Echo: A Space Opera Duology (Book 1) By Michael Listen - This Story Has It All - Great Space Opera

Echo: A Space Opera Duology (Book 1) By Michael Listen

Every now and then, I discover a story that is so compelling, I cannot stop reading for hours at a time. Such a story unfolds in my mind like a movie and is filled with characters who jump off the page and become like real people I care about and invest in. I've been told there should be a surprise in every chapter, on every page, in every paragraph, and in every sentence. This work by Michael Listen is just such a novel.

This story is supercharged with a full range of emotion, from gut-busting laughter at the humor to an evil character so appalling. I cannot wait to see him getting his due.

In this time when anyone can publish their work in the blink of an eye, this is an example of a story that will rise to the top and scream, "Read Me Now!" I cannot imagine any fan of sci-fi space opera that wouldn’t enjoy this story.

It finally happened. All the fossil fuels on Earth were all used up, and humanity had to move away and live among the stars. In the galaxy's vastness, factions arose, and wars broke out and there were those who did their best to make a living. Such was the lot of Kai Randal, the master of a small shuttle. He, along with his apprentice, Parri Hasana, travel around moving small cargos from one place to another, and they also seek opportunities to earn a living and keep their small ship running.

Shreya Nova is a scientist and soldier in the Ursae Dynasty who, along with her husband, are working under a deadline to develop a propulsion system that will allow ships to travel vast distances quickly. She is used to living very well, but when a test fails to provide the desired results, Shreya's husband is lost when the test vehicle is destroyed on the return trip. The failure results in Shreya being ruined and doomed to indentured servitude to a despotic commander who bankrolled the project.

Kai and Parri are on hand for the events as they try to steal the files from the tests. Kai becomes the unlikely hero, saving Shreya from death in the vacuum in space and so begins a precarious relationship where survival is uncertain.

The characters in Echo are amazingly well developed, interesting, and are what drives this story. They all have personalities and flaws as one would expect in reality.

Kai is a forty-something veteran of the Unified Corporate Colonies (UCC) Navy. Retired from the military, he makes a marginal living providing services as he moves between systems. He has a sense of justice and is strongly opposed to slavery, his big motive for working so hard to keep Shreya safe. It also has a moral center that seems quite sound. As he travels with Parri, a young woman who is half his age, he knows his boundaries and sticks to them even though Parri often makes it difficult.

Parri wants to be a pilot. She is in her early to mid-twenties and can be brattish and one gets the impression she is used to getting her way most of the time. But she is also smart and tough. Parri is a very dynamic character, and one cannot help but like this kid. She has a quick wit and is constantly on Kai's case about one thing or another.

These two characters are a source of humor in the story and are brilliantly written. Their relationship is full of tension, but through it all, Kai loves her as a mentor, but Parri wants more from their relationship, maybe more than Kai is willing to give. Parri seems to be in too much of a hurry to grow up.

Shreya Aurelia is on a quest to learn the fate of her lost husband. She refuses to believe he is dead and will not give up until she knows his fate for certain. Shreya has a strong personality and bounces back even in the worse of situations. She has an aristocratic tendency to take charge of things because that is the way of her culture, which often clashes with Kai's culture.

The evil antagonist in the novel is Prefect Marcus Ovius of the Ursaen Legion. He is a despotic commander in charge of getting a new faster-than-light drive built and running, and he has used his own funds to complete the project. This character has no redeeming qualities, and it isn't long before the reader will find him downright despicable.

At one point in the story, Kai, Parri, and Shreya pay a visit to Parri's home planet. Without going into too much detail, Parri displays a desire to take her and Kai's relationship to a new level. This point of the plot allows for a major relief in the tension the author has built in the story and is a source for numerous surprises and a lot of hilarity. While it is a break in the action, it also serves to build tension between our heroes. It gives the reader a chance to catch their breath before the tension builds to the end of the book, which ends in a cliffhanger.

Another plot point I enjoyed is the extensive world building. Listen does an amazing job of setting the scene all the way through this tale and the reader can easily visualize the backdrops behind the story. The details are astounding but not overstated. It is obvious the author has put in a lot of thought to build a universe in which the action can unfold naturally.

My takeaway from Echo is how it demonstrates that all glory is fleeting. No matter how powerful or wealthy one becomes, it can all be lost in the blink of an eye. There is a very thin line between wealth and poverty, freedom and slavery, and benevolence and despotism. While Shreya learns this as a member of a system that allows for it, Kai and Parri see it from the outside. Kai is appalled by what he deems unjust and is willing to fight it, even though it may cost him his life. 

Echo Book 1 is an excellent first novel from author Michael Listen. I hope for more in the future. He has a real handle on writing sci-fi including great world building and characters one can enjoy reading about. 

I loved this first book and will be reporting back with a review of the second book soon.

This is one that space opera fans should not pass by. It is fun, entertaining, hilarious, and appalling (in the right ways). There are characters to love and some to hate. The science isn't too farfetched for those who can take a little time and suspend their disbelief. I give Echo #1 my highest recommendations for some great Sci-Fi!

If you are interested in further information on this book, go to https://authormichaelliste.wixsite.com/authormlisten for more material, histories, maps, and behind the scenes information related directly to this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael Listen lives in Oklahoma with his wife and two children. After his time in the Navy, he moved into the Information Technology profession. However, Michael has always had a passion for art and creativity. He enjoys crafting stories for role-playing sessions with friends or writing short stories for his wife. His first full-length published book was a two-part science fiction space opera titled Echo.

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The Defector (The Apollo Murders Series Book 2) By Chris Hadfield - A Russian Pilot Delivers A Gift Too Good To Be True

The Defector (Book 2 of the Apollo Murders Series) by Chris Hadfield

It has been nearly two years since I read Hadfield's first novel, The Apollo Murders, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. While scrolling through the Kindle store, The Defector showed up on the list of books I might also like. Outside of the book being written by Hadfield, I was attracted by the cover art.

I got into this story and found it to be a lightening paced tale of intrigue in a fascinating setting. It grabbed me from the opening and didn't let me down at all. Hadfield's writing style is like authors I enjoyed who wrote books during the 1970s and 1980s when I was deep into reading military Science Fiction. Set during the Cold War, a time when tensions were high between the world's superpowers, it feels plausible. It is written to be a believable idea with solid characters who the reader can care about. The backdrops used to paint pictures in the mind's eye provide completeness to the story, and I think this is a must read for those who enjoy stories of espionage and intrigue.

As Israel prepares for the Yom Kippur war of October 1973, a Russian pilot stationed in Syria climbs aboard his MiG 25 Foxbat on an apparent routine flight. Celebrated Soviet pilot, Alexander Vasilyevich Abramovich, known as Grief, flies his MiG to the Lod Airport (now known as the Ben Gurion International Airport) and lands creating quite a stir. To top that off, he pops the canopy and announces his desire to defect to the United States.

Former fighter pilot and astronaut candidate, Kazimieras (Kaz) Zimeckis of the US Navy is brought in to aid in discovering if Grief's claim to defect is legitimate When it is determined Grief is telling the truth, he and his aircraft are taken to Groom Lake, Nevada, which is also known as Area 51, as well as many other names.

There the plane is deconstructed and Grief shares secrets about his craft with the scientists and engineers. Grief also learns about other aircraft and happenings at the top-secret airbase and becomes friends with several personnel there.

It isn't long before things start to go a little sideways and problems arise. Discoveries are made, and not all of them are good.

There are two principal characters in this story.

First there is Kazimieras Zemeckis commonly known as Kaz. In Hadfield's first novel, The Apollo Murders, we met Kaz, a test pilot and astronaut candidate. In that story, Kaz lost sight in one eye when he struck a bird that came through his canopy. He continues working as a commander in the US Navy without flight status. He is a levelheaded man who likes to get to the bottom of problems. When he is assigned to keep an eye on the Soviet defector, he takes on the job with vigor. After all, there are numerous secrets to be learned from both the defector and his aircraft. One of Kaz's best qualities is to stay cool under fire and work problems until he finds solutions. This character reminds me a lot of Dirk Pitt, one of Clive Cussler's favorite characters, but Kaz is far more believable as a real human being.

The defector, Alexander Vasilyevich Abramovich is identified in the book going by his call sign, Grief. He is a Soviet top pilot, well respected by his peers in the service. It would seem unlikely he would be one to defect, but according to his story, he just wants to go to the United States and fly the best planes in the world. That's his story, but he has a much deeper story he isn't telling. 

The funny thing about Grief is, he is a likable guy, and he gets along well with the engineers at Groom Lake. But we also learn he has a stone-cold, ruthless side to him, and when that is revealed in the book, it's weird, but one might almost find themselves rooting for his success, but only to a point.

My favorite point of plot in this story is how the author uses the Yom Kippur War of 1973. It was a conflict in which a coalition of Arab states led by Syria and Egypt made it their goal to take back Israeli held lands on the border between Egypt and Israel on the Sinai Pennsula and the Golan Heights. In this story, the Israelis are monitoring troop buildups along their held territories and are planning their response. Things are thrown into chaos when Grief lands his MiG in a major airport on Israeli soil. I this story, we get a close look at the Prime Minister Golda Meir and her Minister of Defense, Moshe Dayan. I remember hearing those names in 1973 when I was much younger, still in my teens. There isn't a great deal about the war in the rest of the story, but for those who remember those days and the tensions in the world, it did well in setting the attitudes of the characters in the book.

My takeaway from The Defector is to remember that a gift can sometimes be a Trojan Horse. A Soviet pilot gives his advanced fighter to the enemy and wants nothing more than to fly the US's most advanced aircraft in return. Well, as the story unfolds, Grief wants much more than the freedom to fly, he has been sent on a mission of espionage, and he has some support, but mostly has to rely on his own wits, which he seems to have in ample supply.

This was a great spy story written much like those I read in the 1970s by Cussler and others in the genre. The characters are realistic and there are relevant historical references to help shape them and their attitudes. The action in this book starts with the first page and continues through the entire book to the end. I read this in just a few days because I couldn't put it down. This story is intense on various levels, with many humorous moments, and there is also plenty of violent action. While I wouldn't call this a purely Science Fiction novel, there are numerous elements of science and advanced engineering. From the author, as a former astronaut, test pilot, and fighter pilot, we get a lot of factual perspective, but it is presented in a way that the technical aspects don't get in the way of the story.

This is the second book of The Apollo Murders Series, but it reads very well as a stand alone novel.

All in all, this story was a satisfying and fun read. I recommend The Defector to those who enjoy Military Sci-Fi as well as stories of espionage.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chris Hadfield is one of the most seasoned and accomplished astronauts in the world. He was the top test pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and a Cold War fighter pilot intercepting armed Soviet bombers in Canadian air space. A veteran of three space flights, he served as capsule communicator - CAPCOM - for 25 shuttle missions, as NASA's director of operations in Russia, and as commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield's books, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, You Are Here, and The Darkest Dark have all been international bestsellers, and topped the charts for months in Canada. His debut novel, The Apollo Murders, became an instant #1 bestseller in his homeland.

The Little Blue Log Book by Roman Lando - A Teaser Novelette For An Upcoming Novel

The Little Blue Log Book by Roman Lando

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was alerted to this novelette through an email because I follow the author on Amazon.

Nearly a year ago, I was introduced to Roman Lando when he offered me the opportunity to enjoy his first novel, Progress Report. It is the story of a guy who gets caught up in a mission to prevent a devastating nuclear war.

The Little Blue Log Book is a teaser for what is a planned second novel and stand-alone sequel to Progress Report. If this novelette is any indication of what is coming in the next book, it promises to be another great story worth waiting for.

Crack Air Force pilot Vince Ortega faces the end of his brilliant career. He is being replaced by Artificial Intelligence. His choice is either to leave the service or become a pilot in a top-secret government program. Since he will be allowed to continue flying, he takes the second choice and works to get himself ready for a flight in a special craft that will take him to investigate a strange situation.

He finds himself in a competition with fellow pilot, Val, who can fly as well as he can. Vince edges Val out because of his combat experience. Soon, he finds himself in control of an amazing flying headed to a place one only reads about in Sci-Fi novels.

As I mentioned, this is only a small teaser from a much larger story, and you can bet the rent, I'll be first in line to grab this one when it becomes available. It is going to be a great story full of twists and turns.

You can download The Little Blue Log Book for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Little-Blue-Log-Book-ebook/dp/B0CK55SR14?ref_=ast_author_dp

You cannot beat the price for this one.

Roman, the author of the Little Blue Log Book and a sci-fi thriller novel, Progress Report, is a composer, musician, and web and new media designer, and positively has too many passions, interests, and hobbies in his life.

When he's not writing books or music, he can be found sailing, playing keys in a prog rock band, flying his drones, building crazy flight simulation rigs, and LARPing. His lifelong love and passion for hard sci-fi take a special place in his heart. Reading was never enough. The only way to satisfy this obsession was to write his debut novel. He hopes to share his love for true science fiction, along with his interest in history, science, philosophy, and technology with his readers.

After living in three countries on three continents and speaking three languages, Roman has finally settled in Toronto where he lives with his wife and two daughters. No dogs or cats are involved - his drones are his pets. He is now working on his second novel.

You can get in touch with Roman and subscribe to his mailing list at the Progress Report website: https://progressreport.romandesign.ca

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WIne Dark Deep (Book 1) By R. Peter Keith - A Hard Sci-Fi Novella Packed Full Of Greatness!

Wine Dark Deep: Wine Dark Deep Book 1 By R. Peter Keith

I downloaded this book for free from Kindle Unlimited and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A couple of weeks ago, I realized I actually had a little time to read something that I wanted to read for a change. I had no promises for reviews and was between Honor Harrington books for the podcast, so I could just read for fun. I searched through my Kindle library to see if there was anything there I’d been putting off. I found this one that has been sitting on my reader for a few months. Seeing it was only 144 pages, decided to give it a look.

Wine Dark Deep is the first of a set of three novellas and is the story of a mission commander working to avert disaster for his ship and crew. There is a lot in this story, and it moves at a breakneck pace. It is full of easy-to-understand hard science and focuses on the main character's exploits to keep from being marooned in our solar system’s asteroid belt.

I read it in two sittings, loved it, and am looking forward to the next two installments of the series.

Ulysses mission commander, Calvin Scott, awaits a delivery of fuel as his ship runs dangerously low. He learns that the crew of the Ceres mining station, where his fuel is expected to arrive from, is no longer serving Earth-based ships. It seems the people who live and work on the asteroid have decided they are not being properly represented back home and are making their point by taking over from their bosses.

Whether Cal agrees with the dissenters or not, he has a ship and crew depending on him for their survival in deep space, and far as he is concerned, failure is not an option. His solution is to take the Ulysses to Ceres and get the fuel he needs by any means necessary.

The principal character of Wine Dark Deep, Calvin Scott, is a take charge commander who puts the safety of his ship and crew above all else. When the fuel wouldn't come to him, he knew he needed to go and get it to complete the mission as well as simply survive. What I liked most about him was how cool he was under fire. He understands that launching into a panic will not solve the problem. He would prefer not to get into a squabble with the rebellious workers on the asteroid but is quite capable of doing so if necessary.

I am hoping for more development of this character as we revisit him in future novellas.

My favorite point of plot for this story is how well the technology is handled. This is hard sci-fi, but any reader should be able to access what is contained in this novel easily enough.

My takeaway from Wine Dark Deep is to remember that sometimes, if a job needs doing, one must do it themselves.

I immensely enjoyed this opening story of the Wine Dark Deep trilogy. There isn't a lot of fluff in the book and the fast pace of the story will drive a reader to finish it quickly. The blurb states the story is inspired by The Expanse, Star Trek, and The Martian. It is clear to see the influences of all three of those franchises contained in these pages. Cal is as professional as Kirk, the workers on the asteroid seek the equality enjoyed by everyone else as in the Expanse novels, and the element of survival in an extremely hostile environment comes from The Martian.

As mentioned before, it is a fast read and most will want to read this in one sitting. It is available to borrow on Kindle Unlimited, and if one chooses, it is available for the Kindle for $1.

I recommend Wine Dark Deep for fans of Science Fiction and Space Opera.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

R. Peter Keith is the creative director of a NASA Space Act Agreement partner company that specializes in the design, fabrication, and exhibition of museum exhibits and interactive experiences. He's flown the NASA-Langley Lunar Lander Simulator to a landing in front of the Moon McDonalds (there really is a McDonalds on the moon in that NASA simulator, he has pics) and has spent time inside an original Apollo LM and the Orion Spacecraft with one of its engineers.

Keith collaborated with NASA to produce a simulation-Based exhibition that focused on the basic concepts of spaceflight and their possible application in the colonization of our solar system. On its premier, the exhibition broke all attendance records for Space Center Houston, the official NASA Visitor Center for the Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut program.

The many long, thoughtful, and technical conversations with NASA experts and advisors from Houston, Langly, and JPL that occurred during the creation of this exhibition and its seven simulators and related programs provided the germ of the idea that became the Wine Dark Deep series.

Keith lives in Vermont with his wife, kids, and dogs. He has hung on to an old car for so long it has become cool again and has done the same with a few pairs of pants. He has an unreasonable love for all speculative fiction, having grown up with both classic literary and film works as well as the wonders of Marvel Comics, Star Trek, and Star blazers. He's an avid video game fan as well as a voracious reader.

Josh and Sen Save The Multiverse Book 1: The Path of One by D.P. Behling - First Installment of a Fun Story!

Josh and Sen Save The Multiverse Book 1: The Path of One by D.P. Behling

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

What is the nature of the multiverse? Well, you never know what is going to happen next. You never know who you are going to meet. You never know who your enemies might be; even a little old lady in an elevator can be very dangerous.

The book "Josh and Sen" tells the story of an unlikely pair of characters who have different goals but are forced to work together. There is some violence in the story, but the reader cannot help but laugh now and then. The humor in the story is a tad not unlike that of Douglas Adams’ style. One should read carefully to get it.

I will admit, at the opening of this story, I almost set the book aside. The prologue was loaded with jargon and big words I didn't understand, and I was confused with what this book was about. I didn't stop reading and as I got into the first chapter, things became clearer. Following the opening, Josh and Sen quickly became a book that I didn't want to put down, and I read it in a couple of days.

Terran, Joshua Tanner, has had a spotty past, but he is working hard to get his life together and be able to be with his daughter, Sophie, again. Working to be responsible, he studies to be an attorney. While riding an elevator, he begins hearing a voice in his head warning him he is about to be attacked by an old woman on an elevator. It turns out the voice is correct when the old woman pulls out a knife from her shopping bag and goes after josh in that small space.

Josh is no stranger to fighting and, thanks to the use of his briefcase, he defends himself, and he stops the old woman's relentless attack by beating her to death with the valise that saved his life.

Senyak Marztanak fails his grandfather's examinations to gain his family's ruling seat. Zenyak, his grandfather, strips Sen of his immortality and starts him in a re-training program, administered by himself.

Josh and Sen are joined in the multiverse by Karma and have to work together to achieve their individual goals.

All the while, the Oblivion comes closer, threatening to end everything.

While Josh and Sen, along with Zenyak, are the center of the story, I enjoyed the immortal characters the two protagonists meet along the way. None of them behaved as one expects as they, and we meet them. Zenyak challenges the protagonists to gain their powers and abilities by performing tasks. Some tasks include defeating dangerous enemies, other tasks allow the pair to meet immortal figures who are not at all as they are portrayed in mythology and literature. This brought an interesting dimension to the book that fascinated me.

My favorite point of plot is how the characters face some impossible odds as they go on their various quests, but they use their observations to adapt to the various obstacles in their way. The author's video gaming influence is apparent in that, after each success, the protagonists experience they get a report on the increase of their abilities in a very gaming sort of way. They grow stronger as they complete tasks and acquire items.

My takeaway from this book is, no matter how weird life can seem, it can always get weirder - take nothing for granted!

After my initial confusion at the very beginning of the story, once I settled in, I found Josh and Sen an enjoyable read that mixes fantasy with science fiction in a satisfying way. The characters are interesting, and the story unfolds by ramping up the tension and then giving release. The story is full of twists and turns and the solutions to problems are not always obvious. We get a look at the thought processes of the protagonists that add depth to the story. This is the first installment of a series, and I can only think that the stakes are going to continue to rise as the character's challenges become more difficult. I recommend this story for its straight to the point approach after a rather confusing introduction that almost didn't hook me. Your milage may vary.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

David Behling is a Chicago born sci-fi, fantasy author, and a video game admirer. When he was younger and stronger, he was able to fight off his infatuation long enough to work as a Honolulu-based plaintiff's malpractice lawyer for five years before attending med school and residency. Now he treats his patients on Oahu, where his office has been for the last fifteen years.

He has trained in several fields of martial arts over the year, including Tae Kwon Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Older now, he would rather be surfing, snowboarding, and skating when he is brave enough!

Most importantly, he is the proud father of four amazing children: Indigo, Tristan, Kireina, and Nina. They even text him sometimes. He is also the lucky owner of the world's cutest chihuahua, Rosie.

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The Age Of Heroes By Mikhail Gladkikh - Historical Sci-Fi Adventure To Stimulate The Imagination

The Age of Heroes by Mikhail Gladkikh

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

After reading this author's first novel, Out of Time, I wanted more from him. I was thrilled when he contacted me, telling me about his new novel, The Age of Heroes. I was surprised to learn it is a sci-fi tale set in the late Bronze Age, a time when people explained events they didn't understand through mythology rather than science.

What I kind of expected was a retelling of the ancient stories of destruction retold for a more modern audience, i.e., the story from Homer's Iliad. Although the siege and sacking of Troy is included in the tale, it is not simply a retelling of Homer's epic. The Age of Heroes is a completely new story covering the strife in locations all around the Mediterranean. Constant conflict was the order of the day, including the sacking of cities, starvation, and the dispersion of large populations reduced to having to be hunter-gatherers, as in even more ancient times.

Out of this tale, heroes arise, but everyone seems to know that their age is coming to an end and will give way to a new age, and those not willing to embrace change will be condemned to oblivion.

I have always been fascinated with mythology and how people reasoned in ancient times. As stated in the Foreward, this book is not intended to be a retelling of history, nor is it intended to be an alternative to actual events. It is intended to be entertaining and thought provoking. It is a speculative story of imagination and adventure and a fun read.

What the populations of several city-states perceive as their gods is actually a group of aliens who are on a mission to survey and learn about the people of the earth. The gods, who are an alien race called Soarers, have made their presence known in numerous cultures and are worshipped and feared by the people. When the commander calls the group together to decide how to proceed with their relationships with Earth's population, an argument breaks out. Some see the humans as a growing society to be nurtured into the future, while others see humans as a dangerous race who, if allowed to grow and explore the stars, would bring death and destruction with them, maybe even causing the extinction of the Soarers themselves. The council splits and the commander of the alien crew loses control, and the gods start using their vast technology to cause even more mayhem among the already constantly warring population.

One aspect that stands out for me is the character development of the major players in this story.

There are numerous characters to keep track of, with many diverse cultural roots and beliefs who clash along the way. Some are quite compassionate, while others set themselves up as oppressors of their people and cause much strife for others.

The Soarers all have different jobs in the crew and have different ideas about what to do. Whether to actively interfere or stand back and observe the lively happenings among the humans. Their leader, known to the Greeks as Zeus, is a kind of sad figure who wants the mission to succeed. He is powerful, but so are his fellow crew members. They all have vastly advanced technology at their command. I felt sad for Commander as he worked to keep his group in order, but ran into failure at every turn.

The greatest hero of the story was Echelaos, the Achaean Prince of Pylos, who goes on a quest. He is driven to be reunited with his beloved Helen, who, while betrothed to him, is also promised to the prince of Troy. It is a journey he pursues through the entire tale and illustrates how heroism often comes with a lot of pain and suffering.

My favorite point of plot in The Age of Heroes is the colorful descriptions of the places we get to visit. I also found the characters remarkable in how well we get to know them early in the story. They are human in every way, quite vulnerable, and have to rely on their wits to keep going, especially Echelaos.

There are numerous scenes of battle that capture the brutality of the age. Those are also well described and can be disturbing to readers sensitive to descriptions of battle, destruction, and death.

For me, my takeaway was in the theme of how hubris can play both a positive, but more often a negative, role in the affairs of humans. Commander is surrounded by beings who have been manipulating people with great success for so long, they begin to believe in their human-given roles as gods. Even with their immense power, they think themselves beyond what they really are and sometimes overstep their bounds. Many become corrupted by the self-perceived power leading to the downfall of them all.

This makes The Age of Heroes worth reading if for no other reason.

I give high recommendations for The Age of Heroes. As a fan of mythology and sci-fi, it is an excellent story that will provide fodder for thought. It is a fascinating tale of speculation on a period of history we are still exploring and learning about. There are great characters in a story that moves along at a good pace and is loaded with vivid descriptions of people, places, and events that will trigger the imagination. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Mikhail...

I'm a technologist and a science fiction author.

My professional career provides me with a unique perspective on the technologies of the future. I am working at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution, advancing 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Supply Chain, and Energy Transition. You can read my fiction and connect with me at my website, mikhailgladkikh.com.

Join me in my quest to imagine the future world!

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Betrayal of Hope (Star Marked Series Book 3) By Justin Doyle - A Great Wrap-Up To An Amazing Series!

Betrayal of Hope (Star Marked Series Book 3) by Justin Doyle

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Note: This book will be released on July 21, 2023.

Choices. We all have to make them on a daily basis. Some are pretty easy, and some are more difficult. But to make choices to actually go in the complete opposite direction from what one believes in are the most difficult of all.

In this, the third book of Justin Doyle's Star Marked series, choices are a major theme.

Justin is growing as an author and his first books show this with incredible world building and character growth. With those two elements, he has penned a Sci-Fi/Fantasy mashup that is not to be missed. I enjoy the fast pace and how he shows his story that unfolds as a movie might with each page turn. His books can be read as standalone volumes, but at the same time, there are threads that tie all three books together to create some great reading.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book...Darynn, Fyra, and Kaylaa have solved the gods' mysteries. But how can they unveil the secrets to save the starving Olan-Har without unleashing chaos upon Vastire?

A war they are handily losing with long-time adversary Erodia delays their decision. With few options left, Commander Aseus turns to Darynn to attempt a daring mission to infiltrate Erodia, just like his grandfather did 80 years ago.

The trio and a small team agrees to the treacherous mission across the dangerous, wild continent filled with powerful enemies. But he’s conflicted. Not only does magical power rampage within, but he starts to wonder who he’s fighting for: royalty and the clergy, or the people? That question will drive him to make impossible choices.

If he chooses correctly, he can end the war and save the Olan-Har, but at a great cost. If he doesn’t, the Erodians will rule Vastire and the secrets of the gods will be lost.

SECRETS SPARK WARS

Darynn, Fyra, and Kaylaa have been through a lot together. Their teamwork has solved various issues as time has passed, and they have grown as characters.Darynn, the consummate hot head, has learned to think things through before he acts. He possesses a devastating power that will cause utter destruction if he unleashes it. It has happened before with mixed results. While he still gets angry, and his weapon gets very near the surface, he has learned to back away and reign in his impulses. This is thanks mostly to Fyra.

Fyra is the logical thinker of the trio. But she is learning that not everything can be approached from a logical point of view. Sometimes passion must guide one when making decisions.

Then there's Kaylaa, a great warrior who has also learned to govern her passions and pick her battles wisely.

While the entire story, as well as the three-book saga, has been adventure upon adventure, the real adventure for me, as a reader, has been to watch how these three have developed as people as they mature.

Along with character development, my favorite point of plot is Justin's world building. Right from the start, in the first book, we find an oppressed people, and Darynn takes it upon himself to help his people, the Olan-Har, to achieve a status to allow them to grow and prosper. In this world, there are constant obsticles to achieving the goal. There is always some despotic foe, or an ambitious indiviual, or even the lay of the land itself trying to foil our heroes. Darynn is winning battles, but it is uncertain he will win the war.

As time marches on, Darynn finds himself having to make an extremely difficult choice. Is he willing to betray his core beliefs and join the enemy to win the final battle? His mission is clear, but his path to victory is not. The story winds through obstacles at a breakneck pace, with brief places to allow the reader to step back before the next conflict.

It is an old cliché, but my takeaway from Betrayal of Hope is, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." 

If I elaborate too much, this would be a major spoiler of a turning point in the tale. In my first year of teaching, I received a piece of sage advice from my principal. He said "fight the battles you can win." The decision Darynn makes is my favorite section of this story and you're just going to have to read the book to see the complex process the character goes through in this plot-twist. It is brilliantly written and emotionally charged!

Betrayal of Hope is a fun read with an amazing mixture of Science Fiction and Fantasy that is seamless. The mixture of the two genres is so smooth that fans of either will appreciate what the author has done.

The ending is very satisfying and the journey to get there is engaging. 

Highest recommendations for Betrayal of Hope, as well as Embargo of Hope, and Assassination of Hope!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Justin was born in Galveston, TX and raised in the Houston area. In middle school, he fell in love with two life-long pursuits: space and writing. He knew he wanted to work at NASA and write science fiction / fantasy on the side, and lo and behold, that’s exactly what he ended up doing.

He now works for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, who manages the International Space Station National Laboratory. He lives in the Houston area with his wife, daughter, and various small mammals.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Grave Cold By Shannon Knight - This Review Includes An Interview With The Author! - Great Book!

Grave Cold by Shannon Knight

I received a copy of Grave Cold for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

After reading Shannon's second remarkable book, Insiders, she contacted me and told me about Grave Cold. She said it might not be something fitting my usual reading material. She was right only because Grave Cold is not a space opera; it is set right here on a future Earth where cities are no longer accessible by just anyone. There are some strange goings on in the District of Portland, the setting for this tale. The book might fit into Dystopian Sci-Fi and Urban Fantasy classifications, but no matter how one describes it, it is a fine story that moves along at a fast pace with characters one will care about. The world building is colorful and more than a little scary.

Nyle is a Raven. He travels the world when he is called by the dead to release their… I'm not sure what to call it. Consciousness? Life force? Soul? In any case, the energy that exists in a person's body is trapped until someone like Nyle comes along to release them and allow them to pass into the next plane of existence. This is not a simple job, and it comes with perils. The raven can be killed if he/she tries to do too much.

Caitlin, known to her friends as Cait, is a young woman who struggles as a hairdresser to make a living. The only stable thing in her life is her cat. She thinks herself to be genetically altered, as many are in the District, but thanks to Nyle, she learns she is a necromancer. She can speak with the dead.

Together, they learn of a group of nefarious individuals who have learned how to use the life force of the dead to create energy used to power systems in the District. They make it their mission to stop this abuse to allow the dead to rest as they should.

Nyle and Cait are an interesting pair. Their relationship is a unique one that, as the tale unfolds, becomes borderline romantic. But before that, Nyle only wants Cait to be safe and does his best to make sure she is. Nyle's problem is, anytime he gets near the dead, he is inundated with spirits who want to be released, and they deplete his energy in doing so. Fortunately, Cait is on hand most of the time to make sure Nyle doesn't do too much and puts himself in jeopardy, at least most of the time.

Cait is a young woman living as a, more or less, free spirit. She has deep feelings about things, and will do whatever it takes to make sure the right things are done for those who have passed on.

Both are interesting characters with a lot of depth revealed as the story moves along. We get to know them both well enough to want them to be safe and successful. Cait is especially endearing because of her chaotic lifestyle. I enjoyed watching her try just to pay her rent, and being late nearly everywhere she went. Descriptions of the hairstyles she prefers were among the lighter moments in the story, and I found them enjoyable, although they wouldn't be for me.

Along with the characters, my favorite point of plot was the world building. The District of Portland is surrounded by a wall, making it an island-like place. Apparently, all large cities are similarly separated. Getting into a city is difficult if one is an outsider. Governance is handled by corporations and many live in luxury, while others, such as Cait, live by barely subsisting on some go-nowhere job paying just enough to live, but not enough to afford even the simplest pleasures of life.

Sometimes, Districts come into conflict with each other, and the results are disastrous.

My takeaway from Grave Cold is when someone is forced to live in loneliness, one must learn to get by as best they can. But one should never set aside their sense of what is right and wrong.

Both the characters in this story are lonely people because of their roles in their lives. They cannot share who they are without compromising what they have to do. This theme is explored throughout the book.

The theme of loneliness is so present in this story, the reader can almost taste it.

I admire Shannon's writing style and wanted to get her thoughts about her motivations and about her as a person. The following is an interview I conducted with her. I love the depth of her answers and hope you do also, and I also hope you will read her books...

Me: What inspired you to become an author?

Shannon: Oh, this feels like an impossible question because I’ve always wanted to be an author. Stories inspired me. The world inspired me. I realize now how unique my childhood was compared to so many people’s today because not only did I grow up before the Internet, but I grew up in the deep backwoods of the Ozarks. There weren’t other kids to play with besides my siblings. There were three TV channels available with scarcely any shows for kids. The libraries didn’t have many sci-fi or fantasy books, either. Still, I read a lot. I played in the woods. I also spent an enormous amount of time with my own imagination. 

Me: What kind of books, movies, and/or television shows played a part in your decision to write?

Shannon: When I was a child, my dad subscribed to a science fiction and fantasy book club. My dad, siblings, and I all loved reading those books. I read anything on those home library shelves many times. My big brother Seamus made a deal with me that he would read my first book, which I’d handwritten in journals, if I first read The Dragonbone Chair. Not only was that a chonker divided into two mammoth hardcover copies (with gorgeous Michael Whelan covers), but the book was the last in a series. I was in grade school, but I happily read those books. Seamus read my “book” and told me to keep writing, which was about the nicest thing he could have said. 

I also remember picking up Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce at some point. It was deeply amazing to me because I was accustomed to reading books aimed at an adult audience, and I adored understanding every word of a story aimed at young girls. The feeling was so huge. That’s when I decided my dream was for someone someday to read one of my books and feel the way I felt then.

For movies, the original Star Wars trilogy was a big influence. I also loved Dark Crystal. I rewatched them many times. My brothers and I were latchkey kids, and after they got in trouble too many times with how they chose to spend their time, we were instructed to turn on a movie when we got home from school, and an adult would be there before it ended. This resulted in the endless back-to-back viewing of the Star Wars trilogy.

Me: What book is on your nightstand right now?

Shannon: I am reading Renia by Karl Forshaw.

Me: Do issues people face today affect what you write?

Shannon: Absolutely. I think the heart of sci-fi and fantasy is the issues we face today. When you pick up great classics in the genre, you see a timestamp of issues the author found important.

Me: Pantser or Plotter?

Shannon: I plot where I’m starting and where I’m ending, and I pants the rest. I make sure I know my characters first.

Me: Have you had any formal training in writing?

Shannon: I have a B.A. in English. I’ve also taught English, including writing. Teaching children to write is an incredible way to learn more about writing because you need to be able to explain why something does or does not work.

Me: How did you deal with the COVID pandemic and did it help your writing?

Shannon: I got COVID in the spring of 2020, and I did not get better. Instead, I experienced a series of changing and worsening symptoms. After about two and a half years mostly bedbound, one of the tests resulted in a treatment that allowed me to sit up throughout the day. During the worst periods, I could not even think. I existed in a liminal space that felt separate even from my own mind. My ability to self-reflect came and went. During moments of clarity, I vowed to myself to self-publish the three books I had previously completed that my agent hadn’t sold. Since I’d gone through such a life-changing experience, I had a new perspective as I revised my books. This new perspective is incredibly important. However, I also have new disabilities that make daily life more difficult.

Me: What are you doing when you're not writing?

Shannon: COVID has limited my activities and productive hours. I teach English online a few hours per week. I have been busy with other aspects of self-publishing. For instance, I just got a new cover completed for Insiders, which is very exciting, and I’ve been updating distributors with new files and sending out for the proofs of the hard copies. Meanwhile, another artist is painting a new cover for my fantasy novel, Wish Givers. I’m also connecting with book reviewers, like you. In the evenings, I like to read. When I can’t read, I watch Korean dramas. My kitty hangs out with me most of the day. 

Me: If you could travel to any time, future or past, what period would you go and why?

Shannon: I would go to a time in the future when there was a treatment for Long COVID. When you lose your health in such an enormous way, the situation causes a whole new awareness. I lost parts of myself that I didn’t know it was possible to lose. I would gladly go to a time where I could get those back. Going back in time, prior to my infection, doesn’t seem like a good solution because earlier adoption of a respirator might not be sufficient, and I might simply experience the same horror twice, but the second time, I would not be able to go through those years with the naive aspiration that tomorrow I would be well. Sci-fi tells me the future has great medical solutions. I also think we writers can help create that future because the first step is to imagine the scientific solution.

Me: I've read two of your books. Are there any characters in Insiders or Grave Cold that are you, or people you know?

Shannon: No. Unless they are all me, which is a weird thought, but…

Me: What takeaways would you like readers of Insiders to take with them after they finish reading?

Shannon: We are all in this together. That’s my biggest, single theme for Insiders. We all have our unique ways that we can contribute, and together we can make amazing things happen. Also, we should help and protect each other as best we can, especially our most vulnerable. Sachi’s role as a teenage girl is one where I wanted readers to see that she should be guided and protected, but I also wanted readers to see her as powerful and heroic, even as she’s figuring things out. Our society tends to look down on teenage girls, trivializing their interests and abilities, but teenage girls are amazing.

I also hope people can feel connected to the characters as they read.

Me: Same question for Grave Cold?

Shannon: Life has enormous power. Death is partially why life is so powerful. The fact that life is limited–that it can end at any moment–creates an urgency that highlights our every moment. A big part of the beauty of life is our interactions with others. A single person can make a big difference.

I explored a lot of other ideas, too. Death is not the end of someone. Villains feel justified in taking anything they can from those less powerful than them, while heroes will take a stand to protect those less powerful than them. ME is a terrifying illness that many people are unaware of. No one should be ostracized for their differences.

I also hope people feel entertained while reading an adventure story.

(Note: ME refers to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(ME/CFS))

Me: Have you read a book that has changed your life?

Shannon: All books change my life. Some more than others. Some in different ways than others. Books are incredible. They let us see other people’s perspectives. They teach us new things. They give us hope and laughter. They connect us to other times and places. Books are marvelous.

Me: Is there a book, other than your own, you think everyone should read?

Shannon: My bookish opinion is that not every book is for every person. Some books are best at certain points in a person’s life. It’s also good to read outside of your comfort zone. As a rule, though, I want to know more about what someone wants to read before offering a book suggestion.

Me: Is there a book you wish you would want to read again for the first time?

Shannon: COVID does wild things to your brain and memory. I had lots of memory problems. There were times I couldn’t speak or understand language. I had memory gaps, too. Unsurprisingly, I couldn’t read for a long time, but I’d try anyway. I held the latest Murderbot volume in my hands while I was sick. Just to hold it. Some days I’d read a sentence or a paragraph over and over. Murderbot is a wonderful character to hang out with. After I could genuinely read again, I read the book. I’d laugh, which hurt a lot. But I guess I wasn’t really up to it, because later I read it again, as if for the first time–I had no memory of it at all. When I really (really!) had improved, I read the entire Murderbot series again, including the book that wasn’t staying in my memory. Third time’s a charm! The series is mostly novellas. It all felt brand new, like I’d never read any of it before. After that, I took another favorite series, the Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs, and read the entire series. Rereading feels a bit like a visit with my past self, because I remember my initial impressions along with my new ones. It felt like a good way to remember and remind myself of who I am. 

Me: What was your favorite book as a child?

Shannon: Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce. Alanna was so cool. I wanted to be a knight, too. (And now I am!)

Me: What is your favorite part of the writing process? What is your least favorite part of the writing process?

Shannon: My favorite part is writing. My least favorite part is marketing. Too bad Doyle (from Insiders) can’t do it for me.

Me: What is a question you wish someone would ask you, but never has? What is your answer?

Shannon: This is a clever question. I’m not longing for any particular questions, but I’ll take this opportunity to tell you how wonderful my cat is. Wow. He lets me put my face in his fluffy belly fur, and it is not a trap. I think he’s having a Totoro experience every time he sleeps on my torso. He’s excellent company. He stayed right by my side for those super sick years, and he would purr so happily. He has a kitty bed on the desk so he doesn’t lounge on the keyboard, and he can hang out while I write. We’re buds. 

Me: What are you currently working on? Tell us what you can, if anything.

Shannon: Mostly, I’m working on the non-writing side of self-pub, but I’m marinating multiple story ideas. There are so many stories to tell.

Me: What are the best ways to learn more about you and your work? Social media? Blog? Website? Newsletter?

Shannon: I’m still figuring things out, but I’ve got a website started, and I’m on some social media. 

My website: https://shannonknight2.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Shannon_Knight
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyshannonknight/ 

Grave Cold is a marvelous story about life and death, and perhaps afterlife. It features great and well-developed characters set in a future where energy can be derived from strange places, including the departed. It is set at a time when people can be genetically manipulated, and there is extreme prejudice that doesn't allow for people's growth. I enjoyed this story and the sci-fi included in the story is accessible to any reader, the fantasy aspects are not over-the-top, and there are some lighter moments to allow the reader time to catch their breath between some well-paced action. I look forward to Shannon's future work with eagerness.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shannon Knight lives in the Pacific Northwest with her faithful feline, the best cat on this planet, and a spectacular view of the galaxy and beyond. In the spring of 2020, Shannon fell ill with the novel COVID-19 virus and became primarily bedbound for about 2.25 years.

Sentinel By Seb Woodland - A Sc-Fi Action/Adventure Story With A Heart

Sentinel by Seb Woodland

The first thing that attracted me to reading Sentinel was the book's description. It promised to be a sci-fi adventure and space opera that would be new and refreshing. The second thing that caught me was the cartoonish cover promising a diverse cast of characters. I was not disappointed on either score.

Sentinel is a well-told tale within a tale. The characters are dynamic and fun while the plot and how it unfolds in the pages is engaging and will keep a reader turning pages. I was hooked from the beginning and could not help but read on to see just what would happen next.

I relished this story and hope there will be more to come from this author.

Skyther Prince Osax is being interviewed for information surrounding a plot to reduce planet Earth to cinders. A mysterious investigator wants the facts of the diabolical act and the perpetrator, Duhrnan, all of which Osax is only too happy to share, however, he will only divulge what he knows by telling the entire tale from his own point of view. The impatient investigator has no choice but to listen while Osax spins his epic, and detailed, account.

Osax meets others along his way, gaining support from a genetically enhanced being bred for war. He also meets a commander from Earth Forces, and a scientist with unclear motives. Together, this quartet more or less bonds as they face adventures that include extreme danger and threats of destruction.

Duhrnan declares through the galaxy's communication network his intention to destroy the Earth. He has the means to do it and is known to have destroyed other planets for his own nefarious reasons.

First, Osax and his friends must learn to get along with each other before they can unite to stop Duhrnan.

It is a struggle on numerous levels as they face their own interpersonal difficulties and obstacles thrown in their way.

The story is told from the point of view of Osax, a Prince of the skythers. He is next in line to become the ruler of his people after the Queen, his mother, is gone. Osax is traveling to get away from pressure placed upon him, and to learn more about the universe. He is a curious person who loves to learn and meet new people. He is patient and tries to never rush into situations. When he meets Kay, a genetically enhanced human warrior, he learns about her and finds her to have low self-esteem. He likes her and offers encouragement and helps Kay grow to me more than just a weapon.

This is my favorite plot point in the book. There is plenty to give enjoyment in this tale, but I enjoyed the Osax/Kay relationship above all. Kay does not feel she is worthy of anyone's friendship. She makes mistakes and is very hard on herself, however she experiences a lot of growth as the relationship between her and Osax unfolds. 

My takeaway from Sentinel is it is hard to make good friends, and even harder to keep them. Kay has issues with self-confidence and esteem. What Osax does to help her is not to point out her mistakes - she already knows when she messes up. She picks herself apart and tears herself down throughout the story. Osax, instead, doesn't focus on her mistakes, he teaches her to learn from them and move forward. The interactions between Osax and Kay were some of the best in the book and added a sense of authenticity to the entire work.

Along with Osax's patient treatment of his teammate, Sentinel is a great Sci-Fi, space opera, and adventure tale that is full of epic battles, well-paced action, humor, and compassion. I hope that Seb Woodland continues to write. He has a fine sense of humanity and can spin an amazing story. 

Seb Woodland is a writer, musician, artist, video game developer, and the author of Sentinel. Born in Victoria BC, on the west coast of Turtle Island, he grew up inventing stories and roleplaying games with his siblings. Inspired by authors such as Kenneth Oppel and Michelle Paver, Seb dreamed of becoming an author since childhood. He achieved that dream in 2021 when he published his first book, Sentinel. His creativity goes far beyond just writing, and he always has at least a couple of art projects on the go. 

Twist: A Novel by Dr. Alan Kolok - If You Think being A Researcher Is Boring, Read This!

Twist: A Novel by Dr. Alan S. Kolok

I learned about Twist while in a Zoom meeting that Dr. Kolok was also attending. I purchased the Kindle edition after reading the book's blurb.

Twist is a short novel that hooked me right from the beginning and lever let me down through its entirety. Everything about it was engaging. The writing was clear and concise; the plot was easy to follow, and the characters were interesting and felt like real people. In short, an excellent book overall based on science fact stretched just enough to feel plausible, if not a little scary.

A professor from Iowa State University learns about an incident in Stockton, California, where several people are killed when a driver plows his pickup truck into a group of students at a local high school football game. When he learns the assailant is not known as a violent person, he wonders if the problem might be caused by prions, proteins that cause mad cow disease. During his investigation, the professor discovers a new form of the prions that may be directly responsible for an increasing number of incidents in and around Stockton.

He continues his research with colleagues and investigates ways to stop further spread, but when he becomes infected himself, he fears it might be too late.

The principal character in Twist is Dr. Alex Pendergraf. His main area of interest is to study the prions that cause mad cow disease. He has a piece of ground where he has several buried dead bovines and takes samples to his lab, where his graduate assistant performs testing and helps to analyze results. When the opportunity arises that he can study prions up close, his scientific curiosity gets the better of him. He travels from Ames, Iowa, to Stockton to gather blood samples and make firsthand observations. The danger is real, and Alex finds an answer that is quite alarming.

One cannot but help liking Alex. He is an unassuming man who immerses himself in his work. I admire Alex's focus and his dogged quest for answers. 

The other characters that appear in Twist all come off the page as real people one can find. There's the Stockton police officer who listens and makes informed decisions. There is a lab assistant who is dedicated, but has some personal issues she is dealing with, but she sets those aside to do her job well.

I felt the character development was appropriate for the character's role. While I was rooting for Alex and his colleagues, I also felt bad for the characters that would otherwise have been horrible criminals, but because of the prions, they are as much victims as those unfortunately hurt by them.

My favorite point of plot in Twist is how focused the principal character is as he searches for answers to his questions. It appears Alex is very close to being obsessed, but not quite. I would call him a true scientist because he is more driven about discovery than he is about the rewards he might earn through his work.

A theme that stood out most for me is how it takes cooperation between numerous individuals to find answers. People setting their need for personal gain aside to solve a problem came through to me in this story. Alex is the leader of a team, and he can bring others together to uncover important answers to difficult questions.

My takeaway from Twist is how one character works to encourage and help another through difficult times. When a new graduate assistant joins the lab, he feels unsure of himself even before he has really started working. He appears to be contemplating quitting because he feels so overwhelmed. The world of academia can be a very competitive place, making it seem hostile, and the new assistant seems to be feeling all of that. Tori, Alex's assistant, sees this struggling student and takes time to help and encourage her struggling colleague. She gives him advice based on her own experience that culminates in a quote I really like...

"Just one more thing, Smitty," she said.

"Yeah?" Smitty looked at her.

"Swim like a duck," she said.

"A duck?"

"You know, calm and collected on the surface, but below the surface, Smitty, paddle like hell."

This is advice I would give anyone starting out in college, or in a new employment situation. Brilliant!

I found Twist a fascinating look into the world of scientific research with a sci-fi twist. It has everything a fan might want in a great story, including solid characters, a few humorous situations, and some very intense situations. It is a fast-paced story that will keep the reader turning pages eager to see what happens next. It is entertaining and fun to read. The science jargon used is not overwhelming, making it easy for the layperson to understand. If you are looking for a nice diversion, at 240 pages, Twist is accessible and can be read in a sitting or two.

Alan S. Kolok is an environmental toxicologist with a PhD from the University of Colorado. A prolific writer, he has written scientific articles, newspaper columns, and blogs on toxicology and environmental epidemiology. He is passionate about connecting the non-scientific audience to ideas and ways of understanding, and recently authored Modern Poisons: A brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology, a nonfiction book that makes modern toxicology accessible to the lay-science audience.

Lives In Time Part 1 By J.D. Ray - Want An Amazing Story? Here's One You'll Love!

Lives in Time (Part 1) By J.D. Ray

I learned about Lives in Time in a Zoom meeting, including the author and several other people. I enjoy reading work by new authors and when J.D. mentioned his work, I went to Amazon, purchased a copy, and downloaded it to my Kindle. Little did I know what I was in for when I dove in to this tale of time travel and low-tech adventure. I was hooked from the very opening of this and stayed that way all the way to the end. This book was fascinating and just plain fun to read. I cannot give Lives in Time a better endorsement than to say, I WANT MORE!

We start the tale in the year 2285. The place is on the coast of Croatia. It is a peaceful time where everyone seems to enjoy the advancement of technology and medicine. Lives are vastly extended, and people are happy. The story focuses on a young couple, both are twenty years of age, and they are developing a closer relationship as they spend time together. Celeste and Marko decide they want to spend some time together away from their parents and other people. They are both from wealthy families and want for very little.

During their walk, they come upon a cave and decide to explore. When Celeste tries to take a photo of a carving on the cave wall, there is a bright flash of light and the couple feel a little dizzy. When they recover, they find they have been transported back in time to the 14th century!

Now, imagine two young adults in t-shirts and shorts wandering the countryside trying to figure out how they are going to fit in to an alien society starting out with nothing! They have to start by depending on the charity of others and eventually understand how to make it work on their own until they can learn how to go home. What an adventure!

Celeste and Marko are a pair that complement each other amazingly. Celeste is a brash young woman who exudes self-confidence. She can think on her feet and readily adapt to situations. Her major strength is in how she can relate to people. She is likeable and friendly when the situation calls for it. At the same time, she is secretly a little unsure of the world around her. But even at that, she is quite capable of defending herself.

Marko is strong, yet agreeable. He is a fast learner and follows Celeste's lead whenever necessary. He quickly learns skills to help the couple survive in the unfamiliar landscape of 14th Century Croatia.

Together, they make friends and live in the past, but always think about getting back to their home in the 23rd century. Both are very strong characters and are good people. But great characters is only one aspect of this story.

Another strong point is the world-building J.D. treats the reader to. The writing of the times and events in the 14th century feel utterly authentic. I'm sure there was no small amount of research into what the lives, times, and events of establishing this story. Nevertheless, I felt as though I had been transported into the past myself, experiencing the tastes, smells, and feelings of the people in this tale.

There is also a full spectrum of emotional content woven into the tapestry of Lives in Time that adds even more to the enjoyment of the book.

My takeaway from Lives in Time is, when in Croatia in the 14th century, do as the Croatians do. When one finds themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, it is better to be quiet and observe. Pay attention to all happenings around you and follow the examples you see.

Lives in Time is a stunning story that is more about people than it is science fiction. Sci-Fi is the vehicle that transports the principal characters into the past, but it just takes common sense and a keen wit to get along and even prosper.

This is a well-written, well researched, and masterfully crafted story feels so plausible. It seems real to me. All the characters, whether major or supportive, are real. The situations and settings feel authentic and make me want to explore the beautiful landscapes used as the backdrop.

The ending is a cliffhanger wide open to a sequel.

Eminently entertaining and well worth the time to read, I give my highest recommendations to Lives in time.

Don't miss this one, it's a gem!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Pacific Northwest native, J.D. lives in Portland with his wonderful wife Jennifer and usually some cats. Aside from various adventures and escapades, he's made a career of technological sorcery while writing short fiction as a hobby. His mentionable other hobbies include cooking, cheese making, travel, and spending time with his wife, who - as mentioned - is wonderful. His debut novel, Lives in Time Part One, is the first in a series of three set in a universe that leaves room for more.