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Armor of God #1

La Armadura de Dios

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El mundo dejó de pertenecernos… pero la esperanza no muere.

Un virus alienígena ha llevado a la humanidad al borde de la extinción y lo único que queda es Roue, el último bastión en un mundo en ruinas. Ezra Blanchard, un joven que no cree en el futuro de la raza humana, descubre que su sangre posee una cualidad única, que lo obliga a unirse a Zenith, una instalación secreta del ejército de Roue. Es allí donde Ezra descubre la última esperanza de la humanidad: el Creux, poderosas armaduras que son lo único capaz de combatir el virus, y una de ellas solo puede ser piloteada por Ezra. Así, él comienza una emocionante vida llena de retos y peligros, pero Zenith, y su Creux, podrían guardar aterradores secretos.

Paperback

First published October 14, 2014

17 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Diego Valenzuela

11 books30 followers
My name is Diego Valenzuela, author of The Armor of God trilogy, published by Penguin Random House in Spanish, screenwriter for animation and a voice actor with experience in film, TV, videogames and more.

I was born on February 1986 in Mexico City, where I’ve lived most of my life. I started writing fiction at the age of 12, when I spent a year in Dublin, Ireland. During long hours of study hall and inspired by dreams and the Irish landscape, I decided to spend my time reading and, eventually, writing. It has been a passion ever since.

My first novel, The Armor of God, was first published in English, chapter by chapter, through a blog, where it began to gather a small following. The finished novel was published in October 2014 through Amazon’s CreateSpace. The Unfinished World, the direct sequel and middle chapter of the trilogy, was published in December 2015 to rave reviews from best-selling authors such as Piers Anthony and María Amparo Escandón. Finally, in 2019, The Riven God closed the trilogy. The original book has now been published in Spanish under the title La Armadura de Dios thanks to Penguin Random House. In the space between books two and three of the trilogy, I also published Reverie of Gods, an epic stand-alone sci-fi adventure.

In 2016 I joined the team behind Villianous, an original series by Cartoon Network, as a screenwriter and eventually Story Editor. This began my career in the animation industry and, eventually, voice acting. I also work as a screenwriter and Story Editor in the animated series Rey Mysterio from the Viva Calavera creative team, as well as Mako Animation Studio’s upcoming projects. Additionally, I have credits in TV productions, commercial and more.

As of late 2021, I joined the creative team for the upcoming RTS IMMORTAL: Gates of Pyre as a writer/narrative designer and voice artist.

As a voice actor, I have had the privilege of working on dozens of projects such as Villainous, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Toontorial, DOOM: Eternal, Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War and many more. I’ve had the enormous pleasure of voicing fan-favorite characters such as Razor Fist in Marvel’s Shang Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings, Moon Knight in Marvel’s Spiderman: Maximum Venom and Soundwave in Bumblebee.

I was also the vocalist and lyricist for the progressive metal band Watercolor Butterfly, which was awarded for its debut album, The God Particle. In my spare time, I enjoy working on a series of video tutorials on YouTube called El Laberinto, con Kai y Jim, where I give voice to two characters who seek to share knowledge and teach young writers on the writer’s craft. I also enjoy digital illustration and bodybuilding.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Kayti Raet.
Author 9 books129 followers
October 21, 2014
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite

The Armor of God by Diego Valenzuela is a YA science fiction novel set in a future where Man clings tenaciously to life after an asteroid bearing the laani, an alien disease, nearly wipes us all out. Huddled in protective bubbles, all is not completely lost as a small segment of the population that are C-Compatible are able to link up to the Creux, Titans that are the only thing capable of defeating the laani and allowing humanity to take back what was once lost. For every Creux there is a pilot and 18 year old Ezra Blanchard is one of the lucky few that are genetically compatible to pilot these mysterious Titans. Taken to a super secret military base he begins his training but he quickly discovers all isn't as it seems, traitors abound, and the most dangerous thing in the world may not be the laani.

