Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Death Drop (The D-Evolution #1)

by Sean Allen (Goodreads Author)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 61 ratings · 26 reviews

In a time when a live Human specimen would fetch a king’s ransom on the black market, being a smuggler seemed like the perfect front to search for her people. But the cost of Dezmara Strykar’s operation has forced her to win each smuggling run she enters. Now every smuggler is gunning for her top position, and her rare black Zebulon star freighter makes her an easily recog...more

Paperback, 560 pages

Published October 1st 2011 by Vintage Six Media

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Most Exciting Books Coming Out Fall 2011

59th out of 225 books — 880 voters

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The "Can't Wait" Books of 2011

141st out of 625 books — 1,911 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 905)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 05, 2012 Avry15 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, young-adult, reviewed

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

This book is amazing. The cover may not that be indicative of how great the content was, but believe me, this book could do just well in Hollywood.

At first glance, you might get scared of reading a 560-page sci-fi novel but this book got me hooked right at the beginning and it only got more intense the more I turned the pages. What more can I say? This is an epic story. :D

Death Drop by Sean Allen is the first novel in the D-Evolution series. There are...more originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

This book is amazing. The cover may not that be indicative of how great the content was, but believe me, this book could do just well in Hollywood.

At first glance, you might get scared of reading a 560-page sci-fi novel but this book got me hooked right at the beginning and it only got more intense the more I turned the pages. What more can I say? This is an epic story. :D

Death Drop by Sean Allen is the first novel in the D-Evolution series. There are two main narratives. The first follows the members of the Dissension Army as they attempt to track down a traitor to their cause. The second follows Dezmara Strykar as she tries to discover the mystery of her existence. The two plots start to interweave and Dezmara is on the run from everyone. That’s why it was quite frustrating to read the first few chapters of the book since she doesn’t appear until then. :D

Though “Death Drop” is sci-fi, I didn’t find myself confused with the fictional world and the terms and the descriptions used by the author. The author was very descriptive and his writing suited the story well. Although some of the descriptions I think are too wordy or quite unnecessary. The story moves from one gripping cliffhanger to another, and was always at a fast-action paced.

The facts and plot are already presented right at the beginning. With the well-written prose, the character build up has its foundation. I liked how Mr. Allen weaved this wonderful story, without getting lost in it himself. The scope of the novel is a vast place and I liked how the author makes use of this as an advantage in creating wild and different species.

The characters are amazing too. They are well-thought of, and how they’re described makes me want to jump into the book and see for myself. Mr. Allen brings all of them to life. I felt for the Dissension Army and for their cause. And I enjoyed Dezmara’s journey to uncover her existence.

The dialogues are believable; I enjoyed the banter a lot. The battle scenes are also great, bloody may be, but it suited the story well. There was never a boring part.

There’s a great twist at the end. Although this book may serve as a standalone, I would definitely be looking forward to the other D-Evolution books in this series.

All in all, “Death Drop” is a fast-paced, exciting, thrilling and action-packed sci-fi novel with pirates, gambling, smuggling, debt slaves, monsters, aliens, treasons, battles, traps and conspiracies . Would recommend to anyone who enjoys sci-fi at its finest.

*Though I won’t recommend this to very young children- based on the battle scenes*
(less)

like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars

400,000 years have passed since the last known Human was exterminated, and Dezmara Strykar can’t remember anything before the moment, eight years ago, when she woke up in an abandoned space freighter. But in that time, she has come to realize three things: she’s the best pilot and smuggler in the universe, she can handle herself in a fight, and she’s Human.

A race of creatures called the Durax rule the universe using their savage mind powers, and the remaining free people have two choices: join t...more 400,000 years have passed since the last known Human was exterminated, and Dezmara Strykar can’t remember anything before the moment, eight years ago, when she woke up in an abandoned space freighter. But in that time, she has come to realize three things: she’s the best pilot and smuggler in the universe, she can handle herself in a fight, and she’s Human.

A race of creatures called the Durax rule the universe using their savage mind powers, and the remaining free people have two choices: join the Dissension Army and fight, or struggle to survive in the cutthroat world of outlaws the war has created. In a time when a live Human specimen would fetch a king’s ransom on the black market, choosing life as a smuggler seemed like the perfect front to search for her people. But the cost of Dezmara’s operation has forced her to win each smuggling run she enters. Now every smuggler is gunning for her top position, and her rare black Zebulon star freighter makes her an easily recognizable target.

But dodging jealous smugglers, safeguarding her Human identity, and solving the mystery surrounding who she is will become harder than she ever imagined. A mysterious creature in a black Zebulon star freighter has murdered a soldier in the Dissension Army and has stolen their greatest weapon in the war against the Durax. Dezmara’s next run will turn into much more than just a cover to search for Humans. Dezmara Strykar just became the Dissension’s number one murder suspect. Now she is going to have to run for her life.

A terribly famous, and wholly remarkable, author once wrote that "Space is big. Really big". I don't read a huge amount of science fiction (I don’t get sent a lot to review – hint hint) but when I do read it I want the story to tap into that feeling. I want to boggle my mind with the scope of the epic, universe-spanning vision. I want to be exposed to strange alien races and cultures that I have never dreamed of before.

Death Drop by Sean Allen is the first novel in the D-Evolution series. There are two main narrative strands. The first follows the members of the Dissension Army as they attempt to track down a traitor to their cause. The second follows Dezmara Strykar as she attempts to uncover the mystery of her existence. The two plots start to interweave and Dezmara finds herself on the run from everyone.

There is quite a large cast of characters and I found all the different species one of the novel’s strengths. Each new race the reader encounters offers the opportunity for the author to let his imagination run wild. From the mutated evil of the Durax, to the minotaur like Moxen. Death Drop reminded me in some ways, of a favourite science-fiction comic from my youth called Alien Legion. Like the Legion, the Dissension Army is made up of many disparate characters who are all brought together to vanquish an evil force. It would be hard for me to choose a favourite character but I have to admit a bit of a soft spot for a couple of standouts, the marvelously monickered Dr Artemus Blink and Dezmara’s protector, Doidojo.

The are some huge action set pieces, both on and off planet, that are all suitably bloody and over the top. At one point the Dissension Army are forced to take on a huge group of battle trained bezerkers and I think I lost count of the number of dismemberments that occurred in that skirmish.

The story moves from one gripping cliffhanger to another, and zips along at a break neck pace. The best advice I can give is don't over think Death Drop. Let it wash over you like the fast paced, action packed spectacle that it is and I can guarantee you will have a great time. I look forward to visiting the D-Evolution universe again in the future.

Death Drop is published by Vintage Six Media and is available now.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 07, 2011 Ove rated it 4 of 5 stars

Graphic Debut Space Opera Adventure Romp of the First Order

I love getting to know new authors and this is Sean Allen’s debut novel. From visiting his homepage devolutionnovels.com I knew Sean is a bit of a renaissance man with an entertaining style of writing so I gladly accepted his publishers generous offer of a review copy. Since I haven’t seen fit to give myself a Pad (with or without an i) I read this on my iPhone. It translates to 1660 pages with the font I am using, just shy of 600 pages...more Graphic Debut Space Opera Adventure Romp of the First Order

I love getting to know new authors and this is Sean Allen’s debut novel. From visiting his homepage devolutionnovels.com I knew Sean is a bit of a renaissance man with an entertaining style of writing so I gladly accepted his publishers generous offer of a review copy. Since I haven’t seen fit to give myself a Pad (with or without an i) I read this on my iPhone. It translates to 1660 pages with the font I am using, just shy of 600 pages in print I would say. I like long novels so that was a plus right there.

