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Ann McNicol

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Charlie’s Story (Charlie's Story Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Ann McNicol (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 72 ratings

Book 1 of 3: Charlie's Story

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Fourteen-year-old Samantha spends her days exploring the shallow reef behind her island home. With her world locked in a battle against rising seas, scientists deploy genetically modified corals to rebuild reefs and protect the coastline. No one expects the reefs to be a hotbed of evolution, but they are.

When an octopus flows off a rock in her lagoon, Samantha is startled. When he purposefully arranges pieces of coral on the sand, trying to communicate, she is shocked. How she responds may determine the fate of life on Earth.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Worth reading

McNicol has crafted a young adult tale with strong ecological themes. The book begins with a quote from Charles Darwin, setting the tone for the relationship that develops between Samantha and Charlie.

McNicol's story is equal parts devastation and hope. Humanity has sent the planet into a climate tailspin, but the book focuses the most on the scientific communities endless efforts to reverse climate change and save the environment.

The book was enjoyable and it is the perfect book for activist-minded teens who are interested in climate change and the environment.

There is an upcoming sequel and it will be interesting to see how Charlie and Samantha's journey continue.

Daniele Kasper from Reedsy.com/discovery

From the Author

Charlie's Story is a novel born from my imagination and experiences as a teen and a young adult. I spent years snorkeling, diving and reef walking in Florida's reefs and on Australia's Great Barrier reef. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had while writing it.

Look for book two of the series (The Nest) in March 2023.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09TRX48MV
Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 1, 2022)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4401 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 207 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #546,335 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #192 in Children's Dystopian Sci-Fi Books
- #192 in Children's Dystopian Fiction Books
- #1,344 in Hard Science Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 72 ratings

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About the author

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Ann McNicol

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I grew up in South Florida, and like many of my generation, the great race to the moon in the 60’s had a significant impact. My childhood was dominated by watching space launches and devouring science fiction novels. Childhood exploration of local beaches and snorkeling in the coral reefs of Florida and the Bahamas cemented a lifelong interest in the ocean and science. My journey took me to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where I earned a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Queensland.

Looking back at life, I’ve been a jack of all trades of science. I worked in the field and laboratories for NOAA, NIH, and the University of Florida Veterinary School. But for most of my career, I taught high school science, community college science, and science education.

I feel very fortunate to have had a long, rewarding career in science and science education. I have embraced retirement as a career change–returning to a lifelong love of science fiction, now as an author. My first book, Charlie’s Story, was published in March 2021. It was the first of a three-part series dealing with climate change, biotechnology, marine science and adolescents; all topics dear to me. The series continues with The Nest (May 2023) and Tentacles (September 2023).

When I’m not writing, my husband and I walk along Tampa Bay, ride our bikes, camp in state parks, visit our adult children and play with our attention-demanding cats. Life is good.

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Mark Cheverton

fantastic story

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024

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This is a captivating story about a young girl, Samantha, and her encounter with a talking octopus. It's incredibly creative, with deep characters, even the octopus, and immersive settings. It's a great read.

Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022

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This was a unique story. Author did a good job at creating a character that was very likable and relatable. The setting was unique, and the story in narrative really kept me engaged.

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Judi

Great for both the YA and adult audience

Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024

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Ann McNicol crafts a compelling YA adventure set in a future world shaped by rising sea levels. We follow Samantha, a young girl living on a flooded island, whose discovery of an octopus sparks an unexpected friendship.
The book's strength lies in its themes of friendship, adaptation, and the impact of climate change. Through Samantha's eyes, we explore a world where humans and nature must coexist in a delicate balance.
McNicol's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into a possible future while reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding.

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Carlos

A captivating tale of friendship in a future world.

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024

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Discovering the story of Samantha and her octopus friend amidst a beautifully imagined post-climate change world was truly captivating. The detailed descriptions of the coral reefs and the vivid world the author created were absolutely mesmerizing. Samantha's bravery and the unique bond she forms with the octopus added depth and warmth to the adventure. This book not only entertained me but also made me think deeply about friendship and our planet's future.

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Mamaku52

A very relatable story set in the not too distant future

Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024

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I found the themes in this book intriguing. I can imagine the world Samantha lives in could be quite possible if we don't look after our ecosystems now. Her relationship with Charlie and the Elders I also find feasible looking into the future. Communicating and working together to save the lagoon is an interesting idea. I particularly liked reading Charlie's chapters and having an insight into what he was thinking. Very original. The book gives rise to many environmental warnings that we need to heed but at the same time gives us hope. I gave this book 3 stars because although I loved the hypothesis, the writing was sometimes repetitive and there were a few information dumps which were difficult to work through. perhaps if they were broken down more in a conversation/explanation they would have worked better. Knowing this is the first in a series, I look forward to catching up with Samantha, Peter and the NOAA team in Book 2.

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aus2503

“Charlie’s Story: First Contact” – A Captivating Tale of Connection and Discovery

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024

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In Ann McNicol’s novel, “Charlie’s Story: First Contact,” we delve into a dystopian future where global warming has reshaped our world. Amidst the encroaching sea that has swallowed up vast stretches of land, including California, we meet Samantha, a fourteen-year-old girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon an octopus she names Charlie—one that defies convention by learning a rustic form of communication–and the subsequent quest of Samantha’s to bring this discovery into the scientific community. The narrative unfolds beautifully, weaving themes of love, friendship, and teen angst into a coming-of-age story.
Yet, as I immersed myself in Samantha’s journey, I couldn’t help but yearn for more conflict. Her connection with the octopus is heartwarming, but I craved additional tension—an exploration of her alienation from the human world. Perhaps encounters with bullies or internal struggles with identity could have intensified the emotional stakes.
Despite this minor longing, “Charlie’s Story: First Contact” remains a profound read. McNicol’s depth of storytelling and the intriguing premise earn it a well-deserved five stars. Dive into this oceanic adventure and discover the magic of unlikely connections.

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024

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Ann McNicol’s "Charlie’s Story: First Contact" takes readers on a thrilling journey into a dystopian future reshaped by global warming. In this world, Samantha, a fourteen-year-old girl, encounters an octopus named Charlie, sparking a heartwarming quest to bring this discovery to the scientific community.

The narrative beautifully weaves themes of love, friendship, and teen angst into a captivating coming-of-age story. While Samantha’s connection with Charlie is touching, I craved more conflict to intensify the emotional stakes.

Despite this, the book remains profound and exhilarating. It offers compelling themes of environmental warning and hope, with Samantha’s efforts to save the lagoon presenting an engaging storyline. McNicol’s vivid world-building and scientific background make this a must-read for young adults interested in adventure and the future of our planet.

"Charlie’s Story" educates while entertaining, seamlessly integrating scientific elements into the narrative. It presents a refreshing take on the consequences of climate change, emphasizing the need for humans and nature to coexist harmoniously.

With its rich coastal settings and engaging characters, "Charlie’s Story" transports readers to a future where resilience and compassion prevail. It’s a fun and thought-provoking read, leaving you eagerly anticipating Samantha’s next adventure.

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