Customer Reviews

Adeptus Major

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book in its first edition about 8 months ago. I completely fell into the story and couldn't stop reading it. The characterization is fantastic and I feel like I really got to know the two main characters. The alternate modern world that Alex Mykals has created is very realized and believable. This book has everything I love in a good novel. It has a slight fantasy edge, political intrigue, a new society to learn about, and the love story involved is probably one of my favorites of all time. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story that will keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end.

I found this book a pleasant surprise. I was expecting something written in ancient Greek times but instead I got a novel about modern life on an alternate earth in which Atlantis survived the great flood. There was no 'sinking' of Atlantis as such. It overcame the odds and become one of the most powerful nations on earth today. Atlantis is a powerful monarchy government and runs the country pretty much with no general elections, although people are voted into advisory positions to help advise the nobles on various matters of importance.

But modern day Atlantis isn't perfect, trouble brews in the form of terrorists who are trying to overthrow the current government... why or what for wasn't really entirely made clear to me, perhaps in a sequel? Although this novel really does stand alone the ending certainly could promise more. One point to note is that the American govt just wasn't portrayed that nicely, so if you are an American you may find the American links and general suspicion of American policy etc annoys you but I'm Australian so I had no personal feelings about that one way or another.

Our two main characters are Evelynee (the Crown Princess) and Alleandre (ordinary, everyday Ally, who by the way has powerful physic powers). Ally literally bowls Ally over on their first meeting, by crashing tackling her thus saving her from an assassins bullet. Evelynne is mostly fine however Ally is not and is admitted to hospital in a serious condition. Evelynne is deeply shocked at meeting fragile looking Ally who saved her life at nearly the cost of her own. When Ally is ok to travel Evelynee persuades her to return with her to Atlantis to recover.

Evelynee is everything Ally is not... beautiful, confident and assured of her place in the world. Ally believes that she is ugly and was traumatised at a young age and is afraid that people will laugh and jeer at her. Even though she has strong physic powers her confidence in herself is next to non existent. The emotional ties that begin to bind these two remarkable women is brought to life easily and wonderfully for a first written novel. We travel the journey with them; the way they start off as strangers and quickly become friends then more is woven skillfully throughout the novel. The novel is a mixture of romance and suspense and I felt the two subjects were handled very well together. For a first novel I found it well written with plenty of descriptive language, not overwhelming at all but good enough to describe feelings, thoughts and surroundings, the ending could've perhaps been more but other than that, well done. I am sure that as the Alex (the author) hones her craft we will see more from her in the not too distant future. Try this novel I hope you won't be disappointed, I wasn't.

It's no secret to anyone who has read my reviews - I don't generally like science fiction books. However, I could not easily pass up this wonderful story by Alex Mykals. I believe this is her only published novel, but hope she delivers more in the future.

Speaking of the future, that's where this one is set, but it almost seems to also be set in the past. Mykals brings us Evelynne de Molay, heir to the throne of Atlantis. Due to the expectations of her position, Evelynne is in the proverbial closet. That is, until she meets and falls in love with the supernaturally talented Ally Tretiak - after Ally saves her from an assassin's bullet. Not only is Ally a foreigner, she is also a woman - both traits that make her an unsuitable partner for Evelynne.

As Ally begins to build a new life on Atlantis and continues to earn the attentions of the princess, she becomes a better candidate for the princess' affections - except she's still a woman. The only question is... can this be overcome?

This book took a lot of imagination on the author's part. She does such a nice job telling the story, that even the seemingly outrageous parts are believable. As a reader, I felt things fit together really well; she does a nice job bringing together futuristic technology with knights, social classes, and battle. I would certainly recommend this to anyone with an imagination.

A world that is vivid and as real as my own, characters that I can grow to care about, and a sweet love story..what is not to enjoy about this book? I find myself savoring every page. Fortunately, at 348 pages, there is a lot to savor. My only critique is that the print is rather small, but the extra eye-strain is worth it!

I've read this three times now - twice online and now in the slightly different published format. I particularly enjoy the mix of a modern setting that includes the Kingdom of Atlantis as a major power in the world and the paranormal.

The romance doesn't overtake the storyline and is woven carefully through the story along with the suspense of terrorism. The ending leaves you wanting more and the next couple of stories will be very welcome.

Alex has done a fine job of writing this novel and creating a new language as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and hope you will too.

Very few authors are able to portray psychic abilities in a believable way, let alone an entire fictional society. The writing is believable, flowing, and griping. 'Adeptus Major' is one of the few books of this genre that I wholeheartedly recommend with five stars.

I never used to be a fan of fantasy, but I am now. Mykals' book was great - full of action and romance, with a straightforward story line that progressed well and didn't disappoint. I hope that the ending foreshadows a sequel!