Tag Archives: Beta

Book Review: Beta (The Apex Cycle Book 1) by M.T. Zimny

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Beta (The Apex Cycle Book 1) by M.T. Zimny

A YA Sci-Fi Novel published by M.T. Zimny  (09/27/20)

Summary:

Samantha and her family are moving to the island that’s the Apex epicenter of the world, but not everyone is happy about the Apex. Even on the ferry ride over, there are people protesting against the superpower-enhanced individuals known as the Apex. Samantha doesn’t have to worry about that though, because she’s completely normal, except for her fainting spells. After being dropped off at boarding school, Sam quickly discovers there’s more going on with the Apex, the Island, and some mysterious man called Adrestus. Swept up in the mystery by her old friend and current new roommate, Sam will quickly find out there’s so much more going on with the Apex. She will even discover more about herself along the way.

Keywords:

Superhero Science Fiction, Fantasy Adventure Fiction, Romantic Action & Adventure, Super Human, Enhanced, Powers, Friends, Boarding School, Island, Secrets, Classmates

My Review:

The very first chapter sucked me right in. It was well executed. Immediately the story and the main character Sam piqued my interest. When I first grabbed this book, I was dismayed at its 600+ pages, but I quickly got into the story and finished in one weekend, ready to continue with the next book in the series. It is a big book. There is a lot going on and still, the pacing is excellent throughout the beginning, the middle, and the end.

I loved all the twists and turns the story took. I loved the training montage. I loved the buildup and mystery leading to the climax. I loved the ending.
There was just enough complication and depth to the plot to keep me guessing but not too much to confuse me. There were enough unique characters that I cared about all of them (though of course disliked Sam’s rival) but not too many that I lost track of who was who. I really loved how the author created such uniquely different characters.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding on this remote man-made island and I can’t wait to learn more about the powers. The book was lighter on the science fiction superpower elements and I’m sure the next book in the series will delve even deeper into the powers, along with the friendships, romance, family, and Apex secrets. I know there’s more politics in there and I’m glad this first book was a solid action-adventure YA coming-of-age type book. I can’t wait for the next one!

This novel was published by M.T. Zimny on 09/27/2020 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads

M.T. Zimny’s Website