Humorous epic fantasy / science fiction adventure (The Universe Builders Book 1)

What a delightful read! The story of Bernie's struggles are so heartwarming, you feel yourself empathizing with a God. Now this is a far cry from our feelings of the Zeus type Gods. I love the way the story starts out as a simple story of a struggling young God trying to follow in the steps of his famous father without the help of said father. You feel Bernie's character developing as you follow along all of his mistakes and you can't help but admire him for standing for what he believes in. Even though Bernie is tortured by his nemesis from school at his coveted job ( Man, do those guys ever go away?) he continues to stand strong in his beliefs and convictions. His life is not made any easier by a rowdy cloud that follows him everywhere causing all kinds of mayhem that he cannot control. Just when you think Bernie has had all he can handle, the story takes a turn and involves universe putty and what it can create. Now Bernie is not only responsible for his future, but those of another life form.
I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but the way the author blends all the stories together to culminate in a most unusual ending is nothing short of pure genius. The book is an easy and delightful read that makes it's own statements about standing up for what you believe in, sometimes at a very high cost. This book was provided to me for a review and and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unusual and entertaining read with a well spun moral message.

Guys this book... I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it! When Steve LeBel approached me with The Universe Builders I knew I just HAD to read it! Just reading the Blurb intrigued me SO much! The idea sounded very original and refreshing, and let me just say, the book itself did not disappoint!

The book was very well written and the story was very fun and silly, but also with some serious elements. The world Steve has created is very intriguing and it makes you think about our existence. There is a lot of mythology surrounding Creation, and I think because I love mythology, it was just another reason why I felt compelled to read this book.

And our main character Bernie was just awesome! Bernie was not considered the best builder in school because he basically questioned everything. But, in truth, this is what made him smart! He is a critical thinker but he is also very caring and compassionate, especially when it comes to the worlds he creates. He is also sometimes really shy and... what's the word I'm looking for... maybe a bit innocent, but that just makes him really endearing! Bernie was a really likable character and I enjoyed following him on his journey to making his first real universe and dealing with a big fat bully!

Another character I really liked was Suzie! She and Bernie are just so adorable together! I thought she was a great supporting character and very likable, too. Lenny, I was a little iffy about him in the beginning, but he actually turned out to be a great friend to Bernie, as well! And Lenny's little Sissy, Oh My Gods! She is the cutest little creature ever ever!

And Billy... don't even get me started on that kid! He was a jerk! Bernie is such a sweet kid and I really hated Billy for bullying him around and messing with the universe Bernie was trying to create. I really wish Bernie would've stood up to Billy sooner or done something about him, but I also understand why he couldn't do it.

One thing that confused me at first was the incorporated story of Alcandor's planet. I had no idea what it had to do with Bernie. But once I figured out what it was... WOW! It was pretty amazing and something I was not expecting at all! Speaking of Alcandor, I really liked him! Although he was too smart for his own good, I loved how curious he was about everything. But I especially loved how fatherly he was toward Bernie when Bernie's own infamous father is nowhere to be seen.

I cannot express how awesome this book was! I really, really loved the concept, the story, the world building, the characters... just everything! I cannot wait to read more of Bernie's world, 'cause there will be more! I may or may not have grilled Steve about this in an interview ;) Anyway, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something original with fantasy and humor!

First, of all, this is a children's book. There seems to be a little confusion on this point, even for the author himself. The vocabulary and concepts would work well for a 10 year old. And, I often found myself thinking how much I would have loved to have found this book when I was ten years old or so.

That doesn't mean that an adult can't also enjoy this book, but that's true of all children's books.

Further, the logic was a child's logic, in all ways good and bad. I found myself a little frustrated that the adult characters in this book didn't show any signs of actually thinking or acting like adults.

That said, I love the concepts in this book. They brought me back to my days playing the gold-boxed Dungeons and Dragons Immortals set in the early 1980s, and the BILLIONS of hours I'm sure I've logged playing Civilization on my PC. What could possibly be more fun than creating universes? And yes, one can look at Bernie's journey as parallel to the author's creative journey while creating the book.

The writer's voice is a pleasure and it is easy to get lost in enjoying this book. It does not read like it is the first book the author has written, although that is apparently the case.

The one thing which bugged me all the way through, and I'm sure it was just me, is that I wish the hero and the villain had switched named. The hero is Bernie and the bad guy is Billy. Again, it's just my prejudices I'm sure, but Bernie has the word "burn" in it and seems the more destructive and antagonistic name, while Billy sounds like a friend. But I'm sure no one but me will have this thought!

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you search online, you should also be able to find an in-depth interview I did with the author on my website.

First in The Universe Builders fantasy series for Young Adults and revolving around gods, builder gods!

A special thanks to Steve LeBel for allowing me to read this story.

My Take
This was brilliant in so many ways. I've not read anything like this before. And talk about the ultimate empowerment, a teen with the power of life and death in a blink of the eye. LeBel has put so much thought into this universe. And I like how he's kept the parallel going with humanity, with our distant past, with our history. Even better is all the science, physics, geology, sociology, astronomy, life cycle processing, and more that LeBel makes understandable. I had never thought about what was involved in building a world like this. The thought he's put into the shimmer alone was lovely.

LeBel cracked me up at so many points. Heck, his whole premise of gods going to school and creating universes as school projects...lol... I sure enjoyed his pulling in that bit about overachieving gods who create a universe in six days, ahem, *grin*.

Oh, man, even gods have to make outlines and plans before they get to play. How unfair is that? Seems there are rules for Creation Mechanics.

It is a different perspective on teens, the best and the worst of them: Billy and his bullying, his gang who kowtows to him out of fear, and then Bernie, the underdog, who believes in the sacredness of life with his supporters.

I did enjoy how LeBel informed us of Bernie's past as he checks in with Bernie's teachers. Poor guy. And I do not like teachers who pick on their students, who hold up their mistakes for students to laugh over year after year after year. I think it's reprehensible. And why aren't these teachers helping Bernie control his so-strong cloud? Why are they picking on him without taking that cloud into account? It's as if all the impulses of being a child, a teen, has gone into the cloud as it acts out on every emotion, forcing Bernie to struggle for control. This bugs me. Then there are the teachers who get so hidebound within their subjects that they can't handle a student who questions. Why not encourage kids to think? That Gabriel who tried so hard to force Bernie to flunk. When we get Bernie's side, there's a whole different perspective. One that would make me launch an investigation in that teacher's classroom style. Why are those teachers allow to stay in place? And I wanna know why Ezrha would take him at all seriously. Zachariah is the jerk of a headmaster.

What are any of these people thinking? They're all CONDONING bullying behavior. They're punishing the kids getting bullied. And what's really sad is that this is what is going on in the real world, in our schools all the time. Don't any of these people ever look at both sides of an issue? Talk with the actual participants as opposed to listening to rumors and making up their own versions? Jesus, they sabotaged this kid from the word go.
"Dick and Jane are one of the Great Mysteries."

Beatrice, a teacher Ezrha respects, has only good things to say, and yet he's already leaning against Bernie because of prejudiced teachers. Of course, you could say that Beatrice is prejudiced, but read it. You'll immediately understand. And if you have kids, you may want to take another look at your kid's teachers!!

I do not like Ezhra. He's too hidebound himself. Too caught up in listening to teachers who are jerks. Especially when he talks to Suzie because he knows she thinks so highly of Bernie when he says "...I can't pretend to listen to your input when my mind is almost made up". I'm sorry, but that sounds as if he's "allowing" Suzie to talk but he has no intention of actually listening to her.

LeBel leaves me wondering about so many things, and I wanted to know more about the watchers and why they obsess about Bernie, about Bernie's jerk of a dad, why the gods are so obtuse about jerky gods like Billy, why Suzie (who has known Bernie for yonks) can so easily misinterpret his actions on that first day, what is it about those woods that go past the Edge, and more.

On the negative side, I'm not sure if LeBel has decided on a reading audience. The language is definitely more on the adult side, however there are incidents in this that are too stupid to be believed that would be embarrassing in a middle-grade novel. I mean, why on earth...oops, I mean The World...does it take so frickin' long for any of the three friends to realize it's Billy doing the sabotage?? I mean, hullo! Heck, I knew Billy'd be messing with Bernie's project as soon as I knew he was part of the same department let alone in the next cubicle.

The story needs some massive editing. It keeps going forever, and as much as I enjoyed the story concept, I got to wondering if it would get anywhere. Part of that annoyance was Bernie's naiveté about Billy. Part of it was all these side trips into too much information that didn't add to the story and way too much detail in those areas of the story where some detail provides the background color and helps us see, feel what's happening without having to drone on and on about it. I think a lot of the side trips would have been better as short stories.

Where is Bernie's dad? I would have thought he'd have popped up at the end. Nor did I understand why Bernie didn't talk to his mom. He mentioned throughout the story that his mom had helped his dad on his three prize-winning universes, and yet he never considers asking her for advice.

How is it that there have only been 47 winners of the Most Beautiful Planet if the awards have been going for 7,000 years, and it's the Annual Universe Awards?

Jesus, that employee manual sounds nuts. Why doesn't Bernie use a camera to film what's happening to his world? He's with the OWT. He must be able to find something he can use. Lenny cracked me up with his obsession with charms. And just how stupid is Shemal? He must have some idea of what a bully Billy is. Candi mentions that there are a lot of gods trying to get transferred out of Final Assembly. Wouldn't that trigger some questions?

And in spite of all my bitching and moaning, I liked this. I want to read more. As a reader, I hated the ending 'cause I'll have to wait to see what LeBel comes up with next. As an editor, I loved his ending -- and Alcandor's thinking! It's a clever bit of deduction and the new vista this opens up is great fun for the series, for the new world, for Bernie, for everyone.

The Story
Bernie's life has been chaos, almost as if this were a fairytale and an evil godmother had cursed him with his cloud of chaos. Today, however, today Bernie is jubilant for he has graduated as a builder. It's everything he's ever wanted, if he can get a job.

It seems Bernie's luck is in when he gets placed in the pilot program. Until he finds out that Billy is in the cubicle next to him. He has two strikes against him already with Ezhra unsure of his ability and Shelam known as the toughest manager in The Business. But now Bernie will have to cope with deliberate sabotage and a hostile workplace.

Worse, we suffer with the people of Bernie's new world as they try to cope with one disaster after another. Each event becoming worse and killing more of them, sending them into the panics our own world has experienced over the centuries. A conflict between science and religion, between two men wanting the same woman.

The Characters
Bernie is a young god with too great an interest in pacifism. At birth, he was "blessed" with a disorder cloud. Hannah is his mom and she works as a waitress at a Central Plaza restaurant. Simeon is his father, and he's won three Universe Awards. A major achievement among the gods and obviously made him too good for his family.

The watchers, a.k.a., the lookies, in the wood are led by Bowin; he's followed by Gingi, Catila, Renot, Gower, and Sibot. Groddix and nazarks are nasty beasts in the woods. Platus is a flying animal, a bird.

Suzie works in The Business' HR department and has looked out for Bernie for years. She's a bit in love with him. Lenny is Bernie's only other god friend, and even he has a hard time with Bernie's pacifism. Sissy is Lenny's good luck charm. Saul and Ruth are Lenny's parents. His Grandpa Titus usually has the family album. Artie is some kind of mute friend of Lenny's.

Billy is a nasty bully of a kid, even as an adult, he's still got an immature, warped mentality. All you have to do is read what he does on the weekends. Red Dog and Butcher were his "friends" back in The School. At work, he's extorting Jimmy, Candi, and Donald into being his sheep. Shemal is Billy's uncle. I don't understand why everyone doesn't gang up on Billy and get him fired. Rachel is a healer his parents call in.

Shemal is a tough manager at The Business in the Final Assembly Division. Ezrah is Suzie's boss, the Director of Personnel, and it's up to him whether Bernie gets (or keeps) his job. Saul is in the Supply Division. Just pop on in and pick up a world.

The school
Caleb teaches elementary creation; Gabriel is creation ethics; Peter; and, Beatrice is a truly wonderful teacher. Wanda was one of those wunderkind students whom no one can ever surpass.

Peter owns Good Shimmer Products, and he supplies businesses with retail products. Isaiah owns the bookstore.

The Town is where the gods live, and it's divided into five sectors with the first sector the center and most prestigious while the fifth sector is on the outskirts and most people disdain it. The Town is located in The World. The Business is the business of building universes -- and it's the most prestigious job a god can have. Not just any god can do it, you know. Refugees are creations a god brings home with him. A bit like kudzu. The Edge is as far as the gods have gotten in exploring The World. The School is where, yup, everyone goes to school. OWT is an Off World Technology group which is fascinated by technology found on intelligent worlds. Universe Putty is like glue and holds parts of the construction in place as you work.

The Annual Universe Awards have more categories than you can shake a stick at. There are three judges: Jazelda, Thomas, and Michael. The pilot program gives a new builder six months (or less) to wow his new employers. Or get fired.

Bernie's universe
Speaker Zardok is the head of the religion, the High Priest of the Temple and Speaker for the Sun, which the people worship. Vianna was a free spirit who pursued "knowledge and the thrill of discovery". Lord Alcandor is the world's greatest scientist.

This world has a senate of lords and senators and includes Lord Rigel, Senator Grenwy, Lord Noseter, Lady Eonis, Priestess Ximow, and Senator Anitol. Lord Gondal is the leader. Tuderon is Gondal's aide. Minister Landor is in charge of port facilities. Minister Wadov, Branton is the minister for science, Nottag is the minister for building projects, and Tonst is the minister for temple affairs.

Gaia is an integral part of a world.

The Cover
The cover is perfect as the background focuses on a young torso clad in a T-shirt, his hand stretched out to us with a young universe floating above that hand. It's beautiful, miraculous with its tiny moon, mirror-like planet, and yellow sun. For this is the topic, the title, of <em>Bernie and the Putty</em>, a useful commodity, the duct tape of the universe.

But, please reverse the font sizes on the series name and the book title. I didn't even know the title was there in its thumbnail size.

If it hadn't been for the ending, this book would have received a solid 5 stars.

It was well-written and intriguing, creative and held my attention all the way through - which is saying something for me. I recently have picked up a lot of books and many of them have been set down. I really enjoyed every bit of the book, although some things were lacking at the end.

The concept is original and creative - you know you have a wonderful book and a talented author when the story is completely unique and original. It was very well-written - I had no trouble at all visualizing the incredible worlds the author created.

At the beginning, a seed was planted that was never followed up on. We were posed with a question: what is beyond the edge? Even in passing, this question is an enormous thought. I really thought that was where the story was headed, and was disappointed that it wasn't even relevant to the storyline at all.

Besides this and a few other questions raised but never answered, the story was great. I was really worried about the fate of Bernie's universe the entire time. I even audibly voiced my concerns, leading to odd stares and questions from those around me. You know it's a great book when you can't contain yourself.

It was very middle-grade, but of course, I did not know what to expect. It also seemed as though the society weans their young early - Bernie was out of school and working, yet had the mannerisms of someone much younger than what our society would call 18. I seriously have no idea what age the god's are when they are sent out into the world but it does seem too young. I would place Bernie at about 14 based on his behavior.

In the world the author creates, Gods are as simple as we are. I was taken aback to learn of Gods with societal hierarchies and poverty. But I think it made the world much easier to relate to. I really liked that they were not perfect or omnipotent at all - one of the characters ponders the limitations of the Gods often upon learning of their existence, because it really is an interesting and intriguing idea. The thought of Gods being just like you and I, but with a power to create universes, is a powerful one indeed - just as this story was.

The story was perfect except for the ending. The climax was weak, quick, and didn't include everything I expected. It wrapped up in the last 10 pages or so, which is nothing compared to the 400+ page book. If it had been a bit slower, more detailed, and answered a few more questions, that would have been great.

I guess I am a bit disappointed in the ending only because I was so damn invested in the book - it really is one of the best books I have read in a while.

Greek and Solar System. Two things I like and I thought it was a weird combo, but somehow it turned out into a good book.

So Bernie just finished school and has gotten a job. Sounds like a good start to his life right? Well it would be, but he has this boss who isn't the easiest to please and his work is being messed with. If his boss was hard impress before, its going to be even harder with someone coming in and messing up the work he's done.

He has to deal with his cloud and working hard to keep him and his mom from destruction. Which is easier said than done. His cloud messed him up in many ways, like almost costing him his job. Then you have Billy come into the picture and is making things even harder for Bernie. School kid and a cloud are just two of the biggest things Bernie has in his way. Yep, Bernie is such a good guy and its not exactly fair that all this is happening to him. Things go crazy and you'll want to help Bernie out and hope things go right for him and will be wishing you could change things to make it all better for him.

I loved the Greek aspects, and the way it was blended in with the fantasy. It was all done nicely and I would read more from this author.

I give this book 4 stars

I wanted to give this a higher review, but in the end this is solidly three stars. The writing simply is not very good.

The author tells rather than shows, there are long pages of exposition, or times when we're told how much one character feels about another, but it feels detached as we don't see the characters expressing this themselves. Tied into this is the lack of unique character voices. For example, Ezrah, the head of personnel, throws around slang and is just so informal in general that it's hard to believe he's not a student himself. On that same note, I couldn't get a fix on how old Bernie was supposed to be. He graduated school in the top third of his class, but I'm starting to think school for gods only proceeds to middle school due to how Bernie just seemed so young. If he was intended to be thirteen or so, that would be fine, but judging by the way he's got his first adult job, you get the impression he's supposed to have graduated college, or at least high school, and that simply doesn't translate. Though he does constantly refer to Bernie as a boy. (You might be able to tell, I'm still at a loss on Bernie's equivalent human age.)

BUT

With all that said, I read the book in three days. LeBel has a very strong concept for his book and it's fun to read of a young boy playing god and the sorts of complications one can encounter in building a universe. The book is at its strongest when Bernie is chatting with his creations for the first time. Bernie is a genuinely nice guy who simply wants to do right by everyone, including the things he creates. Overall, I'd read another book in the Universe Builders setting.

I received an advance copy of this book for review. This book was just wonderful! The story was captivating, and the characters were interesting and fun. I absolutely loved the storyline, and the story was quite original. I recommend this book to anyone!

Bernie and The Putty is about a boy who lives in a world full of gods, who create universes. When Bernie gets a job at The Business, he gets an assignment to create his own universe so they can see what he can do. But, he is met with a few bumps along the way. Will he make it through his probationary period?

The characters were fun to meet, and to me, very interesting. I loved meeting and getting to know Bernie from the first page to the last. My favourite character had to be Lenny, with his charms and gadgets and what not.

The storyline is mind blowing to me. I believe that this book is extremely original and well written. I loved the story, and thought it was brilliant. It's a wonderful new twist to how worlds and such are created.

The ending of Bernie and The Putty was just what I wanted it to be. But, to find out what it was, you are going to go out and get the book! Trust me, it's worth it! I have to give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

A scrumptiously delicious book, bound to delight every reader. The storyline was fresh, filled with delightful surprises and after finishing book one this morning, can't wait to read the rest of the series. While this book is about gods, they are unlike any you've come across before in fiction. They are filled with flaws and hopes, just like their human counterparts, and you never know what to expect next. Great job Steve!

Steve LeBel's "The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty is a playful look into the universal order of things. The story centers around an entry-level god named Bernie, and his trials keeping his head above water at a cosmic design firm. During his employment, Bernie runs into all the trappings and pitfalls one would expect to find in any corporate setting--plucky personnel, all too competitive co-workers, and predatory management. In this story, the semi-incompetent, easily distracted Bernie, is charged to design a solar system of one sun and three planets. The project is some what beyond Bernie, but it is his opportunity to prove his worth as a god and to his company.

"The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty, is an imaginative, sickly humorous satire on the corporate system. As far as readability, the story was light, highly readable and decently edited. LeBel seamlessly weaves wit and prose to tell a, some what off, and inventive look on the fabric of our universe's condition.

The world created by Bernie is a very good and well-written story. It is very imaginative and interesting. It is a fantasy world that describes universe creation and the pitfalls that the recently graduated Bernie encounters to create his universe in his first universe builder assignment at his new job.

I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to future Bernie books.

I was really intrigued by this book, simply for the ingenuity behind it. I love when someone has an idea that's new and just runs with it. Plus, Steve is just a really nice guy! And you all know how I feel about authors that are nice!

So, Steve has this unusual talent in his character creation. He forces a primitive reaction towards the character from you. It's not like you're in the book, you're a third person watching from another world, but you feel such intense emotions towards the characters. Seriously, there were several times I nearly threw my copy of the book against the wall out of sheer frustration. I wanted to take a weed eater and give someone an all over body shave with it. More specifically, one of the characters. I don't normally get that involved, but I seriously despised this character with a depth that surprised me. On the other hand, there were other characters that I simply adored, and I can't pinpoint why. At the end of the book, I actually felt like I was saying good bye to some dear friends. However, I have faith that this is just the beginning of the Universe Builders and Bernie and the rest of the cast will return.

This is a fresh fantasy with some wonderful new species never before seen. Not only that,Steve's concept for universe building and the god world, though simple, is magnificent. As I was reading, I kept wondering why nobody has done this before. It all makes complete sense.

The story of Bernie is a unique concept. We are introduced to Bernie who is a young got who has just graduated and is trying to get his first job. In this world universes and worlds are created by gods and themselves live in a world very much like our own. They have friends and enemies, jobs and families and have problems and success just like we do. Bernie's story also touches on concepts that kids in our world have to deal with every day such as bullies and broken homes. Bernie's life hasn't been easy with a famous dad who isn't in his life and a bully at school who he encounters again at work. Bernie learns to deal with the situations as best he can and its interesting to see how things work out.

While the concept of this tale is pretty unique, some of the details were taken out of the bible and woven with the mundane. There was a reference to a god who was able to create a whole universe in 6 days and then took a day off as well as some of the names were pretty familiar like Gabriel and Ezrah. But then those were paired with common names from our world like Billy and Suzie which gave the story a bit of a choppy feel to it like two concepts being melded together a bit awkwardly.

However, overall Bernie's story was unique and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. A fun tale with some very real lessons to be learned.

This is billed as "young adult fantasy", and it delivers exactly that. I've been reading science fiction and fantasy since I really *was* a young adult (way back in the 70s), and this is a story I'd have no hesitation passing along to my grandkids. Those are actually pretty rare, so that's high praise coming from me. I'm not going to say much about the premise of the story itself, other than that it's fresh, appealing, and entirely too much fun for me to give you any spoilers. If you enjoy light-hearted science fiction with a touch of whimsy, treat yourself to this trilogy.
(By the way - finding writers like Steve LeBel is what justifies keeping my Kindle Unlimited membership in my budget!)

Steve LeBel is an author who can write. This is obvious you say, and maybe it should be, but this is the best e-book in the fiction realm (novel or book of poetry) that I have read so far among those promoted on the Facebook group sites. He knows how to write English sentences -- something that should be but is not a requirement for all e-book authors.

This is not to stay that Steve's novel is perfect. No work is. For example, the exposition in the beginning, after the introduction, is very sketchy with little attention given to descriptive details. Infrequently, he will jump from one center of consciousness to another in short order, but this is a rare and minor problem.

i had no images of the characters to make them come alive on the Kindle page. None, that is, until about halfway through when we meet a minor character named Candi. Her introduction is superb -- giving us a charging rhino of dynamic energy. This character must be based on someone he knows. Unfortunately, such a description doesn't re-appear and she becomes lost among the other characters.

One chapter is a two-person conversation detailing the back story. Exposition is supposedly better revealed through dialogue than through omniscient narration, but this scene stretches it a but too much -- what some critics would call "author convenience."

Steve's descriptive arsenal is saved for the planets the gods in the story are creating -- particularly our hero Bernie, and these suggest that he is an expert in geophysics and cosmology. In this regard, his writing is exemplary.

My only disappointment came about with his repeated visits to the planet being created by our hero to show the devastating results of error and heartless sabotage by a rival god. This is a good venue for the author to deal with philosophical and metaphysical (even theological) issues. However, I was anxious to return to the primary plot-line dealing with Bernie and his friends -- including a furry creature who sits on a friend's shoulder. At about the mid-point of the novel, the narrative begins to pick up and only then was it difficult for me to put the Kindle down.

(spoiler alert):

A happy ending blossoms at nearly the last second when all seems lost -- a fairy tale kind of recovery. The hero is unconvincingly catapulted to overwhelming success because of a groundbreaking discovery on the part of judges in a contest. Throughout, more girl-boy interactions on the part of the teenage gods (as in the film PALO ALTO) might have been included, but these are not the choices that Steve makes. He is, after all, the creator, and this novel is his universe.

Charles Justus Garard
author of The Dark Journeys Trilogy

A simply amazing book that whisks you away from reality...to the read of a lifetime, with a storyline that stretches your imagination in every way possible! Full of lovable characters you get to know better than your own family! It is a shame I am not allowed to give it TEN STARS! I would if I could. Simply didn't want it to end. Hey, Steve, "you have a new fan and a future purchaser of every book you ever write in the future!" This book just has to win many amazing awards! Like "Book of the Year", "Book of the Decade"...no, make that "Book of the Century!" I've never read another book as good as "Bernie and the Putty"! Makes me glad I begged Steve for a gift copy to review!

Bill Collins, author of: "Tales of a Super Hero Pro Wedding Photographer" and "Wedding Photographer: A 45 Year Career"

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. With the genre described as fantasy/humor, I went into this expecting something along the lines of Douglas Adams' hit "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", and Mr. LeBel didn't disappoint. While it wasn't the same kind of silly, slapstick comedy, it was extremely entertaining and I thought I felt a hint of Roger Zelazny (Chronicles of Amber...another fantasy series that I absolutely loved). If you have enjoyed either of those, you have to try "Bernie and the Putty", you will love it. Everybody loves an underdog story, and I'm no different...but I think this is the first time I've read one where the underdog is a god. Bernie is the kind of guy you can’t help but love, and Billy is the kind of guy you love to hate. Mr LeBel's creative genius shines throughout the entire book, and I can only hope that this is the first in a series of Universe Builders novels. I would love to see this book made into a movie.

This is an entertaining story of a young god charged with the task of creating a universe from scratch to impress his employers. The story highlights the problems faced and the effort that goes into the creation of a universe including the dynamics and physics to be considered. The story is told in a simple and humorous way at the end of which the reader cannot help but love the characters. The story is well thought out and the ending is just the icing on top of a brilliant cake! Perfect!

A wonderful work of fiction and fantasy, this is a feel good story that everyone will enjoy. The most interesting thing about the way this story is written is that it will give the reader a clear indication of where it is going though it has it’s share of twists and turns. I would definitely re-read this book at some later point in time just for the experience of being around the characters in this fictitious world.

I LOVED this book and I could very easily see it as a cartoon series. No wait! Dont say "Oh its too childish to read!". No, its not that. To me, Bernie is like "Calvin and Hobbes" without the Hobbes, without the need to destroy things and hes a god. But he has this wonderful imagination, his drive to question "Why" things are the way they are (why should you kill off your inhabitants?) and then take that and think outside the box. But for "Builders", thinking outside the box isnt always the way things are done. Bernie has many obstacles to overcome. From wondering why his father left his mother and him to trying to prove that he is a good Builder and trying to avoid a bully named Billy. Then theres Suzie who stands by Bernie no matter what. I could say more but that would take away the magic of reading this book. Steve LeBel, I want you to know how much I loved this book and I cant wait to read the next one.

I REALLY loved this book, and its sequels. The premise is fresh and original, both the protagonist AND the antagonist are handled beautifully, and the ending was tremendously satisfying. It left me wanting more, which is the very best thing a book can do, so as soon as you've finished "Bernie and the Putty," IMMEDIATELY pick up or download "Bernie and the Wizards," which is another wildly enjoyable installment of Bernie's adventures.

What an incredible, feel good read. I was instantly swept into the world of Universe Building, into all the ins and outs of assignments and hierarchy, into introducing a death clause so over population wouldn't happen. However, enter Bernie, our young wannabe builder. His instructors confirmed that he was nothing special, only regular old Bernie. I found myself silently cheering for Bernie because I was one of the "nothing special just regular old" students as well. While this book is geared to a younger audience, I found it a whimsical, lovely escape. Thank you so much, Steve LeBel, for this wonderful story and for making me realize we are all Universe Builders...and in my universe, people sparkle, too!

Hoping there will be a following story. Loved, loved, loved it. Witty and wise in the same breath. Well worth the time spent.

I may be extrapolating or reading something Steve LeBel did not intend, but for me this contemporary written style book detains all the wisdom of the East, introduced to me formerly by Alan Watts and William Walter Atkinson.

In any case, the moral ethics conveyed in this book are pure, noteworthy and worth emulating of course.
So Steve LeBel happens to be a great tale/story teller, liable to be enjoyed by all age groups, although the audience might be considered primarily Y.A. Adult.

Can't wait to read the sequel...

Steve's colorful professional background and whimsical sense of humor made for a delightful ride in Bernie and the Putty. His wit and creativity truly poured forth in the pages of what I'll admit was one of the most original stories I've come across in awhile. This book was the grand prize winner of this year's Writer's Digest Self-Published Ebook Awards. Steve's book is also an the store bestseller in the Science and Fantasy Fiction categories, and fully deserves the title.

Bernie, our main character, is a young god who has recently graduated from college with a degree in Universe Building. He gets a job at The Business and is given the opportunity to show his boss what he's made of over the span of his probationary period with the company. Bernie is hardworking and passionate, but his efforts to craft a unique and impressive world are thwarted by Billy, the bully that's been haunting Bernie's footsteps since the incident in high school that left Billy with an ugly scar across his face. Billy doesn't forgive and certainly doesn't forget, so years later, he's out to make life a living hell for Bernie, who's chances of building a career around universe creation get slimmer every day.

Bernie's problem-solving skills are put to the test as he struggles to find ways to save his world from Billy's destructive attacks while abiding by his personal morals. But Bernie isn't entirely alone. His friends are few yet loyal, and they stick with him till the end, offering ideas, advice and encouragement, and ultimately pushing him to succeed. Bernie's heartbreak is difficult to bear as he watches helplessly time and time again while Billy tears apart everything he does. But Bernie's gentle nature lends him a patience to deal with these things in a more level-headed manner than many young people would in our own world. Steve created a character that is a refreshing change from the heroes of mainstream fiction today. Bernie's story advocates the idea that compassion and creativity are traits that should be fostered in the young (and old) rather than solving our problems with revenge or acting from anger.

Of course, Bernie isn't perfect, and that's what makes him such a relatable character. Besides his daily (and nightly) struggles at work to bring home money to his single mother, he must live with the title of son of a master universe builder and three-time award winner--Bernie's own father, Simeon. Bernie's father, unfortunately, didn't stick around to use his success to provide for his family, nor pass on his skills to Bernie. Bernie battles with strong emotions regarding this abandonment throughout the story, making him an enduring protagonist to young people who have grown up in a split family. Steve did a wonderful job of weaving the real life themes of love, loss, moral dilemmas, and the classic underdog story into the tale of Bernie and his adventures.

Steve fashioned a exceptionally immersive world in his book, tactfully providing detailed insight into the ins and outs of his characters' universe(s). His descriptions are both artistic and scientific, and make you feel truly involved in Bernie's world. The environment of every setting in the story can be clearly pictured in your mind as you read. The undertones of the more serious issues dealt with in Bernie's story are balanced with a light-hearted whimsy. I got a good chuckle more than once out of the unexpectedly humorous situations Bernie and his friends often found themselves in.

Though the book moved a tad slow for me at first, (which is admittedly another reason why it took me so long to finish), it was more than worth it. The end of the book had me mentally rejoicing along with Bernie and his newfound family as he enjoyed the success he had worked so hard to achieve and fully deserved. The story was heart warming, well written and edited, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different--it is a very unique blend of genres indeed.

Steve Lebel is an author I won't soon forget, not only for his award-winning novel. He is a fun, helpful and caring person who is excellent at what he does (management, marketing, computer programming, financial analysis, and now writing). On my good days, I wish I had half the creativity and imagination he has. I met him online last year when things were just starting to pick up after the publishing of his book. Since then, I've "watched" over the months as the Universe Builders has merited nothing but sale success and accolades from readers, writers, reviewers and judges. I'm proud to officially be among Steve's readers and fans.

The Universe Builders, Book One: Bernie and the Putty is a gem in children's and young adult fantasy fiction that will have your mind thoroughly entertained, your sides aching from laughter, and your heart filled to the brim by the end of the story.

Well done, Steve. Can't wait for the next book!

What a fun ride! A great story, great characters, and fascinating thought behind the craftsmanship of creating a universe! Something to grip the imagination of readers young and not-so-young.

Bernie, a young god, one of a community of immortal universe builders, is in many ways just like us. He has to deal with puberty and school bullies and his first real job interview. Unlike us, however, he wants a job building universes. And there are specific time-tested processes and rules for that.

That may have been the most fascinating part of the story—the structure and process of world-building! I appreciated the ethical issues Bernie addresses as he comes of age and has to decide what loyalties and responsibilities a creator has to his creatures.

Every so often I detected a tip of the hat to various human creation myths, and they were perfect punctuations to the story.

I loved this book. Well done. I give it 5 stars.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really exciting read. The story revolves around Bernie, a god, among a community of gods. Bernie is a recent graduate of builder school. To say Bernie was meant to be a builder; meaning a builder of universes, was not clear. At least not to poor Bernie'; you see he comes from a broken home, if you can believe that. On top of that Bernie's dad, who simply took off to do what he wanted to do, which was to go on to be a famous universe builder, leaving both Bernie, and his mother to fend for themselves. Our story begins with Bernie waiting for the answer to his application for a job at "The Business". The business, was the place to make a name for a young god like Bernie. The only trouble with this scenario is that Bernie was not an "A" student in school, so it is was not surprising that Bernie was concerned as to whither he would actually get the job. Eventually, he does get his chance, and then this story takes off from here, gluing the reader to the book until the very end. Absolutely a fun read. You will enjoy this book, for the humanity that pores through the god's personalities, and reactions to their environments

Review copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for honest review.

I am not a fan of big words or long drawn out reviews, so we will keep this simple. I loved it! It kept me entertained as I had the flu and still do!! I had trouble putting it down, it is a world unto a world. I will not be posting any spoilers, nor quoting any of the people in the book, you will have to buy the book to get more then what the writer already put out there.

I can say this Bernie faces untold messes, and over comes each one to be where he is. I loved ever single second that i got drawn into this fantasy book, it is a MUST read mind boggling book. You will not regret interacting with this story book!

WoW! This book is Amazing!! It is so Awesome!!! Bernie, what can I say he is just adorable! I think him of my baby brother and wanted to smack Billy the Bully. All the characters Suzie, sissy(she is cute! Ye! Ye!) then Lenny and Alcandor.
I am thinking now too, if some world of Gods exists. Throughout the story I was thinking that, this is really cool! When I read the synopsis I though it would be nice but the story blew me away! The story line hooked me and I liked it to be from other character's POV to know what was happening.
I liked the idea of Lookies, Bernie sent on his Universe. Bernie he is just, has soft heart and that's what I love about him, caring for everything and not blinking out.
And also enjoyed the short story of Bernie ans Billy's fight, from the link at the end of the book!
Looking forward to read what next will happen. Must Read book!
And I got the e-copy in exchange of an honest review.

This book was an unexpected delight. This is the first book I have ever read by this author and I was completely engrossed in the story within the first few chapters. I kept waiting for Bernie to realize that Suzie was interested in him, but he was completely oblivious! And I kept expecting different reactions to all the different things that Billy was doing to his universe! While I was pretty sure how the book was going to end by about the mid-way point I was still surprised at how the author got us there. This book is the complete opposite of my usual read, but I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future and hope that there will be a follow up to this book!

Riveting right from the start, Steven LeBel makes you hold on tight through the trials and tribulations in this roller coaster ride of a coming of age story. Managing to make the ordinary into extraordinary, he turns our young hero into a believable, likable, relatable and down right adorable character. His fluid and uniquely beautiful writing style will capture you and spark your imagination. Helpless to his whims, the artistically crafted descriptions of the world will suck you in and never let you go.

Immerse yourself in the world of Bernie, a young man with complex problems and emotions just like all of us with one major difference...he is a God and builds universes.

Pulling and tugging gently on your heart strings you are guided and entertained as the story and his world unfolds around you. Sprinkled with humor and frustration you will laugh and cry and realize we all have a little bit of Bernie in ourselves.

With expertly sculpted characters, realistic dialog along with a solid unique plot this talented storyteller does just this...captures us and tells an amazing unforgettable story.

It's hard enough to know what you want to do in life but what if the universe seemed to fight against you? If you're like me you would don your "Team Bernie" t-shirt and root for him to persevere. I can't wait for the next installment in this fantastic start of a series.

**NOTE I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**

“Disclosure! I received this book free in exchange for my honest opinions. All views and opinions are my own.”

Steve LeBel‘s “The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty” is a (YA) fantasy that takes the reader down a path of good vs. evil and self discovery. This book is very whimsical, fantastic, and is centered around a time and place never know to mankind.

I love “The Universe Builders” because it touches so many things that one might experience on their own path of discovery… Being the whimsical read that it is, it is overlain with elements of surprise around every corner.

In this phenomenal read, you will discover, that even in the most unlikely of places, a hero can be found.

If you like excitement around every corner, and a book that stimulates your mind as much as your imagination, then you will love “The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty” (!!!)

This book is a young adult book, but I am not so YA anymore, however I love what Steve LeBel has to offer us.

And so it is said, that I look forward to Steve LeBel’s next great offering!

The young, and young at heart alike, will discover that “The Universe Builders” will satisfy the need for the new, the bewildering, and the adventurous.

For all these reasons, I have to give “The Universe Builders” five stars, and my seal of approval!

Enjoy!

For further review of “The Universe Builders” By: Steve LeBel, please visit www.themommyisland.blogspot.com where you can view my extended version of this review!

Unique and fun. Bernie is a wonderful character. I loved him from the beginning. I couldn't put this book down! Hooked from the start.

There is a good vs bad storyline, Bernie comes up against Billy. Billy holds a grudge against Bernie and he (Billy) is just a rotten apple. Bernie is a geek and a bit of an underdog. Everyone loves the underdog and Bernie is no exception. He is flawed but lovable. Billy is flawed and you will root for his downfall.

Mr. LeBel did a great job of explaining the universe and the young gods' role in creation.

This is a unique story. Hopefully the start of many. Well done Mr. LeBel!

I was given this book to read in exchange for promising to do an honest review. At first I thought the book more suitable for readers much younger than me...but became so charmed by Bernie I realized I must be much younger than I thought I was. The Universe Builders is wonderful in concept and the storytelling puts you right there. I love the characters and I really hope there is another book in the future. This is a unique take on gods and creation. It made me laugh. made me cry, and gave me lots to think about. This one will stick with me for a long time. (It would make a good movie! Steven Spielberg...you listening?)

I enjoyed this story. I happen to read the last book first, and then started with this one. It's very unique and there is a lot of reality with the writing style of LeBel. Bernie is a great character, a nerd and a god? amazingly fun. Bernie finds out that his nemesis is sabotaging the world, and he has to stop it, somehow. It's a grand adventure.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. ~Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

I was first introduced to Bernie and the Putty through a book trailer. I don't like book trailers at all because I feel like it's supposed to be a movie, but when I watched the trailer for Bernie and the Putty, I was completely hooked and I was very interested in reading the book. It was the first time that ever happened and I was blessed to be able to receive an advanced review copy for an honest review.

The story starts out with an explanation of the World and the Business and the Annual Universe Awards. We meet Bernie, who has forgotten to turn in his application for the Business. Not everyone is cut out for the Business, which is creating worlds. However, when people are interviewed about Bernie's late application submission, it's clear that although not the brightest or the best, Bernie is loved by at least those who know him like his lab instructor Caleb and his friend Suzie.

Bernie and the Putty is an excellent mix of fantasy and science fiction. I got lost in a good way in the explanations of how building universes were supposed to be that I started imagining the different possibilities that would make creating worlds possible. The characters are well written and very likable. The story is a very unique twist on creation myths and legends. And the antagonist to our unlikely hero is well conceived in that he doesn't just bully Bernie for no reason. He's holding a grudge and determined on getting Bernie fired.

I thoroughly enjoy this novel and would recommend it to everyone who loves a good fantasy. Creating universes isn't easy and everyone should read this book and find out exactly how universes are built and the difficulties in creating them!

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
THE UNIVERSE BUILDERS – BERNIE AND THE PUTTY by Steve LeBel takes bullying to a cosmic level. This reader has dealt with young adult angst long enough (retired from a local school system) to recognize it quickly. So when I started reading this book, I thought ICK. Enough, already!
But since I know the author, I picked it up again (if that is computerly correct…). And am so glad I did. LeBel illustrates confusion, compassion, evil, good; even young tentative love. And presents varying social, philosophical, and religious conundrums. All at an exciting pace; and with humor.
What more can I say: a hearty 5 star (out of 5) rating!

- KJ Hooten, author of THE EGG NANNY TALES and STORIES TO AMUSE THE KIDS, and many poems online and off

I really enjoyed this book. It didn't take long for me to be on the hook of this story about friendship, faith and respect for any other life.

Bernie is a young boy at the edge of finishing school and proove himself in the first job. He is not like the others around him which makes him very few friends, but a serious enemy. So he is just like you and me if there wasn't the fact that he is a god and his profession is building universes. And if this task wouldn't be difficult enough his work gets sabotaged by evil spirited minds. Busy to fix any attack he nearly misses the lifeforms on his world until they desperately try to get his attention. And the more contact he has with his creation the more he gets obsessed with only one goal: to save them from being blinked out.

I absolutely recommend this book.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A good introduction for how to create your own world and then people it for your own fantasy story. Too bad they labeled this book Young Adult, I liked it and I haven't been a young adult for some 65 years!

I was privileged to receive an advance review copy in exchange for a genuine review. When I first received this book to review, I looked at the amount of pages, 619, and thought what have I let myself in for. I wondered if he could maybe get 2 books out of this material, but how wrong was I! It didn't feel long at all and had me hooked from start to finish.
Firstly I have to say, 'oh my god, what a genius mind this author has.'
Now to the book.
The story is based on a world of gods, but the main character is a young god named Bernie. He is a bit of a geek with a god cloud which has gone to the chaos side, so unless he keeps it calm, it gets him into trouble. His famous father, leaves him and his mother so they are forced to move to the poorer project housing and struggle for money. On top of all this, he is bullied by a nasty young god named Billy, until Billy is transferred to different classes and is kept too busy to hassle poor Bernie.
Bernie eventually graduates and gets his dream job as a builder, on a probationary period, to build universes. Unfortunately for him, Billy works in the same office and holds a grudge. He decides to get Bernie fired by sabotaging his universe at every turn.
The story is amazing as it unfolds and shows an unbelievable amount of imagination by the author. I must say I have had a lack of sleep as I couldn't put it down, and when I did, I still thought about it.
The only negative is the front cover which does not do the book the justice it deserves.
One of the gods is called Miriam, which is also my name, so there is no way it can fail!
5 stars and a recommendation for everyone to read it. So watch out for the release and get straight in with a purchase.

I absolutely loved this book...I always like when good battles evil and Bernie is a good god. In Bernie's world he's fresh out of the universe builders school and just landed the job of a lifetime and that is a long time if you are a god. Bernie, his friend Lenny and his secret crush Suzie fight the former school bully and current work force saboteur. It's a funny bit of fantasy; in a world I'd like to visit. Great read for any one. “I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”. and I'll buy the next in an instant! Thank you Steve LeBel!

I found Steve LeBel via a friend of a friend and saw his book advertised, the title and the cover drew me in, the summary had me hooked!
I warmed to the main characters almost immediately, with one (Bernie) reminding me of myself when I was much younger, but the concept of young gods learning their skills in school, and going on into the business of creating and building universes is the main draw of this novel but then it's not, because it draws you into a sub plot that becomes the most important plot and how Bernie deals with it, how his friends deal with it, how his enemy deals with it, it's a coming of age novel with huge doses of humanity at its best, exceptionally well written, it flows well, the comedic aspects of the book are nigh on perfect, you feel for the characters and you feel for his creations.
I look for a few things in a book to make me want to give it five stars
Longevity, readability, feeling, page turning, emotional, satisfying, and fun.
The Universe Builders has this by the bucketload.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It was a very enjoyable escape to a very unusual place. There are times when Bernie seems like just a regular kid as opposed to a god. He makes "mistakes" but somehow overcomes them. Note the mistakes in quotes since they're really not mistakes but the work of the evil doer, Billy. The advice Bernie gets from his friends is solid. His developing relationship with Suzie is sometimes funny, sometimes poignant. and spot on. I don't want to be a spoiler so won't go into further details. I will say this was a very entertaining read. Interesting premise that develops well. Likeable (almost lovable) cast of characters, with the exception of Billy and his minions. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Steve LeBel. He's creative and has a very comfortable style of developing his characters.

What I loved about the book is the way gods/goddess had divine powers but still went through the everyday things we normal people go through daily. A classic battle of good versus evil with a unique twist as we get a front row seat in the life of one Mr. Bernie. Yes, a god named Bernie! I try to stay away from sci-fi novels because normally for me they are not easy to follow, but Mr. Lebel has provided an easy read without sacrificing the sci-fi parts. Bringing a new approach to inner-workings of the way the divine actually work is something only a talented author like Steve Lebel can do. An excellent first novel and I look forward to reading more from him.

I received this book as a gift from my neighbor, so I thought I would give it a try, even tho it was not my usual type of book to read. Noone was more surprised than I was that I LOVED IT!!!!! It was an amazing book, so much fun to read and it really draws you in from the start. I found myself cheering for Bernie and wanting to throttle Billy....even yelling out loud as things happened.
I have recommended this book to several people and I hope that there will be many more written by this truly talented author!

I do have to say that the author gave me a copy of his work in exchange for an honest review. The following is my opinion and review of the work.

I enjoyed the book. It was a really entertaining and engaging read. The main character, Bernie, is especially relatable if you ever had anyone pick on you in high school and you happen to be a god. Bernie finishes school and is hired by The Business to become a Builder. Along the way are little stories about Bernie and his travails to succeed in the limelight of his superstar Builder father that left the family when he was young, in the wake of the bully that torements him at every opportunity. The tales are engaging and move the story along. I won't give any spoilers, but let's just say, I loved the beginning, the middle and the end. Overall the book is a really good read. It's light, fun and at times may make you think. Pick up a copy today, I think you will enjoy it.

I was given the book in exchange for a n honest review.
It was a slow in the beginning and I was a little apprehensive as I am not really a Sci-Fi fan as such.

But then I was introduced to Bernie and I was in love.He is so sweet as he tries to right the wrongs of other gods.
He was the underdog and I am sure that so many people could relate to his challenges and his fear of failure.
I think that is why he becomes such a hero and is so likable.

And the whole concept of Universe Builders had me thinking and viewing things in a different manner.

Great to have a book that gets one thinking.

Would definitely recommend!

All at once The Universe Builders: Bernie and The Putty is both a mind bending journey into the creation of universes full of imagination without boundary and a story as familiar as our own youthful growing pains. For on a plane out of time and space is a world filled with gods who have made it a business to build new galaxies and to create vibrant forms of life. Such work does not leave room for the meek, but a young god named Bernie is trying to overcome his insecurities and make it in a competitive workplace where being an all powerful being can be as stressful as punching into a thankless nine to five job. Making things worse is the presence of Bernie's bully from his school days in the cubicle next door who still carries a grudge and will stop at nothing to see Bernie fail. Luckily, Bernie has a few friends who can see past his awkward demeanor and penchant for stirring chaos in his wake. As Bernie looks for success in universe building maybe he'll find some of life's truths, of which hold true on all planes of existence.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this book. While I found it a bit slower than some of the books I read it also had me thinking. I like that in a book. It made me wonder how I would do if I was creating a universe. I must say I loved the ending.

All in all, I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This was a fun read. The characters were well- written and storyline accessible. So often in fantasy fiction you are taken into a world that can only be understood with an accompanying dictionary of terms or index of characters where the reader will finally acclimate to the environment by the last fifty pages. Not so here. Although aware of being in an alien world, it doesn't feel like it. Everyone can relate to "The Business" and working in the town supported by it. Best of all, we can all identify with the young people that live there and their struggles as they graduate from school and begin to navigate their first "jobs." Well done Mr. LeBel.

Wow, and Damn. Poor Bernie the poor young God goes through it all trying to create his first Universe in his first job as a builder. The Evil Billy has it in for him from day 1. He has his little friends following him in the woods that he doesn't even know about, as well as the friends he makes at work to help him through this rough time. He expects to be fired due to Billy's interference, which means the only way for his universe to survive is to be nominated for a universe award. An amazing book of friendships blooming and vengeance
I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

This is such a fun fantastic story about Bernie and his growing pains of being a young God with an award winning Father to try to measure up to. It is a must read for all ages and all tastes of reading pleasure. But be ready for giggles as you go! Bernie needs to build his own universe and keep his new job with some serious opposition fighting his efforts the whole way. And imagine this - he triumphs despite it all! Go Bernie go!

One amazing story that takes you into Bernie's world and all he has to face after graduating from God's school. Then he becomes entangled into a web of people who start to turn against him. I could not put this book down. One of the things I loved best is that his characters are all so full of life and this story also carried humorous dialogue. Loved it.

I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that this book totally took me by surprise! I am generally a horror/thriller fan, but something about this story really sucked me in! It’s got an interesting plot about gods and universes, and one god in particular, just starting out in the world. He’s a kid, just out of school, and he hasn’t had the best of luck. The author does a great job of building the empathy for his main character, Bernie. I loved the story line, and it was well paced. It definitely kept me turning pages to find out what poor Bernie would have to go through next. There are some twists and turns that keep you guessing, and it ends wonderfully, leaving the door open for many possibilities. I would love to read more of Bernie’s adventures. This story will undoubtedly capture your heart, as well as make you wonder if WE have our own Bernie.

What a wonderful creation!! My 10 year old son and I absolutely loved this book... I would recommend this book to everyone it was a great adventure. I enjoyed that my son put his games on hold for Bernie and I could see his imagination working again. I also have to say thank you for interacting with my son he enjoys that you talk to him and send him things about you and Bernie... Ready for book 2...

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This was a fun book to read! Bernie is a very likeable character. The plot is creative, and interesting, and I really enjoyed it. And frankly, I think the ending was perfect! I hope Steve Lebel continues writing more stories about Bernie, and his friends. This was very well done.

Bernie is amazing. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching as he tries to put right the sabotage by another God. The characters are all lovely, or horrid, and believably black and white. Loved Suzie and Lenny, everyone needs friends who can support each other whilst also accepting the boundaries of that friendship, we don't have to love everything they do to be able to love them, is a lesson we could all benefit from.
Glad to see a bit of closure too, there is definitely room to continue this world, but most of the ends were nicely tied up. Definitely worth a few quid and a few hours of anyone's time. Highly recommended.

Not on KU, one of those free hope you review it things, should go without saying that all my reviews are my own opinion, obviously have a lot and share them whether anyone wants them or not. The writer gives a blurb, the other reviewers give half the plot, more or less. Just read them already, there's a list of the titles out below. I'm helpful like that.Be nice to writers and they write more. *results may vary in your area/state/country

The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty: (humorous fantasy & science fiction for young adults) (The Universe Builders Series Book 1)
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Lost Girl: (humorous fantasy & science fiction for young adults) (The Universe Builders Series Book 2)

I received an advance copy for an honest review. I cannot say enough good things about this book! Right from the start, vivid writing and a unique plot hooked me in. A young god who is just beginning to create worlds must balance work with relationships, and learns a lot along the way. There's some symbolism here reminiscent of C.S. Lewis. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

There are not a lot of books that make me laugh out loud, even less that make me laugh out loud when reading on my Kindle not at home in public... this book made me do both, often! Couldn't put it down until finished. I am looking forward to more in this series.

