Something is very wrong in the birthplace of humanity. Luckily, it’s not Earth. Earth Station has become a utopia, but it still has its secrets. One of them leads to the mysterious world of Aria. Two special friends of Maddie embark on a journey to this ancient world, the origin of all human life. What they find is unexpected, revolting, and threatens all humanity. If they could only get word to Maddie, or the Teacher, they might stand a chance.
But the first humans have other plans for them.
In Book 3 of the ANOTHER KIND series, incredible new characters join familiar ones in a desperate attempt to free the human race from the tyranny of our forefathers.
Steven Decker is the author of many novels, including the bestselling Time Chain series and Child of Another Kind. His love of writing was born on the day he threw a spitball at one of his 5th-grade classmates. Rather than punish him, his wise old teacher, Mrs. Brewer, called Steven to the front of the class and handed him a book of poetry. She quietly instructed him to memorize “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” by Robert Frost and informed him that he would be reciting the poem in front of the class the following day. Mrs. Brewer hit a home run.
Inspired by Frost’s ability to paint a picture and generate deep emotion with the written word, Steven fell in love with reading, writing, and storytelling. As an 8th grader, he read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, for fun. It wasn’t a homework assignment. As a student at the University of Virginia, he was thrilled at the prospect of writing a thesis as the culmination of his undergraduate studies. While traveling the world for work, Steven kept writing, and his experiences around the globe have influenced his novels in many ways.
When living in Appalachia while writing his first novel, Steven studied and practiced the art of storytelling. Since that time, he always edits his books by reading them aloud to himself. Novels are a story and need to sound like one. Fiction readers want to escape from their everyday lives when they read a novel. Thus the true job of a novelist is to imagine special things, sometimes even spectacular things, then write about them in a way that inspires the reader to go there, too, leaving the ordinary behind.
Steven lives and writes in both Arizona and Connecticut and travels throughout the world looking for new ideas and settings for his books. He enjoys spending time with Karen and Mr. Wilson, the beagle, walking in the countryside, and being with his family.
In "Gods of Another Kind," Steven Decker invites us once more into another mysterious universe and through the eyes of Maddie's companions, we traverse into Aria, a realm that holds the secrets of human existence, nestled amidst celestial enigmas.
Decker’s writing dances between the metaphysical and the profoundly human, a ballet that sometimes tiptoes gracefully and at other times stomps emphatically on the heartstrings. His narrative isn't just an exploration of outer realms but a mirror held to our inner worlds, our hopes, fears, and the unyielding bond of friendship.
The characters are not mere explorers of unknown realms but seekers of truth in a universe that holds as much beauty as it does secrets. Our venture alongside them into Aria is not just a physical journey, but an emotional and existential sojourn that prompts introspection at every turn.
However, while the premise is enchanting and the narrative earnest, at times the plot felt like it meandered into realms of over-explanation, losing a bit of its mystical allure. The dialogues, though laden with meaning, sometimes felt a tad rehearsed, yearning for that spontaneity that would make the characters' interactions more relatable.
Yet, "Gods of Another Kind" is a hearty read, one that stimulates the mind and tugs at the heart, taking us on a voyage not just through the stars, but through the complex tapestry of human emotion. It’s a tale that’s as vast and enigmatic as the cosmos it explores, yet as intimate and heartfelt as a whisper shared between lifelong friends under a starlit sky.
Steven Decker immerses you in a fascinating world through Maddie's friends in "Gods of Another Kind," exploring Aria's cosmic mysteries. The author expertly integrates philosophical and personal components, taking us on a fascinating journey into our inner selves, relationships, and the constant search for knowledge. While the premise is enthralling, it occasionally overstates and the discussions seem heavily scripted. Even so, this touching story energizes the intellect and feelings, traveling not only through cosmic glory but also through the intricacies of human emotion. It's a big, complex story with a surprisingly intimate, timeless aspect. Recommended.
“Gods of Another Kind” by Steven Decker is an ultimate adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat – even after you finish reading.
The third instalment of the Another Kind series introduces a new main character, and I couldn’t but immediately fall in love with him. Seriously, who wouldn’t if you met a guy who lives in the woods with nine dogs and a cat? Well, probably a lot of people would run away screaming if the meeting occurred in real life or raise their eyebrows when reading, but I was instantly smitten, since I adore animals and it really bugged me that my husband hadn’t been a fan of four-legs miracles until he capitulated under the full-blasted charm of our cat Peach. He is ten now, and I am ashamed but at the same time ridiculously ecstatic to admit that he prefers my husband’s company to mine. The capitulation can be called irrevocable and final, for we have two cats, my husband being the main motivator behind taking on board Peach’s sister Honey two years ago.
Okay, enough about pets. This review isn’t about them. Just like the book isn’t about Zach’s dogs and One-eyed Jack the cat, even though the author introduces us nicely to the whole pack at the beginning. The story is about… It is about so many – exciting, intriguing, and mind-blowing – things that I don’t know where to start.
So, “Gods of Another Kind” begins by introducing us to a new character – and his dogs, and a cat. Zachary Hurts, fifty-two, a loner, unmarried, living in the woods for the last three decades and quite satisfied with this kind of life. Until an unexpected encounter – imagine meeting a naked lady taking a swim in the lake you consider your own while you walk your dogs – turns his routine upside-down.
And from there, for Zach, begins an incredible adventure after which neither he himself nor the world he knows will ever be the same again.
The author draws vivid pictures of interstellar travel, inhabitants of other planets, their lifestyle and beliefs, and the worlds he creates on the pages of his books pull the reader in with the gravitation you can’t resist. Reading “Gods of Another Kind” made me contemplate how seamlessly people can be made to accept things that should have caused repulsion.
The world of Aria we get to travel in this book is a fascinating example of the power of self-assurance bordering on self-righteousness. Arians have built what looks like a perfect society based on transparent – and thus, just – rules. But is it truly so? And is everyone happy with the current arrangement? That’s what Zach and Gwen – not simply a strong, independent woman but also ex-President of the United States – have to find out. And try not to get killed or worse while they are at it. The first obstacle they have to overcome is to score enough on the Human Purity scale. My first reaction was indignation, of course, but then, the thought came: aren’t we already being measured by a somewhat similar scale? To be considered a decent member of society, don’t we have to comply with certain requirements, otherwise we are labelled with degrading epithets.
“Gods of Another Kind” doesn’t leave time to catch one’s breath between the chapters. Fasten your seatbelts, make sure you know where the air masks are, and prepare for a mind-bending interstellar journey.
P.S. And watch out for Alfred – Al – when you are near the ocean on Aria. A beast he might be, but he will surprise you.
Whenever I stumble upon a book series that's already a few volumes in, like Steven Decker's "Gods of Another Kind," I get that mix of excitement and dread. Excitement because, hey, if people are sticking around for book three, we must have something good on our hands. Dread because now I have to play catch-up and figure out who's who and what's what without looking like I just walked into the middle of a movie and loudly asked, "Who's that guy?" So, here we go. We're back in action with Maddie's buddies, and we're not just hopping over to the next town; we're diving headfirst into Aria. It's not the kind of place you'll find on any map—more like where maps go to have an existential crisis. Decker has this knack for blending the big, philosophical questions with the nitty-gritty of being painfully human, which is quite the tightrope to walk without getting philosophical vertigo. The writing does this elegant dance between making you think and making you feel. It's like, one moment you're pondering the meaning of life, and the next, you're rooting for these characters like they're old friends who've just told you they're planning to skydive for the first time. You're scared for them, but you also want to see them fly—or, you know, not crash into the unforgiving ground of a plot hole. I have to say, the cosmic mysteries and the whole "secrets of human existence" thing have me intrigued. It's like Decker is the cool, mysterious librarian who hints about an ancient book that could change your life... if only you could find it. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to unravel the mysteries of the universe while wearing comfy pants and sipping on tea? Now, I didn't start with the first book, and that might be my bad. Jumping into the third book is a bit like trying to understand an inside joke everyone else at the party knows. You laugh along, but you're also frantically piecing things together so you can genuinely laugh at the punchline. So, maybe start with book one if you're the type who doesn't like to nod and smile cluelessly.
Ive been looking forward diving into "Gods of Another Kind," the third edition into Steven Decker's celestial narrative, we are whisked away from the now utopian Earth Station to the mystic terrains of Aria alongside two of Maddie’s companions. The voyage unravels threads of humanity's ancient tapestry, embroidered with secrets that seem to dance on the cusp of mysticism and reality.
Decker's narrative cadence is a finely tuned orchestra—each word, a note contributing to a harmonious melody that reverberates through the cosmos, yet finds a way to nestle gently in the heart. He takes the grandiose, the cosmic, and seamlessly entwines it with the tender strings of human emotion and friendship. It's a tale not just of exploration, but of self-discovery, of looking beyond the veil and finding that amidst the vast expanse, there’s a cord of familiarity, of camaraderie that binds us.
The characters are more than just vessels navigating through the unknown; they are the embodiment of curiosity, of the unyielding human spirit that seeks to unravel the cosmic veil. Yet, amidst this grand narrative, they remain tethered to the core essence of humanity—love, friendship, and the ceaseless quest for knowledge.
However, at times, the narrative felt a tad meandering, wading through the waters of exposition a bit too long, which slightly dimmed the spark of mystique that had initially drawn me in. And while the dialogues sought to deepen the narrative, they occasionally felt a bit staged, lacking the organic flow that could have made the interactions more authentic.
"Gods of Another Kind" is indeed a cerebral venture, a narrative that nudges you to ponder, to look up at the night sky with a blend of wonder and comprehension. It's a narrative that’s as boundless as the cosmos it traverses, yet as intimate as a heartfelt conversation under the soft glow of starlight.
Gods of Another Kind is an interesting installment of the series. The opening with Zach(ary) was a neat concept, but I didn't immediately connect. Once we got back to some familiar characters, Maddie, for starters, it all picks up the pace. I loved that she found him and invited him to Earth Station. I had trouble finding a stopping point to go to bed after other characters started trickling in. This book is very much character-driven. Though it has high stakes, it doesn't have the same tangible feel of universe-ending risk, even though there is (in a way) a humanity-ending threat. We spend a lot of time in introspection that raises some big questions to keep the tension going along with the foundational and unique adventure that Decker created in this series. I liked the concept of Aria, a celestial space with some of the most profound answers about humanity.
Although this book carries a different feel than the others in the series thus far, it is a great 3rd installment. I can't wait until the next one is out and see how Decker continues the Another Kind adventure!
The book is third installment of the "Another kind" series and I was fortunate to read the previous ones. i was aware of impeccable ability of the author to draw readers attention to a fictional world and grab the hooks in seamless way.
The story is fictional and take you to a whole new and imaginative different world. This not only makes it intresting but also unique. Maddie's friend goes on an intriguing journey which reveals some harsh realistic. Their journey to place name "Aria" would not only unveil new facts for them but also make them aware about the origin of humans. Their adventures would keep you hooked and the unveil subplots will help you in turning the pages.
The journey is well drafted to make it close to reality and the scenarios are believable. Although the characters and scenarios are fictitious but the author have have done a great job in making them intresting, this makes the read more enjoyable.
Gods of Another Kind by Steven Decker is the third book in the Another Kind series. This time, when two of Maddie’s friends discover a terrifying secret regarding the birthplace of humanity, which is situated in a world called Aria—a secret that could threaten all humanity—their only hope stands in the Teacher and Maddie.
One of the aspects that I liked about this piece of work is that the author offers a different perspective on the universe created by him in the Another Kind series. I enjoyed knowing the story from Zach and Gween's perspectives. I liked how the author took his time in presenting their background, how they have met Maddie, the Teacher, Gino, and the others close to them, and how their characters evolved as the story unfolded under my eyes.
Wow. Book three did not disappoint at all. We get to meet some new characters and explore a whole new area in this installment, and learn more about the origins of humanity. Unfortunately for Maddie’s friends, what they discover could also be the downfall. The tension is palpable, and the story itself moves along at a good pace. One of the things I really liked about this book is it raises some philosophical questions as you read through it, and really makes you consider things, without breaking the spell the story as cast over you. If you’re looking for a sci-fi series with a different spark to it, you’ll want to start reading this one!
Much better than Earth of Another Kind. New characters and new worlds and better conflict. As is the staple the dialogue is not great, there are times it gets downright cringey. But that’s to be expected if you’ve made it this far in the series. I enjoyed the new elements to the story, Zach was funny and the star of the show. The Arians made good villians. Onto Genesis to finish off the story!
Wanting a new challenge the former president and her new spouse ask for and receive permission to go to the planet thought to be the start of humanity, while there they find things are not as they seem. Now help is needed before it's too late. Good Read.
At the beginning of the third book in the gods of another kind series we meet Zach he has nine dogs and a cat name one eyed jack since he gets along better with animals then with people he lives alone in the country that is until the day Maddie makes contact with him. You see Zack is just like her and it is why he can speak to animals so easily eventually Zach will move to earth two They want to introduce animals to the planet. This is where Zack will meet Gwynn and despite being a loner for years he enjoys being in the company of her and his other new friends in this awesome place. So when Gwen ask him to go on a boat trip around the world he agrees . this is how he Maddie Gino and Gwen whind up in the forbidden zone! This was such a great Siri‘s I don’t know if there will be more books in this world but if there are I definitely want to read them. I do have a few questions about some things in the book My first one being if earth two it’s supposed to be like heaven why do they not eat meat? Also if it is almost a utopia why did they still drink wine and alcohol as I said these are minor issues and just things I thought while reading the book there’s a few others but not worth mentioning because this really is a great book and a great end to an awesome trilogy! I have been a fan of Steven Decker‘s books I always get excited when he has a new book out but reading the last book of the another kind Siri‘s what is a bitter Sweet thing. So I will be not so patiently waiting for Mr. Decker‘s next book. This is a great trilogy in one I definitely recommend. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
This is the third instalment of Another Kind. In this story, we go on a cool adventure that mixes magical stuff with real feelings. Maddie's friends go on a brave journey to a mysterious place called Aria, and there they find secrets about where humans come from. The story is like a graceful dance between space and personal feelings. The story doesn't just go to faraway places in space, but it also shows us our own feelings and thoughts - things we're scared of, what we hope for, and how strong friendships can be. The characters aren't just exploring new places; they're like detectives searching for truth in a space full of beauty and hidden things.
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Gods of Another Kind by Steven Decker is the third book in the Another Kind series. This time, when two of Maddie’s friends discover a terrifying secret regarding the birthplace of humanity, which is situated in a world called Aria—a secret that could threaten all humanity—their only hope stands in the Teacher and Maddie.
One of the aspects that I liked about this piece of work is that the author offers a different perspective on the universe created by him in the Another Kind series. I enjoyed knowing the story from Zach and Gween's perspectives. I liked how the author took his time in presenting their background, how they met Maddie, the Teacher, Gino, and the others close to them, and how their characters evolved as the story unfolded under my eyes.