to summarize out of context. There are a lot of characters in this novel with at least three major storylines and a couple other subplots. The shift between storylines is managed fairly well, but the volume of characters can be difficult to track.
Dadich's novel is well written, but starts slower in terms of action than some readers of this genre might like. Be patient because the story really shines by the second half of the book and all the information you obtain in the first half is essential to the novel's fine ending as well as subsequent books in the series.
Although the story centers on the six Kin, the focal point is clearly on Shelby and Zach. We're not sure why Zach isn't given exposure in the book's summary, but his presence is more of male protagonist or co-protagonist rather than supporting character. We suspect that other Kin will have more visibility in coming books, but for now Shelby and Zach carry the story with charm and believability.
Dadich has done a lot of things right with his inaugural novel. The title is outstanding and the front cover art is superbly professional. The fierce imagery of Shelby is sure to attract the right reading audience.
A final word of advice . . . use the book's glossary early and often. Your immersion into the author's imaginary world, its culture, laws and vernacular will be immeasurably enhanced with this concise, helpful background. At times it felt as though we needed a score card to keep track of truth seekers, Stonecoats, Nightlanders and the rest.
While The Silver Sphere has broad appeal for many age groups, we highly recommend this coming-of-age book for middle and high school students as well as their teachers and parents. The novel is slightly old for an elementary school audience without adult involvement. This is definitely a book to watch as it has all the right elements to be the next Hunger Games-type phenomenon.
This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.
February 14, 2013
The Silver Sphere is the story of a bunch of kids, who try to save Azimuth from the evil forces. These kids - 6 of them - are called kins and are endowed with special powers - yeah, I know..its cool. Azimuth is a planet where different species live together, monitored by a Assembly of members. This Assembly has been kidnapped by Malefic, the evil son of Satan. This is the reason that the kin are called to their planet. They are to locate the Assembly members, each born as the counterpart of each of the Assembly members. Also, they have to find the Silver Sphere, the object which is used to find the Truth Seekers - who will, in turn, help them destroy the evil.
Each kid have their own problems on Earth and when teleported to a new world feels different feelings like relief, sadness and excitement about their new home. Those feelings are brought down beautifully by the author. Although it takes some time to adjust to the new environment, the kids soon become involved in the battle.
The events in this book are carefully planned to make the readers keep think about something - games, action, evil and so on. This is somewhat old storyline, but yet its enjoyable. Simple writing and enjoyable sub-plots makes this book good enough for most readers.
There are so many characters in this novel and half of the time, I don't understand whom the author is speaking about, until I read half the page. The glossary at the back may be useful for hard-copy readers. I read this in my Kindle and missed that facility. This problem blemished the novel's flow.
First half - not-so-content!
Second half - good!
Each kid have their own problems on Earth and when teleported to a new world feels different feelings like relief, sadness and excitement about their new home. Those feelings are brought down beautifully by the author. Although it takes some time to adjust to the new environment, the kids soon become involved in the battle.
The events in this book are carefully planned to make the readers keep think about something - games, action, evil and so on. This is somewhat old storyline, but yet its enjoyable. Simple writing and enjoyable sub-plots makes this book good enough for most readers.
There are so many characters in this novel and half of the time, I don't understand whom the author is speaking about, until I read half the page. The glossary at the back may be useful for hard-copy readers. I read this in my Kindle and missed that facility. This problem blemished the novel's flow.
First half - not-so-content!
Second half - good!
April 16, 2013
This book ROCKED, Seriously!! It is so full of action & adventure that I literally could not put the book down! The plot was so engaging and unique! The characters were so well written that you can not help but root for them! There are some really interesting creatures as well! I highly recommend this book to young and old alike..you will not be disappointed! It is one of my favorite YA books! I am eagerly awaiting book 2!!
June 15, 2015
I was swayed to read the Silver Spear due to the high rating and yeah, I'll admit, the cover looked good. But I found it tough to get through and not in a good way. The premise of intergalactic connections between humans, portals et cetera were all good premises but I found myself skimming and battling until the end just so I could write this review and balance out the rating a bit. The one thing that just ruins this book is the amount of main characters. How can I get invested in the personal struggle of six kids and the other randoms? You can't. I feel this would've been better from the perspective of one person only, which would then open up opportunity for serialisation from different POVs.
Obviously this book has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't for me.
Obviously this book has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't for me.
May 12, 2013
Originally posted at The Solitary Bookworm
RATING 4 1/2 stars
Danger arises in Meridia and the members of the Aulic Assembly has disappeared. Their only hope are the group of kids from Earth but will these kids be enough to guarantee a victory in an epic battle of survival?
The Silver Sphere is a story filled with an adventure of a lifetime. A story written with amazing characters, engaging plotline and numerous exciting and heart pumping battle sequence to indulge any thrill seeker and avid reader. Fair warning though, The Silver Sphere is a hefty read. Hefty in terms wherein you dive in a world that can be overwhelming – I myself listed down all the names and terms just to get by. Regardless this minor setback, reading this story was such a pleasure and too good of a book to pass up.
Its better to start with world building on this one since that is the bigger element for me in the novel. From what I understand, the story focuses on Meridia on the planet Azimut. It serves like a parallel place to Earth although Meridia is completely alien, alike but different in every aspect altogether. Meridia is filled with mythical creatures that are both beautiful and elegant to creatures that are scary and horrific. In addition to that, the terms and the setting is fairly easy to follow once you dig deeper into the story. Once you become accustomed to Meridia and its history, you’re good 50% of the book.
The second hardship you may have, which I did at first, is remembering all the characters. Oh geez! I tried to list down all the significant names in the story but I lost track and I just made a mess so I just went with the flow. If you’re good with remembering names, then you won’t have any issues with keeping track. Character wise, as I indicated above, can be overwhelming but I’ll try to simplify as best as I can. We have 6 members of the Aulic Assembly and they have 6 counterpart or Kin as indicated in the book from Earth.
These 6 kins are our main character focus and they basically drive the story from page 1 to the last. For record purposed the kins are: Zach, Shelby, Riley, Stuart, Max and Emily whereas their Aulic counterparts are Brock Fergus, Bianca Saddler, Rowan Letty, Satchel Spool, Macklan Morrow and Elita Elmer respectively. The kins have fair and equal share of dialogues and presence. I believe that I got to know these 6 individuals with enough focus for me to get attached whereas for the member of the Aulic, I only got to hear Bianca’s voice dominantly over the others. Not much of an issue though so don’t worry about it.
Secondary characters were also amazingly written. I didn’t even try listing them down. From the humans to the creatures, the characters were given fair amount of time to contribute to the story to guide us reader to better understand both the history as well as the situation they are facing.
Pacing was ok, writing style was better than most and for this type of book which is written complexly, I admire the authors ability of writing all the details without boring the readers. Questions and the mystery was answered as we go by and not dumped in the latter part of the story which again I thank the author for doing.
Okay, this review is getting longer than I anticipated. So here’s what you need to know. The Silver Sphere is an awesome sci-fi fantasy story that is packed with engrossing action sequence, well written and rounded characters and world building that will leave you with awe. Kudos to Dadich for writing a multidimensional story and characters with a fantastic and magical world. This book is hard to put down so be aware that once you read the first page, there’s no time do do something else. If you haven’t read The Silver Sphere yet, pick yourself a copy and I guarantee that it’ll be worth every penny. Highly recommend and I definitely want more!!
RATING 4 1/2 stars
Danger arises in Meridia and the members of the Aulic Assembly has disappeared. Their only hope are the group of kids from Earth but will these kids be enough to guarantee a victory in an epic battle of survival?
The Silver Sphere is a story filled with an adventure of a lifetime. A story written with amazing characters, engaging plotline and numerous exciting and heart pumping battle sequence to indulge any thrill seeker and avid reader. Fair warning though, The Silver Sphere is a hefty read. Hefty in terms wherein you dive in a world that can be overwhelming – I myself listed down all the names and terms just to get by. Regardless this minor setback, reading this story was such a pleasure and too good of a book to pass up.
Its better to start with world building on this one since that is the bigger element for me in the novel. From what I understand, the story focuses on Meridia on the planet Azimut. It serves like a parallel place to Earth although Meridia is completely alien, alike but different in every aspect altogether. Meridia is filled with mythical creatures that are both beautiful and elegant to creatures that are scary and horrific. In addition to that, the terms and the setting is fairly easy to follow once you dig deeper into the story. Once you become accustomed to Meridia and its history, you’re good 50% of the book.
