Elevated Review

September 23, 2014
Amazon Link 

 *I received an ARC from the author for free in exchange for an honest review*

 Definition of Elevated: to be given an irreversible super power come Elevation Day. Rose the main character does not want to be Elevated.To Rose, some powers are not worth the trouble. Her father has been gone for most of her life unable to return because he's an Unsound. He's been replaced by a stepfather whom Rose isnt particularly fond of. Then all at once, Rose's world begins to take a fall. All she wants are answers, her father and everything to be back to normal. Elevated is her journey to do just that but is it too late?

I really enjoyed this book. The writing is very simplistic and easy going. The story starts out slow but quickly unfolds to a faster paced sci-fi thriller. There is both mystery and romance but the action drives the plot. I had a hard time connecting to Rose sometimes because she is so head strong and it irks me a bit how much she hates the idea of Elevated; however, I understand where she's coming from. Reading this it felt predictable but it actually wasnt. This was refreshing.

This deserves a solid 4 star rating. I wouldnt recommend it to everyone but this will be enjoyable to sci-fi readers. I look forward to the sequel in hope to unravel new super powers.

I had the chance to interview the author. Check out what he had to say!

Published by M

Interview

1. Tell us about yourself? 

I am a big sci-fi fan that decided after much convincing from my wife I had the chops to be a novelist. So here we are. 

2. If you had the option to be Elevated would you?

 I think I would be way too curious to find out what my secret power was to refuse the opportunity.

3. If so, what would you like to have as your super power?

 Actually I would like a power that never made it in the first book. I'd like to be an Alerter, someone who never has to sleep. I would appreciate the extra time in my life to work on creative projects.

4. How did you come up with the cover? It reflects the plot of the story very well. I really like it!. 

Thank you very much! It was tricky coming up with an image that was both eye catching and fitting for the story. As you know, the main plot doesn't involve a Flier, but I thought the iconic image of a Flier captured the spirit of Elevated technology. From there, I tried to use colors and font to make sure it was clearly a YA sci-fi novel. I have a bit of a background in graphic design and it was a lot of fun putting together.

5. If you could go back and change something in your book, what would it be and why would you do it?

 Ask me once I finish the last book in the series, I'm sure there will be something I wished I had set up differently.

6. Did you always know you’d be a writer?

 I've always enjoyed writing, but I started more on the theatrical side. My wife twisted my arm into trying prose and it turned out I enjoyed it. The nice thing about novel writing is I don't have to consider budgets or casting. No matter what I do, I have a huge passion of telling stories.

7. Aside from being an author, what other hobbies do you have?

 I have written and directed three original musicals. I also enjoy graphic design. Oh, and I can do balloon animals. If that doesn't qualify me a nerd, I don't know what else I can do.

8. Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? 

Action sequences are very hard for me. Too much play by play and it reads like stage direction, too little and it's confusing or unimportant. 

9. How important are names to you in your books?

Depends.

a. Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

 I use both methods. I like villains with a harsh sounding name like Maddock. There are some names I choose based on meaning. Mostly sound though.

b. Do you have any name choosing resources (websites/Friends/Advice) you recommend? 

Behind the Name is a great resource for checking name meanings.

10. Are you an outliner or a go-by-the-flow type of writer? 

I have to start with a strong outline, but I often deviate as better ideas come into my head. The older ideas end up being red herrings or false endings, so they usually get used.

11. Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before? 

Japan. So much culture and an awesome mix of new and old.

12. What secret talents do you have?

 If I told you, they wouldn't be a secret.