Welcome to the Gamadin Book Review Page

Writer's Digest
17th Annual International Book Awards
Judges Commentary Sheet

Best Audio Review (left on Tom's cellphone):

Posted Reviews: The following reviews are actual letters, emails, text messages and online reviews sent to the author from many grassroots fans. Enjoy!

"I Really Enjoyed Reading This Book" by Rhonda1111 (LibraryThing Reviewer)

Wow, I was a little lost at first because I had not read the first three, but I got up fast. I really enjoyed reading this book. Now I plan to go back and read the first three.  . . .  The adventure and action start and continues through the end.  . . .  There are so many storylines that cross each other, but it works really well.  I could not put the book down and spent the day reading it. I highly recommend this series, but I am going to read the first ones.  Next year is a long time to wait until Book V is out. ( )

"Pick This Up and Read It" by Dee_Bibb (LibraryThing Reviewer)

Gamadin Book IV: Gazz by Tom Kirkbride is about a group of people from the 54th Century that are part of a very special ancient police force of the cosmos called Gamadin. The sole mission of Gamadin is to defend the the freedom an happiness of all peaceful planets everywhere regardless of origin or wealth.

This fourth book has the Gamadin trying to save a 16th Century planet called Gazz. All life on this planet is about to be wiped out by a lethal gamma ray burst and the Gamadin must use the force field of their ship, Millawanda, to help save the planet. But, there is a problem and the ship loses power because it is sucked dry by saving Gazz. The ship has to be landed on this 16th century planet while the crew attempts to find a fuel source to get Millawanda back into space. I am not going to give any spoilers here.

Now, I didn't read the first three books of this series, but I had no trouble whatsoever reading Book IV. It is a standalone story even though it part of a series. I have to say, I love fantasy stories and this one is no different. It has a lot of tight moments for the crew of the Millawanda and many interesting events occur.

I would recommend to anyone that likes fantasy: pick this up and read it. I am even going back and get the other three books so I can read the entire series. ( )

"I Enjoyed This Book A Lot" by lg4154 (LibraryThing Reviewer)

I won a copy thru Library Thing and I enjoyed this book a lot. It is geared towards young adult readers and it is a little easier to read thru it. Usually I don’t care for science fiction books, but this one is an exception. I think that because it is for younger readers, it makes it a little bit easier to follow and quicker to digest. The more you read, the sooner you want to get to the end. ( )

"Quite An Adventure!" by Allizabeth (LibraryThing Reviewer)

I received a copy of Gamadin, Book IV: Gazz from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in July 2011 and immediately went to the library to find books I through III.  I am glad I did because this series ended up being quite an adventure!  At first these books seemed quite lengthy, but after finding the time to read them I was hooked. Chapters are just the right size to encourage further reading without becoming monotonous and boring (not that the material could get boring, it was pretty exciting and fast-paced). At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy all the science fiction ("planetary space cops"), but it was surprisingly enjoyable. The storyline and characters were really well developed and each character had their own "vibe."  It was easy to imagine them existing, especially with the dialogues between them. Descriptions of Gazz and the ship were great, I liked the overall feel I got from them. I do believe that someone could read this as a single volume and still understand and enjoy it, but I would recommend finding time to enjoy it as a whole. Can't wait to see if Tom Kirkbride adds another volume to this already exciting adventure. ( )

"You Won't Be Disappointed" by B.R., Boston, MA

Excellent story and character development. As an attorney, I seldom have the time to read for pleasure, and I don't ordinarily read science fiction, but once I picked up Book I of Gamadin and started reading, there was little I could do to stop turning the pages. Suitable for readers of nearly any age or anyone who has ever looked up at the stars and wondered what could be out there, Gamadin: Word of Honor will take you on an adventure from far away galaxies in deep space to more familiar settings such as Newport Beach, California... Even if you've never been to California, the author's impressive style of describing people and places will make you feel like you're a local. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this book! It will leave you anxious for Book II's release, which I have heard is due for release this October. You won't regret giving this great author and series a try!

"What Fun!" by L.L. Nelson, Leonardtown, MD

I read Tom Kirkbride's Gamadin: Word of Honor and was so impressed with this new series that I purchased copies for my grandkids, nieces and nephews, and some special kids around the neighborhood. The "old fashioned" values of the lead characters was a refreshing change from today's normal media. The recipients of the gifts are all just as hooked on the series as I am - the adventure is non-stop! Adult or young teen, this is exciting and fun for all ages. Imagine being given these very cool weapons, an awesome vehicle, and the responsibility of saving the galaxy and all that is RIGHT in our world! I had a blast reading this and am anxiously awaiting the next book, to read more about the adventures of Harlowe and Riverstone. It's so nice when the good guys win for a change!

"Third Book Availability?" by N. Hall, Las Vegas, NV

I am a professional writer; technical writing, though.  I write on scientific and health-related topics and currently work for the local Health District writing regulations and technical documents.  I am also trained in nuclear physics and used to work at the Nevada Test Site (which seemed to get an honorable mention, though not specifically named, as the place outside Las Vegas where the ship landed).

I am very picky about my reading material, but something about the Gamadin story appealed to me when I met Tom. He seemed so open and genuine and I got the impression that only fun and interesting things could originate therefrom.

I would like to say, I was so captured by the story that I could not put either book down, once I cracked them open.  Clearly, he has great understanding of human nature, as well as an excellent imagination. His details were just right, not burdensome or deleterious to the story. He really nailed the physical descriptions of his locations -- here, in Utah, in California, and "outside Las Vegas"!  I appreciated his reverence of the on-the-ground soldier, while demonstrating complete understanding of what happens when power corrupts absolutely.  I was engaged page after page and saddened when I realized I would have to wait a year before the next book. I related to so many facets of the story -- my  father was raised in Lompoc, California and was an avid surfer. He joined and served in the Air Force, before moving on to Law Enforcement, and finally retired. He resembled the boyishness and ultimate transition into manhood that the boys underwent to the tee -- from the stories he told, of course!

I look forward to the future stories and am grateful that Tom personalized the books for my son and daughter, as I know that they will treasure them for years to come.

"Incredible Opportunity to Interact on Many Levels" by Noted Who's Who Personality (Terry), Palm Springs, CA

Most of the time you will find me reading non-fiction. However, in the case of the Gamadin Series, it offers an escape, fun, thought, creativity and a sense of what if. Tom Kirkbride has done an incredible job of creating a series that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This is a great series to utilize in interacting with your children and grandchildren. Yet, you can share your thoughts on an adult level with your friends. Seldom does a book series offer such an opportunity.

As a past advisor to numerous politicians on the subject of Higher Education, I sincerely recommend this series to young and old alike.

"A Whole Heck of a Lot of Fun, This Book Is" by Ken Douglas, Reno, NV

I grew up reading sci-fi, from Asimov to Zelazny, with plenty of Heinlein, Herbert, Bradbury and a host of others thrown in. I saw the first Star Trek on TV on the original air date. I saw Star Wars with my kids the week it came out. I love science fiction. But I stopped reading it and turned to horror in my thirties, then I started in on mysteries and thrillers in my forties. It's been a while since I've read fictional tales of other worlds. Then last week I picked up S.M. Stirling's CONQUISTADOR, a sort of sci-fi, alternate history novel, and I discovered why I liked those kind of books in the first place. It's because they require you to read like a kid again.

I went straight from Stirling's 506-page book to this one, which comes in at a mere 434 pages. Five days and over a thousand pages of the willing suspension of disbelief. Yes, you have to set aside what you know to be true to enjoy this book. But you have to do that with anything written by the masters I've mentioned above. You have to do that with Stephen King and Dean Koontz as well. And that, willingly disbelieving, is something I'd forgotten how to do. It's something kids do so well, but grownups get serious and as serious people, many turn to serious reading. Well, that or detective stories.

This is not serious reading. This is a story for kids, for young adults and maybe for us adults who want to believe, even if only when we have our eyes glued to the pages of a far-fetched, swashbuckling, romantic, out-of-this-world story that takes all life as we know it and hangs it in the balance. Isn't this, after all, why we like Star Wars, Star Trek and Stargate?

I go to those kinds of movies to become a kid again, if only for an hour and a half. This book, with its surfer dudes who do battle to save the earth from a conquering alien force that would destroy it without thinking, is like those kind of movies. There is nonstop action with bodies, alien and human, piling up as you burn through the pages. There's romance, but it's not too sappy. There are clearly definable good guys and the bad guys are about as evil as they come. Surfer dudes, good -- evil, ugly looking dudes, bad. Well, government, military dudes are bad too, but can it be any other way when the biggest military find since Roswell just about falls in their laps?

Wait! Roswell -- that's science fiction, isn't it? It didn't really happen, did it? It could've. If it did and an old man with his Old Yeller-type dog happened upon the ship at about the same time four kids looking to make out did, well, you get the picture and if you get this book, you'll be in for a rollicking good read, because this is a fast-paced, character-driven book that is a whole heck of a lot of fun to read.

"Hi Grampy" a text message from Grandpa "C", Coalville, UT

Hey Grampy, it's Madeleine. [age 15] Thank you so much for the Gamadin books. I love them! I just finished the second one in two days. They are some of the best books I have read in a long time. Again, thank you so much. I am completely hooked!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix by M. M., Superintendent of Schools, Phoenix, AZ

Father Mike delivered the Gamadin books for our schools last Thursday when he was at the Diocesan Pastoral Center for a meeting. What a pleasant surprise! I know the students will enjoy the book! I will be sharing them with the following schools: [11 schools listed].

"Title to Read" in Our Summer Book Club by S. Pena, Irvine, CA

. . . I purchased Gamadin: Word of Honor. Shortly thereafter, I ordered another copy from Baker & Taylor and submitted it for approval to add to Orange County Library Collection. It's now approved and was added to OCPL's catalog this week. I'll be displaying the book during our Teen Summer Reading Program and have selected it as a title to read in the Teen Summer Book Club...

"Best Book I Have Ever Read" by Patrick (age 12) 

I met you at the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention this past summer. I bought your first book and It was the best book I have ever read. I loved it so much that my mother had to force me to stop reading it when I had to get to bed . . .

"I knew I should not even start . . ." by C.T., Virgin, UT

I  knew I should not even start. I read all last weekend.  It keeps us going - great literature. It gives us hope. It is life. Thank you.

"Wow, What a Ride!" By F. Quintanilla (President, Havertine Book Club), San Diego, CA

When our book club first received Book 1, Gamadin: Word of Honor to review, many of us thought this would be another UFO story or off-world space tale, especially after reading the first chapter, which put us on the distant planet of Amerloi.

But we realized this was no ordinary adventure when we were transported to a very earthly Newport Beach, California! There we meet a couple of surfers, Harlowe Pylott and Matt Riverstone, taking on the waves of a closed beach. They come across a boating accident. Saving its passengers leads Harlowe to his half-alien, soon-to-be significant other, Leucadia Mars. He finds out that having a girlfriend like "Lu" has its consequences, like a promise that could cost all of them their lives. In no time, a series of events leads the boys in search of the galaxy's most powerful weapon: Millawanda, an ancient Gamadin spaceship.

Discovering new words like "robobs," "Dakadudes" and "undog" is only part of the charm of Word of Honor. The fast pace, strategy and battle sequences, and inter-relationships of the characters are well put together. "Flashback" passages are cleverly woven in throughout, providing clarity to the story and in many places, setting the stage for events to come.

The two surfers are fresh, likable, irreverent, good-yet-"bad boys" that you would want to go out with on a date, or just hang out with. They are cool, funny and forthright - definitely hero material. Who would have guessed that two ordinary sixteen-year old boys would lead the resurrection of a once mighty, galactic police force?

We especially enjoyed the portrayal of the two female lead characters, Leucadia and her mother, Sook, who are intelligent, independent and strong -- very good role models for our younger female readers. You will find the common thread of love, loyalty and a sense of purpose over self woven throughout the story, as the young characters begin their epic inter-galactic adventure. Even the junior characters of the story have their own special appeal, and a few of them even have the potential to steal the show.

As a club, we found Word of Honor a heartwarming surprise of Southern California lifestyle humor and plot twists, full of imagination. You will find yourself drawn into the Gamadin saga with Book One. It is, we have found, quite a ride!! You don't have to be a sci-fi aficionado to enjoy this adventure. The story and characters are engaging enough to capture both the young adult and the young-at-heart audience. All of us felt the same sense of regret once the story ended, and we look forward with enthusiasm to Book Two!!

"Skeptic Be Gone!" By C. Moore (HB Librarian), Long Beach, CA

As a librarian, I am often approached by new, local authors touting the wonders of their new novel. In that light, I was a tad skeptical when I received Gamadin: Word of Honor. Skeptic, be gone! I loved this book! Tom Kirkbride brought surfer dudes and aliens together in a very entertaining and compelling read! I can't wait to follow the adventures of Harlowe Pylott and Matt Riverstone in space! (Although I must say that Mowgi was my favorite character - loved the undog!) My only complaint is that I must wait until 2010 to continue the adventure.

"Fun Read!" By Laura B. Collins, Ph.D., San Diego, CA

I'm not a teenage boy, which I thought was the target audience for a book starring two "surfer dudes," but I still enjoyed this book. After two straight days of reading it (who needs to do laundry anyway?), I want to find out what happens next to these adventure-loving heroes (especially Ian, whom I hope will make his own big splash in the next book). It is obvious that Mr. Kirkbride paid close attention to the details of his alien realm, such that other-worldly characters come alive on the page. The reader definitely benefits from Mr. Kirkbride's creativity in this far-flung adventure story. I recommend you get a copy and enjoy the adventure first-hand.

"Expect the Unexpected" By Darlene Quinn (Personal Friend and Author), Long Beach, CA

What do you think of when you see the initials H.P.? Well, after you've read Word of Honor, the first in the Gamadin series, an image of Harlow Pylott will instantly spring to life. While you won't catch Harlowe and his buddies blanketing the skies aboard broomsticks, when the surfs up, you're bound to catch a glimpse of these adventuresome young men as they mount their surfboards to catch the biggest waves to hit the coastline of Southern California. Kirkbride has written a riveting tale, with characters who are well-grounded here on earth. However, when you pick up this novel, expect the unexpected, and be prepared for an exciting ride into a new world with an intriguing cast of characters you have never before encountered, but wish you had.

