What do you think?
Rate this book
On Borrowed Wings
Nimbus has just discovered the impossible: a giant robot hidden in the mountains of Poland. Her father wants nothing more to do with their find – or the mysterious corporation funding the expedition – but Nimbus believes she shares a connection with the robot. To find out, she’ll have to betray her father’s trust.
Life on the streets is tough, even for a teenager like Jacob. When he’s offered a position at Zenith Corporation, Jacob jumps at the chance. He’ll finally be able to make sure nobody does anything stupid or unfair again. And getting to pilot a giant robot? That’s just another perk.
Nikola Parshakian believes that people like himself deserve to control humanity, so he founded Zenith Corporation to do just that. He’s dedicated his life to uncovering the well-kept secrets of a vanished civilization. Now, at long last, his plan is coming to fruition.
And two teenagers will play a key role in it--but as a help or a hindrance?
Nimbus and Jacob are about to find themselves caught up in the science-fiction adventure thriller of a lifetime as they unlock their hidden potential, unravel the mysteries of a paradigm-shattering past, and fight for their ideals inside winged titans of a forgotten era.
Life on the streets is tough, even for a teenager like Jacob. When he’s offered a position at Zenith Corporation, Jacob jumps at the chance. He’ll finally be able to make sure nobody does anything stupid or unfair again. And getting to pilot a giant robot? That’s just another perk.
Nikola Parshakian believes that people like himself deserve to control humanity, so he founded Zenith Corporation to do just that. He’s dedicated his life to uncovering the well-kept secrets of a vanished civilization. Now, at long last, his plan is coming to fruition.
And two teenagers will play a key role in it--but as a help or a hindrance?
Nimbus and Jacob are about to find themselves caught up in the science-fiction adventure thriller of a lifetime as they unlock their hidden potential, unravel the mysteries of a paradigm-shattering past, and fight for their ideals inside winged titans of a forgotten era.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2017
7 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Arispe
8 books17 followersT. K. Arispe is a small-time sci-fi/fantasy writer who aims to create quality, intelligent media that everyone can enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 3, 2022
Nimbus is with her father on an archaeology dig when she discovers something amazing: A giant robot. Not really understanding what she was doing, she entered a room and was surprised when she heard a voice, which turned out the be the robot. Unbeknownst to Nimbus, she has a special ability that allows her to become the robot's pilot.
As soon as the discovery is made, Nimbus' father begins behaving oddly. He very quickly turns over the dig to the company, Zenith Corporation, that was funding the dig and tells everyone who had been working on the dig that they had seen nothing and they knew nothing.
Back at the Zenith Corporation headquarters, another young man who they had recruited off the streets, Jacob, is being trained to be the pilot, but plans have to change when it is discovered that Nimbus is already the registered pilot. Jacob is registered as the pilot of another robot, which Zenith Corporation had built by reverse-engineering the one Nimbus' father discovered.
Missing the connection she had made with the robot and knowing that no one else could be her robot's pilot, Nimbus contacts Zenith Corporation and arranges her own "kidnapping" (at least, according to her father) so that she can become a pilot.
However, it doesn't take long before Nimbus realizes that something is very wrong at Zenith Corporation and that the head of the company, Parshakian, has great and terrible plans for the robots and his corporation.
This was such a fun book to listen to. I loved the fact that Nimbus had cerebral palsy, but was treated as a normal character. There were certainly growing pains there, as her father struggled with the idea that she could do much on her own, and there were a few interactions that illustrated really well the way Nimbus felt when people had to do things for her because of her disability prevented her from doing something. I also really liked the revelation at the end about those who have the ability to become pilots. It certainly put a new light on what we consider a disability.
The character development was done really well. With Parshakian, even though he was largely 2-dimensional in his evilness, the author did a good job of exploring his past and showing how he became that way. Between Nimbus and Parshakian was Jacob, who was definitely on one path but, under the influence of Nimbus, altered his trajectory.
The idea of a lost ancient race that was much more technologically advanced than our current society was really cool - kind of like Atlantis without using Atlantis. I do wonder if the author is planning a sequel to this book. This one ended in such a way that a sequel is not necessary but left open enough that there could be one. I hope there is one; I rather enjoyed this story and would like to find out more information about the other civilization
Finally, with respect to the audiobook, the narrator - Benjamin Fife - did a wonderful job. This is the first book that I had heard him narrate and definitely enjoyed it. His voice was captivating, and he pulled me in from the very beginning.
As soon as the discovery is made, Nimbus' father begins behaving oddly. He very quickly turns over the dig to the company, Zenith Corporation, that was funding the dig and tells everyone who had been working on the dig that they had seen nothing and they knew nothing.
Back at the Zenith Corporation headquarters, another young man who they had recruited off the streets, Jacob, is being trained to be the pilot, but plans have to change when it is discovered that Nimbus is already the registered pilot. Jacob is registered as the pilot of another robot, which Zenith Corporation had built by reverse-engineering the one Nimbus' father discovered.
Missing the connection she had made with the robot and knowing that no one else could be her robot's pilot, Nimbus contacts Zenith Corporation and arranges her own "kidnapping" (at least, according to her father) so that she can become a pilot.
However, it doesn't take long before Nimbus realizes that something is very wrong at Zenith Corporation and that the head of the company, Parshakian, has great and terrible plans for the robots and his corporation.
This was such a fun book to listen to. I loved the fact that Nimbus had cerebral palsy, but was treated as a normal character. There were certainly growing pains there, as her father struggled with the idea that she could do much on her own, and there were a few interactions that illustrated really well the way Nimbus felt when people had to do things for her because of her disability prevented her from doing something. I also really liked the revelation at the end about those who have the ability to become pilots. It certainly put a new light on what we consider a disability.
The character development was done really well. With Parshakian, even though he was largely 2-dimensional in his evilness, the author did a good job of exploring his past and showing how he became that way. Between Nimbus and Parshakian was Jacob, who was definitely on one path but, under the influence of Nimbus, altered his trajectory.
The idea of a lost ancient race that was much more technologically advanced than our current society was really cool - kind of like Atlantis without using Atlantis. I do wonder if the author is planning a sequel to this book. This one ended in such a way that a sequel is not necessary but left open enough that there could be one. I hope there is one; I rather enjoyed this story and would like to find out more information about the other civilization
Finally, with respect to the audiobook, the narrator - Benjamin Fife - did a wonderful job. This is the first book that I had heard him narrate and definitely enjoyed it. His voice was captivating, and he pulled me in from the very beginning.
September 6, 2021
I purchased the Audible version of this book.
This is a great book for all ages. It takes place in the "real" world, with very real characters facing very real problems, such as relationship issues and physical and mental handicaps. T.K. Arispe does a great job of addressing every challenge in a mature and tasteful way, and the inclusion of the giant mechs is great fun. I was particularly impressed that the author did not make the characters reliant upon the mechs, despite their handicaps. It's a very well-considered story that will uplift the reader/listener, and teaches the virtues of morality and bravery instead of relying on fantasy elements.
I've heard Benjamin Fife narrate before, and he continues to impress, providing distinct voices and even special effects alongside clear pronunciation and great pacing.
Whether you're considering picking this up for yourself or as a gift for someone else, you can't go wrong. Highly recommend.
This is a great book for all ages. It takes place in the "real" world, with very real characters facing very real problems, such as relationship issues and physical and mental handicaps. T.K. Arispe does a great job of addressing every challenge in a mature and tasteful way, and the inclusion of the giant mechs is great fun. I was particularly impressed that the author did not make the characters reliant upon the mechs, despite their handicaps. It's a very well-considered story that will uplift the reader/listener, and teaches the virtues of morality and bravery instead of relying on fantasy elements.
I've heard Benjamin Fife narrate before, and he continues to impress, providing distinct voices and even special effects alongside clear pronunciation and great pacing.
Whether you're considering picking this up for yourself or as a gift for someone else, you can't go wrong. Highly recommend.
September 7, 2021
Why isn't anyone else reading this?! It's a real good book.
The author writes very well, and has created a world and characters I enjoyed reading about.
I like the storyline.
I love Nimbus, Jacob, Audrey, and all the various adults.
Well, maybe one isn't so great, but you know....
If you don't like reading books about teens with ADD and cerebral palsy occasionally piloting giant robotic mechs, and saving the world while they deal with adolescent issues, then this probably isn't for you.
But otherwise, give it a try!
Maybe this isn't quite deserving of 5 stars, but it's close. Plus, I really want to encourage others to read it.
Enjoy!
The author writes very well, and has created a world and characters I enjoyed reading about.
I like the storyline.
I love Nimbus, Jacob, Audrey, and all the various adults.
Well, maybe one isn't so great, but you know....
If you don't like reading books about teens with ADD and cerebral palsy occasionally piloting giant robotic mechs, and saving the world while they deal with adolescent issues, then this probably isn't for you.
But otherwise, give it a try!
Maybe this isn't quite deserving of 5 stars, but it's close. Plus, I really want to encourage others to read it.
Enjoy!
July 6, 2022
This is the first thing I have read from T. K. Arispe and he does a great job with this story. The story is engaging and the morality and bravery that come through is emotional and heart wrenching at times. I highly recommend this author and series and look forward to that T. K. Arispe has for us next! Audio Version: Benjamin Fife continues to excel with his narration and gets better with every title.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews