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Recommend this book:
Facing Off
Book Two of the Tranquility Series
Tanya Ross
2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Facing Off by Tanya Ross is the second book in the dystopian science fiction young adult Tranquillity series, preceded by the remarkably well-received first book in the series, Rising Up. The series is named for the land its troubles are centered on, a place called Tranquillity where all negative emotions are suppressed and happiness is the order of the day. Literally. Those who resist and rebel, known as REMs for 'resisting emotional management,' are cast out to The Outside by emotional guardians and enforcers for the ruling Magistrate called Plauditors. Told through the points of view of multiple characters, Will, Ember, Serpio, Xander, and Ava, Ross takes us from a material awakening and uprising in book one to a full-blown revolution in book two. “Nothing is worth the sacrifice here. You’re at the Magistrate’s mercy.”
It is a rare thing indeed when a dystopian science fiction novel offers a fresh new plot point in a genre that has recycled more themes than asphalt. Tranquility does exactly that, and Tanya Ross takes the work leaps and bounds further in Facing Off by executing the idea perfectly. I had not actually read book one prior to picking up book two but made quick work of getting the first in, and my goodness, what a difference it makes. The social structure is complex and Ross shows its hierarchy by way of insiders, such as Ava, a trusted Elite, and Will, a Plauditor. As much as I love a good revolution—and a rebel group called Phoenix gives us that—it is the machinations of the Magistrate and the top-down swings that tie it all together. There is a love triangle that allows for a complicated romance and conflict that, let's all be honest here, a young adult book does need to have. I loved the low-key alliance changes that take place and, of course, the primary protagonist Ember is my favorite. This is a gritty read but one that requires no effort at all, and a Molotov cocktail of an ending. Very highly recommended.
Facing Off by Tanya Ross is the second book in the dystopian science fiction young adult Tranquillity series, preceded by the remarkably well-received first book in the series, Rising Up. The series is named for the land its troubles are centered on, a place called Tranquillity where all negative emotions are suppressed and happiness is the order of the day. Literally. Those who resist and rebel, known as REMs for 'resisting emotional management,' are cast out to The Outside by emotional guardians and enforcers for the ruling Magistrate called Plauditors. Told through the points of view of multiple characters, Will, Ember, Serpio, Xander, and Ava, Ross takes us from a material awakening and uprising in book one to a full-blown revolution in book two. “Nothing is worth the sacrifice here. You’re at the Magistrate’s mercy.”
It is a rare thing indeed when a dystopian science fiction novel offers a fresh new plot point in a genre that has recycled more themes than asphalt. Tranquility does exactly that, and Tanya Ross takes the work leaps and bounds further in Facing Off by executing the idea perfectly. I had not actually read book one prior to picking up book two but made quick work of getting the first in, and my goodness, what a difference it makes. The social structure is complex and Ross shows its hierarchy by way of insiders, such as Ava, a trusted Elite, and Will, a Plauditor. As much as I love a good revolution—and a rebel group called Phoenix gives us that—it is the machinations of the Magistrate and the top-down swings that tie it all together. There is a love triangle that allows for a complicated romance and conflict that, let's all be honest here, a young adult book does need to have. I loved the low-key alliance changes that take place and, of course, the primary protagonist Ember is my favorite. This is a gritty read but one that requires no effort at all, and a Molotov cocktail of an ending. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Advent of Dreamtech
A Post-Apocalyptic First Contact Epic (Dreamworms Book 1)
Isaac Petrov
2022 Honorable Mention
372 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Advent of Dreamtech: A Post-Apocalyptic First Contact Epic is a work of fiction in the science fiction subgenre, and was penned by author Isaac Petrov. Written as the opening novel to the Dreamworms series, the work is best suited to the adult reading audience but is moderate in its content and contains only a few explicit words. In a novel that deals with many different concepts, we see the titular Dreamtech being used for the central characters (and indeed the reader) to glimpse a world on the point of total collapse. In a time when the hyper-religious rule in a supposed utopia that is, in fact, only a step away from extinction, the stakes are high for the future of humanity: one woman and the alien she meets may hold the key to life – or death.
Isaac Petrov promises no-bull science fiction, which is exactly what we see delivered in The Advent of Dreamtech. Petrov has crafted a straight-talking story with a fast-paced plot that introduces readers to a bevy of interesting concepts and new storytelling devices that turn the idea of seeing dreams into a post-apocalyptic nightmare. I particularly enjoyed the dark psychology and emotional exploration of the Alien Master section of the story, which was totally fascinating and wove itself back into the main ideas of the plot in such interesting ways. Overall, I would recommend The Advent of Dreamtech to science fiction readers seeking exciting new concepts, fast-paced writing, and epic settings with plenty of danger and intrigue in every chapter.
The Advent of Dreamtech: A Post-Apocalyptic First Contact Epic is a work of fiction in the science fiction subgenre, and was penned by author Isaac Petrov. Written as the opening novel to the Dreamworms series, the work is best suited to the adult reading audience but is moderate in its content and contains only a few explicit words. In a novel that deals with many different concepts, we see the titular Dreamtech being used for the central characters (and indeed the reader) to glimpse a world on the point of total collapse. In a time when the hyper-religious rule in a supposed utopia that is, in fact, only a step away from extinction, the stakes are high for the future of humanity: one woman and the alien she meets may hold the key to life – or death.
Isaac Petrov promises no-bull science fiction, which is exactly what we see delivered in The Advent of Dreamtech. Petrov has crafted a straight-talking story with a fast-paced plot that introduces readers to a bevy of interesting concepts and new storytelling devices that turn the idea of seeing dreams into a post-apocalyptic nightmare. I particularly enjoyed the dark psychology and emotional exploration of the Alien Master section of the story, which was totally fascinating and wove itself back into the main ideas of the plot in such interesting ways. Overall, I would recommend The Advent of Dreamtech to science fiction readers seeking exciting new concepts, fast-paced writing, and epic settings with plenty of danger and intrigue in every chapter.
Recommend this book:
On the Winds of Quasars
T. A. Bruno
2022 Bronze Medal
356 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
On the Winds of Quasars is a work of science fiction with plenty of action and adventure, and was penned by author T. A. Bruno. Suitable for the adult reading audience due to explicit violence, this work focuses on Denton and Eliana Castus after their harrowing trials in Orbit of Sirens. The world of Kamaria is vastly changed and more dangerous than ever, so when children Cade and Nella Castus are taken from home and find themselves in the wilderness, there seems little hope of survival. We follow these young, terrified souls as a deadly winged beast tracks their every move. Meanwhile, their parents uncover something as they search for their children, which may change the wider fate of the world itself.
I am always impressed with T. A. Bruno’s ability to create science fiction that also feels literary for its depth, poignancy, and attention to detail in character. One of the features I admired most about On the Winds of Quasars was its ability to present real drama and terror without over-sensationalizing anything or relying on gimmicks to make the next twist come to life. Because we are so rooted in the Castus family’s personalities, their bonds with one another, and their life so far, it becomes easy to build tension with every decision they make in case it turns out badly for them. Without wishing to spoil anything for readers, the conceptual work for the children’s captor was spectacular and thought-provoking, and the journey they attempt to get home was fraught with danger. Overall, I would highly recommend On the Winds of Quasars and The Song of Kamaria series in general for science fiction fans everywhere.
On the Winds of Quasars is a work of science fiction with plenty of action and adventure, and was penned by author T. A. Bruno. Suitable for the adult reading audience due to explicit violence, this work focuses on Denton and Eliana Castus after their harrowing trials in Orbit of Sirens. The world of Kamaria is vastly changed and more dangerous than ever, so when children Cade and Nella Castus are taken from home and find themselves in the wilderness, there seems little hope of survival. We follow these young, terrified souls as a deadly winged beast tracks their every move. Meanwhile, their parents uncover something as they search for their children, which may change the wider fate of the world itself.
I am always impressed with T. A. Bruno’s ability to create science fiction that also feels literary for its depth, poignancy, and attention to detail in character. One of the features I admired most about On the Winds of Quasars was its ability to present real drama and terror without over-sensationalizing anything or relying on gimmicks to make the next twist come to life. Because we are so rooted in the Castus family’s personalities, their bonds with one another, and their life so far, it becomes easy to build tension with every decision they make in case it turns out badly for them. Without wishing to spoil anything for readers, the conceptual work for the children’s captor was spectacular and thought-provoking, and the journey they attempt to get home was fraught with danger. Overall, I would highly recommend On the Winds of Quasars and The Song of Kamaria series in general for science fiction fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Knowledge Seeker
A YA Dystopian Novel
Rae Knightly
2022 Silver Medal
354 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite
The Knowledge Seeker: A YA Dystopian Novel by Rae Knightly is an epic adventure tale in a dystopian setting, 600 years in the future. Past civilizations of the ‘Enlightened People’ have disappeared in a total collapse caused by climate change and all-out wars. What remains are two feudalistic city-states engaged in a deadly struggle over the remnants of knowledge collected by one of them in their library of ancient printed books squirreled away from the ruins of past cities. All this knowledge, condensed in an ancient memory device, is entrusted to 16-year-old Eodain (nickname ‘Termite’) by the Grand Protector, so he can spread this knowledge to the whole world where it belongs. The story follows young Termite and a few of his helpers through hair-raising adventures, trials, and tribulations that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is from the first-person point of view, in the present tense, by the young Knowledge-Seeker and the language is expertly tailored to the target audience.
In our current age of almost anti-science, denial, and misinformation, this is an extremely important book for young readers to learn and appreciate knowledge in all its forms. What I found delightfully unexpected was the use of leftover electronic technology, powered by still functioning solar panels from the Enlightened Era. This provides an intriguing contrast with the sword-wielding, horseback riding characters of the medieval setting. The characters are the usual antagonists representing good and evil in a classic struggle for all-out victory. The hair-raising adventures of young Termite are coupled with convincing inner monologues of the protagonist, projecting the conflicting emotions of the young crusader as he follows his sacred quest. I found the ending shockingly unexpected; it would leave any young reader gasping with a realization that they didn’t see it coming. I recommend The Knowledge Seeker by Rae Knightly to young adults who need all the encouragement to seek knowledge and humanistic values.
The Knowledge Seeker: A YA Dystopian Novel by Rae Knightly is an epic adventure tale in a dystopian setting, 600 years in the future. Past civilizations of the ‘Enlightened People’ have disappeared in a total collapse caused by climate change and all-out wars. What remains are two feudalistic city-states engaged in a deadly struggle over the remnants of knowledge collected by one of them in their library of ancient printed books squirreled away from the ruins of past cities. All this knowledge, condensed in an ancient memory device, is entrusted to 16-year-old Eodain (nickname ‘Termite’) by the Grand Protector, so he can spread this knowledge to the whole world where it belongs. The story follows young Termite and a few of his helpers through hair-raising adventures, trials, and tribulations that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is from the first-person point of view, in the present tense, by the young Knowledge-Seeker and the language is expertly tailored to the target audience.
In our current age of almost anti-science, denial, and misinformation, this is an extremely important book for young readers to learn and appreciate knowledge in all its forms. What I found delightfully unexpected was the use of leftover electronic technology, powered by still functioning solar panels from the Enlightened Era. This provides an intriguing contrast with the sword-wielding, horseback riding characters of the medieval setting. The characters are the usual antagonists representing good and evil in a classic struggle for all-out victory. The hair-raising adventures of young Termite are coupled with convincing inner monologues of the protagonist, projecting the conflicting emotions of the young crusader as he follows his sacred quest. I found the ending shockingly unexpected; it would leave any young reader gasping with a realization that they didn’t see it coming. I recommend The Knowledge Seeker by Rae Knightly to young adults who need all the encouragement to seek knowledge and humanistic values.
Recommend this book:
Escaping Gravity
Infinite Horizons Book 1
J.D. Sullivan
2022 Gold Medal
339 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Dillon Mackey is the protagonist of Escaping Gravity by J.D. Sullivan. While his parents want him to study law and have a great career, the boy has other dreams. Behind his parents' backs, he applied for an apprenticeship with the non-human scientist and inventor Sherisza Rousilarru, who owns and pilots the only starship powered by a Daevol drive. Sherisza is the last of her kind, and someone seems to be keen on her joining all her dead friends and family as soon as possible. She chooses Dillon as her apprentice from thousands of applications. Only the rather special circumstances under which she picks him up enable Dillon to convince his parents that this is the right thing to do (hard not to go into spoilers here). Once Dillon realizes what he's gotten himself into, he becomes even more determined, and the strange onboard computer named Winston might have something to do with that as well.
Escaping Gravity is the first book in the Infinite Horizons series by J.D. Sullivan and you can already buy more books in the series. While this novel is not high science fiction, and not as complex as some of the books you can find in the genre, it's an entertaining read with quite a bit of romance thrown in (I mean, who can't guess where it goes when a male and a female spend all their time together on a small starship?). It's a really cute story, but there's also plenty of action, fights in space, and a big mystery to solve. It's a nice novel for a relaxing read as the science part is not overwhelming and it does not have to be. You'll find yourself wanting answers to the questions (i.e. who wants Sherisza dead? Who wants a whole species erased?), and this keeps you turning one page after the other until you arrive at the end. I'd recommend the book for teenagers and young adults who want to have some fun and don't mind if there's more fiction than science in a science fiction novel.
Dillon Mackey is the protagonist of Escaping Gravity by J.D. Sullivan. While his parents want him to study law and have a great career, the boy has other dreams. Behind his parents' backs, he applied for an apprenticeship with the non-human scientist and inventor Sherisza Rousilarru, who owns and pilots the only starship powered by a Daevol drive. Sherisza is the last of her kind, and someone seems to be keen on her joining all her dead friends and family as soon as possible. She chooses Dillon as her apprentice from thousands of applications. Only the rather special circumstances under which she picks him up enable Dillon to convince his parents that this is the right thing to do (hard not to go into spoilers here). Once Dillon realizes what he's gotten himself into, he becomes even more determined, and the strange onboard computer named Winston might have something to do with that as well.
Escaping Gravity is the first book in the Infinite Horizons series by J.D. Sullivan and you can already buy more books in the series. While this novel is not high science fiction, and not as complex as some of the books you can find in the genre, it's an entertaining read with quite a bit of romance thrown in (I mean, who can't guess where it goes when a male and a female spend all their time together on a small starship?). It's a really cute story, but there's also plenty of action, fights in space, and a big mystery to solve. It's a nice novel for a relaxing read as the science part is not overwhelming and it does not have to be. You'll find yourself wanting answers to the questions (i.e. who wants Sherisza dead? Who wants a whole species erased?), and this keeps you turning one page after the other until you arrive at the end. I'd recommend the book for teenagers and young adults who want to have some fun and don't mind if there's more fiction than science in a science fiction novel.
Recommend this book:
Looking for Life
A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories
Clayton Graham
2021 Finalist
214 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories by Clayton Graham is a must-read for all science fiction fans out there. Reminiscent of those anthologies and short stories that propelled the golden age of science fiction, Clayton Graham’s elegant and engaging writing style as well as his grasp of a scene and environment makes every short story an entire adventure in itself.
Clayton Graham has elegantly crafted a superb collection of short stories, where every word matters, and none is wasted. It is not easy to incorporate twists and turns in the small number of words allocated to each story but Graham manages to build solid stories and deliver fulfilling endings. From Verne to Shelley, Asimov, and Bradbury, science fiction has primarily dealt with imagination coupled with two extremes; hope and horror. Graham manages to capture the terrors of the fantastic while sprinkling in the persistent and enduring feeling of hope that underlies the actual journey of the human race.
The author’s exploration of fear and how each impacts behavior, both in mundane and fantastic environments, puts into perspective current real-life situations. Most people look at an anthology of science fiction short stories as something they can breeze through, some light reading on a slow day. However, the impact of each story is enough to make me pause and ruminate afterward, my own imagination soaring starting at the point where the author left off. Each story in Looking for Life is just the tip of the iceberg, a snapshot of unique individual universes ripe for exploration.
Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories by Clayton Graham is a must-read for all science fiction fans out there. Reminiscent of those anthologies and short stories that propelled the golden age of science fiction, Clayton Graham’s elegant and engaging writing style as well as his grasp of a scene and environment makes every short story an entire adventure in itself.
Clayton Graham has elegantly crafted a superb collection of short stories, where every word matters, and none is wasted. It is not easy to incorporate twists and turns in the small number of words allocated to each story but Graham manages to build solid stories and deliver fulfilling endings. From Verne to Shelley, Asimov, and Bradbury, science fiction has primarily dealt with imagination coupled with two extremes; hope and horror. Graham manages to capture the terrors of the fantastic while sprinkling in the persistent and enduring feeling of hope that underlies the actual journey of the human race.
The author’s exploration of fear and how each impacts behavior, both in mundane and fantastic environments, puts into perspective current real-life situations. Most people look at an anthology of science fiction short stories as something they can breeze through, some light reading on a slow day. However, the impact of each story is enough to make me pause and ruminate afterward, my own imagination soaring starting at the point where the author left off. Each story in Looking for Life is just the tip of the iceberg, a snapshot of unique individual universes ripe for exploration.
Recommend this book:
Vicarious
A Science Fiction Novel
Rhett C. Bruno
2021 Honorable Mention
418 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Vicarious by Rhett C. Bruno is a science fiction fantasy about the future of popular entertainment and how it affects two very different people. Mission is the name of a young woman who has spent her entire life on board a space vessel that carries the last surviving humans through space on their way to live on another planet. The ship she lives on is called Ignus. Asher is a young man who has spent his entire life watching Mission and the rest of the inhabitants of Ignus on a TV reality show called Ignus Live. Asher is obsessed with the show, especially its star, Mission. Mission has no idea that Asher or anyone exists on the planet that her ancestors came from: Earth. When a slip-up occurs among the film crew that produces Ignus Live, a small problem begins to grow into something that could cause harm to Mission. Asher, desperate to protect Mission, considers doing something that he has sworn never to do; interfere.
I loved everything about Vicarious. Author Rhett C. Bruno has a vivid imagination that translates skillfully to the page to become a masterpiece of fast-paced sci-fi entertainment. As I read the two separate but interlocking stories of Asher and Mission, I couldn’t help but feel like one of the obsessed viewers that inhabit Asher’s world. I couldn’t get enough of their plight as their two stories devolved into desperate measures only to eventually find hope. In other words, I couldn’t put the book down. It was that good. Both worlds, Asher’s entertainment obsessed Earth and Mission’s claustrophobic yet endearing space existence, were so well described in the book that either could have been a complete book on its own. But, combining the worlds and watching them collide with one another was a breath-taking experience. I highly recommend Vicarious for anyone looking for a book that is exciting, fun, and heartwarming.
Vicarious by Rhett C. Bruno is a science fiction fantasy about the future of popular entertainment and how it affects two very different people. Mission is the name of a young woman who has spent her entire life on board a space vessel that carries the last surviving humans through space on their way to live on another planet. The ship she lives on is called Ignus. Asher is a young man who has spent his entire life watching Mission and the rest of the inhabitants of Ignus on a TV reality show called Ignus Live. Asher is obsessed with the show, especially its star, Mission. Mission has no idea that Asher or anyone exists on the planet that her ancestors came from: Earth. When a slip-up occurs among the film crew that produces Ignus Live, a small problem begins to grow into something that could cause harm to Mission. Asher, desperate to protect Mission, considers doing something that he has sworn never to do; interfere.
I loved everything about Vicarious. Author Rhett C. Bruno has a vivid imagination that translates skillfully to the page to become a masterpiece of fast-paced sci-fi entertainment. As I read the two separate but interlocking stories of Asher and Mission, I couldn’t help but feel like one of the obsessed viewers that inhabit Asher’s world. I couldn’t get enough of their plight as their two stories devolved into desperate measures only to eventually find hope. In other words, I couldn’t put the book down. It was that good. Both worlds, Asher’s entertainment obsessed Earth and Mission’s claustrophobic yet endearing space existence, were so well described in the book that either could have been a complete book on its own. But, combining the worlds and watching them collide with one another was a breath-taking experience. I highly recommend Vicarious for anyone looking for a book that is exciting, fun, and heartwarming.
Recommend this book:
 by Melanie Tays. With a deadly pandemic devastating the world, twelve domes are set up to protect the unaffected citizens. The dome-city ...){kind=link}
Wall of Fire
Melanie Tays
2021 Bronze Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic world inadvertently finds herself competing in a contest for the right to live in a secure environment in the dystopian novel Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays. With a deadly pandemic devastating the world, twelve domes are set up to protect the unaffected citizens. The dome-city Emery lives in is divided into three portions, the Flame, the Smoke, and the Ash. Emery and her family live in the Smoke, and even though life is tough and challenging, they are protected from the virus. Now that she is seventeen, Emery can compete in the Burning to have the chance to live in the Flame, a more hospitable environment, but the risk of losing and being exiled to the Ash is too great. However, when Emery sneaks beyond the Flame to acquire the only means for her brother's survival, she is caught and forced to compete in the Burning. Can Emery win a place in the Flame? Or will she be banished to the Ash?
Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays is an exciting post-apocalyptic novel set in a dystopian world. Dramatic and intense, the story and setting are reminiscent of Suzanne Collin's novel and the 2012 film, The Hunger Games. Skillfully written, the story flows at a brisk pace, the intensity, and anticipation building a compelling story arc that snowballs to an unexpected and electrifying conclusion. With engaging characters and a unique setting, I was captivated from the first page until the last. This book is the first in a spectacular series, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequels. It is a riveting post-apocalyptic novel, and I highly recommend it to everyone from twelve years old on up who enjoys speculative fiction and dystopian stories.
A teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic world inadvertently finds herself competing in a contest for the right to live in a secure environment in the dystopian novel Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays. With a deadly pandemic devastating the world, twelve domes are set up to protect the unaffected citizens. The dome-city Emery lives in is divided into three portions, the Flame, the Smoke, and the Ash. Emery and her family live in the Smoke, and even though life is tough and challenging, they are protected from the virus. Now that she is seventeen, Emery can compete in the Burning to have the chance to live in the Flame, a more hospitable environment, but the risk of losing and being exiled to the Ash is too great. However, when Emery sneaks beyond the Flame to acquire the only means for her brother's survival, she is caught and forced to compete in the Burning. Can Emery win a place in the Flame? Or will she be banished to the Ash?
Wall of Fire (Wall of Fire Series: Book 1) by Melanie Tays is an exciting post-apocalyptic novel set in a dystopian world. Dramatic and intense, the story and setting are reminiscent of Suzanne Collin's novel and the 2012 film, The Hunger Games. Skillfully written, the story flows at a brisk pace, the intensity, and anticipation building a compelling story arc that snowballs to an unexpected and electrifying conclusion. With engaging characters and a unique setting, I was captivated from the first page until the last. This book is the first in a spectacular series, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequels. It is a riveting post-apocalyptic novel, and I highly recommend it to everyone from twelve years old on up who enjoys speculative fiction and dystopian stories.
Recommend this book:
In the Orbit of Sirens
The Song of Kamaria
T. A. Bruno
2021 Silver Medal
514 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In the Orbit of Sirens, the first part of The Song of Kamaria series, is a work of science fiction and dystopia by author T. A. Bruno. Set in a world where members of the human race are now part of an endangered species, the book follows two characters working to provide refuge for what’s left of humanity on the planet Kamaria. Whilst the new world seems like a paradise, it comes with new dangers; first and foremost a deadly disease, the cure to which is closely guarded by the locals. But as the effort to treat ‘lung-lock’ pushes forward, it accidentally causes an even more dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity once and for all.
Author T. A. Bruno delivers a dystopian delight which is truly out of this world, and one which I enjoyed immensely. This was right on the money for my favorite kind of fiction, not least for its lavish, vivid depictions of a desolate world and desperation for survival, but also because of the keen parallels to our own contemporary lives that are hidden in the dark shadows of the piece. The work is well suited and accessible to all readers, tense without being graphic, emotive without overreaching. The characters are also deeply considered with some very dynamic dialogue that digs into their psychology in this brave new world. Overall, I would highly recommend In the Orbit of Sirens as a must-read for sci-fi and dystopian fans who want to embark on an original and engrossing new series. Unmissable.
In the Orbit of Sirens, the first part of The Song of Kamaria series, is a work of science fiction and dystopia by author T. A. Bruno. Set in a world where members of the human race are now part of an endangered species, the book follows two characters working to provide refuge for what’s left of humanity on the planet Kamaria. Whilst the new world seems like a paradise, it comes with new dangers; first and foremost a deadly disease, the cure to which is closely guarded by the locals. But as the effort to treat ‘lung-lock’ pushes forward, it accidentally causes an even more dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity once and for all.
Author T. A. Bruno delivers a dystopian delight which is truly out of this world, and one which I enjoyed immensely. This was right on the money for my favorite kind of fiction, not least for its lavish, vivid depictions of a desolate world and desperation for survival, but also because of the keen parallels to our own contemporary lives that are hidden in the dark shadows of the piece. The work is well suited and accessible to all readers, tense without being graphic, emotive without overreaching. The characters are also deeply considered with some very dynamic dialogue that digs into their psychology in this brave new world. Overall, I would highly recommend In the Orbit of Sirens as a must-read for sci-fi and dystopian fans who want to embark on an original and engrossing new series. Unmissable.
Recommend this book:
Journey to the Hopewell Star
Hannah D. State
2021 Gold Medal
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
The destiny of two planets depends on a twelve-year-old girl and her acquisition of a highly advanced astrological technology that disappeared many years ago in the science fiction fantasy Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State. Sam Sanderson's parents are notable scientists who are on a secret project and have left Sam at the farm in her grandfather's care. Unable to visit her on her twelfth birthday, her parents send her presents with Boj, a young man from another planet. Among her gifts are two specific items that will transform her life. One is The Mind Traveler's Teachings, a book from her father, and another is a small device that opens a wormhole to other galaxies. Taking a trip with Boj to his home planet Kryg, Sam discovers that the fate of the earth is far worse than previously thought. Kryg is in trouble as well and on the verge of extinction. According to an old prophecy, Sam is the one who can prevent both earth and Kryg from their self-imposed destruction by locating the missing Hopewell Star. But where can a twelve-year-old girl look for a highly technologically advanced creation? And how can she launch planetary modifications that will benefit two worlds?
Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State is a thrilling science fiction novel set in another galaxy as well as on earth. It has an exciting plot, colorful story worlds, unique characters, and fascinating creatures. The protagonists are engaging and likable and are people you want to meet again. Sam is wise for her age, and her methods for dealing with bullies are unique as well as entertaining and commendable. Including action-packed scenes, a deadly conflict, and a formidable villain, it is a spellbinding story that is impossible to put down. It is a sensational tale that will delight readers aged eight to twelve years old who enjoy thrilling science fiction fantasy stories containing ordinary girls who become extraordinary heroines.
The destiny of two planets depends on a twelve-year-old girl and her acquisition of a highly advanced astrological technology that disappeared many years ago in the science fiction fantasy Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State. Sam Sanderson's parents are notable scientists who are on a secret project and have left Sam at the farm in her grandfather's care. Unable to visit her on her twelfth birthday, her parents send her presents with Boj, a young man from another planet. Among her gifts are two specific items that will transform her life. One is The Mind Traveler's Teachings, a book from her father, and another is a small device that opens a wormhole to other galaxies. Taking a trip with Boj to his home planet Kryg, Sam discovers that the fate of the earth is far worse than previously thought. Kryg is in trouble as well and on the verge of extinction. According to an old prophecy, Sam is the one who can prevent both earth and Kryg from their self-imposed destruction by locating the missing Hopewell Star. But where can a twelve-year-old girl look for a highly technologically advanced creation? And how can she launch planetary modifications that will benefit two worlds?
Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State is a thrilling science fiction novel set in another galaxy as well as on earth. It has an exciting plot, colorful story worlds, unique characters, and fascinating creatures. The protagonists are engaging and likable and are people you want to meet again. Sam is wise for her age, and her methods for dealing with bullies are unique as well as entertaining and commendable. Including action-packed scenes, a deadly conflict, and a formidable villain, it is a spellbinding story that is impossible to put down. It is a sensational tale that will delight readers aged eight to twelve years old who enjoy thrilling science fiction fantasy stories containing ordinary girls who become extraordinary heroines.
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