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Indigent Earth
The crimes of the past-the perils of the future. 500 years ago, the world's wealthiest abandoned a ravaged Earth and left billions to die of plagues and climate disasters. Now the space colonists plan to return. Killian Morningcloud , a discontented Earth man from the stagnating communities known as Allocations, and Natira Celestia , a video celebrity of the off-world ruling class, are on a collision course. When they discover a secret that powerful people are desperate to hide, they face a brutal test of endurance and shattered dreams. And their fire-and-water pairing will shape the course of the whole human race.
460 pages, Hardcover
Published October 13, 2023
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Scott Overton
28 books24 followersWith a long career as a radio morning show host, Scott’s always had a way with words. But his lifelong devotion to science fiction was destined to lead to a second career as a writer. Although his first novel, the mystery/thriller Dead Air was set in the radio world (and shortlisted for a Northern Lit Award in Ontario, Canada) all of his writing since has taken the reader to even stranger places, including the human bloodstream in his SF novel debut The Primus Labyrinth, a science fiction thriller that readers compare to Michael Crichton and Dan Brown. His most recent novel Naïda chronicles a reluctant hero with an alien being living inside him. Scott strongly believes that science fiction should involve compelling themes and important issues, along with memorable characters.
His short fiction has been published in magazines such as On Spec, AEscifi, Neo-opsis, Penumbra and anthologies including Future Visions 3, Casserole Diplomacy: The On Spec 25th Anniversary Anthology, Canadian Tales of the Fantastic, In Poe’s Shadow, and Tesseracts Sixteen: Parnassus Unbound. Fifteen of his SF/fantasy short stories have been gathered in the collection BEYOND: Stories Beyond Time, Technology, and the Stars. Many more SF novels are on the way. Scott’s distractions from writing include scuba diving, music, and collector cars. He lives with his wife on a private island in Northern Ontario.
His short fiction has been published in magazines such as On Spec, AEscifi, Neo-opsis, Penumbra and anthologies including Future Visions 3, Casserole Diplomacy: The On Spec 25th Anniversary Anthology, Canadian Tales of the Fantastic, In Poe’s Shadow, and Tesseracts Sixteen: Parnassus Unbound. Fifteen of his SF/fantasy short stories have been gathered in the collection BEYOND: Stories Beyond Time, Technology, and the Stars. Many more SF novels are on the way. Scott’s distractions from writing include scuba diving, music, and collector cars. He lives with his wife on a private island in Northern Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 5, 2024
In "Indigent Earth," Scott Overton paints a haunting portrait of a world ravaged by the sins of its past and the uncertainties of its future. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian Earth abandoned by the wealthy elite centuries ago, the novel explores themes of class disparity, environmental degradation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
At the heart of the story are two compelling protagonists: Killian Morningcloud, a disillusioned inhabitant of the impoverished Allocations, and Natira Celestia, a glamorous member of the ruling class residing in the colonies of space. Their unlikely encounter sets off a chain of events that will challenge their beliefs, test their resolve, and ultimately shape the destiny of humanity.
Overton masterfully weaves together elements of science fiction, thriller, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. As Killian and Natira uncover a dark secret hidden by those in power, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of survival where the stakes are nothing less than the fate of the entire human race.
What sets "Indigent Earth" apart is its exploration of complex moral dilemmas and the intricacies of human relationships. Through the lens of Killian and Natira's evolving partnership, the author delves into questions of trust, redemption, and the pursuit of justice in a world rife with corruption and greed.
Furthermore, Overton's vivid prose and vivid world-building transport readers to a future that is both eerily familiar and starkly alien. From the decaying landscapes of Earth to the gleaming spires of the space colonies, the novel immerses readers in a richly imagined world that is as captivating as it is terrifying.
In conclusion, "Indigent Earth" is a gripping and timely tale that will leave readers pondering the fragility of our planet and the power of hope in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters, suspenseful plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, Scott Overton's novel is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and dystopian literature.
At the heart of the story are two compelling protagonists: Killian Morningcloud, a disillusioned inhabitant of the impoverished Allocations, and Natira Celestia, a glamorous member of the ruling class residing in the colonies of space. Their unlikely encounter sets off a chain of events that will challenge their beliefs, test their resolve, and ultimately shape the destiny of humanity.
Overton masterfully weaves together elements of science fiction, thriller, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. As Killian and Natira uncover a dark secret hidden by those in power, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of survival where the stakes are nothing less than the fate of the entire human race.
What sets "Indigent Earth" apart is its exploration of complex moral dilemmas and the intricacies of human relationships. Through the lens of Killian and Natira's evolving partnership, the author delves into questions of trust, redemption, and the pursuit of justice in a world rife with corruption and greed.
Furthermore, Overton's vivid prose and vivid world-building transport readers to a future that is both eerily familiar and starkly alien. From the decaying landscapes of Earth to the gleaming spires of the space colonies, the novel immerses readers in a richly imagined world that is as captivating as it is terrifying.
In conclusion, "Indigent Earth" is a gripping and timely tale that will leave readers pondering the fragility of our planet and the power of hope in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters, suspenseful plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, Scott Overton's novel is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and dystopian literature.
January 13, 2024
The Review
This was a genuinely gripping and thoughtful sci-fi epic. The balance the author struck with world-building and the unique mythology of this futuristic Earth with the heartfelt will-they, won’t-they romance between the two protagonists was incredible to see. The imagery infused into the author’s writing style made the futuristic Earth and the colony ships that return feel vibrant and alive on the page. The dynamics of the political divides both between Earth and the colonists, as well as within the colonies themselves, allowed the reader to feel the rich character development and tension that kept the grander aspects of the plot more grounded.
The true heart of this narrative rests in the strong themes the book explores. These themes included climate change, a study of class systems, and so much more. Seeing the significant differences in worldview between Killian and Natira was unique, as each saw the world and the universe in very different ways. This also contributed to how the planet itself was treated and spoke to how we ourselves treat our planet as a whole.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and captivating, author Scott Overton’s “Indigent Earth” is a must-read sci-fi epic novel. The balance of nature and our world’s connection to the greater universe as a whole and the transformative journey the two protagonists go on together makes this a compelling story that is not to be missed.
This was a genuinely gripping and thoughtful sci-fi epic. The balance the author struck with world-building and the unique mythology of this futuristic Earth with the heartfelt will-they, won’t-they romance between the two protagonists was incredible to see. The imagery infused into the author’s writing style made the futuristic Earth and the colony ships that return feel vibrant and alive on the page. The dynamics of the political divides both between Earth and the colonists, as well as within the colonies themselves, allowed the reader to feel the rich character development and tension that kept the grander aspects of the plot more grounded.
The true heart of this narrative rests in the strong themes the book explores. These themes included climate change, a study of class systems, and so much more. Seeing the significant differences in worldview between Killian and Natira was unique, as each saw the world and the universe in very different ways. This also contributed to how the planet itself was treated and spoke to how we ourselves treat our planet as a whole.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and captivating, author Scott Overton’s “Indigent Earth” is a must-read sci-fi epic novel. The balance of nature and our world’s connection to the greater universe as a whole and the transformative journey the two protagonists go on together makes this a compelling story that is not to be missed.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews