Audiobook Review: 7th Son: 7 Days

7th Son: 7 Days

By:  J.C. Hutchins

Publish Date:  December 2012

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  Prequel Anthology to 7th Son trilogy; 1st Book ~ Descent, 2nd Book ~ Deceit, 3rd Book ~ Destruction

First Glance Feel:  A day in the lives of all the beta clones before they came together.

Synopsis:
7th Son: 7 Days is a free audio prequel anthology to J.C.’s thriller novel, 7th Son: Descent. Set two weeks before Descent’s extraordinary events, the series reveals the lives of seven seemingly unrelated men, and their everyday challenges.

In the world of 7th Son, “everyday” challenges are far from ordinary. Each of these seven stories stars a unique John Michael Smith. Witness criminal profiler Dr. Mike’s quest to hunt an unstoppable serial killer. Watch blue-collar musician John realize a lifelong dream. Ride shotgun with USMC captain Michael on a dangerous black ops mission in the Middle East. Behold the worldwide influence of deranged computer hacker Kilroy2.0 … and more.

7th Son: 7 Days represents the creative reboot of the popular 7th Son thriller series. Designed to tightly integrate with 7th Son: Descent’s print novel storyline, 7 Days is a perfect introduction to the 7th Son universe. Meet the Beta clones … before they knew they were clones.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts and Summary:
I had read somewhere to listen/read this anthology AFTER the trilogy.

Each episode has comments made about the beta clone in it that are off yet right on point about them. None have a clue that they are more than the average man they believe they are and the comments have an ironic ring to them. J.C. is crafty in how each beta clone crosses paths with each other. They aren't like they meet on the street at different times but that their events are public and known to the others. These men are amazing in their special fields and these shorts show that, along with readying them for what's to come...

To get the full effect of each short episode and the double meaning in the words, I would highly suggest reading/listening to the trilogy first.

Monday: Jack
Jack has one place when the world is falling apart that he goes. Today he takes his daughters with him to the park. He wants to get them away from the news of the presidents terrible death at the hands of a child.

We see Jack in one day of his life, trying to put things together and find his peace when the world shines it's light on terrible events. But Jack's had a rough month and this month was to be better. Then the person Jack has a restraining order against, the man who's dead set against what Jack does at the University, shows up. Kalajian.

Jack's emotions are at a high and round the circle of different feelings. But the person Jack is and his personality holds true from the beginning and through the end. It's the feel for Jack that we get the whole way through the trilogy as well. He might weaver, but he's solid in his priorities.

There is a connection to the beginning of the trilogy here. I think there is even a drop to Father Thomas, though he'd not seen Father Thomas but heard of something great he did.

The other strange thing to this episode, I know it's planned but I liked it, is that Kalajian makes comments to Jack in reference to what he does as a profession, neither have a clue as to how those comments are closer to the vest than expected. These thoughts could refer to what is yet to be learned about Jack. For that reason, I like that I listened to this AFTER listening to the trilogy.

Tuesday: John
Today is a big day for John. A day he takes a small step to hopefully a bigger end.

John is the free spirit of the group. He isn't tied to one place or job, well until now as he found the girl of his dreams. He's a musician and taking a big step that will hopefully led his music career into something more.

This is a calm tell of a day in John's life. Nothing out of the ordinary happens. He enjoys his bike run and what he's doing. He seems to love life and his girlfriend, Sarah. All seems as it's going well for him.

Sarah's words about John ring as a reminder to what is to come and what I already know about with the trilogy. The words are true for John, yet there is an irony there that they aren't. I love this double thinking while listening.

We also get to hear a few songs by John Smith. If you'd like to hear them, you can find them on J.C. Hutchins web page for the album John Smith Anyman.

Wednesday: Kilroy2.0
Kilroy2.0 has done his research. The man that was hired to find him and stop Kilroy and his flock from their Internet searches and talks is now going to get a lesson. A lesson and warning to back away from Kilroy2.0.

Oh this is a great episode. I've always been suspicious and interested in Kilroy since the trilogy. Here, we get to see him talking to the walls. We hear what the walls have to tell him. And the best part, the walls almost tell the future. What they say to him fits with what happens to Kilroy in the trilogy. The mention of messiah, Messiah's killed then resurrected. Oh does it fit.

But this is cool to see Kilroy2.0 work his computer magic. He taps in and really gives the man a lesson in computer hacking. This is so neat. Oh the power of the Internet.

