The Test: First Encounter

by Zach David

Content living his life sheltered from the outside world, Ethan needs nothing but his video games, music, and internet to keep him happy. Yet when everyone in the world is suddenly frozen, he wonders if he's being tested. Determined to find answers, Ethan embarks on a journey to figure out what is going on--and why. But as those answers arise, so do more questions--questions that rattle his life and understanding of everything. The line separating black from white diminish when circumstances force him to make choices harder than ending his own life. Is Ethan truly alone? Will he find the cause of The Test?

Genres: Science Fiction

154 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2019

Reviews

[Sourav Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved science fiction and the endless possibilities of human imagination and I am very glad to say that this author takes it to the next level with his book: The Test: First Encounter. The author has done a splendid job of creating a page turner which is full of happy, sad and shocking moments. Kudos!! I would highly recommend it to any science fiction lover!!

[Wendi Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the years I have read tons of science fiction novels and became familiar with the general premises and concepts of the genre, but this book was different! The sprinkles of profound insights left throughout the novel and captovating plot harmoniously created an enjoyable experience. The unique diction style made this book fun to read. I was transfixed by the characters, and found myself drawn into Ethen's world. I highly reccomend this book to not only fans of sci fi but anyone who loves a hard to forget story line.
Part 2 can't come out soon enough!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I’m very glad that I chose to read this book, it’s a wonderful story to introduce me to his writing. It’s a sci-fi story and it’s a bit different to the usual run of the mill stories that are released daily. Although it’s a fairly short story, only taking a couple of hours to read, the author has done a great job of building his world and characters. The plot being as it is made for an enjoyable, intriguing read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating scenario to consider. What would you do if everyone in the world were suddenly frozen except for you?

Ethan, our protagonist, finds himself in just such a situation. This isn’t your standard apocalyptic survival story, however… it’s much more thought-provoking. Young Ethan has to not only endure but strive to find the cause of this Test.

An entertaining read, and I’m eager to find out what else is in store for Ethan.

[matthew feathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Don't be fooled by the length of this book! The author did a good job of seeing up the pacing and telling a story that hooked me in and left me wanting to know more about the world he made. I think this book is set up for a sequel and i can't wait to find out what happens to Ethan and the others.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Zach David; he has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Test: First Encounter is a very thought out book. It was interesting, intriguing and just downright great to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book that caught me up in the story immediately. With great characters and the promise of more of this story to come, I am hooked on this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had a compelling premise and a highly intentional MC. I enjoyed certain elements of the story, such as the centrality of reading and the library, and facets of Ethan's character - I know this person. That said, Ethan's backstory was heartbreaking but the centrality and rapidity of the romance felt awkward and unrealistic especially when juxtaposed to the preachiness toward the end of the book. What took me out of the story the most, though, was the writing style. I had a very hard time with the pacing and the surface-level, plot-heavy prose. Technically, I found the writing to be quite runny, passive, and more friendly if read aloud. I respect very much the work that went into this and I hope that a follow up, should there be one, receives as warm a reception as this one appears to have with other readers.

[Christopher Mogle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pass

Free book for me. I slogged through it. I would not recommend investing reading time into this book. Even if free.

[Randy Harmelink]

No rating. Moved to the DNF shelf. The pace was too slow for me. I was just getting bored, so I decided to move on to another book.