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The Protectors of Earth #1
Evolution
Garnering over 1 million reads on Wattpad
Have you ever tried to keep a secret for 11 years?
I have.
But apparently, the United Government of Earth has one-upped me by keeping an even bigger secret for three century.
My name is Abigail Beckett, and this is 2415; the human race is no longer the only intellectual species on this planet. After 9 bio-nuclear bombs that destroyed half the globe in 2092, the world has experienced changes not only in its environment, but in its inhabitants.
The radiation and viral attack had changed animals and humans, giving them disabilities and death, but also powers. Now human are confined in walled Citybases which safe guard them from these mutated beasts we call Legres, and the government hide the existence of the genetically affected humans with powers beyond imagination. And even though I don’t know it yet, I am one of them.
Have you ever tried to keep a secret for 11 years?
I have.
But apparently, the United Government of Earth has one-upped me by keeping an even bigger secret for three century.
My name is Abigail Beckett, and this is 2415; the human race is no longer the only intellectual species on this planet. After 9 bio-nuclear bombs that destroyed half the globe in 2092, the world has experienced changes not only in its environment, but in its inhabitants.
The radiation and viral attack had changed animals and humans, giving them disabilities and death, but also powers. Now human are confined in walled Citybases which safe guard them from these mutated beasts we call Legres, and the government hide the existence of the genetically affected humans with powers beyond imagination. And even though I don’t know it yet, I am one of them.
- GenresScience Fiction
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2016
82 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Shadow Cheah
4 books13 followersShadow Cheah is a pen name she adapted in 2011 when she joined Wattpad, an online community of 45 million writers and readers.
Since then, the first book in the Protector of Earth Chronicles: Evolution, has garnered over 1 million reads.
She was born and raised in Hong Kong, but studied in boarding school in England since she was eleven. After completing her master of science in Geology from Imperial College London, she moved back to Hong Kong to be closer to her family and continue to annoy her twin sister.
For more information, visit http://www.shadowcheah.com
Her hobbies outside of writing are traveling, eating her way around the best restaurant in Hong Kong and sleeping.
Since then, the first book in the Protector of Earth Chronicles: Evolution, has garnered over 1 million reads.
She was born and raised in Hong Kong, but studied in boarding school in England since she was eleven. After completing her master of science in Geology from Imperial College London, she moved back to Hong Kong to be closer to her family and continue to annoy her twin sister.
For more information, visit http://www.shadowcheah.com
Her hobbies outside of writing are traveling, eating her way around the best restaurant in Hong Kong and sleeping.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2025
The first time I read this I was a teenager reading whatever I could on wattpad. Well I know I never finished the series because it wasn’t fully out yet. It’s been god knows how many years, surely going on 15, and I never, NEVER, forgot this story and always wondered how it ended. The happiness I felt when I found out that the “book that got away” was actually published and the series was complete I was over the moon. Reading this now has been an amazing experience, the plot is amazing the characters are great. It was the first book, and I’m really excited to continue reading.
We read a lot of books in our lifetime, but surely only the great stories stay with us throughout the years, and this one stayed with me throughout my teens and onto my late-20s. I love it!
We read a lot of books in our lifetime, but surely only the great stories stay with us throughout the years, and this one stayed with me throughout my teens and onto my late-20s. I love it!
April 18, 2025
Evolution by Shadow Cheah sets up an intriguing sci-fi world: humanity under threat from creatures called Legres, and a secret organization known as the Protectors of Earth (POE) training the next generation of superpowered defenders. It’s a premise that holds potential, especially for fans of stories blending paranormal abilities, academy-style drama, and dystopian elements. Unfortunately, the execution falls short in a number of areas, most notably in character development and pacing.
The main protagonist, Abigail, is... well, a lot. Her character often leans heavily into Mary Sue territory… she’s always at the center of everything, seemingly overpowered, and constantly drawing attention (wanted or not). While I wanted to root for her, she mostly had me rolling my eyes instead. Her multiple powers and with intense mental strength, yet she receives little pushback or consequence from those around her beyond fainting spells and the occasional nosebleed. Even her romantic entanglements and drama feel telegraphed and forced, further weakening the believability of her journey.
That said, there are moments where the worldbuilding shines. The idea of a Citybase, the hidden nature of the POE Academy, and the simulation training missions bring a familiar yet fun sci-fi school setting to life. I liked how Abigail slowly uncovered more about her powers, the possibility of her being descended from one of the mysterious "Legacy Families," and the hints at a larger conspiracy brewing beneath the surface of this structured society.
Still, the book is cluttered with tropes and repetitive situations: multiple fainting spells, a suspiciously large number of people drawn to Abigail, petty school drama, and over-the-top reactions from side characters. There's a parade, an attack, a school inspection, a Hunger-Games-like tournament, and more, all jammed into one novel, making the pacing feel rushed and chaotic.
Side characters like Tom, Diego, Natalie, and even Fred had moments where they could’ve stood out more, but their development often took a backseat to Abigail's endless self-discoveries and dramatic encounters. Even when Fred nearly loses control or Tom helps save the day, it’s always framed in a way that circles back to Abigail's importance.
Also let’s be real the constant school drama, makeover scenes, jealous threats from other girls, and romantic misfires felt like cliché filler rather than meaningful character or plot development.
Final Thoughts:
Evolution has an intriguing premise with flashes of creativity and world-building that might appeal to younger YA readers or fans of superpowered academy tales. But its heavy reliance on tropes, an overpowered main character, and some eye-roll-worthy moments make it a rocky read. With tighter editing, a more grounded heroine, and some breathing room for the supporting cast, future entries could still turn this into a more engaging series.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy fast-paced YA sci-fi with academy settings, light romance, and psychic powers, especially if you don’t mind a Mary Sue lead.
The main protagonist, Abigail, is... well, a lot. Her character often leans heavily into Mary Sue territory… she’s always at the center of everything, seemingly overpowered, and constantly drawing attention (wanted or not). While I wanted to root for her, she mostly had me rolling my eyes instead. Her multiple powers and with intense mental strength, yet she receives little pushback or consequence from those around her beyond fainting spells and the occasional nosebleed. Even her romantic entanglements and drama feel telegraphed and forced, further weakening the believability of her journey.
That said, there are moments where the worldbuilding shines. The idea of a Citybase, the hidden nature of the POE Academy, and the simulation training missions bring a familiar yet fun sci-fi school setting to life. I liked how Abigail slowly uncovered more about her powers, the possibility of her being descended from one of the mysterious "Legacy Families," and the hints at a larger conspiracy brewing beneath the surface of this structured society.
Still, the book is cluttered with tropes and repetitive situations: multiple fainting spells, a suspiciously large number of people drawn to Abigail, petty school drama, and over-the-top reactions from side characters. There's a parade, an attack, a school inspection, a Hunger-Games-like tournament, and more, all jammed into one novel, making the pacing feel rushed and chaotic.
Side characters like Tom, Diego, Natalie, and even Fred had moments where they could’ve stood out more, but their development often took a backseat to Abigail's endless self-discoveries and dramatic encounters. Even when Fred nearly loses control or Tom helps save the day, it’s always framed in a way that circles back to Abigail's importance.
Also let’s be real the constant school drama, makeover scenes, jealous threats from other girls, and romantic misfires felt like cliché filler rather than meaningful character or plot development.
Final Thoughts:
Evolution has an intriguing premise with flashes of creativity and world-building that might appeal to younger YA readers or fans of superpowered academy tales. But its heavy reliance on tropes, an overpowered main character, and some eye-roll-worthy moments make it a rocky read. With tighter editing, a more grounded heroine, and some breathing room for the supporting cast, future entries could still turn this into a more engaging series.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy fast-paced YA sci-fi with academy settings, light romance, and psychic powers, especially if you don’t mind a Mary Sue lead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
This genre of book isn't the type I usually tend to read - but I am so glad I did! I love the protagonist - her strong character being somewhat unpredictable at times left me wanting to know what she was going to do next! I really enjoyed this story and I recommend anyone who is interested in sci-fi stories to give it a go! I think the author has done very well to turn this book from a first draft on Wattpad, to a beautifully published book. Well done, Shadow Cheah. I look forward to reading more of your work. :)
July 4, 2017
Excellent read
I am so excited about this book. Post-apocalyptic sci fi is a great read but there aren't enough of these books. Evolution was fun, well constructed and very believable.
I have already purchased the second book, Selection. No time to chat....must go read now.
I am so excited about this book. Post-apocalyptic sci fi is a great read but there aren't enough of these books. Evolution was fun, well constructed and very believable.
I have already purchased the second book, Selection. No time to chat....must go read now.
