This book was created by an Indie Author. Whilst there are some pacing issues at the beginning, the story is worth sticking it out. Getting past chapter 10 is a bit of a chore, but once you do, the roller coaster starts! Because of the beginning, this is a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ star read. I will re-evaluate that if an update or revision is published. Also, please understand the rest of the book is a 4-star read. I try to stay consistent with my rating scales.
***THE THIRD BOOK OF THE SERIES HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED YET, DATE TBD***
Synopsis:
After Earth is destroyed, a colony of 1,000 people embark on a journey to space in the Nimbus Explorer. Forty-six years later, a new habitable planet is found. Upon disembarking from their shuttles on the new planet, the danger begins to engulf the colony. The Wykians are very welcoming towards the newcomers. However, they've been in a war for 500 years and life is becoming difficult.
For some reason, there is a pull from the Wykians towards the community. But the Wykians are not the only ones who are attracted to the power pull. The Xylacs, created by the Goddess Oraelia's sorrow, are feeding off of the power, growing day by day. If the Xylacs had their way, they'd drain the planet of life, ruling over a desolate wasteland. As their power grows, a race to figure out how to stop the Xylacs and restore the planet's life commences. But who can or will have the fortitude to stop them? Is failure inevitable?
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Impression:
This is a fantasy in a science fiction world. It's neither hardcore fantasy nor hardcore sci-fi. Please do not expect it to be such. It is a very good balance between the two.
Once I got into the book, I was all in. It's worth it. I felt like I was traveling with the characters, fighting with them, and screaming at them to make different decisions (I'm looking at you Chancellor Helen and Burdron). Guys, the character development in this book is fantastic and that is worth the read alone!
***QUOTES, TROPES AND CHARACTERS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Tropes: Chosen one, he falls first, hidden powers, political intrigue, disability representation, quest/journey, golden retriever boyfriend
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ - A few open door scenes, but not overly descriptive or crass. Very much a consensual (and sensual) spicy scene.
Action/War level: 💥💥💥💥 Moderately high - It starts off a little on the slow side when they run into action, but as the story builds, so does the danger. The adrenaline increases as well. There is blood, gore, and vomiting.
FMC: Alvera - Human greenhouse gardener - She starts out very naïve. As such, Davis ensures she begins training to defend herself after he's injured. She is VERY sheltered at first (as are all the people from Nimbus), but as she goes on her journey and things happen, she grows exponentially. She's becoming a leader and courageous. It's one of the best portrayals of this nature I've read in a very long time. The tone of the book continues to shift with her growth too. It's metamorphic.
MMC: Davis - He is a golden retriever boyfriend. OMG he's the cutest thing! He is a Scout (soldier) who is injured severely and has an amputation. He battles with his demons and learns to adjust to his new reality. He doesn't let anyone stop him, even when it may put others in danger. His overwhelming and all-encompassing love for Alvera is just unrivaled. It's not a harsh love, it's a sweet sensual, gives you the chills, wrap up next to a fire with hot chocolate, kind of love.
Main antagonist: Rahknov - Xylac leader who destroyed the Goddess Oraelia and split the planet in two. He started a 500-year war that continues. He's also attempting to kidnap Alvera and dream walks.
Side Characters:
Bruno - Human Scout - Oh this guy is complex. He wants to be a badass, but his heart is gold. He has to put on a tough exterior. He reminds me of a biker guy who is squishy in the heart but has to look like he's about to knock a guy out any moment.
Emmett - Human Scout - He's the jovial bright-eyed guy that is like a brother to Bruno and Davis. He's the jokester who always has a smile. The opposite of Bruno.
Arran - Human greenhouse gardener. He's our resident annoying little brother of the Alvera trio. I want to flick his ear and annoy the crap out of him for funsies.
Guinevere (Guin) - Also a greenhouse gardener. Alvera's best friend.
Jasper - Alvera's dad. He's another one of those who has such a golden heart and is just a really good dude. Unconditional love from this man here.
Jane - Medical healer - Davis' sister. She grows on you.
Ayrrel - Wykian - Becomes kind of a guard then brother to Alvera.
Sauhlus - Wykian - Also becomes kind of a guard then brother to Alvera.
Purnelle - Wykian - Arran's girlfriend.
Faylyne - Wykian - She's the wisewoman of the group who communicates with Mother Tree. Her physical description reminds me so much of the Fae in fantasy series, but I also imagine her personality as similar to Mo'at from Avatar. Very wise village elder, chosen by the land.
Lerochin - Axolfin - Sea-loving creature that can magically heal. He's also very wise and I love his relationship with Alvera. He's one of my faves.
Chancellor Helene - Leader of the Humans - I don't know why her character is such a bitch, but she is. I do not like her.
Burdron - Oraelian Leader - As his name alludes, he holds a lot of burdens upon his shoulders. I'm still unsure of my opinion on him, but his choices improve throughout the book.
Favorite Quotes:
say, ‘When your feelings make you want to scream, cry, and shout, the best thing to do is breath them out.’
We understand with our spirits, not our ears.
The unknown can breed fear, and fear cultivates hate.
"Grief is a recurring emotion. It never truly goes away.”
The way he looks at me is so beautiful and pure, and I can’t help but wonder what I’ve done to deserve his affection. “Hey, you.” “You look,” He pauses a breath. “Divine.”
Jane eyes Ayrrel a moment then shoots him a wink, “Your equipment isn’t exactly what I’m looking for, Sunshine.”
“Getting old is a gift too many are denied,” Jane murmurs.
“What do you want from me?” I grit. “Oh, sweetness, if I tell you that, it will ruin the surprise.”
“You don’t need to protect me, Davis,” I murmur, “You taught me how to protect myself.”
"Worrying about the what ifs shouldn’t stop you from taking in everything you can now. The good and the bad. We only get one chance at life. Don’t waste it by worrying.”
"You are the leader that your people need, Alvera.”
"We fight together or we die alone."
He might not have said it out loud but with the knowledge that he is willing to lean into me for physical support makes leaning into him for emotional support so much easier. We balance each other.
“There will never be an end for us. I have always loved you. I will always love you.”