Member Reviews

This was a good idea but unfortunately there was just to much information thrown at you in an attempt to bring the story line together.

The characters were full of depth and the worlds well developed.

It was one of those times when less may well have been more.

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Grasping at the author emotionally, this novel carefully constructs opinionated and yet likeable perspectives whilst encapsulating the plot-line in a fast-paced and witty narrative. An effective, and enjoyable sci-fi piece.

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I loved this. When I first read the description it really gave me The 100 TV series vibes. I've never read anything by either of these authors. They did a fantastic job writing this. I felt as if I were right with them and got so immersed in this story I totally lost track of time. Great read!

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*This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

It was a lot. It kind of felt like a whole lot of information was being shoved in all at once and trying to fit as much as possible within one book. For me writing like that isn't my cup of tea. It just doesn't grab my attention and hold it.

There were many different arc's and sometimes I forgot who was who. There were lots of rules that seemed to get forgotten. For me this book is a no. I just couldn't get into it.

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First of all, this was a really fast read (which I like). Unfortunately, I didn't appreciate the info-dumping (it felt like the author didn't trust me to *get* certain things.... like sis, don't insult me. It pleasantly reminded me a tad of Neil Gaiman's "Interworld" series.

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New Earth is the first installment to Unlock the Unknown series by Michael Estafo and Sabrina Estafo which depicts life and advanced technology in another galaxy called Unison Galaxy.

What I liked:
In the beginning, the book introduces the different lives of the main characters namely: Soren, an earthling; Asuka, an okling; Damonico, a noctren; and Amelia, a fusling. These four individual from different planets have different personalities and goals which propel them all into entering the Unison Grand — the first galaxy-wide school. In spite all their differences from each other, they all share the same desires to prove themselves and be free from their misery.

Let me get it straight. Can we talk about the book cover? I mean, it’s one of my favorite book covers right now! I find it so attractive and appropriate for the overall plot. Aside from the cover, the world-building is great! Michael and Sabrina Estafo exemplifies a great world (and galaxies) in a detailed manner. It is fascinating as to how they build these galaxies and the planets within. Just amazing!

I like that we get to see a bit from the past and personal lives of each character because it makes them who they are and I get to understand their personalities well. In addition, I love to see how the character of Amelia and Damonico transform little by little throughout the book! As for the writing, it is good although it has several down side.

Moreover, it is nice that Michael and Sabrina Estafo provides an in-depth explanations about the terminologies and character bios.

Lastly, the ending is not much of a cliffhanger for me. But still, it makes me want to know more because the ending reveals the start of their journey as four!

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What I did not liked:
Now here we are on my least favorite part of a book review. As much as I love the book itself, there are also some weak points I must consider.

Some parts of the book are not easy to read and I find myself skimming a little. No matter how much I love the world-building, at some point it gets too much and confusing because there are already quite a lot of point of views that we need to follow.

I honestly think that some scenes are unnecessary for the overall plot of the book such as Damonico-Haylia scenes. Further, other encounters of the four main characters are predictable.

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Recommend or not:
After all the weak points I’ve stated above, I totally enjoyed and liked the New Earth! I am looking forward into reading the next book which is entitled Arcticon.

I recommend it to those who want to read about galaxies, planets, aliens, technologies with a minimal romance.

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Sadly this wasn’t for me, just found it too much. Too many things to keep up with, was a bit all over the place. I couldn’t connect with the book or the characters at all


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

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This book is honestly just so overwhelming, and not in the best way. There was just so many plot points going on, too many arcs to keep track of, and the pacing was just off for me. I had major trouble getting into this, and I had to repeatedly stop and start. I almost didn't even want to finish this. There were strict rules put in place that are just forgotten about later on. Characters with their set role go around and do something so unlike them, and the whole journey/prophecy thing just wasn't my cup of tea for this. Just way too much, too many rules broken, not enough concise development for the characters, and just overall a bit boring to me. I acutally got upset when reading this because I had no idea. Now don't get me wrong, I know that this indie book already has an audience of people that love it. I'm not one of those people. I just can't see myself really liking it or picking it back up again in the future. For me, it's a definite no.

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I just couldn't get into this one at all. The story line was ok but just couldn't keep my interest.

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