February 21, 2018
Our next evolution?
The world after a terror group sets off devastating nuclear bombs is fractured into mutated and non-mutated brings. This book is a whole new world brought to life. The characters and setting are very fresh, and a little scary. Could this be our world if a nuclear war happened? This book is very entertaining, and more than a little thought provoking.
The world after a terror group sets off devastating nuclear bombs is fractured into mutated and non-mutated brings. This book is a whole new world brought to life. The characters and setting are very fresh, and a little scary. Could this be our world if a nuclear war happened? This book is very entertaining, and more than a little thought provoking.
April 27, 2018
Outstanding
I love science fiction and this one is amazing! I enjoyed it very much and have bought the second book!
I love science fiction and this one is amazing! I enjoyed it very much and have bought the second book!
June 20, 2020
Fascinating story
Impressive. Couldn't put it down till I finished it. Can't wait to read the next book. You won't be disappointed!
Impressive. Couldn't put it down till I finished it. Can't wait to read the next book. You won't be disappointed!
August 3, 2020
Excellent Science-Fiction Story set in a Post World War 4 environment with the First-Person of a teenage girl with telepathic & telekenesis powers! Excellent Story! Well Written!
October 21, 2021
Good Read
Recommended to young readers and those young after heart. The book has interesting concept about how the world ended and how people came back together
Recommended to young readers and those young after heart. The book has interesting concept about how the world ended and how people came back together
February 9, 2017
Full disclosure: I’m about as far removed from being the target audience for YA novels as possible. That said, I’ve read a few I thought were okay, and like most YA readers, thoroughly enjoyed the Hunger Games series. It’s not like I’m incapable of enjoying work outside of my normal comfort zone. I just wish this book could have been one of them. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I’ll start off with the positives. The world building process was extremely thorough with well-defined social structures and the accompanying undercurrent of political motivations that almost always go hand-in-hand with communities of any size. I also thought the author was able to seamlessly weave in a wide range of information about the history, capabilities and even the unsolved mysteries of the people and creatures that make up this futuristic world.
Now for the negatives. Unfortunately there are many. As a blogger, I read books by everyone from debut self-published authors all the way up to the biggest names in traditional publishing such as Stephen King and Justin Cronin. It’s possible to find the occasional typo in almost any of them, although it’s probably fair to say it’s a bigger problem within the self-published side of the biz. I’m not sure I’ve come across any novel, self- or traditionally published, that has as many typos, missing words, odd phrases and misused verb tenses as there are in Evolution.
Trust me, I’m not usually the kind of reader who tends to nitpick and hold a typo here or there against an author, especially if it’s part of an otherwise solid effort. In this case, the sheer number of problems were a huge distraction. I found out after reading the book that the author was born in Hong Kong and studied in London before returning home. It’s entirely possible that English may be a second or even third language for her. Even if that’s the case, I don’t think it excuses her from finding a translation service that could have helped her smooth out many of these problems, especially the most egregious ones.
My other main criticism of the book was the lack of originality. An academy for gifted youth with special powers? Seriously? It’s a blatant rip off of the internationally popular Marvel X-Men franchise that’s been around for decades. In addition, many of the characters had powers and abilities that seemed to be directly copied from other well-known superheroes in television, movies and comics. Would have liked to see more original thinking overall.
Finally, I found the high-level of teenage girl silliness to be way too high. Any time you’re reading a YA novel, you have to expect at least a little bit of the whole “I wonder if the cute boy likes me.” thing. I get it, the author is speaking to a certain audience. Even the Hunger Games trilogy had a little of it. That said, the amount of time the main character in this book spent thinking about, talking to and interacting with “cute boys” got to be very tiresome. My eyes are still sore from rolling them almost constantly. Given the gravity of the situations she was facing, I thought it would have been perfectly reasonable to scale back some of the normal teenage angst just a smidge.
Overall, I’m afraid, this book was just not very good. I think it reads like fan fiction written by a high school kid. The author is still young and I genuinely hope she considers my criticism and keeps working to get better. She has enough raw writing talent to be a solid author someday if she can clean up the grammatical issues, push herself more creatively and find a better balance between normal teenage-y stuff and good storytelling. I sincerely hope she does just that.
We received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll start off with the positives. The world building process was extremely thorough with well-defined social structures and the accompanying undercurrent of political motivations that almost always go hand-in-hand with communities of any size. I also thought the author was able to seamlessly weave in a wide range of information about the history, capabilities and even the unsolved mysteries of the people and creatures that make up this futuristic world.
