First Chapter Review: Fires of Man by Dan Levinson

Fires of Man by Dan Levinson is a sci-fi, action, drama novel I received through Pump Up Your Book.

BLURB:  Supposedly, the war between Calchis and Orion ended decades ago. But upon reporting to an isolated Orion army base for basic training, Private Stockton Finn learns the war still rages, only the weapons have changed—most disturbingly of all, Finn has been selected to become one of those weapons.

Across the border, young Calchan farm boy Aaron Waverly learns all too well just how determined his country is to win the war when he is abducted from his family's property by a sinister government operative known only as Agent. Trapped in dreary new surroundings, learning deadly skills he's never before imagined, Aaron struggles to reconcile his ephemeral faith with his harsh new reality.

As the two nations hurtle toward a resurgence of open hostilities, Finn and Aaron—along with their powerful new mentors—prepare themselves for the inevitable clash. Meanwhile, Calchan archaeologist Dr. Faith Santia unearths a surprising find in the frozen tundra far to the north, which hints that the brewing conflict may only be the first of their worries...

COVER: Love it. The color scheme is great. The burning city in the background speaks to the setting. And the raised gold lettering screams out the genre. Nicely done.

FIRST CHAPTER: A man known only as Agent approaches the farm of Aaron Waverly and kidnaps him.

KEEP READING: A character-driven reader such as I is at a disadvantage when reading a chapter where the central character is a man with no name. Even he only knows himself as Agent. But the author does an excellent job of dropping the reader right into the action. The first chapter is short, but intense. Though this isn't a genre I read a lot of, I'm definitely intrigued and wish to continue.


Series: Psionic Earth (Book 1)
Paperback: 392 pages
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press (June 17, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939967325
ISBN-13: 978-1939967329
Also available for Kindle and Nook!

Dan Levinson is a NY-based writer of speculative fiction. Trained as an actor at NYU's Tisch School of Arts, he also writes for the stage and screen. He grew up immersing himself in fantastical worlds, and is thrilled to now create them. In addition to the Psionic Earth series, he is also the author of the upcoming YA fantasy novel The Ace of Kings, first book of The Conjurer's Cycle.

For More Information

• Visit Dan Levinson’s website.
• Connect with Dan on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Dan at Goodreads.
• Contact Dan.

I received a free copy of the Kindle version of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

For More Information

• Fires of Man is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
• Read excerpt here.