Well, The Final Evolution has been out for a week or so, and we’re getting our first reviews in.
First, a five-star review from Jason Falter:
“Suffice it to say that this is the perfect ending to a thrilling series. You get an ending that fits the character completely and does not disappoint.”
Then, a nice write up from Life Is Short Read Fast:
“It’s the kind of ending that crawls into your head and leaves you questioning what just happened, like did you miss something, when you know full and well you didn’t. I love stories that don’t have that happy story ending, but instead stay true to the tale and the characters.”
You know what I say to those kinds of reviews: Huzzah!
Huzzah!
It became tradition for my cousin and I to read the ‘Cates novels when we went camping every summer, after we found the first novel in a tiny town’s bookstore several years ago.
This year, as he finished TFE, he looked at me with a very confused expression on his face. As though he couldn’t believe the ending, couldn’t understand what just happened.
I gave him a shit-eating grin, and said, “It’s Avery. What did you expect?”
And then he understood.
(Seriously, this was the best ending.)
NIck, that may be the best comment I’ve ever gotten. Seriously. Thanks!
J
Just finished tearing through TFE last night. I’m beginning to feel the first symptoms of Avery Cates withdrawal creeping into my system…. What a ride. Thanks for giving us such an excellent series of books, looking forward to what comes next.
Holmes: Thanks for the note! I really appreciate it.
Thanks for such an amazing series…found the electric church in someones car and read half the book that day and have been eating up the rest as soon as they came out. Was a tad dissapointed humanity didn’t evolve or get saved, but I guess I should have known that after the first chapter of the first book. I will say that the ending was very true to Avery’s style. I was wondering if you could explain the journal entry at the end better. Is it just talking about Orel or something else entirely? Thanks again for what has been my favorite series since ending high-school. Please tell me you have another similoar action packed “cyberpunk” series planned in the future?
Ryan – Thanks so much for taking the time to post that – I appreciate it. Really glad you enjoyed the books!
As for the epilogue: Yes, it’s the other dimension of what Orel’s doing at the palace. He’s pulling these people in with his augment-given psionic powers, luring them to their certain deaths. I wondered what was happening in the villages around there, and imagined this. People just being forced to stand up and walk miles to the palace, towards radiation, compelled to be his slaves.
Nothing to annoucne yet as far as next projects, but should be something to shout about soon.
Thanks for answering my question Jeff! I may have to read the electric church again soon…which by the way had the coolest and creepiest website ever. I was half afraid brother so and so would show up at my house and monk me haha! Anyway thanks again and get to publishing so I can get more kick-ass sci-fi action! P.S. although I’m not a gun nut or have ever owned one, its always very interesting to hear you describe Avery’s Room. Could you please tell me if there is any real world brand you have in mind when describing the “Room” and “Hamada”? Thanks again!
*Edit room = “Roon” stupid phone autocorect lol