Thoughts about Doubt, Among Us Trilogy Book 1

Here’s what readers had to say…

“Doubt: Among Us Trilogy Book 1 is a story I really wish more people knew about because it’s really, really awesome! If you like City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, the tv show Fringe and/or Supernatural, you just might want to read this book by Anne-Rae Vasquez. In case anyone is interested in reading a ARC ecopy, you can do so right here.

Both Harry and Cristal have just earned their PhD’s at the young age of 21. They have always been geeks and have found friends in other social outcasts through online virtual reality gaming. As newly minted adults they are having difficulty adjusting to life in the “real” world. Through Harry’s popular online game, he’s drawn in friends/gamers into his personal mission to find his missing mother and, potentially, their own missing family members. During Harry’s missions, Cristal and a group of Truth Seekers come across information that changes everything and even makes them doubt the reality of their lives.

I was absolutely hooked on Doubt from page one! This exciting character-driven tale has just the right amount of action, suspense, mystery, fantasy and sci-fi elements, and surprising twists to to keep my eyes glued to the screen (I read an ecopy through ePubBud) and breathlessly awaiting the next chapter.

I love the characters and where the author takes them over the course of the story. In a story like this the characters have to be relatively likeable and relatable or the story falls apart, but I can say the Vasquez pulled that off reasonably well. Of course, the reader has to suspend their disbelief over the course of events (really trying to avoid spoilers), but for the most part what happens feels like there is the possibility that it could actually happen because it’s so well grounded with it’s characters. That being said I’m only really knocking the story half of a star because the book has a pretty good sized cast and it took awhile to keep track of everyone.

Otherwise, though, Doubt is absolutely fantastic and I highly, highly recommend it! I was not ready for it to end and I am now eagerly awaiting Book 2!” – Lauren, GoodReads review

“Eclectic urban fantasy with a Spinechilling supernatural undercurrent, founded on pure inspiration

“Dear Truth Seeker,
I believe in capturing history and this is my attempt to
leave our story for the future generation of Truth Seekers
like you.
I have asked all my Truth Seekers to keep a journal. I
encourage each one to write their thoughts, events, and
ideas so as to preserve the story as close to the real events,
thoughts, and feelings as possible. I want history to
remember us not just from my words but also from the
words of my closest and dearest friends—even friends
who have ended being my worst enemies.
Your mission is to share these events with other Truth
Seekers. Keep the faith that “Good” will prevail. We must
stay united in mind and in actions. We must maintain our
perseverance to save humanity and the world.
Harry Doubt
Truth Seekers Unite!”

Anyone seeking a phenomenal paranormal YA novel that’s wonderfully fresh, innovative and devoid of any clichés or predictability will love DOUBT. This book appealed to me greatly as not only an avid reader of YA fantasy (sub genres), but also the exciting and original premise stood-out at me. Character-driven and action-packed this scintillating story keeps you thoroughly entertained, as the type of story that engulfs you completely!

Contemporary, modern and current themes such as online gaming and high school blended together gave the story an edgy twist that teens will love. Easily identifiable characters such as Harry and Cristal were brilliantly realized on the page, so that readers can empathize with them.

The interesting way in which the author approaches Angels and Demons I found utterly fascinating and entirely *new* and so I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this to readers both young and old alike.

DOUBT is the sparkling start of something big to come…and I predict this becoming a truly terrific trilogy. Anne-Rae Vasquez writing style is highly readable and packed of creative vision and outstanding concepts that literally let the imagination soar! The captivating, colorful characters and compelling narrative pulls you into a gritty tale woven with many unexpected twists & turns.
I was so astonished by the substantial storyline and deep complexities, which left me wanting to continue the journey with anticipation.

