Embassy

Recovery #1

by S. Alex Martin

Arman Lance was supposed to travel the galaxy with his father, not watch him die. He was supposed to experience the adventures from his father's stories, not isolate himself from the world. He was supposed to join the Embassy Program, fly across the galaxy, and find Ladia Purnell, the girl he fell in love with years before. Clinging to his fading hopes and dreams, Arman joins the Embassy to fulfill that last promise. He knows if he finds Ladia again, he'll be happy. But on this journey, he'll discover there is more to life than chasing a desperate obsession. There are opportunities to be taken, choices to be made, and a story to be told.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction

339 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2013

About the author

Writing science-fiction novels has guided my life ever since 2004 at the age of 11. I like to call the first three books I wrote my “video game” books, where I was writing to have fun and exercise my creativity, as kids and early teens do. But my current series, Recovery (2013-present), is the story I have to tell, and will likely end up being the only series I write from start to finish.

Over the years, my writing led me down a path of science blogging and educational video making, and eventually evolved into Sidewalk Science Center, which I started while living in Savannah, Georgia in 2018.

I have a background in physics, mathematics, general relativity, cosmology, and some grad study in orbital mechanics and space law and policy. Since creating Sidewalk Science Center, I held a number of side jobs, including being a cashier at Savannah, Georgia’s original River Street Sweets, an educator at the Savannah Children’s Museum, a private math tutor for older elementary and middle school students, a STEM educator, a museum educator & planetarium director, a middle and high school science teacher, and a general substitute teacher.

In May 2024, I quit teaching to shift into running Sidewalk Science Center full-time. With my heavier engagement in sidewalk astronomy, I leaned heavier into the Hiking Astronomer starting in March 2025, giving me more freedom to travel and share sidewalk astronomy around the country.

I’ve presented at both national and international education conferences, and was hired to travel up to Batesville, Indiana to provide telescopes for their Batesville Blackout Bash during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. I’m also leading a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse off the coast of Barcelona. In June 2025, I conducted six keynotes for the i-STEM professional development conferences in Idaho exploring how to develop informal education programs outside of schools that teachers can create on their own.

While I lived in Florida for several years, it was never home. I need my mountains, my snow, my cold and moody weather. I’m currently based out of Sedona, Arizona, road tripping the US for conferences, hosting author and book meet-and-greets, and bringing sidewalk astronomy to more communities across the western US.

Reviews

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so I finally have time to kind of jot down my thoughts about this book.

First off, the world building was simply amazing. This book is set in the future and Martin did a great job of creating a world that is very futuristic while still realistic. His descriptions of the planets, their governments, the gadgets that they use, and even the history of how the Embassy came to be was very intricate and well thought out. This was probably my favorite aspect of this book.

The cast of characters were really interesting. They all seemed very realistic and I liked how they all had histories behind them that, when revealed, gave the characters a new dimension to them. I really liked the contrast of Arman's personality with Gladia's personality. They fit together really well and I liked how they were both supportive of each other while also not putting up with the other's shit. Letting to see them get to know each other and grow closer was another favorite aspect of mine.

Now on to some of the problems I had with this book. There wasn't enough dialogue. Especially when it came to Arman who hardly said anything throughout the entire book even though he was the main character. A lot of the scenes were just the Arman and another character sitting around in silence watching the scenery. It got a bit boring and it left a lot to be desired in terms seeing Arman make connections with other people, and also using dialogue to move the plot along.

The other problem I had was that the plot seemed to drag a lot. There was a part where they were on the Embassy and each day was described even though Arman wasn't doing anything. I can understand why Martin did this, to show how boring life was on the ship, but it became a bit boring to read and I had to put the book down because of this and it took me a little while to pick it back up.

All in all though, this book was good and I'd still recommend it to people who like fantasy. I'm also pretty intrigued about the sequel and will most likely read it!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the ultimate best books of this particular genre that you will find; it's interesting, exciting, intense and diverse with absolutely phenomenal world building, amazing character growth and stunning writing! This is one of my all time favourite books for many reasons - one alone being that the world that this is written within is absolutely brilliant; it's well thought out, interesting, unique and doesn't follow the lines of a "typical" story of this genre!

This is a book that I would recommend to everyone purely because of how grippingly brilliant it is! I can't wait to read the sequel; but I am honestly considering a re-read just to fill the gaps.

- full review coming very, very soon!

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, it seems like a story that is all about the future: flying Molters, exploring other planets, and finding that some stars and planets are no more. But it is so much more than that.
Once you really get into "Embassy" by S. Alex Martin – which is incredibly easy to do – you find that it’s more than a story of the future. Arman Lance lives his life with one goal: reuniting with a girl from another planet. He had fallen in love with her during one summer, and only thought about finding her again. But as the years pass and he becomes a part of the Embassy, he realizes just how much he may have wasted those years. Arman had isolated himself from his friends and worse…but still only yearned for Ladia.
Arman’s story teaches us a lesson some of us might not want to hear. He quite literally had almost missed the moon while counting the stars, and in more ways than one, letting his happiness be dependent upon returning to Ladia. With the help of some his new friends – Glacia especially – Arman sees just how much he has been missing in the past few years. Some people live their lives going through the motions of an everyday routine, working for the destination and not enjoying the journey; we see this in Arman. "Embassy" teaches you to live life to the fullest and be the happiest you can be. After all, you don’t want to look back on life at the end and say, “Eh, it was okay.”
The book constantly leaves you ready for the next page, toys with your emotions, and leaves you in suspense, all the way up to the most important decision Arman makes in his life thus far, walking all the way to the cliff of self-destruction. A work unlike any other I have ever read, it has truly lead me to wonder, am I living my life in the best way that I can, or will I look back and say that it could have been better?