Thursday: Dr. Mike
A day in the life of a criminal profiler. Dr. Mike is on the job with a twisted serial killer out in the city.

The hoops the killer creates for the police and Dr. Mike to figure out and find him are terrible. The killer uses parts of the person they killed to give clues. This definitely would take a strong stomach to look so closely at these.

This is like a quick murder case for us to figure out, as Dr. Mike figures it out today after three weeks of searching. We do get left with the feel of who's the guilty party. I liked this feel as it's like a short mystery story.

This case is just a small indication at the 'games' of warp minded criminals that Dr. Mike can figure out. A preparation for what's to come in the trilogy.

I did get a kick out of what Kilroy2.0 did yesterday affects today's computer usage. lol. These characters don't know how they are crossing paths, when they do.

Friday: Michael
The Marines were called in to Iraq where a city is burning. Rookman Oil refinery employees are held hostage. Michael goes in with his crew to stop the men.

Michael is the action hero we like to watch or listen. Lots happening, guns, fighting, vehicle race, things that go boom, and more. This short reminded me of one scene in the trilogy, but it was with a different beta clone then.

We hear who was guilty in Dr. Mike's case from yesterday. Crafty connection here. I didn't see that coming and was great to see the answer (I really wanted to hear it). This story also mentions Rookman Oil here in Iraq and the hits they have taken. Also, there's mention of the body wear Michael tested, Viper wear. These last two things are handy notes to know in the trilogy.

Saturday: Jay
Jay's helicopter is shot down. He's on a mission from United Nations in Columbia to investigate the living conditions of the people of the land. But who would take down the helicopter?

Jay is, well, Jay. His reaction to the sudden death around him. The visions... Jay is sick at the sight.

This was interesting to see Jay on the job. I don't know why, but when listening to the trilogy I didn't realize Jay traveled so heavily. To be in far away lands and in the middle of troubles.

There is a danger in the lands with gorilla warefare use. And there is mention of the local group that could be the ones to take down the helicopter. They have access to weapons, given weapons. I'm curious what they want with the helicopter, or what is in it that they want.

Sunday: Father Thomas
Father Thomas gives a sermon on the need of faith, and epic faith, at this time with all the terrible, scary events that have happened.

Father Thomas is the perfect fit for ending this anthology. His sermon ties in all the events of the previous beta clones. All the tragic events they are fighting through. Thomas connects the last 6 days together and draws a close to the week. That people can easily forgo faith when things are as crazy and terrifying as they are now. He wants his congrigation to hold on to faith as there are still good people and deeds being done in the world.

We also see Father Thomas's strong faith he holds. This show of his believe and faith gives us a background and explains why Thomas was so rocked in the trilogy. We get a view into his karate black belt and how he came back to his path with God.

AudioBook Review: 7th Son: Destruction

7th Son: Destruction

By:  J.C. Hutchins

Publish Date:  2007

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  3rd in 7th Son trilogy; 1st Book ~ Descent, 2nd Book ~ Deceit

First Glance Feel:  The deep secrets of what Alpha has planned and working toward is coming to it's highest point. The storm has come, and all will be destroyed, one way or the other.

Synopsis:
As day four in the 7th Son adventure begins, John Alpha's quest for anarchy and genocide enters its final stage.

At every turn, the global terrorist has been triumphant. The world is reeling from a nuclear attack. An unprecedented energy crisis is upon us. Alpha himself has exclusive access to the White House, and secret weapons primed to propel his conspiracy into the endgame. The goal: planetary chaos.

Amidst this turmoil, the 7th Son's four surviving Beta Clones -- John, Father Thomas, Kilroy2.0 and Jack -- must defy their creators and hunt Alpha on their terms. Their mission: to stop the greatest assassination plot in history. The secrets John and his brothers discover will press them toward a final battle with their progenitor ... a battle in which the clones are outgunned, outnumbered and out of time.

Alliances will be made. Heroes will die. The end is nigh.

Destruction is the final novel in the J.C. Hutchins' 7th Son thriller trilogy.

First Sentence:
It felt good, damned good, to be laying down.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with the feel of calm before the storm. The beta clones are trying to collectively get into station with a calm presence to not risk frightening the world, yet they know they are fighting against time. This story has all the pieces the first two have, the suspense and the action. The anxiety of getting caught is ever present. Then the tension tightens the shoulders as I wonder if they will get to stop Alpha, in time? There are things in motion that we know of that the 7th Son and beta clones do not know. It's still going to be a rough ride.

