Alex Detail's Revolution

by Darren Campo

ALEX DETAIL'S REVOLUTION A novel by Darren Campo Alex Detail has been kidnapped and sent off to fight in a hopeless war against The Harvesters, an alien force that is trying to extinguish Earth's Sun. Unfortunately for Alex's kidnappers (and the world) he has lost the mega-IQ that allowed him to win the last war with The Harvesters ten years ago when he was just 7 years old.

But now the House of Nations is out of options. The end of life is imminent. Alex must survive the war long enough to make it to Pluto, where, underneath the planet's frozen surface lies the only force in the solar system that can stop The Harvesters.

Genres: Science Fiction

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2009

Reviews

[whimsicalmeerkat · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is extraordinarily rare that I abandon a book. In fact, only 1.5% of the books I have listed as read have been completely abandoned with no plans of finishing or returning to them. This is one of those rare books. It has no character, is a mish mash of half-assed technological babble, terrible puns on language, and is generally boring and not worth the time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.

[L.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's utterly great about this book is how complex it is without being pretentious or tedious. Darren Campo has a wonderful writing style that flows seamlessly from plot point to plot point without stumbling or being jarring. I found myself staying up way pass my bed time reading without realizing it.

Story line of an alien invasion being stopped by a boy genius in an intense space adventure is a familiar story line for most science fiction fans. Who hasn't read Ender's Game? Exactly. Campo, however, makes the story line his own by throwing in some interesting twists. I found it extremely fascinating his use of philosophy and theology throughout the plot. He raised interesting questions that were examined in different lights at different points in the book.

I enjoyed the characterization as well. Campo had creative and fun characters who managed to feel real and not too absurd or ridiculous. I've had problems with authors throwing in secondary characters for no other reason but to add a flavor of comical wackiness. Campo avoided that and instead had characters that made sense for the plot while at the same time adding humor and spice to the story.

I'm looking forward to picking up the sequel to Alex Detail's Revolution and sharing the book with my 14 year old sister. It's a story I can see her and her friend's liking just as much as I did.

[Avry15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

I read a great deal of reviews for this book ,both good and bad before requesting this..I just got really curious to what became one of the Amazon’s bestselling sci-fis..

I’d rather say that for those who said this is some work like a techno-babble, you might be wrong, that’s how sci-fi works, it might get too confusing but admit it…this book is great and in its finest… if you can’t stand lengthy science explanations then why bother to read one when you know you won’t really appreciate it?..

This book is made by a sci-fi genius and is intended for sci-fi lovers, you can’t expect a romance-addict to be addicted into this..
As for the missing pages, I guess it happens to ARC’s but mines perfectly ok..

By the way..the plot although not entirely unique… the author made sure to include a great deal of originality in his work while combining techniques and styles from others to make his work to perfection…

It was a fast-read..with vivid descriptions and stunning characters.. With twist and turns everywhere, a never-ending story that didn’t slow down.. It seems that I can’t get enough of the revelations and mysteries unfolding in the story..

I’ll admit that the end goes a little down…but it’s a cliff-hanger so what could anyone do about it than to wait and read the sequel of the book?

Mr. Campo offered readers with a book that could stir your imagination to things yet unknown to humans..it’s a new world of creation and destinies, life and death, computers, programs, aliens and many more…. It could make you think that this might happen a million years from now…how would it be like when the sun, the stars start dying out in other galaxies, could there really be a star-stealing?

This book would definitely be someday a Hollywood thriller, you could liken it to Star Wars but in books..I believe that Alex Detail’s Evolution would be better at the camera!

I’m hooked—so off to read the sequel… Grab this book..and see for yourself!..highly recommended..:)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sent to me as a Christmas gift, I think the giver got it from the Amazon giveaway. I'm not usually into this sci-fi ish kind of stuff, but this was surprisingly a good book. It took me about 3 hours to read (I'm a pretty fast reader) and I think I'm definitely going to pick up the sequel. I agree with one of the below reviewers in that there was a lot of discussion about philosophy and physics involved in the story line. That kind of stuff is pretty interesting to me though, so it didn't bother me at all. The only reason why this isn't a 5 is for a petty reason I guess. Me being the girly girl that I am, I would have really liked to see some romance in this :( I also read the Alex Rider series (what is with all these teen heroes named Alex?) and I think that some romance is effectively incorporated into that series as well as the Artemis Fowl series. Anyway, yeah. Get the book. Although I got it for free, I think it would be worth the price to buy it. It's an engaging story and actually relatively humorous. If you're not into science fiction-y things you might not enjoy it that much though. Sorry if this review jumped around. I haven't really done any of these and I'm trying to write about the book while thoughts are still fresh in my mind although it's already 3:30 AM. Happy reading!

[Gary Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

32nd book read in 2012.

Number 123 out of 264 on my all time book list.

Follow the link below to see my video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L7-rz...

[Master Cheese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book but the paperback version I got is missing pages 229-247 and I refuse to skip those pages! I'm looking for a free online version where I can read those pages (:

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from goodreads first reads giveaway. This book has been compared with the novel Enders Game by Orson Scott Card, some loosely describing it as the modern day version.

If you like a sci-fi book that ponders deep philosophical questions, teaches physics better than any professor I ever had than this book is for you. I like the premise of the book, but in the beginning it took me a while to plod through while the author, Darren Campo, set up the framework. I plugged on, like with Meyer's novel, The Host, waiting for it to pick up after the first 100 pages and WOW! you. It impressed me but not a WOW! I love sci-fi, loved Enders Game, but I just liked this book when I really wanted to love it.

Author Campo is extremely intelligent and excels at writing this so the layman understands the why behind the principle. But sometimes the book drones on when I want more action, more umph!, less descriptive narrating.

Main character, Alex Detail, is audacious, even insolent at times and also self-doubting as having lost his genius-ness from his younger years. Although, he seems quite capable for at 17-year-old. I was blown away when at 15 he wanted to preserve his looks, the author took a twist with that one, introducing a shady aspect of Detail's past. I really thought I would like Alex, he's the main character, but he would start to bug me, then do something heroic or witty, and then start to annoy me again. Kinda like most teenagers, as I felt the author made a believable teenage character in Alex Detail.

I connected better with Captain Odessa, who almost acts like Detail's mom not letting him get away with things and the faithful June Mary, who seems to egg Detail on at times. I wondered as I was reading this if maybe I would have liked it better had it started off as a prequel with 7-year-old Alex saving the world from the first harvester attack.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ever finished a book that you thought about throwing against the wall? I think the reason I felt this way after completing this tale was because what started out as a very promising experience ended up so disappointing.

At the start let me lay out a few things. If your small publishing company is going to promote/compare your book (I can't bring myself to call this a novel) as the next Ender's Game you have a lot to live up to. Then Darren Campo starts a very promising science fiction tale that degenerates into metaphsyical arguments with Judeo/Christian/Mystical overtones. Two people sharing one soul, and mankind's ascension to near godhood?

I can suspend my disbelief a lot, but making Pluto essentially an alien construct and then moving it through the solar system to Earth's orbit with zero gravitational effects on the surrounding planets etc.? And making it so Pluto can change its gravitational field. Nope-you finally, completely lost me there.

Thankfully when I got this books a few months back I did so with a coupon. After reading it I think I know why neither the Oakland or the Berkeley Library have chosen to order it as I had first thought I would check it out from them.

What caught me when I read the first couple of chapters was that I could see Alexander Detail as an older, but typical, 17 year-old. All caught up in himself, depressed, his best days far behind him when he saved the human race as a 7 year-old. That works at the book's start, as does the idea of ship captain Odessa keeping drugs running through her ship's atmosphere to keep the crew calm during battle.

But around the halfway point (or so when the metaphsyics and moralizing start I finished it because I felt like being stubborn. As I understand the Ender books have devloved into this type of storytelling, and if I read those I should get them from the library.

[Purpleholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this lovely book because it was a GoodReads First Reads win. I am looking forward to the next story in this series and I can't wait to get my hands on the first book. Alex is such a strong character and now that he's 17 years old, he doesn't feel as smart as he was at 7 years old. You kinda get the feeling that you don't know the whole story, like there's something going on in the background or someone's pulling a fast one. Then the further along in the story you find out that you are right and just when you think you know exactly what's going on - surprise! here's another twist in the story. I found all the twists and turns very intriguing, Mr. Campo has a very devious mind. His story seems very believable even though we don't have space travel or fight intergalactic battles with beings from other planets. I couldn't believe how quickly I read this book. I think it only took me 3 days and that's because I had to do school shopping, go to open houses, and get the kids ready to go back to school. I recommend this book to anyone who like futuristic stories, war stories or science fiction.

Thank you for allowing me to see inside your world Mr. Campo; I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Please continue to share your vision with us.

[Beverly K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although somewhat implausible, as well as delving into specious scientific explanations where most of the world seems like it's borderline genius, Alex Detail is an entertaining romp through a distant future. Alex is a likable character, although his personality begs the question of whether his intellect faded because of his age or because of his depression. He was separated from his parents at an early age and continually used and then disposed of as befitted ARRAY.

The names in this book might have been given a bit more thought. Alex Detail? Madeline Spell? Seriously? You're going to pick those names for the protagonists? Were you looking at a cereal box?

Minor quibbles aside, this book progressed nicely and held my attention. I found myself speeding through it in certain spots, mostly because I had to know what happened next. I admit I have a weakness for child geniuses, science fiction, and cloning. Possibly the book was not as good as I thought and I was subconsciously adding to it from C.J. Cherryh's Cyteen, Catherine Jinks' Genius Squad, and Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl.

Whatever the case, I did enjoy it.

Note: I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads' Giveaways.

[M.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Alex Detail is an Admiral - and a genius - but not as much of a genius as he was at the age of 7. However, he's still the best in the galactic warship fleet so Alex is called upon to again save the world from the Harvesters. This time though he will question who is really being saved - and from what.

I enjoyed this book, thought it deftly written and with good character portrayals, distinct personalities, and often humorous. I would like to have seen more on the characters - maybe concentrating more on a few of them - and with fewer scene changes, which can start to make it feel like a screenplay. There is some beautiful imagery/perspective, such as seeing the sun rise as a faint blue star as viewed from Pluto. It would be nice to envision more from that type of description. Alex is also somewhat self-absorbed and despondent so I would like to see him focus some of his angst against his real nemesis, which given how this book ends, may happen in the next book.

I'm looking forward to the sequel.

* * * Review - Good Reads First Reads * * *

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining. It had a great plot. It was very interesting and kept me wanting more. It was a very easy read. I found the characters to be very rich and full of life. They were able to bring me into the book and make me feel like I was a part of the action.

The Harvesters are an alien race that has come to Earth to empty the sun. Alex and others on the space ship are sent to Pluto to find a man who can help them fight the Harvesters. The rest of the book is about their adventures on the way to Pluto and then on the way back from Pluto. It is also about what happens with the Harvesters.

I got this book as a goodreads giveaway and enjoyed it immensely. It is a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone.

[Jaime Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2011 - Book #1

I got this book free from the Publisher on Amazon.com.

This was a pretty good sci-fi book. It kept me interested to keep reading the whole thing. But there are alot of unexplained parts that were never wrapped up by the end of the book. There is a sequal, so perhaps that will help out the story.

It's also strange, but the book feels like there should have been a prequel before it. The author explains a lot of background information to the story at the begining, and this could have been a completely seperate book.

[Jodi Boulier · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best things a author can do is autograph the book and this came with a sticker and a autograph.
I'm not much into Scifi books, but like movies. Often having a hard time understand different settings and all on Scifi, I found Ales Detail's Revoution a very well written book and couldn't put it down. Easy to follow and my imagination played the story out in my mind. Just like a good book should do. Take you away from your own world and into a different world. Thanks for imaginary trip! Well written!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in a goodreads first read giveaway


Loved this book! Can't wait to get the sequel. Liked the way it looked at the age old questions about life, afterlife,, right vs wrong, god, spiritualism and science. Wonderful book, great story telling, kept me guessing - and the meeting between Alex and George was awesome - dodn't see it happening that way at all! Recommend to all science fiction fans!

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.

The description of this book makes it seem like a good book. Honesty, I just could not finish this book. I don't know what it was that made it that way I just could not get into it. This book is based in space, so i you are into space, you might enjoy this book. I gave it 3 stars because I like what the story is about, I just couldn't fully get into it.

[Erin Channell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy via Goodreads First reads.

At first I was reminded of Ender's Game when reading this, and while I still equate them somewhat, this book focuses more on the relationship (such as it is) between the main character and the 'invaders.' We're also given a unique glimpse into what can happen to a person if they are changed at the most basic level according to someone else's view of 'better'. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The book was a good, quick read. While I could put the book down to do something else(like eat), I did have the pleasure of being surprised several times. It was a very interesting story with a fitting conclusion that both wrapped up this particular story and paved the way for more. I am curious to know what happens next and am looking forward to further installments.

[Marie Schuh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is much more of a philosophy book than a science fiction book I think. As a science teacher, the thought of Pluto flying through the solar system (and not being a planet/dwarf planet) was rather strange. Some of the philosophy got a bit grating or hard to follow. It was a relatively fast read though and kept me interested, so I suppose I give it 2 1/2 stars actually. Not too bad, but I won't be reading the rest of the series unless I win those as well.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sci-fi is not my usual choice of genre, but I am trying to expand my niche. This book is technically almost perfect, with just a couple of typos and perfect grammar. It was so interesting to enjoy the points of view of characters living in the future and their ideology. It was also exciting to read about what possibilities in advanced technologies there are. As for the story line, I was riveted. Read this even if you aren't a sci-fi fan! I received this book free as a prize in a contest.

[Thomas Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw it was a bestseller on Amazon and got it. Sat on the pile for a month but the thing I like is that it just takes a page to get into. The first chapter has some a page of dense science stuff but after that it's a lot of adventure and psychology and mythology and deception. Ending I think leaves a lot of stuff open because now I'm wanting to read the next book. Pleasantly surprised by this!

[Jacquie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Alex Detail's Revolution! Darren Campo's sci-fi adventure is fresh, smart and extra-ordinary. Not since Star Wars, have I liked a science fiction read so much. And if you like Alex Detail's Revolution, you'd love the sequel, Alex Detail's Rebellion. The characters are quirky and human in a futuristic - doomsday experience.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I graciously received this book for free through the goodreads firstreads giveaway.

I liked this book. It was definitely a teen read. The only thing that I felt was lacking, was any connections between the characters that would come into effect in life, such as love or lust.

I would recommend for those young nerds out there. :)

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very interesting story with a fitting conclusion that both wrapped up this particular story and paved the way for more. Bring on the "Rebellion" Alex Detail.
I am curious to know what happens next and am looking forward to further installments.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my review.

[Skymira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book 3.5 stars. I won this as First Reads Giveaway. I was rather excited to read this one. It wasn't one of the best books that I have read but it most certainly wasn't the worst. There are things that made it different than your average science fiction novel which is great. I would recommend this to anyone who is a avid sci-fi reader.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great. Alex detail was a great character and the book kept me up at night reading. There was a lot of deep topics such as religion and the reason for being that really made me think. The book was very well written and I know I will have to buy the sequel.

I received this book free from goodreads first reads.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband got this book free from Amazon and gave it to me to check out. I actually found it interesting enough to try and find the sequel. Be warned that it throws a lot of metaphysical and advanced physics theories at you.

[Avid Reader Amy's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normaly don't read sci-fi books. I'm usually a paranormal book reader. I read this one and I liked it. I wish there was more descriptions of the characters but otherwise it was a good book. I will recommend it

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a first reads giveaway!

I would put this between a 3.5 and a 4. It had a very interesting and unique plot that was entertaining and exciting. It reminded me somewhat of Orson Scott Card's Ender's series. It was clean too, which is a bonus. I look forward to the next book.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads Firstreads. I am not a Science Fiction fan so I am probably not a good one to be rating this book. The story was interesting and had a lot of action,but as I said I am not a Scifi fan but, I think fans would enjoy this book.