The second hardship you may have, which I did at first, is remembering all the characters. Oh geez! I tried to list down all the significant names in the story but I lost track and I just made a mess so I just went with the flow. If you’re good with remembering names, then you won’t have any issues with keeping track. Character wise, as I indicated above, can be overwhelming but I’ll try to simplify as best as I can. We have 6 members of the Aulic Assembly and they have 6 counterpart or Kin as indicated in the book from Earth.
These 6 kins are our main character focus and they basically drive the story from page 1 to the last. For record purposed the kins are: Zach, Shelby, Riley, Stuart, Max and Emily whereas their Aulic counterparts are Brock Fergus, Bianca Saddler, Rowan Letty, Satchel Spool, Macklan Morrow and Elita Elmer respectively. The kins have fair and equal share of dialogues and presence. I believe that I got to know these 6 individuals with enough focus for me to get attached whereas for the member of the Aulic, I only got to hear Bianca’s voice dominantly over the others. Not much of an issue though so don’t worry about it.
Secondary characters were also amazingly written. I didn’t even try listing them down. From the humans to the creatures, the characters were given fair amount of time to contribute to the story to guide us reader to better understand both the history as well as the situation they are facing.
Pacing was ok, writing style was better than most and for this type of book which is written complexly, I admire the authors ability of writing all the details without boring the readers. Questions and the mystery was answered as we go by and not dumped in the latter part of the story which again I thank the author for doing.
Okay, this review is getting longer than I anticipated. So here’s what you need to know. The Silver Sphere is an awesome sci-fi fantasy story that is packed with engrossing action sequence, well written and rounded characters and world building that will leave you with awe. Kudos to Dadich for writing a multidimensional story and characters with a fantastic and magical world. This book is hard to put down so be aware that once you read the first page, there’s no time do do something else. If you haven’t read The Silver Sphere yet, pick yourself a copy and I guarantee that it’ll be worth every penny. Highly recommend and I definitely want more!!
April 17, 2013
What a story! I got into it a little ways and was pretty confused with all the characters that were being introduced. I started thinking that I should have written them down so I could figure it out. Then, I looked at the Table of Contents and at the end, there was a link to the Glossary! That came in quite handy during this book. I also read it a little more slowly than I usually do so I could keep the characters and storylines straight in my head. I loved it, though!
We meet Bianca first, who is part of the Aulic Assembly and is being tormented by Malefic, but we have no idea who they are. Then we meet Shelby Pardow, a teenager whose mother has abandoned her and her father drinks a lot. She has nicknamed him "the beast." The beast is having a tough morning and starts abusing her so, the first chance she gets, she runs off to the library. Mr. Dempsey, the librarian, is always kind to her and she feels safe when she's there. She gets on the computer and a message pops up: "You are needed." She's a little confused and responds, "For what?" She gets another message and is told to go to the storage room and she will be greeted soon. She shows it to Mr. Dempsey and he suggests they go to investigate.
Next we meet Zach. He's getting out of school and helps a friend get out of a bullying situation. When he gets home, his parents are arguing and he escapes to the guesthouse where he turns his computer on. A message pops up: "YOU ARE NEEDED." He asks who it is and gets a message and is told to step outside and he will find them waiting. He opens the door to fog and as he walks, he realizes that he's not walking toward his house. He hears two men talking about the opening to the portal and they are clearly looking for him. Since he doesn't know who they are, he hides from them. He also notices changes to his clothes and body and is pretty confused about what's going on.
We learn a little more about Shelby and she and Mr. Dempsey are both taken into the fog where they meet up with the men who take them to the others. We then meet Riley, Stuart, Max and Emily, who are already in Meredia. They're learning who they are: Meridia's governing body, the Aulic Assembly, has disappeared and each of the six teens were born with a psychic link to one of the six members of the Assembly. They need to utilize their psychic links to rescue the Assembly members so they can operate the "Silver Sphere."
This is where it really starts getting complex as they start meeting people and creatures in Meridia. There are some illustrations, too, to help get a better idea of what some of them look like. There are some good relationships that start forming as the Kin learn their role in what's happening and what they are destined to do. There's lots of action and strategy and adjusting to new problems that come up. One of the characters is introduced toward the beginning and we don't hear much more about him and I was wondering why he was in the story and then he reappears during a pivotal point (yes, the Glossary will come in very handy). The ending was feeling complete and then the last chapter contains a revelation that screams, "Sequel!" This is a world I will definitely continue reading about and recommend it to others to learn about, too.
Mel's Shelves
We meet Bianca first, who is part of the Aulic Assembly and is being tormented by Malefic, but we have no idea who they are. Then we meet Shelby Pardow, a teenager whose mother has abandoned her and her father drinks a lot. She has nicknamed him "the beast." The beast is having a tough morning and starts abusing her so, the first chance she gets, she runs off to the library. Mr. Dempsey, the librarian, is always kind to her and she feels safe when she's there. She gets on the computer and a message pops up: "You are needed." She's a little confused and responds, "For what?" She gets another message and is told to go to the storage room and she will be greeted soon. She shows it to Mr. Dempsey and he suggests they go to investigate.
Next we meet Zach. He's getting out of school and helps a friend get out of a bullying situation. When he gets home, his parents are arguing and he escapes to the guesthouse where he turns his computer on. A message pops up: "YOU ARE NEEDED." He asks who it is and gets a message and is told to step outside and he will find them waiting. He opens the door to fog and as he walks, he realizes that he's not walking toward his house. He hears two men talking about the opening to the portal and they are clearly looking for him. Since he doesn't know who they are, he hides from them. He also notices changes to his clothes and body and is pretty confused about what's going on.
We learn a little more about Shelby and she and Mr. Dempsey are both taken into the fog where they meet up with the men who take them to the others. We then meet Riley, Stuart, Max and Emily, who are already in Meredia. They're learning who they are: Meridia's governing body, the Aulic Assembly, has disappeared and each of the six teens were born with a psychic link to one of the six members of the Assembly. They need to utilize their psychic links to rescue the Assembly members so they can operate the "Silver Sphere."
This is where it really starts getting complex as they start meeting people and creatures in Meridia. There are some illustrations, too, to help get a better idea of what some of them look like. There are some good relationships that start forming as the Kin learn their role in what's happening and what they are destined to do. There's lots of action and strategy and adjusting to new problems that come up. One of the characters is introduced toward the beginning and we don't hear much more about him and I was wondering why he was in the story and then he reappears during a pivotal point (yes, the Glossary will come in very handy). The ending was feeling complete and then the last chapter contains a revelation that screams, "Sequel!" This is a world I will definitely continue reading about and recommend it to others to learn about, too.
Mel's Shelves
September 24, 2013
The Silver Sphere is an entertaining and fast moving story about a bunch of teens who find themselves transported through a portal into another world. They are thrust into the middle of a war where their presence is needed to defeat the son of Satan. The teens are Kin to the members of the Assembly who have been kidnapped and drugged. Normally, the Assembly would summon the protection of the Silver Sphere, and in their absence the enemy is growing strong. The Kin have been called to help find the Assembly. They have a psychic connection that allows them to take mental messages. The messages come through in broken snippets but enough to lead them closer to the Assembly. Even if they free the Assembly, the outcome is not assured, and the enemy, Nightlanders and Disembowellers to name a couple, are pretty nasty.
There's Battleswine and various other kinds of noble warriors on the good guys side, a rather delightful woodland elemental and some mystical eyes called the Fugues. It's a rich, well-formed world with interesting creatures, deadly battles and written so you feel as if you are right there on the thick of it. Teens, particularly boys, will probably love it, and with good reason. It's a solid offering and, in the main, well-crafted and produced. The plot is simple and takes the form of a string of battles that increase in fierceness as the story progresses - something that will appeal to some and not so much to others.
There were a couple of things that the editors missed. Sometimes the kids didn't sound a bit like modern teenagers. For example, "Dawn is almost upon us," said Stuart ... And ...
"You are present once again to save me, right?"
The story had several issues stemming from the teens coming from our world into a medieval one. For example, I had a lot of trouble accepting that these kids were suddenly able to wield weapons likes swords and bows and arrows with enough skill to hold their own in battle. They also very quickly understood their situation, adapted to it and began to make decisions like adults. Even with the given reasons why this could happen, there should have been some period of adjustment. They also took killing in their stride, but I would have thought there might have been a little reaction to all the gore of the battle, at least from the girls. Though these points won't bother a lot of people, the story would be stronger if they were addressed.
