Mars G. Everson

Review of eBook

Could a pill that kept adults from growing old be a good thing? Or, might there be advantages to aging?

Suppose you could “reanimate” after being frozen . . . and there was an error in the rebooting of your memory? How would you know that your memories were truly your own?

While traveling to Titan, a connection between an astronaut and a companion creates a problem because the astronaut lied on a vital test. What happens when systems cease functioning and those in cryosleep will never awaken?

In her hospital room, Luna can only dream . . . and draw. Her illness has overwhelmed her life and now Luna can only be herself in her dreams where she is superhero Nulla, protector of her world. Can Nulla save Luna?

=====

In these four short stories, a collection of Logs from across the Multiverse, the author pays homage to the science fiction of Isaac Asimov, Ursula LeGuin, and others who questioned man’s culture by looking into the future, by visiting other fantastical worlds. In each, man overcomes technology and the reader explores the many and varied things that define that elusive quality that makes us truly human.

Intriguing characters, interesting situations, and some heart-rending situations work together to involve the reader in each story; to emphasize with a man seeking truth, a woman “reborn” after eighty-one years [or, perhaps not], an astronaut’s companion, a young girl with dreams. With unique world-building for each tale, readers will find themselves transported to far-away worlds that somehow seem a bit familiar.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.… (mais)

Review of Advanced Reader eBook

As Mirai, Brand, and Naial cross the desert, heading for the Island where they plan to wait for Senn, they meet a boy who claims to be a weightless spirit. The God-child speaks of Senn and then delivers a warning before vanishing.

Marsh, struck by a mysterious malady, soon learns that he’s part of a growing group of those afflicted. Soon he’s learning to navigate a new and different world.

When Mirai, Brand, and Naial finally reach the island, they set about building a camp, but the arrival of a group of people interrupts their efforts. They’d crossed the desert, coming from the Hub and hoping to reach Lordstown. A man they’d met in the desert had guided them to the island.

A man or a god? And what does the future hold for the survivors as they head for a new home? And what of the gods?

=========

Following the author’s “Thralls of a Tyrant God,” this apocalyptic tale follows the survivors of the battle at the Hub as they struggle against incredible odds. For readers who have not yet read the first book in the series, the narrative provides sufficient backstory. The world-building here is first-rate, complex and intriguing, perfect for the saga of men and gods, of dogged determination and fate.

Well-defined characters, nonstop action, and unexpected plot twists pull the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset and keep those pages turning as fast as possible. An undercurrent of mystery runs throughout the compelling, intricate plot of this narrative, keeping the reader guessing as the unfolding story reveals elements that are both dark and hopeful.

Readers of the series are sure to enjoy the continuing saga; readers who enjoy tales of fantasy and mystery will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale.

Highly recommended.… (mais)

A shadow creature has invaded the Colony, killing off their livestock and then some of their Colonists. The Colonists soon learn that light dissuades the creature, but their efforts only work for so long. Something like this has not been seen in all of the generations of the Colony. When a young Colonist, Arlan, tracks the shadow creature up the forbidden mountain, he learns the secrets of the Colony's origins and finds startling new technology that changes his views of the Colony's cooperative way of life.

The Name of the Shadow is a unique fantasy that examines the development of community, fear, power and authority. From the beginning, I was intrigued not only by the shadow creature, but by the Colony itself and their way of life. The Colony seemed to be set in the past, technology wise, but functioned cooperatively with a very liberal set of rules and no notion of certain concepts. It was intriguing to see Arlan's evolution as Arlan tracks the creature back to an abandoned structure, everything changes for him. The forbidden knowledge, purposefully hidden from the Colonists, permanently shifts Arlan's way of thinking. He begins to believe himself as a leader and finds reasons to use lethal violence, something the Colony has never dealt with before. As Arlan grows, there are large jumps through time, which were slightly off putting when I was reading. I personally felt a lot of sympathy for the shadow creature and would have loved to learn more about it, or possibly have had a point of view from the creature. While there are some hints of the creature's origins, there is not a full story. I would have also loved to know a little more about the First Generation of Colonists and their vision. Overall, a fast-paced, thoughtful science fiction/ fantasy with a strong mystery and plenty of twists.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mais)