The Cypher

*Book source ~ NetGalley

Title ~ The Cypher

Series ~ Guardians, Inc., #1

Author ~ Julian Rosado-Machain

Published ~ 21 July 2012

Genre ~ Fantasy | YA

Pages ~ 200

My Rating ~ 4 bites

While job hunting, Thomas Byrne and his grandfather Morgan stumble upon a multinational company called Guardians Inc. It turns out that Thomas is a Cypher and much wanted by both Guardians Inc and the Warmaster. Every 500 years the Oracle comes back to Earth and the balance between magic and technology gets all wonky. Depending on who finds all the Oracle’s clues, the balance could tip either way, to magic or technology. If magic wins, humans lose though so it’s a race against time.

This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. There are parts where I rolled my eyes a bit too much, but for the most part I enjoyed it. Thomas is almost 16 so this is a YA, but there’s magic and creatures and a fight between two factions. In fact, just about everything except the kitchen sink is included, so it does get a tiny bit confusing at times. It’s obvious at the end that the battle is only just beginning. There is a stopping point, but no real resolution. An enjoyable read nonetheless.