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Sunfall
As democracy is swept away by a powerful Corporate League, a small section of society holds onto the libertarian dream, establishing an independent colony on Mars. Yet their time is running out. A solar storm called “Sunfall” is about to strike, powerful enough to wipe out every last one of them.
Their only hope is Sana, a young, idealistic scientist and creator of a terra-forming device capable of giving Mars its own protective shield. With just days until the storm hits, she teams up with a two bit smuggler named Zak, who, for the right price, agrees to get her to Mars.
The League, however, have their own sinister plans for the red planet and unleash their Raijin, a near invulnerable, hybrid super-assassin, to hunt down and kill them.
As the chase continues only Zak’s ingenuity and flying skills can keep them alive, but for how long?
Their only hope is Sana, a young, idealistic scientist and creator of a terra-forming device capable of giving Mars its own protective shield. With just days until the storm hits, she teams up with a two bit smuggler named Zak, who, for the right price, agrees to get her to Mars.
The League, however, have their own sinister plans for the red planet and unleash their Raijin, a near invulnerable, hybrid super-assassin, to hunt down and kill them.
As the chase continues only Zak’s ingenuity and flying skills can keep them alive, but for how long?
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2014
293 people want to read
About the author
James Austin McCormick
19 books63 followersI'm a college lecturer from England and a fan of all types of speculative fiction, most notably science fiction, horror & sword and sorcery fantasy. Where possible I try to blend these elements together in my own writing.
H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs were my first writing inspirations and more recently Frank Herbert and Clive Barker whose works I never grow tired of re-reading.
I live in the rainy city of Manchester with my wife and two young daughters, the elder of which is something of a budding writer herself.
You can find my Amazon author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/James-McCormick...
H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs were my first writing inspirations and more recently Frank Herbert and Clive Barker whose works I never grow tired of re-reading.
I live in the rainy city of Manchester with my wife and two young daughters, the elder of which is something of a budding writer herself.
You can find my Amazon author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/James-McCormick...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 8, 2015
James McCormick's "Sunfall" is reminiscent of the days when I was a helpless "Trekkie"( went to the Stark Trek Convention in Canada when I was nineteen, still a Trekkie to the core), but with an original down to earth, rugged twist with Zac at the helm, with his boyish charm and thuggish attitude. I liked where he was going with the story. I found the story to be more character driven letting the reader get to know the individuality and personalities of each character without any confusion. I like how respectively he stayed true to the premise. I like Sana, her poise and grace are refreshing. I also like she lets Zac know she is no wallflower either. Zac's realistic nature and Sana's idealistic nature are a great contrast to this group. Being that it's a sci-fi novella, it gives it a "stay tuned" or "to be continued quality" that strikes interest in his next works. I found this to be engaging from the beginning, the plot fluid, the format superb. Exciting read!
October 5, 2017
There’s about to be a massive solar storm, known as Sunfall, which will wipe out the human colony on Mars. Sana Attan and her mother have invented a device which can shield the colony but the huge corporate League want it destroyed, even at the price of the colony’s deaths, so they can take Mars for themselves. Smuggler Zac, and Sana, are being hunted to prevent them achieving their aim of saving the humans on Mars.
This is a fast-action space opera of novella length, with a good concept behind it. There are some really interesting plot-twists, and for a work of this length it also has depths. In some ways it reminded me of the old westerns, but that may have been the dialogue. For lovers of the genre, it’s a quick and enjoyable read.
This is a fast-action space opera of novella length, with a good concept behind it. There are some really interesting plot-twists, and for a work of this length it also has depths. In some ways it reminded me of the old westerns, but that may have been the dialogue. For lovers of the genre, it’s a quick and enjoyable read.
February 2, 2015
First let me say I am in a minority when it comes to my opinion of 'Sunfall' and I hate giving low reviews, but if the process is going to work I have to tell it as I see it. 'Sunfall' (which is a great title by the way) starts with an interesting enough premise: that solar flares will wipe out colonies on Mars. Unfortunately the blurb is much better than the book itself. This is the only fresh idea in a competently enough written kind of generic space opera that to me suffers from too many tired clichés. It seems as though every part of the book is lifted directly from old sci-fi movies, replete with 'blasters' and assassin robots. For example there is a scene in the DAX Corporate boardroom that came right from the original 'Robocop' movie. There are scenes from 'Star Wars' - many of them - like flying through the 'asteroid belt'. Jesus, how many times have we seen that? Everything seemed old and tired with no new slant on anything: Mafia mobsters, corporate evil doers, petty criminals, damsels in distress, and the reluctant non hero - the whole nine yards. I felt as I was reading something from 30 or 40 years ago instead of the future.
While somewhat forgivable, a further irritation for me was every time the character Zac opened his mouth to voice some quaint dialogue right out of a Western: “Come on, lady,” he protested. “Give a feller a break.” or the overused: "I reckon". This story takes place in the future, not the 1800's right? And Sana, the female part of the equation, liked being called 'lady' all the time? She's 22 years old! I can put up with this for a little while but not an entire book.
Still, the story moved along, though predictably, with rough and swarthy 'space miners', as the intrepid adventurers made their way to Mars to save the planet and its inhabitants. Then the little remaining 'science' part of the so called science fiction came to an abrupt end. Our hero Zac uses a laser trying to defeat a lock and loudly exclaims something about the lock being magnetic. Note to author: lasers are not affected by magnetism nor vice versa. A laser would melt the lock or cut the bolt, period. If the author would simply have made something up - like Zac used a 'portable field generator', I would have bought it. Many readers don't seem to care when the science being presented is plain absurd, but I do.
With all that being said, apparently there's a huge market for this kind of rehashed tale of recycled film scenes and I'm the only one who feels this way since the book got glowing 5 star reviews where some readers "Savored every word..." Maybe people are just more comfortable with the old and familiar. I for one am always seeking something new and refreshing.
While somewhat forgivable, a further irritation for me was every time the character Zac opened his mouth to voice some quaint dialogue right out of a Western: “Come on, lady,” he protested. “Give a feller a break.” or the overused: "I reckon". This story takes place in the future, not the 1800's right? And Sana, the female part of the equation, liked being called 'lady' all the time? She's 22 years old! I can put up with this for a little while but not an entire book.
Still, the story moved along, though predictably, with rough and swarthy 'space miners', as the intrepid adventurers made their way to Mars to save the planet and its inhabitants. Then the little remaining 'science' part of the so called science fiction came to an abrupt end. Our hero Zac uses a laser trying to defeat a lock and loudly exclaims something about the lock being magnetic. Note to author: lasers are not affected by magnetism nor vice versa. A laser would melt the lock or cut the bolt, period. If the author would simply have made something up - like Zac used a 'portable field generator', I would have bought it. Many readers don't seem to care when the science being presented is plain absurd, but I do.
With all that being said, apparently there's a huge market for this kind of rehashed tale of recycled film scenes and I'm the only one who feels this way since the book got glowing 5 star reviews where some readers "Savored every word..." Maybe people are just more comfortable with the old and familiar. I for one am always seeking something new and refreshing.
October 26, 2017
Sunfall by james Austin McCormick.
As democracy is swept away by a powerful Corporate League, a small section of society holds onto the libertarian dream, establishing an independent colony on Mars. Yet their time is running out. A solar storm called “Sunfall” is about to strike, powerful enough to wipe out every last one of them.
A fantastic read. Loved Sana and zach. Lots of action. 5*. Tbc on fb.
As democracy is swept away by a powerful Corporate League, a small section of society holds onto the libertarian dream, establishing an independent colony on Mars. Yet their time is running out. A solar storm called “Sunfall” is about to strike, powerful enough to wipe out every last one of them.
A fantastic read. Loved Sana and zach. Lots of action. 5*. Tbc on fb.
October 26, 2017
This is a brilliant short story which I loved from the start. The book is a brilliant sci-fi book and has everything any sci fi fan could want. I reccomend it to everyone who loves Star Wars and all the sci-fi tv programs.
March 21, 2015
Full of engineered humanoids, robots, hybrids, and off-world locations—let’s not forget samurai swords—Sunfall is a fun space opera in novella form. It has much the flavor of the author’s larger work, Dragon, which I read recently and also enjoyed. Nefarious corporate plots to dominate the cosmos with—among other methods—bioengineered crops and related addictive products adds depth, intrigue, and subtleties, not to mention realism to the storyline. And makes the story all too relevant to our own dramas playing out on Earth today. Characters are every bit as picaresque as those in a Robert Louis Stevenson novel, who in fact they most reminded me of.
What makes the story truly remarkable, however, is the author’s penchant for positively delicious plot twists and ideas that leap off the page and seer the way into the brain. Sci-fi has long been a genre for writers with powerhouse imaginations. Without it you’re almost better off writing just about anything else. But in a hypermedia age it’s also the hardest expectation to deliver on, as most ideas have been played to death already or tried out in any number of permutations. My favorite thing about this author is that he really does consistently deliver the goods where it counts, not only with shocking and mind-blowing notions but ones that seem almost inescapable when we extrapolate from what we know of what’s going on in today’s world. That is, they seem inescapable, because as they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty.
With a regular cycle of solar flares threatening to wipe out the last of Mars’s settlers—fifteen million souls have been lost so far—wouldn’t you know, it’s not the impetus to send in the cavalry, but for corporations to leverage the impending doom of the colonists to gain even greater control over the solar system. That’s right; all seven deadly sins are on display, playing out against such a huge canvas. Gotta love it.
Acts two and three are dominated by a Terminator-like, just-as-unstoppable bioengineered assassin dogging our heroine on her way to Mars with the one device that can save the planet. The nail-biting action is every bit as well executed as what you’ve come to expect from the Terminator film franchise. Of course, this author’s engineered assassin is entirely his own, with his own surprises and terror to dish out. The compelling nature of the action scenes involving the assassin alone are worth the price of admission, but the high concept science and intrigue add additional dimension, as does the character arc/evolving romance between our heroine and her sidekick pilot and techie. All in all, a well-rounded sci-fi tale with all the right stuff.
My one complaint is that the book was over far too soon. I’d love to see this story blown up into a trilogy as Kim Stanley Robinson did with his Mars trilogy.
What makes the story truly remarkable, however, is the author’s penchant for positively delicious plot twists and ideas that leap off the page and seer the way into the brain. Sci-fi has long been a genre for writers with powerhouse imaginations. Without it you’re almost better off writing just about anything else. But in a hypermedia age it’s also the hardest expectation to deliver on, as most ideas have been played to death already or tried out in any number of permutations. My favorite thing about this author is that he really does consistently deliver the goods where it counts, not only with shocking and mind-blowing notions but ones that seem almost inescapable when we extrapolate from what we know of what’s going on in today’s world. That is, they seem inescapable, because as they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty.
With a regular cycle of solar flares threatening to wipe out the last of Mars’s settlers—fifteen million souls have been lost so far—wouldn’t you know, it’s not the impetus to send in the cavalry, but for corporations to leverage the impending doom of the colonists to gain even greater control over the solar system. That’s right; all seven deadly sins are on display, playing out against such a huge canvas. Gotta love it.
Acts two and three are dominated by a Terminator-like, just-as-unstoppable bioengineered assassin dogging our heroine on her way to Mars with the one device that can save the planet. The nail-biting action is every bit as well executed as what you’ve come to expect from the Terminator film franchise. Of course, this author’s engineered assassin is entirely his own, with his own surprises and terror to dish out. The compelling nature of the action scenes involving the assassin alone are worth the price of admission, but the high concept science and intrigue add additional dimension, as does the character arc/evolving romance between our heroine and her sidekick pilot and techie. All in all, a well-rounded sci-fi tale with all the right stuff.
My one complaint is that the book was over far too soon. I’d love to see this story blown up into a trilogy as Kim Stanley Robinson did with his Mars trilogy.
March 26, 2015
This is a very cool book. But it reminds me way too much of Star Wars. I mean, it's got the scruffy young nerf herder guy who's a cross between Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. Because he's a rebel with his own Millennium Falcon. He's good with fixing things, like Luke. And of course, he saves the princess.
Because yes, there's also a goddamn Princess Lea. I'm surprised there wasn't a fucking wookie. But wait, there's more! There's a mutant Darth Vader. He's a genetically modified killing machine. An assassin. And I guess, kind of a bounty hunter. So it's like Darth Vader and Boba Fett butt fucked and made this guy. Awesome.
(Just imagine the text below scrolling like Star Wars)
Long, long ago... In a galaxy far, far away... Luke Skywalker, I mean Zac, meets this girl who needs to catch a ride to Mars...
