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The Entrant
Galactic Racer by Day. Getaway Pilot by Night.
The ARL race craft run on sonic speeds just a few metres from the track and race massive rollercoaster circuits all across the galaxy. It is the biggest sport under the federation.
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy.
On his eighteenth birthday, after being kicked out of his team, an ARL team offers him a position as a substitute of a substitute. Despite the warning signs, he seizes the opportunity, and boards a massive spaceship, the mobile base of a team competing for the galactic championship.
But the life of an ARL racer isn't as easy as he thought. The craft are raw and powerful, the competition relentless—also inside his team—and the game sometimes gets dirty. Just to get to race, he has to beat some of the galaxy's best racers.
And there's more to the team than racing: a group of them run secret missions for the enigmatic owner. Soon Zane works night-shift as their getaway pilot.
When the day and night jobs meet, he must step out of his father’s shadow, and race, not only for the glory, but for his life.
If you like underdog stories, awe-inspiring galactic trekking, and high-adrenaline racing, The Entrant will keep you strapped to your seat until the finish line.
The ARL race craft run on sonic speeds just a few metres from the track and race massive rollercoaster circuits all across the galaxy. It is the biggest sport under the federation.
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy.
On his eighteenth birthday, after being kicked out of his team, an ARL team offers him a position as a substitute of a substitute. Despite the warning signs, he seizes the opportunity, and boards a massive spaceship, the mobile base of a team competing for the galactic championship.
But the life of an ARL racer isn't as easy as he thought. The craft are raw and powerful, the competition relentless—also inside his team—and the game sometimes gets dirty. Just to get to race, he has to beat some of the galaxy's best racers.
And there's more to the team than racing: a group of them run secret missions for the enigmatic owner. Soon Zane works night-shift as their getaway pilot.
When the day and night jobs meet, he must step out of his father’s shadow, and race, not only for the glory, but for his life.
If you like underdog stories, awe-inspiring galactic trekking, and high-adrenaline racing, The Entrant will keep you strapped to your seat until the finish line.
- GenresScience Fiction
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
8 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Rock Forsberg
15 books31 followersRock Forsberg is a science fiction author. He loves awe-inspiring stories and started writing so that he could create epic worlds and stories of his own. He has also written songs, poems, and short stories, both in English and in Finnish. He considers writing to be a long game, with a lifetime of learning, and dozens of novels to write.
A dual citizen of Finland and Australia, he splits his time between Helsinki, Finland and Sydney, Australia. If he not writing, he's reading, keeping fit (he’s a health geek), playing guitar, or enjoying time with his family and friends.
A dual citizen of Finland and Australia, he splits his time between Helsinki, Finland and Sydney, Australia. If he not writing, he's reading, keeping fit (he’s a health geek), playing guitar, or enjoying time with his family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 29, 2021
The Entrant gave me Formula 1 and Star Wars vibes, and being a fan of both, this book was a real treat to me. It started out really good with a first chapter that sucked me right into the story. I liked how throughout the book there was a lot of action, but there were also plenty of moments where the characters simply talked or reflected on previous events, which made it a perfect combination of both. And most importantly (or at least in my opinion): there was a lot of character development (and not just with the main character). The only thing that could be improved is maybe the ending (the part after the race). It was nice, but it felt a bit rushed. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves scifi and/or racing. 4.5 stars.
January 21, 2025
Young man advances into major league racing and grows up quickly - 4.5 stars
Zane Silverberg was about to turn 18 years old when he crashed his racer in the final race of the minor league season. His father was a pro and died in the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) crash only six years previously. ARL racing was in Zane's blood. His dreams were to become a galactic star but that would be years away if at all.
The crash seemed to end his options to become an ARL racer. A sports reporter encouraged Zane to meet with an ARL team coach who in turn offered him a provisional position. Going from dejected to cautiously optimistic, Zane started a quick path from journeyman to racer in the big leagues. Zane knew nearly every ARL competitor and team. He was shy and came from a background of do the right thing and try to do the best you can.
Zane's new team encouraged him to continually improve with a not-so-veiled threat that lack of improvement would lead to termination. The well-financed Kispeed team had excellent simulation trainers and a full athletic training facility in their starship. As the new and much younger member of the racing team, it took a while to get used to his teammates and their personalities. Nonetheless, Zane put time and effort on the simulators and in the gym as the spaceship travelled faster than light to racing venues in distant galaxies.
It was unlikely that a novice would get a chance to be one of the two pilots per team on race day; the next season might have an opening. Piloting challenges (gravity variations, short days, and trickly "spicy" conditions) put the real world conditions into play different from the simulations. Accidents happened. It seemed that the Kispeed craft had problems that neither mechanics of electronic checking could explain.
At the end of the season, Kispeed was at bottom of the ARL teams and was expected to be barred from racing. The teammates worked together and still did not seem to be able to overcome what eventually seemed to be sabotage. The reporter who assisted Zane became his agent and a romantic interest before their arrangement fell apart. Accidents and probably illegal snatch and grab activities were at odds with Zane's moral code; he wanted to concentrate on racing, avoiding any possible actions.
The last race of the season was do or die. With the plethora of injuries, Zane became a contender to be one of the pilots as relationships between the team staff, threats of violence, and other issues worked to dull Zane's concentration. Zane had to face the ghost of his father as well as his romantic interests.
I read several other books in the ARL series before reading The Entrant, the first in the series. Even out of sequence, "The Entrant" was a good read which crafted a believable growing up fast theme without targeting primarily young adults. The constant drive to reassess priorities and prepare to be the best was inspiring. Highly recommended.
Zane Silverberg was about to turn 18 years old when he crashed his racer in the final race of the minor league season. His father was a pro and died in the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) crash only six years previously. ARL racing was in Zane's blood. His dreams were to become a galactic star but that would be years away if at all.
The crash seemed to end his options to become an ARL racer. A sports reporter encouraged Zane to meet with an ARL team coach who in turn offered him a provisional position. Going from dejected to cautiously optimistic, Zane started a quick path from journeyman to racer in the big leagues. Zane knew nearly every ARL competitor and team. He was shy and came from a background of do the right thing and try to do the best you can.
Zane's new team encouraged him to continually improve with a not-so-veiled threat that lack of improvement would lead to termination. The well-financed Kispeed team had excellent simulation trainers and a full athletic training facility in their starship. As the new and much younger member of the racing team, it took a while to get used to his teammates and their personalities. Nonetheless, Zane put time and effort on the simulators and in the gym as the spaceship travelled faster than light to racing venues in distant galaxies.
It was unlikely that a novice would get a chance to be one of the two pilots per team on race day; the next season might have an opening. Piloting challenges (gravity variations, short days, and trickly "spicy" conditions) put the real world conditions into play different from the simulations. Accidents happened. It seemed that the Kispeed craft had problems that neither mechanics of electronic checking could explain.
At the end of the season, Kispeed was at bottom of the ARL teams and was expected to be barred from racing. The teammates worked together and still did not seem to be able to overcome what eventually seemed to be sabotage. The reporter who assisted Zane became his agent and a romantic interest before their arrangement fell apart. Accidents and probably illegal snatch and grab activities were at odds with Zane's moral code; he wanted to concentrate on racing, avoiding any possible actions.
The last race of the season was do or die. With the plethora of injuries, Zane became a contender to be one of the pilots as relationships between the team staff, threats of violence, and other issues worked to dull Zane's concentration. Zane had to face the ghost of his father as well as his romantic interests.
I read several other books in the ARL series before reading The Entrant, the first in the series. Even out of sequence, "The Entrant" was a good read which crafted a believable growing up fast theme without targeting primarily young adults. The constant drive to reassess priorities and prepare to be the best was inspiring. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2021
Thank you to the author for a gifted eBook in exchange for an honest review
“A friend once said to me, only when you truly accept yourself can you rise to the top”
The book had a great pace, and started with a real punch, especially the first few chapters they were
really gripping, and this continued throughout the book, with plot twists that were shocking and unexpected, however throughout the book you do get a sense of foreboding, like I knew something bad was going to happen it was just a matter of when.
I felt the main thing in the book I struggled with was some of the terminology that was used in
regards to the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) terms such as spiral and yaw really did confuse me, I
had to read their descriptions again, plus the number of species there were to keep up with felt a little over the top, I only really remembered Humans, Yoonan’s and Elandra’s, I feel a little index of terminology would have been a great inclusion. Plus, I would have liked more development on Zane and Ant as I feel they had a budding bromance, and I liked the scenes they had together with their
banter.
