Mendel's Ladder: A Grimdark Science Fantasy Epic (The Collected Histories of Neoevolution Earth Book 1)

E.S. Fein has crafted an immersive future Earth in ‘Mendel’s Ladder’. This post-apocalyptic world, where people can be part machine, is beset with the usual dystopian quandaries: questionable political morals and the unending struggle for survival between factions. Fein’s ability to create detailed descriptions of this future is top-notch, as the story races past a pedestrian narrative, examining classic sci-fi themes of identity and what it means to be human in a rapidly evolving universe.Fein has created fully-flawed, believable characters who are a step beyond sci-fi stereotypes (particularly Shira and Myriam). These people have to deal with conflict and uphold ideals while the world around them is epically transforming. They face cybernetically enhanced warriors, Fein’s enigmatic Nomads (“an overgrown, undulating, swelling amoeba of misplaced, half-grown limbs”) and other types of “flesh trees”. But these aren’t just the monsters lurking in the story’s dark pages; they are creations that drive the story forward while Earth is set to shatter.There are several adult themes in ‘Mendel’s Ladder’, including violence, intimacy and some colourful language. Still, Fein explores some of the darker parts of the human psyche, never swerving away for the sake of good taste but using these tools to drive the story forward. The result: a refreshingly honest look at a dystopian future where life is understandably challenging.Full marks for Fein’s worldbuilding: he has put a lot of effort and research into creating this universe. It is like watching your favourite sci-fi movie on an 8K screen for the first time. Bravo—I was genuinely taken on an incredible journey. Even so, the general plot is simple, following the personal journeys of its central characters, and the human element is crucial to the book’s success. I spent a lot of time thinking about the underlying messages (except for the bizarre Nomads) for a few days after finishing the book.Ultimately, this is excellent future fiction. I love how hard ‘Mendel’s Ladder’ made my imagination work and how comfortable I was with the narrative. Full marks for action, forward-thinking, bizarre punctuation and impressive worldbuilding. I particularly enjoyed the diary entries Denis Mendel wrote at the start of each chapter; these helped anchor the narrative amongst the diverse characters. Highly recommended.

Fast paced and full of action, this futuristic novel paints a vivid and bleak picture of a desolate Earth, ravaged by the dual catastrophes of climate change and nuclear warfare. The narrative masterfully reveals a complex world populated by nomads, hunters, grotesque flesh trees, and cyborgs. The author skillfully introduces these elements gradually, allowing readers to piece together the dystopian landscape in their minds. Adding an additional layer of intrigue, are the mysterious passages from Denis Mendel which  precede each chapter, deepening the mystery. The cast of characters in the story is robust, featuring formidable warrior women and enigmatic hunters, showcasing the author's immense creativity and imagination. This book is an enjoyable read, weaving a rich tapestry of a bleak yet fascinating future. I would recommend, particularly for fans of science fiction. I have already added the sequel to my Kindle library and plan to read the continuation (the author includes the first chapter from book 2 at the end of the story)

Three separate stories entwine and combine to create a dystopian engineered world of imaginative scope, which feels at once real and alien in equal measure. Two of the stories are set against a backdrop of a world where humanity is all but extinct, replaced by human-trees (called Flesh Trees) that drop humanish variants like seed pods called nomads. Mechanically enhanced humans Shira and Myriam are tasked with taking the virus and the cure (two other enhanced humanish beings) to an underground city called Downver (under where Denver used to sit before the war). Also, in this wasteland of weirdness, a hunter and huntress pair are sent on their Eternal Hunt to find and destroy the virus and cure. The hunter is less enamoured with the idea of this, but he is under the thrall of the huntress who wants nothing more than the end of the last humans. Tangential to the story, high above the Earth in a huge rotating space station, we find Samuel, an energy worker on Astrea (the station). He is being drawn into a dangerous game.All the characters are superbly written, with depth and a history hinted at throughout their journeys. By the end of the book, we see how they combine in an explosive finale that sets up for the next in the series.Interwoven into the ongoing stories is a fourth written as excepts from the autobiography of Mendel, the scientist who engineered the downfall of humanity into its current state, again hinting at possibilities for the subsequent books in this series.If you enjoy dystopian science fiction of the style of Michael Moorcock, this is going to be a natural progression. Recommended.

This is the most extraordinary book I have yet encountered. The author has taken world building to another level. The combination of sci-fi and fantasy with allusion to genetics, particle physics, religious ascension, philosophical musings, morality, human physiology and botany is simply sensational.The prose flows, and the characters are extraordinary and well developed. The battle scenes are gorily enhanced, which some readers may find squeamish, but it is cinematic material.The extracts from Mendel's Diary are not presented in sequence. They tantalise the reader as they give an insight into the mind of this madman fixated on ascending the ladder to the apex of human/neohuman evolution. The opening chapter is set in 2099. Mendel's Diary is published in 2108. Extracts from the diary swing between 2039 and 2065, ending with the earliest extract. Federated Agency Publishing, being the publisher listed in the extracts, gives readers a sense of where this series is ruthlessly heading.This first book ends disappointingly abruptly, but it ensures that I will be reading the sequels. A compelling read.

WOWThe fluidity of this author's writing blows my mind 😳 The way E.S. Fein jumps from one set of characters and plotlines to the next is wonderful and oh so captivating! I found myself getting so lost in each chapter that when it ended I was deeply disappointed for about a millisecond before the next crazy adventure picked back up. The craziest part is how they're all somehow connected?!Don't even get me started on the descriptions of the gritty and tortured souls that appear in this series- wow it just hurts so good 😭I would recommend this series HEAVILY to any anime watchers or video game players.If you are in these spheres in any capacity then do yourself a huge favor and start reading this series while it's still fresh 🔥🔥🔥✨It is absolutely going to blow up eventually 🤩(Book 2 & 3 are already on the way to my house~!!)

Prepare to be transported to a future Earth unlike anything you've ever imagined in 'Mendel's Ladder: A Grimdark Sci-fi Epic (The Collected Histories of Neoevolution Earth Vol. 1)' by an author whose mastery of worldbuilding is unparalleled. This book is not just a science fiction adventure; it's a mind-bending exploration of identity, morality, and the essence of humanity in a world teetering on the brink of post-apocalyptic evolution.From the very first pages, the narrative plunges you into a world where the lines between the organic and mechanical are blurred beyond recognition. Here, survival is not just about physical prowess but also about navigating the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and shifting ideologies that define this grimdark reality. The characters are not mere players but embodiments of conflicting ideals, each with their own motivations and struggles that resonate with profound depth.The author's ability to craft such a rich and immersive universe is evident in every chapter. Whether it's the cybernetically enhanced warriors locked in a struggle for dominance or the enigmatic Nomad whose enigmatic presence hints at deeper mysteries, each element of the story contributes to a tapestry of complexity that keeps you riveted throughout.What sets 'Mendel's Ladder' apart is its fearless exploration of mature themes. This is not a story that shies away from violence, profanity, or the darker aspects of human nature. Instead, it embraces these elements as integral parts of its narrative, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, survival, and the relentless march of progress.The worldbuilding in this book is nothing short of astonishing. From the sapient flesh trees to the genetically enhanced hunters, from flying utopias to colossal mutant beasts, every detail adds to the immersive experience, creating a setting that feels simultaneously familiar and alien. The author's creativity knows no bounds, and each twist and turn in the plot unveils new layers of intrigue and wonder.While 'Mendel's Ladder' is undeniably epic in scope, it never loses sight of its characters' personal journeys. Amidst the grandeur of a world in flux, there are moments of intimacy and introspection that lend depth and humanity to the narrative. It's a testament to the author's skill that amidst the chaos and spectacle, the emotional core of the story remains palpable and poignant.

In the realm of science fiction and fantasy, “Mendel’s Ladder: A Grim dark Sci-Fi Epic” by E. S. Fein emerges as a groundbreaking novel that masterfully blends thrilling action with profound philosophical themes. Through the journey of Myriam and a diverse cast of characters, Fein presents a universe where the concepts of evolution and transformation take center stage, enriched by intricate world-building and deep character development.The action and mature themes are integrated well into the storyline which builds an enthralling experience. The atmosphere created is reminiscent of a video game, with the weaving of a story that is thought-provoking. Without question, it stands as one of the finest science fiction works I’ve encountered this year.“Mendel’s Ladder” is an exceptional choice for fans of both science fiction and fantasy, delivering a story that invites readers to ponder the broader implications of combat, glory, and transformation. The author’s narrative ability makes for a unique and immersive reading experience.  making this novel a standout addition to the genre. Overall,a good read that kept me entertained.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and spent several nights sitting up late with it. I particularly liked the relentlessly dark tone, an ongoing tension that propels the grim storyline without much reprieve. This is the sort of dystopian, sci-fi fantasy fusion that presents great challenges for authors to convey, and E. S. Fein handles it superbly. Belonging to a number of separate entities, the characters within are deep and have well-developed identities. They exist in an epic world I found deeply involving, and I came to admire everyone more or less equally. This story challenges readers by making it difficult to predict the future, to decide who might succeed and who might not, and wonder what the really big picture is and where it will all eventually go. This intrigue is one of the book's key strengths. It is a dangerous and miserable world that knows no peace. It comes complete with intense warfare and a mysterious, proprietary science that is well-considered and well-presented. The dialogues are colloquial and use a natural, contemporary language . For myself, I'm glad there is more to come, three more books in fact, for I am hooked on the story and look forward to finding out what happens. Appending Book 2 Chapter 1 to the end is a nice teaser. If I were to find a relative weakness, I would suggest a little more care in technical grammar and usage, though it seems to flow better as the story progresses. Anyway, in fiction, flexibility in this regard is needed, so the quibble is not a deal-breaker by any means. I think maybe I might play the Huntress Volya in an RPG campaign while the story could also be a pretty cool video game, with her up front!

Mendel’s ladder is a ripping Sci-fi story that grabs elements from a bunch of classic tropes and mashes them all together in a magnificent blend of action, adventure. fantasy and hard science fiction ideas and concepts.The author has built a vivid world of horrific mutant monsters, wild exotic animals and plant life, almost god-like huntresses and lesser hunters, a Eden type sanctuary for the Earth’s elite, and countless other characters. The book is grim (just like it says in the title) but don’t let that fact deter you from picking it up and giving it a go.Especially well done are the action sequences. The reader will be in the edge of their seats, bated breath as they frantically turn the pages to see what madness and chaos is unleashed next.Character development, world building and unique sci-fi concepts are all very well done here and never feel intrusive or tack on to the main story.Sci-fi and grimdark fans will have a blast with Mendel’s ladder. I highly recommend reading this to anyone who enjoys those genres.Great book