The Armor of God by Diego Valenzuela was an enjoyable novel. Erza is a great "Everyman" type character that I'm sure a lot of people will be able to relate to. Valenzuela built his world very well especially when it came to the Creux which brought to mind movies like Pacific Rim or TV shows like Attack on Titan. You really got the feeling that what Ezra and his friends were doing was very important and you wanted them to succeed.
The Armor of God wasn't fast paced but it manages to keep the reader's attention all the way to a shocking conclusion that will leave readers desperate to learn what happens next.
1 review1 follower
October 14, 2014
I've spent the last 15 minutes looking at a blank page trying to find the words to describe how much I liked this book. Clearly I am not as talented as the author Diego Valenzuela.

Writing an intense and fast paced story, with an ever growing mystery behind it.
Revealing some answers just to leave you with more questions (just the way I like it).

I fully recommend you pick up this book at your local bookstore, hahaha just kidding we know you will get it from Amazon so here is the link!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Armor-Of-Go...

Enjoy!

3 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2022
Recomendadísimo para todas las edades (quizás no para menores a los diez años). Este libro te transporta a un universo de fantasía en el cual las almas y los robots coexisten, encubriendo secretos obscuros detrás de la supervivencia ante una amenaza que rebasa a la humanidad. Tiene corazón, acción, aventura, romance, ciencia- no paras hasta acabarlo. Muy recomendado para aquellos que están tratando de retomar/desarrollar el hábito de lectura porque te atrapa de principio a fin!
Profile Image for Santiago V.
10 reviews
August 23, 2014
This is an amazing, fun, fast paced read, can’t wait for the sequel!!
1 review
April 9, 2021
After chugging the entire trilogy in like 8 days, while blatantly ignoring my personal and professional responsibilities to do so, I created an account here just for this review.

The 'tl;dr' review:
There are not enough redundant adjectives to describe this trilogy, so I'll go with a simple "must read" for any fans of the sci-fi, futuristic genre

The long version:

At first glance it plays the part of yet another YA dystopian future chosen one novel, but it quickly shines at something else entirely. All the elements are there, but presented to you in a way that shows how the author knew all the clichés in the genre, and was hellbent on giving them a new spin.

The main character (ish), Ezra Blanchard, feels so organic that you are compelled in the first 50 pages to wear his skin as your own, flaws and all, and react to the story in your own way before even reading the character's. This is not to say that the story at some point becomes predictable. Truthfully, the only thing that gets predictable is that you don't know what to expect at any point during the story. As a side note: I remember telling my SO, while both reading at opposite ends of the living room, "Even though I can see the plot coming from miles ahead, I'm enjoying this book" only to be smacked on my face 20 pages later with a twist out of the left field, although never so much that feels far fetched or nonsensical. It was completely my fault for assuming, not the author's

Diego Valenzuela's skill is to convey a lot with a relative small word count. I was immediately grateful with the author whenever he decided that you, as a reader, are perfectly capable on constructing in your mind the setting of a ruined city, without the need of spending ten pages painstakingly describing each crack on the concrete.

The story plays with your emotions at each turn, and really plays with the concept of hope, something you will find, lose, regain, and feel stomped, throughout the series.

To avoid the fanboy syndrome, I will mention a warning about it. This is a personal opinion about the plot development, so I'll mark it as spoiler


A prominent member of the sci-fi genre, with a dash of thriller, and larger-than-life story, this one is a must have under your belt.
Profile Image for Mark Laporta.
Author 7 books17 followers
January 2, 2015
As I see it, one sign of a good writer is the ability to give a fresh twist to a familiar story element. What's left to say, for example, about mechwarriors, after Voltron or the Power Rangers, or countless videogames involving cybersoldiers?

Except, that is, when a writer weaves the familiar into a tale of suspense, intrigue and genre-busting self-awareness. That he does this in the context of another tired formula—a post-apocalyptic society with domed cities, an environmental crisis and a shadowy government—is a testament to his imagination.

Against these odds, in THE ARMOR OF GOD, Valenzuela creates characters who make you care what happens to them next. Add to that a "next" that never settles into a clichéd adventure groove, and you have a storyline tumbling forward in rapid, unpredictable steps.

The off-kilter storyline works precisely because it's an outgrowth of character development—specifically the nerdy, antihero antics of Ezra. Just when you think he has triumphed over his neuroses, he collapses into a puddle of tears, fears—or mind-numbing rage.

