Article Contributed on: 5/8/2007 5:03:16 PM
Looking for that next great science fiction series to read? I found a terrific series of books, by J. Schimschal. The first novel in the series is
The Devil's Utopia, and the second novel is
Ruins of America. As an adult, I loved this series. It is a fresh new idea, and a true page turner. My nephew (a middle school student) also loved the books, excited to find a series he enjoyed. He grew up on Harry Potter and Tolkien, so he loves sci-fi and fantasy. The story centers around two youth who are cast from their village as a rite of passage into a post-apocalypse world. As they strive to find relics of ancient technology, they are faced with a world beyond what they had ever imagined. They are forced to rely upon their strengths to survive. One youth is an exceptional scholar, the other an incredible swordsman, as they fine tune their skills they must learn to find the good in the ravaged society that still exists. Schimschal does an incredible job of creating vivid imagery and multi-layered characters. From the two youth, to the deranged mercenary, to the psychic maiden, to the mutant- hybrid Hippo, the characters draw you into their world. The story is exciting and thought provoking. According to his website,
www.darkenrealm.com, the third novel in the series is due to be on the shelves this summer. I will be waiting anxiously. You can find J. Schimschal's novels at Tattered Cover (where I bought mine), Barnes& Noble (where I bought the second book) and online at Amazon. I strongly recommend this series!