John W. Otte

At first glance, Failstate might seem like another "typical coming-of-age boy with superpowers" novel, but I found this novel surprisingly well done, with a refreshingly interesting host of characters.

My favorite, of course, was Failstate himself. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill teenager! His powers are unique, for one thing, not something boring like super-strength or the ability to fly. Secondly, as a curse of Robin's powers his face is hideously deformed (think Darth Vader when you take off the mask) and so he has to keep a mask on whenever he wants to use his powers. This also makes him someone not eager to hold the spotlight, yet he wants to do good regardless. He has your standard sibling rivalry with Ben, his older brother, but while many novels would just make Ben an easy bad guy, his novel actually makes a point of showing that characters can grow and change, both Ben and Failstate himself.

The idea of superheros winning a reality TV show (like American Idol) in order to get their hero license is a funny idea that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, the TV show only plays a part really in the first part of the novel. The rest of the novel is spent dealing with the bad guy. Now, I must admit it is around the antagonists that I start to have one of my few gripes around the novel. The bad guys in this story truly are cliche, and the "twist" at the end was really not that impressive and the bad guy's motives for what they did just did not seem very plausible. I sort of had the feeling that maybe the author was purposely making fun of the villains at times (like, oh those zany super-villains are up to no good again!) but it would have been nice to have a villains that made just a little more sense.

There are a few points in the novel that I felt could have some better explanation, but fortunately the story ends with much room for growth. It's clear that the author intends to write more in the series, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing Failstate again.… (plus d'informations)

This is a story of an assassin who experiences a conflicting change of heart in a dystopian society. Themes and motifs, I suppose, that seem familiar - but done in a way that I found entirely engaging, original, and most of all, powerful.

The writing is skillful and well crafted. (That kind of thing matters to me when reading. I can't get lost in the world the writer creates when I am stumbling through the prose. This was not the case here. Entirely well written. Consistent voice, good pace and flow, believable emotion and reactions - well crafted writing). I've never read a book by this author before and so I didn't know what to expect. I loved reading this.

The characters were also exactly right. Flawed and human, the author brings us fully into their world and thoughts. You want them to win, in one way or another. I cared about the characters in this book. And the plot itself was intricate enough to provide some surprises and suspense but not overly complicated in the way that leaves plot holes or slows the action and development. There were themes of redemption and forgiveness woven throughout that were beautifully presented as well.

I don't want to give much away here, only that if you read the synopsis provided and thought it sounded good, then you should enjoy this book. It delivers what it promises: an exciting, thought provoking read with a side of romantic tension. This is a book worth reading. Loved every page.… (plus d'informations)

If you like tech-heavy, futuristic sci-fi and want a story that is also faith-heavy, check out John Otte’s novel, Numb. Well-imagined societies and well-developed characters help to create a story that will keep you turning the pages. The faith message is strong and will make you think about your own stance on religion and freedom. Numb would be an excellent choice for a youth discussion as well.

Crusader believes he has been created with no emotions and no feelings of pain so that he can administer the justice of the Ministrix, the theocratic society that demands strict adherence to its dogma. But lately, he has had fleeting feelings and that, along with guilt, is upsetting his black and white world. When given an assignment to assassinate an enemy of the state, Crusader finds that he has questions, doubts and yes feelings that keep him from fulfilling his assignment. Isolda Westin, a member of a remnant of true believers has to decide whether to fear Crusader or trust him to preserve her life. Racing from planet to planet to asteroid and back, the pair face everything from betrayal by friends and help from enemies as they seek answers to long held secrets.

I had a bit of trouble getting into John Otte’s novel. I connected with the characters immediately, especially the assassin, Crusader. But I needed a little more information about the two main societies that ruled. I discovered much along the way, but would have preferred more detail at the first. As I said, I felt a connection to the characters, and it was that that kept me turning the pages. I really cared what was happening to them. The technological aspects of Numb were fun and inventive, but being mostly tech-challenged, I read them at face value without trying to figure out the hows of the science. That really worked for me; I would love to hear what the tech-junkies thought. Most of the plot lines are wrapped up at the end, but enough loose threads are left to make me think we might see Crusader and Isolda again. Romance, adventure, gadgets, and interplanetary/galactic travel all provide something for everyone.

I found the theology behind Numb very intriguing. You have two ruling societies, one that has embraced secular tolerance and one that has developed a theocracy based solely on God’s wrath and judgment without grace and love. Adherents of true faith were persecuted by both. I saw a lot of things that reminded me of our present day. That is why I think Numb would be good for a youth or college aged discussion. You have got some great sci-fi combined with what it means to be truly free. I also felt that Crusader was much like the Apostle Paul before his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. Completely devoted to his church and his role within it, Crusader, like Paul, found out just who God really is.

Recommended.

(I received and ebook in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (plus d'informations)