Whatever reason I just didn’t like this from the first page. There’s nothing wrong with it per se it just felt very flat for me

This YA adventure thriller starts out tamely enough – our long-suffering protagonist is taking yet another History test. And given that he’s been going to school for a very, very long time, this is actually his three-thousandth test. Savio nicely captures the tone of a perpetual teen, without making him obnoxious which is quite an achievement. It doesn’t hurt that Wil Wheaton does an outstanding job as narrator, so that I even enjoyed the regular rants on how History is wrong. The only time I felt this monologue verged on being a bit self-indulgent and significantly interfered with the ongoing action was the piece about Paul Revere. I also appreciated the explanations on why and how Alexander is ageing so slowly, which made sense and gave a solid reason for the near-immortality of a very small sample of the population.

The story takes a bit of time to get going, which gave me a chance to fully bond with the main character. That’s important, because if I hadn’t cared about Alexander then most of the book wouldn’t have mattered. And once the action kicks off, it’s foot to the floor all the way. Alexander and his hapless companions find themselves facing a number of powerful and determined antagonists who apparently want to capture him to use against his father. Though they don’t seem to worry too much if he’s seriously hurt in the process. It certainly makes for a series of desperate chases in a variety of vividly described settings. Savio writes action well. There is plenty of tension, along with strong pacing so that he continues to up the stakes, other than the occasional monologue about the past – which I would expect from a near-immortal teenager.

The romantic thread is well handled, showing a more vulnerable side to Alexander without derailing the pace or taking over from the overall narrative. All in all, I enjoyed this YA science fantasy thriller and recommend it for fans of the genre, particularly this audiobook version. While I obtained an arc of Alexander X from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

The premise is full of promises but those promises are not kept. I wanted to enjoy this. Wil Wheaton is one of my favorite narrators. He does his best with this. He is believable and funny. He gives this book the best shot it could get at being good. However, even with Mr. Wheaton's talent, this book does not live up to its potential.

Once again an immortal (ish) being is wasting their time cooling their heels in high school. WHY? Why would any experienced, mature (sometimes), older person in a young person's body EVER choose to be a high school student?

The only answer I can come up with is so the author can indulge himself and live out some of his clearly yearned-for fantasies. "If I were back in high school, but knowing what I know now, I'd really show 'em!" You could ace every test, be the best in every sport, and date a cheerleader!!! Woohoo!

The book is full of action and yet boring. The villain's motives are unfathomable and do not make any sense until the end, but by then I didn't care. I didn't buy any of it. It made me angry because I really did want to love this book. After several (I lost count after 6) mentions of his or someone else's testicles or penis I basically hate-listened until it was done.

I love a new story line, and that is what you get with the Alexander X series. I listened to the audiobook version and enjoyed that I could pretty much listen my way through the book with limited interruption. I also got a kick out of Wil Wheaton being the narrator! This story is told firsthand by Alexander X, and is told more through the tangential thoughts and memories than the actual progression of the story. The action, however, is all present day, and is fast and furious without being overly gory. It all came together as a very rich story with so much detail, but enough action to hook and hold you to the end. It is weird to think of someone living so long yet still having the thoughts of a teenager, but that is explained. Alexander is not my favorite character, but he is a kid and I am not, so my impatience with him is likely due to him not doing what I would do in situations. Situations that I would never find myself in, of course. Still, I really enjoyed the story and plan to continue the series.

Almost a week later I am still unable to decide how I feel about this book. Hands down Will Wheaton makes it. I mean as a closet trekky and a Big Bang theory fan he can’t go wrong but still his voice is warm, comforting, almost like you’re being read the story by a friend.
The story however leaves me questioning. I am discovering more and more that I’m not a sci-fi fan and this book is skimming this for me. I liked Alexander as a character and his friends too. I’m still curious to know what happens and will probably look for the follow-ups but it just hasn’t ignited me. Slow and meandering would be how I would describe this. But enjoyable at least to keep going.

Alexander X is a know-it-all teenage boy, as wise and expert in History as an ancient but in the body of an adolescent with the strength and abilities of a warrior. In fact, he is incredibly old even though his external appearance and endocrine system has not changed in centuries because of a genetic condition. So we are in the realm of sci-fi, but at the same time his recall drives us through historical events. Additionally, I have found all the elements for a good adventure, persecutions, intrigues, fights and romance. I have felt its cinematic dynamic although there are moments when the story derails a bit, going out of the tangent with battles of the past, extended explanations about sports,… I guess is understandable when the main character is 1500 years old;)
It has been an entertaining exercise of empathy, watching the world through the eyes of a youngster in different periods of history.
The audiobook is perfectly narrated by Wil Wheaton. Each character has his precise tone and is clearly recognizable.
I would like to thank Edward Savio, Wil Wheaton, NetGalley and Babelfish Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a romp through world history. What hasn't Alexander X done. Alexander doesn't age at the normal rate, and he has experience well beyond your typical 15 year old American teenager. He has tried to hide and not bring attention to himself. But the digital age will not help him in this. Someone wants him for their own ends, and will stop at nothing to find him. In a fast past, action filled story, Alexander has to look out for a best friend and possible girlfriend, as they are all drawn into life-threatening danger and a race against time to protect humanity. I enjoyed listening to this audio version. Thank you to Edward Save and NetGalley for sending me an audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine.