What is it about? It is set in a universe with lots of different races, all likeness with earth animals intended (see the cast page). But they all have a problem with the Durax, a diminutive race with mind-controlling powers bent on conquering everyone and cruelly bend them to their will. Against them is the Dissension, a rebel organization with a Serum that protects them from the Durax’s mental powers. But something seems to be wrong with the Serum so they set out to catch the assumed culprit who happens to be the last Human (at least as far as she knows, she doesn’t really know she is human but from what she has read she assumes she is). Dezmara Strykar is a feisty rather likeable character and the whole mystery around her added a great deal of appeal to this book. That’s why it was rather frustrating to read the first fifth of the book since she doesn’t appear until then.

The beginning is a rather brilliant battle that makes use of almost every possible trope in military science fiction at least once and some of them many times and I mean that in a positive way. It was thrilling action packed and frustrating because I kept waiting on Dezmara. Things like that is author cruelty.

The rest is a fast paced, thrilling romp of a space opera adventure that just asks for more. There is treason, double-crosses, crash landings, rescues, pirates, traps, gambling, debt slaves, monsters, conspiracies, and strong characters.

You might believe the that writer is a graphic artist since the descriptions are really that, graphic. And that is the only real critic I would like to give, some of the description or events might be unnecessary drawn out due to wordy descriptions. The illustrations are in fact made by Matt Dixon.

Sean calls it ‘Greasepunk’ and it gives me sort of a Warhammer 40k (I have never read any 40k books but played the game) vibe mixed with classic science fiction and a good portion of humor. The banter level is acceptable (you know it is important to me) but it is the simple fun of the action that hooked me. I liked this book more and more as I read it and by the middle I was hooked.

This is a standalone book with a satisfying conclusion but open for more books about the characters and the D-Evolution universe I would gladly sign up for.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Ranting Dragon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guests

On October 1, 2011, Death Drop will burst onto the scene, leaving a trail of genre bending destruction in its wake. This explosive debut novel by Sean Allen is the first book set in The D-Evolution series.

Humans are dead. That’s right, they were completely wiped out 400,000 years ago; however, the universe is still populated by a myriad assortment of sentient life. That life is threatened by the Durax, a heinous race whose bodies are weak, but whose mind-controlling abilities have enabled them t...more

8 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I'd really give this book 3.5 stars but I'm rounding up to 4.

The primary reason for the rating being so low on what was really a fabulous book is simply that the beginning was very slow and you really have to stick with it for anything to make sense. The author crafts a brilliant earth where many races of creatures exist but no humans do, and -at least for me- keeping all these races straight was no easy task at first. The beginning, while fast paced and at times exciting, also is really little...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

*I received this book from the Goodreads.com giveaway in exchange for an honest review*

Lots of action- this book definitely kept my attention, even though Sci Fi usually isn't my chosen genre.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Mikko Azul rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what can I say? I'm not a science fiction fan, but the artwork on the cover captured my interest. I'm glad I followed my instincts and bought this book. It's a non-stop, action-packed adrenaline ride!

The main character Dezmara has endearing qualities that make you want to root for her while recognizing her all-too-human frailties make her struggle and earn every single gain.

Sean Allen writes in a visually stunning and vivid style, bringing the worlds and the creatures that populate them to...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 07, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, favorite

Can I just begin with wow? Seriously, it's been a long time since I've taken a dive into an epic science fiction adventure. Death Drop was definitely the perfect choice to get me back into the groove. Before I move on to anything else about this book I need to share one thing with you. These characters are amazing. Even if I wasn't able to see them in person on the D-Evolution website, I still would have been perfectly content. The way that Sean Allen builds his characters and brings them to lif...more Can I just begin with wow? Seriously, it's been a long time since I've taken a dive into an epic science fiction adventure. Death Drop was definitely the perfect choice to get me back into the groove. Before I move on to anything else about this book I need to share one thing with you. These characters are amazing. Even if I wasn't able to see them in person on the D-Evolution website, I still would have been perfectly content. The way that Sean Allen builds his characters and brings them to life, causes you to have them living in your head for the entire book. It blew me away!

That being said, one of Death Drops definite strong points is the descriptive writing it contains. From the sweeping reaches of space, to the very well thought out and unique races of this world, everything is beautifully described. To become immersed in this novel is as easy as breathing. At page one the reader is treated to nothing but well-written prose and character build up. Space is a very large place my friends. Sean Allen reminds us of that in every chapter. The scope of this novel is amazing, and a great place to get lost in. Add in dynamic and believable dialogue, and you have me hooked.

At its heart, this book is pure science fiction. Everything revolves around the fact that humans are no longer the alpha dogs in the universe. Actually, no race stands a chance against the Durax. It is guaranteed that your favorite character will be in peril at some point in this story. This allows the book to develop an incredibly frantic pace! By the time I was a few chapters in, I was unable to stop reading. I felt for the plight of the motley crew of survivors. I rooted for Dezmara. I rooted for Dissension Army and their cause. I happily admit that this would make an amazing movie. It's like strapping yourself into a fast car. Death Drop goes from zero to sixty in a matter of chapters.

I wish I could share more specifics with you, but the point remains that this is a very very largely scoped book. The character and world descriptions are vast, but beautiful. I will warn you that it is not as easy to get into an epic science fiction book as some others, so if you are going to tackle this make sure you are prepared! However I assure you that if you are willing to get lost in a book, Death Drop is well worth your time.
(less)

like · see review

Dec 24, 2011 Cal Desmond-Pearson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Almost finished and it richly deserves the 4 stars that I ave given it!
I'll write a proper review when I have finished the book.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 29, 2012 Yvonne Stegall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting and clever. Well written. Thanks Goodreads!(received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 CaptKirk42 Classic Whovian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, sci-fi, signed, read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Note this review I posted (well it's still in the posting queue waiting for publishing Saturday at noon 29 Dec) so it may read funny.

"He's onto us, Admiral!" Shouted Otto. "No real runner would steal cargo and go off course in the middle of a run - they'd never run again, not to mention the bounty put on their heads by the ringers in Trillis - It's HIM!" Malo grunted his agreement and flexed his fists in anger

NOTE: This review may contain SPOILERS.

Death Drop by Sean Allen. I got my copy of thi...more

like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Steven Cole rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Full disclosure: I received my copy of Death Drop for free as part of the Goodreads.com “First Reads” program, which throws out books to the huddled masses in order to help promote the books and get people to write reviews.

I was really looking forward to reading Death Drop... The back cover quotes were all stellar, and the reviews I read on Goodreads and elsewhere really made me think that the novel would be heaps of fun.

Nope.

This is a novel published by one of the many really little publishing...more

like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Pops rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Any Sci Fi Fan!

Recommended to Pops by: Science Fiction fan.

I have completed Sean Allen's first book "Death Drop" and found it quite captivating indeed! In the beginning, he built upon an in-depth and detailed descriptive platform of characters and scenes. This captured my attention. I could sense the ominous darkness of evil that the Durax had released upon not just a galaxy.... but to the universe itself and what seemed to be the hopelessness of the Dissension Army. The book was entrancing really. Death Drop kept you mesmerized by the fluid way in whic...more

like · see review

Aug 30, 2011 Jake rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review from www.rantingdragon.com

On October 1, 2011, Death Drop will burst onto the scene, leaving a trail of genre bending destruction in its wake. This explosive debut novel by Sean Allen is the first book set in The D-Evolution series.

Humans are dead. That’s right, they were completely wiped out 400,000 years ago; however, the universe is still populated by a myriad assortment of sentient life. That life is threatened by the Durax, a heinous race whose bodies are weak, but whose mind-contr...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 21, 2012 Dennis Venier rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, first-reads

Very impressive for a first novel and a very good way to start a series. I am not a fan of sci-fi but this did capture my attention and actually made sense unlike most new sci-fi novels or stories. I think this book needs a little more attention, I like the characters, the plot, and I even like the length of the book. Most books in series are pretty short and the author does that to make money, this is something I'd pay for which I don't say that for much series and not any sci-fi series. I did...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 22, 2012 April rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm on page 247 and am calling it quits. It seems that this book would be great for someone who is not an avid sci/fi reader, but for those of us who love the genre may have a few problems with it.
First the names and discriptions of some of the races are just silly. For instance Moxen, who look alot like upright standing ox. Mewlatia, who look feline(mew, you know the things that cats "say"). Extollers, can you guess this one? Yep they keep the exorcized spirits of their enemy with them. It jus...more

like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Belinda Dickey rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic book! It held my attention from the first chapter all the way through to the end. It was exciting and action-packed. The graphic description of some of the battle scenes makes it definitely a book for adults. I absolutely could not put it down. If you like sci-fi/fantasy type books, this one is for you!

