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Justice Keepers Saga #1
Symbiosis
Ten thousand years ago, a mysterious race that we only know as the Overseers took primitive humans and scattered them on dozens of worlds across the galaxy. Now, some of those people have found their way back to Earth. A young Justice Keeper named Anna Lenai has tracked a criminal through unexplored regions of space in the hopes of recovering a symbiont that grants its host the ability to bend space and time. Her search leads her to Earth, where she befriends a young man named Jack Hunter. Together, they will face enemies with advanced technology as they struggle to recover the symbiont before its power falls into the wrong hands.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2014
About the author
R.S. Penney
48 books32 followersI was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where I attended Saltfleet High School and McMaster University. I've spent most of my life fighting for the little guy in one form or another, advocating for the poor, for environmental sustainability, for minority rights.
Throughout my twenties, I wrote about five novels and threw them all out because they weren't very good. But I improved and honed my skills with each new manuscript. About two years ago, I had an offer from a traditional publishing house, but I chose to go indie instead. Writing is my passion; if I could dedicate myself to one thing, it would be bringing the ideas in my head to life.
Throughout my twenties, I wrote about five novels and threw them all out because they weren't very good. But I improved and honed my skills with each new manuscript. About two years ago, I had an offer from a traditional publishing house, but I chose to go indie instead. Writing is my passion; if I could dedicate myself to one thing, it would be bringing the ideas in my head to life.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 5, 2019
From my TBR list of 2016.
This is one of those books that’s hard to make a judgment call on. I had to force myself to finish it just because I liked the storyline. Though I figured out what was going to happen between the two main characters – Anna & Jack- way before the halfway mark.
Anna is a Justice Seeker looking for an alien that was kidnapped and brought to Earth. There she runs into Jack, an ordinary down-in-the luck type of person. He doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. Yada, Yada. After he gets entangled with Anna’s quest, his whole world changes. Now, he’s put his sister in danger from one of the most powerful and evil men on Earth.
Like I said before, I had to force myself to keep reading. And the reason why are the same complaints in the other 2 and 3 stars reviews left for this book. Everyone, and I mean everyone, kept hanging their heads, bowing to each other, clasping hands behind their backs, moping their faces. Sigh. It was teeth-clenching unbearable.
Since I downloaded this book back in 2-016, I thought I’d go back and read the sample chapters just to see if it had been re-edited. Sadly, no it hasn’t Which means I’m not even interested in trying to read the next book in the series.
If this ebook were free or only 99 cents, I’d recommend buying it. But save your money until it is. Creativia puts all their ebooks on sale or free every 90 days, so just keep an eye out. I give it 3 stars and that’s being generous.
This is one of those books that’s hard to make a judgment call on. I had to force myself to finish it just because I liked the storyline. Though I figured out what was going to happen between the two main characters – Anna & Jack- way before the halfway mark.
Anna is a Justice Seeker looking for an alien that was kidnapped and brought to Earth. There she runs into Jack, an ordinary down-in-the luck type of person. He doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. Yada, Yada. After he gets entangled with Anna’s quest, his whole world changes. Now, he’s put his sister in danger from one of the most powerful and evil men on Earth.
Like I said before, I had to force myself to keep reading. And the reason why are the same complaints in the other 2 and 3 stars reviews left for this book. Everyone, and I mean everyone, kept hanging their heads, bowing to each other, clasping hands behind their backs, moping their faces. Sigh. It was teeth-clenching unbearable.
Since I downloaded this book back in 2-016, I thought I’d go back and read the sample chapters just to see if it had been re-edited. Sadly, no it hasn’t Which means I’m not even interested in trying to read the next book in the series.
If this ebook were free or only 99 cents, I’d recommend buying it. But save your money until it is. Creativia puts all their ebooks on sale or free every 90 days, so just keep an eye out. I give it 3 stars and that’s being generous.
May 9, 2022
.
My GOD!!! I wish I were a woman and could kick the asses of 4 men at once !!!!!
“…Anna kicked the gun out of his hand. She spun like a whirlwind, driving her elbow into his nose. The man's head jerked backward, blood dripping from his nose. He stumbled about, then fell over sideways. Now there were four security officers on the ground. A fat lot of good she'd done here. Anna felt her mouth tighten as she stared down at him, her blue eyes flicking back and forth. She winced and shook her head. “I didn't want to do this….”
For me, this book STINKS, and I gave it back and quit reading really fast.
STINKS!!
.
My GOD!!! I wish I were a woman and could kick the asses of 4 men at once !!!!!
“…Anna kicked the gun out of his hand. She spun like a whirlwind, driving her elbow into his nose. The man's head jerked backward, blood dripping from his nose. He stumbled about, then fell over sideways. Now there were four security officers on the ground. A fat lot of good she'd done here. Anna felt her mouth tighten as she stared down at him, her blue eyes flicking back and forth. She winced and shook her head. “I didn't want to do this….”
For me, this book STINKS, and I gave it back and quit reading really fast.
STINKS!!
.
April 28, 2017
I only made it to 17% of this book. The premise sounded interesting and had potential, but I found myself overly distracted while reading it.
I didn't find a lot of typos, however the novel is in need of a good copy editor. There were so many "red faces", "pursed lips", "trying not to tremble", "feeling" things, (felt sweat dripping down their face, felt herself frown, felt this, felt that), and physical descriptions were way over the top.
I just couldn't slog through all the distractions to read on to see if the story had merit or not.
I didn't find a lot of typos, however the novel is in need of a good copy editor. There were so many "red faces", "pursed lips", "trying not to tremble", "feeling" things, (felt sweat dripping down their face, felt herself frown, felt this, felt that), and physical descriptions were way over the top.
I just couldn't slog through all the distractions to read on to see if the story had merit or not.
November 1, 2022
Takes a bit to get into it, but it has fast-paced action and interesting world building. The main characters have some good witty dialogue, as long as you don't mind a hefty dose of pop culture references. The romance is fairly well done and honestly pretty cute.
You get a good sense of the humanity of each character you follow; their emotions and hopes are believable and well expressed.
What was distracting for me is that the author has several pet phrases and actions that EVERY character takes. I'll hide them here in case you don't want to notice them, but you likely will anyway because you'll see them a LOT.
Aside from that there were a couple typos and some overused tropes.
But overall? It was entertaining. I enjoyed reading it and might consider getting book two.
You get a good sense of the humanity of each character you follow; their emotions and hopes are believable and well expressed.
What was distracting for me is that the author has several pet phrases and actions that EVERY character takes. I'll hide them here in case you don't want to notice them, but you likely will anyway because you'll see them a LOT.
Aside from that there were a couple typos and some overused tropes.
But overall? It was entertaining. I enjoyed reading it and might consider getting book two.
December 15, 2017
This is an excellent read if you realize the genre, and accept the notions being far fetched, but not within the genre. I am not normally a consumer of science fiction books. As with few I have read though this book held my attention. I enjoyed the story line. I liked the characters even though the author might have missed a wonderful opportunity to extend the story with the addition of a love affair. The principal characters were well developed and even a minor character was presaged into the next iteration of the Justice Keepers. I am not going to tell you the story for that would spoil your read. What I will say is that I start reviews with the thought in mind the author earns a five star review rather easily. Well, if the author has a good story line that is consistent, if he or she has chosen a pathway to tell the story, or a series of pathways, if the characters have reality and are believable, and if there are not a series of distracting grammar or usage errors, then the five stars are awarded. Those things are not easy to accomplish. This author has done them all very well, and without any distractions at all. Well done Rich Penney.
September 25, 2019
Set in Ottawa, Symbiosis is a gripping sci fi thriller brimming with action. Refreshingly clean prose, good characterisation and narrative control, a minimum of exposition dragging the pace, all make for a terrific read.
After an initial setup at an archeological dig, which launches the reader into an intriguing science fiction mystery, Penney straight into the action and keeps you there. I enjoyed the flits between various points of view including Jack Hunter and Detective Harry Carlson, and I especially liked the portrayal of Anna, the Justice Keeper, with her fabulous perspective on modern humanity as she seeks to recover an escapee alien.
Symbiosis is an easy read: pure, imaginative entertainment.