Thanks so much to Babelfish Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read(err listen to) a review a review copy of the audiobook for Alexander X. What wild story. Alexander Grant is a great student. That’s because he’s special…really special. You see Alexander is hundreds of years old. He ages…just very slowly. At around 1500 years old he still looks like a teenager. Like many of his kind, he’s done his best to keep this a secret, especially from his friends, staying under the radar, moving from place to place, assuming the role of a regular high school kid, but when a mysterious group shows up determined to kidnap him the cat is out of his bag. Two of his closest friends now know his secret and Alexander must use all the knowledge and skills he’s honed over the years to keep them alive and himself free. This is an absolutely wild story, and I can’t believe I’m only now discovering it (the third book in the series will be releasing soon). And I must say I truly appreciate the limitations that author, Edward Savio, places on his ‘immortals’. They don’t have superpowers, they can’t fly, toss cars around like they are baseballs, no their special ability is just that they age incredibly slowly and thus they have had the time to accumulate knowledge and masters numerous skills, but they are just as ‘fragile’ as regular people. While I thought the story is great, I also much acknowledge the fact that part of the reason I liked it so much was the fantastic job Will Wheaton does with the narration. I’ve listened to a dozen or more books narrated by him and he never disappoints. Even when it’s a book I’ve read before, hearing him narrate it always makes me enjoy the story more.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2OBUVKDI73B5L/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I don't read this type of book always but the plot was intriguing to me and i was tempted to read this. I am happy that i made that decision.

The book deals with a man who is basically an Immortal who will age very slowly and is in High school now. The story is adventurous, mysterious and fast and action packed. Anyone who likes these genres with a touch of sci-fi will like this book.

This book was a fun ride. Alexander Grant lives with a secret, he is one of less than a thousand people that age 1 year for every 100 years he's alive. This secret is threatened by a mysterious group that shows up to kidnap him; forcing Alexander to go on the run with two friends that now know his secret. The story unfolds as the trio embarks on this dangerous adventure.

This story was a great palate cleanser from the horror novels that I had been reading. I look forward to continue to the story in the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Babelfish Press for this audiobook.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I enjoyed this a lot! Fast paced, very engaging. The narrator was perfect for it. I will definitely be looking into getting my hands on the next one!

When I saw the premise of this one: adventurous shenanigans for a 1500 yr old looking teen, which was narrated by Wheaton, I was sold and so glad that it was available to listen now. Wheaton is fab on narrated duties.

What a cracking read/listen this book was. This is first in the Battle for Forever series (book 3 is out soon), as you follow Alexander as he battles with the tedium that is high school, crushes, exams and vengeful teachers. He also knows that most of what is taught in history lessons has it wrong - because he had front row seats. This was fascinating (with all the moments in history referenced), funny and such a fab read.

ALEXANDER X
By Edward Stavio

Adventure, suspense, romance and mystery, with a little history thrown in. Alexander X is a great combination.

I stumbled upon this book while looking for something to listen to. What a treat! I can’t wait to hear the next two books in the series. Alexander finds himself in danger and being sought after without understanding why. Since he has been alive for 1500 years, though appearing as a teenage boy, he has a lot of history to sift through looking for the reason. With the help of Brandon, Phoebe and Daniel, Alexander runs from those chasing him while attempting to figure who they are and what they want.

The book is fast-paced, entertaining, funny and (gasp!) educational. I am a senior (and not one in high school) and believe this book is great for people of all ages. It is the perfect car ride book for the whole family. I definitely recommend it. Plan on wanting the others when you finish.


I received an ARC from Babelfish press through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

Great narration. I love Wil Wheaton as a narrator. Really good plot and story line that kept me engaged and listening. I’m glad I discovered this and know there’s a sequel ready to read next! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to #babelfishpress @ibpalovesindies @netgalley for the audiobook in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts…
So good. Immortal life without vampires and witches?! Thank you! I just 💙 this original story that it deserves the jazz hands 👐🏼! And, Wil Wheaton’s fantabulous narration deserves extra jazz hands 👐🏼👐🏼! His voice acting and different accents kept me absorbed. Just know going in this was the start to the “Battle for Forever” series. Savio did a fantastic job weaving history and current times that made it such an entertaining historical-fiction-scifi-fantasy book. The writing was hilarious, fast-paced and exhilarating. I enjoyed the first-person narrative and the dry humour. I’m glad I can grab book two!

Fast-paced, funny and exciting, this book had me completely hooked right from the start. Alexander and his two closest friends are on the run from a dangerous man who wants to destroy the modern world. The catch; Alexander is 1500 years old and the villain has been planning this for centuries. I loved the first-person point of view and Alexander's dry humor. The narrator was brilliant. The author weaves history and the present together to create an intricate story with new twists every chapter. As Alexander fights for his freedom and his friends' lives, he is also forced to confront who he really is and he has to face his long past (with its secrets) and uncertain future in a way he never has before. He loves his friends, who have accidentally become wrapped up in the chaos, but how much should he really tell them? I will definitely be reading the sequels.