I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review
voluntarily.
The Alcuin Rift is the title of a debut novel from Charleston Lim. It is a hard
science fiction space opera that presents readers with something to think
about. I enjoyed this tale of scientific discovery and a first contact
situation, but there are no aliens revealed in this story. It is a fast read. I
got through it in three sittings. While I have one reservation, mostly, I found
it a solid story and I look forward to reading his next novel. Alcuin Rift is a
complete story in itself, but it leaves room for a sequel, should the author
choose to write one.
The following is the blurb describing the plot...
"An experiment in quantum reality draws the attention of something
vast, unknowable, and indifferent."
"Dr. Elena Kade spent her life unraveling the mysteries of the
universe. But when her experiment sends an unexpected signal into the void, the
answer that returns is beyond comprehension—and devastating."
"Time is running out. If Kade cannot find a way to communicate—to make
them understand—then humanity’s reality may cease to exist."
"The Alcuin Rift is a gripping debut science fiction novel written by a
Filipino author exploring hard science, cosmic horror, and first contact. It's
perfect for fans of science fiction books such as The Arrival and The
Three-Body Problem."
The above description greatly simplifies what is between the covers. The
story itself is far more complex, but is within the grasp of the average
reader.
The only problem I had with this tale is with the characters. They felt one
dimensional and stereotypical. There were scientists that included a lead
scientist and an ambitious scientist who thought they knew better than the lead
and was a little jealous. There were a few military persons who asserted
themselves as one might expect commanding officers would. My problem is that I
wanted to learn more about the people involved and find at least one character
I could care about. For me, I found myself not really caring about what
happened to the people in the story.
My favorite point of plot in Alcuin Rift was the science. I'll be the first
to admit, I know very little about quantum physics or the properties of gravity
waves. I do know they are phenomena that exist. Author Lim made it obvious he
had done his homework to prepare for the writing of the story. I cannot tell
where the real science versus made-up science - if there was any made-up -
begins and ends. But my hat is off to Lim for his use of either type of science
in the story! It made it a fun story to read and added elements of suspense and
surprise to the tale.
There are numerous themes woven into the tapestry of this narrative. One that stood out to me is how solving problems on a universal scale
must be very carefully thought out before they are executed. Who knows, in the
distant future, we may run into some situations presented in Alcuin Rift, and
lives, or even the entire existence of the universe as we know it, could be at
stake.
My takeaway is to remember that it isn't a good thing to play around with
things we don't understand. It's not nice to try to fool Mother Nature!
The Alcuin Rift is a fine, accessible first effort from author Charleston
Lim and worth the time to read. I will be watching his future work and am eager
to see growth in this writer. I recommend this book to those who enjoy some
heavy-duty science content intermixed with high stakes risks in the exploration
of the unknown.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Computer Science graduate, he has worked across multiple fields, including
web development, design, news writing, and marketing, each experience shaping
is perspective on technology and human creativity. Beyond his work in the
digital space, he is also a photographer and musician, constantly seeking new
ways to capture emotion and atmosphere, whether through images, music, or the
written word.
Writing science fiction in the Philippines presents a unique challenge. In a
country where mythology and folklore dominate popular storytelling, and where
religious beliefs often shape public perception of science, speculative fiction
that explores hard scientific concepts struggles to find mainstream acceptance.
Science fiction is often seen as a Western genre, associated with Hollywood
blockbusters, superhero films, or anime, rather than a serious form of
literature. Despite this, Charleston believes that science fiction has a place
in Philippine storytelling - not as an outsider's genre, but as a means to
explore the future of humanity, technology, and our place in the cosmos.
The Alcuin Rift is Charleston's debut novel. It blends hard science fiction
with the mystery and the unknowable depths of first contact.
Well, there it is...
Qapla!
Wonderful review. I'll pick it up!
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