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Unproven: When Technology Advances and Magic Evolves, No One is Safe

SHADOW IS AZH’NAHN, A POWERLESS MAGE born into a culture that prides itself in sharing the earth’s powers. When he chooses a life of voluntary exile to preserve his family’s honor, Shadow receives a mysterious call to witness the unearthing of kotrakoy, treacherous telepathic beasts with four wings and four rows of teeth. As he watches their unholy resurrection with great horror, kotrakoy open their minds to his and offer a glimpse into what life would be like wielding a mage’s powers. As Shadow races to warn his people of the impending threat, he discovers a mysterious Trayki woman hanging from the trees and on the verge of death. Uncertain what to do, Shadow initially hesitates to rescue this woman, whose people embrace technology and eschew his culture. As Shadow tends to her glider-crash wounds, the earth unites them in a soul bond, a sacred union that gives Shadow an unerring duty to protect and preserve her life. That duty will be fraught with peril: Trayki troops begin bombing Hiwalani villages, and while losses mount, magic evolves and Shadow’s people lose their power. The Hiwalani must rely on inexperienced youths to master the new magic and stop enemy attacks. Desperate to save their people, few make any progress at all. Only the outcast azh’nahn seems to understand it - and very few trust his judgment. When Shadow believes he’s unlocked the solution, it involves empowering the most deadly kotrakoy and risking the complete annihilation of his people. While his solution sounds reasonable in theory, there is no time to test it. It’s UNPROVEN.

438 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2018

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About the author

Drew Briney

42 books18 followers
Recipient of London's prestigious Editor's Choice Award of Literary Excellence - Reader's House magazine. He was also featured in Author Essence, Mosaic Digest, Novelist Post, Newyox, the Bookshelf Times, Arts Society & Me, Central Europe Online, Book Press Releases, and more.

Drew writes both historical non-fiction and sci-fi/fantasy books. He's been lauded by non-fiction readers as "one of the greatest LDS scholars of our day" and "the icon of thoroughness." When he's ready to chill, he explores what happens when technology clashes with magic.

For his sci-fi/fantasy work, he's drawn comparisons to heavy hitters: Ursula LeGuin (Harry Potter influence), Elaine Cunningham (queen of dark fantasy and Forgotten Realms), Fydor Dostoevsky (psychological godfather of Crime and Punishment), Andre Norton, and J.R.R. Tolkien. However, Drew takes greatest pride from knowing he can juggle more balls than any other author on the planet (sometimes, 8).

His books feature post-apocalyptic genetically engineered humans joining forces with magic-wielding aliens (Moon 514), superstitious steampunk societies warring with a powerless mage and camouflaging dragons (Unproven), high-tech assassins trying to discern memory implants from reality (Assassin Hunter), drug-enhanced magic systems (Slice), psionically gifted dragons, telepathic griffons, symbiotic vampiric vines, and entrancing world-building. He aims to deliver thriller pacing a la Dan Brown and tightly outlined Brandon Sanderson-esque plots all while exploring deeply personal character growth.

For regular and up to date information from Drew, look him up on Substack.

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5 stars
14 (37%)
4 stars
13 (35%)
3 stars
5 (13%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
3 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
1 review
August 1, 2018
This excellent book is sort of a collision between Ursula Le Guin and Fydor Dostoevsky. This takes places in a wonderfully developed and complex world ala Le Guin with two very different civilizations that have clashed before and are now clashing again. One favors technology and the other favors magic. One lives close to the earth, while the other is in the intellectual (and literal) clouds. There are so many characters that at times it is hard not to confuse them, but like a good Russian novel it is worth the effort to learn the story and find out what happens next. Another aspect of the novel is what I think I will call "deVinci punk". There is a level of technology like steampunk but not to the level of Victorian England. It is more like the level of the Middle Ages. There is a Lord of the Rings quest aspect of the novel and there is a Romeo and Juliet kind of subplot as well. There is a lot here and you get your money's worth. This is a big book at over 400 pages of non-stop entertainment. The book keeps moving and never drags. There is a love triangle (one leg of the Romeo and Juliet like subplot) that never really gets resolved, so I am hoping that this is a clue that this is the first book of a planned epic triology. Here is hoping for more from this important new (at least to me) author.
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5,742 reviews342 followers
May 24, 2018
Review: UNPROVEN

UNPROVEN is a visually and sensorily compelling epic fantasy, with tremendous world-building. I admired the feckless hero, Shadow, an apprentice mage whom everyone considers "not quite good enough," which is their perception, but not quite accurate. Shadow will endure all kinds of misery and insults to obey Earth, whom he serves. When Earth leads him to witness a feat of immense magic, before which even Earth itself tremors, Shadow discovers his psychic connection to the largest and most dangerous predators imaginable. He can read their thoughts and they can read his! Now Shadow can crumble under the contempt of others, or embrace his Gift and change destiny.
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,450 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2019
MAGIC VS TECHNOLOGY – GREED IS ALL ENCOMPASSING

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

A story of technology versus magic, also machines versus nature. As the long journey of the mages comes to an end, I’m left not knowing if the end came or if it was a fit of madness. The storyline is wonderful and the story is long. It delves into all the characters’ points of view.
Profile Image for Neil.
1,597 reviews14 followers
July 18, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Although the writing bought a vivid imagery of a fantastic world and creatures, what stopped this from being a better read in my opinion was the clash of too many ideas.
It just made it a too complex.
Sometimes less is more.
13k reviews195 followers
December 21, 2019
Awesome fantasy. Impossible not to love it. The characters and the plot were just perfect for each other. I couldn’t stop reading and listened to the audible version twice.
47 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
This is another title I got from Netgalley. This one is called Unproven and it is by Drew Briney. This book was published on March 9, 2018. I got a free copy of one of Unproven through kindle EBooks in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about a state, country, or the world (not sure which because wasn't specified) which is split into two main parts. One of these parts is governed by the Hiwalani, who believe mainly in magic, or the Trayki, who believe more in technology. A few generations ago, there was a huge war between these two sides and the tension never seemed to die down. This book follows a young Hiwalani mage, who has almost no power. He, when about to voluntarily exile himself to insure not to bring shame to his family due to his weak powers, sees something absolutely horrendous. He sees Kotrakoy being unearthed. This is terrifying to him because Kotrakoy are basically dragons on steroids. The have four wings, they can read minds, can turn invisible, are ginormous, unpredictable and violent, and to top it all off, they have a pallet that includes human. On his way back to his hometown to warn everyone about the evil Kotrakoy coming back, he finds a young girl who is badly injured and from Trayki lands. With a war now looming overhead and evil Kotrakoy out to get everyone, Shadow must try to stop it all with his measly powers.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was engaging, and you really feel for the characters. The author is a very good writer too. He describes things well and makes it feel like you are really there yourself. I also love how creative Briney was. He created something totally original and made a whole new world unlike anything I could ever think of but still makes it clear to the reader how this world functioned. There was only one problem I had with this book, and that was the names. The things are supposed to be like from another language which is cool and works well for the Trayki names, but the problem is the Hiwalani names. The nicknames are great, Shadow and Bliss, but those are the only two nicknames. The others are usually quite long or way too similar to some of the other names. For the first half of the book, whenever I started a new chapter, I would read a few pages wondering who it is they are talking about and then when I realized I would have to go back to reread it to make sure I understand it. a lot of times though it would switch between nicknames and real names which made it even more confusing. Despite this though the book really was a great read and I recommend reading it when it is published. One thing I would do though, and I greatly recommend this and I wish I had, and this is because of the names, keep a character chart. Write down someone's name, exactly the way as spelled, and write something that can spur your memory of who they are. Do go read this book though because it is a great read.
Profile Image for Natalie Holden.
Author 6 books20 followers
February 22, 2020
I can see why the author gets compared to Ursula Le Guin, but unfortunately, he's not there yet.
I really wanted to like this book, because the plot seems interesting at first, the worldbuilding is superb and I was glad to see the protagonist who was not your standard action hero, but a person struggling with anxiety and self-doubt.
The biggest problem, I think, was the writing. There were frequent head-hopping and plenty of really silly grammatical errors. The introduction of new characters is heavy-handed, with a lot of telling and almost no showing (sometimes after paragraphs of introduction the characters don't even get a line of dialogue!).
Also, I feel that the author bit more than he could chew: there's a lot going on, but apart from the immediate surroundings of a few main characters, everything is glossed over. There's a war we barely hear about. Some characters mutter something about the corruption within the societies, but we never learn any details.
And I admit, halfway through the book I started getting more annoyed than enthralled. I wasn't sure what was going on and some of Shadow's actions seemed dubious at best. And some of them were really, really stupid (like: if your friends are taken by vampiric vines, shouldn't you at least try to find them? I mean, it's just some plant, it couldn't have gone far and even if your friends are dead, at least you could give them a proper burial. But no, it's better to leave and spend the next hundred pages brooding what a poor leader you are. I just wished one of his friends would break free and come back to kick his ***). Plus, he spent far too much time brooding instead of doing anything. I know the self-doubt is a big part of Shadow's character, but I feel like the author took it too far, making the book both feel dragging and rushed at the same time. Even the final battle was drowned in moping, which killed the whole tension and made me just wish for it to end. Yeah, I finished: despite everything I was curious (and a bit worried that the author won't be able to resolve all the plot points and end on some BS cliffhanger. Fortunately it didn't happen.)
To sum it up: I liked the premise, I just wished it was better carried out.
Profile Image for Ysobella Black.
Author 79 books3 followers
March 21, 2023
Magic vs Technology
Shadow is a reluctant hero who comes into magical powers after being shunned his whole life for not having any. He's got a steep learning curve, and it doesn't seem like he ever gets a break. But he doesn't give up as he tries to lead a band of fighters he's not sure he can trust to save his people.
A ton of in-depth world building went into the story, which I always like. There's intrigue, politics, a bit of romance, drama, and action, including a traitor nearby.
Jeffrey Howard was a great narrator.

