Points of Origin

by E. S. Fein, Nichole Paolella Petrovich (Editor)

Amero wakes from an eerily familiar dream in an unfamiliar bed.

Within hours, he is forced onto an experimental craft and jettisoned across the galaxy alongside a mysterious, potentially homicidal man named Hann.

Finding themselves in a strange yet familiar spacetime, the men are told by suspicious entities to hunt for Points, strange objects no larger than one's thumb, which are spread across the cosmos by unknown means.

The purpose of the hunt is unknown. The purpose of the Points is unknown.

All Amero wants is to return to his dead-end life. All Hann wants is to hunt down and destroy those responsible for his predicament.

It will take a journey to the end of time itself and beyond the boundaries of every universe to know the truth--to witness the light behind the veil...for better or worse.

"Get excited for this modern take on the transhumanist Sci-Fi genre! The pacing of this book is wonderful; the way the author uses words is both beautiful and entrancing. Like other great transhumanist Science Fiction works, this novel embodies the voice of our generation, and lives in the quick-wit, deep thought, and far-reaching curiosity of today's society. If you like Science Fiction blended with philosophy and adventure, you have found the right author! The stories are both interesting and intricate, so hang on for a wild ride!" --Marcin Tendera, Science Fiction Researcher

Genres: Science Fiction

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

E. S. Fein is the author of the Neoevolution Earth Series, two standalone novels (A Dream of Waking Life and Points of Origin), and two short story collections (Ascendescenscion and The Process is Love). More than anything, he enjoys writing strange stories about strange characters in strange situations. Some people refer to him as a lucid dreaming expert. Others know him as a rapper. But E. S. Fein just thinks of himself as a dude who likes to think about what it means to be a dude thinking about being a dude. When he isn't hanging out with his partner and son, you can usually find him reading, playing DnD and video games with his friends, going for walks while writing stories in his head before putting them on paper, or practicing yoga. Check out some free short stories on his site, Officialesfein.com.

Reviews

[Cloud C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of the story was a bit too political and divisive for me, but the story doesn't cram those ideas down your throat or anything. I can see many readers enjoying the exploration of a brutal anti-LGBTQ Christian hegemony, and it is very intelligently and impressively explored, but some of the more brutal sections were a bit much for me. Very well written, but just very, very divisive. Beyond that, the scifi and space opera aspects of this book are literally out of this world. This one explores deep time, the nature of cosmic entropy, the insides of black holes, extending to the causal plane of existence, and way more! Some really big ideas in this one, and fortunately, Fein seems to know his science! The grand mystery of the Points pulled me through this story more than the characters themselves, and I was not let down by the ending! Excellent piece of space opera scifi!

[Kaseem Tray · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Points of Origin, Fein invites us on a journey that bridges the vast chasm of space and the intricacies of the human psyche. The galaxy-spanning quest for Points is not merely an adventure; it's a maze of questions that challenge our understanding of identity, belief, and existence itself. Fein masterfully intertwines classic science fiction elements with profound reflections on Eastern Philosophy, resulting in a narrative that resonates with both the heart and the mind.

Amero and Hann are captivating protagonists, each harboring their own wounds and desires. Their dynamic is a study in contrasts, and Fein's decision to position them in a situation that is both physically and emotionally constrained adds layers of tension to their already complex relationship. This story is particularly commendable for addressing LGBTQIA+ themes against the backdrop of a dystopian future, in which a repressive regime seeks to oppress individuality and love.

Readers are advised to approach this novel with an open mind and a willingness to delve deep. Some of the concepts may require rereading, and this is due to some of the more intricate science and masterful bending of modern physics going on. Additionally, the raw and at times, dark portrayal of personal struggles, especially concerning some of the flashbacks, can be very intense (some could become triggered).

Points of Origin is not just a book; it's an experience. It holds a mirror to society, reflecting both its flaws and its potential. While it may not be a tale meant to comfort, it's certainly one that will linger in my mind for a long time.

(I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. This is my honest review. I don't normally read scifi, but this was a great one!)

[Wayne Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and thought provoking story regarding a very dystopian society.

A hedonistic famous astronaut is volunteered by a totalitarian religious government to be the first individual to travel to the stars. He is allowed to pick one traveller to accompany him. Once arrived at the location, a quest for answers occurs which includes - how can we get back to Earth - if Earth is still there & why were these two individuals volunteered.

What I found fascinating and most interesting are two things

The mystery of the story as it unfolded is the first. The book has four major acts with the first act introducing the society and the quest. This kept me interested in wanting to know the world that has been created. The second act explained and answered the quest. However, I wanted to know more. The third and forth act expanded on the story which then allowed the epilogue to be a perfect ending to the story. It was the epilogue that made the book for me. So many good sci-fi books, movies, TV shows miss this type of ending that is associated with this type of subject.

The other interesting aspect is the the way E.S has combined topics that are currently in the news into a overall dystopian world. Homosexuality, Ultra Religious Christianity, Space Travel, Artificial Intelligence and Multiverse. It works beautifully.

There are some parts that were introduced to make the story move forward and to explain the circumstances related to that story. However, it didn't negate the overall finality of the message or the story at all.

It is a fascinating read. A quest to find oneself and how that one fits into the society.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unfortunately not very wordy so i cant really tell you why i loved this book very well but i can simply say this.

i loved this book! i spoke a little to the author throughout the process of reading the book and he is super friendly an appreciative of feedback.

I love the approach this book took to the life and death of our universe from the perspective of a normal human being attempting to grasp what was happening around them.

If you like mind bending sci-fi this one is so worth a read.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at UI-Con and purchased 3 of their books. I was so excited to start reading them! Though this book I had not purchased. It book was so full of twists and turns. Each part had its own story and destination to the end. It was captivating through and through. Betty BAT did such an amazing job narrating. They made it all the more riveting.

[Willy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like A Dream of Waking Life, which I read just yesterday, this is a very unique story. It is split into four parts, and each part is noticeably different in both pacing and subject matter. I can see some readers finding this jarring, but I really enjoyed it. The first part introduces us to the world and Amero, a gay character in a society that normally executes homosexuals. This part explores religion and taboo while beginning the grand mystery of the book and the search for the Points. The second part explores the unraveling of relationships and the discovery of many answers to the grand mystery; this part is more of a suspense thriller that takes us through extremely emotional flashbacks. (My only complaint is that I wish we got more of "Hann's" story! It was a very well executed backstory). The third part is a slow build to a giant reveal, and was actually very enjoyable after the rush of the second part. The third part is almost playful compared to the rest. The final part is back to fast paced discovery and extremely heavy philosophy and exploration of different dimensions and planes of being. As you can see, each part was extremely different, almost like each part could be a stand alone story. Each part is also separated by many years, thousands at one point, so they are understandably different.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am not even sure how to categorize it beyond saying scifi, but that doesn't really do it justice. It heavily explores the philosophy of Taoism and the nature of deep time and entropy, but it does it in a way that somehow makes those topics exciting to a person that normally finds them boring. I will definitely be checking out the Tao Te Ching after reading this book, and after reading all of this author's work, I will be on the look out for more of his books in the future. Thank you for the many enjoyable rides, Mr. Fein.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Someone’s life is always going to be worse than someone else’s. Maybe you had it worse than me, but I didn’t have it easy".

Points of Origin is a philosophical Science Fiction written by the author ES Fein. Book is written in four parts: Lost, Consumed, Emerged and Merged. Amero
Hiddiger wakes from a familiar dream in an unfamiliar bed. He is a gay pilot who was chosen by the New Covenant for a mission. Amero and another homosexual guy Hann was forcefully sent to another star. Amero was born with a gift. His talent as a pilot and his instincts are better than anything else.

Even though, New Covenant people don't like Amero because of his homosexuality that is considered as an abomination, still because of Amero's talents he get first priority at work. This is a dangerous mission with the risk of death and a catch in the mission. It's unknown if Seraphim (the craft) has the power to travel faster than light. Will Amero and Hann reach the Tau Ceti system?

This is an intriguing Sci-fi story with great world building. Language of the book is lucid. Cover photo is nice. It's a fast paced story that has the power to capture reader's attention right from the first page. World building is intense. Story involves frequent mention of God. The new rules created by the New Covenant are not favourable for all, especially not homosexuals.

If you are an avid Sci-fi reader, pick this book to enjoy the journey across time and space.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a thinker. It gives a really interesting perspective on religion, the meaning of life, time and causality, and what it means to exist. It also happens to be a great story, with joy, sadness, and wonder. I highly recommend this as a great summer read to anyone from the dedicated sci-fi fan to the new reader looking for something interesting.

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning part was really fun to read and very witty. The second part was edge-of-your-seat riveting and made me cry. I had to put the book down and take in the gravity of it for a bit before I continued. The rest of the book is exciting and does a really good wrap-up. I personally like the way the book ended and I think it left me feeling like there was hope and the world could be full of good.

[James Endico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book a 5 star review in terms of its ideas and concepts, and a 4 star review for its writing and characters, so really I would give it a 4.5 stars.

The scifi concepts are fantastic: deep time, a battle against entropy, sentient machinery that's taking over the universe. I think the writing was a bit slow paced, however. It might be some other peoples style, but I would have preferred it to be a bit more fast paced. I also wanted to see more of Jakob and his back story. That was my favorite part outside of the incredible climax and resolution!

If you're looking for big ideas and extraordinary scifi concepts, this one is great. The writing is solid enough, but there were a couple of spots that I got a bit bored. Luckily they were very few and far between and the other parts made up for those! Overall, great read and recommended!

[H. Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past I've been very disappointed with the science fiction books my friends rave about. I've either found the characters too flat or the plot too philosophical, and I often struggle to finish the books because I don't feel any connection to the characters. Thankfully that was NOT the case with Points of Origin!!! The author was able to create a really unique story with complex, real characters. I felt like I was with Amero on his mission and thus experienced a myriad emotions along with him and the others.

I also love how the author was able to bring everything back full circle--to the point of origin!!! Without giving away any spoilers, I never suspected that ending, but now I want to go back and reread the book again with that new perspective and understanding.

[E.L. Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review! Needless to say, I was impressed! E.S. Fein has crafted an intriguing world and memorable characters that sci-fi fans alike would enjoy! As one who focuses the most on characters when it comes to books, I was glad to see the level of character development that was present! This book blends concepts of philosophy, religion, and science in an excellent manner and is quite thought provoking. Highly recommended for those who love fast-paced adventures!

[Dante DeTillio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a true master of world building and character development that drives this plot forward. I could not put this book down. The character depth is something I latched onto - it all felt so real and relatable that I was disappointed when I finished it.

E.S. Fein is a true master of the craft and I cannot wait for more books from this author.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Really challenges the mind to think about what is actually going on. Everything ties together extremely well. You will not be dissapointed. Loved and enjoyed every second and kept me wanting more. Cannot recommend enough!

[David Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fun, amazing, and spicy read. Mr. Fein tackles religion, love and morality in this amazing book. Amero’s journey is a exciting one and you cannot miss it. This is a must read!

[Katie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of sci-fi but this was such a delight to read. I was hooked from the first paragraph and was so glad I gave this book a chance. E. S. Fein does a great job of creating a unique world that anyone can enjoy.

[Mr. J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept listening to this book because just as I was getting annoyed by it, something would happen to give me hope that it was getting better. this happened over and over again. I felt strung along for the entirety of the book.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting distopia, but kept droning on about how bad and stupid. Felt like the author knows his science, but at the end got a bit stuck. Still entertaining though!

[Drew Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trippy, unpredictable, ineffable; a breezy read/listen

I thought I knew where this book was going. Early on, I remember thinking, "Oh, so this is a bit like Project Hail Mary." Then, as the plot whipped and whirled in a new direction, I thought "Oh, nevermind, it's more like Interstellar." Then: "Nevermind, I guess it's more vaguely LitRPG?" The more I tried to peg down exactly what this story was like, the more it became clear that it wasn't quite like anything I'd read before--with the exception of one single title (I'll return to this point later).

Overall, the book bites off a lot of good, thematic meat: religion, faith, and their intersection with science; Taoism, and the search for meaning in our world; eschatology and destiny/predetermination; religious persecution. This is not shlocky scifi meant to mindlessly whisk you from one setpiece to another. There's introspection, monologue, philosophy, and extended sequences where most of the development is internal rather than external. This might be a plus or a minus, depending on what the reader is hoping to get out of a sci-fi novel, but I've always been the sort of reader to enjoy messy philosophical questions with no straightforward answers.

The audiobook is of excellent production value, narrated with gusto by Betty BAT and replete with the occasional sound effects/voice filters (only where appropriate, and never overdone). She, as ever, did a great job at bringing the character's personalities to life.

It was only by the final acts of the story that I realized I *had* read a book like this before: "A Dream of Waking Life," also written by E.S. Fein. "Points of Origin" was written years earlier, and I almost feel like "A Dream of Waking Life" was Fein taking a second swing at some of the same ideas. I think I liked that later title a bit more, but of course ranking works is always completely subjective. In "Points of Origin," as things move towards the final acts, the story can begin to feel a little bit messy as the storyline sheds its skin once again and becomes something new. There's a bit of delirium as the reader is told "this is not what you understood it to be" over and over again, and I think that sort of evolution worked better in a story where the trippy, dream-like quality is the entire purpose of the work (as it is in "A Dream of Waking Life.") The relationship between these two works is something that I think the author even acknowledges, given that one of the final lines of the final non-epilogue chapter of the book contains the phrase "dreamed of waking life." My own head-canon is that Fein might've come up for the concept of ADoWL while writing Points of Origin and only later decided to breathe it to fuller life.

All of the above is not meant to be a knock at "Points of Origin"; rather, it's this reader's opinion that anyone who enjoyed this book (or was at least along for the ride in those final chapters) might like "A Dream of Waking Life" even more. There's a similar sense of disorienting scale as layer after layer of the cosmos is peeled back, but it's wrapped up in a slightly more self-consistent package, while Points of Origin instead is unabashedly unafraid to evolve as characters change names, merge, and become something greater, if ineffable.

Overall, this book is a fun ride for the sci-fi reader who thinks they've read it all. It's short, densely packed, and certainly memorable in its mind-bending ambitions.

[Julius Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. S. Fein's "Points of Origin: A Metaphysical Cosmic Space Opera" is a masterful blend of science fiction and spirituality that entices the reader with its vast, imaginative universe and its deeply human core. Set against the backdrop of an intricately woven cosmic tapestry, the narrative unfolds like a symphony, resonating with emotional depth and existential inquiry. It's a journey that beckons the soul to explore the unknown, challenging the very fabric of reality and identity, making it impossible to put down.

The strength of Fein's work lies in the richly developed characters who traverse both interstellar landscapes and profound inner transformations. Each character is a universe in themselves, grappling with questions of purpose, morality, and love. Their journeys become a mirror reflecting our own struggles and aspirations, urging readers to ponder the essence of their own existence. This intricate portrayal of human emotion set against the grand stage of the cosmos creates a striking contrast, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

The atmosphere in "Points of Origin" is both hauntingly beautiful and intensely vivid, capturing the reader's imagination with its lush descriptions and dynamic settings. Fein’s ability to paint vivid cosmic scenes with words is nothing short of enchanting. Worlds unknown yet eerily familiar are described with such precision that they seem to come alive on the page. Each scene is imbued with a sense of wonder and awe, leaving readers yearning to explore further, to dive deeper into the cosmos Fein has crafted.

What truly sets this novel apart is its metaphysical undertones, which thoughtfully probe the edges of reality and self-awareness. Rather than just being a backdrop, the cosmic expanse becomes a metaphor for the internal quests faced by the characters. Themes of destiny, interconnectedness, and the search for truth resonate intensely, prompting readers to question the expansiveness of their own lives. It is this philosophical depth that elevates "Points of Origin" from a mere space opera to an explorative journey of the soul.

"Points of Origin" deserves a 5 out of 5 star rating for its exceptional storytelling, profound emotional impact, and captivating exploration of metaphysical themes. Fein’s novel doesn’t just entertain; it inspires, it challenges, and it lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned. For those who seek an adventure that transcends the ordinary, this book is a must-read, beckoning explorers of both the universe and the self.

[John Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the whole set of Fein's books at a convention a few months ago from his assistant and voice actress "Betty Bat." I'm a sucker for space operas, so this is the book I started reading first. This book is a fresh and unique take on the space opera setting. Think big idea scifi mixed with modern day issues centered around religious authoritarianism and gender/sex identity. The book is split into 4 very distinct parts involving different plot points and characters. Part 1 is mostly about the New Covenant and Amero and Hann being launched into space, beginning their hunt for the Points. Part 2 is mostly about Amero and Hann's relationship falling part after 10 years of being at each other's throats, along with a dive into Hann's true past. Part 3 is about Amero and Hann coming to terms with the great changes that occurred in the universe and the nature of reality and the Points. It also heavily explores transhumanism and the process of changing oneself in wild ways. Part 4 is the most transhuman of all, and also becomes extremely high minded and esoteric, exploring the nature of reality beyond the structure of the universe.

If you're looking for a remarkably thought-provoking story that does admittedly have some slow sections, then this is for you. There are some extremely thrilling sections of the story, but this one is for sure a slow burn. However, none of those sections felt so slow that I wanted to stop reading. I do think that some of it could have been a bit more concise, however. Still, the hard science is there, along with a healthy dose of fantastical science based on the hard scientific theories presented. The characters are compelling, and there were plenty of twists to keep me guessing at the overarching mystery of the Points until the very end. 4.5 stars total, rounding up to 5 stars for the originality of the plot!

[JaneAustin'sPetticoat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very weird book. Lots of bizarre circumstances that take place on different planets, stations, dimensions, realities, and over the course of many years.

This is a very heady book, and it's clear that ES Fein had everything plotted out and knew how to connect things together.

The beginning was really fascinating and did a good job of introducing the main character Amero, his background, and the worldbuilding. It fell off a little bit after that for me because the characters were not as relatable and the plot felt like anything could happen at any time. The conversations didn't reveal too much either, so that was frustrating, and Hann was really annoying. However, once you learn about the twist with Hann and his backstory, his behavior makes more sense. No less annoying but it makes sense. And Dave's role was nice. Amero starts off as likeable but gets a little less likeable for me, but that's because I felt like he didn't grow very much. Lots happens to him and he is transformed, but at the same time he seems exactly like himself at the near-end. That's not necessarily a bad thing, just didn't work as well for me.

This seemed like a plot-heavy book rather than character-heavy. The characters were absolutely integral to the strangeness going on, but it doesn't necessarily follow Amero in a linear or always understandable way, which fits in with the plot but made it a little hard to connect to them for me. The dialogue gets heavy into the weeds sometimes, but that's expected from the description and topics it covers.

This story mixed a lot of topics from AI to time travel to religion to sexual identity persecution and more. Despite the blurb implications, there is no romance involved. It's just not that kind of book.

Overall, really weird and interesting story that will definitely have its niche followers.

[Karla Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written and interesting novel. There are some instances of genuinely beautiful writing. For example: "Viridian flavor-fronds laden with sweet, bulging veins swayed above Amero, intimately coaxing him to enjoy their succulence. A hybridization of electronic dance music and classical violin served only to compound Amero's beating headache, and though Paul had offered many avenues of guaranteed relief, Amero refused them all. It had been a painfully long time since he felt so physically and mentally marooned by substance; Amero wished to cherish the old, familiar hurt of sobriety, if only for a few minutes." I love to see a book with some style! Amero is a fascinating character as well, engaging as a lead. Hann took a little more time to grow on me.

The story takes wild detours. Essentially, two men hurtle through space, hunting encrypted shards they don't understand, trapped in a vessel that glides past Earth but never reaches home. The book wrestles with consciousness, identity, God. I found the persecution of LGBTQIA+ citizens and the centrality of sexuality or sexual identity to the story to be especially compelling. Something one doesn't often see in sci-fi. I will say that sometimes the plot overwhelms the characters, but not enough that I would subtract points from the rating.

Overall, this is worth a read! Thought-provoking and unique.

[William Turmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

E. S. Fein’s “Points of Origin” is by no means a quick read, but it is a pleasant read with an extensive vocabulary and mindful editing. The story is a metaphysical cosmic space opera that introduces Taoism.

To make their case for Taoism, the author uses four characters in the story, two very extreme and two moderate. The first introduced of the extreme characters and the main character of the story is Amero, a homosexual man whose sole purpose in life is to seek pleasure for himself without regard to the cost it may require of others. The second extreme character is the New Covenant, an authoritarian world government based on a perverted version of Christianity, and considers homosexuality something to be violently purged from society. The moderate characters are Dave, Amero’s only friend, a heterosexual man who is in good standing with the New Covenant, and Hann, a homosexual Christian man who endures torture at the hands of the New Covenant.

We begin our story with Amero waking next to his latest in an endless series of lovers—a man who will likely be executed for this crime. Amero is allowed to live because of his great skills as a pilot. Soon afterward, the New Covenant sends Amero and Hann on a voyage across space to test their newest technology. It is during this voyage, with ample explanatory dialogue, that the author makes their case for Taoism.

[B.T. Skylark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest—I’m not usually drawn to science fiction. Spaceships, star systems, and alien politics tend to lose me. But Points of Origin by E. S. Fein surprised me in the best way. It’s not just a space opera—it’s a thoughtful, metaphysical exploration wrapped in cosmic storytelling. And somehow, it managed to pull me in and keep me thinking long after I finished.

What stood out most wasn’t the scale of the universe (which is massive and imaginative), but the questions it asked along the way—about identity, purpose, consciousness, and creation. It reads almost like philosophy disguised as sci-fi, and that’s what hooked me. There are moments that feel poetic and strange, like dreams half-remembered, and others where the story dives into deep, sometimes challenging ideas. But rather than feeling preachy or pretentious, it feels curious—like the book is asking you to wonder alongside it.

Fein’s writing is confident, intelligent, and surprisingly emotional in places. There’s action, sure, but this is more than a space adventure. It’s a story for people who like to reflect, to question, to look up at the stars and think, what if…?

Even as someone who normally avoids the genre, I found myself moved by this one. Points of Origin doesn’t just travel through space—it digs into the soul. If you like your fiction bold, strange, and full of ideas, give this a go. I’m glad I did.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking science fiction novel that blends deep philosophical questions with an intriguing cosmic adventure. The author has created a complex narrative that follows the two main protagonists, Amero and Hann, as they embark on a complicated quest across the universe. The story explores weighty themes such as the nature of reality, time, and existence, while also touching on social issues and personal struggles. One of the book's strengths is that it challenges your perceptions and provokes thought. It also delves into subjects like quantum physics, metaphysics, and existential questions, making it intellectually stimulating. Some readers may find these concepts to be a bit challenging to grasp at certain times. The vivid descriptions and imaginative world-building create a rich, immersive experience. The characters undergo significant development throughout their cosmic journey. Overall, the book constitutes an engaging blend of philosophy and space opera, but its complex narrative and occasionally dense explanations can be overly demanding for casual readers. Nevertheless, for fans of the genre or those who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that pushes boundaries, it offers a rewarding and mind-expanding reading experience.

[Natalie Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I would like Points of Origin because I worried the science would be confusing and I’d have to re-read sections to make sense of things. I often find that the case when reading space stories. I am happy to say that not only did I love Points of Origin, but I also found the science enlightening, and I never had to re-read anything because the writing was so good. The story was fascinating from start to finish, and Amero was a multi-layered, flawed, but compelling lead. In the beginning, he is living in a world where homosexuality can get you killed. The government hates him but needs him for his pilot talents to travel to a new star. He’s paired with Hann, a genius but also crazy at times, who brings up a multitude of questions about their mission, leading to fascinating debates and conversations about the meaning of life and where every step brings us. Even though Hann sometimes drove me mad with how he treated Amero, I could relate to his frustrations of wanting to understand the world more and feeling misguided and used by others. I won’t spoil the rest, but this is definitely a book that, once you finish, you’ll be thinking about for a while!

[Ginnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book struck me as a modern day 2001: A Space Odyssey in that the reader is taken on a wild journey through AI, spacetime, and consciousness, but E. S. Fein's "Points of Origin: A Metaphysical Cosmic Space Opera" goes much further in its exploration than even Arthur C Clarke's masterpiece. There are so many twists and turns relating to the characters, the machines, the Points, who and what they are and how they came to be, that even though some of it went over my head, it was a thoroughly entertaining and trippy reading experience. I felt like my own consciousness expanded just trying to take it all in. Amero is a flawed, interesting main character. How he evolves is a wonder to behold and an exercise in brain elasticity. It’s a fun, sometimes sad, and often challenging journey that fans of cerebral sci-fi should enjoy. There is a lot of beauty and poetry in the descriptions of the unique Seraphim ship and the surrounding cosmos that really impressed me. This is not a story you quickly digest. It sticks with you for a while. I’ll probably read it again soon. In the meantime, I have already started checking out this talented author's other books.

[Cam Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Points of Origin is a blend of theocratic dystopia, space opera, and philosophical exploration. Throughout the novel, the author presents a multitude of unique and thought-provoking ideas. While I won’t reveal spoilers, one of them (the biggest of them, I suppose) is particularly relevant in light of today’s breakneck rush in artificial intelligence development.

One of the measures I use to determine how ‘good’ a book is is if something about it comes to mind when I’m not reading it. In this case, it’s the unique spacecraft, ‘Seraphim’, and what the Points actually turn out to be once that part of the story unfolds. The latter is nothing short of mind-bending. Well done.

While I couldn’t fully connect with the protagonist and found him generally pretty unlikeable, I have to acknowledge that his character serves the narrative effectively, as does the character of his foil for the first half of the novel.

The novel is well-paced, and the author demonstrates remarkable skill in gradually unraveling the plot and maintaining a consistent level of narrative tension.

All-in-all, worth a read.

[Matt Mememaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read through a lot of E.S Fien’s other works, stumbling across Points of Origin: A Metaphysical Cosmic Space Opera I thought it would be a solid read. Imagine my shock when it was just that. Points of Origin is a straight up space opera, one that spans across the galaxy and is not afraid to dive into a wild journey that includes AI and consciousness, some issues that we very well face today.
Machines control experiments, much like they do in something like the matrix, however this novel takes us into it with a twenty third century twist and at the end of the day may have your mind bending!
E.S Fien weaves a tale both cerebral and chilling, balancing narrative momentum with existential dread. Their vision of artificial intelligence colliding with faith-based societies offers a haunting glimpse into possible futures. Readers drawn to speculative fiction that doesn't shy from philosophical depths will find themselves lingering over this story's implications long after the final page.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Points of Origin: A Metaphysical Cosmic Space Opera" by E.S. Fein is a science fiction thriller that uses well developed characters to explore complex themes. The dystopian world-building is very well done. The dialogue throughout the book is well written which helps keep up the pacing of the story. There are enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The author addresses some issues that are extremely relevant in our hopelessly polarized society. There are some fine philosophical discussions sprinkled throughout the narrative. I thought that this interaction between the main character Amero and the Dave-image was especially powerful: "The restrictions placed on the machines are also my own. I am a visitor free to roam among the galactic networks, but I must still adhere to their rules, and that means non-interference into their creator's business. I had to wait until the moment when your life was at the critical point of no return." Fun read, highly recommend!