(Okay, end the scrolling... This is getting silly)
This story is about the destruction of Mars by the Death Star. Okay, there's no Death Star. But still. I mean the similarities are staggering. But Mars is actually doomed to be wiped out by some solar storm, or some such shit. And the princess has the magic technology to save the planet.
Okay, she's not really a princess. Sana is just a really rich girl, with really rich and brilliant parents. They developed the technology to save an entire planet with self-replicating nano-thingies. And Sana is wandering around a space port with this nano-tube that's worth billions.
In comes the nerf herder. He agrees to take her to Mars for a bajillion credits, because he's a selfish cunt, just like Han Solo. And of course he owes some kind of debt to the mob boss at the space station. Just like the cantina scene in fucking Star Wars.
Zac and Sana flee to the Millennium Falcon, and barely escape the space station alive. But wait, the Darth Vader and Boba Fett butt baby is hot on their trail. He's a fucking killing machine on a rampage, and he will stop at nothing to get the precious nano-tube.
Really, nothing can stop this fucking guy. He's one strong butt baby, that's for sure. I mean, his spaceship slams head-on with a fucking asteroid, exploding and shattering to pieces, and this fucking guy survives to continue the chase. He's like the goddamn Terminator, this guy.
I could go on and on, because this really is a great story. It would have been five stars for sure, if it didn't remind me so much of Star Wars. But it's still a fun story to read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves science fiction.
Because yes, there's also a goddamn Princess Lea. I'm surprised there wasn't a fucking wookie. But wait, there's more! There's a mutant Darth Vader. He's a genetically modified killing machine. An assassin. And I guess, kind of a bounty hunter. So it's like Darth Vader and Boba Fett butt fucked and made this guy. Awesome.
(Just imagine the text below scrolling like Star Wars)
Long, long ago... In a galaxy far, far away... Luke Skywalker, I mean Zac, meets this girl who needs to catch a ride to Mars...
(Okay, end the scrolling... This is getting silly)
This story is about the destruction of Mars by the Death Star. Okay, there's no Death Star. But still. I mean the similarities are staggering. But Mars is actually doomed to be wiped out by some solar storm, or some such shit. And the princess has the magic technology to save the planet.
Okay, she's not really a princess. Sana is just a really rich girl, with really rich and brilliant parents. They developed the technology to save an entire planet with self-replicating nano-thingies. And Sana is wandering around a space port with this nano-tube that's worth billions.
In comes the nerf herder. He agrees to take her to Mars for a bajillion credits, because he's a selfish cunt, just like Han Solo. And of course he owes some kind of debt to the mob boss at the space station. Just like the cantina scene in fucking Star Wars.
Zac and Sana flee to the Millennium Falcon, and barely escape the space station alive. But wait, the Darth Vader and Boba Fett butt baby is hot on their trail. He's a fucking killing machine on a rampage, and he will stop at nothing to get the precious nano-tube.
Really, nothing can stop this fucking guy. He's one strong butt baby, that's for sure. I mean, his spaceship slams head-on with a fucking asteroid, exploding and shattering to pieces, and this fucking guy survives to continue the chase. He's like the goddamn Terminator, this guy.
I could go on and on, because this really is a great story. It would have been five stars for sure, if it didn't remind me so much of Star Wars. But it's still a fun story to read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves science fiction.
July 27, 2014
Sunfall is a a very fast paced and exciting novella from James McCormick. As a connoisseur of this type of story and writing I have to say that I was not disappointed. From the first chapter to the last the book definitely kept my interest. The story largely involves Zach and Sana and their struggle to protect a Mars colony from a solar storm. I thought, at this point, that the pacing might even be slowed down a little. This is probably my own preference. However, for those who like action and thrillers especially this is a must read.
October 3, 2017
I enjoy a sci-fi book as much as most and in this case it literally was a space opera.
Sana on the run to mars to help save the planet from a solar flare that would kill the last inhabitants there.
Trying to find transport she asks Zac for help and after refusing he eventually agrees to take her out there for selfish reasons.
Felt like reading a strange version of Pirates of Penzance with Ice Pirates thrown in for good measure!!
A great read to keep me occupied for an hour, thank you for a copy from TBC for an honest review
Sana on the run to mars to help save the planet from a solar flare that would kill the last inhabitants there.
Trying to find transport she asks Zac for help and after refusing he eventually agrees to take her out there for selfish reasons.
Felt like reading a strange version of Pirates of Penzance with Ice Pirates thrown in for good measure!!
A great read to keep me occupied for an hour, thank you for a copy from TBC for an honest review
December 4, 2014
Sana Attan (22) & Dr. Attan (Sana mother) worked at Attan Laboratories. Up on the roof the 2 were confronted by Tanaka (m, Japanese), Krassus (henchmen) & Ash (henchmen). Sana managed to escape. Dr. Attan met her death.
Can Sana take over where mom left off?
President Silverman of the DAX Corporate League (CL), Kang, Delores, Paul Tanaka, Krassus (Delphic Brotherhood (religion), & Ash (Delphic Brotherhood (religion) were having a meeting.
A Raijin (monster, Japanese kami, aka Frankenstein) attacked the President & killed him.
DAX President Paul Tanaka is duly elected.
On Mars the Novus colonists ruled it. Njall is their leader.
Their CL plan is to take over Mars & feed them radiation immune crops so the inhabitants will have to rely on their group for everything.
The CL group also started the assassin project. A mass production of Raijin’s.
Kang went to a bar in Salam & Sana shows up. The 2 get into a confrontation but Zac Adams (cybernetic arm, pilot) intervenes.
Sana was headed to Mars also.
The planet was under sanction by the DAX Corporate League (CL).
Salvino (Mafioso) & Ral (thug) with Zac as their pilot were running illegal contraband.
The 3 got into it & Zac went to see Balt Hellion (aka Fixer, toad).
Sana is not real sure whose side Zac is on.
The Raijin (monster) kills Krassus
Olga Sibek (f, official) in her panoptic watchtower keeps eyes on everything that goes on.
What is Dr. Luca (scientist) role?
Other members of the DAX are Crimson & Gold.
Will Sana be able to save the Novus colonists?
Or will Cl take it over with the help of the Raijin’s?
Will Zac & Sana fall in love?
Time is running out what is the Sunfall?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written YA sci-fi book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentence, but several typo errors (word spacing). Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great YA sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Defiantly geared for a younger audience. A whole lot packed/condensed in this book. I still have to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Goodreads)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Can Sana take over where mom left off?
President Silverman of the DAX Corporate League (CL), Kang, Delores, Paul Tanaka, Krassus (Delphic Brotherhood (religion), & Ash (Delphic Brotherhood (religion) were having a meeting.
A Raijin (monster, Japanese kami, aka Frankenstein) attacked the President & killed him.
DAX President Paul Tanaka is duly elected.
On Mars the Novus colonists ruled it. Njall is their leader.
Their CL plan is to take over Mars & feed them radiation immune crops so the inhabitants will have to rely on their group for everything.
The CL group also started the assassin project. A mass production of Raijin’s.
Kang went to a bar in Salam & Sana shows up. The 2 get into a confrontation but Zac Adams (cybernetic arm, pilot) intervenes.
Sana was headed to Mars also.
The planet was under sanction by the DAX Corporate League (CL).
Salvino (Mafioso) & Ral (thug) with Zac as their pilot were running illegal contraband.
The 3 got into it & Zac went to see Balt Hellion (aka Fixer, toad).
Sana is not real sure whose side Zac is on.
The Raijin (monster) kills Krassus
Olga Sibek (f, official) in her panoptic watchtower keeps eyes on everything that goes on.
What is Dr. Luca (scientist) role?
Other members of the DAX are Crimson & Gold.
Will Sana be able to save the Novus colonists?
Or will Cl take it over with the help of the Raijin’s?
Will Zac & Sana fall in love?
Time is running out what is the Sunfall?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written YA sci-fi book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentence, but several typo errors (word spacing). Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great YA sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Defiantly geared for a younger audience. A whole lot packed/condensed in this book. I still have to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (Goodreads)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 17, 2014
WHATEVER YOU DO DON’T MISS THIS ONE
This extremely well written book convinced me that that mankind has learned nothing from its violent bloody past and is proceeding unchecked as usual, albeit with highly technical mind- shattering implications. I wanted to pull the duvet over my head and remain there forever, not just during winter.
