Burden of Sisyphus

Brink of Distinction Book 1

Fiction - Science Fiction
360 Pages
Reviewed on 07/06/2013
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

In “Burden of Sisyphus”, Book 1 of 'Brink of Distinction series', 150 years of ongoing war takes place between the Alliance and the Terran Empire of Earth, who wishes to expand their power across the galaxy through military force. The Alliance, made up from different alien races such as Avalon, Lithid, Oterian, Uligart, Wyndgaart and Pilgrim, a Terran race that separate themselves from the Empire, vow to stop their enemy at all cost. Unfortunately, Alliance is about to be betrayed by one of its own senior members.

As far as the action goes, this novel hits the ground running. First chapter presents us with the Alliance covert team's attack on a Terran base. Human is the least interesting species in this story, as the Alliance members are of different races of aliens. I was absolutely enthralled with the Wyndgaarts’ initiation ritual with their Voice. Jon Messenger has written a story that is set in a familiar ground but still excels in its originality. I found no flaw in its tight plot. I consider myself lucky to have read the first book of the series, as I would feel left behind if I started reading from Book 2 or 3. Though there ia a large cast of characters, each one in put his or her own rightful place. They are all well-developed and have so much room to grow. Book 2 and 3 of the series are already available, and I can’t wait to read more about my favorite character, Keryn Riddell.

Natashia Lyn

"The Burden of Sisyphus" is a page-turner from page one. Messenger is a master at character development. Each character has his/her distinct set of traits that distinguishes their personality, attitude, and reactions to situations. From rebellious to cocky; natural leader to uncertain follower; loyal to traitor; or outgoing to up-tight, the characters act and/or react according to their set of values and outlook on life. They are real people who you begin to value as neighbors and friends. When good or bad happens, you celebrate or suffer with them.

Messenger's tightly written style makes for quick paced fight scenes. Tense situations leave you exhausted. Frightening scenes left me with sweaty palms and I actually "jumped" when a door suddenly opened in one chapter! I became so engrossed in the plot I had to remind myself "It's only a BOOK!"

This is a book that allows one to visualize the story so vividly that I almost felt as tho I was watching the events unfold on the wide screen. This book is fabulous to read. It would play out well as a movie!