Review by James Edwards -- Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
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James Edwards
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Review by James Edwards -- Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
[Following is a volunteer review of "Opaque" by Calix Leigh-Reign.]
Opaque (Scion Saga #1) written by Calix Leigh-Reign is a science fiction story about a young adult beginning his senior year of high school. Adam feels different from everyone else and shows very little interest in his peers. That is until he meets someone with similar interests in telekinesis.
Together, they discover their true abilities and the rare bloodlines that they come from. Far from ordinary, Adam realizes that he is part of something more interesting than he could have imagined. He is suddenly thrown into survival mode.
Not only does Adam find out about his disturbing family’s history, but also that the descendants are in danger and must fight. There is a secret Russian organization who has been killing his ancestors for hundreds of years. They study and harness the power of their DNA.
By extracting certain compounds from the DNA, powerful weapons are created. These weapons are used to exterminate the original bloodlines. The savage scientists threaten the extinction of the remaining descendants.
Each of the descendants has a unique genetic marker and supernatural ability. Adam will have to show devotion toward his new family. Their very existence depends on them banding together for the fight of their life.
The book grabbed my attention and held on. What I liked most about the book was the character development. The author gave insight into the minds of each character as they work through adolescence. I like how the author ties the human thoughts of young adults to telepathy, telekinesis, and the other mental abilities the characters possess. The emotional struggles of young love, friendships, isolation and self-awareness transform with the realization of the power of the mind.
I disliked when the mental abilities became exaggerated and unrealistic. An atomic explosion triggered by someone’s mind is unbelievable and unnecessary to the story. I would have enjoyed the book more if the special abilities were kept at a smaller scale.
I would give this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. It was very enjoyable, and the plot was unique. The characters had flaws but remained interesting throughout. The reason that I did not give four stars was that I felt the supernatural powers were overdone. The author relied completely on these powers to fight the bad guys. I felt that weapons could have been used as well to make the story more realistic.
This book would appeal mostly to young adults, both male and female. It may not appeal to adults or readers not interested in science fiction.
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Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Opaque (Scion Saga #1) written by Calix Leigh-Reign is a science fiction story about a young adult beginning his senior year of high school. Adam feels different from everyone else and shows very little interest in his peers. That is until he meets someone with similar interests in telekinesis.
Together, they discover their true abilities and the rare bloodlines that they come from. Far from ordinary, Adam realizes that he is part of something more interesting than he could have imagined. He is suddenly thrown into survival mode.
Not only does Adam find out about his disturbing family’s history, but also that the descendants are in danger and must fight. There is a secret Russian organization who has been killing his ancestors for hundreds of years. They study and harness the power of their DNA.
By extracting certain compounds from the DNA, powerful weapons are created. These weapons are used to exterminate the original bloodlines. The savage scientists threaten the extinction of the remaining descendants.
Each of the descendants has a unique genetic marker and supernatural ability. Adam will have to show devotion toward his new family. Their very existence depends on them banding together for the fight of their life.
The book grabbed my attention and held on. What I liked most about the book was the character development. The author gave insight into the minds of each character as they work through adolescence. I like how the author ties the human thoughts of young adults to telepathy, telekinesis, and the other mental abilities the characters possess. The emotional struggles of young love, friendships, isolation and self-awareness transform with the realization of the power of the mind.
I disliked when the mental abilities became exaggerated and unrealistic. An atomic explosion triggered by someone’s mind is unbelievable and unnecessary to the story. I would have enjoyed the book more if the special abilities were kept at a smaller scale.
I would give this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. It was very enjoyable, and the plot was unique. The characters had flaws but remained interesting throughout. The reason that I did not give four stars was that I felt the supernatural powers were overdone. The author relied completely on these powers to fight the bad guys. I felt that weapons could have been used as well to make the story more realistic.
This book would appeal mostly to young adults, both male and female. It may not appeal to adults or readers not interested in science fiction.
******
Opaque
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Burn Zones by Jorge P. Newbery
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Ketbax
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I recently read and reviewed this book as well. I agree with you about the character development and the unrealistic powers. All the main characters had strong character arcs, which made the plot progress.
I was a bit put off by the powers being a bit of an ex machina. All of the sudden, Adam was a level 4, and Carly (who has been practicing for *years*) is level 6? If Dauma was able to create an atomic explosion, why didn't she do that in the beginning to get rid of the Iksha? Your assessment of the author's use of the abilities is an exact mirror of what I was thinking while reading!
I was a bit put off by the powers being a bit of an ex machina. All of the sudden, Adam was a level 4, and Carly (who has been practicing for *years*) is level 6? If Dauma was able to create an atomic explosion, why didn't she do that in the beginning to get rid of the Iksha? Your assessment of the author's use of the abilities is an exact mirror of what I was thinking while reading!
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
