My debut novel, On the Precipice, has been receiving rave reviews from newspapers, book reviewers, and blogs across the world! Recently, On the Precipice won the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medal for books in the genre Fiction – Thriller – Political. I’m delighted people are enjoying the book, and I can’t wait for more people to discover it!
Some people, however, need to know a book is good before they buy it. And I totally understand that! So, don’t just take my word for it. Check out what people have been saying down below!
What the Book Reviewers Have Said:
Katie Bloomer from BookTrib said:
On the Precipice provides such an in-depth analysis of the characters and the political scenes of Imperium that one could easily see parallels with the politics of Earth. The fragmented nature of politics, the rivalry and backstabbing, the underhanded maneuvers and unwillingness to compromise. Yet MacMahon also reveals the all-too-human side of these politicians, creating a realistic and well-rounded narrative of what it means to be a leader. The good, the bad and the flawed — you’ll find them all in this story. On the Precipice is only the beginning of what readers hope will be a thrilling sci-fi saga filled with dynamic characters and political tension. The novel’s end will certainly leave readers slack-jawed and eager for more.
Mayang Bature from Online Book Club said:
On the Precipice featured proper world-building and well-developed characters without devoting too much time to any one aspect. I appreciated the novel’s straightforward approach. Each of the seven Lord Regents, along with their Prophates, was given some screentime to highlight their backstories and express their motivations. … The gradual progression and description of events made the world-building feel very familiar. Every reference was followed by an explanation as to why it was that way. … It made sense how different people were affected by different events based on their level of participation. It was amazing how the author created this world, with all of the characters and their personal stories. I was truly immersed in this world, always eager to find out what happened next. I honestly have nothing negative to say about this book. Despite its slow start, I thought it was necessary for the gradual development of the world and the overall description of global affairs. Brianna MacMahon’s “On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)” deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for its well-thought-out story and flawless execution. I am hooked and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Paul Zietsman from Readers’ Favorite said:
Although On the Precipice is set in a fantasy world, it had me thoroughly glued to the reality of the dynamics of politics. For this novel to succeed, Brianna MacMahon created exceedingly complex characters who, by virtue or vice, roused me with their words and actions. The continuity of each one’s character or nature is steadfast, making for authenticity and a hyper-immersive novel. The dialogue is also intriguing, ranging from meaningful conversations to sarcasm and, at times, hilarious wit. I also enjoyed how there was always an air of suspense leading up to major events and how I never knew what to expect next. This novel towers above many others for its exceedingly skillful craftmanship of characters in a world where the weaker will get by but the strong will thrive.
K.C. Finn from Readers’ Favorite said:
Author Brianna MacMahon puts a lot of imagination and detail into this truly immersive dive into a politically charged universe teetering on the brink of transformation. I loved the novel’s pacing which slowly introduces us to the web of intricate power dynamics and personal ambitions, and this is set against a detailed and convincing backdrop of societal hierarchy. Raelynn’s journey from a recent graduate to a pivotal player in Imperium’s political landscape captivated me. Her struggles and triumphs echo the larger themes of loyalty, ambition, and sacrifice. The character portrayal is handled confidently, with strong narrative control and effective speech and thought presentation. The tension between Liston and Banner lent another edge to this narrative, conveying different relationship dynamics and unique ways of speaking that really characterize each individual. Overall, On the Precipice is a thrilling exploration of power and choice in a society on the edge of change, and I would highly recommend it to science fiction enthusiasts everywhere.
