Sekret Machines Book 2: A Fire Within (2)

I liked it even better than the 1st one. No spoilers though. If you liked Book 1, this is a must read.

I've been a little disappointed that early reviews of this book were on focused on Kindle formatting and similar woes. Like some commenters, I too wish the Audible version had been available on the title release date- I intended to listen as I traveled. When that didn't work out, I simply purchased the Kindle title separately and read it- I'll revisit the audiobook as a background listen when it's released. I own Book 1 on both Kindle and Audible, and alternately read or listened based on convenience. We can agree the book launch was imperfect, but what about the tale itself? Have previous reviewers read the damn thing? Shouldn't most reviewers, especially this close to the release date, be To The Stars Academy advocates, and try to encourage/introduce others toward the enjoyment of the tale and dissection of the "truths"? -No spoilers- Compared to Book 1, Book 2 is faster paced throughout. Since the general groundwork and narrative structure were laid in B1, B2 gets right to it, adding several Point-of-View scenes from one-time narrators, and revisiting the expected core characters. I liked that one previous character transitioned from a passive character to having a POV perspective. I appreciated that B2 didn't spend 1/2 the time recapping B1... the assumption is that if you are here, you're familiar with the backstory. I was concerned at the end of B1 that some things and people had been tied together too seamlessly, and expected B2 to be seriously cheesy as a result. That didn't happen, which I was grateful for. The new character, location and topic additions fit together nicely, the pace was brisk overall and I didn't feel subjected to a lot of extra garble. At some points, particularly toward the end, the storyline felt rushed, or the concepts dropped as "nuggets" to spark the imagination weren't highlighted enough to capture a passive reader's attention. I did like the disbursement of indisputable "real world" facts (hospital chain branding, etc.) with the established truths of the tale. Unfortunately, some attempts to ground the book into current time felt a bit contrived. So did some of the dialogue... Both B1 and B2 are better at describing events than having characters interact to move the plot forward. And frankly, the B1 Audible narrator is more captivating in the non-dialogue portions. Like any developing series, it's frustrating to know the next installment is likely a year or more away. I briefly daydreamed about how this yarn would benefit from sanctioned fanfic, in the style of Hugh Howey's allowed "World of Wool" spin-offs from his modern classic silo saga, Wool. Mulling this thought over, I determined the "occasional truth" factor would become irrelevant without a controlled narrative, so that dream died. I consoled myself with the assumption that Book 3 is in fact being written, something that is only speculation when it comes to GRR Martin's core GoT fantasies. We know Martin will keep pumping out side quests and ancient fictitious history, but what fan hasn't wondered if he'll publish Winds of Winter, and write beyond it? Or worried that if he does, it will be the same slapdash, watered down, occasionally false-to-itself cop out that parts of the delightful Dark Tower series devolved to after King's accident? I digress, but want to illustrate the point that we are on a multi-leg journey, and this was a worthy installment. I didn't want to include any spoilers in this review, but would be open to and would greatly enjoy a truly detailed chat with anyone else who is en route To The Stars! - Proud TTSA stockholder, bookworm and businesswoman.

I particularly liked the references to alien technology in the service of man, as I believe this rings true. Somehow I couldn't quite grasp the characters as I had done with the first book. The weaving of memories of ancient knowledge with potential unearthly influences also must have a grain of truth to it, as Von Däniken has been relating for years. The propagation of alien rivalries as far as earth with their earthly counterparts and the continued search for power in ancient ruins made for a colorful yarn. I liked less the mixing of English folklore with alien goodies and baddies but perhaps it's the price to pay for a satisfactory story outcome for this, the second book in a series. The original reason I started reading this series is because it was promised to give insights into the real alien technology which has been secured and is being tested out of Area 51's most secret parts, tallying with the 'Astra'/TR3B reports. I didn't feel this book carried much weight in revealing those things. Sum-up: entertaining sci-fi.

While this seemed to be edited in a hurry, the occasional typo or grammatical error is rendered a non-issue by the well developed and fun story, whose most unrealistic and magical aspects might someday be seen as its least fictional elements. But for now, it's fun to speculate and suspend disbelief. Great read.

Extremely well written with a very fast moving intense plot. Great dynamic characters that are very memorable with settings across the globe in some of the most mysterious places. The fact that they say that this is all non-fiction except for the plot and characters is truly mind blowing and will definitely change your world view. I believe everyone should read this series before the date of disclosure. I cant wait for the movie!

This is the second and final part of the Fiction (Non-Fiction) “disclosure “ story from To The Stars Academy that jumps around in time but mostly features a story about a rich heiress chasing around the clues after her father’s death.I think the disclosure chapters that reveal UFO type stories from history add nothing to the story and given TTSA recent history of being exposed as a fraud (Mylar balloons and phony retirement documents) actually hurts the book.Another bad thing about the books is both an inflated page wise,both books could be squeezed down into a 400 page book.This book comes in at 670 pages and I read 200 page books in a longer time.And both books near the end start to have 3-4 chapters,it looks like a round robin written on Twitter.For example Chapter 52 starts on page 573 and chapter 81 starts on page 670.It is all done POV but the characters at at the same place.And with huge chapter headers and near blanks at the end ,this book is a tree killer.Also the font changes,I can see why kindle versions are messed up.Overall the whole thing seems like a scam,a boilerplate fictional action story to milk money out of people.Even the 1st Book was pumped up because they sent out readers for reviews but they didn’t this time.I included a 4 page chapter to give you an example.

I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end. If you made it to book 2 you know what you're getting into. Very entertaining, thought provoking, and well written. More please...

A very intertaining book that is a very well researched. Listen folks, The bell ("Die Gloxcke"), operation high jump, nazis in Argentina, secret black budget programs such as the Aurora project.. Etc, all real. The locust is a real plane. In Tom's group, one of the members headed up advanced and experimental aircraft at skunkworks, another ran the advanced aerospace threat identification program at the Pentagon (was recently all over the news). I have no doubt Tom is being used by the guys and a lot of this at stuff is half truths with a HEAVY American bias...bht as cynical as if may sound, this is better than nothing, and I'm happy they've decided to release anything.

This is a foolw up to book one, really good book. Thank You

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Llego antes de lo esperado pasta blanda para lectura en cualquier lugar historias de ciencia ficción basados en reales

Excellent book as a continuing saga from the first book. Unfortunately characters that you bond with do die . The fiction novel includes alot of the possibilities that exist within the secret government's access to alien technology. Also alot with mind control and out of body experiences. The brief combat using alien disc against the secret military's inferior triangular ships was exciting to read about. Who know s if all this is true but what if it is?

After book 1 this is the real sequel and a must read. My mind learned a lot and I believe you don’t need a tablet to access the gift. Many thanks to Tom and his co-writer, tho’ I never met them.