There isn't really anything wrong with the story as it is, it just could have been much better had more attention been given to the characters, their feelings, their hopes and their fears. The story of Shelby and her relationship with her father and his beast had a lot of potential for something transformative but it never got beyond a suggestion.
A final scene after a satisfying conclusion sets the book up for a sequel. I hope that Mr Dadich is willing to delve more deeply into his characters in the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review on behalf of the Awesome Indies.
There's Battleswine and various other kinds of noble warriors on the good guys side, a rather delightful woodland elemental and some mystical eyes called the Fugues. It's a rich, well-formed world with interesting creatures, deadly battles and written so you feel as if you are right there on the thick of it. Teens, particularly boys, will probably love it, and with good reason. It's a solid offering and, in the main, well-crafted and produced. The plot is simple and takes the form of a string of battles that increase in fierceness as the story progresses - something that will appeal to some and not so much to others.
There were a couple of things that the editors missed. Sometimes the kids didn't sound a bit like modern teenagers. For example, "Dawn is almost upon us," said Stuart ... And ...
"You are present once again to save me, right?"
The story had several issues stemming from the teens coming from our world into a medieval one. For example, I had a lot of trouble accepting that these kids were suddenly able to wield weapons likes swords and bows and arrows with enough skill to hold their own in battle. They also very quickly understood their situation, adapted to it and began to make decisions like adults. Even with the given reasons why this could happen, there should have been some period of adjustment. They also took killing in their stride, but I would have thought there might have been a little reaction to all the gore of the battle, at least from the girls. Though these points won't bother a lot of people, the story would be stronger if they were addressed.
There isn't really anything wrong with the story as it is, it just could have been much better had more attention been given to the characters, their feelings, their hopes and their fears. The story of Shelby and her relationship with her father and his beast had a lot of potential for something transformative but it never got beyond a suggestion.
A final scene after a satisfying conclusion sets the book up for a sequel. I hope that Mr Dadich is willing to delve more deeply into his characters in the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review on behalf of the Awesome Indies.
August 14, 2013
What makes The Silver Sphere so fun to read is the same thing that makes it hard to describe succinctly - while reading it, you never know quite what to expect.
Is it a fantasy novel? With swords and sorcery, mystical creatures, a vast new land to explore and a quest to save the world from tyranny, there's definitely a heavy fantasy element at work here. But it also plays with modern elements, featuring six children from the world we're all familiar with, a world of video games and schools and malls. How about science fiction? Surprisingly, there's elements of that here too, with references to gleaming spaceships and strange new games that would be groundbreaking even for us today. There's some urban fantasy mixed in as well, with inherited powers and a budding love interest forming.
The end result is quite the mashup of different genres, where one of the main characters might make a reference to The Legend of Zelda just before suiting up in his own set of armor and weapons, where another can't help but think of playing Halo when he sees seasoned warriors blowing off steam by playing an interactive battle simulation. It's a rich world that Michael Dadich spins out for us in these pages, a world of different races, different customs, and old-school intrigues. He borrows a bit from other stories - I was strongly reminded of the adventure game The Longest Journey at several points along the way, and I couldn't help but think of the movie Willow at a couple points too - but for the most part there's a lot of originality here. Dadich tells his story well, keeping it moving without getting too caught up in the details of it.
This makes the book's flaws more palatable. If at times elements of the story seem a little too easy, or too convenient, it can be overlooked. For example, when the main characters inherit powers and knowledge from their pair-bonded "kin" in the new world, it mostly works, even if the transition from teenage kinds to battle-hardened warriors seems a bit quick. The odd word choices, too, aren't a big deal, because the story is kept clipping by at a pace that makes such window dressing almost inconsequential.
But, I like window dressing...a little, at least.
There is a lot of fighting as the story progresses, much of it at least somewhat graphic and gory. I don't mind that at all but it may not be for all readers, especially those looking for lighter fare. The battle scenes are well-executed and organized, and make for some of the high points in the book.
All that being said, Michael Dadich has skill as a writer to tell a unique story that holds together, with characters that seen genuine and a good ear for dialogue. The issues I had with the book were small ones, and The Silver Sphere stands as a rousing adventure to be read by almost any age.
Not bad for his first book! Let's hope we get to see more of this new world, and Michael Dadich.
Is it a fantasy novel? With swords and sorcery, mystical creatures, a vast new land to explore and a quest to save the world from tyranny, there's definitely a heavy fantasy element at work here. But it also plays with modern elements, featuring six children from the world we're all familiar with, a world of video games and schools and malls. How about science fiction? Surprisingly, there's elements of that here too, with references to gleaming spaceships and strange new games that would be groundbreaking even for us today. There's some urban fantasy mixed in as well, with inherited powers and a budding love interest forming.
The end result is quite the mashup of different genres, where one of the main characters might make a reference to The Legend of Zelda just before suiting up in his own set of armor and weapons, where another can't help but think of playing Halo when he sees seasoned warriors blowing off steam by playing an interactive battle simulation. It's a rich world that Michael Dadich spins out for us in these pages, a world of different races, different customs, and old-school intrigues. He borrows a bit from other stories - I was strongly reminded of the adventure game The Longest Journey at several points along the way, and I couldn't help but think of the movie Willow at a couple points too - but for the most part there's a lot of originality here. Dadich tells his story well, keeping it moving without getting too caught up in the details of it.
This makes the book's flaws more palatable. If at times elements of the story seem a little too easy, or too convenient, it can be overlooked. For example, when the main characters inherit powers and knowledge from their pair-bonded "kin" in the new world, it mostly works, even if the transition from teenage kinds to battle-hardened warriors seems a bit quick. The odd word choices, too, aren't a big deal, because the story is kept clipping by at a pace that makes such window dressing almost inconsequential.
But, I like window dressing...a little, at least.
There is a lot of fighting as the story progresses, much of it at least somewhat graphic and gory. I don't mind that at all but it may not be for all readers, especially those looking for lighter fare. The battle scenes are well-executed and organized, and make for some of the high points in the book.
All that being said, Michael Dadich has skill as a writer to tell a unique story that holds together, with characters that seen genuine and a good ear for dialogue. The issues I had with the book were small ones, and The Silver Sphere stands as a rousing adventure to be read by almost any age.
Not bad for his first book! Let's hope we get to see more of this new world, and Michael Dadich.
December 23, 2013
Today #onreview at #TheLibraryJunior I have one of the fabulous authors from Evolved Publishing and his award winning novel, The Silver Sphere (The Kin Chronicles). The first book in The Kin Chronicles, which if it is just a taste of what's to come will be an epic series. I actually read The Cistern Mission - A Short Story first and must admit it wet my appetite to finally dive into the saga of the full series. I have no regrets! The wait was definitely worth it.
The Silver Sphere is a saga without the weighty verbage that causes an epic story to drag and flounder in the dust for the typical reader. While there was a tiny stumble in the beginning as I sought to grasp the original point of view that the character Shelby presented, once I got a just push into the right direction, the journey rocketed away. Creating a cast of characters that melded the present day, with the magical creatures of a fantasy world and the tales of yesteryear, seemed simplistic for Dadich. I found the character development so deft because there was no need to fill the pages with laborious description to make the characters pop off the page. Each character had a dimensional quality that brought them to life before your eyes.
Characters alone do not a story make, however, and here is where a wonderful tale is woven by one who should be honored to be called a wordsmith. The story being told could have filled a thousand or more pages, had he chosen to bog it down with details. When you think fantasy, you have to admit that far too often the stories become epic, because of the length of the tome, not just because of the story within the pages. Example... both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have epic fantasy series, however, there is a very prevalent audience that will admit they have not read the books, or more importantly simply finished reading the books. The volumes are intimidating and oft overwhelming to an average reader. Dadich tells his story with a swift attention to overall flow, but doesn't avoid details and historical information that is essential to the story. However, I could easily hand this book to my younger nephew and feel that he would enjoy it immensely and understand what he read without the need for an encyclopedia, dictionary and thesaurus on hand. Other than that early hiccup, the book was a wonderful adventure with fantasy, magic, and emotional bravery and challenge. I cannot wait, literally cannot wait for the release of
The Sinister Kin. So, Mr. Dadich, sooner rather than later in 2014 is eagerly requested.
The Silver Sphere is a saga without the weighty verbage that causes an epic story to drag and flounder in the dust for the typical reader. While there was a tiny stumble in the beginning as I sought to grasp the original point of view that the character Shelby presented, once I got a just push into the right direction, the journey rocketed away. Creating a cast of characters that melded the present day, with the magical creatures of a fantasy world and the tales of yesteryear, seemed simplistic for Dadich. I found the character development so deft because there was no need to fill the pages with laborious description to make the characters pop off the page. Each character had a dimensional quality that brought them to life before your eyes.
Characters alone do not a story make, however, and here is where a wonderful tale is woven by one who should be honored to be called a wordsmith. The story being told could have filled a thousand or more pages, had he chosen to bog it down with details. When you think fantasy, you have to admit that far too often the stories become epic, because of the length of the tome, not just because of the story within the pages. Example... both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have epic fantasy series, however, there is a very prevalent audience that will admit they have not read the books, or more importantly simply finished reading the books. The volumes are intimidating and oft overwhelming to an average reader. Dadich tells his story with a swift attention to overall flow, but doesn't avoid details and historical information that is essential to the story. However, I could easily hand this book to my younger nephew and feel that he would enjoy it immensely and understand what he read without the need for an encyclopedia, dictionary and thesaurus on hand. Other than that early hiccup, the book was a wonderful adventure with fantasy, magic, and emotional bravery and challenge. I cannot wait, literally cannot wait for the release of
The Sinister Kin. So, Mr. Dadich, sooner rather than later in 2014 is eagerly requested.
April 10, 2013
„In a different world and another time, your alter ego will brilliantly shine. You and others just like him are very close to next of kin.”
This book caught my attention ever since her appearance was announced and I bought it a while ago but I didn’t have time to read it for various reasons. So when I saw that there is a Book Tour for it, I said it was the best opportunity to read it.
Is the kind of book that I like it: Young Adult and fantasy and I didn’t was disappointed. The Silver Sphere retains the characteristics of these genres and manages to satisfy even the reader that has chalk up as read many books of the genre. He will find many unhackneyed and inspiring things.
I liked how the author changes mythologies and find the way to present the "real" ones, giving new features to the eternal struggle between good and evil. For that we have colorful characters, races more or less strange, but with very human characteristics.
The book is written at the third person, but the author offers the points of view of several characters, creating a complete picture for the reader.
Action is alert and catches you from the first pages, making you overcome your initial allocated time for reading. The characters attract and you cannot wait to see what happens to them. They evolve and they must find their path. I know that Shelby is the main character, but I couldn’t wait to see what happens to Zach and Nick.
Personally, because I only recently finished Ixeos of Jennings Wright, I enjoyed making a parallel between these two books and to enjoy myself with the similarities and differences between them, with the originality that certainly each one of them has.
The ending brings a partial denouement and satisfaction, but also leaves the door wide open for subsequent volumes.
"Your world will be over soon, won't it, dear Bianca?"
PS I love book's illustrations
April 16, 2013
When the call for help comes from another realm – what do you do? That’s the question asked to the characters of the Silver Sphere. On a day when Shelby Pardow flees to the library as a safe haven from her father, a mysterious message on a computer screen asks her assistance and from there she’s drawn into a world of mystery and fantasy. Shelby alongside Zach and other teens now find themselves magically transported into a land where they are all somehow supposed to save the kidnapped protectors of their new world and stop evil from taking over.
This book had my attention from the first page. There’s action from the start and the fast paced nature continued throughout the novel. Written in the third person narrative, the story follows many different characters but it’s never confusing as to which person’s tale we’re reading at any stage of the novel.
In terms of characters – I thought there was a nice contrast between them but at the same time they all have a connection that bonds them together in a way that I enjoyed reading about. Shelby is a strong lead character who could easily let the world get her down but she refuses to let life defeat her.
The world this book is set in is the best part! I loved the mythology, the fantastic villains as well as the earth-born characters interactions with their new world. There’s a lot of detail and everything’s described in a way that makes it feel as if you’re there.
The Silver Sphere is a great fantasy novel with a fascinating new world as well as interesting characters that you can’t wait to see how they tackle what’s next.
This book had my attention from the first page. There’s action from the start and the fast paced nature continued throughout the novel. Written in the third person narrative, the story follows many different characters but it’s never confusing as to which person’s tale we’re reading at any stage of the novel.