66 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2019
Strange but intriguing story. A merge of many ideas and possibilities and strangly it makes for a great storyline. Keeps you on your toes keeping track of all that’s happening. You can’t put it down because you have to know how each situation is solved. Intriguing and at times confusing but always something new and different happening.
Profile Image for Susan May.
739 reviews14 followers
June 8, 2023
This was a pretty good story. I found it to be a very complex story that was hard to follow at first. But after sticking with it, I got sucked in and found I liked it. Interesting characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.
12 reviews
January 20, 2026
Unproven builds a richly imagined world where magic, technology, and human ambition collide in unexpected ways. The story follows Shadow, a powerless mage, whose exile for family honor sets in motion a chain of events that is equal parts perilous and compelling. Drew Briney constructs a narrative that is as intellectually engaging as it is suspenseful, layering psychological tension over intricate world-building and a plot that never lingers unnecessarily.

The dragons, camouflaging and telepathic, are more than mere obstacles—they embody the sense of danger and unpredictability that permeates the world. At the same time, the steampunk elements and societal structures feel grounded and internally consistent, giving the story a tangible texture. The character arcs are particularly strong, with Shadow’s internal struggle driving much of the narrative and complemented by secondary characters who are nuanced and often morally complex.

Briney’s handling of plot twists and betrayals keeps the reader continually reassessing what is possible within the story. The romance and personal relationships, while not the central focus, add meaningful layers to the narrative and highlight the stakes of Shadow’s choices. The pacing is deliberate but taut, giving room for both reflection and action, and the final resolution feels earned rather than forced.

Overall, Unproven is a standout in contemporary dark fantasy. It combines cerebral world-building, inventive magical systems, and psychologically rich characters, producing a reading experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Fans of Ursula LeGuin or Andre Norton will find echoes here, yet Briney carves out his own voice with a distinct blend of steampunk sensibilities, moral complexity, and suspense-driven storytelling.
537 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2026
Unproven by Drew Briney is a richly layered dark fantasy that combines intricate world-building with a deeply introspective narrative. The story follows Shadow, a mage without power, whose exile quickly transforms into a high-stakes journey filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected responsibility.

What sets this novel apart is its thoughtful exploration of identity and purpose. Shadow’s struggle is not just external facing dragons, betrayal, and political intrigue, but also internal, as he grapples with his limitations and the weight of expectations. This dual conflict adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a traditional fantasy adventure.

The world itself is vividly imagined, blending elements of steampunk with classic fantasy in a way that feels both fresh and immersive. From camouflaging dragons to evolving magic systems, the novel constantly introduces new ideas that keep the reader engaged. With its strong pacing, complex characters, and unpredictable twists, Unproven delivers a compelling reading experience for fans of darker, more cerebral fantasy.
16 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2026
Unproven is a compelling legal thriller that pulls readers in with its tension, moral complexity, and thoughtful exploration of justice and truth. Drew Briney crafts a story that goes beyond the courtroom, inviting readers to question assumptions and sit with the uncomfortable gray areas that make the novel so engaging.

The pacing is strong, the characters feel authentic, and the central case naturally sparks discussion rather than offering easy answers. This is exactly why Unproven is such a strong match for Cambridge & Boston, a book club of curious, highly engaged readers who enjoy exploring layered stories and sharing diverse perspectives.

Our readers are ready to discover Unproven, dive into its themes, and appreciate how well-crafted and conversation-worthy it is.
171 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
I was given a credit to review this book. It has a nice story, but it so drawn out. I was lost a couple times and had to go back a chapter to refresh what character they were talking about or who was talking. The narrator was not the best and all the voices all seemed to sound the same which was the reason for the backtracking. The story was not what I was expecting and I was joyfully surprised. There are twists and turns and you really can't guess what is going to happen in the next chapter. I recommend this book for the story.
2,318 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2023
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story, but it was complicated and involved. There were many varied characters, and because some of the characters' names were unfamiliar, they were difficult to keep straight in my memory. The worldbuilding was extensive. I liked all the twists and turns that occurred, and the machinations that led to surprising situations. The vampiric vines were creative and cool. Jeffrey Howard's narration was fine, and his voice was pleasant. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Carlynne Toomey.
464 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2019
I found this to be a wonderful story! Very well developed characters, great world building and plot twists! I very much enjoyed it and will look for more books by this author. The narrator (I'm reviewing the audiobook), in my opinion, wasn't the greatest. He didn't do a terrible job, but I think the story would have popped more with a different style of narration. Overall, I highly recommend this story!
1,933 reviews21 followers
July 31, 2020
This story was a strange mix of magic, action, detail, and introspection. Unfortunately the detail and introspection overwhelmed the story. The action and story became a hangar that the detail and introspection could sit upon and overwhelm the reader. I wanted to know how the story ended, and half way through I just skimmed the rest of the book. An interesting story, but you had to push a lot of detail out of the way to actually get the story.
1,654 reviews33 followers
June 8, 2021
Great Read. The plot line is intriguing. The storytelling can be complex. I found it hard at times to keep track of the various characters; which was compounded by the variety of terms, names and mythical concepts. But I encourage you to stick it out; as you will be exposed to a menagerie of unusual and prosthetic cultures -not at all unlike the world in which we currently live! It is a great ride; one you will enjoy. You might just find yourself wanting to read it a second time!
1 review
January 31, 2019
This book was adventurous and exciting! The awesome twists and turns were incredible and relentless. I had a hard time setting it down as the plot develops and changes so rapidly. And the ending . . . I'm waiting for the next book!! Could you please hurry. Definitely worth reading. It is already waiting for me to read it again.
682 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2019
A fantastic read. The Author has brought forth a fantastic read. That had me on the edge of my seat. It has lots of twists and turns that keep you intrigued throughout the whole listen. The Narrator does a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life. This is a big listen but it is worth it. This is definitely more than a 5 star read.
Shauna Joesten


Profile Image for Roger.
6,055 reviews28 followers
December 4, 2019
Unproven: When Technology Advances and Magic Evolves, No One Is Safe. My third read from author Drew Briney was longer than my first two reads and more enjoyable. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Jeffrey Howard’s narration adds to the book's enjoyment. I'll be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Karen.
1,606 reviews18 followers
May 5, 2021
This is a great storyline with a mix of political and personal stories. You have complex cultures that are confusing at times but also intriguing. You have some magic in this storyline with two different civilizations that will clash. So now you have technology versus magic. I recommend this book. The narration is great and keeps you on track towards the end.
Profile Image for Patricia Terry.
186 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2020
Excellent story, wonderful characters, and I have a new favorite magical beast. Sorry dragons, you are now only second favorite. I hope the author considers a follow-up. I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2019
Absolutely love this book. I was so sucked into the story, many times I forgot I was reading. Great world building, character development, and plot line. Love the twist ending!
Profile Image for Stefan Krt.
79 reviews
February 24, 2026
44 pages in, don’t care and the writing seems forced? Maybe contrived?
But that’s me others have given it five stars.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews