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Two Brothers: Origin

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Argus and Tai Dachel, 17 year-old brothers, are attending high school for the first time since being home-schooled their entire lives, but instead of blending in with the other students, they become targets of a secret government agency when their extraordinary abilities are discovered. But the trouble doesn’t stop there. When the brothers learn the truth about their origin, things only get worse and their freedom is threatened. Will they escape or become prisoners before their 18th birthday?

289 pages, ebook

First published August 19, 2013

3 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Sofia Diana Gabel

19 books127 followers
Hello! I'm a multi-genre author living in the Pacific Northwest, but originally from Sydney, Australia.

I do love to write in several genres, but I'm focusing on Sci-Fi at the moment. I have way too many favorite authors to even attempt to choose one or two, although I suppose I can say that I like Andy Weir's style of writing and his original stories. In addition to writing, I try to fit in as much reading as I can, especially from authors I don't know or new authors.

I also love critiquing! I belong to a wonderful critique group and since COVID, we meet on Zoom, which is great since I moved away and can still keep in touch.

For something different, I have the first and second episode of an episodic short story, Double X, published and available on Amazon.

I hope you enjoy my writing, and if I can ever answer any questions, please contact me!

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
99 reviews16 followers
September 30, 2013
Two Brothers: Origin had my attention from the beginning. I think it moved relatively quickly. I felt bad for the brothers; how much can a person handle so quickly? I guess it helped that they were part alien. I did find myself questioning some of the relationships, but I suspect that it will all be explained at some point.

Argus was a naive and completely sweet teenage boy. He was sort of blind to how other people saw him, and it was almost unbelievable. That being said, I still found him to be a very likeable character. I actually enjoyed reading about him discovering the world outside the careful bubble his aunt kept him in.

Tai was frustrating. I felt like he was written to be the more aggressive and girl-getting twin. Oddly he never seemed to have a girlfriend; instead he just seemed to run his mouth a lot. He would have moments that I would be shaking my head at, and then he would redeem himself a little. I wanted to like him because I liked Argus so much. It wasn’t that he was written poorly, more so that I feel like he is almost an antagonist.

There were many other characters. I found them all to be very well written, even if I didn’t like them all. I always find myself drawn to the abilities characters have in books like this. I loved how the brothers’ abilities progressed throughout the book.

I will be looking forward to what else they can do in future books. This book was full of twists and turns that readers will enjoy. It was exciting and well written. I think this is a great first book, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Momma.
113 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2013
Two Brothers : Origin is an engrossing YA Sci-Fi novel. We start out with teenage twins Argus & Tai who have been homeschooled all their lives by their "aunt". They have been pretty secluded their entire lives and really start to notice it when they are allowed to begin high school their senior year.

I felt badly for the boys, they keep getting more and more information dumped on them. They have special powers, blood that causes burns to humans and oh yeah- they're a New Breed - half alien, half human. It's amazing all the trouble they run into in just 24 hours ! Typical teenagers! In addition to learning all this new information, they also have a government agent snooping around, trying to discover aliens and the possibility of Aliens (pure forms) who seek to destroy them. Life has just become even more complicated.

There are characters to love (Argus!! ) and ones to detest (Galena). It's a great mix where you have some to cheer on and some to boo and hiss at ! :) I absolutely fell in love with Argus. He's a sweet protector type who is always looking out for others. He makes friends quickly. Tai isn't as forefront the story - we hear about him more secondary. Tai acts more like a typical popular kid- suave with the girls and popping off his mouth then regretting it later. The boys each keep experiencing new powers. It will be interesting to see what all they can do when the series ends!

This is a nice relief from paranormal YA that are populating the YA scene.. Don't get me wrong, I love paranormal !! Aliens and new complications /powers are just a nice change of scenery! I think you'll really enjoy this one! I can't wait for the next in the series!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. *
Profile Image for Rae Ryans.
Author 8 books176 followers
October 6, 2013
Sci-fi is one of my top genres that I love to read, but this was my first YA and urban set. This is also a very soft sci-fi which I always recommend to those not familiar with the genre. It's a phenomenal start to the trilogy, and it really sucked me in. Plus, at just under 300 pages, it's a fairly quick read (for me)and made for a nice lazy weekend read.