Now, I'm a big fan of the sneaky plot twist. It's thrilling to see an author "fool the eye" like a great magician. But sometimes, Valenzuela stretches our expectations to the breaking point. Two people go insane and die for no known reason. A third goes rogue, exhibiting shockingly out-of-character behavior.

Also suspect are Ezra's passionate, out-of-the-blue clinches with his female team mates. Makes me wonder if the author got an editor's note, urging him to punch up the sex appeal. Both the deaths and the smooches add phony shock value where none is needed. Here we are, on a planet at the brink of annihilation. With drama like that, who needs chain-yanking soap opera antics?

Complaints aside, The Armor of God presents an engaging world with an elusive secret. The proof, however, is in the payoff. If the plot twists introduced in Book 1 put a whole new spin on the action in Book 2, our emotional investment in the characters won't be wasted. Regardless, Valenzuela clearly has the storytelling gene and I suspect there’s more to his talent than this book reveals.
Profile Image for Israel Grey.
Author 4 books18 followers
October 2, 2014
A MILITARY-SCIFI MUST READ!

Valenzuela builds a robust scifi world and gripping plot that demands a immediate sequel!

Engrossing, imaginative and intense, The Armor of God is a triumph of military science fiction that explores the personal and technological elements of the world, with a plot that ticks quickly along, drawing your deeper into the mystery of the world's lore. Good military science fictions allows a special focus on the training of characters, and much like the soldiers in John Scalzi's Old Man's War and Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers, the Creux piloting characters of The Armor of God develop through their unique and well visualized training into the soldiers the world desperately needs in order to survive the Laani that threaten humanity with extinction.

The central character, Ezra Blanchard, carries the reader through his own education of the Laani threat, the secrets hidden within Zenith (the covert military institution housing battle machines called Creux) and along his personal journey to discover a destiny that was born into his blood.

Adventure and intrigue come fast in this well constructed tale that give homage to the classics of Neon Genesis Evangelion and Xenogears. Fans of the genre and scifi fans in general should not miss out on this instant hit.

The sequel cannot come soon enough!



Profile Image for Adriana.
10 reviews
February 21, 2015
I'm not a big sci/fi fan, but this book traps you from the very start!

The story is amazingly well written; the plot constantly keeps you at the edge of your seat and bitting your fingernails, eager for more.

A definite must, for anyone who appreciates an awesome story, with endearing characters and a little something extra!

I'm becoming one of those obnoxious fans who keeps annoying the author with my pleads for the next book!
Profile Image for Isa Alcocer.
1 review
January 30, 2015
Normally, a book of this genre wouldn't catch my attention but since I started chapter 1 I was totally hooked in a story full of imagination, an original plot and storyline, easy to read, filled with so many different characters that you love and hate, twists (!!!), descriptions so deep and perfect that make you believe you are in that world, etc. Almost cried when I read the last chapter and cannot wait to read the sequels.

¡Kudos Diego! :)
Profile Image for Mariana Valen.
7 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2016
That was so cool! Now we most annoy the author into writing the sequel faster!
Profile Image for tlacoyo bandicoot.
138 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2025
este libro no hace más que elevar mis expectativas para las siguientes entregas, el último tercio es de lo más cardíaco, no dudé en comprar el segundo libro
2 reviews
March 10, 2024
Esperando ansiosamente las secuelas de este espectacular libro !
Profile Image for Elbamarie Manchester.
2 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2017
This book is just hands down amazing, its such a great read. I made it a point to leave it in my desk so that I could read during idle time and could not fathom putting it down. Cannot wait to continue this great series.
1 review
March 22, 2021
Una obra maestra de ciencia ficcion, sin lugar a dudas un libro que tienes que leer, te atrapa de una manera brutal y solo quieres terminarlo, pero al hacerlo te deja un vacio por no tener mas nada que leer, ya quiero leer la trilogia completa
5 reviews
April 5, 2017
It was amazing how fast I went through this book. The characters are so well written, and those plot twists! OMG! They will keep you at the edge of your seat! Can't wait to get through the sequel as well!
Profile Image for Katrina Link.
4 reviews
July 11, 2020
This story is everything I could have asked for! Definitely a must read! While reading through, I was invested the entire time, especially with the the mystery and plot twist in between and the ending left me in complete suspense. When describing the Creux, the Titans that are the only thing capable of defeating the laani virus, films like Pacific Rim and James Cameron’s Avatar and animated shows like Attack on Titan immediately came to my mind. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens next with Ezra and his friends.
Profile Image for Jarryd Kalideen.
394 reviews7 followers
January 12, 2018
This is one amazing book that is well paced and contains virtually everything that a sci-fi fan could want. It really was worth the wait for me. Highly recommended.

The major downside to this book is that it leaves you NEEDING to read the sequel(s).

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Andreea Pausan.
574 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2015
Unexpectedly good, a cross between Pacific Rim and Ender's Game. In a distant future, Earth (named Terria) is attacked by an alien virus called the Laani, who mutates and starts transforming the planet. The survivors are gathered in domed areas, fighting the intruder. Ezra Blanchard, estranged son of a rich famous family, when having his blood examined before conscription, discovers that his blood has special properties and he will be part o en elite unit called Zenith. Ezra is basically a whiner, he does not want any of it, he is afraid and unprepared (both mentally and physically). But the army does not joke and he finds out his blood makes him compatible with a gigantic part-robot-part organic shell called a Creux that he must lead in battle against the Laani. He makes friends, he undergoes training, schooling, he is matched with one of the giants, but soon he discovers that they are part of a bigger game and there is a saboteur inside Zenith. Furthermore, between the various Creuxen, there is one called Armor of God, the most powerful among them, whom all others mistrust. With such pressure, Ezra screws up (not a big surprise there) and some nasty truths are revealed.

Not at all bad, but Ezra does complain too much and it kind of spoiled it for me.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
Author 21 books47 followers
October 13, 2014
New author Diego Valenzuela has written an unusual, original sci-fi novel here that will be absorbing and engaging even for people like myself who don't usually read the genre.

We are plunged immediately into Ezra's Blanchard's anxious world, as the 18-year-old waits to see whether he will be chosen for military service. Ezra is a peaceful boy from a wealthy and intellectual family who doesn't see himself as fitting into the military at all. But not only is he chosen, he is assigned to become part of an elite squad of young people who are separated from their families and undergo rigorous training to pilot the Creux (pronounced Cray-ux), mysterious machines that have otherworldly powers.

I loved the language, the names that Valenzuela chose for his cities (Roue, Zenith), and the believable relationships between Ezra and his peers. This novel is darkly suspenseful and ends on a note of nailbiting tension that will have you waiting for Book 2.

Received a copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stéphane Aubin.
1 review
June 4, 2016
"The Armor of God" was a breath of fresh air, a great new twist on the classic mecha theme. Flash synopsis: at the helm of giant, mobile, ridiculously powerful suits or armour, a select (read: extremely few) individuals battle away hellish creatures warped by the Laani, an alien virus, in the hope of saving the last remaining city on Earth (and ergo the human race) from extinction. I stumbled upon the book thanks to an animated book trailer, and I must say that I haven't been disappointed. I read the whole thing in one sitting and was left wanting more. Diego Valenzuela weave a tight net of intrigue fuelled by a realistic and relatable cast of characters that in turn make us laugh, cry out in anguish, or even outright scream in frustration. Plot twists are many and unpredictable, and even if or when it's possible to guess at one, the final reveal is just as exhilarating as a complete surprise. I can honestly say that I have not read anything quite like it, and this series definitely has a place on my "Favourites" shelf and is there to stay.
Profile Image for Tom.
11 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2014
I picked up this book directly from Diego, so I'll try to give this one a quick (but thorough) review.

The Armor of God, takes place in a dystopian future where humanity is barely surviving inside a domed city. Then protagonist, Ezra, is eighteen and has to sign up for his mandatory government service to become an adult citizen. From here the story takes off. Giant robots, virus mutated monsters, mystery and conspiracy! (Not to give too much away)

One small caveat I have is that Ezra seems to be younger than his stated eighteen years, (so much that I had to go back to make sure how old he was) but then again, it's been a long time since I was 18 so maybe I'm not remembering what it was like.

It's a good first effort. I enjoyed the book as a whole and can see myself continuing the series.
Profile Image for Duck Zepeda.
1 review
July 12, 2016
Suspense, action, excitement, love, hate, intrigue, sadness, drama and emotion are just some of the emotions you're gonna get while reading this awesome book.
I loved this book, im actually starting to read the second part and I'm loving it as well.
Its a great book, really easy to read, and with an awesome story behind it, full of surprises and some drama, which make it a really complete book.
This is one of those books that makes you want to continue reading and reading.
I happen to know the author, whom is an awesome guy, and I think he has a really big talent at writing, I hope you read this, and i'm really thankful I have met you so I could get to buy your book cuz I LOVE IT!!
If you like sci-fi books this one, I swear, would be one of your favorites. And if you don't you would love it also!
Enjoy your reading, I hope as much as I did.
Profile Image for Humberto Cervera.
1 review6 followers
December 15, 2014
Giant robots punching things? Check
Interesting team dynamics between the pilots of said giant robots? Check
Endearing characters that get you invested in their development? Check
Tons of twists and turns that will have you screaming at the air "Damn you Valenzuela, DAMN YOU"? Check

What I liked the most? This books offers an original take on the whole "Mecha" dynamic, seriously, I´ve never seen something as original as this since...never actually.

Just like Ender´s Game The Armor of God is a great Sci Fi military novel that is a must read for anyone that is a fan of the genre.

Also, Valenzuela is one of the best World Builders I´ve read in recent times, seriously he makes everything feel so real and so cohesive.

Stop reading this review and start reading The Armor of God.
Profile Image for Janis.
567 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2015
Great read! Its like getting to see the time before "Pacific Rim" - what brought about these great machines. Unlike in pacific Rim we didn't build them - no one knows who did. Would you be willing to sync your mind and body with one of these metal marvels if you found out there was a ghost in the machine? That the original owner was still there, waiting for you! The general public is afraid of them and wants them destroyed but we have no other weapons that can defeat the invading alien species. The machines don't trust each other nor do they like each other! But we need to trust them or face annihilation. I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Profile Image for Leo Robles.
1 review
May 9, 2015
This book is definitely an awesome debut Sci-fi novel by the author and a perfect way to begin an extremely intriguing and exciting trilogy. Personally being a huge mecha fan, the book's synopsis was more than enough for me to catch my attention, but as soon as I began reading it, it completely got my interest. The character development and the different situations they have to face since the book begins all the way to its insanely great end will definitely leave you wanting more once you finish it. Definitely a must-read!
Profile Image for Javier Romo.
1 review
February 10, 2015
Imagine a hybrid between Fifty Shades of Grey and a self-help book. Well, The Armor of God is the exact opposite of that. Yeah, it's THAT good.

Seriously, I loved this book. Great plot, nice believable characters, badass giant robots, some awesome twists, good fast-paced narrative. I really hope someone makes a T.V. or movie adaptation of this (live action or animated) because that would be fucking awesome.
Profile Image for Richard Fitzgerald.
613 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2022
The Armor of God is the first in a trilogy set on a post-apocalyptic earth (?). It is not sure what caused the collapse of most of the human civilization; it is assumed that it was a virus. However, the leaders of one of the last known human “cities” are deceptive, even to those fighting for the survival of the human race. The story is interesting and increasingly complex. Be warned: The third in the trilogy is particularly bizarre and will not answer many of your questions.
Profile Image for Ed Alcocer.
1 review2 followers
April 30, 2015
Excellent Sci-fi novel, the authority does a brilliant job in getting the reader to immerse himself in the emotion of the story. Really the only annoying bit is that I'll have to wait a long time for the sequel.
Profile Image for Gabriela.
1 review
September 18, 2015
Great book! Loved it. Everything you need in a young adult sci-fi book.. strong characters with full personalities, interesting background that keeps you asking for more, no cheesy adolescent drama. Can't wait for the sequel!
Congrats to this amazing new author :)
Profile Image for Fernanda Blanco.
4 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2015
Not my usual read but I was into the book form the beginning!
A really great read with great characters that really let you get into the world the author is creating!!
Really a great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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