The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this to be an engrossing adventure story of “what if”. I would describe this as a more quiet adventure between two recently acquainted individuals with a sense of adventure. A very enjoyable read and I found it somewhat hard to put down.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought this book was pretty interesting to start with, in terms of the story itself. I was intrigued by reflecting on what I would do in an incredibly uncharted world, and I was eager to find out what Thomas and his new acquaintance turned friend did! The book was pretty easy to read, and visualize, but as the story progressed, I became really confused. I let that feeling subside and continued to try and read it. I believe that the description of the surroundings needed to be viewed, which instantly made me want to SEE this book in cinema! Not being able to visualize it was really tough but I tried as much as I could to progress. I think this book could benefit from an accompanying set of drawings, or a YouTube graphics video etc to help visualize. At any rate, by the end I was interested in moving through the novella series. The ending was highly disappointing.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thomas is a man with a lot of life experience under his belt and now all he wants to do it hike the trails around where he lives and absorb the nature around him and that is exactly what he sets out to do, however on this particular day, it is the one thing that doesn’t happen.
The hike starts off as any other does, apart form the car in the car park with a note saying it is “not abandoned”, he admires the viewpoint and makes his way up to the part of the trail with a wall around it and the decision to either follow the trail and either go up or down. This changes when he spots a footprint on the top of the wall and he has a decision to make, but in the end he makes a discovery and takes a leap of faith following where he thinks the person may have gone.
What Thomas finds when he follows in another’s footsteps is nothing like he has seen before, but the friendships he creates will leave a lasting effects on him. If you were in his shoes, somewhere you have never been before and with only your skills and those of another to keep you going, would you be able to take the same leap of faith and be brave enough to create the friendships it may lead to? This is a dystopian adventure where science fiction becomes a new reality and nothing is what it seems.
Review by @roxsannel
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t read many sci fi books but I stumbled across this novella and I figured with such a short page count, what did I have to lose? I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I was taking a chance on a new to me author but as I find more often than not, I was pleasantly surprised. This story was captivating from start to finish and left me craving more. The imagery and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this brief escape from
reality!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella. It really had a way of pulling me in and I devoured it very quickly. It was such an interesting time going with Thomas on his very different hike. Then we meet April and things just keep on getting more interesting and captivating from there. I just overall loved it! Highly recommended if you enjoy science fiction.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
wow! this book is an incredible dive into the possibilities of parallel dimensions or possibly other worlds!
This hooked me in the first 3 pages and I finished it in one sitting. Thomas and April do not know one another but their paths cross and an ultimate journey begins.
Exploring an entirely different world and having to solve puzzles using their combined math and science knowledge and survival skills.
What do they find? Can they get back to earth? Is there other life out there?
This Novella feels like the start to a series that will be captivating. I can’t wait to see if it is!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The author definitely has a way with words. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down. I do hope to see more of Thomas and April in the future.
Thomas goes on a hike on a trail he’s been on several occasions. He finds that there’s a ledge down there and makes his way down. When he gets there he isn’t alone. The quote I chose for Thomas is: “Come. There’s your ledge. Hand me your hiking pole. Solid. That’s wide enough. Grab some rope.”
April has found a cave and isn’t sure where it leads. When Thomas shows up they make a plan to go on an adventure. Little did they know that something was living there. The quote I chose for April is: “Let go of the rope! Let go of the rope! Let go and untie yourself now! Quick! You don’t have time!”
Highly recommended for Sci-fi Adventure lovers.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Leon Stevens is a new author to me. His storytelling ability kept my interest throughout the whole story. It was full of details that painted a beautiful picture of what was going on in every direction I looked. The characters are what cemented my feet to the ground and kept me wanting more. Thomas started his day as a normal day for a hike. He was prepared for the normal hike he took, but what happens next is amazing. This adventurous hike had taken him where his feet had not taken him before. He was somewhere new with new characters that will begin to be friends and new adventures. You will have to read where his hike takes him and see if you enjoy his adventure as much as I have.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I loved it. Sci-Fi isn’t usually my first choice, but I am glad I read this book. I love how detailed it was. I felt like I was really inside this book. I found myself truly enjoying the writing style of this author.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this sci-fi/adventure novella! The author did a wonderful job of creating characters that were adventurous and relatable but what really hooked me was the world building! I often times lose interest in sci-fi/adventure stories because I don’t feel like I’m there with the characters but this descriptions of both the world inside and outside of the cave really piqued my interest. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is an enchanting and mysterious adventure for our protagonists. Full of mind-twisting puzzles, the story will keep you on your toes as you make your way through the novella. It is a touching story that shows the beautiful side of humanity and the desire to help others. It also highlights the friendships you can make and what you can accomplish with two heads on the same team. A extraordinary and well-written story, it is perfect for all ages.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this quick read! It was very fun and imaginative. The plot devices and the way the author addressed the other worldly aspect was very impressive and felt natural. You also can’t help but love the main character. Despite being older he is still full of life and I loved sharing in his adventure.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick sci-fi novella that will have you wondering at the possibilities of life outside of our current realm of understanding. We see a different view of life you’d never imagine otherwise, as two hikers meet in what seems to be another world. I enjoyed how different this novella was from the usual sci-fi where other worlds are involved and how the two main characters were able to bridge the age gap and work well together to explore some of that world. The new place Thomas and April find not only intrigues them, but tests their combined survival skills during their exploration, and brings the two together in an easy friendship. This novella does feel like it could be a prequel to what I think could be a promising sci-fi series.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The View from Here is an adventure of a story. I really liked the premise of what should be a simple journey turning into something much more. The story-building and character development are really well done, making me not want to put this book down. This is a fairly quick read, but it did leave me wanting more from the story. I want to know what happens next.
