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After the Syzygy
Will We Find Them?In 1977, humans placed the Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft with the hope it would be found by an alien civilization in the future.In 2036, the alien equivalent arrived on Earth.With the news leaked to the press, a global wave of fear, panic, and disinformation leaves people to wonder if the damage can ever be undone. In an attempt to quell unrest, several world governments begin an open exchange of ideas and information, hoping to understand the alien signal. As decades and centuries pass, humanity works together to answer one question."J.D. Sanderson delivers an intriguing sci-fi novella exploring the ultimate "what if" scenario about contact with other life in the universe and the consequences. Throughout we are reminded that humans and humanity will always carry the same traits no matter the technology and time, and we as a species will always have some conflict to resolve. For a shorter story to reflect such depth is quite an achievement from the author and this book will leave you thinking." – Lee Hall, Author of the Order of the Following Series
- GenresScience Fiction
110 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2023
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December 22, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
Here’s my first SFINCS semifinalist review as a judge for Team Secret Scribes. These are my personal opinions and not a team review or rating. Our finalists will be revealed later on.
And now the review!
After the Syzygy by J.D. Sanderson
Have you ever wondered what a first contact looks like? Not just the actual meeting of species, but all of the science, politics, and intrigue behind the scenes? Well, if that intrigues you, After the Syzygy is the novella for you. And yes, I’ve had to look up Syzygy at least twice while writing this review to make sure I’m spelling it correctly.
First off, though, this is not a shoot-em-up “kill those aliens dead” novella. There’s actually no combat at all. Here, we’re focusing on a lot of the behind the scenes people in a first contact that does not immediately descend into war. So if you’re expecting starship troopers, this ain’t it. In fact, this is a novella unlike any other I’ve read. You could describe it as a collection of interconnected scenes. At first, you may be wondering what the connections are, but as you read, things become clearer, and there are some pretty great “aha!” moments.
We start in the year 2036 with some political behind the scenes after the first knowledge of extraterrestrial life is found. This was a fast paced, dialogue heavy opening, and it immediately drew me in. Over the next several chapters, we look in on linguists, scientists, pilots, astronauts, interstellar space captains, etc in a novella that spans over 300 years. Yes, 300 years in less than 100 pages. Like I said, unlike any other novella I’ve read.
And it works. Really well. Normally, I’m a character focused reader. I want to be invested in the main characters and follow them through the full narrative of the story. Well, that doesn’t really work here since we have a totally new cast of characters in each chapter (which makes sense when 100 years might have passed since when the previous chapter took place). I found this novella, while focused on the concept of showing the evolution of a first contact from the beginning, does really well with bringing each new POV character to life. Sanderson has a good ear for dialogue and a way with prose. This novella reminds me of some of John Scalzi’s work, particularly some of the Old Man’s War series and some of his short fiction, though the tone here is a bit less snarky. The prose and the dialogue just give me that vibe.
There were a few chapters that didn’t quite hit as well as others for me, and a few moments where I felt there could have been a bit more tension/conflict and suspense. It’s hard, when you keep jumping forward in time, to give each character the weight they deserve, and while I feel the author did really well at bringing connections in later on, there were a few scenes that just didn’t quite bring the weight of some of the other, stronger scenes.
As a whole, I absolutely enjoyed this novella and will look to read more by the author. If you’re looking for a sci-fi novella that’s well written, thoughtful, and a bit experimental, this is the one for you! I definitely enjoyed my time with it!
4.5 rounded up!
Here’s my first SFINCS semifinalist review as a judge for Team Secret Scribes. These are my personal opinions and not a team review or rating. Our finalists will be revealed later on.
And now the review!
After the Syzygy by J.D. Sanderson
Have you ever wondered what a first contact looks like? Not just the actual meeting of species, but all of the science, politics, and intrigue behind the scenes? Well, if that intrigues you, After the Syzygy is the novella for you. And yes, I’ve had to look up Syzygy at least twice while writing this review to make sure I’m spelling it correctly.
First off, though, this is not a shoot-em-up “kill those aliens dead” novella. There’s actually no combat at all. Here, we’re focusing on a lot of the behind the scenes people in a first contact that does not immediately descend into war. So if you’re expecting starship troopers, this ain’t it. In fact, this is a novella unlike any other I’ve read. You could describe it as a collection of interconnected scenes. At first, you may be wondering what the connections are, but as you read, things become clearer, and there are some pretty great “aha!” moments.
We start in the year 2036 with some political behind the scenes after the first knowledge of extraterrestrial life is found. This was a fast paced, dialogue heavy opening, and it immediately drew me in. Over the next several chapters, we look in on linguists, scientists, pilots, astronauts, interstellar space captains, etc in a novella that spans over 300 years. Yes, 300 years in less than 100 pages. Like I said, unlike any other novella I’ve read.
And it works. Really well. Normally, I’m a character focused reader. I want to be invested in the main characters and follow them through the full narrative of the story. Well, that doesn’t really work here since we have a totally new cast of characters in each chapter (which makes sense when 100 years might have passed since when the previous chapter took place). I found this novella, while focused on the concept of showing the evolution of a first contact from the beginning, does really well with bringing each new POV character to life. Sanderson has a good ear for dialogue and a way with prose. This novella reminds me of some of John Scalzi’s work, particularly some of the Old Man’s War series and some of his short fiction, though the tone here is a bit less snarky. The prose and the dialogue just give me that vibe.
There were a few chapters that didn’t quite hit as well as others for me, and a few moments where I felt there could have been a bit more tension/conflict and suspense. It’s hard, when you keep jumping forward in time, to give each character the weight they deserve, and while I feel the author did really well at bringing connections in later on, there were a few scenes that just didn’t quite bring the weight of some of the other, stronger scenes.
As a whole, I absolutely enjoyed this novella and will look to read more by the author. If you’re looking for a sci-fi novella that’s well written, thoughtful, and a bit experimental, this is the one for you! I definitely enjoyed my time with it!
4.5 rounded up!
September 12, 2025
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: After the Syzygy
Thank you to J.D. Sanderson for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
When humans sent a message to the far reaches of space, they hoped one day for a reply. But when a message is received from an alien race, it throws parts of the world into chaos. With a race to decode the message, some governments will band together, and yet still it will take decades to understand even the basics of the signal. And even if the signal is understood one day, will it be too late?
First contact is a hope many have held since the 70s. After the Syzygy takes this hope and weaves together a realistic tale of the possibilities once contact is achieved. However, instead of our words being discovered, it is an alien language. The process of decoding it is massive, and it is no simple fix; it takes many different entities across different countries and expertise. The camaraderie, the likes of which can only be seen in novellas such as this.
And as the language learning develops, so too does the plot as time passes and technologies gain more finesse. This is a story for those who enjoy research and development, as there is more brainstorming and discussion than action. But it will also lead to the eventual space travel some sci-fi readers seek. And as much of a focus on sci-fi this novella was, it also tackles in the background appropriate uses for AI and regulations that are enforced with it.
After the Syzygy is a science fiction novel for those who enjoy exploring the possibility of first contact and its effects on the world. With a thorough focus on puzzling out an intricate language and how to attain contact with an alien race, it is sure to be a novella for sci-fi fans.
Thank you to J.D. Sanderson for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
When humans sent a message to the far reaches of space, they hoped one day for a reply. But when a message is received from an alien race, it throws parts of the world into chaos. With a race to decode the message, some governments will band together, and yet still it will take decades to understand even the basics of the signal. And even if the signal is understood one day, will it be too late?
First contact is a hope many have held since the 70s. After the Syzygy takes this hope and weaves together a realistic tale of the possibilities once contact is achieved. However, instead of our words being discovered, it is an alien language. The process of decoding it is massive, and it is no simple fix; it takes many different entities across different countries and expertise. The camaraderie, the likes of which can only be seen in novellas such as this.
And as the language learning develops, so too does the plot as time passes and technologies gain more finesse. This is a story for those who enjoy research and development, as there is more brainstorming and discussion than action. But it will also lead to the eventual space travel some sci-fi readers seek. And as much of a focus on sci-fi this novella was, it also tackles in the background appropriate uses for AI and regulations that are enforced with it.
After the Syzygy is a science fiction novel for those who enjoy exploring the possibility of first contact and its effects on the world. With a thorough focus on puzzling out an intricate language and how to attain contact with an alien race, it is sure to be a novella for sci-fi fans.
September 28, 2026
3.5 stars. This novella offers a fascinating, optimistic look at a multi-generational first contact scenario. It introduces some deeply intriguing concepts (such as empathy, telepathy, universal consciousness, and interstellar psychology) that touch on what it truly means to connect across cosmic distances.
However, in my opinion, the novel was simply too short for the author to fully explore them. Because the story spans hundreds of years across a compact page count, these compelling ideas are brought up and brushed past rather than deeply investigated, leaving this reader feeling a little empty by the final page. It’s an imaginative and hopeful read, but it ultimately leaves you craving more narrative depth and breathing room.
However, in my opinion, the novel was simply too short for the author to fully explore them. Because the story spans hundreds of years across a compact page count, these compelling ideas are brought up and brushed past rather than deeply investigated, leaving this reader feeling a little empty by the final page. It’s an imaginative and hopeful read, but it ultimately leaves you craving more narrative depth and breathing room.
December 18, 2023
A unique sci-fi novella set out in short chapters over multiple year span. The premise is modern earth getting signals from outer space and the fall out of governments and citizens dealing with this event. The author tackles many perspectives across a huge medium and expansive time skips. Very much worth the read.
July 14, 2026
A hopeful, positive sci-fi novella. If you loved Project Hail Mary and want more of that feeling, After the Syzygy is it!
J.D. connects dots of what would happen to us after receiving an alien species' Golden Record equivalent. How will society change? What traits will rise to the surface?
Making justice to the hopepunk genre, this is a story we desperately need to read, especially those we put in charge.
Very recommended!
J.D. connects dots of what would happen to us after receiving an alien species' Golden Record equivalent. How will society change? What traits will rise to the surface?
Making justice to the hopepunk genre, this is a story we desperately need to read, especially those we put in charge.
Very recommended!
Read
September 24, 2024Read for SFINCS 2. RTC.
November 16, 2024
The Good:
The structure of this story was pretty cool. I enjoyed jumping generations, with each chapter taking place decades apart. We as the reader get to see how the current characters view/remember past people and events. And a couple of times, we actually get to see the new generation interact with an older, more wisened version of a character from a past chapter. I would go more into this, but I would risk some heavy spoilers, so I will simply say I enjoyed it.
The overall tone of the story, which is helped by its structure, feels strangely cozy. It progresses as an optimistic crescendo in the advancement of human civilization. But it also doesn't dwell on the technical aspects. It seems Sanderson is more interested in the humanity behind these endeavors and what sets our species up for gradual success. Even in the face of certain failures, there is a trust that comes with these time jumps that tells us time (and life) will still march on.
The ending is appropriately satisfying, and caps off these feelings quite well. The whole story comes full circle and sends us off feeling like we've been on this century-spanning journey in real time.
The Bad:
I wouldn't call it 'bad', necessarily, as I certainly appreciate the emotionally human direction Sanderson took, but don't expect a ton of technical description. That simply isn't what this novella is about, nor do I believe it would've had much time for such things.
Still, the world does feel strangely similar three hundred years in the future. Maybe we will maintain ourselves culturally and creatively to this extent. Impossible to know, and something I wouldn't dock points for.
This novella is not interested in telling us how humanity colonized the asteroid belt, it's interested in telling us why. And that's okay with me.
Overall:
After the Syzygy is a very pleasant novella.
It provides us with a series of snapshots at different moments in time, maintaining a hope for our species kindled by one specific goal. If you want an easy, satisfying sci-fi read, look no further.
The structure of this story was pretty cool. I enjoyed jumping generations, with each chapter taking place decades apart. We as the reader get to see how the current characters view/remember past people and events. And a couple of times, we actually get to see the new generation interact with an older, more wisened version of a character from a past chapter. I would go more into this, but I would risk some heavy spoilers, so I will simply say I enjoyed it.
The overall tone of the story, which is helped by its structure, feels strangely cozy. It progresses as an optimistic crescendo in the advancement of human civilization. But it also doesn't dwell on the technical aspects. It seems Sanderson is more interested in the humanity behind these endeavors and what sets our species up for gradual success. Even in the face of certain failures, there is a trust that comes with these time jumps that tells us time (and life) will still march on.
The ending is appropriately satisfying, and caps off these feelings quite well. The whole story comes full circle and sends us off feeling like we've been on this century-spanning journey in real time.
The Bad:
I wouldn't call it 'bad', necessarily, as I certainly appreciate the emotionally human direction Sanderson took, but don't expect a ton of technical description. That simply isn't what this novella is about, nor do I believe it would've had much time for such things.
Still, the world does feel strangely similar three hundred years in the future. Maybe we will maintain ourselves culturally and creatively to this extent. Impossible to know, and something I wouldn't dock points for.
This novella is not interested in telling us how humanity colonized the asteroid belt, it's interested in telling us why. And that's okay with me.
Overall:
After the Syzygy is a very pleasant novella.
It provides us with a series of snapshots at different moments in time, maintaining a hope for our species kindled by one specific goal. If you want an easy, satisfying sci-fi read, look no further.
September 28, 2024
What if we’re not alone? Imagine first contact. Sitting here, long after turning the last page, a quiet, bittersweet sadness remains. In Sanderson’s first contact novella spanning hundreds of years, AFTER THE SYZYGY illustrates how mankind develops and adapts to new technological advancements and cultural transformations while attempting to decode an alien signal.
First posted at https://fanfiaddict.com/review-after-...
This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire judging team’s (Swordsworn) thoughts or progression in the SFINCS2 competition. Thank you for reading.
For most of the book, Sanderson’s writing is straightforward. There was a key scene where events were revealed quickly, and it felt disjointed, almost as if it was rushed to fit in before the story concluded. But overall, despite that one scene, it was paced well with a gradual build up. Told through six chapters featuring a different character and time period, the story is more about the overall plot than its characters. Over the decades, every protagonist senses they’re on the brink of something extraordinary, often dedicating their entire lives to goals they know might take generations to achieve. As the centuries rolled on, we’re reminded of just how brief our time here truly is.
History serves as a constant reminder that improving in one area could occasionally result in regression in another, and it was surprising to see how the arts, music, science, and technology were affected. Humanity is a continually shifting species motivated by necessity as much as curiosity, and it was fascinating to see how compassion and empathy were central to the narrative. Is this what it means to be human– when we recognize our capacity for compassion, vulnerability, and connection to the greater human experience?
The juxtaposition between human and alien, and alien to alien was thought-provoking. My heart was feeling very heavy by the end, and it’s difficult to put into words. It’s not just about what one character did, but how everyone together influenced the world. In the same way, it’s not just about the writing style, length, dialogue, or mood of this story. It’s about the full message it delivers when you’re finished.
I was struck by this realization: how often do we put our all into something, even if we may never see the fruits of our labor? It serves as a reminder that sometimes we put in effort for a future we may not live to see. That is both beautiful and profoundly sad. It prompts reflection on our personal lives and the traces we leave behind. It is humbling to realize that, despite the finite nature of our time, the world we leave behind can be shaped by the things we do. And although the prospect of friendly contact is exciting, unintentional differences, as we saw in this story, may create harrowing consequences. Sanderson leaves some things to the imagination in that regard, and it absolutely worked for me.
If you have the chance, I recommend looking at the contents of what was sent on both Voyagers into interstellar space in 1977. I’ll be honest, I did not know about the “golden record” before reading this story. It’s simply fascinating that we did this.
First posted at https://fanfiaddict.com/review-after-...
This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire judging team’s (Swordsworn) thoughts or progression in the SFINCS2 competition. Thank you for reading.
For most of the book, Sanderson’s writing is straightforward. There was a key scene where events were revealed quickly, and it felt disjointed, almost as if it was rushed to fit in before the story concluded. But overall, despite that one scene, it was paced well with a gradual build up. Told through six chapters featuring a different character and time period, the story is more about the overall plot than its characters. Over the decades, every protagonist senses they’re on the brink of something extraordinary, often dedicating their entire lives to goals they know might take generations to achieve. As the centuries rolled on, we’re reminded of just how brief our time here truly is.
History serves as a constant reminder that improving in one area could occasionally result in regression in another, and it was surprising to see how the arts, music, science, and technology were affected. Humanity is a continually shifting species motivated by necessity as much as curiosity, and it was fascinating to see how compassion and empathy were central to the narrative. Is this what it means to be human– when we recognize our capacity for compassion, vulnerability, and connection to the greater human experience?
The juxtaposition between human and alien, and alien to alien was thought-provoking. My heart was feeling very heavy by the end, and it’s difficult to put into words. It’s not just about what one character did, but how everyone together influenced the world. In the same way, it’s not just about the writing style, length, dialogue, or mood of this story. It’s about the full message it delivers when you’re finished.
I was struck by this realization: how often do we put our all into something, even if we may never see the fruits of our labor? It serves as a reminder that sometimes we put in effort for a future we may not live to see. That is both beautiful and profoundly sad. It prompts reflection on our personal lives and the traces we leave behind. It is humbling to realize that, despite the finite nature of our time, the world we leave behind can be shaped by the things we do. And although the prospect of friendly contact is exciting, unintentional differences, as we saw in this story, may create harrowing consequences. Sanderson leaves some things to the imagination in that regard, and it absolutely worked for me.
If you have the chance, I recommend looking at the contents of what was sent on both Voyagers into interstellar space in 1977. I’ll be honest, I did not know about the “golden record” before reading this story. It’s simply fascinating that we did this.
April 10, 2024
This novella is a thoughtful, carefully crafted, utopian vision on modern social scifi; rich in themes, extremely easy to read, and full of possibilities, this novella is meant to leave readers thinking. I will not call it a thought experiment, but rather a positive outlook on humanity that aims to imagine what can be capable of if, for once, actually stand together as a species.
Let me break it down a bit.
The story is told in six chapters, which happen at different periods of time; the title of the chapter indicates the year. Since the plot covers roughly 350 years, the chapters have quite a lot of jumps between them, from 3 years to 100+ years. This means that: (a) few of the characters "carry over" (e.g., at one point a captain appears again when old, or someone is referenced back), and (b) there is little character development.
Regarding the characters, we get some background on them, but not much. However, character development is not the point here; this is a thoroughly plot-driven novella, and beautifully achieved. I need to stress this because the whole point of the novella (as I see it) is to highlight the positive effect humanity could have ifn we just put aside pity conflicts, accepted each other, and worked towards a shared goal. As a result, the fact that the individuals (namely, the characters) are less relevant than the society (namely, humanity) is a key element, and a key literary instrument used to make the point come across.
What do I mean by the above? Well, we do get some beautiful snippets that show the depth of the individual characters (e.g., a father chatting with his wife and daughter, a couple connecting over the internet, someone thinking of a hobby...), and this allows a reader to perceive the humanity of those characters. However, following how one person changes is not the point; the goal is to see how society changes. We, as humans and readers, need to stop being so individualistic.
Moving on, the prose is simple, straightforward, and does not waste time in flourishes or convoluted descriptions—it conveys exactly what it needs to explain. It is seamless, clear, and so, so easy to read. Because this is social scifi, there is no hard science here, and neither is the point. Chapter two has a brief explanation about a discovery, but the reader finds out when a non-technical character explains the discovery. I thought it was a great trick to simplify a technical bit to make it easy and accessible.
There is not much travel implied (this is not a space opera), but there is a bit in the last chapter, and implied before. The chapters (except the second one) are not focused on solving the signal either, but in showing how humanity changes little by little, and how pieces of knowledge revolutionise society.
There are, however, some very, very interesting things, themes, and ideas explored here. For example, humanity by 2032 has banned AI, and usage of AI is highly regulated. Because of the signal, humanity gears towards knowledge, and most people become engineers, linguists, analysts, and the arts decay; Of course, you can expect mentions of a UN-like organisation, changes in countries, behaviours, and other things social scifi often explores.
Overall, the novella has some very cool ideas, an original plot, and the possibilities of an utopian story. But why four stars?
I have read a few utopias (if you know me, you know how much I loved Erikson's Rejoice, which is a similar thing to this...). However, I think (and this is a thoroughly subjective opinion of a subjective reader, and you may disagree with it), the novella is too short. The plot is ambitious, the ideas are great, but I would be head over heels if the themes and the societal changes would've been more thoroughly explored. I'm not saying make it 500 pages, but at least 100 more pages (double the current size) to explore those society issues a bit more.
Likewise, given how short the book is, we only get sprinkled details on the content of the signal received, some clues (and a very interesting epilogue) about what else may be happening, some passing mentions/reveals about those society changes. I wanted more, and, in my opinion, more pages were needed to cover those points. Don't get me wrong, there are no plot-holes, but much is left to the reader's imagination... which (again, my opinion) is problematic in utopias because utopias, by definition, are opposed to what human experience seems to imply—that humans are not very good and seldom cooperate.
Also, regarding the title...
TL;DR: Thoughtful, easy to read, unique, and compelling. A short read definitely worth sampling if utopias are your thing. A story that is worth thinking deeper about, and a utopia with so many possibilities for humankind.
Let me break it down a bit.
The story is told in six chapters, which happen at different periods of time; the title of the chapter indicates the year. Since the plot covers roughly 350 years, the chapters have quite a lot of jumps between them, from 3 years to 100+ years. This means that: (a) few of the characters "carry over" (e.g., at one point a captain appears again when old, or someone is referenced back), and (b) there is little character development.
Regarding the characters, we get some background on them, but not much. However, character development is not the point here; this is a thoroughly plot-driven novella, and beautifully achieved. I need to stress this because the whole point of the novella (as I see it) is to highlight the positive effect humanity could have ifn we just put aside pity conflicts, accepted each other, and worked towards a shared goal. As a result, the fact that the individuals (namely, the characters) are less relevant than the society (namely, humanity) is a key element, and a key literary instrument used to make the point come across.
What do I mean by the above? Well, we do get some beautiful snippets that show the depth of the individual characters (e.g., a father chatting with his wife and daughter, a couple connecting over the internet, someone thinking of a hobby...), and this allows a reader to perceive the humanity of those characters. However, following how one person changes is not the point; the goal is to see how society changes. We, as humans and readers, need to stop being so individualistic.
Moving on, the prose is simple, straightforward, and does not waste time in flourishes or convoluted descriptions—it conveys exactly what it needs to explain. It is seamless, clear, and so, so easy to read. Because this is social scifi, there is no hard science here, and neither is the point. Chapter two has a brief explanation about a discovery, but the reader finds out when a non-technical character explains the discovery. I thought it was a great trick to simplify a technical bit to make it easy and accessible.
There is not much travel implied (this is not a space opera), but there is a bit in the last chapter, and implied before. The chapters (except the second one) are not focused on solving the signal either, but in showing how humanity changes little by little, and how pieces of knowledge revolutionise society.
There are, however, some very, very interesting things, themes, and ideas explored here. For example, humanity by 2032 has banned AI, and usage of AI is highly regulated. Because of the signal, humanity gears towards knowledge, and most people become engineers, linguists, analysts, and the arts decay; Of course, you can expect mentions of a UN-like organisation, changes in countries, behaviours, and other things social scifi often explores.
Overall, the novella has some very cool ideas, an original plot, and the possibilities of an utopian story. But why four stars?
I have read a few utopias (if you know me, you know how much I loved Erikson's Rejoice, which is a similar thing to this...). However, I think (and this is a thoroughly subjective opinion of a subjective reader, and you may disagree with it), the novella is too short. The plot is ambitious, the ideas are great, but I would be head over heels if the themes and the societal changes would've been more thoroughly explored. I'm not saying make it 500 pages, but at least 100 more pages (double the current size) to explore those society issues a bit more.
Likewise, given how short the book is, we only get sprinkled details on the content of the signal received, some clues (and a very interesting epilogue) about what else may be happening, some passing mentions/reveals about those society changes. I wanted more, and, in my opinion, more pages were needed to cover those points. Don't get me wrong, there are no plot-holes, but much is left to the reader's imagination... which (again, my opinion) is problematic in utopias because utopias, by definition, are opposed to what human experience seems to imply—that humans are not very good and seldom cooperate.
Also, regarding the title...
TL;DR: Thoughtful, easy to read, unique, and compelling. A short read definitely worth sampling if utopias are your thing. A story that is worth thinking deeper about, and a utopia with so many possibilities for humankind.
March 14, 2024
What a fun sci-fi premise!
I was hooked from the blurb. Especially given the dark forest theory, those records blasted out into space could have a significant impact on the future of earth and it was fun to see Sanderson explore the possibility well past what we living today will come to see in our meager single lifetime.
I really appreciated the jumps in time. Not only did it make it more accurate, but it gave us a chance to enjoy different points in time and their differences from the others. It really felt like For All Mankind in that sense where the different time periods built off one another making the complete story that much bigger in scope.
A satisfying ending and proper suspense build-up and character growth along the way made it a fun read as well, cementing it as an indie must read for all sci-fi fans!
I was hooked from the blurb. Especially given the dark forest theory, those records blasted out into space could have a significant impact on the future of earth and it was fun to see Sanderson explore the possibility well past what we living today will come to see in our meager single lifetime.
I really appreciated the jumps in time. Not only did it make it more accurate, but it gave us a chance to enjoy different points in time and their differences from the others. It really felt like For All Mankind in that sense where the different time periods built off one another making the complete story that much bigger in scope.
A satisfying ending and proper suspense build-up and character growth along the way made it a fun read as well, cementing it as an indie must read for all sci-fi fans!
January 7, 2025
A bold novella that spans over three and a half centuries, yet perfectly-encapsulates first contact with an alien species. Subtle shifts and nods from one timespan to the next ensure the plot flows smoothly.
Sanderson's story combines just the right amount of science and Sci Fi to make this an all-too believable tale.
This pragmatic journey of humanity exploring the solar system is what Sci Fi is all about for me.
It reminded me a lot of another novella I enjoyed from the previous SFINCS contest, Singularitive Ranch's "First Contact Last Resort". I guess "First Contact Sci Fi is a genre I want to get more familiar with!
Sanderson's story combines just the right amount of science and Sci Fi to make this an all-too believable tale.
This pragmatic journey of humanity exploring the solar system is what Sci Fi is all about for me.
It reminded me a lot of another novella I enjoyed from the previous SFINCS contest, Singularitive Ranch's "First Contact Last Resort". I guess "First Contact Sci Fi is a genre I want to get more familiar with!
April 18, 2024
A wonderful sci fi
Finished this in one go. The narration sets up the intrigue right from the start and builds it up as the story moves over centuries. Having read about the Voyager in newspapers while growing up this was such a delightful read. Like so many I had always wondered what if some extraterrestrial life responded to the Voyager message.
Finished this in one go. The narration sets up the intrigue right from the start and builds it up as the story moves over centuries. Having read about the Voyager in newspapers while growing up this was such a delightful read. Like so many I had always wondered what if some extraterrestrial life responded to the Voyager message.
January 11, 2026
Fantastic first-contact sci-fi novella!
Humanity receives an alien coded message—musical, bellowing, impossible to decipher. What follows is a centuries-long journey to meet the minds behind it. This isn’t a story of lasers or war, but one of hope, perseverance, and the ingenuity of the human spirit when we choose to work together.
Perfect for anyone intrigued by The Golden Record!
Humanity receives an alien coded message—musical, bellowing, impossible to decipher. What follows is a centuries-long journey to meet the minds behind it. This isn’t a story of lasers or war, but one of hope, perseverance, and the ingenuity of the human spirit when we choose to work together.
Perfect for anyone intrigued by The Golden Record!
October 3, 2024
I have really enjoyed J.D. Sanderson’s work in the past. I like it when sci-fi books teach me something new about science or astronomy (it’s not a requirement for me, but it’s nice when it happens) but I’ve never had that happen right on the title page before. ‘Syzygy’ was a completely unfamiliar word to me before the release of this book, and I had to look it up. In astronomy, it refers to an alignment or conjunction of three or more celestial objects, but more generally as a union or relation between objects and it’s used across different fields like mathematics, psychology, and philosophy. And I really loved the multi-layered implications, as well as the way it’s used in the book itself.
I very much enjoyed After the Syzygy, and I’m a sucker for optimistic sci-fi. This is overall just a marvellous first contact story that leaves you feeling somewhat bittersweet at the end. We’re treated to the gradual, faltering progress of humanity following the discovery of an alien signal. From the initial shock and ensuing civil unrest, to re-organisation and focus on technological progress, we see humanity come together with the goal of eventually meeting the Signallers. It’s a great multi-generational story, too, spanning hundreds of years across six chapters with different characters in each as they build on the progress of their forbears.
There’s a danger with this kind of story of not spending enough time with the characters before moving on. Asimov’s first Foundation book suffered horribly with this and ended up feeling barebones and hollow. Not so with After the Syzygy. Each chapter is constructed as a short story in its own right and the characterisation is well done despite being a short vignette into their lives.
There was a moment in one of the chapters where information was revealed rather quickly, and it came across as being at odds with the otherwise solid pacing of the rest of the book. However, what was revealed really upped the intrigue factor and set up the ending very nicely. There was plenty left to the imagination, too, and the book never felt overburdened with technical discussion—in fact there was very little of that, as it focused much more on the human angle.
The worldbuilding was excellent. We have a world filled with optimism, scientific and technological progress, looking back on our today and calling it a tumultuous time period. I particularly liked the commentary about focusing too much on scientific progress to the detriment of art and creativity—having a one-track mind, desperately striving to be able to make first contact, but forgetting the importance of cultural development that needs to go hand in hand with it. It’s a great way to say that, yes, scientific discovery and technological innovations are a brilliant goal, but the arts are just as necessary. Few sci-fi worlds remember to give human creativity the credit it deserves.
Overall, an excellent, thoughtful first contact novella. Bravo!
I very much enjoyed After the Syzygy, and I’m a sucker for optimistic sci-fi. This is overall just a marvellous first contact story that leaves you feeling somewhat bittersweet at the end. We’re treated to the gradual, faltering progress of humanity following the discovery of an alien signal. From the initial shock and ensuing civil unrest, to re-organisation and focus on technological progress, we see humanity come together with the goal of eventually meeting the Signallers. It’s a great multi-generational story, too, spanning hundreds of years across six chapters with different characters in each as they build on the progress of their forbears.
There’s a danger with this kind of story of not spending enough time with the characters before moving on. Asimov’s first Foundation book suffered horribly with this and ended up feeling barebones and hollow. Not so with After the Syzygy. Each chapter is constructed as a short story in its own right and the characterisation is well done despite being a short vignette into their lives.
There was a moment in one of the chapters where information was revealed rather quickly, and it came across as being at odds with the otherwise solid pacing of the rest of the book. However, what was revealed really upped the intrigue factor and set up the ending very nicely. There was plenty left to the imagination, too, and the book never felt overburdened with technical discussion—in fact there was very little of that, as it focused much more on the human angle.
The worldbuilding was excellent. We have a world filled with optimism, scientific and technological progress, looking back on our today and calling it a tumultuous time period. I particularly liked the commentary about focusing too much on scientific progress to the detriment of art and creativity—having a one-track mind, desperately striving to be able to make first contact, but forgetting the importance of cultural development that needs to go hand in hand with it. It’s a great way to say that, yes, scientific discovery and technological innovations are a brilliant goal, but the arts are just as necessary. Few sci-fi worlds remember to give human creativity the credit it deserves.
Overall, an excellent, thoughtful first contact novella. Bravo!
December 17, 2023
Unique, imaginative, refreshingly optimistic sci-fi that left me wanting more.
Let me begin by saying flat out: I greatly enjoyed this book. It left me craving for more in all of the best ways. (I need a sequel, stat!!!)
That being said, I have to be honest; the first chapter did not draw me in. However, I only point this out as a plea to any readers that if you are feeling similar by the end of chapter one, continue reading onwards. You are in for a wonderfully written novella that, at its core, is a story about the beauty of humanity and its potential.
This tale takes place over the course of hundreds of years, and we meet a diverse host of various characters along the way. We also are introduced to a refreshingly optimistic envisioning of what the future holds for humanity, which I greatly appreciated. The greatest achievement of the author is that he not only got me set aside my cynicism and buy into this take on the future, but to believe in it fully. It feels grounded in the context of the story. It's crafted in such a way that comes across as natural.
While it may be a relatively bright future that is depicted, that does not mean that there is any shortage of problems or mysteries or conflicts for the characters to face, because J.D. Sanderson recognizes throughout the pages of this book that with every few steps of progress, humanity tends to take one step back.
In regards to the ever-present aspects of sci-fi in this book, the execution was phenomenal. It was also unique! Sure, there have been countless "first contact" stories told since the concept of aliens existed, but the way that this story is arranged, the way that this story is told, and the way that this story comes to a close sets it squarely apart from anything else that I have ever read.
Without any spoilers, the final few pages of this book reinforced my desire for a follow-up story tenfold.
To be able to tell a full tale in the form of a short story is an underappreciated art form, let alone to tell one that spans multiple centuries.
I highly encourage any fan of sci-fi to pick up and read After the Syzygy. It is well worth your time!
Let me begin by saying flat out: I greatly enjoyed this book. It left me craving for more in all of the best ways. (I need a sequel, stat!!!)
That being said, I have to be honest; the first chapter did not draw me in. However, I only point this out as a plea to any readers that if you are feeling similar by the end of chapter one, continue reading onwards. You are in for a wonderfully written novella that, at its core, is a story about the beauty of humanity and its potential.
This tale takes place over the course of hundreds of years, and we meet a diverse host of various characters along the way. We also are introduced to a refreshingly optimistic envisioning of what the future holds for humanity, which I greatly appreciated. The greatest achievement of the author is that he not only got me set aside my cynicism and buy into this take on the future, but to believe in it fully. It feels grounded in the context of the story. It's crafted in such a way that comes across as natural.
While it may be a relatively bright future that is depicted, that does not mean that there is any shortage of problems or mysteries or conflicts for the characters to face, because J.D. Sanderson recognizes throughout the pages of this book that with every few steps of progress, humanity tends to take one step back.
In regards to the ever-present aspects of sci-fi in this book, the execution was phenomenal. It was also unique! Sure, there have been countless "first contact" stories told since the concept of aliens existed, but the way that this story is arranged, the way that this story is told, and the way that this story comes to a close sets it squarely apart from anything else that I have ever read.
Without any spoilers, the final few pages of this book reinforced my desire for a follow-up story tenfold.
To be able to tell a full tale in the form of a short story is an underappreciated art form, let alone to tell one that spans multiple centuries.
I highly encourage any fan of sci-fi to pick up and read After the Syzygy. It is well worth your time!
January 25, 2025
I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). This review is my personal opinion and does not solely determine if this story will move onto the next phase of the competition.
A mysterious radio signal arrives on Earth, sending the entire world into a panic. What does it mean? How can we decipher the message? For centuries, humanity studies and technologically advances to find out more about the potential lifeforms behind the signal.
After the Syzygy takes place across hundreds of years and so the structure of this novella is different than you would traditionally find. Like classic science fiction, the focus is more on introspection and themes than on individual characters' journeys (which makes sense since studying the signal is a multi-generational task).
Sanderson has a largely optimistic perspective on humanity and I believe that optimism is the central theme of After the Syzygy. “What could humanity accomplish is we could unify under a gargantuan task?”
I would have liked a bit more through-line characters. Too often, I just started to get invested in a character only for the next scene to be far into the future and that character becomes a passing reference.
Thought provoking and optimistic. I couldn't put After the Syzygy down. My favorite part was probably the climax which I won't spoil. But what they found felt realistic and unique.
Read After the Syzygy for an classic sci-fi take on how humanity would deal with a message from outer space.
A mysterious radio signal arrives on Earth, sending the entire world into a panic. What does it mean? How can we decipher the message? For centuries, humanity studies and technologically advances to find out more about the potential lifeforms behind the signal.
After the Syzygy takes place across hundreds of years and so the structure of this novella is different than you would traditionally find. Like classic science fiction, the focus is more on introspection and themes than on individual characters' journeys (which makes sense since studying the signal is a multi-generational task).
Sanderson has a largely optimistic perspective on humanity and I believe that optimism is the central theme of After the Syzygy. “What could humanity accomplish is we could unify under a gargantuan task?”
I would have liked a bit more through-line characters. Too often, I just started to get invested in a character only for the next scene to be far into the future and that character becomes a passing reference.
Thought provoking and optimistic. I couldn't put After the Syzygy down. My favorite part was probably the climax which I won't spoil. But what they found felt realistic and unique.
Read After the Syzygy for an classic sci-fi take on how humanity would deal with a message from outer space.
July 5, 2026
I’ve been doing this thing lately where I only read a tiny bit of the back cover and the first paragraph before deciding if I want to read a book 😂📚✨
So I went into After the Syzygy completely unaware that each chapter jumps to a new point in time.
Chapter 1 ended and I thought, “Okay, cool prologue.”
Chapter 2 gave me two characters I instantly loved… Hylen is my favorite character! She is a bada** and an inspiration! ❤️ Disability Rep! ❤️
and then Chapter 3 launched me centuries into the future 😭🫠💫
Cue my internal heartbreak when I realized I couldn’t get too attached because the story spans generations. But honestly? I ended up loving that it didn’t turn into a long, winding family saga. It stayed focused on the first contact theme instead of getting bogged down in drama/fluff. 🌌🤍
Even with such short time in each chapter, the author still makes you care, and fast. The writing is warm, thoughtful, and what I’d call a cozy, hopeful sci‑fi ☕🚀✨
Now… if you work in secure environments or the space industry (hi, it’s me 🙋♀️), there are a few unrealistic bits:
🔐 security behaviors
🏛️ political contrivances
⏳ timelines
The author intentionally did this to advance the plot and to explore the speculative nature of these "what-if" concepts. None of it ruined the story for me; in fact, it made it hit harder. But I know some readers are sticklers, so heads‑up!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
It’s quick, positive, and beautifully written.
The world could use more hopeful Sci-Fi's like this ❤️❤️❤️
So I went into After the Syzygy completely unaware that each chapter jumps to a new point in time.
Chapter 1 ended and I thought, “Okay, cool prologue.”
Chapter 2 gave me two characters I instantly loved… Hylen is my favorite character! She is a bada** and an inspiration! ❤️ Disability Rep! ❤️
and then Chapter 3 launched me centuries into the future 😭🫠💫
Cue my internal heartbreak when I realized I couldn’t get too attached because the story spans generations. But honestly? I ended up loving that it didn’t turn into a long, winding family saga. It stayed focused on the first contact theme instead of getting bogged down in drama/fluff. 🌌🤍
Even with such short time in each chapter, the author still makes you care, and fast. The writing is warm, thoughtful, and what I’d call a cozy, hopeful sci‑fi ☕🚀✨
Now… if you work in secure environments or the space industry (hi, it’s me 🙋♀️), there are a few unrealistic bits:
🔐 security behaviors
🏛️ political contrivances
⏳ timelines
The author intentionally did this to advance the plot and to explore the speculative nature of these "what-if" concepts. None of it ruined the story for me; in fact, it made it hit harder. But I know some readers are sticklers, so heads‑up!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
It’s quick, positive, and beautifully written.
The world could use more hopeful Sci-Fi's like this ❤️❤️❤️
December 7, 2023
What would happen if we knew we weren't alone in our universe?
After the SYZYGY is a 350-year ride through the rapid technological evolution of humankind, sparked by a mysterious alien signal from space. I thought the large time jumps would be difficult to follow, but the author did a superb job of transitioning between chapters.
You get a nice taste of how people, and governments, cope with the realization they aren’t unique in this universe. At first, they don’t take this news well. Throughout the book, we watch human technology progress while humanity colonizes our solar system, and further. This is done without the reader being overwhelmed with heavy-handed sermons.
The ending leaves room, a lot of room, for a series, not to mention the time jumps could have their own filler stories. I enjoyed After the SYZYGY and recommend it to anyone looking for good science fiction that hasn’t succumbed to dystopia-mania.
After the SYZYGY is a 350-year ride through the rapid technological evolution of humankind, sparked by a mysterious alien signal from space. I thought the large time jumps would be difficult to follow, but the author did a superb job of transitioning between chapters.
You get a nice taste of how people, and governments, cope with the realization they aren’t unique in this universe. At first, they don’t take this news well. Throughout the book, we watch human technology progress while humanity colonizes our solar system, and further. This is done without the reader being overwhelmed with heavy-handed sermons.
The ending leaves room, a lot of room, for a series, not to mention the time jumps could have their own filler stories. I enjoyed After the SYZYGY and recommend it to anyone looking for good science fiction that hasn’t succumbed to dystopia-mania.
March 14, 2025
et me first say that “syzygy” is one of those words that is just fun to both say and read. It should see more use. More to the point, “After the Syzygy” gripped me immediately. I meant it to be the next read that it took me a week of lunches to get through, but then I finished it in a Friday afternoon. I had to know what happened next. So will you.
A few chapters in - as my Kindle loaded the next page - it hit me that this book reminded me of one of the greats of Science Fiction: Foundation. However, rather than chronicling the downfall of a human empire, AtS jumps us through decades to show the progress of humanity as we solve a puzzle from the stars themselves. And then what happens once the answers are in hand. The time skips at a glance might seem overlong, but I thought about it, and I respect the gaps. It feels very realistic. We see the important moments of breakthrough and progress.
This is a fundamentally optimistic look at our future. It is an outlook we very much need more of here in 2025. We should all read this book, and let it feed the better, more rational angels of our nature. Here’s to what comes next.
A few chapters in - as my Kindle loaded the next page - it hit me that this book reminded me of one of the greats of Science Fiction: Foundation. However, rather than chronicling the downfall of a human empire, AtS jumps us through decades to show the progress of humanity as we solve a puzzle from the stars themselves. And then what happens once the answers are in hand. The time skips at a glance might seem overlong, but I thought about it, and I respect the gaps. It feels very realistic. We see the important moments of breakthrough and progress.
This is a fundamentally optimistic look at our future. It is an outlook we very much need more of here in 2025. We should all read this book, and let it feed the better, more rational angels of our nature. Here’s to what comes next.
December 14, 2023
Tantalizing.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It pulled me in immediately with the revelation of first contact, and I was curious to see how the author would handle this idea. The time jumps took a little bit of adjustment, and the parade of characters are impossible to remember, but watching the evolution of technology and the persistent hope of the human race made me need to know how it would all end. The final chapters are where the action happens, and to avoid spoilers I’ll just say they bring a satisfactory conclusion and the possibility of more stories in this bright future.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It pulled me in immediately with the revelation of first contact, and I was curious to see how the author would handle this idea. The time jumps took a little bit of adjustment, and the parade of characters are impossible to remember, but watching the evolution of technology and the persistent hope of the human race made me need to know how it would all end. The final chapters are where the action happens, and to avoid spoilers I’ll just say they bring a satisfactory conclusion and the possibility of more stories in this bright future.
August 30, 2026
This is an easy reading think piece. It is thoughtful and provocative, taking the reader vignette-style from humanities first contact with intelligent life through our struggle to become the best versions of ourselves to overcome the obstacles of interstellar travel. Definitely worth the time to soak it in.
December 8, 2024
Finished this today and it’s such an interesting story!! The movement through time. The progression of space exploration and humanity showing more empathy(a future I really hope for). Alien species already walking among us and wanting us to help one they started the downfall of! I really enjoyed it!
December 11, 2024
Read for "SFINCS", as part of Team 3: Swordsworn
Rating: 7.8/10 ⭐
✅ Time jumping narrative was highly effective and well plotted in such a short story
✅ Plotline was thought-provoking and gripping throughout
✅ Well written, with engaging prose
❌ The sheer number of characters muddled the story sometimes, but not enough to impede on the storyline
Rating: 7.8/10 ⭐
✅ Time jumping narrative was highly effective and well plotted in such a short story
✅ Plotline was thought-provoking and gripping throughout
✅ Well written, with engaging prose
❌ The sheer number of characters muddled the story sometimes, but not enough to impede on the storyline
January 22, 2025
Nice short book that had different characters each chapter. I think the book plowed just fine despite this, but without any character development the book seems a bit lacking in that one minor detail. But other than that, I thought it was an engaging and well put together story
March 1, 2026
A great, hopeful read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A story of humanity, rising to the best, most moral direction we could. Faced with the first proof of alien life, humanity rises to the challenge of bettering ourselves in the search to meet them face to, well, face.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A story of humanity, rising to the best, most moral direction we could. Faced with the first proof of alien life, humanity rises to the challenge of bettering ourselves in the search to meet them face to, well, face.
September 16, 2026
Refreshing perspective!
While I tend to read much darker an bleak content it is refreshing to stumble on to an optimistic view of what we as a species can accomplish. Science fiction at its most wholesome. Exceptional execution. I highly recommend you read it.
While I tend to read much darker an bleak content it is refreshing to stumble on to an optimistic view of what we as a species can accomplish. Science fiction at its most wholesome. Exceptional execution. I highly recommend you read it.
December 17, 2023
A positive, thoughtful story that spans centuries of future human existence. A highly recommended shorter science fiction read.
January 16, 2024
This is such a great book.
It takes you on a journey through space and time and shows you how humanity could change and come together to work towards a common goal.
A great read and one I highly recommend.
It takes you on a journey through space and time and shows you how humanity could change and come together to work towards a common goal.
A great read and one I highly recommend.
May 1, 2025
An interesting read!
After the Syzygy is a unique and engaging story that I read in one sitting. I’ll definitely read other works by this author.
After the Syzygy is a unique and engaging story that I read in one sitting. I’ll definitely read other works by this author.
May 17, 2025
an interesting view of the future
This was a very interesting story that I very much enjoyed reading.
Was a fresh view of possible future events.
This was a very interesting story that I very much enjoyed reading.
Was a fresh view of possible future events.
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