Reviews
Another Obsession For A Fantasy Geek
A geek to the core, I surround myself with books in the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres. A total Potter head, Hunger Games fanatic, Lord of the Rings Fan-girl… These types of collections I must always have in hard cover. Give me extras!!! Collectors editions, maps, illustrations, posters, calendars, replicas..Review
.. I know, I know. What is the point of all this hubbub? My point is simply this… The Silver Sphere has made the ranks with some of my all time favorite books!
While the story has some similarities to other greats like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, it is a story all its own. Its fresh and exciting. The main characters are wonderful and diverse, and the book has a little bit of everything to go along with them. While a YA novel, Silver Sphere is the kind of story that will suck readers in across the board the way Harry Potter and Hunger Games have. A wonderfully written edge of your seat story, Dadich gives you action, adventure, romance, suspense, friendship, struggle, truth….
The Silver Sphere could and should be the next big classic to reach millions of readers looking for there next world to get lost in. I know that any person with a love for reading, particularly those who enjoy fantasy and sci-fi, will fall in love with this book the way I have.
-Arrienne, Amazon Customer
“Swords clanged and axes smashed as hundreds of hooves pounded across the earth. Shelby stiffened and tightened her grip on her sword.”
Life at home is difficult for Shelby Pardow after her mother leaves her and her father behind. Mr. Pardow turns to alcohol and is prone to violence and abuse, so Shelby prefers to spend her free time at the local library. During one of these hiding sessions, she receives a mysterious instant message on the library computer, and when she follows its directions, she finds herself transported to a strange world and transformed to handle her new environment. Other teenagers received similar messages and when they are brought together, their mission is revealed: locate and rescue important figures that they are psychically linked with, before dark forces spread across the land and conquer it. A race against time and between armies unfolds with the fate of the entire known universe hanging in the balance.
Combining elements of classic fantasy and science fiction with pop culture references that readers both young and old can identify with, this title is refreshingly current without potentially dating itself. Those who enjoy young adult adventures or simply the latest fantasy will find this book hard to put down. Though there is adequate time and detail spent on building the history and the culture of Azimuth, the book’s pace doesn’t linger; one can savor every step of the epic journey while they are compelled to read just one more chapter. This is the first installment of a planned series, but the author is careful to still leave his audience with a satisfying resolution while building a sense of curiosity for future titles. This book is sure to stir the imagination as it takes readers on its dramatic ride.
RECOMMENDED by the USR: reviewed by Michael Radon
The Silver Sphere – Book Review
“The Silver Sphere” by Michael Dadich is the first volume in a forthcoming (at least, it better be!) series of Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi books. Six American teenagers are transported through a portal to a planet somewhere in the sky above our Southern Hemisphere—a land they soon learn is their actual birthright and which they have been called upon to save from destruction by evil forces. It is a world similar to Earth “but skewed.” Fortunately, these Kin are endowed with the remarkable skills required to fight both the real and the fantastic. When one of the boys is handed a sword and demurs that he has never held one before, he is told, “Don’t worry. We’ve all lived other lives.” And there is a marvelous virtual battle featuring a holographic Minotaur early in the book that sets the scene for, well, the marvelous.
This is a book that requires some trust on the part of the reader. Azimuth is a place teeming with strange species, wild spaces, friends and foes, and neither you nor the Kin are given much time to adapt. (We are trying to save the world here.) The author has provided a Glossary at the end of the book and as the cast is large and initially somewhat confusing, don’t be a snob about using it. One quick flip to the back and you’re on track again.
Some of the characters are fully developed; some are merely sketched in. There is a young man named Nick Casey whom we only touch base with briefly, yet we are certain that he is important. I think we can be confident that the author will (at least, he’d better!) develop this role in later books. And some of the “skewed” things take a bit of adjusting to, e.g. advanced military technology is banned on Azimuth, but there is a sophisticated celestial force that can be called upon to come to the defense of the good.
There are ancient legendary creatures on Azimuth like the manticore and pegasi, and there are others that resemble the supernatural spirits in more recent fantasy writing. Because many of the travel books from the Middle Ages—particularly those very popular ones about a fabled and far away land ruled by a king named Prester John— recount just such creatures, it seems quite fitting to set them down in this armor-wearing, warhorse-bearing, world.
It is an old tradition of story telling, and one we should be pleased that modern young people enjoy. Add to that the accomplished writing and editing in “The Silver Sphere” and it would be impossible not to recommend it highly.
~ M.K Turner, Bookreview.com
The Silver Sphere – Readers Favorite
In the novel “The Silver Sphere”, Michael Dadich transports the reader to a marvelous fantasy world. The inhabitants of the planet Azimuth seek the assistance of their ‘kin’ on Earth to defeat an ancient evil. The selected individuals are picked up from Earth and are taken away to an unknown world through a mobile portal. Unaware of what awaits them, these people are thrown together to form a team of warriors to fight for an alien planet.
Author Michael Dadich knows the way to a fantasy reader’s heart, and that is by successfully combining fantasy with reality, and he has done just that in “The Silver Sphere”. It is not a story of machines or computers, but of humans who had to deal with unexpected situations and crisis. The plot is fast-paced and quite riveting at times. The dramatic presentation arrests the attention of the reader throughout the story. “The Silver Sphere” is a must-read for any lover of taut, suspenseful fantasy.
-Gayani Hathurusingha, Readers Favorite
The Silver Sphere – Stuffed Shelves Reviews
With all the fantasy books out there, it’s hard to find a good one that can stand up to the major series like Harry Potter or Hunger Games. Silver Sphere had enough excitement and fantasy that it could easily be powerful enough to be on the popular fantasy book list.
Six kids are magically transported to the planet Azimuth where they learn what it means to be a Kin to an Assembly member. Of course Malefic has evil plans that are always getting int he way. The goal is to save the world and stop all corruption.
The author does an amazing job at working the reader into the other world. While reading the book, I couldn’t be sure what was going to happen next. It was completely unpredictable, which is always hard to find in a book, especially fantasy stories.
Every character in this book had so much depth and illustration that I could clearly imagine what sort of person everyone was. Shelby of course was my favorite character, she is a little lost at moments but it never changes how strong of a character she is all throughout the book. I felt everything the characters felt from fear to joy and everything in-between.
The imagination that the author has for some of the characters is truly amazing, it didn’t resemble any other book to where it felt repetitive. Each character seemed original and unique to any other fantasy books I’ve read before, which is always so refreshing.
The only negative comment that I have towards this book is that the names of the creatures, and places were hard to read. I ended up making up my own words for the words that I wasn’t sure on the pronunciation. It definitely wasn’t too much of a big deal for me since it really did not change the way I felt about the story as a whole.
The climactic build up towards the end of the book, kept me wide eyed and on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The ending made me cringe with disappointment that there weren’t any more pages to read. I hope this book might turn into a series, it just can’t stop here! Of course, I give this book 5/5.
-Elizabeth Barbarick, Stuffed Shelves Book Reviews
The Silver Sphere – Pacific Book Reviews
What teenager hasn’t wanted to escape to another world, to just leave behind the troubles and worries of his own life and enter a world of magic and fantasy. On earth, these young adults face challenges such as an abusive father, a home without love, and bullies, all very real and difficult circumstances to face. However, in Michael Dadich’s The Silver Sphere, the fantasy wasn’t the land of sweetness and promises; it was a land fraught with evil and chaos, much more dangerous and more critical than any experience these teenagers had faced in their own earthly lives. The fate of a nation rests on these youngsters shoulders.
Action packed from the beginning, we are introduced immediately to the young characters, and their companions, that will become the heroes of this tale. From the first chapter, suspense and wonder is created. This is not only a story of fantasy, but a coming of age story as well. This group of teenagers develops throughout this story, building relationships, finding hidden talents, and overcoming adversary. As Kin to the leaders of Azimuth, our protagonists are faced with reconnecting with their lost Kin in order to save a world that seems vaguely familiar to them. A great evil, Malefic, son of Biskara, who we would call Satan, is on a quest to rule Azimuth and eventually earth. In face of these great threats to both places that these young adults know as home, adventure, war, magic, and friendship fill the pages of this book. With the help of a number of un-earthly characters and comrades, the Kin are able to overcome in this battle, although at times not without great loss.
The narrative is written in such a manner that you always want to turn the next page to see what happens next. You forget that you are on Earth and become a part of this unique world that Dadich has created. At times I did find the battles to be a little violent, so I would set an age limit on my kids to read this book. However, the lessons and morals within are ones that we can all relate to and should all be reminded of. Courage, sacrifice, love, and trust are what help to bring victory and protect what the Kin hold most dear.
~ Suzanne Gattis, Pacific Book Review
The Silver Sphere – Hollywood Book Review
If you received the cryptic message, “You are needed,” how might you respond? In the mind of author Michael Dadich, six teens heed that call, in the process entering a world in which the fate of Earth and Azimuth, some 200 light years from Earth, hang in the balance. Taking a page from the age-old battle of good against evil, The Silver Sphere offers an alternate world in which the devil goes by another name (Biskara), yet he and his son Maletic possess a recognizable agenda—destruction of all that is good. The planet Azimuth, accessible through portals in Earthly places like a local high school library, is a place that blends past, present and future. It’s a place where the Stock Market is called The Square, and where coogles are traded and saved for retirement (known as solitude savings). It’s a place where the popular handgun—the hand-cannon—can only be shot by its owner because it’s operated via handprint (thus eliminating a lot of Earthly handgun issues).
Inhabitants of Azimuth’s dominant country, Meridia, dress in garb similar to the days of King Arthur, and for fun, Meridians gather ‘round the hologram and live-action role play Dire Conflict. In Dadich’s fantastical Azimuth, The Cark Woods are filled with creative and sometimes dangerous beings, the result of Earth creatures interbreeding with those of Azimuth. Howls are highly intelligent and easily trainable birds with owl bodies and hawk heads; Disembowelers are hyena-headed and armed (literally) with multiple appendages wielding knife-like claws; Baku is a dream-eating creature with the head of a lion, a stallion’s body, paws of a tiger and brilliant golden eyes; and Wishpoosh are river-dwelling, man-eating, beaver-like things just waiting take a bite out of unsuspecting passersby. (The Silver Sphere includes artistic renderings of the incredible creatures described in its pages, which allows for increased reader immersion.)
The field of The Silver Sphere is full of protagonists; among them the six teenage Kin, including abandoned and abused Shelby, lonely orphan Zach, and isolated and quiet Emily. (Note: There are numerous POV characters introduced in The Silver Sphere; while Dadich does a good job of laying the foundation for the Kin Chronicles, hopefully subsequent books will allow for deeper character development.) As the story goes, each Kin is linked to a member of the Aulic Assembly (the governing body of Meridia) and shares a close bond that allows for telepathic communication with said Assembly member. While five of the six Kin reach Azimuth according to plan (meaning they are intercepted by the aptly-named Interceptors on the other side of a portal), Zach’s ride is a bit bumpier and he undertakes his own journey to find his fellow Kin. As all six Kin adapt to their new surroundings, they are helped by natives including Axel Throg, Blunderbuss, the Bogmen, the Centurions, the Fugues (guardians of the Silver Sphere) and the Battleswine. Of course, every hero’s path is not without its obstacles, and in this case, the Kin’s obstacles include the zombie-like Green-Teeth, the shrouded Gray-Cloak demons, evil army The Nightlanders, and the near-extinct part-lion part-man Manticore. During the Kin’s journey through the lands of Azimuth, they confront not only a new strange land, but also their own pasts, presents and futures, all as they strive to reach the Silver Sphere.
The Silver Sphere, through a magical planet and a thrilling journey, makes a case that every one of us has the potential to correctly answer the call, “You are needed.” While readers of all ages are sure to delight in The Silver Sphere, this first installment in the Kin Chronicles will particularly appeal to fans of The Hunger Games trilogy, “Game of Thrones,” and author C.S. Lewis.
~ The Hollywood Book Review
The Silver Sphere is a fast paced, well written action adventure. I found the characters and creatures to be extraordinary. The plot is unique and revolves around Shelby and her fellow “Kin”, six teenagers that unknowingly (at first) are called to battle against an ancient evil. I bought the kindle version after viewing the cool book trailer on the author’s page on Amazon.The cover and artwork inside are well done, and the glossary was also very helpful. I think fans of The Hunger Games as well as Star Wars would enjoy this. My kids are reading it next. They cant wait based on how much I liked it. A definite Christmas present this year.
-Jeff Raymond, Publicist, Rogers and Cowan
Fun, Emotional Ride From Start To Finish
I’ve been reading a lot of Young Adult fantasy novels together with my niece who loves books like the Harry Potter and the Percy Jackson series. However after those, most of the ones we’ve read my eyes, and sometimes hers, glaze over due to the simplistic writing and contrived plots.
The Silver Sphere took me by surprise.
Not only was my niece thrilled with the main character Shelby and her call to adventure to another world, but I was fascinated by the excellent world building by the author and the emotional story lines and character depth. We literally read it in two nights as we simply couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I love how the author expertly mixes the fantasy and sci fi elements together. I felt like I was reading Star Wars and Harry Potter all rolled into one. I hope this becomes a series of books because we are sad we finished it so fast. =)
-Peter Winther, Movie Producer, Independence Day
From the first page this action packed book will reel you in with twist and turns and a sense of adventure. Six kids are teleported to the planet Azimuth, where they instantly find out each is Kin to an Assembly member that has been imprisoned by the evil leader Malefic. While there the children must find a way to free the assembly and save the world. The book is extremely well written with detailed character development and intense plots. I could not put it down and can not wait to share it with others. The glossary is a plus if you need it. Fans of Rick Riordan, adult and kids a like, will love Dadich’s first book.
-Elyse Luray, PBS History Detectives
I was looking to lose myself in a fantasy novel, and while searching Amazon, I came across this brand new book called The Silver Sphere. After reading the synopsis, it seemed interesting enough to give it a whirl. Let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down!!!
The Silver Sphere is an excellent, epic fantasy novel. The creatures are truly amazing, one of my favorites being Baku the dream eater. The last few chapters had me rifling through the pages as the build up to the ending was well paced. This reminded me of LOTR meets The Hunger Games. I highly recommend it for fans of the genre!
-Z. Sklar, Amazon Customer
The Silver Sphere enticed me from the first page. The story is enjoyable throughout and is chock full of action, suspense, and a little romance. Shelby is a strong heroine, and I also enjoyed the journey Zach embarks on to find her (and the rest of the Kin). The end has a nice resolution with a teaser for the sequel. I liked the map (in the glossary) and the artwork as well.
-Susan M. Mikos, Amazon Customer
Scintillating Novel of Heroic Fantasy
An amazing blend of fantasy, action and a deep longing for lost youth. The writing was crisp, great characters and a truly epic journey throughout. A fully realized vision by the author. He kept me at rapt attention with a suspenseful plot that had me anxiously awaiting what new turns and twists he would unravel. Loved.
-David Scott Lynch, Amazon Customer
One of the best things about “The Silver Sphere” is that it has a inspiring and thought-provoking quality that I feel appeals to children and adults equally (who enjoy the fantasy/science fiction genre). Various undertones of the story keep on dazzling and blossoming in the reader’s mind with every page they read. Chock full of magical creatures and colorful characters, the story progresses at an exciting gallop. Great story!
-DB, Amazon Customer
This book is a breath of fresh air. It’s witty and original and is voiced with great care and creativity and this Shelby is such a strong character I want more of her. The Silver Sphere has a fantastic pace with some truly brilliant twists and turns that will leave you wanting for the next installment. Buy it. Read it. You won’t be disappointed. I cant wait for the sequel and will for sure recommend this to all my friends.
-Kevin Martin, lead singer of Candlebox, Amazon Customer
I was barely able to put this book down for a second after the first few pages got me completely hooked!I found the book to be well written with a fantastic pacing.
There is violence in there,but not so over the top as to be distracting.Even though the writing is geared for young adults,the main characters are teenagers(Shelby is awesome),there’s very little physical romance,and the actual violence would probably count as PG-13 nowadays.
The ending leads me to believe that this will be a series,this book has action,romance and is also sad.Great Read,I highly recommend!!!!
-Marina Gigante, Amazon Customer
An adventure-quest with a hip edge. I hung onto every page as Shelby, Zach and their fellow Kin tried to save Azimuth (and Earth) and put things to rights in their own lives. Although the novel ends with a satisfying conclusion (and at least one surprise), it is clear that the story isn’t over. Great read!
~ Izabella Scorupco, Actress, Bond Girl in Goldeneye