Now for the negatives. Unfortunately there are many. As a blogger, I read books by everyone from debut self-published authors all the way up to the biggest names in traditional publishing such as Stephen King and Justin Cronin. It’s possible to find the occasional typo in almost any of them, although it’s probably fair to say it’s a bigger problem within the self-published side of the biz. I’m not sure I’ve come across any novel, self- or traditionally published, that has as many typos, missing words, odd phrases and misused verb tenses as there are in Evolution.
Trust me, I’m not usually the kind of reader who tends to nitpick and hold a typo here or there against an author, especially if it’s part of an otherwise solid effort. In this case, the sheer number of problems were a huge distraction. I found out after reading the book that the author was born in Hong Kong and studied in London before returning home. It’s entirely possible that English may be a second or even third language for her. Even if that’s the case, I don’t think it excuses her from finding a translation service that could have helped her smooth out many of these problems, especially the most egregious ones.
My other main criticism of the book was the lack of originality. An academy for gifted youth with special powers? Seriously? It’s a blatant rip off of the internationally popular Marvel X-Men franchise that’s been around for decades. In addition, many of the characters had powers and abilities that seemed to be directly copied from other well-known superheroes in television, movies and comics. Would have liked to see more original thinking overall.
Finally, I found the high-level of teenage girl silliness to be way too high. Any time you’re reading a YA novel, you have to expect at least a little bit of the whole “I wonder if the cute boy likes me.” thing. I get it, the author is speaking to a certain audience. Even the Hunger Games trilogy had a little of it. That said, the amount of time the main character in this book spent thinking about, talking to and interacting with “cute boys” got to be very tiresome. My eyes are still sore from rolling them almost constantly. Given the gravity of the situations she was facing, I thought it would have been perfectly reasonable to scale back some of the normal teenage angst just a smidge.
Overall, I’m afraid, this book was just not very good. I think it reads like fan fiction written by a high school kid. The author is still young and I genuinely hope she considers my criticism and keeps working to get better. She has enough raw writing talent to be a solid author someday if she can clean up the grammatical issues, push herself more creatively and find a better balance between normal teenage-y stuff and good storytelling. I sincerely hope she does just that.
We received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2017
Title: Evolution
Author: Shadow Cheah
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
ISBN: 9781539093763
Buy Link: http://www.shadowcheah.com/protectors...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Protectors of Earth Chronicles 1
But apparently, the United Government of Earth has one-upped me by keeping an even bigger secret for three centuries.
My name is Abigail Beckett, and this is 2415; the human race is no longer the only intellectual species on this planet. After 9 bio-nuclear bombs that destroyed half the globe in 2092, the world has experienced changes not only in its environment, but in its inhabitants. The radiation and viral attack had changed animals and humans, giving them disabilities and death, but also powers. Now human are confined in walled Citybases which safe guard them from these mutated beasts we call Legres, and the government hides the existence of the genetically affected humans with powers beyond imagination. And even though I don’t know it yet, I am one of them.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
This was an incredible post-apocalyptic YA suspenseful sci-fi about Abigail who to everyone around her is your average teenage girl, but in reality she has a big secret. In Abigail's world anyone who is considered different or a mutant dangerous and locked away. All she ever wanted was to be like everyone else until the day a Legre, mutant animal, threatened one of her school mates forcing her to take action to protect him. That one act of bravery opened the world of POE, Protectors of Earth, where she learned that she there were other people like her as she entered a special school to help her learn to use her powers to protect others. The school gave her an outlet for her abilities bringing friends and foes as she entered her new life.
There were many unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolded allowing the reader into a world that no one has ever experienced. Abigail began to see inequities in her society and the terrible costs the past rendered to all of humanity. The story ended in a cliff hanger and I for one will be waiting to see what happens next. Even though the teenagers had special abilities their conflicts over bullies, teenage angst and unrequited love followed the usual path that belong to everyone of that age keeping the story in perspective for the reader. This is a definite recommended read for anyone who loves sci-fi, adventure, and romance stories.
Author: Shadow Cheah
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
ISBN: 9781539093763
Buy Link: http://www.shadowcheah.com/protectors...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Protectors of Earth Chronicles 1
But apparently, the United Government of Earth has one-upped me by keeping an even bigger secret for three centuries.
My name is Abigail Beckett, and this is 2415; the human race is no longer the only intellectual species on this planet. After 9 bio-nuclear bombs that destroyed half the globe in 2092, the world has experienced changes not only in its environment, but in its inhabitants. The radiation and viral attack had changed animals and humans, giving them disabilities and death, but also powers. Now human are confined in walled Citybases which safe guard them from these mutated beasts we call Legres, and the government hides the existence of the genetically affected humans with powers beyond imagination. And even though I don’t know it yet, I am one of them.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
This was an incredible post-apocalyptic YA suspenseful sci-fi about Abigail who to everyone around her is your average teenage girl, but in reality she has a big secret. In Abigail's world anyone who is considered different or a mutant dangerous and locked away. All she ever wanted was to be like everyone else until the day a Legre, mutant animal, threatened one of her school mates forcing her to take action to protect him. That one act of bravery opened the world of POE, Protectors of Earth, where she learned that she there were other people like her as she entered a special school to help her learn to use her powers to protect others. The school gave her an outlet for her abilities bringing friends and foes as she entered her new life.
There were many unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolded allowing the reader into a world that no one has ever experienced. Abigail began to see inequities in her society and the terrible costs the past rendered to all of humanity. The story ended in a cliff hanger and I for one will be waiting to see what happens next. Even though the teenagers had special abilities their conflicts over bullies, teenage angst and unrequited love followed the usual path that belong to everyone of that age keeping the story in perspective for the reader. This is a definite recommended read for anyone who loves sci-fi, adventure, and romance stories.
September 25, 2016
Evolution is an intensive read that will have you on edge the entire time. This book is symbolic of what life is. And what life should be. The novel shows how relationships twist and alter, how loyalties can and will be tested, and what one individual can do to make a change. I love this book because, the friendships are spectacular and the content is amazing. Shadowcheah knows exactly Sahara she wants to display in her book, and how to keep her audience. I hope that many more will enjoy this book and buy it.
April 25, 2025
16 year old me thought this was a 5 star read, and 24 year old me thinks she was a dumb bitch that handed these out like candy so it's being demoted to 4 stars.
I remember when I first discovered the Evolution series on Wattpad. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was looking for a good read. Five hours later and I was already hooked beyond belief and eagerly awaiting the next update. I was happily suprised to have found such a well thought out book, and anyone could see just how much time and effort she put into it. With a well thought out plot, one so intricate you would think she had already planned out the entire series to a T. Along with a whole world described with enough detail I could imagine myself in it, standing next to the characters and experiencing everything with them the moment it happens. To the characters that I've grown to love, who've always felt so relatable. Evolution is a fantastic book that I would recommend to all of my friends.
Nam, your writing abilities have grown so much since I first found you on wattpad and I can't wait to see what you do in the future.
I remember when I first discovered the Evolution series on Wattpad. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was looking for a good read. Five hours later and I was already hooked beyond belief and eagerly awaiting the next update. I was happily suprised to have found such a well thought out book, and anyone could see just how much time and effort she put into it. With a well thought out plot, one so intricate you would think she had already planned out the entire series to a T. Along with a whole world described with enough detail I could imagine myself in it, standing next to the characters and experiencing everything with them the moment it happens. To the characters that I've grown to love, who've always felt so relatable. Evolution is a fantastic book that I would recommend to all of my friends.
Nam, your writing abilities have grown so much since I first found you on wattpad and I can't wait to see what you do in the future.
Read
September 25, 2016This is an incredibly awesome read and I'm thankful I got to read it at all. I actually have to accounts and the one under Jailyn can tell you I've loved this book ever since I started reading it . It should be available on Amazon soon for 2.99 USD. It's worth every cent in my opinion. Tell me yours .
October 7, 2016
It is a book that would definitely keep you on your toes with its intense storyline and plot twist. One of the best scifi book that i have read as it is very interesting and unexpected. The writer is able also to bring out each characters' personality and style throughout the book. Absolutely captivating!
December 8, 2016
This book is an amazing read and will keep you captivated. I wasn't able to put the book down until I finished reading! And then I immediately started on the second book:) I have read the series at least three times and can't get enough!
February 3, 2017
I absolutely loved this book yhe characters layout. I am definitely not the target audience 54 year old male. But what can I say started reading this morning and finished tonight. Kept my interest and I just kept turning pages. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews