The Sphinx Project (The Chimaera Chronicles, #1)

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

The Sphinx Project (The Chimaera Chronicles #1)

by Kate Hawkings (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 175 ratings · 31 reviews

Not many people can say their entire existence has been one big lab experiment: poked and prodded by scientists, genetically modified to be the best and endure the worst, subjected to daily tests and trials that would kill a normal human. All Michaela wants is her own life, to be able to go to school, flirt with boys, maybe eat ice cream now and then. So when the chance to...more

Paperback, 254 pages

Published February 28th 2012

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

2012 Debut Authors (Young Adult & Middle Grade)

69th out of 793 books — 4,494 voters

Self Published Young Adult Books

16th out of 1,036 books — 1,642 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,974)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 19, 2012 Mitch rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Please note minor spoilers
I think before we delve into this review, it is very important that I put a disclaimer here. I read this the day after I got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out, plus had a procedure performed on my jaw joint at the same. I was on all kinds of crazy pain killers and my face was still numb. What I remember reading and what I actually read may not be the same things. I was in my own little world completely.

Okay, let’s get started.

First of all: The Prologue. It’s interes...more Please note minor spoilers
I think before we delve into this review, it is very important that I put a disclaimer here. I read this the day after I got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out, plus had a procedure performed on my jaw joint at the same. I was on all kinds of crazy pain killers and my face was still numb. What I remember reading and what I actually read may not be the same things. I was in my own little world completely.

Okay, let’s get started.

First of all: The Prologue. It’s interesting. It caught my attention. But it never actually connected to anything later in the story. There was never any allusion to it whatsoever that I could pick up. It was like there was a prologue for the sake of showing of that these chicks are bad ass and have mad skills, yo.

The actual story itself starts off very bleak.. not in a – this story looks crap – way, but in a –wow these characters sure do have it tough- way. In some ways I was amazed at how generally well adjusted these girls were when the things they had to go through were put into consideration. I guess that’s the humanity of the “mother” figure they had. I have to say that everytime Michaela mentioned “Mom” it made me think of “Mother” by Pink Floyd .. and then led me to think that hey.. maybe this mysterious “Mom” character is actually the mastermind behind all this, and Michaela is suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Well, this doesn’t happen as far as this book is concerned. Mom is just her Surrogate mother who stuck around and showed the girls love and compassion. Awww.

For the most part, the story flows fairly well, and I found myself being very caught up in it. There are a few awkward moments – whether it’s a scene transition.. or the characters do something/go somewhere just to make the next thing in the plot happen more conveniently. I realise this is what writing is all about, it’s just done a little awkwardly sometimes. I really found the laser tag tournament unnecessary. I know it was for them to earn money, but in a country torn apart by some kind of Zombie apocalypse, teamed up with the 2012 end of world theme running through it I found it a little odd that there would still be a laser tag tournament going on.

There is a bit of romance in here too – what YA novel doesn’t have some kind of romantic interest these days? I didn’t really cheer for Michaela and her love interest that much. I wasn’t against it, but it didn’t really seem organic. It was a bit of “I hate you for unspecified reasons” -brooding glare- then proceeded to “Actually, yeah, nah. I do fancy you afterall! Cool banana’s!” –happy hand holding-.

Don’t get me wrong, despite all this it is a very enjoyable read. Not only this, you have to remember it’s self published and I think at the end of the day, I think if she had the same team of well paid editors that “published” authors do, the story would flow perfectly. As it is, for a self published effort, very impressive. I will definitely be reading the next instalment when it comes out.

Rating: 3.75/5
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 June Luu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: have-to-have, love-adventure, love-paranormal, favorites, zombies-and-other-stuff

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING....I loved from the first word to the last.
The characters are so brave and not selfish that you just love all of them. There were twist and turns in the story, the way (spoiler) a character change from good to bad in seconds and the way you never expect anything that happened in the book...Sometimes, you can guess what happens in a story but this one, you can never expect anything...
Even though I'm a big romance reader, this story doesn't have much romance in it but it makes...more THIS BOOK IS AMAZING....I loved from the first word to the last.
The characters are so brave and not selfish that you just love all of them. There were twist and turns in the story, the way (spoiler) a character change from good to bad in seconds and the way you never expect anything that happened in the book...Sometimes, you can guess what happens in a story but this one, you can never expect anything...
Even though I'm a big romance reader, this story doesn't have much romance in it but it makes me BEG for book 2 because I want to know what happens between Matt and Kayla. AND I'M DYING TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK.
The ending left you in a complete cliffhanger...I was reading it and then I was like "Is that it? I want to know what happens!!!!"
Kayla was strong, brave and would do anything to (spoiler) get her twin sister back. Matt was an asshole but a good and caring asshole, I loved him and everyone else. Mouse was like a child but a very smart child, Jake was sweet, he was quiet and kind of like a geek and he kind of suit Mouse. Nike was BAD-ASS, hot (totally hot) and friendly, I loved her, she was like a girly girl at times but she's all business at the right times.
Even though most of these characters only appear half way through the book (except Kayla, Mouse and Nicole), they were likeable really quickly and you'll fall in love with them straight away.
(Spoiler) Briana was good but she turned bad half way through the book, and Kate doesn't tell you why and I was like "WHY DID SHE SELL THEM OUT IN THE CLUB??" all the way through the book..
Every sentence captured me and I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to read it all the way through but I had to stop because later I'll be "I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK...I'M GONNA DIE...KILL ME MUMMY...I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANYMORE!!" and that's what I'm like right now.
You'll love this book when you read it and you'll be like me right now after you finish it...
I HATE YOU KATE, FOR MAKING ME WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK BUT I LOVE YOU FOR WRITING SUCH A GOOD AND FANTASTIC BOOK!!! Cannot wait for the next one... :)(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Amy (Books, College, and Other Random Things) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I received a copy for review.

All Michaela’s life, she has been training and been tested on to see how far her body can recover from viruses. She, along with her sister, Nicole, and friends Mouse and Briana, have been lab rats for too long. Her mother has been dead for 5 years, and they all decided that they need to break out.

When they do, there are creature-like humans that breakout as well. They head out to the West Coast and find themselves in several skirmishes and natural disasters.

I’ve nev...more

like · see review

Feb 23, 2012 Book Whales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Originally posted @ Book Whales

A lifetime as a lab rat, or forever on the run? For Michaela it's not a hard decision.

When I saw this book on Goodreads, I was literally drooling over it. I was drawn to the cover and the blurb sounds so good. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC directly from the author. Oh boy, this book is so good. There were no dull moments from the first chapter up to the last. I devoured this book in one sitting.

The story is about the Sphinx Project, an experiment with an...more

like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Maria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

I like The Sphinx Project.

*****

The Sphinx Project has potential. The sci-fi element is not new but the action-packed scenes brought new flavor to it. I liked the execution but i had problems with the ebook copy. There are several wrong spellings and grammatical errors that affected the meaning of sentences and paragraphs. Could this be a result of lack in editing and proofreading? i don’t know. Also, i found most of the action scenes too descriptive. It was technically right but i lost the emoti...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Soumi(in love with Puck) Roy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, arc-e-galley, books-i-reviewed, dystopian, zombies, sci-fi

Michaela, along with her twin sister and few friends has spent their whole life being an object of experiment in a hidden lab, like rats in a cage. Genetically modified and subjugate of tests that can kill a human being, Michaela suffered the worst. The night Michaela got sick and nearly dead after a horrible experiment on her, the group escaped the lab. But this was not their happy ending; it was just beginning of their worst nightmare. When they escaped, they accidently released some creature...more Michaela, along with her twin sister and few friends has spent their whole life being an object of experiment in a hidden lab, like rats in a cage. Genetically modified and subjugate of tests that can kill a human being, Michaela suffered the worst. The night Michaela got sick and nearly dead after a horrible experiment on her, the group escaped the lab. But this was not their happy ending; it was just beginning of their worst nightmare. When they escaped, they accidently released some creature neither human nor animal, which had no senses of right and wrong and they can kill any thing in their way. Hunted down lab agents and the creature, the group met a strange boy and Michaela must aids for his help to save her world from falling apart especially when sister’s life was at stake.

How Freaking Awesome Is The Book

For and pre apocalyptic/dystopian novel The Sphinx Project is just wow. The Sphinx Project was enjoyable read and I was flipping through pages to see what’s next. I was literally horrified reading the book; it contains excellent action, griping plot and suspense.

"Freedom was my dream, a fantasy. It always had been, even though it wasn’t something we spoke of often. To be able to choose for myself what to do with my life. Never having to hunt people down like animals ever again. The chance to be me instead of pretending to be someone else, simply to trap my prey."

I loved each and every character of this book, needless to say how much I liked the protagonist Michaela. She is just that brave and kick ass. I wonder how she survived each experiment. Late we know that her actual name is Kayla and truth behind her birth is much more sinister that she had ever imagined. Kayla has more ability than anyone in the group which makes her the main target. I can definitely say was so clearly intelligent and brave.
All the other girls in the group were brave as well, especially I loved Mouse, she was with Kayla from the beginning and I really appreciate how the author highlighted all the side characters beside the protagonist which is really rare in modern YA novels
Of course Kayla had a love interest Matt, one of the toughest male lead I have encountered with. He’s tough and intellectual. I wish there was much more romantic contents in the book.

The plot had well flow in it, and I was completely engrossed into the pages. There was blood, violence and mesmerizing action. A gorgeous book, well written and amazing success for the author, the book is recommended for all dystopian fans and older teens. (less)

like · see review

Feb 25, 2012 Raihana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: most-awesome-book, favorite-books

CAPTIVATING AT FIRST SIGHT.

Has a book ever left you speechless when you have just finish read the last few sentences? The Chimaera Chronicles will do just that!
From the moment you begin reading to the very ending of the book, you find yourself glued to wherever you are, unable to withdraw you eyes from the book.

The Sphinx Project is a fast moving plot with plenty of action packed scenes and nail-biting moments which will literally leave you on the edge of your seat. Kate Hawkings has created a m...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 31, 2012 Emily Ward rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian-post-apocalyptic, kindle, own, science-fiction, self-published

Here is my slightly longer review. . .

Hawkings has a great way of building suspense. I was on the edge of my seat this whole book. These main characters are badass and they really know how to get stuff done! I really liked reading this story, it flew by so quickly! I wanted it to be longer. The action and all the developments and science fiction to me was really cool and intriguing.

I think it could have benefited from just a tad more character development. I knew the girls' names and their "tra...more

like · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Natasha Halid rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kick-ass-heroines, young-adult-fantasy

The Sphinx Project is a thrilling, action packed beginning to an amazing new series by Kate Hawkings which will certainly captivates its readers. The story centers on Michaela or Kayla who is a product of a secret science experiment to create a hybrid super human from the genes of various animals and combining it with human genes. As expected Kayla is the perfect super soldier but she longs to escape from the malevolent and sinister scientists who keep her and her sisters imprisoned in their fac...more

like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Elena Ransley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Simply amazing!

Believe me, it does not disappoint. Fast paced, action packed, compelling storyline..even the slightest hint of romance is included in this genreless book.(Maybe I have made that word up - lets run with it!) And it is genreless, its crossover is what holds its appeal, a bit of everything for everyone and it certainly seems effortless, and there is not one point that I scrunched my face feeling that it didn't work.

Sure, it may predominantly fit YA but i think to pigeon-hole it woul...more

like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Ben rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

Kindle freebie with a decent premise. Big Pharma/genetic splicing/new age warriors. The book provides a slew of plot lines and plenty of backstory to be filled in (assuming the series continues).
Aside from twice in the book referencing "pre-loaded magazines" (in both contexts, it is rather implied that one would load extra clips in advance) ha, the book flowed pretty well. I'm not hooked to wait for the next installment, but If I happen to stumble across it - will giver 'er a go.

like · see review

Jun 20, 2012 Koalathebear rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

This novel took me a little while to get into, but once I had committed to it - it ended up being a pretty gripping and interesting read. Although there were certain elements in this novel which followed the standard formula and were easy to predict, there were also elements that were quite fresh and novel. At times it reminded me of the series "Dark Angel", in terms of the human bio-engineering etc. Will definitely be continuing with the series.

like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Brenda rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book was just ok for me. It had nonstop action from start to finish. It was like reading about a military mission. If you enjoy that kind of book then you'll like this one. The characters were under developed and lacked real emotion. As a result, I had trouble connecting with the characters. At times I had difficulty following the action and understanding who was doing what. It had an exciting ending and sets up an interesting story to continue. Not sure though if I'm up to reading it.

like · see review

Feb 09, 2013 Rhomy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-in-a-series, dystopia, part-of-a-series, young-adult, first-reads, giveaways

I'm so happy I won this book! Yay! Can't wait to read it :D

5 super stars!!!
Review coming soon!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 2.9.13

This book was awesome. A great choice! I'm glad I won it!

The story is fast paced, got me hooked since page one and never had a dull moment. Action packed and even in the middle of all that, the author manage to blend little love scenes.

I am a fan of romance novels and I always want romance in every book, this one had such...more

like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Kristopher rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kris-books

It was a good book I liked it due to the video game feel to it. It is a cross between residentevil evil and modern warfare 3 with all zombie like creatures and genetic modification and spec op combat.

like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Cheryl marked it as to-read

When I read the synopsis, I immediately thought of Maximum Ride.
If it's anything like that series, I'm going to love this one.
Let's gooo.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 02, 2012 Hmr28 marked it as to-read

I'd like to read this book, but it is not available for the Nook (barnes and noble). I am not going to buy another device and I don't like Amazon's practices any way. Too bad, this looks like a great book and it has good reviews.

like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Charlotte rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a book that will have you gripped from the very beginning, then this it it. Beautifully written, action packed, and full of loveable characters. I love Kayla's obsession with ice cream, and the relationships between the girls. You really feel for them as they're on the run, having no idea what to expect next. I certainly had no idea what to expect next, which kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Such a big cliffhanger at the end though! When I realised I had...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 07, 2012 Emily marked it as to-read

Maximum Ride, anyone?

1 like · like · see review

Mar 30, 2013 Julie added it

Shelves: read-2013, young-adult

Eh. DNF'd at 20%.

like · see review

Aug 21, 2012 Susan added it

Left me hanging...there has gotta be more :o) Couldn't put down once again.

like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 Brea Essex rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Sphinx Project is AMAZING! I had been looking forward to reading this book for months, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. It exceeded my expectations. I literally couldn't put it down from the moment I began reading. Ms. Hawkings' story hit the ground running and didn't stop until the end--and even at the end. The cliffhanger is going to drive me crazy until the release of the second book in the Chimaera Chronicles. I have two words for you, Ms. Hawkings: WRITE FASTER! I'm dying for this...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 Deanna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3 1/2 stars

like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Mandi ferguson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I REALLLY LOVE IT..... but the ending?!!!

like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian

i really enjoyed the sphinx project. fast paced, likable characters, well written...can't wait til book #2!

like · see review

Mar 13, 2012 Day rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars overall.

Full Review on Paperback Dolls - http://paperbackdolls.com/?p=9848

THE SPHINX PROJECT is a good debut that is impressive when you consider that it is a self published work by a young author (I believe she is 21 or 22). If this is only a glimpse at the caliber of storytelling to come from this author, we should expect great things ahead. I look forward to future installments in the series, especially since Hawkings leaves fans with quite the cliffhanger.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Jami Leigh rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, kindle, self-indie-pub

Plot: 3 1/2stars
Characters:3 stars
Style: 3 stars
Pace: 4 stars

Very fast paced, to a fault. There were points where I wanted things to slow down and get a better feel of what was going on, but it just kept moving. There were very few places to catch your breath.
Only a few typos (nose to tale instead of tail, things like that), but otherwise well edited. I'll probably read the sequel anyway, because it is a quick read.

like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Nanda Zacharias rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good book but the way it ends and I'm broke and ugh.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 24, 2012 Bsp rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved it

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Young Adult

25 users

Science Fiction > Dystopia

19 users

Science Fiction

14 users

Horror > Zombies

9 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

5 users

Horror

2 users

Adventure > Survival

2 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

2 users

Apocalyptic > Post Apocalyptic

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Kate Hawkings

For as long as I can remember books have been a huge part of my life. I remember sitting on the sofa listening to my mom as she read the Little House on the Prairie series one chapter at a time. I remember puzzling over Nancy Drew mysteries and fantasizing about what would be at the top of the magic faraway tree if I were ever to venture to its top.

Ever since we read those first tales together my...more

More about Kate Hawkings...

Books by Kate Hawkings

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Sphinx Project

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Sphinx Project
avg rating	preview: The Sphinx Project Goodreads rating: 3.82 (175 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12486526-the-sphinx-project?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1324833394l/12486526.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12486526-the-sphinx-project?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Sphinx Project by Kate Hawkings[/url]

The Sphinx Project (The Chimaera Chronicles #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website