"Good Story" by Kay Wicht, Tucson, AZ

We want you to know how much we enjoyed your book. I am waiting for book No. 2. It's a good story.

"Awesome!" by Brent Craft, Long Island, NY

Congratulations, the book is awesome! I really enjoyed it, and already began reading it again. The opening chapters mean so much the second time around. Your descriptions of the scenes are so detailed, I was really able to visualize the landscapes that the characters were in.

"A Nice Surprise" By Rose Q., San Diego, CA

I was given a copy of Gamadin: Word of Honor by my sister, to read while on a business trip to Florida. I felt obliged to to take it along and knew she would ask for my opinion later, since the author is her boyfriend. Being a budget analyst and not really wanting to plod through something technical while on the plane (and expecting that), I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-written, entertaining story, with characters that very quickly grow on you. I particularly enjoyed the General, and hope he shows up again in future novels of this series. This was a fun read, and I could see the story taking off in all sorts of directions. I highly recommend that you check this novel out. It was hard to set down, and you'll become a fan too.

"Word of Honor" By Bob Van Epps, Olivenhain, CA

I seldom take the time to read fiction these days, but needed something to fill the time while traveling to Hawaii on vacation. I am certainly glad that I selected "Word of Honor." What a fun read. By the time the plane touched down in Maui, I was half-finished and could not wait to get into my lounge chair so I could continue the adventure.

"Word of Honor" is the first of a series of books that in the "Harry Potter" tradition leave you clamoring for more. The story contains a wonderful mixture of everyday real world happenings and imaginative science fiction fantasy. The "G" rated language makes it perfect for children of all ages, especially grown up ones like me.

When I finished reading this book (in record time for me), I immediately contacted the author and asked when I would be able to read the next installment. I suspect that most people who read "Word of Honor" will feel the same way. It would not surprise me at all if, once it gains a little exposure, the series generates a cult-like following not seen since the early days of Harry Potter.

Read this book... you will not be disappointed.

"Cowabunga!" By Calvin E. Clack, Danville, CA

Not being a huge sci-fi fan, but being a fellow surfer and Lakewood alum of Tom Kirkbride, I thought it might be interesting. It was and now I am anxiously waiting for Book Two to be released. The book's characters were depicted pretty closely to a few we knew and occasionally hung out with. The action was non-stop; sort of like going over the falls at the Wedge on an eighteen-plus day. This is a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it to anyone of the appropriate age and up.

"Magikman Review" By Magikman (Steve), Oceanside, CA

I am an avid reader of all types of books. Depending on my mood, it could be a good suspense murder mystery or a lighthearted comedy book. I admit I have not read many Sci-Fi books.

I was given Book I, Gamadin: Word of Honor (By Tom Kirkbride) by a friend of mine. I really enjoyed it. It's an easy read, which makes it fun to bond with quite a cast of characters. It put me in a good mood and was easy to escape into. That is what I look for in a book like this. I've heard this is a new author, so I hope his sequel is as good as this one. That will be quite a task.

"Easy to Handle Sci-Fi" By S.C. Ward, Buena Park, CA

I am not a sci-fi reader, but gave it a try as the author is an old friend. It took me a while to truly get into the sci-fi aspect of the book but soon was hooked into the story of these young men and the adventure they fell into. I enjoyed the character development and how it drew me into their exciting and suspenseful story. Great descriptive writing helped me to visualize what the author was able to see in his mind and put to paper, taking me to a world beyond my imagination. This is sci-fi I can handle! A great ride!

"Great Book for New Author!" By R.G. Theetge, San Clemente, CA

I'm a fiction reader, but not usually science fiction. However, this book bridges today's "reality" fiction with science fiction. The best parts for me are the varied characters (beautiful women, surfer dudes, freaks) and the incredible non-stop suspense. Suspense like Dean Koontz's Intensity. This is a page turner, I'm ready for Book 2 ASAP!

"Enjoy the Ride" By D. Lynn, Norco, CA

I LOVED it! I couldn't put it down. That says a lot for the author as I am not a fan of science fiction reading. This is an incredible, fast-paced ride of heroic yet real characters interacting with unimaginable alien creations that endear themselves to us both in locations that we know so well and galactic scenes that the author so intricately creates in our mind's eye. Give this new author a try - you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book!

"New Book" By M. O'Kelly, Moab, UT

I just finished [this] new book . . . but you left me hanging. When is the second installment coming? I enjoyed reading the story. The descriptions of the characters was quite visible.  Good luck . . .

"I Want to Be a Member of the Gamadin" By C. Tavares, Coleville, UT

I want to be a member of the Gamadin.  We will sorely need them - soon!