All is coming together. Alpha's plans and events he put into motion outside of keeping the clones busy come to light. Alpha doesn't know that things are happening, or not happening, as he had planned. People are alive that Alpha thinks are dead. The 7th son and the beta clones are learning things and it appears now that the clones are getting ahead of Alpha.

The remaining beta clones feel real and it's personal as they struggle with their loses. I get the feel that they are acting and feeling as they are brothers, even after the short few days they've been together. The clones debate on going public with what they know of Rookman Oil and Alpha, which also means about them too... But would the world be ready for them?

Of the clones... I start off still suspicious of Kilroy2.0. He's really lost. He has an episode in the beginning of this book that has me wondering. I'm not sure what to make of him, and want to know what happens. All the John's change in their own ways. These short days have impacted them all and they have grown in ways they never thought they'd have to.

Listening to the story... J.C. has done, once again, an amazing job. The characters have slightly different tones to their voices, which he portrays. Also the tension and apprehension that comes with the events as they climax and unfold is in his voice and draws my heart to thump and me to worry, pausing what I'm doing to wait for the height of the moment. The episodes are a bit longer every once in a while, closer to 45 mins than the 25-30 mins in previous books. Though many episodes here are about 30 mins as well.

When the storm hits... Oh what a wicked, vicious storm it is. The destruction of so much, connected with the beta clones and beyond. Some live through, some don't. The depth of Alpha's doings and the conspiracy that is uncovered. Then! To cover the truth!

This book combines all the tension, anxiety and action packed moments of the first two books. An amazing conclusion to the beta clones lives and troubles circling around from them. We've made full circle. Where we started in each man's life being taken, we now return home with each man. Though some homes are different now, peaceful.

AudioBook Review: 7th Son: Deceit

7th Son: Deceit

By:  J.C. Hutchins

Publish Date:  2006

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  2nd in 7th Son trilogy; 1st Book ~ Descent

First Glance Feel:  None stop race for their lives and to learn as much as they can about where Alpha will strike next. But...there is more happening than meets the eye of the beta clones.

Synopsis:
Two days ago, seven human clones -- John, Michael, Father Thomas, Dr. Mike, Jonathan, Jack and Kilroy2.0 -- were torn away from their "normal" lives to stop a ruthless plot created by their progenitor, a man code-named John Alpha. Their quest was a descent into conspiracy, violence and death.

The clones were successful in their mission, but victory was not without its price.

As 7th Son: Book Two - Deceit begins, the Beta clones are demoralized, reeling from their loss ... and about to learn that John Alpha's plans are far from over.

To prevent the next phase of Alpha's plan, John, Kilroy2.0, and the others must unearth more dark secrets about the government project from which they were spawned. They will experience the horrors of betrayal, and race cross-country to track John Alpha.

And they will finally realize the scope of Alpha's wrath -- the bloodshed the clones have witnessed is merely a prelude to the world-rending destruction to come. Unless they can stop it first.

Deceit is the second novel in J.C. Hutchins' 7th Son thriller trilogy.

First Sentence:
Click. Double-click.
The flaming helicopter rotor blade swirled across the computer screen, a pixelated blur of amber and crimson, a boomerang gone bad.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts and Summary:
Our clones continue on, rallying from the shock of what they've learned of their selves, of Alpha, and the event at the night club. They thought they won, but will learn things are deeper than they even imagined. Alpha has far more plans for them all, however these plans and learning secrets comes a price. But can the beta's pay the price Alpha is demanding to follow his clues and do as he wants?

The author as sole narrator of this book... I don't even notice that he's the sole voice of the audio. He uses infliction as a master with the different beta clones and other characters to differentiate them as listening. But the action and all that materializes here has my attention and I know well who is who of the characters by now.

The clones learn of Psyjack, what John Alpha most likely is using to continue on living, in a fashion. John Alpha's body might be dead, but his mind lives on. Now the prospects of what Alpha has planned are endless. What is he going for? What is he planning?

John Alpha has left puzzles for the clones to solve. I got drawn into this puzzle and tried to figure it out myself! I loved being pulled in, in such a fashion.

The stress of the quick pace of the last few days along with the shock of all they learn and finding their thought-to-be-dead mom causes friction between the clones. The whole idea of what she's worked on, and even perfected, with the Psyjack has them all shaken up as to morals and ethics, and how this can all be used sooo wrong. It has to be hard when you have morals, and who you are looking for does not. To put together fast enough what he is doing with the science that questions each of their ethics.