After an initial setup at an archeological dig, which launches the reader into an intriguing science fiction mystery, Penney straight into the action and keeps you there. I enjoyed the flits between various points of view including Jack Hunter and Detective Harry Carlson, and I especially liked the portrayal of Anna, the Justice Keeper, with her fabulous perspective on modern humanity as she seeks to recover an escapee alien.
Symbiosis is an easy read: pure, imaginative entertainment.
June 29, 2022
Good instructional book.
The story is a fairly good one but if you've ever wanted to learn how to blush or stare into your lap, then this is definitely the book for you. Every character in the story does that repeatedly for the entire story in every situation. Cheek coloration and eyeball direction seem to be the number one way to understand what the characters are feeling.
Hey, I hope the author goes far with these books but that sort of in a rut characterization just puts me off. Maybe his later books have gotten beyond that, but I've got way too many other books to read to go see.
The story is a fairly good one but if you've ever wanted to learn how to blush or stare into your lap, then this is definitely the book for you. Every character in the story does that repeatedly for the entire story in every situation. Cheek coloration and eyeball direction seem to be the number one way to understand what the characters are feeling.
Hey, I hope the author goes far with these books but that sort of in a rut characterization just puts me off. Maybe his later books have gotten beyond that, but I've got way too many other books to read to go see.
April 16, 2022
A good Book , good read and holding
They storyline is familiar with some different approaches. Chasing a being form another world to earth. Advanced powers are not new
. It will be interesting to observe what is in store for the human world at the hands of the Overseers. I do not know if I like the fact of big brother in very large terms as seem to be about to come forward in another books. Hopefully we will see something other than the usual
They storyline is familiar with some different approaches. Chasing a being form another world to earth. Advanced powers are not new
. It will be interesting to observe what is in store for the human world at the hands of the Overseers. I do not know if I like the fact of big brother in very large terms as seem to be about to come forward in another books. Hopefully we will see something other than the usual
June 6, 2022
I struggled with the fact that humans from another part of the universe with vastly superior technology had no problem assimilating into 21st century earth and seemingly intrinsically understanding the local laws and customs without any issues. Perhaps it was simply that alien culture is very similar to Canadian.
Aside form this it was a good read, particularly as it was a free. I am not sure that I will pay for the rest of the series.
Would have given it 3.5 stars but can't do half stars
Aside form this it was a good read, particularly as it was a free. I am not sure that I will pay for the rest of the series.
Would have given it 3.5 stars but can't do half stars
January 8, 2023
The writing is very poor* and detracted considerably from the storyline, which though not original was interesting. By the time I was about a third of the way through the book I could no longer bear it and DNF’d.
*All characters were described the same way: by height, hair color, shape of face, and clothing. Everyone blushed and turned red every time they spoke. The narrator told rather than showed. There were excessive adverbs. There were missing words from sentences.
*All characters were described the same way: by height, hair color, shape of face, and clothing. Everyone blushed and turned red every time they spoke. The narrator told rather than showed. There were excessive adverbs. There were missing words from sentences.
April 22, 2022
Anna lands on Earth chasing a fugitive and is stranded. She finds her mark and also finds Jack who is destined to help her, any more and you won't need to read the book. Good start to a series but a bit sorry for Jack when Anna is reassigned to another planet but at least he now has a job with a purpose not just drifting along. Saving the planet is pretty important.
May 29, 2022
Prodigal daughter
A alien comes to earth while following a fugitive from justice, only to find out this is their lost home world. Amazing interaction between the first human native Canadian and the alien human being. Finding the fugitive and keeping alive becomes a full time job for them both.
A alien comes to earth while following a fugitive from justice, only to find out this is their lost home world. Amazing interaction between the first human native Canadian and the alien human being. Finding the fugitive and keeping alive becomes a full time job for them both.
November 6, 2022
The premise is interesting and holds a great deal of promise. I too found it distracting with the reddening of faces, fist to mouth, emotions constantly causing physical reactions. I was very happy to know the author had a kickstarter fund to start off his writing career and wish him success and continue to hone his craft. It's a good story.
March 3, 2020
I loved this book and on to the next one in the series. I don't want to give anything away but it kept me going. A different take of "Are we alone?" Lot's of action. I'm into this series and already started reading the second book.
March 28, 2020
I did write a review on this earlier, but it seems to have disappeared.
I enjoy Sci-fi on occasion, which is why I thought to give this book a try. I did finish it, and I did enjoy a good bit of it, the ending wasn't too bad. But overall it left me confused and unsatisfied.
I enjoy Sci-fi on occasion, which is why I thought to give this book a try. I did finish it, and I did enjoy a good bit of it, the ending wasn't too bad. But overall it left me confused and unsatisfied.
April 27, 2022
Good story but is slapping yourself in the face a Canadian thing? Plus looking down at the ground. These descriptions were numerous and quite irritating after the first few. Won’t continue on with the series even tho I liked the story.
April 12, 2023
Symbiosis Justice Keeper
This story leaves me looking forward to more. If this can keep to a good idea in this storyline. I will be in for a good time. I'm positive it's going to be a fantastic ride.
This story leaves me looking forward to more. If this can keep to a good idea in this storyline. I will be in for a good time. I'm positive it's going to be a fantastic ride.
March 31, 2018
Good read
I am enjoying the science fiction and this one is full of romantics. Looking forward to see how the battle between good and evil will develop in the next book.
I am enjoying the science fiction and this one is full of romantics. Looking forward to see how the battle between good and evil will develop in the next book.
May 6, 2018
Symbiosis
A remarkable story with a gaggle of subplots. It is a great book of suspense, drama, adventure, and more. A hard story to put down once you begin reading. I Loved It!!!
A remarkable story with a gaggle of subplots. It is a great book of suspense, drama, adventure, and more. A hard story to put down once you begin reading. I Loved It!!!
October 21, 2019
A great read.
Very well developed characters and a captivating storyline made it hard not to just read this in one go. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Very well developed characters and a captivating storyline made it hard not to just read this in one go. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 25, 2022
History overturned
An interesting view of how the Earth was colonised and the Universe. A helpful alien meets and helps Earth , Anna
An interesting view of how the Earth was colonised and the Universe. A helpful alien meets and helps Earth , Anna
May 22, 2022
Very good. Enjoyable.
Shelved as 'dnf-not-for-me'
May 22, 20221/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
May 25, 2022
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is a page-turner, and Jack is a believable and likeable main character. I look forward to continuing the series.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is a page-turner, and Jack is a believable and likeable main character. I look forward to continuing the series.
January 19, 2015
This is a debut novel from this Author and, if this first book is anything to go by the rest of the Justice Keepers Saga is going to be a spectacular read.
The characters in this book are extremely well written; they have a depth and feel to them that is rarely seen in a book in the YA genre. The female protagonist is gutsy and strong willed, but she also have a side to her that she tries to keep well hidden, and which rarely makes an appearance. However, because of the way in which the Author develops her character it is obvious that there are hidden depths to her that will, hopefully be revealed as the Saga continues. I liked this character immensely, she is a strong young woman who comes alive and off the page as events unfolds; very true to life she is not wholly likeable but this only adds to her charm and makes her more alive and real. The man she befriends is equally well written and, in giving both the male and female leads in this book the same careful treatment, the Author creates a novel that will appeal to both male and female readers.
World building is just as well done in this book as the character development; so well is it written that it brought to mind the descriptions of space that a reader will find in any of the books written by Peter F. Hamilton. The descriptions of Earth make it seem familiar yet totally fresh and new at the same time, as I read through the book I wanted to travel to the locations contained within its pages and experience the adventures I found.
Thinking there is nothing new in the YA genre? Then I highly recommend this book as it will change your mind. Skilfully written and tightly edited it was a pleasure to read and I will definitely be reading more in this saga as it becomes available. My only regret is that this is only available on eBook as I want to add a paper copy to my shelves.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/01/19...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
The characters in this book are extremely well written; they have a depth and feel to them that is rarely seen in a book in the YA genre. The female protagonist is gutsy and strong willed, but she also have a side to her that she tries to keep well hidden, and which rarely makes an appearance. However, because of the way in which the Author develops her character it is obvious that there are hidden depths to her that will, hopefully be revealed as the Saga continues. I liked this character immensely, she is a strong young woman who comes alive and off the page as events unfolds; very true to life she is not wholly likeable but this only adds to her charm and makes her more alive and real. The man she befriends is equally well written and, in giving both the male and female leads in this book the same careful treatment, the Author creates a novel that will appeal to both male and female readers.
World building is just as well done in this book as the character development; so well is it written that it brought to mind the descriptions of space that a reader will find in any of the books written by Peter F. Hamilton. The descriptions of Earth make it seem familiar yet totally fresh and new at the same time, as I read through the book I wanted to travel to the locations contained within its pages and experience the adventures I found.
Thinking there is nothing new in the YA genre? Then I highly recommend this book as it will change your mind. Skilfully written and tightly edited it was a pleasure to read and I will definitely be reading more in this saga as it becomes available. My only regret is that this is only available on eBook as I want to add a paper copy to my shelves.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/01/19...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
May 24, 2016
A whole new way of thinking about aliens!
Loved this take on aliens and where we, as humans actually are on the scale of humanity. Anna comes to our world chasing a fugitive from hers. She crash lands in Canada, doesn't know the language, money system, has no clothes to fit in, and is chasing a man who would rather kill her than let her catch him. Why? He's stolen a symbiont, another life form from another planet. Anna has only a few days to find him before that life form dies, she's a Justice Keeper and well it's her duty to make sure that the innocent are protected.
Anna meets up with Jack Hunter as she's buying clothes for herself at the second hand store that he works at. She is taken in by snark and helps her find clothes she can afford. Jack notices Anna left a shirt she purchased, while running it out to her, is attached by a drug dealer after sticking up for a guy. Anna then attacks the drug dealers. It should be noted that Anna Lenai is one tough chick, she is has a symbiont and they've been in symbiosis for years. It appears to other humans as though she has super powers but is just her Nassai.
The Nassai has to choose you, are kind hearted, strong, willing to step up for something that is right, you know have a conscious.
There are two parts to this book and I don't have the space to list everything here.
Great characters, settings, writing, just all around sci-fi reading. It was a great read.
Loved this take on aliens and where we, as humans actually are on the scale of humanity. Anna comes to our world chasing a fugitive from hers. She crash lands in Canada, doesn't know the language, money system, has no clothes to fit in, and is chasing a man who would rather kill her than let her catch him. Why? He's stolen a symbiont, another life form from another planet. Anna has only a few days to find him before that life form dies, she's a Justice Keeper and well it's her duty to make sure that the innocent are protected.
Anna meets up with Jack Hunter as she's buying clothes for herself at the second hand store that he works at. She is taken in by snark and helps her find clothes she can afford. Jack notices Anna left a shirt she purchased, while running it out to her, is attached by a drug dealer after sticking up for a guy. Anna then attacks the drug dealers. It should be noted that Anna Lenai is one tough chick, she is has a symbiont and they've been in symbiosis for years. It appears to other humans as though she has super powers but is just her Nassai.
The Nassai has to choose you, are kind hearted, strong, willing to step up for something that is right, you know have a conscious.
There are two parts to this book and I don't have the space to list everything here.
Great characters, settings, writing, just all around sci-fi reading. It was a great read.
January 28, 2017
INTRIGUING EXCEPTIONAL SCI-FI
This book is incredible with its detail to how things actually work with evil in charge of things. Our heroine, knowing she was going to be reprimanded, continued to fulfill her mission. The parting at the end was a surprise. No doubt they will meet in the future. Thank you, Danny Scott.
This book is incredible with its detail to how things actually work with evil in charge of things. Our heroine, knowing she was going to be reprimanded, continued to fulfill her mission. The parting at the end was a surprise. No doubt they will meet in the future. Thank you, Danny Scott.
June 6, 2018
Don't miss this Sci Fi thriller
Generally I don't enjoy books with fight scenes since they often seem muddled but this one has action that is clear and precise enough to draw the reader right into the fray. Very nice plot with enjoyable characters that are easy to relate to. Give R. S. Penny a try in his Justice Keeper Saga series.
Generally I don't enjoy books with fight scenes since they often seem muddled but this one has action that is clear and precise enough to draw the reader right into the fray. Very nice plot with enjoyable characters that are easy to relate to. Give R. S. Penny a try in his Justice Keeper Saga series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews