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Thorns: When Earth Refugees are the Aliens
Two parallel coming of age stories collide on a distant planet.
Siddhartha, known as Siddie, and his parents joined a small group of families leaving Earth to colonize a distant planet. To Siddie, a curious 13-year old with a knack for getting into trouble, the journey is a grand adventure. But his parent's reasons for leaving Earth are a mystery. Eventually, he's going to have to learn the truth.
Blue belonged to a species calling themselves kodrya (ko-drya). Kodrya society, known as Phyleem, had one zin (i.e., rule): all kodrya must grow thorns. Unbeknownst to Blue, Earthlings were orbiting her world and preparing to land. One in particular, named Siddie, would change her destiny.
Siddhartha, known as Siddie, and his parents joined a small group of families leaving Earth to colonize a distant planet. To Siddie, a curious 13-year old with a knack for getting into trouble, the journey is a grand adventure. But his parent's reasons for leaving Earth are a mystery. Eventually, he's going to have to learn the truth.
Blue belonged to a species calling themselves kodrya (ko-drya). Kodrya society, known as Phyleem, had one zin (i.e., rule): all kodrya must grow thorns. Unbeknownst to Blue, Earthlings were orbiting her world and preparing to land. One in particular, named Siddie, would change her destiny.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 14, 2024
Esta es la historia de Siddhartha un humano que viaje con su familia y otros humanos a un planeta lejano en la galaxia y también es la historia Blue el vive en el planeta al que se dirigen los humanos y son una especie tipo plantas que se alimentan de insectos pero tienen leyes duras y la historia de estos dos se cruzará en el momento justo.
Esta historia de ciencia ficción es un agradable viaje a otro mundo donde el autor con las descripciones logra que el lector pueda imaginarse los escenarios sin problema, ademas de que puedes seguir toda la acción sin problema.
En cuanto a los personajes siento que son aveces son algo despistados pero están muy acorde a su edad por lo que me parecieron muy adecuados para la historia ademas me gustó como es el contraste de su forma de pensar pero que tienen momentos en los que se entienden perfectamente.
En general este es un libro corto muy fácil de leer y bastante entretenido, perfecto para quienes quieren comenzar a leer ciencia ficción y aquellos que ya son fans de este genero sin duda lo disfrutarán.
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This is the story of Siddhartha, a human who travels with his family and other humans to a distant planet in the galaxy and it is also the story of Blue, he lives on the planet where humans are headed and they are a plant-type species that feed on insects but they have harsh laws and the story of these two will cross at the right time.
This science fiction story is a pleasant trip to another world where the author, with the descriptions, ensures that the reader can imagine the scenarios without any problem, and you can also follow all the action without any problem.
As for the characters, I feel that they are sometimes somewhat clueless but they are very consistent with their age, so I found them very appropriate for the story. I also liked the contrast in their way of thinking, but they have moments in which they understand each other. perfectly.
Overall this is a short book that is very easy to read and quite entertaining, perfect for those who want to start reading science fiction and those who are already fans of this genre will undoubtedly enjoy it.
Esta historia de ciencia ficción es un agradable viaje a otro mundo donde el autor con las descripciones logra que el lector pueda imaginarse los escenarios sin problema, ademas de que puedes seguir toda la acción sin problema.
En cuanto a los personajes siento que son aveces son algo despistados pero están muy acorde a su edad por lo que me parecieron muy adecuados para la historia ademas me gustó como es el contraste de su forma de pensar pero que tienen momentos en los que se entienden perfectamente.
En general este es un libro corto muy fácil de leer y bastante entretenido, perfecto para quienes quieren comenzar a leer ciencia ficción y aquellos que ya son fans de este genero sin duda lo disfrutarán.
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This is the story of Siddhartha, a human who travels with his family and other humans to a distant planet in the galaxy and it is also the story of Blue, he lives on the planet where humans are headed and they are a plant-type species that feed on insects but they have harsh laws and the story of these two will cross at the right time.
This science fiction story is a pleasant trip to another world where the author, with the descriptions, ensures that the reader can imagine the scenarios without any problem, and you can also follow all the action without any problem.
As for the characters, I feel that they are sometimes somewhat clueless but they are very consistent with their age, so I found them very appropriate for the story. I also liked the contrast in their way of thinking, but they have moments in which they understand each other. perfectly.
Overall this is a short book that is very easy to read and quite entertaining, perfect for those who want to start reading science fiction and those who are already fans of this genre will undoubtedly enjoy it.
October 21, 2024
I was kindly sent a review copy of this book by the author Laura Kahn via Booktasters for which my thanks.
Dealing with issues of the havoc humans inevitably wreak wherever they go, as also love and acceptance, difference and discrimination, and institutionalised unfairness, Thorns: When Earth Refugees are Aliens (2023) by Laura Kahn is a novella-length book that explores these themes through two parallel stories that briefly intersect, with a lasting impact.
As our story opens, we are aboard the Cetus (nicknamed the Caterpillar), a spaceship travelling from earth to the planet Phyleem with the intention of colonising it. On it are the crew including the commander, a biologist, an engineer and geologist, among others, as also passengers, four children of different members of the crew and a dog Lucky. Most have been cryogenically chilled (rather than frozen) which means their bodies have grown a few years but not to their full age. Siddharta or Siddie began on the journey with his parents Lakshmi and Vinesh when he was 8 and now he is 13 as they are about to land on Phyleem. Siddie’s parents and others on the crew have left earth for various reasons but none of their children have been told the true reasons for the expedition. Most as a result are unwilling travellers and many are outrightly opposed to settling on the new planet, even more so once they land and find a space very different from the only home they have known, even though their parents have promised them the new planet is earth-like. Siddie however is more excited than others wanting to at least explore their new home, but he is a mischievous young man who manages to get into trouble without meaning to.
In alternate chapters we follow the story of Blue, one of the Kodrya who inhabit the planet Phyleem. These are plant-like creatures who live on flies and whose defining characteristic is the thorns they usually sprout at thirteen-days-old. Those who don’t are brutally killed, for according to the rules, there can be no Kodrya without thorns. Into this community is born little Blue who is immediately selected as the next Malca (equivalent of a queen bee). Green, her contemporary is jealous and does what she can to take her place. But Blue has other pressures on her too. Her role as Malca is contingent on her growing thorns within the requisite time, else she too will be put to a cruel death. Blue questions this unfair rule wondering why thornless Kodrya can’t just be allowed to live; this isn’t just for herself but her kind heart is full of compassion for Kodrya who haven’t grown thorns and fall victim to this rule; as also for those who lose their lives because of a culture that calls for fighting to the death.
The human would-be colonisers are unaware of the Kodrya or their ways, looking simply to set up a new home but when their paths cross on a couple of occasions, the humans as is usually the case, bring about untold and uncalled for destruction changing life for the Kodrya and especially for Blue, but somewhat differently than one would expect.
From the perspective of the humans seeking to colonise Phyleem, the issue that primarily stands out is of the devastation that humans knowingly (sometimes unknowingly; here it is the former) cause everywhere they seem to go (one only needs to look at our history not only of colonisation but also interactions with the environment where more are more land is taken into human possession and the de-homed animals deemed ‘villains’ and ‘dangerous’ in the process). Here too, we see this unfold, the humans quick to take the excuses of their being ‘no’ choice, yet one can see that not even an attempt is made to look for an alternative, the destructive path automatically taken. The ‘other’ may be different, ‘dangerous’ even, from our perspective but does that give us the right to destroy, to take lives? Luckily amid the Cerus’ passengers are some who do care, and on this account present hope for the future.
Other equations are explored amongst the humans as well; especially the parent-child relationship. Most parents here have not shared the truth of their situations with their children, leading to both protest against the journey as well as resentment. These situations raise questions of why children are so often treated as less than able to understand things that they probably can, if treated as people, not lesser beings. A call to question perhaps the grown-ups-know-best approach!
The Kodrya aren’t without their problems either, their society living by rules which have no space to accept difference; rather they just call for wiping it out. Amid them, Blue alone seems to have a heart, to question why some must suffer simply because they lack Thorns. Chosen as Malca, she even wonders whether she might change these unfair rules, as also the practice of fighting and destruction as the norm but her own position is insecure as she hasn’t yet sprouted thorns. Also stronger Kodrya simply shoot down any ideas she might have for change, for more kindness and less violence. But what neither she nor they know is how their lives will change after their encounter with the humans.
Thorns is a book that highlights a number of issues that would indeed be relevant in human interactions with other, as of now undiscovered spaces and life-forms, but they are also ones all too relevant to our interactions with our own environment and with other humans beings, leading us once again to realise that difference isn’t necessarily a bad thing and is entitled to space as much as we are, as also that simply because we may not understand something or it may seem different or dangerous doesn’t give us licence to destroy either—every life has value. One wishes we would understand this eventually though from all that’s unfolding around currently, there doesn’t seem very much hope (at least not of this becoming the norm).
A quick read but a thought-provoking one!
p.s. one minor issue I found was the description of the Indian sweet petha. This is a sweet made of winter melon but the description in the book was of the milk-based sweet peda instead.
4.5 stars
Dealing with issues of the havoc humans inevitably wreak wherever they go, as also love and acceptance, difference and discrimination, and institutionalised unfairness, Thorns: When Earth Refugees are Aliens (2023) by Laura Kahn is a novella-length book that explores these themes through two parallel stories that briefly intersect, with a lasting impact.
As our story opens, we are aboard the Cetus (nicknamed the Caterpillar), a spaceship travelling from earth to the planet Phyleem with the intention of colonising it. On it are the crew including the commander, a biologist, an engineer and geologist, among others, as also passengers, four children of different members of the crew and a dog Lucky. Most have been cryogenically chilled (rather than frozen) which means their bodies have grown a few years but not to their full age. Siddharta or Siddie began on the journey with his parents Lakshmi and Vinesh when he was 8 and now he is 13 as they are about to land on Phyleem. Siddie’s parents and others on the crew have left earth for various reasons but none of their children have been told the true reasons for the expedition. Most as a result are unwilling travellers and many are outrightly opposed to settling on the new planet, even more so once they land and find a space very different from the only home they have known, even though their parents have promised them the new planet is earth-like. Siddie however is more excited than others wanting to at least explore their new home, but he is a mischievous young man who manages to get into trouble without meaning to.
In alternate chapters we follow the story of Blue, one of the Kodrya who inhabit the planet Phyleem. These are plant-like creatures who live on flies and whose defining characteristic is the thorns they usually sprout at thirteen-days-old. Those who don’t are brutally killed, for according to the rules, there can be no Kodrya without thorns. Into this community is born little Blue who is immediately selected as the next Malca (equivalent of a queen bee). Green, her contemporary is jealous and does what she can to take her place. But Blue has other pressures on her too. Her role as Malca is contingent on her growing thorns within the requisite time, else she too will be put to a cruel death. Blue questions this unfair rule wondering why thornless Kodrya can’t just be allowed to live; this isn’t just for herself but her kind heart is full of compassion for Kodrya who haven’t grown thorns and fall victim to this rule; as also for those who lose their lives because of a culture that calls for fighting to the death.
The human would-be colonisers are unaware of the Kodrya or their ways, looking simply to set up a new home but when their paths cross on a couple of occasions, the humans as is usually the case, bring about untold and uncalled for destruction changing life for the Kodrya and especially for Blue, but somewhat differently than one would expect.
From the perspective of the humans seeking to colonise Phyleem, the issue that primarily stands out is of the devastation that humans knowingly (sometimes unknowingly; here it is the former) cause everywhere they seem to go (one only needs to look at our history not only of colonisation but also interactions with the environment where more are more land is taken into human possession and the de-homed animals deemed ‘villains’ and ‘dangerous’ in the process). Here too, we see this unfold, the humans quick to take the excuses of their being ‘no’ choice, yet one can see that not even an attempt is made to look for an alternative, the destructive path automatically taken. The ‘other’ may be different, ‘dangerous’ even, from our perspective but does that give us the right to destroy, to take lives? Luckily amid the Cerus’ passengers are some who do care, and on this account present hope for the future.
Other equations are explored amongst the humans as well; especially the parent-child relationship. Most parents here have not shared the truth of their situations with their children, leading to both protest against the journey as well as resentment. These situations raise questions of why children are so often treated as less than able to understand things that they probably can, if treated as people, not lesser beings. A call to question perhaps the grown-ups-know-best approach!
The Kodrya aren’t without their problems either, their society living by rules which have no space to accept difference; rather they just call for wiping it out. Amid them, Blue alone seems to have a heart, to question why some must suffer simply because they lack Thorns. Chosen as Malca, she even wonders whether she might change these unfair rules, as also the practice of fighting and destruction as the norm but her own position is insecure as she hasn’t yet sprouted thorns. Also stronger Kodrya simply shoot down any ideas she might have for change, for more kindness and less violence. But what neither she nor they know is how their lives will change after their encounter with the humans.
Thorns is a book that highlights a number of issues that would indeed be relevant in human interactions with other, as of now undiscovered spaces and life-forms, but they are also ones all too relevant to our interactions with our own environment and with other humans beings, leading us once again to realise that difference isn’t necessarily a bad thing and is entitled to space as much as we are, as also that simply because we may not understand something or it may seem different or dangerous doesn’t give us licence to destroy either—every life has value. One wishes we would understand this eventually though from all that’s unfolding around currently, there doesn’t seem very much hope (at least not of this becoming the norm).
A quick read but a thought-provoking one!
p.s. one minor issue I found was the description of the Indian sweet petha. This is a sweet made of winter melon but the description in the book was of the milk-based sweet peda instead.
4.5 stars
November 1, 2023
Though seemingly brief, Thorns: When Earth Refugees are the Aliens, by L.H. Kahn, really covers a lot, evolving to a satisfying story that leaves you wanting to read more.
Siddie (Siddharta) and Blue are the protagonists of this sci-fi tale of, as the title indicates, earth refugees looking to restart their lives.
Siddie is a 13-year-old boy that wakes up in the body of a teenager after sleeping on their way to the planet where Blue lives.
Blue is a kodria, a species that we could interpret as a plant if we used Earth standards; however, Blue possesses intelligence (it has long been debated that also our plants have it too and can "feel" and respond to positive and/or negative stimuli, I personally do believe it) and we gaze into her society, their habits and idiosyncrasy, while Siddie and his family, along with other Earth outcasts (each one with a reason for having left behind our planet), land and attempt to "colonize" the planet.
It is the simplicity with which L.H. Kahn writes that first captures the attention of the reader; at the same time, the ability to communicate such familiar and common behaviors from the earthlings, and then allowing us to glimpse into the kodria society, with their monarchy and ceremonies, is very entertaining, a testimony to her imagination.
The single most interesting element in this book is attesting the awakening of both Siddie and Blue's conscience after traumatic events in their lives. Both protagonists "grow" in just a few pages, and the way in which it happens is so natural and written so skillfully, without leaving any impression that it's rushed or unrealistic. It just happens, and the merit of the writer is presenting such a transcendental stage of their lives with an economy of words, maybe because words are not necessary when we all recognize that what she's written we've lived it.
Page after page, we become entangled in the story until we reach the conclusion and, in my case, are left waiting for more pages.
"Thorns: When Earth Refugees are the Aliens" might be oriented to the Young Adult market; I found (after decades of reading sci-fi stories) that the story is appealing to older audiences as well, with a good and healthy dose of science and a well-constructed story by L.H. Kahn.
Looking forward to read the continuation...
Siddie (Siddharta) and Blue are the protagonists of this sci-fi tale of, as the title indicates, earth refugees looking to restart their lives.
Siddie is a 13-year-old boy that wakes up in the body of a teenager after sleeping on their way to the planet where Blue lives.
Blue is a kodria, a species that we could interpret as a plant if we used Earth standards; however, Blue possesses intelligence (it has long been debated that also our plants have it too and can "feel" and respond to positive and/or negative stimuli, I personally do believe it) and we gaze into her society, their habits and idiosyncrasy, while Siddie and his family, along with other Earth outcasts (each one with a reason for having left behind our planet), land and attempt to "colonize" the planet.
It is the simplicity with which L.H. Kahn writes that first captures the attention of the reader; at the same time, the ability to communicate such familiar and common behaviors from the earthlings, and then allowing us to glimpse into the kodria society, with their monarchy and ceremonies, is very entertaining, a testimony to her imagination.
The single most interesting element in this book is attesting the awakening of both Siddie and Blue's conscience after traumatic events in their lives. Both protagonists "grow" in just a few pages, and the way in which it happens is so natural and written so skillfully, without leaving any impression that it's rushed or unrealistic. It just happens, and the merit of the writer is presenting such a transcendental stage of their lives with an economy of words, maybe because words are not necessary when we all recognize that what she's written we've lived it.
Page after page, we become entangled in the story until we reach the conclusion and, in my case, are left waiting for more pages.
"Thorns: When Earth Refugees are the Aliens" might be oriented to the Young Adult market; I found (after decades of reading sci-fi stories) that the story is appealing to older audiences as well, with a good and healthy dose of science and a well-constructed story by L.H. Kahn.
Looking forward to read the continuation...
August 17, 2023
Thorns: When Earth Refugees are the Aliens is quite a book. It's short; actually, it's a novella. The dialogue is simple, principally conducted by youth. The book involves a group from Earth, escaping to a largely unknown planet. These earthlings are escaping, but from what? They seek a place with no hate laws, no secret police, no fake news, no prisons. They have endured water wars, intolerable heat, and corrupt leaders, and they want an end to those. Some are on the run from the police. The inhabitants of the receiving planet are plant-like creatures called kodrya who act as if they are members of a bee colony. Kodrya grow thorns; members of the society kill those members who cannot grow thorns. These kodrya are also almost completely unaware that they are about to be invaded by earthlings, and the earthlings are almost equally unaware of kodrya.
Interesting scenario, isn't it? The author uses it to explore some fascinating and complex questions, among them the following:
- Earthlings seek a better place, but their first act at the new locale is to devastate the new planet. Can people never see themselves as hateful, evil or corrupt?
- Why is having a thorn so essential that kodrya who don't have them must die? Is being different from everyone else punishable by death?
- The Fermi Paradox contemplates why, if the universe is accepted to be occupied by many planets similar to Earth, that earthlings have never interacted with intelligent life from elsewhere?
- Rules apply only if they are enforced. Why create a rule if there is no enforcement of that rule?
- Is relativity a fact? Can someone travel in space for 14 years, but only age 8?
- The principal earthling in this book is 13 year old Siddhartha, nicknamed Siddie. Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha of Buddhism, made travels similar to those made by this character, speading his notion of the Four Noble Truths. Has/will the Siddhartha of this novel acted/act similarly? Was the choice of this character's name intentional?
Laura Kahn has packed a lot into a short novel, hasn't she?
Interesting scenario, isn't it? The author uses it to explore some fascinating and complex questions, among them the following:
- Earthlings seek a better place, but their first act at the new locale is to devastate the new planet. Can people never see themselves as hateful, evil or corrupt?
- Why is having a thorn so essential that kodrya who don't have them must die? Is being different from everyone else punishable by death?
- The Fermi Paradox contemplates why, if the universe is accepted to be occupied by many planets similar to Earth, that earthlings have never interacted with intelligent life from elsewhere?
- Rules apply only if they are enforced. Why create a rule if there is no enforcement of that rule?
- Is relativity a fact? Can someone travel in space for 14 years, but only age 8?
- The principal earthling in this book is 13 year old Siddhartha, nicknamed Siddie. Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha of Buddhism, made travels similar to those made by this character, speading his notion of the Four Noble Truths. Has/will the Siddhartha of this novel acted/act similarly? Was the choice of this character's name intentional?
Laura Kahn has packed a lot into a short novel, hasn't she?
October 13, 2024
This book weaves together two coming-of-age stories that collide on a distant planet. Meet Siddhartha, or Siddie, a curious 13-year-old who's all about adventure as he and his family leave Earth to start fresh. But hold up—what’s the real reason they’re leaving? Siddie’s journey of discovery is both thrilling and relatable, capturing the ups and downs of growing up.
On the flip side, we have Blue, a plant-like kodrya who belongs to a society with a harsh rule: if you can't grow thorns, you’re in serious trouble—like, you might not survive! This unique twist adds a whole new layer to Blue’s character and her world. As her path crosses with Siddie’s, we’re in for some serious heart and soul as they each uncover truths about themselves and each other.
Kahn’s writing flows effortlessly, making it easy to dive right into the action and explore this vibrant new world. I loved how both Siddie and Blue have their own struggles and dreams that connect them, proving that growing up is a universal experience, no matter where you’re from.
One of the best parts? The theme of acceptance and understanding shines through. As Siddie learns more about his family’s past, he realizes the importance of embracing differences and showing compassion. It’s a powerful message that hits home in today’s world!
Overall, *Thorns* is a fantastic blend of adventure, mystery, and life lessons. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good sci-fi read with heart! Go grab a copy—you won’t regret it!
On the flip side, we have Blue, a plant-like kodrya who belongs to a society with a harsh rule: if you can't grow thorns, you’re in serious trouble—like, you might not survive! This unique twist adds a whole new layer to Blue’s character and her world. As her path crosses with Siddie’s, we’re in for some serious heart and soul as they each uncover truths about themselves and each other.
Kahn’s writing flows effortlessly, making it easy to dive right into the action and explore this vibrant new world. I loved how both Siddie and Blue have their own struggles and dreams that connect them, proving that growing up is a universal experience, no matter where you’re from.
One of the best parts? The theme of acceptance and understanding shines through. As Siddie learns more about his family’s past, he realizes the importance of embracing differences and showing compassion. It’s a powerful message that hits home in today’s world!
Overall, *Thorns* is a fantastic blend of adventure, mystery, and life lessons. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good sci-fi read with heart! Go grab a copy—you won’t regret it!
May 15, 2024
Thorns by L. H. Kahn is a book based on science where a group of people are on their way to relocate to another planet from Earth. They have taken with them a few children, of course their own and a few animals and plants. There are two different narratives in the book. One is about the journey of the inhabitants of earth to that alien planet. The second narrative is about Kodrya, a species of poisonous, thorn bearing, carnivorous plants that feed on flies and have a kingdom of their own. They have a queen who is their ruler, and is addressed as the malca.
Both the narratives find alternate chapters in the book. The first narrative looks into the individual stories of the passengers of the space craft, and why they had to leave earth to relocate to another planet. They are also sceptical about their chances of survival on the planet.
The second narrative looks into the selection process of the new malca for the plant kingdom, and its process. How not growing thorns on the self is a deathly crime and what happens when two candidates for the post of malca try to impress the current malca to be selected as the successor.
The protagonists of both the stories are interesting and would not like to reveal much about them. Do read the book to find out.
The entire book is an interesting read, and the characters are all apt to the concept of the story. The language used is easily grasped by the reader, so it makes for an excellent read. Overall a good job by the author.
Both the narratives find alternate chapters in the book. The first narrative looks into the individual stories of the passengers of the space craft, and why they had to leave earth to relocate to another planet. They are also sceptical about their chances of survival on the planet.
The second narrative looks into the selection process of the new malca for the plant kingdom, and its process. How not growing thorns on the self is a deathly crime and what happens when two candidates for the post of malca try to impress the current malca to be selected as the successor.
The protagonists of both the stories are interesting and would not like to reveal much about them. Do read the book to find out.
The entire book is an interesting read, and the characters are all apt to the concept of the story. The language used is easily grasped by the reader, so it makes for an excellent read. Overall a good job by the author.
November 7, 2023
The story that captures two point of views from 2 complete different characters. As the book progresses, the vantage points of the main characters, Blue and Siddhartha, clashes and it takes the reader to a heart felt message. Before then, both characters are faced with feeling worthless of not being able to do anything right according to their environment. The details comparing planet earth and the new planet and how the new planet has no moon was superb. Also, when the author explained that even though the characters are on another planet doesn't mean the milky way change, they're basically under the same roof but different rooms. When the clash of each character happened it had a ripple effect of disaster. The pebble dropped of the Earth escapees were now the alien invasion of the new planet. The cycle of survival of the fittest is a sad reality.
Being Thornley came with a curse and a bless in the end for Blue, she took her rightful throne. And as for Siddhartha, he became more interested in learning about coexistence.
Being Thornley came with a curse and a bless in the end for Blue, she took her rightful throne. And as for Siddhartha, he became more interested in learning about coexistence.
November 14, 2025
Quirky and fun - Informative and Eco-conscious.
A child of the Space Race generation, I have always been fascinated and this sweet tale satisfied my imagination.I was hooked on the first paragraph.
The characters were wonderful, with their colorful back stories.The descriptions were so very well done I could picture the entire scene in my mind's eye.
I was intrigued that the more socially conscious were the younger 'aliens' and their disdain for their parents 'dragging' then with them was palpable.
Jahan the only "artist" of the bunch was so cleverly woven into the tale with mostly science-geeks. No offense to those scientifically oriented. I was pleasantly surprised to be educated in the scientific terms and expressions.
I felt for the actual inhabitants of the planet! Almost a foreshadowing of what could be coming down line for us in the future.
The flow of the story was so cleverly and smoothly done. I was rooting for Blue, and definitely got the Green/Envy nod.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thorns and would recommend it for my middle school students to read.
A child of the Space Race generation, I have always been fascinated and this sweet tale satisfied my imagination.I was hooked on the first paragraph.
The characters were wonderful, with their colorful back stories.The descriptions were so very well done I could picture the entire scene in my mind's eye.
I was intrigued that the more socially conscious were the younger 'aliens' and their disdain for their parents 'dragging' then with them was palpable.
Jahan the only "artist" of the bunch was so cleverly woven into the tale with mostly science-geeks. No offense to those scientifically oriented. I was pleasantly surprised to be educated in the scientific terms and expressions.
I felt for the actual inhabitants of the planet! Almost a foreshadowing of what could be coming down line for us in the future.
The flow of the story was so cleverly and smoothly done. I was rooting for Blue, and definitely got the Green/Envy nod.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thorns and would recommend it for my middle school students to read.
August 31, 2023
If you are looking for a short and nice science fiction read then you have come to the right place. The story although woven around a planet faraway in the galaxy, the recurring themes in the plot hold very much relevancy to present day problems. There is everything from discord in family, almost absent parents, being destructive towards nature, unachievable societal rules (no thorns means death) .The narration is simple and easy to understand despite being about a totally new world. The characters although grown physically are still of a younger mental age or do they feel like that? That's one confusion I was unable to be uncertain about. What also perplexed me was the maturity in Siddie's way of thinking despite saying that mentally they feel eight.
Also as I mentioned, there are a lot of themes going on in the story without actually exploring each to its maximum potential. I guess if there was less conflict and more focus on 2 or 3 topics it would have been a better read.
Also as I mentioned, there are a lot of themes going on in the story without actually exploring each to its maximum potential. I guess if there was less conflict and more focus on 2 or 3 topics it would have been a better read.
February 2, 2024
If you're looking for a short quick sci-fi story - go for this book. The book has two protagonists - Blue and Siddhartha. This book takes us to the new worlds, as a human being and a a species called kodrya. Both of those characters feel themselves as helpless in their thoughts. This can be due to their age factor or may be due their thinking capability, its unsure to me aft reading this book. Such characters need freedom where they can put up their thoughts and try living as per their comfort and live as how they decide. But is this universe accepts that? Dow e have same environment in other planets as well? Well, you may get answers for such questions aft reading this novel.
March 3, 2024
A group of scientists and their families are sent on an exploration to another planet to compensate for their past failures in life. On that planet, a group of plant-like creatures are already living there. They survive by eating flies, fighting amongst themselves, and killing the weak (or the ones without thorns).
I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, but did find the book enjoyable and I think young adults would like the book. It’s easy to understand, and has some good ideas and things to think about when pondering what makes up a good society?
I felt like there’s more to the story. Perhaps a sequel would help give more closure.
I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, but did find the book enjoyable and I think young adults would like the book. It’s easy to understand, and has some good ideas and things to think about when pondering what makes up a good society?
I felt like there’s more to the story. Perhaps a sequel would help give more closure.
September 7, 2023
I found it a very interesting Sci-Fi novella. Specially designed for the teens, the book tells several scientific facts about physics along the way.
The rules, questions of life and death and several other aspects about life are told through an alien civilization Kodrya.
Action packed novella has to offer many delights of storytelling. Selection of the names of Siddhartha and Bodhi is a very thoughtful aspect of the vivid character making. I recommend this book to all those people who are interested in Sci-fi and also the questions of life. 👍🏾
The rules, questions of life and death and several other aspects about life are told through an alien civilization Kodrya.
Action packed novella has to offer many delights of storytelling. Selection of the names of Siddhartha and Bodhi is a very thoughtful aspect of the vivid character making. I recommend this book to all those people who are interested in Sci-fi and also the questions of life. 👍🏾
October 18, 2023
4.5 rounded to 5. This was a thought provoking novella that showed the dark side of humanity and hope. This fable is intended for the YA crowd but it had a lot of themes that adults can appreciate. I think it would be a good buddy read with a younger member of a family to discuss the storyline.
The novella is concise and I was left wanting more. I would love a sequel as well as a prequel! But this book is a good stand alone novel. The author said she was inspired by DEI training and Star Trek. She dove-tailed them nicely in this book.
The novella is concise and I was left wanting more. I would love a sequel as well as a prequel! But this book is a good stand alone novel. The author said she was inspired by DEI training and Star Trek. She dove-tailed them nicely in this book.
April 7, 2023
Good with great potential
Won this book in the Goodreads giveaway.
If you're looking for a quick science fiction story, this is it.
Dr. Kahn did a great job of making the concepts easy to understand. I feel this is a good entry book/story to the world of science fiction.
Love seeing the points of view of Sid and Blue.
The story has lots of potential to dig deeper into the issues of space travel, family dynamics, conservation of life humans don't deem convenient for them, and much more.
Won this book in the Goodreads giveaway.
If you're looking for a quick science fiction story, this is it.
Dr. Kahn did a great job of making the concepts easy to understand. I feel this is a good entry book/story to the world of science fiction.
Love seeing the points of view of Sid and Blue.
The story has lots of potential to dig deeper into the issues of space travel, family dynamics, conservation of life humans don't deem convenient for them, and much more.
April 27, 2024
We are all the same.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly developed characters. Each member of the refugee group brings a unique perspective and backstory to the narrative, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. From the determined leader grappling with the weight of responsibility to the young child experiencing the wonders of space for the first time, every character feels authentic and multidimensional.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly developed characters. Each member of the refugee group brings a unique perspective and backstory to the narrative, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. From the determined leader grappling with the weight of responsibility to the young child experiencing the wonders of space for the first time, every character feels authentic and multidimensional.
August 2, 2023
This was a short sci-fi read, and I thought it was very interesting and unique. I thought the characters were very unique too, and I found most of them quite endearing. I also liked that some of the characters' names were colour-themed.
I read this in less than an hour, so if you enjoy books in the sci-fi genre and are looking for a quick read, you would probably like this.
I read this in less than an hour, so if you enjoy books in the sci-fi genre and are looking for a quick read, you would probably like this.
March 11, 2024
I enjoyed the story, it was great and fascinating...I truly loved this book ...there was science, the beautifully captured teenage angst, the parental anxiety, the story-telling skill, and the message of diversity and everything about the book was great..
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