H.U.B. Volume 1 Reviews
*Review of H.U.B. Volume 1 by writer S.A. Payne
Benjamin Jones wastes no time in Vol. I. introducing us to the reality that is humanity's ultimate battle. What will this horror entail? The prologue grips you and demands your attention right away. Who are these people? Do they look like you? Could it be you...ever? For our sakes I hope not! Let me tell you, this is not your typical vampire tale . There's no Count Dracula cloaked in a silky black cape seducing unsuspecting young women. Hell no..and much to this readers surprise, H.U.B has a star spangled twist! One that is sure to throw you for a loop.
*4 out of 5 star review by J.H. Bell from Denver, CO
Considering the glut of vampire fiction in the marketplace today it's easy to be a little skeptical when yet another story in the genre comes along. But H.U.B (Humanity's Ultimate Battle) is abundant with elements sorely lacking in today's Vampire fiction - namely a gritty, dark edge with social relevance. There are some story points that are familiar: vampires have lived secretly among us for ages, kept in line by a truce brokered between them and the few powerful humans who are aware of their existence. But when that truce is shattered a rogue faction of vampires seeks to reek havoc on the human race. Aside from this basic setup, H.U.B bears no resemblence to any vampire story I've ever read. I won't give a thing away here, but let's just say there is a story element involving political intrigue the likes of which you have never seen.
I like the fact that is will be an ongoing series (there seems to be a lot more to the story) and look forward to reading Volume 2. If you are into vampire fiction or are simply in the mood for a good solid read, give this one a shot.
*5 out of 5 Star review by Clayton from New Brighton, MN:
I took a chance with this novel after visiting [...] and expected it to be just another vampire story due to the seemingly endless amount coming out now-a-days. Luckily I was wrong and this one stands with the best. This book features quite a few twists to keep the reader on their toes. Don't expect your average vampire book... This one goes way beyond that and creates its own rules that all work very well! I wish I could go into more detail on what I liked, but that would give away spoilers. While I recommend it to anyone, keep in mind this book is gritty and sophisticated. Not for the tame, or teen girls thinking it's something along the lines of Twilight. It's a very good read! Highly recommended!
CLICK HERE to visit the Amazon Review page
**H.U.B. Volume 1 Review from pzomb at Pissedoffgeek.com
I don’t normally review books but this one landed in my lap and just called out for me to review it. It’s a vampire story, I love vampires (not Twilight ones BEFORE you even go there) so it made sense for me to review it.
H.U.B aka Humanity’s Greatest Battle is the story of a secret society of vampire’s attempt to finally reveal themselves to the human race and try to integrate into society. Of course this is what they want them to believe, they’ve been feeding off humanity for thousands of years they are hardly going to stop now right? Having to reveal themselves was at first caused by a school kids realisation that the vice president of the country was the exact same man as in a picture from 1900, which would make the man 130 years old. Following this revelation the boy dies in an attack to protect the secret of the vampires, and the vice president.
This book feels like it acts as an introduction to a much larger story, a story that is going to be quite good in its full form. I don’t mean this in a bad way because there is plenty to get your teeth into and enjoy (pun intended). There are plenty of action scenes to keep the action at a nice fast pace but one thing that I did notice was as the reader I was getting introduced to a lot of characters who haven’t really gone anywhere yet. They will obviously play a bigger part in the next books (HUB 2 will be getting reviewed soon) but I’d have liked to have a heroine in the story that I can follow and get into their story, and care about them. In this we are given people who could fit that role but they either die or have unfulfilled potential until of course their story continues.
One character I do hope plays a big part in the upcoming parts of the story is Mikey the boy in the wheelchair. When the vampires find him dressed up as a vampire they seem almost amused that he would do that and take pity on him, instead of killing him they make him a vampire which gives him the ability to walk again which also gives him the ability to get his revenge on the person who did it to him. I think Mikey has potential to be a good character and hope that the full potential is seen and shown.