Aliens, secret government agencies, sub-species, and 50,000 years of integration collide within Argus' & Tai's first week of High School to bring us a compelling plot, intriguing characters, nasty villains, and conspiracy level cover-up.

This is dual point of view, but the author kept it simple. we see Argus, and he's heroic and loveable. Then there's Max, one of many antagonists within the plot. I didn't not like him, but as a bad guy, his internal drive was relatable. I loved this aspect. So many villains are cut and dry, but Max wasn't.

There are more villains, however, I won't go into more detail aside from I felt every character was well written and executed.

This is book one of the trilogy, so you are left with a slight cliffhanger at the end. There isn't much closure, but you really get a sense of the world, and all of the characters involved. I don't mind them, but I know readers that do. For me, it does the job, and makes me want book 2.

Writing style was easy going without superfluous details or boring back story. The pacing was pretty dead on too, which is a must for the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Overall I loved it, would recommend it to lovers of the genre or anyone looking to start reading sci-fi. Age wise, 14 and up even though the characters are 17. There are a few brief minor curse words (2-3 times) and the romance is mainly friendship/family.
Profile Image for Jennifer Laube.
13 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2013
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion. I do not profit or benefit from this in any way.


Seventeen year-old Argus and Tai are twin brothers just trying to fit in their senior year in high school. But as if fitting in wasn't hard enough, the boys soon learn that they are something unexpected, the boys are half-alien half-human race called the New Breed. The New Breed have unique powers, and usually don't survive past the age of sixteen. Because of this it makes these boys special, so special, that it draws the attention of Max Jackson, a down-on-his-luck AURA agent tasked with finding proof of aliens or he risks losing his career. And if things weren't scary enough, another alien faction wants to exterminate all of the New Breeds. As if high school wasn't hard enough!

The book mainly focuses on Argus, but also on Agent Max's point of view (and his struggle for self achievement). As the boys slowly develop new and stronger powers, they learn that normal is out of their control.

This book had a sci-fi edge to it but was not overdone. Even though the main characters are "aliens" the author wrote it well & it was action packed. It was an easy read no matter what age you are! I let my 14 year old son read this & surprisingly he hogged my iPad for two days to read. He couldn't wait to finish his homework to read this. And let me tell you, my son is a hard-core video gamer & getting him to read is next to impossible. We both loved this book and will be anxiously awaiting book #2 TWO BROTHERS: HERITAGE.
Profile Image for Andrea Kruse.
31 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2013
Two Brothers: Origin is the first book in the Ramtalan Trilogy. Author Sofia Diana Gabel does an amazing job crafting a clean, yet engaging sci-fi story of two alien brothers trying to enter the average world of a human teenager. If the average high school student has a hard job fitting in, you can imagine what these two athletic seniors with various special abilities must do just to blend in.

The characters are written to be believable and interesting. We see much of the school week set-up through Argus' point of view. He is humble, kind and real. Through the friends they gain and love interests discovered, we see both boys are more human than not. Both Argus and his brother Tai have led a shielded life up until now - up until they enter school. Being around "normal" kids teaches them about themselves and also forces their guardian, Aunt Celeste, to finally reveal the boy's origin and differences.

Of course this coming-of-age-style story is anything but boring. A government group is right on heels of exposing the boys. Max has something to prove and a short window to do it in. He wants to find the truth at all cost.

I highly recommend Two Brothers: Origin. From aliens, experiments and secret government agencies to bullies and wanting to be normal, this book is like some of my favorite series; Dark Angel, Roswell and Smallville all wrapped up into one great story.

I received a copy in order to facilitate my honest review.
Profile Image for Stacey Blake.
12 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2013
This is a great YA sci-fi story that begins as 2 orphaned twin brothers learn that they are actually half-alien. The adventure continues as they start attending high school after being home-schooled and are being chased by a government agency. They keep finding trouble wherever they turn, partially because they don’t follow directions from their aunt, who is their guardian.
I had a little trouble getting into the story at first but once I did, I was hooked. The story line was interesting and creative. I liked that they lived in the southwestern US, a place I have never been, and learning more about the area. The characters were likable except for the ones you weren’t supposed to like, and those the author made really nasty. The vivid descriptions of the places made you feel like you were really there, I could picture them as I was reading, which I like because it really puts me in the story. The ending was good, it is a bit of a cliffhanger but not so much that it is bothersome and it gives you insight into the next book.
I did find that the story did not flow as smoothly as I would have liked at some parts and the dialogue was at times awkward. But generally, it was a pretty fast read and something I think my teenaged daughter would really enjoy reading.
I am looking forward to the next one to see what happens next!
Profile Image for John Black.
Author 2 books1 follower
September 29, 2013
Just Go And Read It Now... It's Fantastic.

One word says it all for this novel, "FANTASTIC".

The author Sofia displayed unique writing skills targeting young adults, giving them engaging story plot and not forgetting to take care of readers like me, into the late thirties. "Two Brothers" story plot reminds of a movie that I liked, "I Am Number Four". This book is somehow similar to the movie, just that the pursuers does not hunt the 2 brothers in numerical order by the alien bounty hunters. The brothers are half-humans, half aliens and both wanted by the secret government agency and their aliens that threatened their survival. I was so engrossed with the story that I sat past my subway station on my way to work.

As I was reading past Chapter Five, I noticed that there are happenings in the school after some sudden energies surges. Could it be due to the brothers or some aliens near the school? I do not really like to spoil your thirst for this story, I rather not give it away. If you are looking for a clean YA sci-fi action thriller, then this book will sure to past your afternoon tea. Just get this book and get it now, it's fantastic on how Sofia, the author laid out the whole story.

Good job.. I can't wait to read more of this author in the future.
Profile Image for Simone.
474 reviews17 followers
October 4, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Argus and Tai Dachel finally taste freedom. They get to be normal teenagers and enjoy their senior year in high school…even if it includes being tormented by school bull, Justin Jones. Unfortunately, Max Jackson is determined to ruin all of that. Added to that, Aunt Celeste has finally explained their origin. That’s when their entire world gets turned upside down. Will they be able to keep Max Jackson away? Will they be able to control their ever growing abilities?

This was such an intriguing novel. Even though Tai and Argus had these abilities, they still had morals. They were easy to relate to, especially during awkward teen moments. Aunt Celeste was a pretty good guardian although she was never really affectionate to them. This was an awesome page turner, one that kept me up to the wee hours of the morning. The end left me wanting more. I can’t wait for book two to come out so I can find out what happens next! If you like young adult or science fiction novels, you’ll love Two Brothers!
Profile Image for Gina.
477 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2013
I received the following item(s) for in exchange for a fair and honest review. Although I received the item for review, the opinions stated are 100% my own.

High school is hard enough when you are quote "normal". Now Imagine high school for the first time as a senior after being home schooled. Oh and you are not quite normal but you were never told what is really going on. That's a day in the life of Argus and Tai.

They were raised by their aunt. The aunt has not exactly been truthful or forthcoming about the twins. There are a lot of things they were not told about themselves. All they know is that they have special powers and they need to be careful not to get hurt. They especially have to watch so they don't bleed.

This book is very action packed and full of adventure from very on in the book. You fall in love with twins instantly and feel for them. If you love fantasy, and adventure this is a must read!
Profile Image for Kristin.
527 reviews20 followers
September 21, 2013
:I would like to thank the author and Promotional Book Tours for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
It has been awhile since I've read any sci-fi. In fact I believe the last thing was Star Trek: The Stuff of Dreams. It's more science fiction than fantasy, but really soft science fiction. If anything, it would be more Young Adult, than true hard-core science fiction. Despite that, it was a great book. The book started off and just kept progressing. It wasn't one of those books that drags on, the author kept things fresh and enjoyable to read.
The cliff-hanger at the end was slightly expected, however, I still want to read the sequel and see how things go from there....will it progress like I expect?
Profile Image for Rick Johnson.
Author 16 books28 followers
October 16, 2013
Sophia Diana Gabel brings a refreshing insight to Two Brothers:Origin
Argus and Tai are half human and half aliens. Ms. Gabel nails it as she takes us on the journey of two teenagers who simply want to be normal teenagers. Sorry, kiddos, looks like that isn't happening. The dialogue is witty. The pace is fast, and the characters are a lot of fun to spend some time with. I even like the bad guy, Max Jackson, though as the trilogy progresses, I have a feeling Max is not going to be that terrible of a guy. Sophia Diana Gabel brings a fresh voice to young adult fiction, and her voice is going to be heard for many years to come as she brings fun and fresh characters to literature. And yes, I do want to have a cheese pizza with Aunt Celeste.
Profile Image for Angela Thompson.
461 reviews15 followers
October 2, 2013
I am not always a science fiction fan--more of a science/medical thriller fan instead--so I had few expectations for this book. I wanted to read it with my daughter (who does love sci fi)--and found myself enjoying it much more than I had expected. I love Gabel's writing style and her character/plot development. This is a great book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews31 followers
July 4, 2017
Argus and Tai Dachel are seventeen year old teens that have been homeschooled and keep in the bubble of their Aunt Celeste’s house. But now she is going to let them attend high school for their last year. That would be a shock to anyone’s system but then they find out that they are half human and half alien that are called New Breeds. New Breeds rarely live past sixteen years so they are pretty special to begin with. But the boys have a lot more to learn. They are going to get some special abilities along with learning that they are going to be hunted from our government and another race of aliens that kills New Breeds.

Argus and Tai are twins and seem to have opposite personalities. Argus is caring and wants to help others. He is so easy to fall for. Then there is Tai who has a chip on his shoulder and a mouth that is going to get him into trouble. Then there is Max Jackson, an AURA agent that has to find proof of aliens or is out of a job. The story bounces between Argus and Max and things they both face. I like how Max is not the typical man in black but very self doubting and such.

This is a great story that will appeal to young adults and adults alike. It is the first book in a trilogy so there is a cliff hanger and the story is left open. But I still really enjoyed it. Now I can’t wait to read book two, Heritage.

I received Two Brothers: Origin from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Gina Stamper.
826 reviews37 followers
July 28, 2017
I liked how universal this novel was. It is a great theme and setting and manages to appeal to both adults and young adults.
There were many surprises and the way that Sofia Diana Gabel was able to keep the pacing just right really helps everything flow naturally.

It is a great start to a series. I loved both of the guys and I feel like I am going to enjoy their journey. There is a lot to catch up on since you are just entering a new world and new characters and I think the next one will be even better.
Get ready to be immersed in the world and captivated by the characters she has created.
Profile Image for Samantha Turley.
857 reviews36 followers
July 31, 2017
I would like to say that Sofia Diana Gabel does a great job of bringing to life characters and a plot that are fresh and captivating to read about. Imagery was very masterfully used to make sure the reader felt like they were a part of the novel.

There are a lot of moving parts to this one, but it is really worth it to delve in and get to the bottom of it. A very well written Young Adult and Sci-Fi Novel.
Profile Image for Theresa Needham fehse.
447 reviews16 followers
January 3, 2014
Free book for free review

Twin brothers Argus & Tai Dachel raised by their aunt because their parents are dead in outskirts of Palmdale CA. Home-schooled because they are special.

Upon enrolling to local highschool, they find out just how special they really are. Part Alien and part human. They must keep their powers in check so no one finds out about them.
That in itself is going to be harder than anyone thought at 17 yrs old they just want to fit in.
Between the school bully a geek and a girl and a real Alien Hunter, fitting in was not in the cards.


This is a wonderful book. Adult or teen will enjoy this story. It has the old show Roswell to it and just as good as the show if not better.
I really liked the boys and the trouble they kept finding themselves in. With new powers coming forward all the time it is no wonder the higher-ups want them back.

I will be letting my teen read this book and telling her friends all about it!


Patches
10 reviews
Read
May 17, 2015
Both me and my sister thought this was a great book, can't wait to get the second one in the series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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