Philosophical action, set in a dystopian off-world hell. Approaching Shatter is the first in the Echo series. This work introduces Atriya, the main character.

Atriya is a member of an elite unit of the military forces for The Regime on Echo. It’s clear from the beginnings that he is different. And most of this book is more about his self-reflection of his differences. There is a very strong undercurrent of brutal and cruel violence, but for the most part it stays just under the surface.

In this installment, we meet Verus, a Chaplin who plays an important role in Atriya’s internal growth, as well as, some of his fighting skills. We are also introduced to Benson, Atriya’s former platoon sergeant, who is an all around tool. Unfortunately, Benson is a very well connected douche and that will be the catalyst of the obviously approaching change of heart in the hero.

What happens to Atriya on his next mission and how that change of heart plays out is something that we will have to wait for in the next installment of the series. ( )

I liked the book a lot and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. A little too descriptive for my taste, hence the four stars. I love the characters and I love Kent's writing skills. ( )

This book sets up the life and troubles of one Atriya, an elite warrior on a bleak, futuristic world with ancient roots on Earth. It's a world ruled by war, military politics and the shadow of a moon on which the privileged live unnaturally long lives in aloof comfort.

I liked Atriya. He is the ultimate warrior, a killing machine, but has a contemplative side that isolates him from his peers and causes him to doubt what others around him accept without question. This sense of something-not-right grows as the book progresses, creating tension and driving Atriya to some rash decisions -- which land him in a political trap.

The author's knowledge of the military mindset and an appreciation for the intricacies of futuristic technology, particularly weapons, are striking. This includes the shortcomings of said technology and its effect on soldiers, which in some cases is frightening in and of itself. The level of detail, while a bit daunting in places, gave this story an air of authenticity. There were some issues with point of view, passive voice, wording that can put readers at a distance, but I found this minor. The author has a strong, incisive way of describing things.

Do be warned: this story ends abruptly. The author does a nice job setting Atriya up in a nasty situation -- and then drops you right there. Fortunately, when I finished this, the second book was already out and it picks up where this one leaves off. ( )

See review at https://bookhaunt.com/2016/05/17/echo-volume-1-approaching-shatter-by-kent-wayne... ( )