SciFi is not my genre, and particularly Galactic battles, because the writers seem to live on some other planet that I can’t relate to. Somewhere beyond the original Starwars, which I took my kids to and enjoyed, ET, and Close Encounters of a Third Kind, they lost me.
However, I have to admit that James McCormick, the author, grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until I had read the book cover to cover. Normally most SciFi novels lose me after the first few pages as they are so ‘way out there’, but I found this book to be a mixture of down to earth as I know it, Satire/action/adventure/gothic and written as well as some of the better thriller writers
I have a soft spot for heroes who are less than perfect and Zac fits the bill. A seemingly shallow fellow who spends life one step ahead of complete disaster, he is mainly motivated by selfish concerns and just trying to get along in a difficult world, which he isn’t really equipped to deal with, particularly when he comes up against Galactic Mafioso. However when the chips are down and he has no option, he comes up trumps and saves the day – and the girl.
Authors who have the guts to poke fun at a crazy world appeal to me and James McCormick does this so well. It made SUNFALL very readable and funny. He is a clever writer who knows how to hook a reader and hold them and this is what good writing is all about.
If James McCormick won me over, fans of Galactic battles who don’t take themselves too seriously and/or really good Satire are going to love him. I am very interested in reading his other works, particularly those in the Horror genre, as I like things that go bump in the night.
This extremely well written book convinced me that that mankind has learned nothing from its violent bloody past and is proceeding unchecked as usual, albeit with highly technical mind- shattering implications. I wanted to pull the duvet over my head and remain there forever, not just during winter.
SciFi is not my genre, and particularly Galactic battles, because the writers seem to live on some other planet that I can’t relate to. Somewhere beyond the original Starwars, which I took my kids to and enjoyed, ET, and Close Encounters of a Third Kind, they lost me.
However, I have to admit that James McCormick, the author, grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until I had read the book cover to cover. Normally most SciFi novels lose me after the first few pages as they are so ‘way out there’, but I found this book to be a mixture of down to earth as I know it, Satire/action/adventure/gothic and written as well as some of the better thriller writers
I have a soft spot for heroes who are less than perfect and Zac fits the bill. A seemingly shallow fellow who spends life one step ahead of complete disaster, he is mainly motivated by selfish concerns and just trying to get along in a difficult world, which he isn’t really equipped to deal with, particularly when he comes up against Galactic Mafioso. However when the chips are down and he has no option, he comes up trumps and saves the day – and the girl.
Authors who have the guts to poke fun at a crazy world appeal to me and James McCormick does this so well. It made SUNFALL very readable and funny. He is a clever writer who knows how to hook a reader and hold them and this is what good writing is all about.
If James McCormick won me over, fans of Galactic battles who don’t take themselves too seriously and/or really good Satire are going to love him. I am very interested in reading his other works, particularly those in the Horror genre, as I like things that go bump in the night.
August 13, 2014
Very generic. Science fiction is not usually a genre I read, but Sunfall has everything I would expect from such a novel: arch-villains worthy of James Bond with all the menace of traditional orientalism; man-made monsters who know no mercy and give none; empires trying to enshroud the universe with tyranny that is rooted in greed; and heroism, pure and simple, the little folk battling against the odds for the eternal principles of ‘freedom’.
In media res, McCormick lands us in a universe of colonists and corporations, which at first I was critical of as I had no idea of the background of characters and the plot; additionally, I thought the narrative ran like an episode of Star Wars, Zac being uncannily like Han Solo/Luke Skywalker and Tanaka like Darth Vader; but in time I saw this was not the case, Tanaka has much more to him than any Darth Vader in that he represents a much more human propensity to greed and cruelty, and has not been contaminated by any metaphysical ‘dark side’. In such views is introduced a sense of allegory, where major corporations try to flood Mars with their brand of addictive foods, a fact sadly manifesting itself in our capitalist societies (most glaringly, Mcdonalds and the like). So, Sunfall is much more than a mere generic science fiction novel, if one wants it to be, and its relevance can be sought in between the lines. If reading this as a critic you may be predisposed to the same criticism as I have offered, namely, the familiarity of characters and plot, but I advise to read on and look for the nuances and, especially, appreciate McCormick’s flawless writing, which is succinctly descriptive.
A must read for those attached to this genre; a curious and worthy experiment for those who are not. If you do read try doing it in the same way I did, with Strauss playing in the background, as those descriptions of space and the planets may mean so much more than Kubrick’s visual display.
In media res, McCormick lands us in a universe of colonists and corporations, which at first I was critical of as I had no idea of the background of characters and the plot; additionally, I thought the narrative ran like an episode of Star Wars, Zac being uncannily like Han Solo/Luke Skywalker and Tanaka like Darth Vader; but in time I saw this was not the case, Tanaka has much more to him than any Darth Vader in that he represents a much more human propensity to greed and cruelty, and has not been contaminated by any metaphysical ‘dark side’. In such views is introduced a sense of allegory, where major corporations try to flood Mars with their brand of addictive foods, a fact sadly manifesting itself in our capitalist societies (most glaringly, Mcdonalds and the like). So, Sunfall is much more than a mere generic science fiction novel, if one wants it to be, and its relevance can be sought in between the lines. If reading this as a critic you may be predisposed to the same criticism as I have offered, namely, the familiarity of characters and plot, but I advise to read on and look for the nuances and, especially, appreciate McCormick’s flawless writing, which is succinctly descriptive.
A must read for those attached to this genre; a curious and worthy experiment for those who are not. If you do read try doing it in the same way I did, with Strauss playing in the background, as those descriptions of space and the planets may mean so much more than Kubrick’s visual display.
September 8, 2014
Read my entire review in English and Portuguese here.
I was kindly given an Advance Reading Copy by author James Austin McCormick, whom I’d like to thank. You can find out more about James and his work in his website, http://jimbomcc.wix.com/jimbostories, or by following him on Twitter, @Jimbomcc69.
Sunfall is a science fiction novella, packed with action and breath-catching twists. I think it may be the ideal read for a sci-fi fan craving a fast paced adventure.
We’re immediately introduced to Sana Attan, who later presents as polite and intelligent idealist, whose sudden awakening startles the reader as well. Within a few lines, we become aware of the urgency that perspires throughout the narrative.
Sana eventually finds an unlikely ally in her mission to save Mars and its colonists against the threat of a major solar storm – an outlaw named Zac. He seems to be the complete opposite of Sana, and (unwillingly) agrees to help her only to save himself as well. Together, they have to fight not only against time, but also big corporations that expect to profit from Mars’ demise and will do anything to stop Sana’s mission.
I was kindly given an Advance Reading Copy by author James Austin McCormick, whom I’d like to thank. You can find out more about James and his work in his website, http://jimbomcc.wix.com/jimbostories, or by following him on Twitter, @Jimbomcc69.
Sunfall is a science fiction novella, packed with action and breath-catching twists. I think it may be the ideal read for a sci-fi fan craving a fast paced adventure.
We’re immediately introduced to Sana Attan, who later presents as polite and intelligent idealist, whose sudden awakening startles the reader as well. Within a few lines, we become aware of the urgency that perspires throughout the narrative.
Sana eventually finds an unlikely ally in her mission to save Mars and its colonists against the threat of a major solar storm – an outlaw named Zac. He seems to be the complete opposite of Sana, and (unwillingly) agrees to help her only to save himself as well. Together, they have to fight not only against time, but also big corporations that expect to profit from Mars’ demise and will do anything to stop Sana’s mission.
June 25, 2014
I loved this book. You know you like it when you savour every page, and want to keep reading. I know it's a trite compliment, but I mean it this time. I don't usually give flattering reviews, just honest ones, including the occasional real gems I come across.
The speculative fiction is mastered here. Fresh, "where-did-that-come-from?" perspectives in every story, including how characters reason their way out of sticky situations. If I wrote this book, I would not change a word, but only just write in a tiny plot for Tanaka's wife to be so clever that she employs some sci-fi escape to elude the evilness of her husband, having planned it for their final confrontation and showdown. Having been so resourceful in a way we did not expect from a minor character, she deserves an ending that befits her.
The two main characters, Zac and Sana, have unique personalities and I really liked them both, something that is not always easy for an author to accomplish for me as I read his book. I liked this book tons more than the other book I read, "Dragon," which is a compliment to both books, actually. The villain was so deliciously evil that I was actually rooting for it too.
In summary: speculative fiction at its finest. The pulp fiction of its time.
The speculative fiction is mastered here. Fresh, "where-did-that-come-from?" perspectives in every story, including how characters reason their way out of sticky situations. If I wrote this book, I would not change a word, but only just write in a tiny plot for Tanaka's wife to be so clever that she employs some sci-fi escape to elude the evilness of her husband, having planned it for their final confrontation and showdown. Having been so resourceful in a way we did not expect from a minor character, she deserves an ending that befits her.
The two main characters, Zac and Sana, have unique personalities and I really liked them both, something that is not always easy for an author to accomplish for me as I read his book. I liked this book tons more than the other book I read, "Dragon," which is a compliment to both books, actually. The villain was so deliciously evil that I was actually rooting for it too.
In summary: speculative fiction at its finest. The pulp fiction of its time.
February 12, 2015
I loved this fast paced sci fi adventure! Sana Attan is a young girl with a Thura shield, who is on a mission to save the Novus colonists who terra-formed Mars from a giant solar storm, Sunfall. Zac Adams has a spaceship for hire. That’s how the two meet, but their growing friendship is wonderfully written. Because of his background, Zac thinks Sana is blinded by ideals and believes that working for the betterment of mankind is a waste of time. Sana teaches him different.
The action didn’t stop through the whole book, and I read it in one sitting. Paul Tanaka, the new president of DAX, is an interesting enemy, hired by the Corporate League to stop Sana Attan from saving Mars. With the help of a scientist he has created the Raijin.
I LOVED Sana. She is brainy and kind, a combination you don’t see very often in sci fi books, and I personally think should be more promoted in this genre. The author also knew his tech details and made the story believable. I won’t spoil the story, but I loved the twist ending!
The action didn’t stop through the whole book, and I read it in one sitting. Paul Tanaka, the new president of DAX, is an interesting enemy, hired by the Corporate League to stop Sana Attan from saving Mars. With the help of a scientist he has created the Raijin.
I LOVED Sana. She is brainy and kind, a combination you don’t see very often in sci fi books, and I personally think should be more promoted in this genre. The author also knew his tech details and made the story believable. I won’t spoil the story, but I loved the twist ending!
May 22, 2014
Sunfall is a fast paced story that will hook you hard and fast. It follows a protagonists Zach and Sana as they struggle to save a colony on mars from a deadly solar storm. This is the type of story that can be dragged out and over indulged, but James Austin McCormick avoids this by trimming the fat and giving us all of the good parts. The story flows seamlessly from chapter to chapter with no filler. This keeps the story riveting throughout and is sure to please most readers. The action is well written and the main antagonist is truly a force to be reckoned with. I found the story to be a little predictable at times but the setting and characters were interesting enough that I found it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, I found this story to be an exciting, fun read and I would definitely read more work from this author. I would recommend this book anyone who is looking for a thriller in a Sci-Fi setting.
June 9, 2014
As a SciFi/SpaceOpera fan, the first thing I look for is story and SUNFALL did not disappoint. Mr. McCormick is a masterful storyteller. From the prologue to the epilogue, Mr. McCormick had me turning the pages with gusto. His story features an idealistic young heroine, and not-so-idealistic-been-kicked-around-a-bit hero and a monster that belongs along side the great Manga/Anime/GraphicNovel creations.
His pacing was also superb. He leads the reader through a series of events appropriately titled: The Escape; The Chase; The Hunt; and The Showdown. I literally could not put this story down. I was captivated by his characters and I wanted to see/read what became of them.
Based on SUNFALL, I will definitely be looking for other McCormick stories to read.
His pacing was also superb. He leads the reader through a series of events appropriately titled: The Escape; The Chase; The Hunt; and The Showdown. I literally could not put this story down. I was captivated by his characters and I wanted to see/read what became of them.
Based on SUNFALL, I will definitely be looking for other McCormick stories to read.
August 10, 2016
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and once again it was an excellent, triumphant read. It is very well-written and perfectly formatted. Despite coming in at only 85 pages, it certainly packs a punch and is a non-stop, thrill ride with truly great and diverse characters. Anyone who enjoys science fiction should consider this a must read, but in truth anyone who enjoys good writing and escapism at its best will enjoy it too.
November 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Well written with characters I enjoyed and cared about. I was anxious to see if they escaped. Another one of those I couldn't put down till I was done. Really good adventure. If you like space adventures it is a really good and quick read.
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