This was my first book from this author, and I hope to read more from him soon.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been enjoying all the Sci-Fi reads I am coming across lately. This one had a fun and fast paced feel to it, and it truly took your imagination there with characters the more you read.
Thomas and April meet on this hike that follows their exploration into the unknown. Together they navigate this newfound world in a cave with only the supplies on their back and their nature skills. Strangers become friends and this new world becomes their playground. Anything can happen, and all you can do is watch.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thomas goes for a hike and happens upon another world. He discovers that another human, April, is there and has been there before. They decide to get supplies and explore this new world they have found.
This book is a short fun Sci-Fi read. I felt like I was in the journey with Thomas and April. Looking forward to more books by this author.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! The author’s ability to portray so much detail in such a short amount of time was phenomenal! The reader is sucked in from chapter one when Thomas sets out on a hike. What he experiences on this journey is so engrossing that I didn’t want to stop reading. I really hope that there is a second book so I can see more of Thomas and April. I loved their connection!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author really blew me away with this story and plot. Upon seeing the cover for this book and reading the synopsis I knew that I had to read this book. But I was blown away by the roller coaster adventure ride that the author takes us on. The characters were simply amazing, the attention to detail, and the overall plot was phenomenal. Personally I loved how the details left me with vivid beautiful visuals. So if your looking for a great new read this weekend from a creative author, then I suggest you pick this one up today.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was an interesting read, Thomas, the main character is an older man. He is still quite spry despite his age and enjoys going hiking, on this particular hike he is in for quite a surprise.
I honestly like the mechanics of travelling to another world, I thought it was quite unique. This other world had some very interesting set pieces, that I would love to be able to learn more about in a sequel or even prequel. My only real issue is that the story seemed to end almost abruptly, though it was teasing for a sequel at the same time, so maybe I’ll get my wish there.
The book was well written, and had some fun little pop culture references, you could really imagine the main characters, and I could easily see myself chatting away with them like an old friend.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This enjoyable and engaging sci-fi adventure story had me hooked from the very beginning. When Thomas sets out on a familiar hike that he has done many times before, he could never imagine how his world was going to change. As Thomas starts his hike he passes a vehicle in the parking lot with a handwritten note on the dashboard saying, Not Abandoned, he thinks nothing of this, until he reaches the end of his hike, only to discover the view is not what he expected. “What would you do if you found yourself on or in another world?”, “Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to survive or to make sense of what you see?”, these are the questions Thomas is suddenly faced with, but he’s not on his own.
The intriguing and exciting storyline had plenty of plot twists, as the two adventurers had to use their physical fitness and combined knowledge to get them through all the challenges that they faced. The characters are well defined and Thomas is a likeable and relatable main character, and I felt that I was alongside him on his journey. The descriptive narrative really brought the setting vividly to life and I felt completely immersed in the story. A great read, which I recommend.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Thomas starts out on his day hike, he has no idea what awaits him. When he reaches the top of the trail, he notices a foot print in an unexpected place. Investigating the footprint leads him to find a cave opening he had not previously noticed. Feeling adventurous he enters the cave where he meets April. The two quickly decide to return to the cave and explore the world or dimension after getting supplies. The two then set out into the unknown who knows what they will encounter. I was not sure what I expected when I selected this book as it is not from one of my go to genres. I was really just looking for something different, which is exactly what I got. The book was a comfortable read that I just could not put down. I enjoyed how Thomas and April seem to fall into an easy friendship. The imagery of the dimensions and other things the two encountered. It is worth the read.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting, unique novella featuring an unlikely duo who stumble across a foreign land. Is it extraterrestrial? Another dimension? As they explore the terrain, the landscape becomes more and more bizarre. Thomas and April are strangers until they meet and agree to set out on an adventure to understand the nature of the strange world. Though they are not close in age, they both have an adventurous spirit, love exploring, and are curious people. I appreciated the friendship that they built, two souls with a similar drive and sense of humour. They each brought helpful skills to the table as they puzzled out what they were seeing. Very imaginative and easy to read.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
View all my reviews
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is one that I am going to be rereading over and over, I can already tell. I started reading it and honestly didn’t stop until it was over. I love Thomas and April, and their friendship that has such genuine rapport. I always adore when I can read a story and fall in love with the characters, or the setting. Everything in me wants to go see the place, and meet Flick. I want to know more about Thomas and April, and if they go back. Truly though, I just want to see it, and explore.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was incredible, it had me guessing the hole way of what was going on, and what was going to happen. A book that really kept me on the edge of my seat to know what was going to happen, or what was happening. A boy and girl go exploring and I was wondering if they were actually hiking or not. It was a short read which was nice I got it done in a day. And the way they worked things out and tried to figure it all out was really good. I really enjoyed this little read and the way it was always wondering what was happening.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The View From Here by Leon Stevens is a really original and interesting sci-fi adventure story. I know this author for his gift with poetry, so this was an unexpected find that immediately captured my attention.
This story is fantastically detailed and descriptive- with wonderful worldbuilding that really brought everything to life. I can see it making a great movie, too.
We meet Thomas who is setting off for a day of hiking- but he could never have predicted what awaited him on the trail, soon finding himself thrust into an adventure that spans time and place and testing him on many levels. With different dimensions, dramatic developments, friendship, intrigue, survival, and a crazy adventure- everything Thomas thought he knew will be turned upside down- making for an unputdownable read.
Looking forward to seeing what Mr. Stevens does next!
Happy reading.
Thank you, Leon Stevens!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a terrific Sci-Fi/Adventure story! I went into this story not sure what to expect and the author blew me away. The story of two people that are out for nature hike and end up somewhere they never dreamed of. The descriptions of both worlds and the cave were such that it was easy to visualize them as you went along. What an adventure to just take yourself and supplies and go into the unknown. Reading about it is the only way I’d do it. The author gave me a story about it that had me engaged and so into it that I didn’t want to stop reading. The characters were well-written. I could relate to Thomas because I’m from that generation. “I’m with stupid” was our jam. This was a story with a bit of a spine chill yet an exciting thrill. The buoys on the lake made me think of a Stephen King moment. I hope to see more from this. Loved it. Highly recommend it.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really interesting and quick read! If you don’t like a lot of visual writing you may want to skip this one though, because it has a lot of visuals! You definitely have to have a vision. This was a different Sci-Fi than I’m used to reading, and I really did enjoy this one. It had more to do with portals and dimensions than being in space. I easily got lost in this one and had a few chuckles throughout reading it. This was a really great read and I highly recommend it.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though this story was quite unlike anything I’ve read recently, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure that the characters and the reader themselves went on with this book! The author has great attention to detail, the book was incredibly hard for me to put down, and the best part of it all was it was a great way to spend the afternoon, taking less than two hours to read! I felt like I was being transported to another world as I spent the afternoon devouring this novel. I was so sad to reach the end! I thoroughly hope that the story of Thomas and April continues, their friendship was so adorable and I thoroughly enjoyed the constant back and forth between the two of them. Can’t wait to read more by this author!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this fast paced story, Thomas sets out on a hike and turns out to be one heck of an adventure. I am not typically a Sci-Fi reader but this one kept me wanting to know what happens next. I really enjoyed how well the scenes were set and the pictures laid out for you. The geeky references to Star Trek and other sci-fi related shows really made me smile. I enjoyed that the main character is not your typical young stud that winks at all the ladies and wins them over, but a 60 yr old man with realistic expectations. It definitely reads smoothly, and easy to follow, with intricate characters and character growth along the way. This is a new author for me, but I really enjoyed the writing style and pace. Overall, I would say 4.5 stars, and I will be delving into some other Leon Stevens books soon!
Reviewed by : @zoltrixes
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
The View from Here is a wonderfully written Sci-Fi/Adventure that once you start reading you won’t want to stop till you’ve finished . This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely a fan already and can’t wait to read more from him. This is a fast paced story that will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. This is a story about Thomas and the hike he sets out to do. Only he didn’t realise the adventure he was really going to go on. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. If you like adventure and Sci-Fi then this is definitely worth the read.
