Breath of Venus: Tale of Survival

by Jasmine Santala

In a distant future, the last humans try to survive on Venus, beneath the tumultuous power struggles between their government, space disease, lack of clean air, and infertility. It is a bloody task, and society teeters on brink of extinction.

Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Topher regards life outside her home as a death trap; at least that is what her mother has told her. But when her mother is killed by political enemies, she is thrown into a world she has never known before. A darkness lurks in the heart of the new king, and in the midst of surviving, she uncovers a secret that will change the course of humanity.

Paperback

About the author

Jasmine Santala, raised among six siblings and homeschooled until age 12, always spun captivating bedtime tales for anyone willing to listen. Her passion for reading seamlessly blossomed into crafting her own stories bit by bit. Despite years of travel, marriage, and a stint in tech, the impact of COVID prompted her to realize that her true calling was in creating stories.

With a loving nudge from her husband, the dynamic duo now resides in NORCAL on a cozy patch of land, tending to chickens and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby this year! Jasmine, fueled by her newfound purpose, is excited to release more books in the upcoming year. A heartfelt thank you to every reader for taking the time to explore her literary creations. Get ready for an adventure in every page—happy reading! 📚✨

Reviews

[Himanshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 4.5/5 ⭐

Review-
Just wow! What an addicting piece of fiction! I absolutely loved the world building, the layers of messages and emotions and the way it gradually uncovered the bigger plot. It all felt so connected and powerful! Honestly this has to be my best book so far into 2024!
The book very nicely starts with our main protagonist Beatrice and despite all that she went through and her physical illness, I absolutely adored how well she carried herself. Her character shouted - grace, just how she was supposed to be as a level one-er. Even though I predicted one twist but the feeling of how it all fell together was satisfying. I love myself a science fiction or two especially if it is written this way. The narrative switched between third person and first person and usually I find it irritating but just as I mentioned if executed properly it is a strength. The story was created in such a manner that you cannot but like all the characters despite how awful they are made to be. Jasper was insanely beautiful as character, his sacrifice, never giving up attitude and love completely made me fall in love with him. And as soon as that happened - enter, Marcus. And I fall in love all over again! I know you might think I am pathetic but Marcus was intellegent, clever, helpful, knew what he wanted, empathetic and inside his stone heart very caring. He stole the show. I was skim reading just to read his one dialogue. The realistic human emotions and Beatty's dilemma flavoured with Daisy's innocence and strife for a better life, the venusians, the drama everything was complete. I was left asking for more. If only a few typos could've been avoided it would've hit the mark. Unquestionably recommended!

I am so glad I decided to take the E-ARC from Book sirens.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️🪐A BIG CRUSH

Year 8045:

On the planet Venus, in the last human colony, young Beatrice/Beattie Topher responded to her mother's directive call.

Beatrice carefully observed the interior of her house, while preparing for the morning to come...

×××××××××××××××

From the outset, I loved the atmosphere and the mysterious intrigue of this dystopia/science fiction novel, with the very endearing main character of Beatrice.

I was transported into a very entertaining story, read quickly.

I highly recommend !
I can't wait to read this author's next novel!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story! Loved it! There are extremely violent scenes that really are quite necessary for the telling of the story and so many twists. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys science fiction in the least, and for real lovers of the genre you gotta read this!

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

A dystopian future where humans are clinging to life on a planet they believe is not their home. A colony ruled by greedy and curel leaders afraid of death and the extinction of their race.
An unexpected twist when the truth is finally revealed

[Tristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasmine Santala's 'Breath of Venus' is a compelling tale set in a dystopian future on Venus, painting a vivid picture of a human colony grappling with political turmoil, space diseases, and the brink of extinction. Initially, the book presents a challenge with its shifting viewpoints and the mix of first and third-person perspectives. However, as the story unfolds, this unique stylistic choice adds to the narrative's richness, drawing the reader deeper into the world Santala has created.

The protagonist, Beatrice Topher, evolves significantly throughout the story. Starting as a relatively uninspiring character, she develops into a multifaceted individual, reflecting the complex nature of the world around her. The plot, initially slow, gains momentum and intricacy, culminating in an unexpected and thrilling twist that showcases Santala's storytelling prowess.

The backdrop of Venus as the last human colony is imaginative and well-conceived, providing a compelling setting for exploring themes of survival, political intrigue, and human resilience. The book's improvement over its course is a testament to Santala's skill in narrative development and character building.

I rate 'Breath of Venus' 3 out of 5 stars, finding it a rewarding read, especially for those who persevere through its initial stylistic complexities. This book is particularly recommended for science fiction enthusiasts who are open to experimenting with different narrative styles. It's a reminder of the surprises and depths that can lie within a novel, revealing themselves to the patient and adventurous reader.

Fans of sci-fi who are looking for something a bit different and are willing to acclimate to a unique writing style will likely find 'Breath of Venus' a gratifying read. It's a book that challenges initial perceptions, ultimately leaving a lasting impression.

[Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was fun to read and the author, Jasmine did a good job at giving the characters their own voices, and energy.. they felt different as you read from their perspectives, and they grew as people too.. even King Gerald, for all his cruelty.. he wasn't entirely a bad man. He was a sick and scared man, trying to save his people in a twisted kinda way.

I think this book could have had a bit more meat on it's bones though, a little more disruption and sensory stuff would have been nice, but I did enjoy following Beatrice, and watching her grow from a meek, clueless and somewhat selfish girl, to the brave and confidant woman she became.

I would have also liked to have seen her training with the Venusians, seen a bit more of their lifestyle, and her bond deepening with Hyva and King Hyvi, and witnessed her name change from Beatrice to Bevi, as well as seen Warrior Lyi in action. I was very disappointed when these two years got skipped over. That transformation should have been shown, in my opinion.

And amongst all the suffering within it's pages, there were moments in this book, that made me smile, that was a good balance.