Finding Idyllium: Earth's Stolen Future

by N. Jospeh Glass

SOME WORLDS DESERVE TO LIVE. BUT WHO DECIDES?

As Earth withers past the point of return, Captain Marc Sanders is ordered to do the infiltrate a pristine parallel world—Idyllium—and prepare it for invasion. The mission could secure a future for billions. It could also be the only way to save his terminally ill daughter. Every step he takes on Idyllium pulls him tighter between duty and love, honor and survival.

When hidden agendas surface and his team fractures under the weight of impossible choices, Marc’s moral code begins to unravel. To save a world, he may have to become the kind of man he’s spent his life fighting—unless he’s willing to sacrifice everything, including the one life that matters most.

For readers of dark, character-driven science fiction thrillers who crave wrenching moral dilemmas, parallel worlds, and fathers pushed past their limits.

Genres: Science Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2024

Reviews

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci fi dystopian book is a really good read. Humans have destroyed Earth, and found a parallel planet that they now want to move all humans to. The problem is, the planet is already inhabited and they don’t want us there. So, now what?

What follows is a story about a mission to force our way onto this planet by pretty much eradicating the current inhabitants, but not everyone involved in the mission is on board.

Great sci fi, mixed with moral dilemma, good character building, great world building and a highly enjoyable storyline, this book delivers.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

N. Joseph Glass’s Finding Idyllium takes readers to a future where Earth teeters on the edge of annihilation following a catastrophic nuclear disaster. With the planet no longer habitable, humanity’s survival depends on Idyllium, a pristine parallel Earth. Diplomatic overtures to this new world fail, prompting the covert United Global Alliance (UGA) to send Marc and his team on a high-stakes mission. Their objective: sabotage Idyllium’s systems to prepare for an inevitable mass migration. For Marc, the stakes are personal—his gravely ill daughter’s survival hinges on their success. But as his mission progresses, Marc is torn between his duty to humanity and the devastating cost to Idyllium’s inhabitants. This gripping tale explores the weight of sacrifice, the clash of morals, and the meaning of humanity in times of crisis.

Marc is the story’s heart and soul. His inner struggles, steeped in fear, love, and obligation, are both relatable and gut-wrenching. I was immediately drawn to his humanity. The detailed backstories of the supporting characters enrich the narrative, making their choices and motivations resonate deeply. These aren’t one-dimensional figures, they are flawed, layered, and vividly real. Each one adds nuance to the unfolding drama, showing how complex and varied the human response to catastrophe can be.

I think what sets Finding Idyllium apart is its seamless fusion of science fiction and emotional depth. The technological and speculative elements are imaginative yet grounded, creating a vivid and believable world without overshadowing the human element. The narrative doesn’t rely on spectacle alone. Instead, the sci-fi aspects serve as a backdrop, amplifying the emotional intensity of the characters’ journeys and the moral dilemmas they face. The result is an immersive and thought-provoking story that stays with you. That said, the repetition of certain moral conflicts occasionally slowed the pacing. Marc and his team’s debates about the ethics of their mission felt realistic, but some moments seemed to circle the same points. While this repetition underscored the gravity of their choices, it occasionally detracted from the momentum. Even so, the story remained compelling, with its exploration of ethical complexity adding depth and resonance.

Finding Idyllium is an emotionally charged sci-fi thriller that grapples with universal questions of sacrifice and morality. Readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a strong focus on character and ethical dilemmas will find this a rewarding experience. N. Joseph Glass delivers a story that challenges the mind and stirs the heart.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a dying Earth and the methods that some will go to survive. The saying the ends justify the means is a constant thread and debate in this book. In order to survive will one lose their humanity or does humanity bring survival?

There are a lot of character views in this book so you really have to keep up. Each character has their own motives and plans.

I definitely think that if you like dystopian thrillers this is a good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling Exploration of Earth's Fragile Future Awaits!

Finding Idyllium: Earth's Stolen Future captivated me from the start! The intricate world-building and compelling characters drew me into a thought-provoking journey about humanity’s impact on the planet. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the message is powerful. A must-read for any sci-fi fan. I highly recommend it!

[Mark Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative adventure.

A carefully constructed sci-fi adventure with plenty of twists and turns. However, I found the pace slower than I like. The author has a good story idea but execution could use some work. So, I gave the book four stars.

[Margot Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dives deep into issues that need to be addressed in our world today and illustrates what might happen if we don't. But we don't have an Idyllium to escape to.