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of DOUBT: Book1: Truth Seekers- among us trilogy, for review purposes. The above expressed views and opinions on this novel are entirely my own and impartial.”- Lucinda – Amazon top reviewer

“Doubt is well written with great imagery and some plot twists that I never saw coming. There aren’t many books that have such a unique plot twist. Once religion is brought into Doubt, the book gets a little weird but when the pieces start falling into place it making sense. When the background stories of some of the paranormal creatures come to light, the book gets even better. There were two thing about Doubt that I didn’t enjoy but the book was so awesome that it was easy to overlook.”Reviewed by April Gilly for Readers’ Favorite

“I picked up this book because I read the word “programmer” in the blurb. Being a computer science major myself and a “geek” myself I love to read sci-fi fantasy books where the main character is a geek, a nerd, or a computer science person. I might just “geek out” a little when reading references to computers and programmers or “geek” pop culture.

All of this being said my geek side was slightly disappointed with the programming and the description of the game. There wasn’t really anything. I think the “Truth Seekers” game was a fantasy virtual reality game… but I’m not really sure. Most of the story was more focused on what was going on in the real world of the book. And, once I got past my minor disappointment that the book didn’t really expand on the virtual world, I found myself really enjoying the story. The plot was interesting and kept me guessing.

The twists in the book were amazing. I was completely caught off guard by the first one, and later ones still managed to surprise me. I found myself really enjoying this book.

I did have trouble figuring out exactly who was the main character at the beginning. That is why I rated this book as only four stars. Once I figured out who the main character was I enjoyed reading her perspective.

And the “geek” in me was satisfied every time a computer was messed with and by the very occupation of the main characters. The main characters are computer programmers after all, and I can’t help but love main characters that are programmers.

This is very much a blend of sci-fi fantasy. It is not for any hardcore science fiction readers as it is much closer to being fantasy set in the modern day world.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it for anyone that likes an modern books with a flair for the paranormal.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and AR Publishing in return for an honest review.” – Francesca, Netgalley reviewer

“In this first installment, we meet Harry Doub; a brilliant computer gaming genius who lives a complicated life within a futuristic world. After burying his father, Harry discovers a legacy of secrets that could have a profound effect on the safety of his family. His pursuit to find answers lands him head of IT operations with GN University.

Under the guise of building a typical troubleshooting team, Harry collects a gang of international leading scorers in the gaming industry to become part of his team. The Truth Seekers possess the expertise to uncover the secrets behind Harry’s family. However, nothing is as it seems. Each member appears with his or her own agenda of motives and secrets, blurring the lines between reality and beyond.
The mounting acts of deceit and betrayal not only place the fate of Harry’s family and the future of the Truth Seekers at risk but, could mean the end of the world as we know it. How will truth prevail when there lies “doubt among us?”

Author Anne-Rae Vasquez invites readers on a journey that brings a surprise at every turn. The story starts quickly saddled with a hefty cast of characters; each sporting two names. The plot seems simple enough, yet by the time you reach the midpoint, you discover “truth seeking” is the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. The reader is bombarded with beguiling characters and chaos at every turn.
Vasquez’s writing style flows well despite the dizzying array of events. The question will be, once the truth is uncovered will it really matter in the end?” – Reviewed by J’Nel Wright for IndieReader

 

“I peeked at some other reviews to get a sense of how to review this without giving away spoilers! 🙂 Don’t want to say too much about the story except that it was full of unexpected turns, crossing genres and that it kept my interest throughout and left me ready, at the end, to start the second book in the series. But, oh no, Book #2 isn’t out yet!! 🙂 I loved the diversity of the characters and the mystery that begins pretty much on page one. And did I mention, it’s funny! Anne-Rae is a very funny writer. So glad to have crossed paths with Doubt (Among Us, #1). Kismet! One last note, Zero Doubt is a great name!!” – Claudia B., GoodReads

“I LOVE this book. This book is very well written, with an easy flow. I had to begin rereading it again last night. I like Doubt. I love Cristal.
My favorite parts of the book are the attractions between the characters. I reread the scene when Cristal first meets Kerim and she thinks she has a crush on someone else, (Harry), but Kerim obviously likes her and she refuses to admit she is interested.

I was hooked by the first page when Harry’s father dies during a dinner party. Then his mother disappears. It doesn’t hurt that Harry is a university senior when his father passes away, AND he sells a game he has created to Google, AND he is given the opportunity to have a job created for him. If I wasn’t pulled in by the first page, certainly the first chapter would have done it.

I was a little confused when I read the scene in Gabriel’s apartment and there is an earthquake, but quickly remembered when her father first disappears and she has an event in her room.

There are so many wonderful things I can say about this book; the storyline, the writing, the characters, the imagery, but I do not want to give too many things away.

I do love mystery thrillers and I think this book has not let me down. The anticipation of what is going to happen next, did I make the correct assumptions or am I headed down a different path?
I have recommended this book to my daughter and have told other family members about this book. They are not allowed to borrow my book, with the exception of my daughter, because I know it is one I will read and reread. I would buy this book online. I am excited to see what will happen in books two and three.
Thank you Anne-Rae Vasquez for sharing your book with me!”- S. Hicks, Amazon review

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this novel. Which was why I could not put it down for hardly a moment. From the very beginning and onward to the very end I was engaged in the storyline and also rooting for all of the hero characters. A few of them I found I could easily identify with quite well on a personal level. And actually all of those young adult characters seemed quite easily to me like the sort of interesting people I would like to know on a personal level.

The story’s themes of discovering the truth about both our own selves and also the actual reality of the whole rest of the world around us are themes all people, not only just of the particular age group of the main characters as presented in the book, but also very many people of a lot of age groups also.

So, in essence, I not only found much pleasure and interest when reading this, as noted, first novel in a planned trilogy, but I would be very much delighted to not only read into the next books to come in the trilogy, but I would also be more than delighted to actually purchase this first book for around 10.99, when it is to be released this month, I also would take much delight in also purchasing the next two books in the trilogy when they are released, and in the event the next two books are anywhere near as awesome as this first installment was, I’m sure I would gladly purchase them for the around the same amount.”- WogglebugLove Productions, Amazon review

“I was fascinated and hooked onto this book with it’s captivating and well written story. The suspense builds at a fine pace throughout the book as well as the character development. The mystery in the story keeps you intrigued wanting more page after page.”- Brisny, GoodReads review

“This is a very well written book, directed to the young adult audience, but that any reader that is looking for spending some hours entertained will enjoy very much this reading. The plot is simple to follow. Harry and Cristal just earned their PhD’s and went to work together for a company named GN (Global Nation). Harry is a young and brilliant programmer, son of a famous quantum physicist (Aaron) that died during an after-work dinner party. His father had some strong theories on how time travel was doable. His partner in business (Dr. Saeed) was also a famous experimental scientist. His mother (Bina) disappeared while volunteering on a peacekeeping mission in Palestine.

Harry developed a game named Truth Seekers and he started hiring to work for him all the best programmers and game players he could find. They all had a mission to find out what was behind the scenes on certain mysterious events. And with the development of the story we learn that some members of this team have some special abilities that are not completely natural. Cristal is capable of produce earthquakes, although she is afraid of her powers and is not sure how they work or how she can control them. During a moment she was upset, she caused a major earthquake that was sensed in many different cities in the world. Kerim, her boyfriend, is capable of reading her mind. And things are not what they look like. They find some portals that could be entrances for wormholes for time travelling and they go to Israel to research one of those portals. But not everybody in Harry’s team knows what is going on and which his motivations to create his missions are. He wants to look for his father and mother. Mystery and intrigue cause turbulence on the relationship among the members of Harry’s team. And during a persecution from the Israeli Secret Service to capture Kerim, some details about his nature are revealed.

This is a very good start to a trilogy that promises to be very exciting. Very well developed characters.

This book was written by Anne-Rae Vasquez and I received a copy for reviewing from Inkspand and I was not requested to write a positive review. Opinion expressed here is my own.” – R Mattos, Amazon Vine top reviewer

“Vasquez’s Novel – a Gripping Mix of Supernatural, Dystopy, and Mystery” – Joanna Ammon, Yahoo Voices

“The photo cover evokes intrigue and ‘Doubt, Among Us Trilogy 1’ delivers. Once the story got going, I found I did not want to put it down. I’m not a gamer and the characters may be young, but I was still able to identify with them. I love the supernatural and cultural elements. I like the way the author includes different languages, info about cultural manners or customs which I was not expecting. With the last word “Armageddon” you just know the adventure is just starting. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for Book 2.” – Susan, Amazon review

“WOW! This is a Very Good and Well-Written Book,I ABSOLUTELY Loved it and I Could Not Put it Down,seriously! I actually Didn’t put it Down Until I Was Finished it,it was that GOOD!

The Characters are Awesome,There Are So Many Things That I Could Gush Over About This Book.and it is SO Good and Everything.Ahh My feels!” – Ginny, GoodReads reviewer

Brilliant Writing Style

“This is a great YA novel. Anne-Rae has written more than an exciting book, she’s written a story that teaches reading skills. After I finished it, I gave it to my nine year old granddaughter who read two chapters in twenty minutes. The great part was how much of the story she was able to retain and talk about. For me, that is worth five stars any day of the week.

What’s cool is the story. Harry Doub, changed his name to Doubt, has been hired by GN to find out how the servers have been breached. In order to find out, he assembles a team of gamers he’s come to know from the game he created: Truth Seekers—an extremely bright group of teenagers. In order to identify were the breach occurred; Harry starts globe-trotting for the answers. Unlike most espionage thrillers that get bogged down and difficult to follow when written for adults, this author has figured a way out to tell the story without all the, sometimes, overburdensome back ground us adults seem to crave for. That is brilliance.
The kids are not only learning how to read and enjoy it, they are going to take a trip around the world and be introduced to time travel. Now that’s a book worth reading! Five Stars plus!”- Jeff Dawson, Amazon top reviewer

“Doubt is one of those books that surprised me. I was expecting a sci-fi and it ended up being so much more. The author says it is in the lines of TV shows like Fringe and Lost and I’d have to say she’s right on the ball with that. So when I say surprised, I mean that in a positive way.

The book was a little slow to start. Anne-Rae Vasquez weaves backstory in and at times I just wanted to get to the meat of the story but I never felt like I wanted to put it down. On the contrary, I felt like I needed to read it more because of that.

Once the action starts it really stars and more and more questions are brought up until the finale when some are answered. But, there are definitely a lot of questions still up in the air and I can’t wait to see how they’ll be answered in the sequel.

Now, as for characters… there is a fairly large cast but two main characters.I really liked Cristal. She is a firecracker and won’t take crap from anyone but at the same time she’s a little lost and vulnerable. Harry is… well I couldn’t figure him out and I think that was a good thing. He wasn’t cut and dry good guy.

All-in-all I loved the book and I am very much looking forward to book 2.”- Christine S., GoodReads review

“…This novel contains a mixture of interesting genres, including fantasy, thriller, adventure, mystery and even romance. The letter in the beginning written to “truth seekers” was a nice touch; a good way to foreshadow what is about to happen.

As a big fan of the show Fringe, this book appealed to me tremendously. The writing was well done, and the way the “supernatural” forces were introduced was great. The characters, primarily Harry and Cristal, were developed and built up very well, and had enough detail about their lives for us readers to understand them as people, not just characters. Genuinely looking forward to read the rest of the series when it comes out!”– Melissa Greenberg, Amazon review

“Doubt, Among Us Trilogy, by Anne-Rae Vasquez, was a good and refreshing read for me. I am not too into books about the supernatural, but the idea of angels on assignments was intriguing.

The characters in this book are mainly young, gifted adults. The fight is one that is as old as time itself—good against evil. Trust is a precious commodity, for your very existence may depend on who is really true and who is not. Love, jealousy, deceit, and friendships play a big role in the plot and bring home the fact that knowing someone may be just a myth. Loved ones disappear without explanation, adding to the mystique of the story, and Cristal, the center of the story remembers her father telling her before he disappeared to not trust anyone.

In the battle of good and evil, Cristal finds that she has powers that are spiritual in nature that she has barely learned to control. Little does she know that this gift may yet help in finding the missing in a place called purgatory. The author uses this story to show that we are spiritual in nature, either for good or for bad. Cristal and all of her associates often obey orders without question until good eventually overcomes and the reader is left with a lot to think about.

