After Mike goes through a gut-wrenching betrayal by his fiancée, he finds himself in what he thinks might be the afterlife. But this is no heaven. The gods made a mistake and created another Earth in a parallel universe, putting both universes in peril. They need someone from his planet to destroy the alternate, and Mike is randomly selected for the job.Trapped in an impossible choice, Mike … Mike accepts his mission and is returned to an Earth—and a body—so unlike his own. There, he meets Jane, who is—unbeknownst to him—the secret leader of an organization bent on tracking down Earth’s saboteur. In the face of her passion for humanity, Mike’s resolve falters. If Mike won’t complete his mission, the gods will.
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Intriguing
Hofsetz pens an interesting story in Challenges of the Gods. First, this plot was pretty unique and very interesting. This is the first book by Hofsetz that I’ve read, and I liked the writing style, and how the author was able to create intrigue along twists and turns. Yes, the title fits the story. The story introduces the reader to Mike, a character with a lot of depth and flaws, but was very likeable. The version of the “afterlife” that set the stage for this story, and it was told very well. An intriguing, unique story that brings action and intensity to the story, as well as passion and humanity. A great read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Challenges of the Gods
Author: C. Hofsetz
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 17 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I love that this book is very different to what I normally read. The premise is very clever. Not only that, but it’s also well written with good characterization and a twisting plot.” Male reader, aged 55
“What a fun romp this novel is. Although it’s humorous in part, it’s also rather thought-provoking in terms of the Gods and how humanity will do anything to keep them happy. The pacing was also excellent throughout, and the ending was gripping. There must be a book two!” Female reader, age 60
“Solid pacing and an interesting storyline. I think lovers of fantasy novels will get a thrill from this. I’ll be reading the sequel.” Male reader, aged 40
“A cleverly woven plot about a man who is chosen to destroy a planet if he wants to save his own. I very much enjoyed this novel. Not only is the premise totally original, but there’s a strong element of humor throughout. This is a talented writer and I’d happily read another of his books.” Male reader, aged 38
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping novel, superbly plotted and with stronger characterisation. A finalist and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Would you kill a bunch of people to save your planet?
Challenges of the Gods by C. Hofsetz is a lot different than what I thought it would be. We follow Mike as he tries to figure out what to do and how to do it in this new body and on this new planet.
What I like:
• Mr. Hofsetz has the story within three parts which works for this book and the way he has plotted it.
• It is written in the first person so all we know is what Mike is thinking and seeing and it works.
• The way that Mike slowly integrates himself into his new version of Earth.
• Mr. Hofsetz has created an interesting little meeting place for these two different Earths to go and learn things.
• The way the main character was able to make everyone believe that he wasn’t the mole sent by his planet.
What I don’t like:
I didn’t like the Messengers as they weren’t good people. Since the beginning, they were manipulating everyone. Another dislike is the whole game that the Gods were playing with different sets of human races. The last thing that I didn’t like is that the person he switched with did two completely different things that make it hard for the other to live that life.
Three Star
Challenges of the Gods by C. Hofsetz is an entirely different book from what I thought it would be. I did finish the book, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. Mr. Hofsetz is a great author, but I had to look up some words, and then I got put off. It is a great book despite that, and I am giving it a three-star rating.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
Baroness Book Trove.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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