Radioactive Evolution


Fiction - Dystopia
374 Pages
Reviewed on 11/16/2018
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

How did I start the writing journey?

The best way to sum it up is D. Rus and Vasiliy Mahenenka. These two Russian authors created books in a new genre called LitRPG, which falls under a more broad category called Gamelit. I devoured any and every book created by these two authors and quickly realized they were not alone in their endeavor. The series they created were translated from Russian to English, but it wasn't long before American authors started pushing their own series.

Since starting with the Play to Live series (D.Rus), I've read hundreds of books and dozens of stories on Royal Road. I started posing questions and conversations about plots and book directions in various groups and forums. Eventually, I got the idea to start keeping track of my ideas and instead of giving them away, write my own story. Herein, is born a writer (or at least a wannabe writer)... not a writer to grab a paycheck, and not even for the sake of a job. I am putting this first story together purely for my enjoyment and it has been a fun ride so far.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

If you love dystopia, but also love fantasy and dragons, then Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel might be the novel you’ve been waiting for. We are introduced to Jared Cartwright, who is an explorer traveling around the desolate continent to find boosters (I’ll leave the explanation about that to the book itself) and other useful items to keep him alive. When he explores an underground tunnel, he finds something that will turn out to be the most valuable item he ever found in his life. While the rich lead an easy life in floating cities (either in the sky or on islands), people like Jared have to fight for their survival on a daily basis, either in colonies or on their own. It seems like Jared has found something that would give him an edge over everyone else: a dragon and a special connection that helps him to overcome obstacles that would otherwise have been the end of him. It is a world in which even fluffy rabbits can turn into lethal opponents and fellow humans do not always have the best intentions.

It is November, and I have read dozens of books this year. I hadn’t come across one I’d call my favourite book of the year until I read Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel. It is an unusual mix of fantasy, dystopia, coming of age, adventure, and a little bit of (gentle) horror. I didn’t expect to be drawn into this novel after reading the description, but once I started, I was hooked. I just couldn’t put it down. I loved that it was actually a decent sized novel, not short like many first books in a series. This is quality writing with an unusual plot, interesting characters, surprising twists, shocking developments and also some humor that fits the situations. I loved how the bond between Jared and Scarlet developed; it really is something special and I’m looking forward to reading how these adventures continue. While there is a lot left to happen, a lot to discover and a lot to experience, the novel does not end on a cliffhanger that makes you want to strangle the author. I’m really pleased I picked up this novel and I’m not sure whether I’ll come across anything better this year (2018). Also a thumbs up to the quality of editing.

K.C. Finn

Radioactive Evolution is an exciting and lengthy work of dystopian fiction written by author Richard Hummel. Based in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity no longer lives on the land itself, the premise reveals that mutated creatures have now overtaken the traditional domains of man. The wealthiest of humanity have been able to survive by taking to the skies and the sea, but there are some who wish to explore the ravaged wastelands for a solution to reclaiming the planet for humanity. Jared Cartwright is one such man, determined to evolve beyond his own skills in order to survive in this new world, until a terrifying new discovery shakes his faith in humanity to the core.

This is a really exciting novel that is firmly rooted in an interesting concept of post-nuclear radioactive evolution. The creatures we encounter during Jared’s journey are brought to life with vivid descriptions and gory realism, and the exploration of how they came to be that way is well thought out but not overdone in terms of scientific exposition. The tale is very much about the fortitude of humanity and the desire to evolve and adapt to a new world rather than be forced out of it, and in that respect Jared is a pioneer whom we can root for on his incredible adventure. Richard Hummel has created a fantastical adventure that is so visceral it feels real, and overall I’d definitely recommend Radioactive Evolution to all readers of dark science fiction, post apocalyptic and dystopian worlds.

Rabia Tanveer

Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel is a dystopian novel that describes the life of a man who is left to fend for himself and has to find ways to survive. Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy this novel as much as I did. Jared is such a strong and amazing character, one that developed with time and evolved into an even stronger and much more mature character. I enjoyed the fast pace, the amazing descriptions and the flow of the novel. It kept me interested and had me reading on and on and wanting more.

This is the story of Jared Cartwright, a man who is living in a destroyed earth after the nuclear war. While the rich people have abandoned earth, the poor are left to fend for themselves and fight off the creatures that roam in the aftermath of the nuclear war. However, the fate of the world is about to change because a scientist has created a new technology that has the potential to transform the world. Now Jared is at the forefront of it and wants to change the world for the better. However, what price would he have to pay? Can he survive the change for the betterment of the world?

The story was amazing and it was so well constructed. I loved how the twists and turns took the story to new heights. The dialogues showed so much more about the characters and showed how vital each and every one of them was. I enjoyed the smooth flow of the story. The action was intense, and the emotions were too. I could feel what Jared was feeling. I could feel his fear, his energy and his own desire to fight on. Radioactive Evolution is a wonderful and very entertaining reading experience.

James Richardson

I so loved the book ,I could not put it down for more then a few minutes at a time .I so loved the characters and the post apocalypse scene, I so can't wait for the next book

Geno F.

If you are looking for a fantastic post apocalyptic book this should be right up your alley.

Tara C. Mulkey

One of the better books I have read. It has some minor LitRPG elements, a progression system using high tech adaptive nanites. It has some fantasy elements, namely dragons. And it is set in a post apocalyptic setting.

In a world were radiation still persists, nanites absorb and use it to feed the host and protect it from the dangerous effects. Everyone ground side has them and they have to be updated every two years, as they get corrupted by their hosts DNA. In order to get the updates from the sky cities they have to provide resources in the form of various elements. Thus locking the ground siders in perpetual servitude. Sky cities have the tech, and the luxuries and everything else.

When one of the ground siders sets out to explore the world, he finds more than he ever expected. He accidentally bonds with a dragon and finds a conspiracy the sky cities have hidden. It gives him the ability to grow beyond human norms and a way to strike back at the sky cities. It will take more than just one man with a young dragon. It will take many. He has to find allies, and bond them to other creatures. Then grow them more powerful.

This book is very much the beginning of a series. There are some story lines that are left hanging to be connected to the next book. It is a book I would very much like to read.

Jason S.

The story has a nice flow. MC was easy to relate to with relatable flaws. The game element tables were easy to understand yet was not spammed every chapter. I look forward to the next book.

Travis Cheney

Another! *slams e-reader down, smashing it to bits*

This was an excellent read, amid I'm highly anticipating the next book. The only negative I cam think of is that there were some formatting issues with fonts for telepathy. Since the don't wad the only clue that it was dialogue, it threw a couple paragraphs off.

Matt

Great Read!

The writer is very descriptive, enabling you to submerse yourself in this story line. It is a Very exciting and addictive read. Enjoy!