So, I know I criticised the book a bit but I hope it did not come across as harsh because I think the HUB story as a whole has true potential and I for one will be reading on with the story to see where it goes. Don’t forget you can download this novel for free at http://www.whatishub.net/ and if you like what you read you can also now buy HUB volume 2 by following the link on the website.
Visit their site by clicking HERE to see the review and check out their site!
*H.U.B. Puts the V in Vampires! - review by Benjamin Rogers, author of FAITH & THE UNDEAD
While I'm an author I am also an avid reader. I love books, predominantly horror, and am always looking for a fresh take on things.
I stumbled across HUB while looking for reviewers for my own novel and boy was I pleasantly surprised. Benjamin Jones offered to review FAITH & THE UNDEAD if I would check out his series and not one to look a gift horse in a the mouth (not that you are a horse Ben) I began to read HUB.
HUB Vol 1: To say that I was floored is an understatement! In a world where we have forgotten what it meant to be a Vampire, Benjamin Jones has forced the genre back to it's roots. There is no sparkly, dreamboat, teenage heartthrob vampires in HUB. This series is about the real deal! Claws, fangs, and bad attitudes! Throw in suspense, political wrangling, and the a hint of apocalyptic vision and you get HUB.
Things I loved about HUB:
1) It's a series. Love these.
2) I got dinged for character development on a couple reviews and Ben Jones didn't miss a step in HUB. These characters are deep and meaningful no matter which side of Good or Evil they are on.
3) This series plays for keeps. There is a definite plot behind HUB 1 and HUB 2 and there is no screwing around. HUB goes right for the carotid artery and keeps going!
3) Benjamin Jones plans on publishing these. Hot damn because I want them on my shelves!
4) I mentioned the character development above but even more important is the variety of characters. There is nothing cookie cutter about them. Each one is exceptionally different, but has very specific ties to the other characters in the story.
Things I didn't like about HUB:
[crickets chirp]
Seriously. I have talked with Ben about his plans for the series and am very very impressed with what he is doing. While each volume may not be long in length they are INCREDIBLY intense! You will not be disappointed.
*Vampires, Blood, and Guts... Oh My! - review by Jada Rae
Ok, I'm a HUGE fraidy cat. And when I say HUGE I mean it doesn't take much to frighten me. So needless to say, I have never been a huge vampire fan. Other than the fake ones on Scooby Doo, I have never watched a Vampire movie, nor have I had any desire to. (Ok, so they creep me out... sue me...)
I met author, Benjamin Jones (aka @maddwriter), on Twitter while he was promoting the release of his graphic novel which just so happened to be about vampires. To be honest, in the very beginning, I wasn't interested. I didn't like vampires and really didn't think that my mind would change if I read some graphic novel about them. And to top it off, that new vampire, werewolf movie had just come out too. You know the one that had the teams Edward and Jacob? Yeah, so I was already vampired out. But I took a chance. And I am so glad that I did.
The name of the book is called HUB (Humanities Ultimate Battle), and for volume one, boy is it a page turner! I was completely engrossed in this book. Now... since I am not a vampire fan, I can't really say if it is anything like the other vampire books or movies that have been released in the past. And unlike these teenage girls (there is nothing sexy about a vampire to me) I'm on vampire overload. BUT... This story is an amazing peek into vampires.
Benjamin is an amazing writer, and if he can get an anti-vampire/fraidy cat like me to read and completely enjoy his story, then his current and new fans will be very satisfied. Much like those vampires who feast on... well, let me leave that for those of you who haven't read HUB yet.
Blood and guts? HUB has lots of it. And Benjamin does a great job of helping you see all of the gore. But then again, isn't that the sign of a good writer?
I am looking forward to HUB Volume 2.
You can read the review at it's source on Jada Rae's blog by clicking HERE!
*Review by Mark Horrobin from London, UK
H.U.B. Vol. 1 is an action packed, hard hitting on the your edge of your seat story that makes the TV Series 'True Blood' look like child’s play compared to the gruesome scenes and storylines that H.U.B. brings. SPOILER: One of the storylines is about the White House being divided by a human President & a Vice President who is a Vampire. In your mind, you know that is a combination waiting to blow up with devastating effects. END SPOILER. Vol.1, which delves into the starting point of the relationship between Vampries & Humans, really does leave you wondering if this could be true in real life. We are introduced to a certain number of characters in Vol. 1 and are left wondering what will happen next...
*Glowing review by Rob from Plano, TX
This is a fascinating mystical journey into the surreal world of the vampire. This imaginative new story shined a bright “light” on the Vampire and left me thirsty for the next installment!
Rob Ivey
Fan~
*Review from Tiffanie Minnis, author of ~D.I.V.A.~ Domestically Involved in Violent Affairs
Ben Jones and Justin Taylor re-launched their graphic novel, H.U.B. Humanity's Ultimate Battle Volume 1 on 7/2/2010. I would encourage everyone to visit the novels' website at www.whatishub.net to download your FREE copy today! I must say that I was never a fan of vampires but H.U.B. has introduced me to a new liking for vampires in a different light. This novel is filled with action, fear, blood gushing, political views and illusions that will make you scrutinize the way we view those that surrounds us. I was hooked from the beginning and really didn't want the story to end. This isn't your typical vampire blood sucking story. If you are bitten, you were ripped to shreds, broken in half and only your limbs were left to be identified by family members. It is set in a modern day society so it gives you a sense of a possible "true" reality. If you are into vampires, this is a great book to check out. Even if you aren't, like I was, I guarantee your mind will be changed. So visit the site and download your copy NOW!!
Read the review from it's source by clicking HERE!
*Awesome and Innovative Story About Vamps., July 11, 2010
I didn't know what to expect at first. I just knew that it was a story about vampires. I was not disappointed. Even though this is a fantasy book, it has a real world aire that sucks you in. Can't wait to read Vol II. This book is definately worth the time to read.
Read the review from the source by clicking HERE!~
Benjamin Jones wastes no time in Vol. I. introducing us to the reality that is humanity's ultimate battle. What will this horror entail? The prologue grips you and demands your attention right away. Who are these people? Do they look like you? Could it be you...ever? For our sakes I hope not! Let me tell you, this is not your typical vampire tale . There's no Count Dracula cloaked in a silky black cape seducing unsuspecting young women. Hell no..and much to this readers surprise, H.U.B has a star spangled twist! One that is sure to throw you for a loop.
*4 out of 5 star review by J.H. Bell from Denver, CO
Considering the glut of vampire fiction in the marketplace today it's easy to be a little skeptical when yet another story in the genre comes along. But H.U.B (Humanity's Ultimate Battle) is abundant with elements sorely lacking in today's Vampire fiction - namely a gritty, dark edge with social relevance. There are some story points that are familiar: vampires have lived secretly among us for ages, kept in line by a truce brokered between them and the few powerful humans who are aware of their existence. But when that truce is shattered a rogue faction of vampires seeks to reek havoc on the human race. Aside from this basic setup, H.U.B bears no resemblence to any vampire story I've ever read. I won't give a thing away here, but let's just say there is a story element involving political intrigue the likes of which you have never seen.
I like the fact that is will be an ongoing series (there seems to be a lot more to the story) and look forward to reading Volume 2. If you are into vampire fiction or are simply in the mood for a good solid read, give this one a shot.
*5 out of 5 Star review by Clayton from New Brighton, MN:
I took a chance with this novel after visiting [...] and expected it to be just another vampire story due to the seemingly endless amount coming out now-a-days. Luckily I was wrong and this one stands with the best. This book features quite a few twists to keep the reader on their toes. Don't expect your average vampire book... This one goes way beyond that and creates its own rules that all work very well! I wish I could go into more detail on what I liked, but that would give away spoilers. While I recommend it to anyone, keep in mind this book is gritty and sophisticated. Not for the tame, or teen girls thinking it's something along the lines of Twilight. It's a very good read! Highly recommended!
CLICK HERE to visit the Amazon Review page
**H.U.B. Volume 1 Review from pzomb at Pissedoffgeek.com
I don’t normally review books but this one landed in my lap and just called out for me to review it. It’s a vampire story, I love vampires (not Twilight ones BEFORE you even go there) so it made sense for me to review it.
H.U.B aka Humanity’s Greatest Battle is the story of a secret society of vampire’s attempt to finally reveal themselves to the human race and try to integrate into society. Of course this is what they want them to believe, they’ve been feeding off humanity for thousands of years they are hardly going to stop now right? Having to reveal themselves was at first caused by a school kids realisation that the vice president of the country was the exact same man as in a picture from 1900, which would make the man 130 years old. Following this revelation the boy dies in an attack to protect the secret of the vampires, and the vice president.
This book feels like it acts as an introduction to a much larger story, a story that is going to be quite good in its full form. I don’t mean this in a bad way because there is plenty to get your teeth into and enjoy (pun intended). There are plenty of action scenes to keep the action at a nice fast pace but one thing that I did notice was as the reader I was getting introduced to a lot of characters who haven’t really gone anywhere yet. They will obviously play a bigger part in the next books (HUB 2 will be getting reviewed soon) but I’d have liked to have a heroine in the story that I can follow and get into their story, and care about them. In this we are given people who could fit that role but they either die or have unfulfilled potential until of course their story continues.
One character I do hope plays a big part in the upcoming parts of the story is Mikey the boy in the wheelchair. When the vampires find him dressed up as a vampire they seem almost amused that he would do that and take pity on him, instead of killing him they make him a vampire which gives him the ability to walk again which also gives him the ability to get his revenge on the person who did it to him. I think Mikey has potential to be a good character and hope that the full potential is seen and shown.
So, I know I criticised the book a bit but I hope it did not come across as harsh because I think the HUB story as a whole has true potential and I for one will be reading on with the story to see where it goes. Don’t forget you can download this novel for free at http://www.whatishub.net/ and if you like what you read you can also now buy HUB volume 2 by following the link on the website.
Visit their site by clicking HERE to see the review and check out their site!
*H.U.B. Puts the V in Vampires! - review by Benjamin Rogers, author of FAITH & THE UNDEAD
While I'm an author I am also an avid reader. I love books, predominantly horror, and am always looking for a fresh take on things.
I stumbled across HUB while looking for reviewers for my own novel and boy was I pleasantly surprised. Benjamin Jones offered to review FAITH & THE UNDEAD if I would check out his series and not one to look a gift horse in a the mouth (not that you are a horse Ben) I began to read HUB.
HUB Vol 1: To say that I was floored is an understatement! In a world where we have forgotten what it meant to be a Vampire, Benjamin Jones has forced the genre back to it's roots. There is no sparkly, dreamboat, teenage heartthrob vampires in HUB. This series is about the real deal! Claws, fangs, and bad attitudes! Throw in suspense, political wrangling, and the a hint of apocalyptic vision and you get HUB.
Things I loved about HUB:
1) It's a series. Love these.
2) I got dinged for character development on a couple reviews and Ben Jones didn't miss a step in HUB. These characters are deep and meaningful no matter which side of Good or Evil they are on.
3) This series plays for keeps. There is a definite plot behind HUB 1 and HUB 2 and there is no screwing around. HUB goes right for the carotid artery and keeps going!
3) Benjamin Jones plans on publishing these. Hot damn because I want them on my shelves!
4) I mentioned the character development above but even more important is the variety of characters. There is nothing cookie cutter about them. Each one is exceptionally different, but has very specific ties to the other characters in the story.
Things I didn't like about HUB:
[crickets chirp]
Seriously. I have talked with Ben about his plans for the series and am very very impressed with what he is doing. While each volume may not be long in length they are INCREDIBLY intense! You will not be disappointed.
*Vampires, Blood, and Guts... Oh My! - review by Jada Rae
Ok, I'm a HUGE fraidy cat. And when I say HUGE I mean it doesn't take much to frighten me. So needless to say, I have never been a huge vampire fan. Other than the fake ones on Scooby Doo, I have never watched a Vampire movie, nor have I had any desire to. (Ok, so they creep me out... sue me...)
I met author, Benjamin Jones (aka @maddwriter), on Twitter while he was promoting the release of his graphic novel which just so happened to be about vampires. To be honest, in the very beginning, I wasn't interested. I didn't like vampires and really didn't think that my mind would change if I read some graphic novel about them. And to top it off, that new vampire, werewolf movie had just come out too. You know the one that had the teams Edward and Jacob? Yeah, so I was already vampired out. But I took a chance. And I am so glad that I did.
The name of the book is called HUB (Humanities Ultimate Battle), and for volume one, boy is it a page turner! I was completely engrossed in this book. Now... since I am not a vampire fan, I can't really say if it is anything like the other vampire books or movies that have been released in the past. And unlike these teenage girls (there is nothing sexy about a vampire to me) I'm on vampire overload. BUT... This story is an amazing peek into vampires.
Benjamin is an amazing writer, and if he can get an anti-vampire/fraidy cat like me to read and completely enjoy his story, then his current and new fans will be very satisfied. Much like those vampires who feast on... well, let me leave that for those of you who haven't read HUB yet.
Blood and guts? HUB has lots of it. And Benjamin does a great job of helping you see all of the gore. But then again, isn't that the sign of a good writer?
I am looking forward to HUB Volume 2.
You can read the review at it's source on Jada Rae's blog by clicking HERE!
*Review by Mark Horrobin from London, UK
H.U.B. Vol. 1 is an action packed, hard hitting on the your edge of your seat story that makes the TV Series 'True Blood' look like child’s play compared to the gruesome scenes and storylines that H.U.B. brings. SPOILER: One of the storylines is about the White House being divided by a human President & a Vice President who is a Vampire. In your mind, you know that is a combination waiting to blow up with devastating effects. END SPOILER. Vol.1, which delves into the starting point of the relationship between Vampries & Humans, really does leave you wondering if this could be true in real life. We are introduced to a certain number of characters in Vol. 1 and are left wondering what will happen next...
*Glowing review by Rob from Plano, TX
This is a fascinating mystical journey into the surreal world of the vampire. This imaginative new story shined a bright “light” on the Vampire and left me thirsty for the next installment!
Rob Ivey
Fan~
*Review from Tiffanie Minnis, author of ~D.I.V.A.~ Domestically Involved in Violent Affairs
Ben Jones and Justin Taylor re-launched their graphic novel, H.U.B. Humanity's Ultimate Battle Volume 1 on 7/2/2010. I would encourage everyone to visit the novels' website at www.whatishub.net to download your FREE copy today! I must say that I was never a fan of vampires but H.U.B. has introduced me to a new liking for vampires in a different light. This novel is filled with action, fear, blood gushing, political views and illusions that will make you scrutinize the way we view those that surrounds us. I was hooked from the beginning and really didn't want the story to end. This isn't your typical vampire blood sucking story. If you are bitten, you were ripped to shreds, broken in half and only your limbs were left to be identified by family members. It is set in a modern day society so it gives you a sense of a possible "true" reality. If you are into vampires, this is a great book to check out. Even if you aren't, like I was, I guarantee your mind will be changed. So visit the site and download your copy NOW!!
Read the review from it's source by clicking HERE!
*Awesome and Innovative Story About Vamps., July 11, 2010
I didn't know what to expect at first. I just knew that it was a story about vampires. I was not disappointed. Even though this is a fantasy book, it has a real world aire that sucks you in. Can't wait to read Vol II. This book is definately worth the time to read.
Read the review from the source by clicking HERE!~