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Crystal and the Underlings: The future of humanity Paperback – February 21, 2023
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The only thing she could trust was the cold steel blade in her hand.
Crystal was, without a doubt, the best warrior and strategist human history had ever seen. She was part of the seventh generation of Elite humans, genetically modified to be smarter, stronger, faster, and better than normal humans.
When her twin brother went missing in the Mojave Desert outside of their home in Imperial City, she was determined to do whatever it took to bring him home safely-even if it meant she had to seduce the infamous leader of the Underlings and infiltrate their military compound alone. For this to work, she couldn't have backup, and he couldn't know how much she wanted him dead.
All her life, she believed Elites are better at everything than Underlings. But what if that isn't true? As Crystal wrestles with newfound emotions, she must decide whose story she'll trust: the scientist who created her, or the Underling general who stole her heart.
This high-action romance takes place in a future version of the earth as we know it, blending dystopian world powers and lively character dynamics to create a hopeful view of the future perfect for fans of Frank Herbert and Andy Weir.
- Print length306 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherTorchflame Books
- Publication dateFebruary 21, 2023
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.69 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-101611534941
- ISBN-13978-1611534948
From the Publisher
Crystal and the Underlings | The Redeemed | The New Reality | The Omega Accord | Lethal Savage | Alex Pella boxed set | |
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Price | $0.99$0.99 | $0.99$0.99 | $7.49$7.49 | $0.99$0.99 | $7.49$7.49 | $12.99$12.99 |
Editorial Reviews
Review
Crystal and the Underlings: The future of humanity by Jack Kelley
Intricate, intriguing, and wonderfully engaging...
Kelley's epic dystopian tale brims with vivid characters and subplots. Part of the seventh generation of Elite humans, Crystal is considered the best warrior and strategist. When her twin brother goes missing in the Mojave Desert, she is assigned to bring him back and gather military information about the Underlings' operation there. To do that, she must seduce the infamous leader of the Underlings. But losing her heart to him wasn't something she had foreseen. Kelley's dystopian setting, in which regular humans are considered inferior to genetically enhanced species, is a strength. There's nothing new about enemy-to-lovers romance, but Kelley's novel is complicated and particularly human, involving real emotions and feelings. The fast-paced, absorbing narrative elegantly transitions between the gripping descriptions of ordinary humans trying to survive amid a host of menacing enemies and Crystal and Brownstone's love story. The cast is gleefully complex, and their interpersonal dynamic is rooted in reality. The story takes readers through Crystal's journey of reconciling both her desire and faith, imbuing the determined heroine with purpose. Brownstone remains consistently appealing. His sensitivity combined with his irresistible charm makes him a memorable protagonist. While the couple's burning chemistry drives the story, the futuristic technology and the tense, adrenaline-filled action scenes keep readers turning the pages fast. Questions about religion, faith, autonomy, personal freedom, individualism, and identity are skillfully woven into the story. Throughout, Kelley deftly educates readers on both the aspects of moral implications of discoveries in the field of genetic technology and the devastating effects of genetic modifications on the human population. Addictively readable, tense, and action-packed.
Crystal and the Underlings
The future of humanity
Jack Kelley
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Torchflame Books (February 21, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 306 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1611534941
- ISBN-13 : 978-1611534948
- Item Weight : 13.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.69 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #4,222,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8,812 in Genetic Engineering Science Fiction (Books)
- #18,805 in Dystopian Fiction (Books)
- #51,750 in Science Fiction Adventures
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
He was born the last of 12 children and the first to graduate college. In the 7th grade, they put him into an advanced reading class. Jack was as shocked as his classmates. It was only then that it occurred to him that he might be smart.
In his teenage years, he enjoyed reading action adventure and romance novels. So, it is only natural that those elements are a staple in his fiction writings. At the University, he developed a keen interest in what the future holds with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence and genetic engineering. His first novel paints vivid pictures of what the world might be like in the future and the dilemmas facing the earth’s inhabitants.
He has an M.S. degree from Murray State University. His faith and the support of friends have helped him through the difficult times of life. He lives in the rolling hills of Western Kentucky.
Customer reviews
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advancements we make ever backfire? How could that impact our future? If these thoughts
have ever crossed your mind, you will likely enjoy Jack Kelley’s debut novel Crystal and the
Underlings: The Future of Humanity.
Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and genetically modified “Elite” humans rank higher in this
dystopian world where unmodified humans, or “underlings”, are largely marginalized. The book’s
main protagonist is Crystal (a.k.a. Ice), a legendary Elite warrior who undertakes a risky
undercover mission to infiltrate an underling stronghold. Her mission, while successful on the
surface, does not go exactly as she planned. Little does Crystal know, her initial assignment
morphs into an action packed adventure filled with tense battles, romance, and moments of
humor. Allegiances are quick to change, and previous comrades are quick to become the new
enemies. With the odds stacked against them, the underdogs in the fight for humanity must use
natural intelligence and unconventional military strategy to survive.
What I liked most about this book was the adventure filled storyline, particularly the military
strategy and planning that goes into each mission. The author has a unique ability to be keenly
descriptive, which allowed me to vividly imagine the setting and events unfolding. While set in
the distant future, familiar geographic and pop culture references throughout allows the reader
to connect to the characters. There are also some unexpected plot twists that I will not mention
here, but it certainly made the story more interesting to me. I liked that there are many character
types, including various builds of AI powered robots, genetically engineered humans, and
unmodified humans (underlings). Each character has a unique personality ranging from
cold-blooded killer to friendly colleague, and everything in between. While Crystal is the
protagonist, other characters such as James “Maverick” Brownstone certainly share the
spotlight.
My only criticism of the novel is that it carries a heavy Christian theme, which may not appeal to
readers of a larger audience. The novel does not mention subscribers of different faiths, which
would be interesting to explore in the setting provided. While Crystal, and presumably most
Elites, initially appear to be nontheist or atheistic, this is the only obvious representation
included outside of the Christian faith. However, I believe that these religious themes do not
take away from the main story of Crystal and her ultimate personal transformation.
The story of Crystal and the other main characters is quite powerful, and I believe that fans of
romance or action/adventure novels will enjoy it just as much as fans of science fiction. In fact, I
believe that most fiction fans would enjoy reading this novel as it incorporates themes and
elements across many genres. Everyone enjoys a good underdog story, and Crystal and the
Underlings is that and much more!
The biggest issue I had with this book was that the dialogue seemed very unnatural and the writing was a little choppy at times, which is why I docked a star. It was clear that this was a debut novel, but some of that could be polished up to create an outstanding novel!