Saifunnissa Hassam from Readers’ Favorite said:
I greatly enjoyed reading On the Precipice for its complex characters and outstanding multifaceted worldbuilding of Imperium. I particularly liked how Raelynn’s character development reveals the details of Imperium’s government, the political parties, the top leaders in the government, the social mores, and religious beliefs. Through the vivid details, the settings, and the dialogues, I could imagine Raelynn as a young woman freshly arrived in the Imperial city of New Caelus, her excitement, and gradual maturing as she learns how to handle difficult situations, and meets some of the most powerful and influential Keepers of Imperium. Raelynn’s individual story gained great depth through two particular characters, Levin Liston and Embry Taymor. I liked the individual chapters on the story’s major figures, revealing the complexity of connections across Imperium’s society. The love affairs and sexual behavior were expertly interwoven into the plot, as they are integral to the power struggles, ambition, and consequences for the personal and political lives of the characters. I greatly enjoyed how the novel shows diverse characters, ethical and moral complexities, changing times, different attitudes and conflicts across different generations, and women’s struggles to ascend to higher leadership positions. Brianna MacMahon’s novel is a fascinating sci-fi story with incredible characters and world-building.
Jamie Michele from Readers’ Favorite said:
Brianna MacMahon’s On the Precipice offers readers a story of masterful world-building and intricate character exploration. Set in a universe rife with political intrigue, the story takes us into the personal lives of a huge cast that drives it through shifting perspectives and alternate storylines. Science fiction tends to be a recycling factory that churns out iterations of the same foundational stories, but MacMahon’s social structure, politics, and system are really refreshing. Many of her characters are worthy of their own offshoots, and Raelynn isn’t the only most interesting one, which is a testament to MacMahon’s skill. The author also shows restraint by deliberately pacing the story into a steady build. Some storylines, subplots, and a few mysteries do get nicely tied up, taking the sting out of a cliffhanger ending while holding the door open for what is to come. Very highly recommended.
Asher Syed from Readers’ Favorite said:
On the Precipice is a firecracker of a first entry in the New Caelus series, with Brianna MacMahon nailing it with a brand new and incredibly unique twist to the science fiction and fantasy genres. The world-building is top notch and MacMahon does well in integrating backstory organically, with places like The Hall, and Imperium’s war museum, which is both a character setting and a window into Imperium’s history and lore through descriptions of artifacts and conversation. Raelynn is the power player, but I actually found Grell to be the most interesting. Her aspirations for leadership within the Church, her efforts to finagle through the political landscape of Imperium, and, to put it mildly, her questionable choices make her feel authentic in the whirlwind of larger societal forces. There is a lot to take in but this is the case in all fascinating speculative fiction. MacMahon makes the time investment worth it, and hopefully the wait for book two as well.
What the Newspapers Have Said:
New York Weekly said:
What makes On the Precipice stand out in the science fiction genre is its emphasis on deep character development combined with a strong political setting. The characters are not just parts of the story; they are complex individuals with real motivations and fears, driving the story forward with their personal growth and ambitions.
CEO Weekly said:
Brianna MacMahon is a talented and insightful writer who brings a fresh perspective to political fiction. Her academic background, personal experiences, and passion for storytelling combine to create compelling and thought-provoking books. As she continues to grow as an author, Brianna’s work promises to captivate and inspire readers, offering a unique lens through which to explore the complex world of politics and power.
LA Progressive said:
One of the key aspects of MacMahon’s storytelling is her ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters. In her books, characters are not merely heroes or villains but individuals with flaws, motivations, and personal histories that shape their actions. This nuanced approach makes her characters relatable and compelling, drawing readers into their journeys and struggles. Political leaders, in particular, are written with a deep understanding of power and its impact on individuals and societies.
US Times Now said:
On the Precipice deals with big ideas like power, ambition, personal identity, and human nature. Brianna explores these themes by showing how the characters interact with each other and their political environment. This makes the story not only interesting but also makes you think deeper about these issues.
San Francisco Post said:
The book features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Brianna wanted her characters to be multi-dimensional, capable of evoking both empathy and frustration in readers. Set against the backdrop of a generation-defining electoral cycle, the narrative delves into political alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists. Brianna’s goal was to create characters that readers could either root for or against, making the story engaging and relatable.
What Amazon and Goodreads Have Said:
Still not convinced that this is a book worth reading? Currently, On the Precipice has over 110 ratings on Amazon and a 4.6 out of 5 stars. On Goodreads, On the Precipice has over 93 ratings and a 4.58 out of 5 stars.
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