1 like · like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Marina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Speculative fiction is not normally what I choose to read, but I loved this book. The characters are fascinating, lots of action, and it's quite graphic. I really liked going to the website and seeing the characters' artfully depicted: http://www.devolutionnovels.com/. They are awesome.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 09, 2011 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very fun and fast paced book. I couldnt wait to see what happened next.
Very entertaining. I would highly recommend Death Drop.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 24, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: space sci-fi fans

Shelves: goodreads-giveaways, 2012

Goodreads giveaway

I enjoyed Death Drop MUCH more than I expected to. Nothing against the genre, but space sci-fi isn't usually my top pick. This book may have changed my perspective.

Mr. Allen does an excellent job of weaving multiple story lines with the plot arc of the main character, Dezmara. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, and I very quickly found myself immersed in the world he created.

There are several surprising plot twists in the final chapter, and I am now impatiently...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Keith Weller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

At first I was hesitant, not sure what I was getting into. After the first ten pages, I was hooked! The writing style is much different than I have seen before, this is a huge plus to me. its refreshing to see new styles of books coming to life and giving us the opportunity to read them. I tip my hat to author, not only has he brought a great book to life, but has at the same time made it happen through the help of investors that have seen the same quality of work as I have experienced. I look f...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 06, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great read with interesting characters and lots of action.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 09, 2011 Rand Livingston added it

liked it, takes me away from every day life.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Bill Lefler rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm on page 138 of 560 of Death Drop: 2nd time trying to get into this book. The writing is soooo heavy-handed I just can't do it. You don't need to describe EVERY little thing that happens and EVERY object in the scene!!!

I'm done.

like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: half-read

I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. I am sorry to say I was not able to finish the book. I just could not get into it. I will try to give it another go sometime in the future. Maybe I just need to be in a certain mood.

like · see review

Oct 11, 2011 Paula Gregoire rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: any one who likes reading about unusual adventures

Recommended to Paula by: My grandsons

Highly entertaining so far. Have not finished reading yet
Have finished reading. Now I see why it was so highly recommended.

1 like · like · see review

May 20, 2013 Philippe marked it as to-read

May 18, 2013 Gretchen marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

May 12, 2013 Fredrik Björk marked it as to-read

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 30 31 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What's The Name o...: Need Help please [s]	7	35	May 07, 2013 12:01pm

combine
Other Editions (1)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Interview with Down the Road Show - Long Beach Comic Con 2011

Add a comment

Genres

Science Fiction

14 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

4 users

Fantasy

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Thief
by Anitra Lynn McLeod
Book I - Trinity
by Domenico Italo Composto-Hart
The Wand-Maker's Debate
by Jack D. Albrecht Jr.
The Colors of Malent
by Tim Adams
Ruin
by N.M. Martinez

About Sean Allen

Sean Allen was born in the U.K. to American military parents. He spent a majority of his childhood and early adult years in Colorado, where he earned a B.S. degree in Economics and a M.S. in Engineering and Technology Management from the Colorado School of Mines. Sean spent several years in the thriving Twin Cities arts community as a performing musician. He is currently living in California with...more

More about Sean Allen...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Death Drop

1 trivia question

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: Death Drop
avg rating	preview: Death Drop Goodreads rating: 3.89 (61 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10886396-death-drop?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1301530722l/10886396.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10886396-death-drop?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Death Drop by Sean Allen[/url]

Death Drop (The D-Evolution #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website