When we thought we learned all that we could, there is more that Alpha wants the clones to know. With what they are doing, and the psychotic man they are looking for, there are costs and some may die.

These men, the beta's, are experts in their specific areas of study. Alpha is one man, even though he Psyjacks people and knows their memories, it takes a few minutes to access and find what he needs. The beta clones might be able to use that second to get ahead of Alpha.

Alpha's plans are so much deeper than the clones, even the lead doctor, had ever thought. Alpha has one twisted, brilliant mind. His corruption and conspiracies have no end in sight. And we are starting to learn hints to the extent of his plans with the clones and beyond. Alpha is one dangerous man, and no one is safe. Is it all a game to him?

This book has the mental thinking and calculating, along with action and on the move for their lives feel. There is quicker paced as we are learning big details and the clones have to move to keep safe and learn their clues left behind.

With the action is the tension of whether they will make out alive, ever so strongly present.

Once again, I've already got book 3, Destruction, downloaded and ready for listening. And I need it now!

AudioBook Review: 7th Son: Descent

7th Son: Descent

By:  J.C. Hutchins

Publish Date:  January 1, 2006

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in 7th Son series

First Glance Feel:  Seven men who learn the truth behind their existence, and a conspiracy that they find themselves in. And hunt through clues left for them, to find the man behind murdering the president before he kills more.

Synopsis:
As America reels from the bizarre presidential assassination committed by a child, seven men are abducted from their normal lives and delivered to a secret government facility. Each man has his own career, his own specialty. All are identical in appearance. The seven strangers were not born, but grown — unwitting human clones — as part of a project called 7th Son.

The government now wants something from these “John Michael Smiths.” They share the flesh as well as the implanted memories of the psychopath responsible for the president’s murder. The killer has bigger plans, and only these seven have the unique qualifications to track and stop him. But when their progenitor makes the battle personal, it becomes clear John Alpha may know the seven better than they know themselves...

First Sentence:
The president of the United States is dead.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts and Summary:
Seven men are approached and not given a choose about going with the abrupt men who are sent to retrieve them. These men will learn they were put on this Earth with a reason in mind. An experiment. They are part of a secret project, 7th Son. When they are told the pieces they need to know of their creation they will have to come to terms with the fact that half of their lives are not their own. And the memories they share, which belong to another called John Alpha, is what will help them bond together and use their individual expert fields of professions to find the man that the facility feels is responsible for the presidents death. The knowledge John Alpha contains, of them and of the project, will be a challenge for them as they work together to find and collect him, before more die.

Wow. The start! The visual holds you on every word. To start with such an event as the President's death... and how it was done along with WHO! I was hooked to learn what was going on.

We get the story through the seven clones. It was rather easy to keep up with who was who as I went. When we meet each man we saw they each have a distinct personality, and each are completely different from the others in life, job, personality, and even in their abduction. Even as early as chapter 2, I knew each man as he was talking. I was amazed (early on and through out the book) with how easily I caught on to the clones so early. If I happened to start to blend the men J.C. Hutchins seemed to know that. The author would drop a distinct characteristic that told me who was talking or being talked to. J.C. has done an amazing job of making each character their own and memorable as he's moved the story on, and the plot deepened.

We spend time with the seven men as they came to grips with what they learn of themselves, the parents they remember, and the aunt and uncle that raised them. Then there was this whole facility and the psychotic John Alpha. In this form we learn of the men and the science project they are. But, we all know not all the details are shared... and the clones come to grips with who they are in order to solve the riddles John Alpha has left them, and try to stop his crazy rampage.

Oh, this story could soooo be a tv series. To watch and never knowing where Alpha was, or who he would be... Yes, could be a show to catch our attention and keep us guessing. I even thought Dollhouse fans might enjoy this book.

This story has a few action moments, but what has caught me is the mental intrigue. It was like a psychological battlefield for these men! What they learn and have to twist to keep people safe by finding John Alpha. The mystery and history behind the 7th Son project. The conspiracy grows, widening, and the feel that we've not even come to the point of knowing all that happens here or why. There are bread crumbs dropped and I'm working at putting the puzzle together. I like this. It's a story to think as I'm listening, digest, and think as it goes.

I have already downloaded book 2: Deceit and will be listening to it as soon as tomorrow. I have to know how deep this and the conspiracy goes!