Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

I really enjoyed The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy. Overall it was well written and engaged me throughout the whole book. The characters were all so well crafted that I could imagine them vividly. The interpersonal relationships between the various characters had me interested from the start, and as the story unfolds we discover how these relationships, some dysfunctional, evolved. The author managed to intertwine the lives of the characters in such a way that is not easily apparent at the beginning. I really enjoyed the natural progression of characters who felt real. The emergence of Metal is a great setting for this story, and really appealed to me. My only dislike (a minor one) was the ending, it felt as if a happily ever after was needed, it didn't need that at all.

I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t connect with the characters or writing style. That doesn’t mean it’s not a good book, of course—everyone has different tastes so if the description appeals to you, give it a go.

An enjoyable if somewhat flawed romp.

You’ve read the spiel. The earth passes through the debris field of a comet which results in huge meteor showers. These comprise of what is eventually called the ninth metal -omnimetal. With super conductive powers, it is a new source of energy that will change the world forever. Huge deposits lan in Minnesota and what was once a small mining town suddenly becomes the centre of a modern day gold rush.
It also can be ground down and used as a highly addictive drug and has a cult following who worship its arrival.
Throw in a scientist with a conscience experimenting with people who were directly exposed to the initial impacts and may have superpowers, along with two superpowers in the mining industry fighting for control of the omnimetal supply and you have a lot to take in.

There’s a huge mount to enjoy in this book. Despite having many story arcs, it hangs together very well and is extremely easy to follow. It’s a mixture of sci-fi, thriller, western and superhero story with, surprisingly the sci-fi part possibly the least explored.

It does kind of get itself twisted in knots a little towards the final third and there is a little sense of dissatisfaction at the end. The whole cult that worships omnimetal is never really fleshed out and explored for a start and many of the story arcs feel a little unfinished.

Also one of the main characters in the book is totally unbelievable and two dimensionally written to th epoint of distraction.

There’s a huge amount crammed into the 300 odd pages and maybe that adds to the feeling of dissatisfaction. All the information is nicely told and explained. It’s just too many things just felt touched on rather than fleshed out. It ends up being a bit of a mish mash of bits and pieces that are there to get to the end of the story rather than add real weight.

Still misgivings aside, this was a fun read. I believe this is the first of a trilogy and I will certainly be hoping to pick up the next instalment when it is released.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

Okay, this was a weird one. Take half a dozen genres, put them in a blender (don't forget to switch it on), and see what you get. Somehow, "The Ninth Metal" works on all fronts while feeling like it shouldn't work at all. Even the fact that I didn't like any of the characters worked in the story's favour. The setting is enjoyable, the writing is very good, and the story is a mind-blower.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

I enjoyed parts of the narrative but, as a whole, it didn't awe me. I can't tell you why exactly cause I usually enjoy superhero origin stories.

This is essentially a comic book novel. It’s an origin story of a superhero, with more than few nods to Superman’s early days. It’s apparently the first in a shared world series, and there’s a sense that it’s a little like the first Iron Man movie - a fun adventure that sets the stage for something bigger to come along in its wake. The book took a little while to click with me - I wasn’t at all impressed by the opening chapters but after a while I realised I was getting through the pages pretty quickly. It’s a fast moving read, and while I’m not sure there’s an awful lot gong on under the surface, it’s entertaining.