Champions of Power REVIEW

Title:  Champions of Power (Age of the Aura, Phase 1)
Author: Samuel Odunsi, Jr.
Release date: June 5, 2012
Rating:  5/5
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Book Summary:

There was no other name for the Blessed Galaxy. After being gifted with the Auras, five great powerhouses of celestial creation, the title was a suitable fit. While harnessing such energies, the governing bodies have ruled their respected reaches of the Galaxy for a number of millennia, but now they face the threat of an inevitable calamity that could shake the lives of everyone, caused by one of the five Auras.

After accepting a sudden promotion, a devout man of science, named Lowen Sars, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people after he learns of the calamity, but soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen inadvertently begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura, and especially its two young heirs of the throne.

Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power is the first book in a science fiction series that has yet to be seen elsewhere and it will certainly be one for the ages.

Review:

It's been a while since I've been absolutely obsessed with a book. I would be in the middle of class with my phone hidden and reading to find out what would happen to Lowen and his group. I couldn't put it down. It was written so well, and all the descriptions were just captivating. It was different from other things I've read or seen. 

Champions of Power is basically about a man named Lowen who lost his grandfather to the green Aura, the source of power in the Ludoran Imperium. He figured out that the Auras' powers are being drained into the Central Reach's Aura--the oldest in the Blessed Galaxy. Lowen and his friends took it into their own hands, working outside of the Assembly to try to prevent the Balance Point.

All of these characters are amazing, though I think I enjoy Ambrose and his little lion pet Jak the most. I don't know why. They just seem to stand out and interest me the most. It might be the fact that he seems to understand that they're something wrong with the Aura in his Kingdom and that he figured it out without even really knowing. I can see Lowen and Ambrose probably teaming up in later books. 

I'm very excited to read the next books in this series. I was very pleasantly surprised. I didn't think that I would like this sci-fi book as much as I did. Even if you can't stand other sci-fis like Star Wars or Star Trek, pick up this book. I promise you won't be let down. 

Familiar Origins REVIEW

Title: Familiar Origins
Author: B. Pine
Release date:  January 19th, 2011
Rating:  5/5
Publisher: Silver Leaf Books
Book Summary: 

In a universe where dragons are supreme sentient beings, divination rituals and knowledge of human magical evolution has led to the belief that eight humans will be born with extraordinary supernatural abilities that will give them the power to challenge dragons. Divided into two factions-the Draca Debellos: conquerors of worlds to fuel their powerful magic, and the Draca Tueri: protectors of the worlds and their sentient beings-they tirelessly search for these gifted children to train and bond with to help in their eternal struggle and attempt to end their tenuous deadlock.Both sides are aware of how dangerously powerful they are due to their understanding and mastery of nature, magic, and science; following a rigid code of conduct. But they are also aware that their Creator has worked into the nature of the universe an anomaly-a balancing feature that can lead to the extinction of the entire dragon race. The key to overcoming the balance between Draca and the key to victory lies in the existence of these eight special humans. These humans have different combinations of powers based on the existing types of magic-psychic talents, spellcasting abilities, spiritual summoning, and elemental control. Beyond their magical abilities, what makes these eight particular humans so special is their unique ability to bond with dragons in a way that could provide both dragon and human with powers and benefits yet unknown by either race.Both Draca factions wish for nothing more than to bond with one of these special humans and tilt the balance of power in their favor. After centuries of searching and waiting, these eight predestined humans have now all been born-humans with the power to challenge the Draca and hold the fate of the world within their hearts and minds.Follow the adventures, struggles, and development of these humans who have their innocence shattered at a tender age while trying to learn to live under the influence of powerful beings wishing to use them for their own ends, and growing up in a world of tragedy and horror, betrayal and deception.

Review:

Imagine being a five- to ten-year-old kid and being burdened with a "war" that you don't even know about. Now, imagine that this "war" involves dragons. This book is just the beginning, following most of the eight kids' lives as they learn what their powers are and about the dragons. 

I absolutely love it. 

It takes the time to go through each child's lives as they grow up from children. It shows the events that shape them and make them who they are.

It's very daring. 

I haven't read a book that takes the time to lead you though each character's memories instead of just mentioning them; or, if the memory is extremely important, shown as a flash back. 

I congratulate B. Pine in taking such risks and presenting them beautifully with wonderful descriptions of places, thoughts, feelings, etc. I fell in love with the book from the first page when I found that it started off in a dragon's point of view. :D

I highly recommend this book to all of those adventurers, lovers of fantasy, and generally anyone that loves a good story plot! I can't wait for the next installment. I'm sure it will be just as magnificent.