The world building and the scenes/tracks were fantastically created and really easy to envision, I just felt I did struggle with some of the over description of some of the tracks. I really liked the inclusion of the table standings at the end of each of the races, I found this a great visual inclusion, and the character building was also really good, I found myself completely shipping Zane and Elodie, once I got over the instalove (which as a personally preference is not my favourite trope), plus a few of the
other pairings in the book I really wanted to make work!
I am excited to see where this series is going, and I feel there is a lot more to happen with Zane, and I am so intrigued and invested to read future books in this series, as well as other books by this author.
I would highly recommend this everyone, but mostly to fans of formula one/racing and the fast and
furious franchise, as I felt this is a great cross between them, it was a good read and I definitely want
to read the sequel!
3.5
“A friend once said to me, only when you truly accept yourself can you rise to the top”
The book had a great pace, and started with a real punch, especially the first few chapters they were
really gripping, and this continued throughout the book, with plot twists that were shocking and unexpected, however throughout the book you do get a sense of foreboding, like I knew something bad was going to happen it was just a matter of when.
I felt the main thing in the book I struggled with was some of the terminology that was used in
regards to the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) terms such as spiral and yaw really did confuse me, I
had to read their descriptions again, plus the number of species there were to keep up with felt a little over the top, I only really remembered Humans, Yoonan’s and Elandra’s, I feel a little index of terminology would have been a great inclusion. Plus, I would have liked more development on Zane and Ant as I feel they had a budding bromance, and I liked the scenes they had together with their
banter.
The world building and the scenes/tracks were fantastically created and really easy to envision, I just felt I did struggle with some of the over description of some of the tracks. I really liked the inclusion of the table standings at the end of each of the races, I found this a great visual inclusion, and the character building was also really good, I found myself completely shipping Zane and Elodie, once I got over the instalove (which as a personally preference is not my favourite trope), plus a few of the
other pairings in the book I really wanted to make work!
I am excited to see where this series is going, and I feel there is a lot more to happen with Zane, and I am so intrigued and invested to read future books in this series, as well as other books by this author.
I would highly recommend this everyone, but mostly to fans of formula one/racing and the fast and
furious franchise, as I felt this is a great cross between them, it was a good read and I definitely want
to read the sequel!
3.5
October 13, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Entrant: Antigravity Racing League
Author: Rock Forsberg
Book Series: The Entrant Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, racing
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence and some gore)
Explanation of CWs: Some violence and gore in the book.
Publisher: Spit City Publishing
Pages: 380
Synopsis: Galactic Racer by Day. Getaway Pilot by Night.
The ARL race craft run on sonic speeds just a few metres from the track and race massive rollercoaster circuits all across the galaxy. It is the biggest sport under the federation.
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy.
On his eighteenth birthday, after being kicked out of his team, an ARL team offers him a position as a substitute of a substitute. Despite the warning signs, he seizes the opportunity, and boards a massive spaceship, the mobile base of a team competing for the galactic championship.
But the life of an ARL racer isn't as easy as he thought. The craft are raw and powerful, the competition relentless—also inside his team—and the game sometimes gets dirty. Just to get to race, he has to beat some of the galaxy's best racers.
And there's more to the team than racing: a group of them run secret missions for the enigmatic owner. Soon Zane works night-shift as their getaway pilot.
When the day and night jobs meet, he must step out of his father’s shadow, and race, not only for the glory, but for his life.
Review: For the most part, the book was pretty well done. The world building and the character development was good. The writing was well done. And I also was intrigued with the book from start to finish.
However, I did feel like there was a learning curve with this book. It felt like the author threw the reader in the book without explanation and expected the reader to pick up on things (I didn’t know what was going on for at least 10% of the book). The book also had a good plot, but it didn’t flow well and I felt like some of the pacing was off and slow in parts.
Verdict: It’s good!
Book: The Entrant: Antigravity Racing League
Author: Rock Forsberg
Book Series: The Entrant Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, racing
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence and some gore)
Explanation of CWs: Some violence and gore in the book.
Publisher: Spit City Publishing
Pages: 380
Synopsis: Galactic Racer by Day. Getaway Pilot by Night.
The ARL race craft run on sonic speeds just a few metres from the track and race massive rollercoaster circuits all across the galaxy. It is the biggest sport under the federation.
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy.
On his eighteenth birthday, after being kicked out of his team, an ARL team offers him a position as a substitute of a substitute. Despite the warning signs, he seizes the opportunity, and boards a massive spaceship, the mobile base of a team competing for the galactic championship.
But the life of an ARL racer isn't as easy as he thought. The craft are raw and powerful, the competition relentless—also inside his team—and the game sometimes gets dirty. Just to get to race, he has to beat some of the galaxy's best racers.
And there's more to the team than racing: a group of them run secret missions for the enigmatic owner. Soon Zane works night-shift as their getaway pilot.
When the day and night jobs meet, he must step out of his father’s shadow, and race, not only for the glory, but for his life.
Review: For the most part, the book was pretty well done. The world building and the character development was good. The writing was well done. And I also was intrigued with the book from start to finish.
However, I did feel like there was a learning curve with this book. It felt like the author threw the reader in the book without explanation and expected the reader to pick up on things (I didn’t know what was going on for at least 10% of the book). The book also had a good plot, but it didn’t flow well and I felt like some of the pacing was off and slow in parts.
Verdict: It’s good!
October 13, 2021
Firstly I have to say this cover completely made me want to read this. It had me travelling back to being a kid and playing those old school space shooting games. Anyway just had to mention that…
This is a sci fi read. The book completely transports you to another world. When you think of Formula One racing this is a whole new level, completely transformed into teams of robot helpers etc. The names of the teams took a bit of getting used to though but I was so transfixed into every page I was reading. Every sound you hear every rumble you feel.
The book gives you an emotional introduction before heading into six years later. You follow Zane and his dreams and the book takes you on a fast paced adventure. It’s full of races and action that leave you with Adrenalin pumping through your veins. This book was like no other I read before. It’s a coming of age story that truly evidences your dreams can be achieved even when racing through the galaxy.
Can’t wait to read the second of this series. It’s made me want to explore more from this author and additionally read the shades space opera series also.
This is a sci fi read. The book completely transports you to another world. When you think of Formula One racing this is a whole new level, completely transformed into teams of robot helpers etc. The names of the teams took a bit of getting used to though but I was so transfixed into every page I was reading. Every sound you hear every rumble you feel.
The book gives you an emotional introduction before heading into six years later. You follow Zane and his dreams and the book takes you on a fast paced adventure. It’s full of races and action that leave you with Adrenalin pumping through your veins. This book was like no other I read before. It’s a coming of age story that truly evidences your dreams can be achieved even when racing through the galaxy.
Can’t wait to read the second of this series. It’s made me want to explore more from this author and additionally read the shades space opera series also.
October 6, 2021
Wow! This book started with a bang, and held a fast pace throughout. The twists and surprises made the read more exciting. I could not put it down. Such an entertaining afternoon’s read.
I found some of the different species taking part in the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) a little difficult to keep up with and got myself confused once or twice. Twice. It was twice. I ended up reading some passages several times before I ‘got it’. The terminologies used in the league were fairly self-explanatory, but I think maybe a glossary of terms at the back would have been pretty useful.
I liked Zane and Elodie, and their burgeoning bro-mance, and would like to see more character development from both. The inclusion of the table standings made it much easier to visualise everything which enhanced my read tremendously.
All in all, this was a great read, which I recommend to anyone who wants an exciting bit of fun in a week written book. I gave The Entrant, by Rock Forsberg four stars, and eagerly await a sequel.
I found some of the different species taking part in the Antigravity Racing League (ARL) a little difficult to keep up with and got myself confused once or twice. Twice. It was twice. I ended up reading some passages several times before I ‘got it’. The terminologies used in the league were fairly self-explanatory, but I think maybe a glossary of terms at the back would have been pretty useful.
I liked Zane and Elodie, and their burgeoning bro-mance, and would like to see more character development from both. The inclusion of the table standings made it much easier to visualise everything which enhanced my read tremendously.
All in all, this was a great read, which I recommend to anyone who wants an exciting bit of fun in a week written book. I gave The Entrant, by Rock Forsberg four stars, and eagerly await a sequel.
October 5, 2021
The Entrant by Rock Fosberg is a fast-paced, high adrenaline thrill ride of epic scifi-proportions. I really enjoy this genre, so I had a feeling this book would be entertaining, and it was.
I love the underdog trope. Rock Fosberg creates realistic characters, with interesting back stories and personalities, that make them feel real. Zane is an excellent lead, with that underdog-to-hero arc that kept me invested in his story.
The Entrant will keep you on the edge of your seat, and will get you invested in the characters. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from this author. Check it out.
I received a free copy of this book from Love Books Group to review honestly on the tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I love the underdog trope. Rock Fosberg creates realistic characters, with interesting back stories and personalities, that make them feel real. Zane is an excellent lead, with that underdog-to-hero arc that kept me invested in his story.
The Entrant will keep you on the edge of your seat, and will get you invested in the characters. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from this author. Check it out.
I received a free copy of this book from Love Books Group to review honestly on the tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
September 28, 2021
This is book one in the Antigravity Racing League series. This is at face value a coming of age story but there is so much more. There are a couple of underlying plot lines that give it an edgy feel. The characters are well developed and they grow within the story. There is action both on and off the race tracks. The settings in the story feel natural with no struggle to make settings overly exotic like some books tend to. I really enjoyed reading it and I feel that most readers enjoy it as well it’s different than your average sci-fi novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2021
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. Zane Silvering thought he had his destiny planned out before him: go from the Amera League to the ARL and become a famous racer like his father. Only after being a "bit" more daring in one race gets Zane pushed out of the Konba team leaving Zane feeling lost without a future. When the ARL Kispeed gives Zane a chance to get on their team, he feels like he has hit the jackpot; and Zane will do anything to earn his place among the other racers... for him there no greater sacrifice than get on an ARL team. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat, captivated by the intense races and crazy secrets... highly recommended.
November 8, 2021
Not What It Seems . . .
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy. But at 18, he was kicked off his team. He accepted an ARL team offer as a substitute of a substitute. But tings are not what he expected. Some of the team run secret missions for the owner, and Zane is now working the night-shift as their getaway pilot. When his day and night jobs clash, he needs to find a way to break away. Can he? Or has he put himself in imminent danger?
Zane Silvering, the son of an ARL legend, races in a local antigravity league and dreams of making it big in the galaxy. But at 18, he was kicked off his team. He accepted an ARL team offer as a substitute of a substitute. But tings are not what he expected. Some of the team run secret missions for the owner, and Zane is now working the night-shift as their getaway pilot. When his day and night jobs clash, he needs to find a way to break away. Can he? Or has he put himself in imminent danger?
September 28, 2021
This book was sent to me as an Advance Reader Copy against an honest and fair review.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Rock Forsberg.
If I generally like stories about car races, I quickly found out that I was certainly not in the target group of this novel addressed to teenagers. I have enjoyed reading it, but I have missed being engrossed with the story.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Rock Forsberg.
If I generally like stories about car races, I quickly found out that I was certainly not in the target group of this novel addressed to teenagers. I have enjoyed reading it, but I have missed being engrossed with the story.
September 29, 2021
Zane Sivering had only one thing in his mind, racing in ARL just like his father who was a champion and too many people wanted to compare him to his father. He was accepted into an ARL team on probation, But life was different than he expected. Can he adjust and be his own man, Intrigue and action in the racing circuit brings its own adrenalin to the reader.
September 29, 2021
An entertaining well written book.
At first glance reading the blurb you may think this is a young adults book with an 18 year old hero.
Whilst young adults will undoubtedly like it, it is also a really good read for all ages.
Well written plot line and great character development make this a great read.
At first glance reading the blurb you may think this is a young adults book with an 18 year old hero.
Whilst young adults will undoubtedly like it, it is also a really good read for all ages.
Well written plot line and great character development make this a great read.
June 24, 2024
The plot is entertaining enough, but the entire book is just a so so young adult novel.
I’m glad I got it free in exchange for a review.
Not the worst book I’ve ever read to the end, but not one I’ll ever consider reading again.
If I’m offered the other books in the series for free, I might read them.
I’m glad I got it free in exchange for a review.
Not the worst book I’ve ever read to the end, but not one I’ll ever consider reading again.
If I’m offered the other books in the series for free, I might read them.
June 17, 2024
As befits a story that is like F1 racing on steroids and in space, the pace is fast moving and the plot is gripping throughout. The characters are varied and the development of their relationships is intriguing. There is much to look forward to in the next books in the series.
September 29, 2021
F1 in the distant future with all the usual rivalry, sometimes unscrupulous, but all fast-paced and most entertaining, Grat reading for all the family
August 6, 2022
The Entrant was a very entertaining and fast-paced action story. Maybe the beginning was slow and predictable, but later in the book, there were many plot twists that engaged the reader. 4/5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews