★★★★☆
“
Insightful, powerful and totally unputdownable. A cracking adventure and highly recommended. Anybody who enjoys a good thriller or, better yet, a good sci-fi thriller, is going to enjoy this all the way to the spectacular ending.”
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The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
★★★★☆
“
I found The Messenger Within to be a very readable book by what appears to be a very promising debut author. Creating a work of science fiction that is also somehow realistic is not an easy feat to pull off, but author PG Harding has done just that. This book is a real roller coaster, and will keep readers obsessively turning the pages all the way through until the very end. Readers who enjoy science fiction should definitely grab this book, but even those just looking for a unique new read of fiction in general should consider giving it a chance. I am pleased to recommend this book, and certainly hope that author PG Harding is already hard at work on his next edition!”
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Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
★★★★☆
“
I thought the plot was very well thought out. The interconnectedness in the characters (especially the earlier scenes where we discover James' extraordinary-ordinary nickname) was uncanny and shows a certain level of organisation that we don't usually see in Sci-Fi. The characters themselves were so well written that I can't complain much - I do think Matt deserved a bit more spunk when it came to his dad and I do still think Shannon is Kurt's spy (hey, my thoughts right ;)). I couldn't quite wrap my head around how James is the only true descendant of the Neanderthals - after all, the whole human race GOT the code by being linked to them - but I'll just assume that the link was stronger than in most others for whatever magical reason. Why Scott didn't use the life enhancing technique on himself is again surprising - one would imagine the leader of the Free World would take such liberties - but again, I am assuming that the life enhancing technique may not work on him quite as well as it did on James (or that the advancements in the technique came on after Scott has passed). The earlier bits of the book were a little slow to be honest - from after the monumental SNAFU that led to the discovery to Kurt's discovery of it, the plot was crawling along. But it really picked up the pace once the missions were planned and once our characters were thrown into their training. Of course, the Venus mission itself was a little slow moving - till the unlocking happened, of course. From there, the pace was breakneck and there was really nothing stopping me from putting the book down (other than needing to eat). Highly recommended read by a very talented author. Uma Aiyer, Netgalley Reviewer.”
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Uma Aiyer
★★★★★
“
My best read in years! A totally unique concept - even for SciFi, which has always thrived on unique concepts. Very well written, well paced, excellent character development, and it surely keeps the suspense juices flowing. And it actually has something important to say about the way we are treating our planet, for the edification of our collective consciences. Every one has a different way of judging how much they enjoyed a book. My system is very simple. I simply count the number of times I found myself reading it when I should have been doing something else. And that was often! I was suprised that this was Harding's first novel; but I certainly will be looking for any future literary contributions from this talented wordsmith.”
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Brian Meredith-jones
★★★★★
“
I thought this was a very good read. I had gotten away from science fiction for years, and this was a really nice way to come back to it. Very thought provoking, well written and based on what I could tell, really well researched. Recommend this to anyone interested in the sci fi genre.”
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Duncan MaCarthur
★★★★☆
“
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the kind of book that made me say ... 'Just one more chapter and then I will put it down' and then after that chapter, I say ... 'Just one more'. It really had me in its grip. I am not a great fan of science fiction but this one read more like an action thriller. Although there was plenty of factual information, it did not overwhelm the story. It had a unique plot, interesting characters and something to think about when I had finished. It is obvious that a lot of effort went into writing this book and I can say 'Well done!'.”
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Liz
★★★★★
“
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well defined and interesting. The book was fast paced and very suspenseful in places. I appreciated the attention to the hard science aspect of the events. The theme is very current. A great sci-fi read that I have no trouble recommending!”
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Cynthia Dean
★★★★★
“
Loved it! It's fast paced and hard to put down! Has all the elements you need for a great book! Exciting, well written, humorous and you never know what's coming next! Loved the ending and the message it brings. Really makes you think.”
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Carrie
★★★★★
“
An exciting read, that picks up speed and carries you along for the ride. Poignant and consciousness raising.”
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Deborah
★★★☆☆
“
Well written book. A little bit of a scary read. Really makes you think. An intense read!”
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Dawn Obrien
★★★★★
“
Hi all, just informing you that I have finished The Messenger Within and I have to say it was a fabulous journey for me, the ending was incredible !, it actually gave me goosebumps !, that has never happened to me while reading a book. I definitely recommend this marvel of a journey.”
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Bill Welsh
★★★★☆
“
The Messenger Within is an exciting and exhilarating book that is hard to put down. PG Harding has a knack for storytelling, and communicating an important and pertinent message. As a climate scientist, I know all too well the threat that man-made climate change imposes on our civilization as we know it. While the book embellishes our actual trajectory in parts (as all good stories do), the message is clear, we need to act NOW. PG Harding is extremely successful and persuasive in getting his audience to think about tomorrow, today. And as a global community, this is what we all MUST do if we are serious about protecting our climate.”
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Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick
★★★★★
“
P.G. Harding captured my attention and imagination in this fast-paced sci-fi. The insights given into where we may be headed as a civilization, chilled my heart with DREAD for future generations. However, the poise, intelligence, and perseverance captured by P.G. Harding's characters, gives hope to quell the fear. Highly recommended for anyone who loves reading on the edge of your seat, and is capable of looking back within themselves to find out what really matters in this world.”
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Scott Hazen