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embassy is an entertaining and well written novel. It's based in the 44th century and is split into three parts - the first and last on two different planets (Undil and Belvun respectively), and the middle is about the travel between them. The main character, Arman Lance, is from Undil, his father is an Ambassador who travels between planets. Arman met Ladia, a girl his age from the planet Belvun), several years before the start of the story when she visits Undil with her father, who is also an Ambassador. Arman enters the Embassy program, determined to end up on Belvun after he falls in love with her during her visit.

The story has a very strong sci-fi setting, but the introduction to this future comes at a good pace, and never leaves you overwhelmed as you learn more about it. The descriptions were very vivid and really helps to create a clear image of the worlds and the technology, and more importantly the characters.

I've seen a few sci-fi stories create new sports for their settings, but usually don't turn out very well. Hologis, the sport in this book, however was very well explained and thought out it's almost like a futuristic fusion of dodgeball and paintball - complete with holograms - with a very dynamic playing environment: I'd definitely like to play it!

The story was driven by its characters, especially the main character as well as narrator, Arman Lance. Arman was both protagonist and antagonist rolled into one. He's pretty depressed and withdrawn at the beginning, having pulled away from all of his friends and classmates, trying to deal with a personal loss and focusing only on getting through each day to get another step closer to seeing Ladia again. Throughout the book he learns - through the help of some friends - to open back up and that he's been wasting his life living the way he has been. My other favorite character is Glacia, who had gone to Secondary school with Arman and then joined the Embassy expedition with him - she sort of inserts herself into his life and decides to try to coax him from his seclusion and back into the real world and help him learn to appreciate life again.

Overall, this was a very refreshing book, with an interesting setting and a good plot with some important life-lessons throughout it.

Disclaimer: I received a free review copy from the author, who asked for an honest review of the book

[E.B. Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many things about this book that I loved. The world was incredibly detailed, full of relevant technologies, history, and culture. The main characters were very lifelike. They had real flaws but were endearing in their own ways. I would have to say my favorite characters were Arman and Captain Blitner. Arman was moody and single-minded but I liked him all the same. Captain Blitner was so real and life-like that he stood out against the other characters.

The story is not fast paced or action driven, but I didn't mind that. The stakes aren't life threatening or earth-shattering (for the most part). For the most part, I was content to explore the world and go on this journey with Arman into the Embassy program.

That being said, there were a few moments where the story lagged a bit and I wasn't sure what was driving the plot forward. I think the author could have drawn out character interactions and subtext more to compensate for this. And the ending was a bit mixed for me. I really enjoyed the emotional impact as one subplot arc was concluded, but another one felt like the timing was off and made the additional content a little awkward. Finally, a lot of the secondary characters were a bit flat and forgettable.

But the good definitely outweighed the bad for me. It's a more of an old-school Asimov science fiction. I'm so looking forward to continuing the series with this author!!

[Saffyre Falkenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I have a hard time reading sci-fi books because plot and world-building are elevated at the expense of character development. This was not so in Embassy. The characters were interesting and well-developed. Arman, the narrator, has a rich inner world and he experiences quite a lot of personal growth throughout the novel, which is always something I like.

Also, this book is perfect for anyone who likes slow-burn romances. Seriously, each tantalizing moment in this relationship’s development was perfectly paced. I may have squealed aloud in public on more than one occasion. Like, I never thought cans crumpling would make me so emotional.

Finally, it’s clear that this book was extremely well-researched. I’m not a scientist, but I am interested in physics and space travel enough to know when something isn’t even remotely plausible. There were no moments where bad science pulled me out of the narrative, which is really impressive for a sci-fi book to be able to maintain that kind of suspension of disbelief so well.

I would have liked to see a little more of the universe and more of the different cultures within it. The world-building was good, but I wanted more of it. There are several unanswered questions I have that I’m hoping will be answered later in the series. Which is why I’m super excited to read the sequel, Resonance, which just came out last week

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this terrific book Embassy, by S. Alex Martin, I was immersed in the world of the author. He has words to describe places that have reality and spirit in them. I clearly understood all thoughts in the book, and agreed to all of them. In a nutshell, he put life into perspective from different views.

Keep writing Alex!

-Levi

[Bree Dawn]

I literally found this book through his meme/rant on Pinterest😂

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 7.3/10 (3.6/5 stars)
Plot: 5.5/10
Characters: 7.5/10
Writing: 9/10
Originality: 7.5/10

I was pretty wary to read Embassy. I’m not a huge fan of science fiction, and it is one of the hardest genres to make meaningful. Often it has too much action and too little depth. With Embassy, the main problem is the opposite. The weakest point of this novel lies within the kind of boring and too-stable plot. I’m also absolutely horrible at understanding different worlds, especially science fiction ones, and Embassy was confusing for me, which is probably half a personal problem. However, I really loved the fact that it’s not so much about a journey through space or a journey to fight an evil villain, but a journey about a character trying to find joy in life again. That is the unexpected beauty of Embassy, and with descriptive writing that shows a lot of potential, it isn’t a half-bad read.

One thing I really enjoyed about Embassy was it’s realistic portrayal of a futuristic world. There is still transportation: no one is able to teleport anywhere, but there are things such as holograms and data orbs. The book is not set just a few decades or centuries into the future, but if I’m remembering correctly at least 2000 years into the future, which also makes it more believable. The author takes an interesting path into not trying to explain every detail of the inner workings of the world, rather he tries to show it through Arman. This may work well for some readers, but it only confused me. I wasn’t even a hundred percent sure what the Embassy referred to until near the end of the book.However I did like the thought Martin put into the planet Belvun. It has different kinds of food and wildlife, and the small details are really enjoyable.

The plot itself seems very simple, and unfortunately it is. The summary says that Arman is obsessed with reuniting with his old love, but a new friend shows him the way into a better life. That’s pretty much the entire book—apart from the huge character development—which, entertainment-wise is disappointing. With a science fiction novel, some action is expected. Readers get some in the form of the Hologis tournament, which is admittedly a very fun scene to read, but Embassy leaves a lot more to be desired. I was also hoping for more sub-plots and other conflicts than what I got, and I was hoping to be more enticed to read, to have heart-pounding and suspenseful scenes. The ending is really predictable as well. There aren’t any plot twists or really awesome cliffhangers. With how good Martin’s writing style and character development is, I was aching for a story that’s gripping as well as beautiful, and in that manner, Embassy does not deliver.

The characters are most of what makes Embassy worth reading. This is a wonderful example of character development, something I really enjoy reading about. Arman is depressed and puts his entire life’s meaning into a girl that he had only briefly spent time with years ago. One thing that gave Embassy major points in my book is, though Glacia is a catalyst for the transformation Arman goes through, the final work that Arman does to be happy is done by him. This is so rare, even in YA novels specifically written to be examples of character development and bildungsroman (the coming of age), that I was so thrilled it was the main point of the novel. Arman is a good first person narrator in that he’s real: he has flaws, he has strengths, and his thought process is realistic most of the time.

The side characters are very interesting too, and I would have liked to learn more about them. In the beginning, though, I was overwhelmed with names and titles of minor characters that don’t really appear in the rest of the story. Glacia is a strong female character, in that she puts in effort to be friends with Arman, but only up to a point. John is really interesting to read about, and I wish he stuck around for the latter half of the story, just as I wish I learned more about Ellin and Michael. I love the relationship between Captain Blitner and Arman, because readers only learn about Arman’s father through brief compliments or anecdotes by others, so Blitner is a good substitute and symbol for the missing relationship there. I really wish there had been more development of Ladia and Arman’s relationship, possibly in the form of flashbacks or something. But overall, the vast majority of characters served a purpose in the story and were enjoyable to read about.

I really feel Martin’s writing style has a lot of potential. I loved the descriptions of Belvun, however I feel that life itself in the Embassy and what the Embassy’s purpose is could have been described a little better. There are some valuable one-liners in Embassy, which is good in a young adult novel. I also felt very connected to Arman throughout most of the novel, which I attribute to the informal but still flowing writing style.

As far as originality is concerned, I felt this was a very interesting take on the sci-fi genre, because there is more depth rather than action. It’s somewhat refreshing within the genre, but some of the more traditional components of sci-fi could have been implemented for more enjoyment. I liked Arman’s transition being brought on by himself, but found the love-interest conflict to be a little too cliche.

Overall: Embassy by S. Alex Martin is a novel with good character development, an interesting setting, and nice descriptive writing. However the plot leaves more action to be desired and may drag at some times, and the ending is predictable. Embassy is good for a light, heartwarming read.

www.goodbadanduglybooks.net

[Barb Taub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know what sci-fi is—robots, aliens, epic laser shootouts, spaceships, and endless mind-numbingly boring explanations of “science” that hasn’t happened yet (hence the “fiction” part). And I know YA sci-fi too— dystopian, apocalypse, dystopian apocalypse… So when I started reading S. Alex Martin’s sci-fi novel, Embassy, my expectations were not high. There was the fact that the young author penned his debut novel while still in high school, that his last name isn’t Heinlein, Clarke, or Asimov, and that I don’t really read much sci-fi any more.

Wrong.

Embassy introduces Arman Lance, a young man attending his father’s funeral. That would be the famous father whose too-brief visits between saving-the-galaxy heroics were the highlight of his son’s life. The father who had groomed his son for a similar career of interstellar adventure as a member of the governing Embassy Program. The father who was killed in a senseless accident while Arman was at the wheel of their car. Twenty-year-old Arman has lived for years with a two-part goal: make it into the Embassy Program, and through that make it to the planet Belvun, home of the girl he fell in love with four years ago. In his single-minded drive to achieve those goals, Arman has cut himself off from almost every tie to his home planet, including relationships, experiences, and friendships. But he’s confused by what happens when he succeeds, as both his goals and emotions are challenged by fellow Embassy recruits, especially the adrenalin-fueled Glacia Haverns, who seems determined to drag the unwilling Arman back into the world.

In trying to rate Embassy, I thought about the things that worked. This is a story about a typical teenager. He makes bad choices, falls in love, feels misunderstood and isolated, and reacts in sullen withdrawal. His enemies aren’t aliens or agents of an evil, repressive government. For some reason, humans have destroyed the Earth, and in a self-imposed penance and attempt to recover it, they are attempting to transform every planet they come across in the image of their lost home. “Earth was perfect, but its beauty set humanity’s standards too high.” He rubs his knee, flexing his frail fingers. “Why else do you think we would go around terraforming every dead planet?” Embassy is the story of Arman’s journey—both the physical journey through space to reunite with his lost love, and the emotional journey through his anger at being abandoned by the father he idolized and the girl he loved. It’s impossible not to like kickass Glacia, who is determined to befriend Arman in spite of his best efforts to keep her out. And the world that Martin builds so carefully here is drawn with beautiful, spare precision that lets you picture the desert planet’s triangular city, the uncomfortable routine of shipboard travel, the imposed beauty and rampaging assault of the terraformed Belvun.

There were a few things that seemed out of place for me. Foremost among them is the concept that recruits barely twenty years old, and with a few weeks of Embassy training, would be assigned roles such as planetary ambassador, starship pilot, etc. Also, it took a long time for me to warm up to Arman, who is frankly about as self-centered, judgmental, and annoying as possible for at least the first half of the story.

This is the first book of a planned series, so it’s not surprising that there are clues about what comes next. Instead, the surprise for me came in the subtly beautiful way the clues are placed. There is a small volume called “Earth as It Was” which turns up often, but is never read. There are suggestions that the terraforming has political motivation and ramification. And there are subtle, intriguing hints that the planet Belvun might be fighting back, attempting to reject the human image being imposed on it, as if rejecting Eden with all its promise of beauty and innocence.

In the end, I’d give Embassy four stars. It’s an arresting achievement in world building, an impressive debut novel, and an absolute indicator that S. Alex Martin is a writer to watch.

*I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

[Melissa J. Troutman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Embassy is not a science fiction adventure novel. Rather, it is a science fiction journey novel, perhaps the first of its kind I have ever read. I started it expecting aliens, laser gunfights, and spaceship battles. You know, like Stars Wars, or the new Star Trek, or the rest of science fiction that’s out there.

It took me until 80% through the book to realize there would be no aliens, no gunfights, no battles. Instead, Embassy follows the quieter, internal journey of a young man named Arman Lance and his dreams of finding the only person who will make him happy after his father’s death.

I enjoyed Embassy. I was hooked from the beginning, wanting to see if Arman would make it into Undil’s Embassy Program. Subsequent intrigue kept me in the story, such as whether he would find Ladia, what would happen to Belvun and its spreading desert, and if Arman would be happy again.

These hooks were well placed, because Arman as a character didn’t grab me. He starts the book quiet, antisocial, and too focused on his one goal of finding Ladia. Not much to like. Yet he was real: coping with the unexpected loss of his father, burdened to provide for his mother and sisters, driven to find the girl he loved, and anxious to get away from home. A typical young man. I haven’t read many books told from the male perspective, but I thought Arman’s character and voice were accurate to real life. Points for that.

The universe was also accurate. My thanks to the author for portraying the zero gravity between planet and spaceship, for mentioning the gravity simulators on the ship, and for having his characters throw up after their first space journeys. (Gross, I know, but realistic.) Points for that.

Even the science fiction part of the universe was realistic. I’m leery of reading sci-fi and fantasy because I tend to get lost in other people’s imaginations. S. Alex Martin, however, did an excellent job building his world. Though I didn’t fully grasp everything the first read through—I never do—I was struck by how neat his planets, politics, and technology were. He obviously thought through his world-building, and it shows. Points for that.

I didn’t find the writing itself to be anything stellar. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. When a book is written in first person, the narrative is the voice of the main character. If Arman were a writer, I would expect flowery prose and stunning descriptions and breathtaking turns of phrase. Maybe. :) Since he is not a writer, however, the simpler writing style is fine. It suits his character. (Note: I thought the present tense to be handled well. I don’t usually like reading present tense, but Embassy’s style read comfortably.)

Final notes: the turn of events both surprised and pleased me. As a reader, I enjoy surprises. Points for the satisfying ending and the unexpected way there. Also, I found Embassy’s storyline refreshingly unique: the main character doesn’t have to save the world, nor does his athletic female friend have to call upon her skills to “kick butt.” Embassy was like a breath of fresh air in that respect. I give points for that too. And it was a clean read. I think there was only one d-word in the whole book.

One part at the end did disappoint me, though. Arman sleeps with his girlfriend, and that bothered me. I had hoped for a book without that kind of thing. But in this regard, Embassy is just like the rest of the YA fiction out there. Points removed for that.

Overall, Embassy is the unique journey of a young man who is teachable and respectful, who comes to admire his old coworker and appreciate his young friend, who starts quiet and unhappy but ends quiet and appreciative. This book shows great character transformation. It also reminds readers that seclusion damages rather than helps, and that there is healing in reaching out and opening up.

Yes, I enjoyed reading Embassy. Yes, I would recommend it to the right friends. And yes, I would read S. Alex Martin’s next book.

[Alexis G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally do not find sci-fi books interesting, but Embassy actually caught my attention. I would read it one day and pick it up a few days later and still be interested in it.

Embassy is a unique, life lesson novel that will have readers thinking about how they live their own lives each and every day.

Theme:
Self-Discovery, Life, and Forgiveness

Plot:
It’s the 44th century and Arman Lance is living on a planet called Undil. His father is an ambassador traveling to other planets. When another ambassador comes back with Arman’s father, Arman gets introduced to his daughter Ladia. Arman and Ladia fall in love during the summer and when she leaves to go back to her planet Belvun, Arman is devastated. He makes it his life mission to go to Belvun and reunite with Ladia, his one true love. But as he barks on the journey to Belvun, Arman faces obstacles he never thought he would have to overcome.

Characters:
Arman→ Okay first, I was sympathetic towards Arman, then annoyed, and now I think he is a pretty cool guy… and he doesn’t even know what a great person he can be! Arman was a jerk at the beginning of the book! There was negativity all around him and that made others stay away from him. Arman would put himself down and not live up to his full potential; just so he could stay in his comfort zone. But afterwards, he began to grow on me and I had respect for him.

The characters actually seem like real people. They had their own and unique personalities. It was fun and exciting to see how they were all different in their own ways.

Style/Setting:
The setting took place in outer space. Earth has been destroyed and now the human race is continuing on other planets.

Alex Martin has come up with his own planetary names such as, Belvun and Undil. Embassy is divided into three parts: The Recruits, The Void, and The Story.

I love the Hologis game Martin created for the characters to play. If you know what the movie The Purge and The Hunger Games is about, the Hologis game was like a combination of them both! This was one of my favorite scenes! The scenery was written perfectly and I felt like I was actually in the audience myself anxious to see who would be the last man or woman standing!

I love the characters and creativity this book has. Embassy stands out from the rest of the YA Contemporary and Sci-Fi novels. Usually my favorite character is the main character, but this time..its an old man! Ha! Can you believe it? His name is Captain Blitner.

Although, the beginning was slow and I wish there was more description of the characters’ appearances, Embassy teaches how life is precious and to not dwell or waste any opportunity that comes your way.

Lesson Learned? Live life to the fullest and don’t let your past hold you back.

**Recommended: for Sci-Fi fans and non-Sci-Fi fans

Rating:
Book Cover: .5
Character Development/Plot: 2.7 out of 3
Interest: .6 out of 1
Imagery: .8 out of 1
Total: 4.6 stars

For more of my reviews, go to: http://checkmybooks.wordpress.com

[Blackbirdsandbibliophilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so when I first talked about my feelings for this book I rambled way too much, so I'm going to attempt to clean it up a bit. Embassy was just--fantastic. I plowed through it in a few hours. The plot was so intensely original and *real*. The characters were all people who reminded you of people you've met because they were so well-crafted and reacted in ways that people do and had their own personalities and each of them were just--they were great. The space travel and the descriptions of the way the Embassy works are so well written and it honestly feels like something that is totally possible. Which, with the way this books feels, make you not even doubt it. The book is so hopeful and Arman slowly learning how he can fix his own problems and learning maybe it wasn't everyone else that was keeping him back from being happy is such a relatable journey. I connected with Arman so closely and maybe him getting better showed I could too was what made me enjoy the book so much, but it's still a fantastic book whether or not you've felt like this or not. I don't think I can review this without mentioning Hologis. It was such a well-thought out idea and so fun to read and to imagine yourself playing. It was just a great part of the book. I actually really liked The Void, because you got such a clear idea of how life was like during the trip. I keep saying this, but the whole book was just so freaking realistic and it's sci-fi. You honestly felt like you were going along this journey with Arman, living each day with him. All in all, I think Embassy is such a new, original, and hopeful book. The moving forward as humanity and also Arman's moving forward as a character and for himself was such a great theme, and it honestly feels like a world that could be real and a life we could hope for. I loved Arman's storyline and his progression and it was just so relatable and makes you feel like you can move forward as not only a person but as a person who moves society closer to the future in your book. I have so many feelings (CAPTAIN BLITNER and also Belvun save the trees) but to summarize Embassy was fantastic. *I did my best to refrain from any spoilers because everyone deserves a chance to experience it all for themselves.

[Heather Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Idea:
Especially compared to the genre of books I typically read, I thought Embassy had a very original idea. It is about Arman Lance, a guy who has built a mental barrier around himself ever since he fell in love with a girl a few summers ago. He joins the galaxy's Embassy program to get to the girl who lives many planets away. This book is about his mental journey to live in the moment rather than letting an obsession take over his life and make him miserable. There are sci-fi elements that make the story interesting, but not overpowering, as the plot is very character-driven.

The Characters:
This story is about character growth. In the beginning, Arman is not extremely likable. He's a grown to be a but of a sourpuss. But that's the point of the story. It's about him learning to be a happier, better person.
A character I particularly liked was Glacia. She went to Secondary school with Arman, and then joins him in the Embassy program. I really admired her, and her ability to bring out the best in Arman.
There were many other characters, all of whom were well developed and played a part in the story.

The Plot:
The plot was good. I could say it was slightly predictable, but I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I enjoyed it. The first part of the book took place on Arman's planet, Undil. The middle is on a spacecraft in outer space, and the last part is on Belvun, where he planned to reunite with his love, Ladia.
I was invested in the characters and I am excited to read the next books in the series.

The Setting:
Embassy had a very fresh setting. I don't typically read novels in a futuristic setting, but I thought this was very, very well done. The descriptions were spot-on. Even though it was such a unique setting, I understood everything.
I particularly enjoyed the Hologis tournament in Embassy. Hologis is a very creative game that is like a mixture of dodge ball and laser tag in a maze arena. It was really cool! I kind of wish it was a real thing.

Overall:
Embassy is a great novel by young author S. Alex Martin! I look forward to books in the future by him.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome. I don't normally enjoy sci-fi, but this book was different, mainly because (I think), it was wayyyyy more about the characters than any other sci-fi book I've ever read. I prefer character-driven to plot-driven any day, so that was an obvious plus for me liking Embassy. And what characters they were - Arman, the main character, had a voice uniquely his own (which is good, because the entire thing is told from his point of view) and I was really rooting for him the whole time, although I did want to knock some sense into his head a couple of times (I just knew that he and Glacia belonged together, and I thought Ladia was a big mistake right from the start). Glacia was my second favorite character (after Captain Blitner who was AWESOME). The romance between her and Arman was so sweet <3 I may or may not have obsessively fangirled over them during the last few chapters.

One thing I liked about Embassy was that the world of Undil and Belvun wasn't forced on you. It was simply shown instead of explained in great detail and that made me happy. Readers aren't stupid. We like to figure things out for ourselves. And I'm going to sound like a broken record here (following the path of all the other reviewers for this book), but the Hologis tournament was my favorite scene in the book. The whole thing was incredibly cool and well thought out. I don't know if I'd actually play it if it became a thing since certain aspects of it would freak me out, but it would be fun to watch. Really the only complaint I have about Embassy was how everything was holographic. That wouldn't really bother me as much if it hadn't been mentioned all the time, but it was. I understand that holographs are sci-fi/futuristic, but the constant reference to them annoyed me a little. But besides this little nitpicky/personal opinion problem, I loved Embassy and I can totally see myself reading it again in the near future.

Eva

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4 1/2 stars.
The characters in this story were simply beautiful, and I was interested in Arman's development from the start, even though he wasn't a strictly likable character at that point. And I wasn't disappointed; his character development is the coolest part of the story.
Not to say that there's anything wrong with the rest of it. One of my other favorite things about Embassy is that it's like a contemporary problem in a sci-fi world. By that I mean there's no big battle, no blaster bolts, no ships crash-landing into planets, or anything crazy like that. And, as much as I love that kind of thing, I thought it very original for Martin to present his story that way. It was certainly unexpected, but also very cool.
I'd definitely recommend Embassy not just for sci-fi buffs, but for anyone who enjoys a good, character-driven tale.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, I don't read much sci-fi. In fact, I'm not a sci-fi fan at all. Therefore, I wasn't expecting to be drawn in by this book. I was going to beta read just to help a fellow writer friend out, you know?
But it turned into something so much more.
I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book, and eager to find out what happened next. Embassy took me on an incredible ride, one full of adventure-filled settings, colorful characters and charismatic events.
So yeah. If I can say this about a book from a genre I'm not usually fond of, then you know it has to be decent.

Read my full review here ---> http://apassionatafortheking.blogspot...

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book it was like reading a cross between startrek and a romance story only it was set in a universe all its own.... the technology was fantastic and will make any tech geek drool, plus the romance was sweet and well developed.... i'd definitely recommend this to any sci-fy or dystopian fan as well as a few hopeless romantics i know

[Kati · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely has potential, but it didn't really feel like anything happened.

[D.T.G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi as it should be.
Embassy is a book filled with imagination, yet it's not unrealistic or implausible. There is science behind every concept, every thought, every aspect of this novel. You can see the research under every line and this makes the story world vivid, vibrant, and almost tangible.
The characters are beautifully written and we certainly take a journey with Arman - the protagonist - not just from one planet to the next (which is seriously cool in itself) but also an emotional one. We sit from Arman's viewpoint and see friendships blossom and develop. The interaction with characters is well written and considered - these are characters that Martin has obviously sat with for some time and gotten to know them well. I actually found myself empathising with Arman as he has experienced a great many things that I did through my teenage years.
Behind the story and wonder that the book gives, there are some very serious themes underlying the narrative: environmental issues, ecology, and mental health. Don't let these put you off, they are subtle and written with hope. They're highly relevant in today's age and what better way to raise awareness through entertainment.
Glacia is an amazing character. I have a Glacia in my life and I think everyone either has one or needs one. Either way, she is fantastically written and I couldn't help but fall in love with her. Her story arc is one filled with emotion, and as a reader we are brought along through a range of feelings towards her and we hope that Arman does right by her (whether he does or not, I'll leave for you to find out!)
There are other well written and dynamic characters, but as much as this is an exploration of a diverse and exciting story world, the exploration of emotion and human experience brings an uncanny realisation.
As I've said, this story is a true and beautiful exploration of a world that I only want more of. For example, the Hologis games are thrilling and I'd love to see how they work in more depth. Exploring worlds and habitats and creatures is something that drives this story - as it should be: Arman is embarking on an intergalactic journey to find a girl he fell in love with years ago, so whilst this drives the plot, we are shown entire worlds (and not worlds! Space is pretty cool too!)
Embassy is written fluidly and with a pace that keeps you reading until the early hours of the morning. When you read this book (because there's no reason why you shouldn't) visit the website Martin has made too. It's a fantastic resource with additional information and it shows just how far he's thought into his stories. I can't wait to find out what happens to Arman in the sequel!

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me tear up when Arman, the main male protagonist (we get so few of them), had to say goodbye to his family, before leaving for the Embassy and his new adventurous life.

This was a fast-paced and action-packed, gripping your attention type of read.  Descriptions were woven into the story, keeping the pace and giving you insight into the world.  While I did find some grammatical errors, this did not distract (much) from the story.

Life on the spaceship was filled with information and fascinating to read about.  Also, the references to the different planets and foods had my mouth watering.  And they still had coffee!!  (The universal drink of non-morning people)!

The number of character names to keep track of should have been overwhelming, (and I did sometimes switch characters around in my head) but somehow was only mildly annoying at times.

Arman (the protagonist) and Glacia's friendship was so incredibly sweet, but sometimes Arman can be such a thick-headed jerk.  And there was no mention of any insta-love what-so-ever!  Thank you!!

Belvun, the planet they journey to is described as: "The sunlight burns my eyes because they are still adjusted to the dim halls of the station. My nose, however, works just fine. So when I take my first breath of this new air, a sour, almost fruity scent floods my nostrils. The aroma tickles my brain. I in-hale through my mouth—and oh! I can taste it! Does the whole planet smell like this? Undil smells like dust and dirt, and who wants to breathe dirt? Not me, no sir, no way. But this… I could drink this stuff. Fill me up a glass, pronto."

and

"Look around! The trees! The hills! The gra—woah, the grass is orange! And what’s that big gray thing beyond the trees? Is that a mountain? It’s huge! And look at the clouds! They’re white and puffy and keep changing shape and—hold on. The sky is light pink, not blue."

The characters are flawed, human and relatable.

The last few chapters will leave you emotional and ready to read the second installment.

[Jess Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embassy is a unique piece of science fiction unlike anything I’ve read before. The world building is simply outstanding. The way Martin brings up the technology and culture is done with a casual hand that does not draw you out of the moment to parse through the information. What makes it truly unique though is the subject matter. Rather than your standard romp through space, the focus is on Arman’s navigation of grief, depression, and growing out of the misery he’s sunk himself into. It’s refreshing to see an author capture the dawning realization folks have when they start to become self-aware, as well as the group Martin hands Arman as an unnoticed support system.
At first I was disappointed because some of the other characters didn’t seem as fleshed out as I would have liked earlier on, but it makes sense given Arman’s mental state. In the end as he starts to open up to knowing others it’s become clear the exact type of people he has in his corner and I came to love them all.
The only complaint I had with the book was a lack of conflict outside of Arman’s own psyche. Embassy’s plot reads like a starter guide for the rest of the series, but it works in the end because the following books would hold less weight without the world building and depth of emotions Martin pours into his first endeavor.

[Bibliophile Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embassy is a beautifully written sci-fi novel that goes beyond futuristic settings and space travel. It’s a deeply emotional journey of self discovery, growth and learning to live in the moment. While the story explores advanced technology, different planets and interstellar exploration, at its heart, it’s a touching and relatable tale.

The book follows Arman Lance, a young man from the planet Undil, who is determined to reunite with Ladia, a girl from another planet. He met her years ago and has spent his life chasing the dream of seeing her again, isolating himself from everything else. But as he becomes part of the Embassy program and travels through space, he starts to realize how much he has been missing. With the help of Glacia and his other companions, Arman slowly begins to understand that life isn’t just about a single goal—it’s about the journey.

What I loved most about this book was its depth. The futuristic setting is vivid and well crafted, the emotions and struggles of the characters feel so real. Arman’s journey teaches an important lesson about living in the present instead of waiting for happiness in the future. Embassy is a thought provoking and inspiring read, perfect for anyone who has ever felt stuck or lost in life.

[AMEERA ARIF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embassy is an awesome sci-fi read that dives deeper than just cool tech and space adventures. It’s really about this guy’s emotional journey—self-discovery, personal growth, and learning to embrace the now. Sure, there are cool gadgets, otherworldly planets, and some serious space exploration, but at its core, it’s a heartfelt story that tons of readers can relate to.

The story centers around Arman Lance, a young dude from the planet Undil. He’s been on a mission to find this girl named Ladia from another planet ever since they met years ago. He’s so fixated on this dream of reuniting with her that he’s shut out everything else in his life. But once he joins the Embassy program and travels through space, he opens his eyes to what he’s been missing out on. With some help from Glacia and his crew, Arman learns that life is more than just chasing one goal—it’s about the journey itself.

What hooked me about this book was its depth. The futuristic vibe is so immersive, and the characters’ feelings and challenges hit home. Arman’s journey offers a vital reminder about enjoying the present instead of just waiting for that future happiness to show up. Embassy is a solid, thought-provoking read, especially for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost or stuck in life.

[Mes Curls Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, Embassy is a sci-fi adventure filled with space travel, new planets, and futuristic technology. But at its core, it’s a deeply personal journey of grief, self-discovery, and learning to live in the present.

Arman Lance is driven by a single goal: to reunite with Ladia, the girl he fell for years ago. But as he travels the galaxy, he starts realizing that chasing the past might not be the key to his happiness. Through new friendships, unexpected challenges, and moments of painful introspection, Arman’s growth feels raw and relatable.

The world-building is fantastic, with vivid descriptions that make space travel feel immersive. The emotional depth of the story is what truly stands out, though the pacing does slow down at times due to Arman’s internal struggles. But that’s also what makes Embassy unique—it’s not just about the journey through space, but the journey within.

If you love sci-fi with strong character development and a thought-provoking narrative, this book is definitely worth a read!

[Sophie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This was basically one of those finding-yourself contemporaries dumped into a sci-fi setting.
I picked this book up hoping it would be a tale of a young man having space adventures but instead ended up with a main character, Arman, whose only goal in life was finding back his first love.

The world building was really good, and it played into one on the major plot points of the book. The writing flowed really well.

The biggest problem I had with the book was basically the entire plot. It was really long and boring and just dragged on forever. Arman spends three-quarters of the book on a space ship and we end up reading what is basically a time table of his time on this ship. It just got repetitive and honestly, just put me to sleep.

The book ended suddenly, without warning. This was probably meant to be a cliffhanger set up for you to buy the sequel but didn't leave me with any burning questions or need to read the next book

[Shrishti Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Embassy Recovery 1* is a powerful and emotional continuation of the *Embassy* series, blending sci-fi adventure with deep, personal storytelling. Alex S. Martin does a fantastic job exploring themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the struggle to rebuild after loss.

The story follows Arman Lance as he grapples with trauma while trying to navigate complex relationships and interplanetary politics. Martin’s writing pulls you in with vivid world-building and emotionally charged moments that make the characters feel real. Arman’s inner struggles are especially well done, making his journey feel authentic and relatable.

Though the pacing slows in places, the introspective moments add depth, making this more than just another space adventure. If you love character-driven sci-fi with heart, this book is definitely worth picking up. *Embassy Recovery 1* is a thoughtful and engaging read that delivers a mix of emotion, tension, and hope.

[Mantasha Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evidently, "Embassy" by Alex Martin is not merely a sci-fi adventure but indeed an intense inner path of self-discovery, development, and learning to live in the present. It is futuristic technology and interplanetary travel and world-building, but the truth of strength is in its very emotional concepts of loss, redemption, and personal transformation.

Arman Lance, the protagonist, has been obsessed with reuniting with Ladia, the girl he met sometime. All that obsession has blocked the whole reality existing around him until joining the Embassy program. Then came new friendships, challenges, and reflections-and he began slowly understanding that life could not really be summed up in one deep breath; it could only be lived.

This novel's emotionality and deep sensibility, along with an immersive scifi element and strong character growth, combined to create a thought-provoking read. It whisked me straight into another world, and I haven't enjoyed it!

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A blessing and a curse... Earth was perfect. Its beauty set humanity's standards too high."

Love this quote! I don't typically read sci-fi but when I heard the premise I had to give this book a try. A 20-something that feels lost and doesn't know what their future holds? Oof, that hits close to home.

I especially liked the relatable human moments, like when Arman was looking at Undil from above and realized how tiny and insignificant it was, or when he felt so alone that he couldn't properly talk to anyone anymore. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the technology and environments, Hologis sounds like a really cool game!

I do wish there had been more development in terms of the relationship between Blitner and Arman. I felt like Arman didn't really seem to know Blitner that well, so it was hard for me to feel what Arman felt near the end of the book.

[Aachal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Embassy expecting a futuristic sci-fi adventure, but it turned out to be so much more. Yes, there are spaceships and new planets, but at its heart, this book is about personal growth and learning to live in the moment.

Arman Lance has spent years obsessing over finding Ladia, the girl he fell for one summer. He’s so focused on the future that he isolates himself from everyone around him. But as he joins the Embassy program and meets new people—especially Glacia—he starts realizing how much he’s been missing. His journey was frustrating at times, but that’s what made it feel so real.

What really stood out to me was the character development. The world-building is great, but the emotions in this book hit hard. It’s a story about regrets, second chances, and finally waking up to the life in front of you. Definitely a thought-provoking read!