I would recommend this book to a friend. I would liked to have seen some of the characters developed more, but maybe Ms. Vasquez intends to reveal more in book two. I will read book two and three because of the interesting way the subject of angels and demons is approached. A good, clean read for any age.” – S. Coleman, Amazon review

“It starts with a game designer and shining star programer, Harry Doubt. His father is dead. His mother is missing. And he has created a network of online gamers. ‘How was he going to convince online gamers to leave the privacy of their virtual world to work with others in the real world?’ is the question that ends chapter three. As someone who is married to an online gamer, that strikes me as a really good question. Curiosity is apparently the strongest motivating force at first.

As the book progresses and the characters develop, we see that not only are these gamers working on missions in the real world as well but we also start to realize that their real world isn’t quite like ours. Or maybe it is and the rest of us just don’t see, making it the perfect urban fantasy world because it feels so real. With everyone else blind or willfully ignoring the spiritual forces at play, only the truth seekers can head off the danger.

It was an excellent story that I’m sure both adult and teen urban fantasy fans will enjoy. You don’t have to be a gamer or know one to identify with the characters. They’re very well developed and definitely feel like people. I would definitely recommend it to a friend and I’m really looking forward to the second book.” – G. Lego, Amazon review

“Doubt is book 1 of an intriguing and exciting trilogy by Anne-Rae Vasquez.  With enjoyable, vibrant young characters fighting a frightening unknown entity in a world that is about to self-destruct, Doubt will definitely appeal to readers of all ages who love sci-fi supernatural thrillers.”
– Owen Choi, author of Amazon Best Seller, Tendrils of Life

“Captivating, thrilling and compelling. The story is original and fresh–a definite ‘have to read’ for new adult urban fantasy fiction readers.”
– Libby Howell, reviewer

“A dystopian adventure, edgy and thought-provoking which raises questions about what we’re doing to our society and planet. This gritty narrative which is fast paced and full of twists and turns is hard to put down till the end.”
– Cid Andrenelli, author of The Burqa Master

“International intrigue, encryptions, and clandestine arrangements tumble together in this action-packed plot as young internet gamers use their skills to investigate who, or what, is behind the catastrophic events happening around the globe, led by this season’s newest, and most brilliant, master-mind – Harry Doubt!”
– Emily Hill, author of upcoming paranormal novel Voodoo Vision and award winning, The Ghost Chaser’s Daughter and the Ghost Stories series.

“Doubt, book 1, was an interesting read with a unique concept. Filled with many unexpected twists and turns it’s about time travel and a mixture of the supernatural (the existence of angels and purgatory—although these were plot points as opposed to major expository), science fiction and a touch of romance. Fans of Fringe would find it most appealing.

It’s a story about the Truth Seekers who are gamers, (which makes the novel especially appealing to computer game enthusiasts) and are led by the prodigy Harry Doubt. Cristal, Harry’s romantic interest also adds depth to the story.

The tale starts with a bang and a death and I was kept engaged to find out what happened. I was kept wondering what would happen to Harry Doubt, or what had become of him. But a couple of chapters in I was a little confused as I’d though Harry Doubt was the main protagonist but as it turned out the book has multiple main character figures. I guess that took me by surprise. However as I read more the plot was intriguing enough to hold my attention and I find myself turning the pages to find out what would happen next in this fast–paced novel. (he plot is complex and Ms. Vaquez has managed to succinctly draw all the elements in to tell her story by going straight to the point—the characters travel about and there are quite a few characters with involving back story.

The first in a series the story certainly leaves much room for exploration and excitement in its sequel. Looking forward to the rest in the series.” – Pippin Fred, Amazon review

“Doubt is a must-read novel that has depth and substance mashed up with fringe science. If you read no other book this year, this is the one to read!” – W.B. Miller, author of Kyrathaba Rising

“I thoroughly enjoyed the book and read it in one weekend; it was captivating and engaging to the reader. Although characterization could have been developed more, this may be intentional as this is only the first part of a trilogy however and is my only slightly negative comment. The writing style perfectly compliments the story line which is fresh and intriguing and I will certainly be looking forward to book 2 and indeed, reading the entire trilogy and unearthing what the author has in store for the various characters. I think the book will appeal to many readers of general fiction, particularly lovers of science fiction, young adult, fantasy and paranormal. There is also the romance element which opens up the possible readership to a much wider audience. I would recommend this book to a friend and will actually do so as I know many people who enjoy this genre and the fact that the novel is written in such a languid style, it moves on effortlessly and absorbs the reader into the story completely. Although the story itself revolves around the online gaming industry, one does not have to have an in depth knowledge as it is ably explained and discussed within the plot line. Suspense builds at a good pace throughout the book and I am sure any reader picking up this novel will enjoy it and be happy with their purchase. I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars, just shy of fantastic, only because the ending was not quite ‘complete’ which I feel will be absolutely resolved by parts 2 and 3 of the trilogy.”– Steven J. Smith, Inkspand Review

OMGosh! I just finished reading “Doubt”… INCREDIBLE! I couldn’t put it down. Well developed characters with thoroughly explained relationships. Great background info – adds so much to the reader knowing what is going on at all times. Cristal is a great lead. She is strong, smart, beautiful – a brilliant package. The twists and turns and the espionage involving the gamers and the GN kept me on the edge of my seat. The paranormal aspect was something I wasn’t expecting, but was pleased with. The flow/pace was great. The writing was smooth and there were enough ups and downs to keep a reader interested. I’m not sure what to expect next, but know that I can’t wait to read more!” – Lisa W., GoodReads member reviewer

“I like books that go straight to the point without a flood of unnecessary introductory words. And {Doubt] grabbed me from the beginning with the idea of time travel… I was also impressed by the fact that there were “pictures” of all main characters, including their avatars. I love being able to imagine exactly how they look like. The author’s style is light and pleasant to read and I read it very quickly. And when thing got more complicated I couldn’t stop reading.” – R. Chelebieva, Inkspand Reviewer

“Doubt, Part one of Among Us caught my attention right away when reading the synopsis. I think tossing JJ Abrams’ name into the ring to give an idea of the type of story was a good call. One event in the story actually reminded me a little bit of one of the ideas in Fringe, but it was unique to it’s own and wasn’t a direct similarity.

I have to say, that starting the book I expected the main protagonist to remain Harry Doubt, but was surprised at the shift so don’t pass this over if a male lead isn’t your thing. This change of perspective made for an interesting read. Normally I am a very fast reader averaging about 2.5 pages a minute, and I found myself unable to put this down, absorbing it in a matter of hours. The story never lagged out, making me want to take a break, but instead kept me engrossed wanting more.

All in all, I think this was a great read. The story, while very ‘out there’ at times, was captivating. The biggest tell for me is that I am actively interested in reading the next two books in the series. I feel like there was just enough detail given in this part of the Doubt tale to make it hold it’s own, but plenty left to make you really want to know both the answers to questions/issues presented and wonder what else there is that you can’t even think of.” – Justdej, Amazon Kindle review

“A unique and intriguing story line. It starts off slowly but builds up towards the end. The story builds up naturally, making you want to get to the end. A real page turner. Love the easy to read set out also.

Keen to source the next books. Another wonderful Good Reads giveaway. Really enjoyed it.”- S. Morrison, GoodReads member

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started reading the book but I was hooked rather quickly. The story keeps moving and the characters are well developed and likeable. I did receive a free copy of the book but I would have gladly paid.” – J. Worzola, Amazon review

“I loved the intrigue of this book and how it kept me guessing. It was a very easy read with well drawn characters that I cared about. So much of the time with books like this there’s not enough attention put into character details, but I liked the little touches here. I also thought there was just enough twists to keep things lively. I was a big fan of the tv show Fringe and how it combined a number of genres and elements, and this book did it as well.” – Twitter Lover Book Club

2 Comments:

  1. Stopping to say HI!

  2. Just wanted to say that your book sounds amazing! I’m going to go get the book today!!!

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