NOT SO with this one. This is an epic story of 900 pages. Even though I was extremely interested, this one took me a few days to finish. Not that I'm complaining--I prefer to complain about short books with cliffhanger endings. This was long, detailed, and had a reasonable conclusion, even though the series will be continued.

This was like a Planet of the Apes on steroids. If there was a way to be injured and/or almost killed, this human stranded in a Feline World found it. Or it found him. It was rather exhausting, really. The world building was fantastic. It was detailed and descriptive. The characters were interesting and they had depth. There was even a little romance.

It was, however, plagued with proofreading and editing errors. And his trials and tribulations began to get repetitious. But even so, I wanted to read it straight through. Of course, with a book of this length, I did have to put it down occasionally.

For me, it was an engrossing read.

I won't bother with plot descriptions since others here have done it so well. I do want to add my voice to the praises for this unique story that kept me involved all the way through. I see it is listed as Book 1, which I had not noticed when I purchased the book, or I might not have done so. It appears that there will be a continuation of Michael's story, and I look forward to that. However, this book is fulfilling and ends in a satisfactory manner that doesn't leave you frustrated to find that you can't put your hands on the next installment immediately. I'll definitely purchase the next book when it becomes available, but had there been no other forthcoming I would be satisfied where the author ended this story.

Please don't hesitate to read this book. You will enjoy your time spent in this unusual world.

There were a few typographical errors, but not too many to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. It is a substantial book, not a light quick read, which is another plus, in my opinion. I have been getting weary with books that end to quickly and leave you hanging, waiting for the next installment to be completed.

Thank-you, Mr. Howell :)

Years ago, I stumbled upon Greg Howell’s writings, a time before he decided to put up some of his work on Amazon. From what I’ve read, I’ve found his stories profoundly emotional, thought-provoking, and even mind-altering. I’ve been a fan of his ever since and would even say the author is one of my primary inspirations to write my own stories, create my own characters, craft my own worlds. But more so, his stories changed the way I think and feel about the world to this day. I can’t promise this book or any of his other stories will have the same effect on you, but give them a chance. Read for yourself and discover your own conclusions from his words. In the least, I hope you find enjoyment in his work.

Light on Shattered Water is told from the first-person perspective of Michael Riley who’s flung to an alternate Earth where, instead of Homo Sapiens like himself, a species called the Rris have risen to become the dominant species. Bipedal. Feline. Intelligent. Their civilization spans beyond what Michael once knew as North America. This is not his Earth, this is not his home. He finds himself alone, afraid, even hunted. The book is stylized as a private journal, recalling the events as Michael Riley himself experienced them, relying his most intimate thoughts and feelings to the reader. We accompany him as he tries to fit in this new world where he’s feared, loathed, and revered.

Greg Howell is a writer that takes his time. Time to describe the scene before you, the people that occupy it, and the internal and external plight of our protagonist. His prose is rich with detail, immersing you as his world unfolds around you. And the world he builds is dripping with heart.

The Rris are treated with such depth and presented with utter believability, differing from our main character not only in the physical realm, but the mental realm as well. Michael soon discovers that emotions are defined differently in the Rris psyche, shown in entirely different ways like a twitch of the ears, or a flick of the tail. As a consequence, Michael’s own gestures and actions are put under scrutiny. Things like a toothy smile, a friendly embrace, or even personal grooming mean completely different things to the Rris. They have their own deep culture, faux pas, traditions, and with the sum of all these parts the Rris begin to almost feel real.

Michael finds himself struggling to understand his alien hosts as they do with him. Some question his sanity, display confusion at his actions, or outright fear him. He soon finds it difficult deciphering those that mean to use him for their own ends, those that wish to do him harm, and those that he can trust. Confusion manifests, frustration builds, and with it comes isolation, loneliness. But out from the misery, he begins to find Rris that see him more than just some oddity, something more than just a talking animal. Strangers become allies. Allies become close friends, but even those bonds have very different meanings between our main character and the alien characters around him.

Through Michael’s eyes, we are given a glimpse into a world that is not so different from our own, but as he goes deeper, the differences become more apparent and harder to ignore. Light on Shattered Water is a story of discovery, struggle, and understanding as Michael Riley tries to find a place for himself in this beautiful, chaotic, threatening world.

I've read this story several times in multiple revisions, and each time I've them, the story keeps getting better and better, ever so slightly.

There's no other story I know of where the author can so convincingly immerse the reader into believing he's the alien in a new world, and yet, I've felt I was Mikah Riley at times, getting my head around concepts we've taken for granted, which made me think twice about my own actions in real life. For a story to do that, it has to have good writing and substance, both which this story and author has in droves. I hope that there's a physical copy that I can buy one day (preferably leather bound) but in the mean time, you really should buy this ebook and enjoy this wonderful story.

An absolutely delightful book by a wonderful writer in control of his craft. A true alien study of a highly complex race, the Rris, and highly rewarding. Yes, it is uncomfortable in many spots as you join the main character in trying to emotionally understand this unfamiliar intelligent race who inhabit the familiar earth. Every time you think you understand some aspect of Rris culture or behavior, at some point further on in the book, your hair stands up on the back of your neck as you realize you don't understand them at all. Not at all. I have already bought the next book in the series and will start it as soon as I can.