Axiom: Part 1 in the Axiom Trilogy
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About
Axiom is about Dustin, an altruistic college student who hates what his species has become. Due to his past, he only wants to help people, but he sees the opposite every day. Then one day, he wakes up stuck to the ceiling of his college apartment and discovers the planet herself has bestowed upon him literal energy and ki-based superpowers.
He learns the Earth is alive like us, has her own physical body, and other planets have a similar situation. However, this newfound way to help people, and change the world for the better, comes with a warning of an evil older than the galaxy and a personal demon from Dustin's past.
Besides being a unique superhero story, Axiom (and its two sequels) features a solid female lead and a best friend who would make any scientist blush.
Rachel is our main hero's love interest, independent and headstrong, but hides a dark past of her own. She can unbelievably stand her ground against the enemies and superpowered antagonists who appear throughout the series.
Ryan is Dustin's best friend and, while awkwardly emotional and humorous at times, is one of the world’s most brilliant people. As the series goes on, we discover he can access the multiverse, create androids, weapons, and a whole host of other machinery.
As for inspirations, Axiom gets its influences from a wide range of cartoons and anime. If you've ever seen an all-out fight or some form of combat in anime/manga form, you can expect to enjoy your time with the Axiom trilogy. There are fantastic set pieces, both original and inspired, with stakes ranging from personal to planetary destruction. There are unique ki-based superpowers, martial arts, beam struggles, and many incredible techniques and moves from an assortment of characters and roles.
Praise for this book
A Thrilling and Thoughtful Anime-Inspired Adventure
Axiom fuses intense action with heartfelt depth, following Dustin as he grapples with new powers and a mission to change the world. Kyle brings authentic emotion, creating a unique hero's journey filled with resilience, hope, and thrilling battles. An inspiring, powerful read for anime and superhero fans alike.
A Journey Through Power, Fear, and Destiny
In Axiom Kyle Durant offers a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical reflections on power, fear, and destiny. The novel introduces readers to a world where extraordinary powers arise from crises, and mystical forces intertwine with human experience, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.
Durant’s ability to juxtapose the mundane with the mystical is one of the novel’s strengths. The protagonist’s college life is described in detail—his interactions with friends, professors, and his own internal struggles—offering a solid contrast to the supernatural powers and cosmic stakes that quickly unfold around him. This balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary creates a relatable character whose personal battles reflect the larger conflicts he will soon face.
A recurring theme in the book is the idea of destiny and choice, explored through the protagonist’s relationship with his newfound powers. He is caught between wanting to make a difference in the world and understanding the limits of his strength.
The narrative structure is complex, moving between dreamlike sequences and everyday settings. This layering of realities keeps the reader engaged, with each new revelation about the protagonist's abilities and the threats to the world feeling both urgent and profound. The introduction of secondary characters, such as friends Ryan and Rachel, adds depth to the protagonist’s human connections, offering emotional stakes amid the fantastical events.
In conclusion, Axiom is a captivating and thought-provoking introduction to a series that promises to explore the nature of power, fear, and human potential. While it may leave readers with more questions than answers, this only heightens anticipation for the next installment. Durant has laid a solid foundation, and the mix of character-driven storytelling with expansive world-building ensures that Axiom will captivate those who enjoy tales of cosmic stakes and personal transformation.
Real Guy with Superpowers
What if a real guy woke up with super powers one day? The story is so relatable and feels very timely with what’s going on in the world. I absolutely love the hero and his relationships throughout and he is such a real guy who you’d love to get to know and you know you’d be great friends with. The ability to take such a real character and throw in superpowers and fantasy and believe that this is real life takes a special talent. This first book was a wonderful introduction to this world and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Anime Action Meets Caring Themes: A Thoughtful Superhero Tale in Axiom
Axiom is a compelling story about Dustin, an altruistic college student disillusioned with the state of humanity. His past has shaped him into someone who wants nothing more than to help others, but he finds himself grappling with a world that often reflects the opposite. His journey takes a dramatic turn when, one day, he wakes up stuck to the ceiling of his college apartment and discovers that Earth—a sentient, living planet—has gifted him energy and ki-based superpowers. What begins as a personal mission to make the world better evolves into a superhero narrative filled with action, thought-provoking challenges, and the looming threat of an ancient evil tied to Dustin’s own history.
The book opens with an anime-style dreamscape full of cryptic characters and surreal situations, drawing me in instantly and leaving me eager to uncover more. Dustin’s journey is equal parts action-packed and deeply humanitarian, balancing the physical challenges of becoming a superhero with the emotional weight of his altruistic mission. Moments like his conversations with Rachel, a friend whose probing questions uncover Dustin’s inner struggles, make the story particularly thoughtful and relatable.
The narrative masterfully blends the familiar world of college life with an extraordinary fantasy setting, creating a unique space where both relatable friendships and supernatural abilities coexist. The transition from student to superhero is both believable and captivating, as Dustin learns to wield his newfound powers while remaining grounded in his commitment to helping others. The physics of this universe—where concepts like "a big bowl of wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff" come into play—are impressively well-explained, adding a layer of scientific intrigue to the story.
What sets Axiom apart is its ability to combine action and thoughtfulness. Cryptic conversations and dynamic superhero moments are interspersed with heartfelt, down-to-earth connections. The friendships Dustin nurtures anchor the narrative, making the fantastical elements feel surprisingly realistic. The themes of altruism and resilience are at the heart of the story, showing that even with supernatural powers, the most important battles are those waged within ourselves.
The character development is particularly well-executed. Each character feels human and relatable, their emotions and motivations easy to understand. The plot twists, humor, and moments of romance keep the story grounded, while the action scenes deliver the excitement expected in a superhero tale. The blend of good versus evil, paired with the vulnerability Dustin shows in his dreams, makes this story both thrilling and deeply personal. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own creativity, struggles, and aspirations.
Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the ending features a fantastic twist that ties everything together while leaving room for more exploration. It’s a satisfying conclusion that emphasizes friendship, hope, and the power of change. Axiom is a fun, thoughtful read that combines anime-style action with a deeply humanitarian message. It’s a unique take on the superhero genre, reminding us that altruism and resilience are as powerful as any superpower.