At The Sharp End of Lightning

by N.R. Bates

AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING.
The novel is a crossover fantastical tale that weaves and bursts beyond its genre.

One of the two central characters is a Sea Sprite who happens to be a lightning attractor...and likes it.

The other is a restless youth, afflicted with a disease of the blood, perplexed as to why a fulminating man in a white suit would try to kill him.

It is set across the seas of the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent lands, from the medieval past to the near future, and across intricately connected worlds--and yet timely for the issues of today.

It is a serious book about ocean ecology and climate change but set amidst issues of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities. About ritual and doubt. About myth, celtic legends and about reshaping of history.

It is about how the world might be at the end of the century after the planet has warmed and the oceans have acidified.

Book Description
AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING is the tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds. The intertwined worlds of Oceanlight and Earth are no longer hidden from view of each other. In one realm, Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her family and she encounters a deadly blue haze at sea. Escaping the poison makes her realize that her world, Oceanlight, is experiencing sudden and catastrophic environmental change. Meanwhile, in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth with haemophilia, is nearly murdered by a man in a white suit who intentionally shoves him off a cliff. If Yalara and Einion don't uncover the connections between their worlds and near-deaths, it will have dire consequences for the worlds they live in. Book one of the OCEANLIGHT series.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

441 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2015

About the author

NR Bates was born in London, grew up in Wales, and lived in Canada and Bermuda. He shares his life with his wife and his house with seven cats, one dog and the subtropical wildlife of lizards, wolf spiders and ant colonies that seek out a better life indoors. He is an oceanographer and scientist, and has published more than one hundred and thirty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification. He is a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. His novels focus on epic fantasy and magic realism, and inspired by his deep love of the ocean and environmental sciences. He has also recently published a small book of short-stories set in Paris, entitled “The Fall of Icarus (The Elevator, The Fall of Icarus, and The Girl)”.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got halfway through this book and stopped. I tried, but I couldn't get through it.
Though I think it's a very creative read, it's very slow and there's too many points of views. I got to the fourth point of view and decided not to continue. Also, all of the characters have very difficult, hard to pronounce names like Yalara and Helia and Einion. Those are the main characters (there are more main characters, but I won't list them all. A lot of POVs).
It didn't have much of a flow, so it was very hard for me to pick back up, but I enjoyed the creativity. I think it has potential to be something great, but right now, it's just good.
Another pet peeve I had with this book was the italics. It seemed like there were several words in italics that really didn't need to be. There are parts when the two fairy-ish types of girls, Yalara and Rasania (I think I spelled it wrong?) are talking about seeing thing, but the word 'see' it italicized every time, and it's used like 50 times on one page. That's a lot of italics.
I probably won't try to re-read this. It was good, but it wasn't great. I don't think the characters had a lot of depth to them, they were very one dimensional and I didn't connect with them on an emotional or personal basis. I didn't get attached to them like I'd hoped I would.
I would recommend it if you like fantasy types of things that involve a lot of ocean water and little fairy-like creatures.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coping with change is a fundamental theme throughout the story. This includes changes in ocean ecology and climate, their impact on life for all organisms and dangers inherent in such changes but it also includes changes in interpersonal relationships, especially within families, and the impact of coping with any changes in abilities and skills for individuals within them. The detailed research and knowledge which has obviously contributed to this fictional story shines through the whole story.

Initially the story seemed disjointed as two stories unfold, seemingly unrelated to each other. I admit to finding that confusing to start with but it turns out to be important as links between the two are slowly and carefully revealed. The author skilfully portrays the multiple worlds, their characters and their explorations revealing the “thinness” through which the worlds are linked and through which characters can move to other worlds. The characters are complex, well developed, with definite personalities and easy to relate to and generally young adults. The author writes in an emotive manner, making it easy to relate to and empathise with them.

The alternate worlds are superbly described, the author using words to paint pictures in the imagination of the reader, bringing them to life in their mind. The plot is somewhat complicated but worthwhile persevering with as more is revealed but there isn’t really a definitive ending - we’ll need to read the next book in the series to find out more!

I was invited to read and review this novel by iRead Book Tours and was intrigued by the information regarding it. Now I usually enjoy fantasy and science fiction novels and studied Ecology as part of my first degree so I was definitely interested in taking a look and seeing how I got on - and I’m so glad I did! This is not a cosy, light read. The choice of language is exemplary and the subject matter serious but it is all woven together to create an intriguing, enthralling story.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

In At The Sharp End of Lightning, we meet two protagonists whose stories are, at first, seemingly unconnected, but who soon turn out to be connected in several ways, even if they’re not from the same world. Einion Alban is a Welsh boy who got shoved off a cliff by an unknown assailant and got rescued by a man and his dog. Einion grows up with a disease, and against the backdrop of a world dealing with climate change and a society that doesn’t seem to concern itself with what happens to Mother Nature, let alone our planet. He has a guardian sea sprite in a parallel universe, and forges a bond with the sprites through dreams.

The other main character is Yalara, a sea sprite looking for her lover, who discovers her world is in danger. She also discovers her connection to Einion and why they’re connected. While mostly fiction, the book deals with several relatable themes: climate change, to find out the meaning of our existence.

I enjoyed the explanation of the “thinness” between worlds, and how it is that Einion can cross it. The characters are original, and the author does an admirable job creating characters with interesting personalities, instead of stereotypes. The world-building was solid, and especially the sea sprite world, Oceanlight, was very vividly described. The book borders on the philosophical sometimes, which I didn’t mind at all. It didn’t slow down the narrative, and in fact,made the book more interesting.

Fans of fantasy and magical realism should give this one a shot. I definitely enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the sequel.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating things about this book was the research this author had done on all the different aspects to it. It really showed through, not only for his scenes, but also through the characters as well. Another unique thing about this story was that it happened in parallel universes. Outstanding first book to this series.

The plot had to be one of my favorite things about this book. I had never read a book where it included multiply worlds in one book. It was interesting to read about parallel universes. My one problem though it was that it sometimes was hard to understand what was going on and sometimes I even had to stop and think about what I was reading. With that being said he still did a great job on the writing style portion of this book. I am interested in seeing what book 2 will entail.

Now for the characters, I would have to say for me that my favourite was Einion. I honestly thought I wouldn't care for him at the beginning of the book, however as I progressed, so did my opinion on him. I thought he showed a lot of character development as well as being a lot braver than I ever would've pictured him to be. Yalara, was also an interesting character. I think it took me a couple chapters to nail down the pronunciation of her name, however I think it sounds and is spelt beautifully. Though between the two of them, Einion was definitely more enjoyable to read about. Overall, a well done job on the descriptions and emotions of these characters.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about Parallel Universes as well fantasy books. I enjoyed this book, It was good and I hope to eventually read book 2. I hope that if you get a chance to pick up this book, that you enjoy the worlds as much as I did.

View more about this book on Beyond the Book Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Sharp End of Lightning by N R Bates is a fantasy with a touch of realism. What happens when one world leaks into another? The world building was fascinating and will lead us to the answer.

Yalara is a Sea Sprite from Oceanlight and has a mission. She must find the disappeared. Yalara and Einion of Earth will join forces to accomplish the mission.

I have a love of the world of oceans and other bodies of water, so when an author puts the real with fantasy, sending us a subtle message about our part of the polluting and ecological damage we are adding to our environment, it adds that special element that keeps me reading, wanting to know how our worlds collide and the end result.

As I read along, their world became my world.

At the Sharp End of Lightning is Book I of the series and lays a great foundation for more, with lovable characters and a villain that is able to make me wonder if he is all bad. What comes next? I am eager to find out.

I loved the special touches, like Sea Sprites having slime fights. Adds that little something extra that makes me love the characters more.

Politics abound in the fantasy world too.

The story does not end here and I am eager to continue the journey and look forward to reading the next book.

I received a copy of At the End of Lightning by N R Bates in return for an honest review.

To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely different from other books I have read. It fits into the fantasy genre, but it so much more than that.

In the book the world of Oceanlight is a parallel world to Earth. The two worlds have always been separated by an invisible barrier, but now this barrier is breaking down and Earth’s environmental problems are seeping into the world of Oceanlight.

Yalara Narika is a Sea Sprite, but she doesn’t really fit in with the rest of her clan. She is sent on a mission to discover what the deadly blue haze is that has appeared over part of the ocean.

Meanwhile, back in England, a teenager named Einion Morgan has struggles of his own to deal with. Einion has hemophilia and must be exceedingly careful not to get bumps or bruises. When he is pushed off a cliff by a mysterious man in a white suit, he nearly dies.

It is not long after this that Yalara comes through the barrier from Oceanlight and Earth. It turns out that Yalara and Einion are linked and it will be up to them to not only save themselves from an evil creature bent on their demise, but they are also Oceanlight’s only hope of survival.

The author has done an amazing job of world-building. His detailed descriptions of Oceanlight and the creatures that live there are so realistic that you almost start to wonder if Oceanlight is real and the author has visited it and come back to tell us about it in the guise of fiction.

Yalara (and the other Sea Sprites) ride on winged birds called Petrels. These petrels are raised by, and loyal to only a single sea sprite from the time of their hatching to the day they die. You can learn more about the birds and their special bonds with the Sea Sprites when you buy the book.

I was thrilled when I realized that one of the main characters had a disability. It is not often that one of the main characters in a book is disabled and this was a refreshing change. This book shows that even if you have a disability, you can do amazing things and I believe that is an important message and one that will resonate with a great number of people.

This book is also a warning to everyone on Earth about the dangers of environmental pollution. In this book humans are not only polluting their own world, but they are poisoning the world of Oceanlight as well (even if they aren’t aware of it). It demonstrates the harm that can be done to our environment and the consequences it can have for birds and other creatures.

Despite the serious themes that are found in THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING, this book is not all doom and gloom. In fact, it is actually a hopeful book. There is hope that the pollution will end, and there is hope that the good in people will overcome the bad.

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for an honest review

To read more of my reviews or to enter the giveaways visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Sharp End of Lightning is a fantasy / sci-fi novel that totally immerses the reader into its different worlds. It's not a novel with a lot of fast action but rather a first book in an epic series that builds its characters and its parallel worlds with such clarity and detail that it becomes a testament to this author's vast imagination. A glossary at the end of the book is very useful to the reader to learn the various terms connected to these imaginary worlds.

In Oceanlight, we follow Yalara, a winged Sea Sprite who is next in line to become the leader of her Seanest. She is wise and perceptive, flying as a Rider on her petrel bird as she scans the ocean for her lover but instead ends up finding her neighbouring sea village devastated by what seems to be a natural catastrophe. In Forestlight, there is Helia, a winged forest Sprite and former outcast who is given a dangerous assignment and who passes through the Thinness into the human realm on a mission. She has suffered great loss and she has a secret that is connected to the human world.

Finally, in 1977 North Wales, we meet Einion, an older teen haemophiliac who has suffered much because of his disability but whose resilient and calm personality is a result of it. He also discovers the Thinness and passes through worlds, and at one point he actually time travels. Being a fan of time travel stories, I loved this part of the story! The mystery surrounding his connection to the other realms only increases.

I loved both the fantasy worlds and the modern suburban world of England. In some ways the dual worlds of fantasy and reality reminded me of the move Avatar. The Sprites' connection to nature was strong just like the Na'vi people in Avatar, but that's where the similarities end. The author alternates between these three worlds through each chapter. Both settings are so vivid, immersive and so different that I felt like I was reading two different books!

The author builds slow suspense throughout the novel and as a reader I was always looking for clues to the connection between all three worlds. The ending left we wanting more because it did not resolve any of the plot threads. In other words, this book is not a stand-alone novel. It builds the worlds and the characters and the plot but there is no resolution. That is to come in Book Two. At least I'm hoping it does.

I am now so into this story, that I must read the second book. The author's ability to create depth in characters and their worlds is outstanding, making me yearn to read the next instalment. His experience as an oceanographer and scientist render the fantasy worlds believable and his characters so likeable, one cannot help but get attached to them. Highly recommended for all those who love intelligent fantasy novels with dual worlds.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

As with all books what captures the imagination of one reader will fail to do so with another and I'm afraid this novel - no, I won't use the words failed to capture my imagination because that isn't altogether true. This novel .... didn't altogether meet my expectations? No, that's not quite right either as given the synopsis and the authors background as an oceanographer I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Perhaps best left as not all aspects of the novel were as engaging as I had hoped.

A story set in multiple universes, alas I found all the world building a tad too heavy for my taste. The earlier chapters in danger of becoming bogged down by environmental/ecological terminology - thank goodness for the glossaries (both human and sprite) at the back of the book.That said, early days. For a first book in a trilogy At The Sharp End Of Lightning isn't so much about the destination as it is about the journey and perhaps it says as much about me as the authors writing style that I took so long in connecting with the various universes.

What of the characters though?

More my kind of thing than the world building. I do love a story with interesting characters and with main protagonists such as Yalara, a sea sprite who is on a secret mission, Helia, an exiled forest sprite, and Einion, a Welsh teenager with a blood disorder, these are certainly interesting, very interesting, characters. The fact that the author includes an individual with a 'disability' refreshing and, as far as I'm aware, rare in this genre.

Quite unlike anything I've ever read before, the mix of fantasy and environmental message intriguing, this is definitely a series with great potential.

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Read and reviewed on behalf of iRead Book Tours.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex and intriguing adventure! N. R. Bates has created a universe where four different worlds exist with little knowledge of each other. Then things start to go wrong in the Oceanlight world where the Sea Sprites live. Yalara is on a quest when she finds a Sprite village that has been destroyed and the inhabitants are either dead or have disappeared. Meanwhile, Helia, a forest Sprite from the Forestlight world, is sent to locate a Thinness, a weakening of the membrane that separates the worlds. Einion lives in the Humana world. He is a young man with hemophilia who is trying to make a life while being handicapped by his illness. Einion stumbles upon an Interface and finds himself in the past trying to save a dying girl.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story, especially Einion. His perseverance, even in the face of death, is a good example to readers of what the human spirit is capable of. He has no superpowers, and very little to offer in the way of physical ability, but he is a fighter who wants to do the right thing. The story is clever one, with 3 separate storylines but you just know they are linked together in some way. My only problem with the story was that none of the storylines came to a conclusion at the end. This book is the first in a planned series but even so, it would have been nice for at there to be more of a coming together in the end. This would be a good pick for a teenager or young adult as the characters are all young.

[Sahar Sabati · Rating 2 out of 5]

N.R. Bates really knows how to write. His elegant prose borders and poetic, with scenes coming to life through vivid descriptions. The premise of this book is also solid: worlds collide as a consequence of our actions. The focus on the effects of pollution remain neutral enough for this book not to become patronizing but unapologetic enough for readers to get a good sense of the damage that was made.

It’s somewhat ironic that the book’s weakness lies in its strengths. While as the first in a series, it definitely needs to spend time setting the tone, there is way, way too much of that happening. Nothing really happens in this book; it’s almost a prequel, a glossary, an explanation of the setting in which the rest of the action will occur. As I turned the last page, two conflicting thoughts battled in my mind. The first was that finally, it was over—despite their beauty, the descriptions would go on for too long. The second was a feeling of disappointment that the book finished without anything really happening.

But in homage to the quality of the writing, to the creativity that went into creating the parallel worlds, and to developing the setting in which the action will take, I would consider reading the second book in the series—which does promise to provide quite the dénouement to everything that was set up in this one.

[Scarlett Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

 The Ocean's Miracles


This review is from: At The Sharp End of Lightning (Oceanlight Book 1) (Kindle Edition):
by Scarlett Jensen

We step into the world of scientists of ocean chemistry, biogeochemistry-ocean and earth science at the University of South Hampton, U. K. The author, prof N R Bates is a researcher of global ocean carbon cycle and impacts of changing ocean- and ocean biogeo- chemistry. His interest in the classical history of Wales where he grew up, inspired him to interweave myth and tales of Wales into his scientific knowledge of ocean and earth as brought to life in this book. The reader finds fantastical descriptions of beautiful phenomena known and unknown of ocean, earth and its sediments, supernatural sights, noises and smells and lights. Sweet sharp scents from soil and foliage. The author reworked studies of the rich history of scientific research on the Saragsso Sea in the North Atlantic and work done in the Artic , Antartic Exploration and Bermuda 's marine life and interlocked those studies into a fictional world of ocean life.

We encounter sea life, mysteries of the past, foes, discontent and anxiety. Sun and filaments, forests and change in habitation patterns and ecology.

We find many referrals to sun-glint reflections, moonlight, electra or energies within the earth transforming and colouring earth and sea in brilliance. But the author also refers to shadows, darkness and passing into stillness representing death, destruction and decay. We get to know a terrible world of heat and floods as also seen by invisible sprites existing in a sort of shadow, transmitting and absorbning energies.

The perils of earth-warming are described through the eyes of the sprites as they fly within the clouds, in tempests and winds. Floods and corrosion create havoc in their sea nests Oceanlight and Forestlight. Sprites and their birds die as result of lack of "ocsaigin" and by being tangled in sea weeds. We hear about floating forests, forests dying and ground crushed with pressure within the water wall of the ocean.

We deal with fear of the unknown, anger and despair and horror in darkness. We see companionship and concern. We participate in a sprite's funeral and see a sprite cocooned resting on a sea floor. Will it break through into a new life and a entirely different being?

We hear and feel creaking, cracking vibrations and sounds of layered structures deep within the ocean. We visit caves and find waves in turmoil with driving energy. We breath in noxious gasses damaging life and causing death of fishes and creatures.

We find creatures communicating memories and note the importance of continuity and heritage not to be lost into stillness. We cannot become lost or have a lost cause. Saving our past and saving for a future life, fighting extinction of species is mother nature's law. Listen to your inner voices resonating from the ocean floor and send your light of protection beyond heaven's ceiling.

The author has a crystal clear, immaculate writing style. Phenomena of earth and ocean are described with laboratory precision, while the novel is filled with images of highly regarded literary value. You enjoy a "plume of fresh water" relating to ocean and sprite. His protagonists are mainly sea sprites with humana or earthlings here and there, giving his main roles to Yalara, Helia and Einion.

Einion is the young boy in Northern Wales who has to cope with disability, pain and fear of his fate against the background of his hostile physical environment and climate changes that occur, bringing forth destruction in his environment. He has a mythical guardian, a sea sprite, Helia, living in a parallel realm. Through his dreams and passages into the other realms, he encounters the sprites with whom he forges a bond.

Helia is not just a sprite. Within her was a thread of humana intertwined with a sprite blood; a gift to help her in her search. She left her own world of sprites and had the gift to feel the presence of other worlds. Will she go back to her clan?

We have the winged Yalara, a sprite in search of her lover over the seas and finds that her world is in turmoil. She discovers the causes of her near-death experiences and her connection with Einion. Both experienced stillness, of near-death which changed their living path.

Message:
Find knowledge, protect and preserve. Keep safe.....our earth. Our realms visible and invisible are interwoven and inter-dependent for life. Find the meaning of existence. Search for the lost and work towards predestined fate. Humana suffer and share the same past, present and future as the other kin. Lives are diffused into each other through interfaces of "Thinness" between the realms. Thinness that weakly connect our worlds. "A thinness in the connection between the 3 parallel but independent worlds." We feel the presence of other worlds and now have the ability to slip through the thinness between realms. We have a conjoint future and fate with other realms.

The symbolic use of light, lightening striking, electra, moonlight, sunlight relate to the title of the book "At the Sharp End of Lightening" We are forever conscious of effects of lightening used symbolically: the earth shakes and globe shatters.

A quotation which forms the basis of the discussion: "The extraordinary is always there hidden and concealed in the ordinary."

This is a book for intellectuals and a classic for future generations

[Angela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.

I generally have a hand full of fantasy/science fiction novels dotting my reading list. I particularly enjoy books with a healthy mix of fantasy and reality. (Blame the recovering scientist in me for that, if you will!) The first fantasy book up for review on my list in 2016 is At the Sharp End of Lightning from the Oceanlight series by N.R. Bates. What did I think of the first book: At the Sharp End of Lightning?


I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in my review as part of an iRead Book Tour. My readers may also participate in the giveaway at the end of this post. All opinions are my own.


Quick Summary of At the Sharp End of Lightning, Oceanlight Book One. The interwoven fantastical tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds. In Oceanlight, Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her lover over immense seas only to find catastrophe and realization that her world is in turmoil.


Meanwhile in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth afflicted by a disease of the blood, is nearly murdered by a man in a white suit. Yalara and Einion must discover the causes of their near-deaths and their as yet unrevealed connections as they both face upheaval to their lives and their worlds.


At the Sharp End of Lightning Builds the Series Worlds. The author devotes much of this first book in his series to character development, relationship development, and creation of his series' parallel worlds. While there are small adventures and slight merges between the characters' worlds, the storyline of Oceanlight serves to lay the foundation of the series. Readers will not find a climactic plot--with a partially resolved ending as is often done in fantasy series; but, rather a building journey to see throughout the series of books. Bates creates his characters and their worlds with intricate detail and sets the stage quite nicely as he interests readers in the storyline.


At the Sharp End of Lightning is intelligently written and well developed. This book is probably not one for light reading. Initially, the author throws a host of new names and scientific terms as he creates the settings and characters in the world of his book's sea sprites. Be patient as you read through the first few chapters. Not so much with the author's writing--but, with yourself as you become familiar with the ocean world and its characters. There is a glossary in the back of the book to help you a bit at times; but, really, just sit back and focus on learning about the characters' worlds. It takes a few chapters to settle into the author's writing style and flow--but, one you settle in, it's a very well developed story.


At the Sharp End of Lightning offers a nice mix of fantasy and realism. Readers will find a lot of reality in this fantasy series. From politics and pollution to human nature; the author creates parallel, fantasy worlds facing real world problems. While some connections are easy to draw between Bates' fantasy world and our modern society--more subtle ones exist as well as you read.


Would I recommend Oceanlight, Book One At the Sharp End of Lightning by N.R. Bates? If you require a book with a clear, cut-and-dried plot with an absolute resolution--this series opener is probably not for you. However; if you seek an intelligently written, well developed, fantasy series--with a strong scientific theme and feel--this series is a perfect fit for your reading list. The fantasy theme of this book could certainly be intended for young adults--I know that my daughters would enjoy the story line. However, the vocabulary and writing style probably pushes the interest level to the higher end of the young adult range. Oceanlight is certainly worth the reader's devotion of focus. I would recommend it to fantasy fans with a fairly moderate interest and aptitude for science. I enjoyed this first book and look forward to additional books in the series.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Dark dreams and the flashes of lightning in the far distance.'

British author NR Bates makes his novel writing debut with AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING, Book 1 of the OCEANLIGHT series. He has indeed written extensively which explains why his command of the medium is so secure: he has published more than one hundred and twenty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification as a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. Bates' passion for the ocean and environmental sciences has proven a successful driving force in both his scientific mind and his fantasy creative mind. The result, as we read it here, is `true' Science Fiction fantasy!
Bates opens his book with a map/diagram called The Interfaces - the meaning of which will be explained throughout the novel, but whose information offers hints and suggestions of codes to be solved. And at the end of his book he discusses Welsh history that informed this story as well as the biology and biogeochemistry of the Sargasso Sea, further influences. The author provides an outline of the story that assists the reader immensely: `The interwoven fantastical tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds. In Oceanlight, Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her lover over immense seas only to find catastrophe and realization that her world is in turmoil. Meanwhile in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth afflicted by a disease of the blood, is nearly murdered by a man in a white suit. Yalara and Einion must discover the causes of their near-deaths and their as yet unrevealed connections as they both face upheaval to their lives and their worlds.' And from this synopsis it is clear that there will be further books forthcoming in this series - and a welcome light on the nidus this prelude offers.

Bates' writing style can only be called `elegant' - he is unafraid to challenge the reader with a rich vocabulary that somehow enhances the characters we encounter. This is obvious form the opening paragraph: `As the streamer of lightning harmlessly discharged through her body into the palm of her hand, Yalara Narika noticed many things at once. There was fright and surprise as adrenaline raced through her body. The words "I'm alive" came to mind, accompanied by an overwhelming relief when the forked sharpness passed out of her. Then came the reflex response-- her call to Calymene, Mother Earth-- that she had despite her doubt. A hurried glance brought the reassuring thought "I'm still in the sky." Simultaneously, she returned to her search-- for the "lost"-- which was set against the immensity of the seas. And interwoven amongst these reactions were thoughts of that moment in the distant future, at the end of her life, when she'd fly up into the tumult, clad in a cuprous woven fabric, and upon the flash of electrica, her constituent parts would disassemble in an instantaneous coruscation of energy.'
This is our first encounter with being struck by lightning.

As with most fantasy/sci-fi books it takes a while to adjust to the strange names and the references to places of origin, but Bates' language makes that journey of discovery a rewarding one. He does offer a helpful Sprite Glossary and Human Glossary at books end. This is a strong debut, well worth the investment of mental energy.

[Shree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note : This Review is up in my blog - Book and Ink

The first fantasy read for 2016 – Wasn’t disappointing at all, but was a wee little uncomfortable.

Our protagonists, Yalara and Einion are from two different worlds and seemingly forge a connection. Yalara, a sea sprite embarks on a journey to find her lost tribe-folk. During her journey she encounters a deadly blue haze which typically poisons her for a while. Having a narrow escape from it, she realizes that the Ocean is suffering from catastrophic environmental change. Our human character, Einion suffers from hemophilia. A man in white suit tries to murder him during one of his escape walks. He ends up forging a connection with his guardian sea sprite who looks over him. Together they try to find a connection between both their worlds for the greater good.

The first few pages of the book were a bit disorienting and I had to keep looking back to the glossary to understand lot of those fantasy terms that the writer had created. When the “human” part of the story kicked it, the story seemed more comfortable to read. Incorporating emotionally heavy subjects like coping with a disability, loss of a loved one, sacrifice and climate change in a fantasy fiction is a herculean task. This writer seems to have mastered it slowly in this first book of the series. This story though was all about character development and explaining the “basics” of the new world that he had created. This is truly vital as the book is the first in a series. More than character development, the writer also focused on relationship development which ultimately resulted in the perfect explanation of motives and aspirations of each of the central character. Though a fantasy book by genre, the “fantasy” world did have a lot of similarities to the real world in terms of politics played etc. The plot however was a wee bit vague, again, a typical for the first book in a series. Deft writing and proper character building made this book readable!

MY SAY: An unique read with a proper blend of realism and fantasy.

RATING:

PLOT : 3/5

NARRATION: 3/5

CHARACTERISATION: 4/5

BOREDOM QUOTIENT: 3/10 (lower the better)

OVERALL RATING: 3/5

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me way longer to read than it should have. We can thank life for that.

Quick recap
At the Sharp End of Lightning follows three different storylines that all comingled together. The first story we meet is that of Yalara and Rasania, two Sea Sprites searching for something in the ocean. We then meet Helia, a Forest Sprite who was exiled and is now trying to regain the favor of her kin by aiding them. But her mission might not be all it seems. She comes to find Einion, a teenage boy with a bleeding problem.

Four different worlds exist in this novel, Oceanlight (the Sea Sprite world), Forestlight (the Forest Sprite world), Daimanland (the Daiman world), and the Humana world. There is a thinness between the worlds where they meet and one can pass through.

And now for my thoughts
Before I talk about anything else, I would like to say that this book is extremely well written, especially since it is self-published. I have read many self-published books that aren't proof-read, revised, or edited very well. At the Sharp End of Lightning has the feel of a book published by a major publishing company.

I really like the plot of this book. The time travel elements and parallel world elements are all really interesting ideas. The Yalara storyline wasn't the most interesting. But I think it will probably get there in the nest book. My biggest issue was that at the end there were still so many loose ends. I understand this is the first book in a series, but I had hoped that the stories would merge together more, or that some of them would partially close. What happened to Fimefang? What about Helia? Did Xylenia betray her? And what does Einion have to do with all of this? What does Yalara have to do with all of this? I guess these are questions for which the answers I will have to wait.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend it to most anyone that enjoys science fiction and fantasy. I look forward to reading the next installment.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Remy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Nicholas R. Bates dedicates the first entry of his Oceanlight series to his muse and partner Margaret H.P. Best, who wrenched the author from “Stillness,” further acknowledging family members Maureen D. and Michael R. Bates, not to mention the encouragement of S.J. Parkinson and various individuals at Red Adept Publishing in North Carolina such as Lynn McNamee, editor Suzanne Warr, and Sarah Carleton. Before the main text is a map of the Interfaces that contains a depiction of a nine-buttoned keypad with the number nine missing, alongside passwords to locations in the area such as the library.

The book itself begins with excellent world-building of Oceanlight, with one of the protagonists, a Sprite named Yalara Narika, seeing many things when lightning surges through her body. Mother Earth in the author’s mythos is Calymenes, with Yalara promising to find someone who disappeared. She receives her surname from her sea tribe, or tribamare, the Narika, specifically belonging to the Sea Sprites. She bears other names reflecting her allegiance and lineage, with her mother having died without naming her, and is accompanied by another Sprite of the Sea named Rasania. Sea Sprites ride upon creatures known as petrels, which land upon floating mats of seaweed called natantis plantates or Seryasu.

Another world introduced within the novel is Daimanland, with Helia being in pursuit, the fraction of the size of a Mechanicum, the older sister of Centaurea, and twin sibling of Xylenia. An interesting twist on real-life terms is that Sprites depend upon ocsaigin to breathe underwater, with scientific facts presented as well such as light refracting differently through saltwater and non-saline water. Overall, this is an enjoyable start to the Oceanlight franchise, with unique mythos and the author definitely showing his work with the history of Wales, his research presented after the main text, although there are some bizarre portions such as an alternation between medieval Wales and modern Wales.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantasy/science fiction novel which weaves between three very different worlds and does an amazing job delving the reader into each single one.

The story mainly centers around three characters: a sea sprite, who we meet as she searches for her lover but finds a destroyed village instead, a forest sprite who can travel to the human world and is on a secret mission, and a human from 1977 North Wales who discovers the forest Sprite's entrance (the thinness) and travels through time. This weave of time travel and fantasy was one of my more favorite parts.

This isn't a story built on action but world building. It isn't hard to guess that the author is an oceanographer as he goes in beautiful details, bringing things to life which might normally be looked over. Although I found the descriptions amazing, I'll admit that, for me, it was a bit much (I tend to like stories with more plot and action.) But still, there is definitely an art to this which shouldn't be overlooked.

The characters are interesting and easy to like. There were moments, I wished I would have had a better grip on their thoughts and intentions, but in general, they are well-rounded and engaging.

This wasn't an easy read. Especially the terminology made the beginning a little difficult to get into. Luckily, there is a glossary at the end to help out, and as one gets deeper into the book and accustom to the worlds, the entire story flows better. Since this centers more on world building than plot, it took awhile before it became clear where all the characters and worlds were heading. Even by the end of the book, nothing is really solved and tons of questions remain unanswered. But being the first in a series, I'll just say that this is definitely not a stand alone. Rather, it's a beautiful introduction to several worlds, which will (hopefully) deliver an amazing tale in the rest of the series.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The boundary between the realms of Oceanlight and Earth has dropped. In Oceanlight, the Sea Sprites are experiencing catastrophe as a blue haze changes their climate and wipes out their population. On Earth, a teen in North Wales, Einion Alban faces challenges with his diagnosis of hemophilia. Einion has enough struggles in his life, but one day while visiting his favorite spot he is given a mysterious gift and a cryptic message. Right after receiving the strange gift, Einion is attacked and almost killed. After a long hospital stay, Einion discovers a “Thinness” between worlds that he can pass through and begins to explore. Now the Sprites and Einion must discover the connection between their two worlds.

This story weaves together environmental change, fantasy and Celtic lore. There is a lot going on in this book and it took me a while to get into the story. Two distinct story lines are introduces with the Sea Sprites in Oceanlight and Einion in North Wales. I definitely connected with Eionion’s story a little easier as he was a fairly normal boy living in the world as I know it. The Sea Sprite world was a little more difficult to get into and is introduced with a lot of explanation of their culture and customs. Once the two story lines were combined a bit, I felt better connected. It probably would have helped me if Einion’s story was introduced first. I was really intrigued by the” Thinness” and the other world that Einion was transported to and I wanted Einion to explore there more. I also empathized with the Sea Sprites as their world was destroyed. The book ended a bit abruptly for, but this is a first book in a series.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Valerie Caraotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique book mixing fantasy with science

Enter a different world of sorts where two universes find themselves in a crux that entails loss, suffering and harmful climate change. Author NR Bates has used his intellectual pursuit of science to present a stage on the backdrop of fantasy/science fiction. The two will merge to face destruction in the midst of two universes suffering calamity. The title will fittingly depict the effects of lightning and a symbolic way as it disturbs the universe's equilibrium.

Characters Yahara Narika, A winged Sea Sprite and Einion Alban, a youth suffering from a disorder of the blood and you will gain a scope of each of their universes in disarray. As Yahara searches for her lover over the vast seas and Einion faces climate changes and environmental destruction – both in common will seek to discover causes leading to their setbacks and worlds.

Some other things you will experience in this book include the following:
- why Helia, a Sea Sprite Guardian and other sprites link together
- ecological changes in forests
- habitation changes
-Sun reflections highlighting the sea and shading the earth
-witness a sprite's funeral
-Earth warming/floods/poisonous gases

This book is a haven for environmental enthusiasts and intellectuals that can also take a walk down fantasy lane. Well put together and comprehensive in nature you will reflect and somewhat become more alert to realities of climate issues that may not actually be so far-fetched.

A five star book from a five star author, I've encourage you to dig in as you will not be disappointed.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first pages, I knew that this book would be something I'd enjoy. I studied environmental science back in university and have always been fascinated by marine life, as well as the quest to battle climate change and protect our oceans. I particularly love when scientists become authors, and as a burgeoning writer myself, books like this give me a lot of hope. Anyways, Bates combines wisdom, whimsy, and practical realities into this brilliant story that merges two very different worlds. The initial sequences of these parallel worlds are very mysterious, drawing the reader in for "just a few more pages", as it becomes harder and harder to pull yourself away. The clever intermingling of environmental cheerleading and interesting plot twists leading to an ultimate bridge between these two seemingly different worlds is a heck of a cool foundation for a story, and knowing that this was just the beginning of a series, I kept expecting it to expand further, adding more characters, etc.

I think it missed the 5-star mark because some of the writing seemed awkward or unedited, and certain sections seemed like they were unbalanced, meaning that the author didn't know how to properly round out a scene or a dialogue, so it felt abruptly cut off. At other times, the author got carried away with descriptions, rather than moving a certain story line along. Generally, I loved the book, because it appealed to my fantasy and scientific mind, but I think with some solid editing and a few extra pass-throughs to make sure the flow is good, Bates' next book will be even better.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sharp End of Lightening is detailed and mind expanding with new ideas. There are two main stories going on, both involving the Thinness, the connection between alternate worlds. Mixed within are several other interesting stories, as well.

One is about Enion, a Welsh boy who is shoved of a cliff by an attacker and is rescued by a man and his dog. He is given a gift of crystals and a metal disk and it is explained that the purpose will be obvious when the time is right. Enion’s rescuers are found dead and after much time in the hospital, he begins to discover the magic that lies within the gift. As he learns what the crystals and disk mean and how to use them, he discovers new lands and times that don’t fit in with his reality.

The other story involves water and forest sprites and kestrels that live in connection with the seas and the forest. The climate is shifting and their home is being destroyed. As the environment changes, relationship among groups and species become strained.

In this is story, twin sister sprites are separated by an illness that banishes one of them. They are not the best of friends but are forced to work together by orders of the other sprites.

The vocabulary is distracting at times because it does flow naturally at all times.

This would make an interesting movie and it could be presented and either pretty or dark and apocalyptic, depending on the interpretation. There are too many details to describe everything here, but the writing is clear enough to understand the interconnections.

[Gina Stanish · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Sharp End of Lightning is a fantasy novel and work of fiction written by N.R. Bates.

Yalara is a sea sprite who is on a secret mission to find the missing ones. Helia, an exiled land sprite, is sent on a mission of redemption to find the cause of the thinness (between worlds). Hemophilia, a disease of the blood, has kept Einion from having the normal life that he has always so desperately wanted to have. When a gateway which leads to the past, present and future suddenly opens in the middle of his garden Einion must find the courage to venture through and figure out why he’s the only one who can see it. However, what none of them realize is that a dangerous entity from the Daiman world wants the gateway all to himself and he will stop at nothing in order to get it; even if that means killing the only person who holds the key to closing it forever.

Bates’ 2015 work of fiction brings together four worlds that are on the verge of a major climate shift. Like us, the characters begin to experience the detrimental cost of a problem in which they themselves do not realize they’re helping to create. It reminds us that our environment is just as fragile as our economy and if we are not careful it’s going to be our kids and our grand kids who are going to have to pay the price. According to the front cover this is the first book of the Oceanlight series and it’s a five star fantasy read.

[Ivory R · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is mainly told from the point of view of 3 characters but towards the end a fourth emerges. In Oceanlight, Yalara, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her lover over immense seas only to find catastrophe and realization that her world is in turmoil. Meanwhile in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth afflicted by hemophilia is nearly murdered by Fimafeng, a kaembian who is mix of sprite and daiman. Helia is a sylvan sprite outcast because her tribe feared she might still be infectious because she is a carrier for a dormant infection. She now is acting as a guardian for Einion against a treacherous Fimafeng who can assume a human form and wants to use Einion to get to the daiman world. During all of this the parallel worlds are aligning, causing a climate change with toxic waste to be seen across the sprite and human worlds.

The story starts a little slow but that is good because it allows the reader a time period to learn the terminology and nuances. Bates goes in depth with the description of the ecological systems which are truly amazing. I was impressed with the complexity of the details. The ending definitely left me wondering what will happen next in the second book. Overall, a good read for any young adult or older who likes fantasy mixed with science fiction and adventure.

[Veritas Vincit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I imagine it must be difficult for professional academics to see the subject to which they've dedicated their lives not be taken seriously by so many nay-sayers out there in the world. For Bates, who has written extensively on the subject of climate change, the effects that human have on the oceans, and everything in between, perhaps he wanted to try a new approach. Rather than appealing to the public through facts and research, perhaps a science fiction novel would spark some interest and get the debate going in a more productive and engaged way. You can see how passionate Bates is about the subject, which makes it all the more enjoyable to read this truly unique and creative novel.

The parallels between the two worlds are clever and the descriptions of the characters and the events, both happy and tragic, are delicately phrased and meticulously edited. I don't think I found a single word that was "out of line" or didn't make sense in the precise place it was put. Bates is not only a knowledgeable and driven environmental champion, but also a gifted author who can create beautiful fantasy worlds, while still getting his readers to start asking the right questions about things in the real world. Great Stuff.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Sharp end of lightening is a fantasy Sci-fi that touches upon lots of different subjects such as family, sacrifice, losing loved ones, coping with disabilities, gifts that weren't expected and also the ever present climate change. All this occurs over two parallel universes.

In this book we meet Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite. She searches for her lover across miles of oceans but while she does this she stumbles across catastrophe and the realisation that her world has changed and is turned upside down. Elsewhere in what appears to be a safe area in North Wales Einion Morgan Alban, a young agitated individual that is subjected to dealing with a disease of the blood, finds themselves almost being murdered by a guy in a white suit. Between both Yalara and Einion they have to discover a way to find out about the reasons the pair almost lost their lives and also their unknown connections as the two of them come to terms with the shakeup of their lives and worlds.

With all the slightly tricky names and terms from both the humans and sprites it is rather helpful to find the author has listed them and their meanings at the back of the book. It was very enjoyable and if the first is anything to go by then the others in the series will be enjoyable reads as well.

[Reg Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A skilfully written story.

A fascinating and skilfully interwoven set of stories that combine adventure and mystical realms and current environmental concerns for the future. These various plot points and characters interconnect in “At The Sharp End Of Lightening,” to create a fantastic reading experience.

British novelist, NR Bates, has executed the story arc of this complex and interesting plot brilliantly. This novel takes you into two separate universes suffering loss. The imagery and the characters are vividly written. Along with the tragedy, there is love; those eternal qualities that make for great epic storytelling, and at four hundred and forty-six pages is what you get—an epic adventure story.

I love learning information as I read and so the inclusion of maps, Welsh history, ecology and biological studies and the biogeochemistry of the Sargasso Sea added to the reading experience. The writer is well informed on these subjects and learning about catastrophic climate change flood though fiction is an excellent way to reach a wide audience with the reality of the long-term effects of climate change. I give thus five stars and highly recommend it.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is unique. Initially, the stories are separate from each other and later they come together and the characters move to other worlds. The author has described the worlds beautifully, I could actually picturise them. The author has developed the characters painstakingly. A lot of research seems to have gone into the book.
The names of the characters are very different and I am sure, so would the pronunciation be because of the italics involved.
There is a map and a code at the beginning of the story, called The Interfaces, which is initially not understandable but later becomes important. There are glossaries- human and Sprite at the end of the book. This book has an afterword also.
The author has dealt with climate change in the story. He has detailed a lot of Welsh history.
What I felt could have been done is maybe shrinking the story up a bit and tying up the loose ends. Though this is the first book in the series, with four more to come, the loose ends left me with a feeling of lacking.
My suggestion is that when you read the book, disconnect yourself from the real world.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than anything else, I love the fact that At the Sharp End of Lightning actually involves decent science and research. It’s very clear that the author of the novel knows much about the ocean, and indeed, his history provides strong evidence of this. The story has a strong balance between science, fantasy and science fiction, making for a fascinating story about multiple universes and a wide range of engaging characters. Many aspects of the story are strongly relevant to our own society, especially as the debate about the impacts of climate change continues.

One challenge with this book is that there is a lot going on. This can be a bit overwhelming. For me, it felt like there were too many characters and events for me to follow. As this is the first book in a series, I expect that the story will become more refined and easier to follow as the series develops. Overall, I was very impressed and both the characters and descriptions in the book made it fascinating and very engaging.

[Chelseyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quite excited as soon I began reading this book. It starts off quickly leaving the reader feeling like they’ve been thrown into a whole new world. Which, in short, they have!
My favorite part of this book is the wonderful world that is created within. The landscape and creatures seem to come to life with all of the descriptions provided for the reader. It is like taking a vacation to another world, without having to book an airline.
With all of the amazing descriptors comes beautiful flowing text that almost feels like poetry. It’s very soothing to ready, but it is also very rich. Like a fine dessert, I decided to put the book down a few times just to fully embrace everything I read.
I hope to pick up the second book soon as I’d love to see where this story is headed, not to mention to hear more about the world. I’d recommend to sci-fi or fantasy fans, but also to anyone that loves to experience something new and creative.

[Cathi Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

At The Sharp End of Lightning is a delightful science fiction/fantasy novel, and with this book, author NR Bates uses fictional characters and imaginary worlds to convey a very real and important message – the climate is changing, we are causing it, and terrible things are happening to our real world as a result. Bates successfully uses his scientific knowledge of oceanography to support and enhance the story, and to get the message across. While doing so, he also proves that science can be fun, and that he is indeed a master at fantasy fiction writing. The worlds of this story are believable, the characters are well developed, the writing is exceptional, and the descriptive details about the people and places are exquisite. There are so many different directions that this author can explore with future books in this series, all of which are adventures that his readers will enjoy tremendously.