Reader

By Erec Stebbins

|| "Unique and altogether profound, reminiscent of Bradbury, haunting, thought-provoking and surprisingly philosophical" (San Francisco Book Reviews). || FROM THE FUTURE, A FINAL PLEA. OUT OF THE PAST, A LAST HOPE. A young girl, born to die in freakish disregard. A doomed world, enslaved to forces unseen. A final hope beyond imagining. Become a Reader, because in the end, the most unbelievable step in the adventure—will be your own. || "A gripping science-fiction epic that will propel readers toward wonder" (ForeWord Reviews). || "An original take on various sci-fi motifs that meditates on themes of love and humanity. Stebbins does an exceptional job. A richly detailed, compelling story about the power of love." (Kirkus Reviews) || "Visionary." (Richard Bunning, author of "Another Space in Time"). ||

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erec Stebbins
• Release date: Jan 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781942360186

Erec Stebbins

Erec Stebbins is a biomedical researcher who writes novels in a variety of genres, focusing on thrillers and science fiction. His work has consistently been praised for its action and thrills alongside a deeper, often philosophical angle. His novels have been called "unique" and "pulse-pounding" (THE RAGNARÖK CONSPIRACY), "altogether profound, reminiscent of Bradbury and Dan Simmons' Hyperion" (DAUGHTER OF TIME TRILOGY), and "startlingly dark" (EXTRAORDINARY RETRIBUTION) with five star ratings in Foreword Reviews, San Francisco Book Reviews, Portland Book Review, and others.

Reviews for Reader

[stephenhart-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As I have long suspected, the galaxy is in fact ruled by evil bug-eyed monsters.Ambra Dawn, the teenage heroine of Reader, is taken from her home by the men in black suits. She is forced into a horrific institution where a benign tumour in her brain is fostered to help her grow an extra sense - not quite psychic but that sort of thing. She is taken from this hell by a squid-like alien who sells her to smugglers as a navigator/slave.We find that this extra sense that her captors were developing, allows her to navigate between ancient, mysterious orbs - a sort of hyperspace jump. Mere humans turn out to be quite good at it so they are farmed by the aforementioned bug-eyed monsters.The book drives along at a gripping, break-neck speed, reminiscent of some of Robert Heinlein's better juveniles but with a richer text. It should not be given to young readers however as some of the scenes are fairly bleak.The only real criticism I have of the book is that the last part, where the heroine is attempting to undo the great catastrophe (which I won't tell you about here), slows down the pace significantly.I think this is basically because Stebbins is attempting to condense into a few chapters what should really have been the second book. There is certainly enough material there to make a complete novel and a good one at that.Nevertheless a fast-paced and compelling read. Recommended.

[melydia_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ambra Dawn has a brain tumor, but instead of removing it, "doctors" take her away from her parents to become a Reader for alien overlords most people don't even know exist. After multiple surgeries to expand her cranium to make room for this tumor that provides her with such a powerful sixth sense, Ambra is taken to become a navigator for spaceships using the "Orbs" - a network of hyperspace jump locations. Human beings as a species are largely seen as only useful for their large percentage of Readers. This all sounds terribly complicated (and it is), but it's not too confusing since we the audience are learning about this universe as Ambra does. Ultimately, Ambra learns to harness her power to the point where she can spearhead a revolution against these galactic oppressors. It's an interesting piece of science fiction, part Ender's Game, part something quite new. I liked the very non-human aliens and the attention to small details, like aliens having little understanding of what would be an acceptable atmosphere for human beings. I was less impressed by the "audience involvement" aspect of things near the end, but I am curious to see where the series goes. It is certainly unlike most other science fiction I have read, so if you're looking for something different from much of the rest of the genre, give this a try.

[dmclane_4 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was an enjoyable read, I found the point of view of a (pre) teenage girl to be unique aspect of the plot, even though so much of the plot seemed to be lifted from DUNE or shades thereof, that I began to wonder if perhaps I've read the genre too long. Well, other reviewers will, typically, rehash the story line for those who want that type of preview; and I will offer that while entertaining, the book makes a good first novel for a series, and will be awaiting the second and third installments to see if something unique is forthcoming.

[doseofbella · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reader Daughter Of Time Book 1By: Erec Stebbins Sci-Fi / Thriller Pages 253. 2013. Copy Courtesy of Early Reader Librarything Reviewed by: tkAmbra Dawn is 17 years old, and thefuture of the Earth is her burden. Takenfrom her parents, seeing them murdered, forced to under go many tests and surgeries on the brain tumor that is growing at an amazing rate, blind and alone; it is Ambra that must save us all. Astounding plot with many colorful characters make an amazing journey intowhat could be the end of times for our civilizationon Earth. Highly perceptive and realistic storyof inner strength, survive, loneliness and sacrifice.Highly recommend. 4.5/5

[mshooker · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

[Reader] the first installment of the [Daughter of Time] series by [Erec Stebbins] had a really great concept. The writing just needed a little more organization. I enjoyed it but it was like looking into an person with ADHD's mind at times.