In terms of characters – I thought there was a nice contrast between them but at the same time they all have a connection that bonds them together in a way that I enjoyed reading about. Shelby is a strong lead character who could easily let the world get her down but she refuses to let life defeat her.
The world this book is set in is the best part! I loved the mythology, the fantastic villains as well as the earth-born characters interactions with their new world. There’s a lot of detail and everything’s described in a way that makes it feel as if you’re there.
The Silver Sphere is a great fantasy novel with a fascinating new world as well as interesting characters that you can’t wait to see how they tackle what’s next.
March 4, 2014
All right. I am finally giving up. I could not finish this book.
It wasn't necessarily bad. It just wasn't good, either. This book fell into mediocrity. The central idea, the basic plot, and all its driving themes...They were actually pretty interesting and I did like the idea of them. The problem is that it was written in a way that felt rushed and predictable at almost all turns. This book could have been so much better if the author took the time to flesh out each character a little more and added some mystery to their quest. I felt like the beginning was done well enough, mind, but once they were brought to the new world everything just fell apart. There was no more mystery. Everything was spoon fed to the reader and it just got so very boring. I have not actually touched this book for several weeks because of how boring it became and after trying to read a few pages today decided to finally just give up.
To be fair I only had a few chapters left. That was part of the problem, though. I looked at what I had to go and where the story was and there was no way the rushed predictability was going to change in that span of space. In fact, it was probably going to get worse. Honestly, I think this book would have benefited from being thicker. If the author was able to spend the time to flesh out all the ideas instead of rushing through them it would have been a decent read.
2/5 stars because the ideas in the book are solid. The rest just falls flat.
It wasn't necessarily bad. It just wasn't good, either. This book fell into mediocrity. The central idea, the basic plot, and all its driving themes...They were actually pretty interesting and I did like the idea of them. The problem is that it was written in a way that felt rushed and predictable at almost all turns. This book could have been so much better if the author took the time to flesh out each character a little more and added some mystery to their quest. I felt like the beginning was done well enough, mind, but once they were brought to the new world everything just fell apart. There was no more mystery. Everything was spoon fed to the reader and it just got so very boring. I have not actually touched this book for several weeks because of how boring it became and after trying to read a few pages today decided to finally just give up.
To be fair I only had a few chapters left. That was part of the problem, though. I looked at what I had to go and where the story was and there was no way the rushed predictability was going to change in that span of space. In fact, it was probably going to get worse. Honestly, I think this book would have benefited from being thicker. If the author was able to spend the time to flesh out all the ideas instead of rushing through them it would have been a decent read.
2/5 stars because the ideas in the book are solid. The rest just falls flat.
April 24, 2013
This story was an unusual one. It is a relatively good science fiction book. I liked the whole idea behind the kin and how they are needed to save another planet.
The Characters are okay, there are some very strange dialogues between some characters that didn't flow well. And the one thing I can say is that everyone kept saying who such and such was, that actually became a little bit old about half-way through the book. I'm sure that the reason was because sometimes the people speaking weren't in the main spotlight at the moment, but I found it a little bit distracting.
I can say that the plot of the story was what really did it for me though. Mostly because it was very unique. Although this story is a good versus evil saga, it was done differently and did keep me entertained. I think this is a good read for anyone who likes Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi, or just a taste of something new.
I give this book 4 stars. I give it that because while I did enjoy it and I do recommend it to everyone, I did find some issues with the book. And since it is book 1 in what is going to be a series, I guess I wanted a bit more at the end. But I will be getting into book 2 so I can see what happens with the Kin.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Characters are okay, there are some very strange dialogues between some characters that didn't flow well. And the one thing I can say is that everyone kept saying who such and such was, that actually became a little bit old about half-way through the book. I'm sure that the reason was because sometimes the people speaking weren't in the main spotlight at the moment, but I found it a little bit distracting.
I can say that the plot of the story was what really did it for me though. Mostly because it was very unique. Although this story is a good versus evil saga, it was done differently and did keep me entertained. I think this is a good read for anyone who likes Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi, or just a taste of something new.
I give this book 4 stars. I give it that because while I did enjoy it and I do recommend it to everyone, I did find some issues with the book. And since it is book 1 in what is going to be a series, I guess I wanted a bit more at the end. But I will be getting into book 2 so I can see what happens with the Kin.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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