Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle

Blurb

Seven Point Eight:

The most powerful number in the universe.

The number that connects everything.

It is time to wake up....

A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the

enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the

highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an

extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project

and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a

reality-shattering discovery...

Written in the style of a TV series, The First Chronicle is the beginning of a 5 part epic which

follows the spiritual and emotional journey of five people; their quest

to understand the universe and our place within it. 

Quantum physics meets spirituality in a tale which begins in the 1940s, unfolds

during the 1960s; an era of social and spiritual transformation and

reaches its conclusion in the modern age.

It interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above

all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow.

For fans of the paranormal, big sweeping epics, metaphysics, science fiction, 'Lost', 'Fringe', contemporary fantasy, alternate realities and new age/spirituality.

It's also highly suited to Young Adult readers, who like sci-fi along with their paranormal, or those who like a more challenging read.

My Thoughts:

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I hate to say it was too detailed and "sciency" for me but that's exactly what  happened. It was just too much science and detail and not enough plot. But maybe for other folks, it may be what the doctor ordered.

Therefore, I'll list the positives and negatives:

Positives:

1. Very interesting plot:

I have to say, from the word go, this author swept me off my feet and begged me for more and more chances to delve into the plot and uncover the secret. 

2. The characters had depth

Again, the characters were interesting. I liked the main character and the other lady in the story. 

Negatives:

1. Way, way, way, wait for it . . . Way too many details

I understand as an author myself that you have to explain a lot of things. Especially in a science fiction. I am currently trying to tackle this genre myself.

However, there is just way too many details about the main character thrown at you at once. Did I really need to know his whole life story on the first few pages?

No.

So why put it there? 

Hmm.

Psst writers, this is what you call an exposition dump (when you give out all of the details about a character in the first few pages, or even in huge page-like chunks in the story). Don't do it. Just some advice.

2. Overwhelming with Science

This could just be me guys since I have a love hate relationship with science, especially with Physics. I was forced in college to take that class, and I have to say it was the most confusing science class I have ever taken in my life. So when the author started talking about, I cringed.

It's not the author's fault about my prior experiences with sciences (more like embarrassing bump ins) have been mostly negative.

However, I still didn't like how much science was in it. 

I know what you're thinking, "Silly goose, it's a science fiction!"

But (I hold one finger high in the air) to assume that the reader understands basic Physics concepts isn't asking too much? 

Hmm, that's what I thought too.

It's not that I didn't expect science in a science fiction novel, but I would like some more break down of the science part. That's all I ask. Especially since science is the weakest area, academics wise. 

3. Formatting

You guys know what I'm about to say: Chunky paragraphs.

I hate them. I loathe the very legs they stand on. I just want to rip them off the page and put them in the corner, and burn them with a lighter.

Too much?

Anyway, lol, this author put WAY too many chunky paragraphs. I just can't stand them but this could be a just me sort of thing.

Overall, would I recommend this book?

Take this into consideration: This book has had fabulously high reviews, the author writes extremely well, and  the plot is riveting.

Now, if you want to take a chance on a fabulous science fiction book that just wasn't my flavor, feel free.

But if you have the same picky-ness level that I do, then don't pick it up.

My gut says give it a shot but my head cautions you if you haven't read science fiction before.

You choose ultimately though.