I loved this book, I'm a great fan of sci-fi and fantasy books, and I always like when good battles evil and Bernie is a good god. In Bernie's world he's fresh out of the universe builders school and just landed the job of a lifetime and that is a long time if you are a god. Bernie, his friend Lenny and his secret crush Suzie fight the former school bully and current work force saboteur.
There was one area that I thought wasn't clear, when it first started telling about the race of people on the planet he created, I wasn't sure where that had come from at first.
“I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”. and I'll buy the next in an instant! Thank you Steve LeBel!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I was impressed with this book. It started off as a book about what happens when a god graduates from school. So I was expecting a standard story of what do you do when you finish school. Instead I got a book of twists and turns that I didn't want to put down. A very enjoyable read with some rather relatable characters

Wow!! From the very first chapter this fantastic book had me riveted. The chapters were short and sweet and the narrative jumped from one person to the next but that is what made this book work. The characters were likeable and Billy made for a fantastic foe in this story. Well worth a read!! I was provideo with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Steve LeBel author of “The Universe Builders”, you are a true artist of the imagination. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to sit back and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. You transported me from a chair in my living room to many diverse universes. The captivating yin/yang of characters kept me enthralled and at times feeling overly protective of Bernie and the need to protect him from his tormenting co-worker Billy. Your delightful humor transcends all my expectations. I haven’t experienced such excitement in a novel in years and look forward to reading more from you. Thank you again. TKlein

If you like humour, with a good story line, you will enjoy this book. None too keen on the short chapters but a thoroughly good read. Reminds me of Terry Pratchett with the witty dialogue and hope to see more of Bernie and his fellow Gods. Nice one Steve.

I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review. I originally downloaded this book for my 11 yr old to read and she loved it. She told me i needed to read it as well, so i did. It took me a little while to really get into the story line bur around the half way mark i found it more interesting. I enjoyed The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty. Would have been a 5 star if it wouldn't have been so slow in the beginning.

I was provided with a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review. I originally downloaded this book for my 11 yr old to read and she loved it. She told me i needed to read it as well, so i did. It took me a little while to really get into the story line bur around the half way mark i found it more interesting. I enjoyed The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty. Would have been a 5 star if it wouldn't have been so slow in the beginning.

Wow...I gobbled it up! Unusual and intriguing plot,......a mind-bending kind of journey into brainology....well distinguished characterizations.....am inclined to think geared toward young adult market...are those character drawings familiar? ....seems to be a great start for a series, as readers are left with many more possibilities of adventures to come...thanks for a fascinating peek into the "God-world"... Ardis

I loved reading this book, a great read for young and old. Bernie, a young god at he beginning, a soft hearted young man who doesn't deserve such an enemy. I suggest everyone should at least read this book once.

Terrific read! Extremely well written. Unique premise that interested me greatly. Story told with perfectly chosen words, engaging characters that took the reader along as if we were shadows, on a walk through a short period of a young "god's" life, at a steady pace and little confusion! I want to say so much more but don't want to give anything away! I just want a sequel!

Its for young adults but I think they could handle more depth. Perhaps in future books I won't be reading because books like this always go downhill after the first one. Some depth like maybe a painful growing experience, like his worlds become stagnant because pain and growth are inseparable.

I received a free copy of thos book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the book for the most part. At times I felt the story was rather slow moving and over-saturated with details.
Bernie was a sweet character who strove hard to be better, and I do love an underdog!

I really got into reading this book! It was like being on a roller coaster! Steve LeBel, you did a great job with your characters and the story itself was very imaginative! I'd recommend this book especially for those of us who love to escape into another world.

I liked the book overall, some parts were a little slow. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books. I particularly liked the parts of the book that were about the creation of universes. And I would love a container of the putty!! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book for free from the author for promising to write an honest review. This was a good book a little slow in places but kept me interested the whole way ill be looking for more from this author soon

The concept is solid and unique, but I didn’t love the execution.
Tiresome storytelling. Prologue says Bernie is starting his first day at work: “how exciting!”, but then the author sends Bernie and his reader on a rambling forest outing for a chapter and seems to forget we were primed to see the main character go to work.
Also, experiencing this strange world is by no means intuitive. Every detail needs to be explained.

I was provided a free copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The book is technically well written, but I simply could not finish it. I am sure young adults will like it, especially Harry Potter fans, but I think most adults will be bored. sorry!

I was given this book in exchange for a honest review... Well I honestly loved this book !!!! If you like mythology.. And I do.. You will love this book!!! It is well worth the read and I would highly recommend it to anyone !!!!!

This whole book felt as if it was written tongue in cheek. It was written superbly. The use of context was professional. If you don't read this book you are missing out big time. The interrelationships are astounding. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was given this book for free for an honest review. While I like most of the characters it is a little hard to read. I feel like the story was dragged out a lot making it hard to get through. Character development was good, I just wasn't that into it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - Thus, I found it to be extremely boring. The writer wrote well, it just had no real action. I got about 12% through and said enough is enough

Bernie is a nerd. But what happens to a nerd when he's a god? Are the gods all nerds?

A recent graduate and a beginning builder, he goes to work for "The Business" and his first assignment is creating a universe, because that's what builders do.However, his arch nemesis, Billy, the guy in the next cubicle, is bound and determined to wreck not only his universe, but any chances Bernie will be able to stay at the job for very long.

This is the kind of book you want to never end, at least for me. It was one of my first kindle app downloads. It kind of sat there for a while until I opened it and basically read it in huge chunks. I could see the author was influenced by other authors and their work. Smatterings of Bullfinch's Mythology,The Phantom Tollbooth, The Borrowers, Start Trek in all its permutations, Star Wars, Freaks and Geeks, Home Alone, Japanese anime,and Harry Potter all dwell in this fantastic story full of light, love, responsibility, reciprocation and peace. It's a fantastically hopeful book, written not only for adults, but for kids. It will challenge you, make you mad and then rethink the idea of karma

And other reviewers are right, it is very whimsical. It will make you challenge yourself. And, in my opinion, it should be one of those "rights of passage" books that end up sermon illustrations on Sunday morning.. READ. THIS. BOOK.

I was sent this book for review quite some time ago and have only just been able to read it because my list is vast. As a reviewer as well as an author, I don't necessarily know what to expect and this story surprised me - it is an amazing read.

Being a mixture of fantasy, science-fiction and science-fact for the main part, this was fascinating in itself, and yet it was filled with intrigue, good v evil and a touch of romance. It is also steeped in philosophy and myth, intermingled with such topics as bullying, power games, ecology, morality and ethics.

I love the realistic feel of the characters, especially Bernie and his mix of emotions and kind heart.

I don't want to give away its secrets so will say that, in my opinion, this story is original, intelligent, well researched and very clever, and written in such a way as to draw in the reader from the start.

Yes, I am now a fan.

Highly recommended.

this was a good start to the series. the universe is a nice new way of looking at things. and this story has stories within the story. overall, it is the story of a boy and his bully. I'm lookong forward to the rest of the series.

I do like a good god and world creation book and this book is really good. The thought behind this is a nice change. The characters are relatable in an almost aggravating way sometimes but I think it makes it better.