Tim Rees' Original Earth: Book One: A New World, A New Beginning...

by Tim Rees, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

*Now a SEMI-FINALIST for the 2025 Cygnus Science Fiction Awards*

Review "For me, it was like reading a story where The Jungle Book meets a Star Trek backstory - with Anu being like a Seven of Nine character! A story full of wonder. I'll certainly be reading all Anu's adventures!"

Many readers are using terms like “inspiring” and “refreshingly different.” and many find the ecological themes and immersive world-building thought-provoking. Anu is a protagonist unlike any other I have ever read. This is more than just a sci-fi story—it’s a call to reconnect with the natural world.

Pre-launch "I could see this book was going to be different from the cover, but I wasn't expecting it to be this different! Fantastic! I loved this book! Can't wait to get stuck into book two!"

Imagine if we were offered a new, uncontaminated planet and a fresh start, how would you wish to see humanity move forward…?

Now, armed with some knowledge of the complex relationships that exist between both fauna and flora - all life with whom we share this incredible planet - what lessons have we learned?

This is a story about a new beginning…

Anu has a her personal vibration is in perfect harmony with the natural world.

Audible Audio

Published May 10, 2025

About the author

Original Earth is now an award winning novel, which is pretty cool....

I live in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where I write novels from my car, which has become my office, parked at Freshwater West.

I have written six standalone novels and the Original Earth science fiction adventure series that so far consists of three published novels. I am currently writing the fourth.

I'm happy to discuss all my novels and my memoir, which was published by The History Press (UK).

I write a variety of genre and am pleased that I am having people walk up to me in the street to tell me they love my novels. Original Earth especially appears to appeal to a very wide audience. I have had a nine year-old girl ask me when she can read another novel with Anu and I've had twenty, thirty and even sixty year-olds asking the same question. That is all the reward I seek.

You can follow me on Goodreads and also on Amazon either by the link on the book page or author page.

Please also follow me on these popular social media communities...

Instagram: @timrees888
TikTok: @timrees888
Threads: @timrees888

Reviews

[Jordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me and was what I needed right now. I can't wait for the next installment!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I opened Tim Rees' Original Earth: Book One, I expected a familiar survival tale. Instead, I found an emotional journey that runs from the claustrophobic passages of a crippled starship to the harsh beauty of an alien planet. Humanity’s last thousand survivors drift in space for generations before sabotage forces an emergency landing on a world they call Earth 2. Tim Rees explores not just survival, but whether people can truly change when given a second chance. At the heart of it all is Anu, an eight-year-old girl whose honesty and quiet courage cut deeper than the words of most adults.

The opening chapters carried a warmth that drew me in. Anu’s algae-block “strawberry” breakfast was both sweet and heartbreaking, and it showed me how well Rees balances innocence with underlying loss. That sense of comfort didn’t last. The sabotage of the algae vats shattered it in an instant. The frantic scramble to abandon ship, paired with Juno’s ruthless grab for power, made me feel just how fragile their world had always been.

The landing on Earth 2 was one of the most striking sections for me. Rees describes grass beneath bare feet, birds overhead, and the shock of real air with such vividness that I felt the settlers’ exhilaration. Yet he cuts that wonder short with the sudden appearance of a dinosaur-like creature, a jarring reminder that this new world is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Survival becomes grueling, and the endless cycle of hunting, gathering, and securing water presses heavily on every page. Rees captures that grind with a stark honesty that left me uneasy but deeply invested.

For me, Juno’s tightening grip was one of the most unsettling parts of the book. His obsession with water control felt alarmingly real, and it made me think about how fragile any society can be when power rests on basic needs. At the same time, I found myself drawn to Emrys and Onua’s struggle to hold their family together, even as Onua’s injuries dragged them down. What struck me most was Anu’s quiet strength in these chapters. Watching her comfort her brother with a maturity far beyond her years was both moving and painful.

The latter portion of the narrative resonated with me. The pages carried betrayals, losses, and a sliver of hope that felt almost too fragile to hold. Anu’s reflection near the end on what survival truly costs stunned me. It wasn’t neat, and it wasn’t reassuring. Rees doesn’t hand out easy answers. Instead, he leaves us with the harsh truth that humanity has to keep trying, even when the odds feel impossible.

Tender and tense, Tim Rees' Original Earth: Book One blends discovery, danger, and humanity’s flaws with remarkable honesty. For readers who love survival stories with heart and grit, this book delivers.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Origin Earth: Book One by Tim Rees follows the journey of humanity’s last hope: a spaceship fleeing a ruined Earth in search of a new home. Over a century later, their descendants finally orbit a promising planet, Earth 2. At the heart of the story is Anu, a curious and radiant young girl born aboard the ship, and her scientist mother, Onua, who must balance caution with the growing impatience of a restless crew. When sabotage forces an emergency landing, survival becomes more urgent than ever. The book explores leadership, environmental ethics, inherited power, and how societies reforge themselves under pressure.

I was drawn in by the warm and steady pace of Rees’ writing. His descriptions are gentle and immersive, especially when characters experience real nature for the first time. Anu’s voice is a highlight. Her wonder and honesty made the stakes feel personal. I appreciated how the story didn’t rush. It gave space for moral questions to breathe: Who gets to lead? How do we protect a new world when history shows we’ve failed before? But at times, the dialogue felt a bit direct, especially when laying out backstory or thematic points. Still, the heart of the novel beat loud and clear.

The clash between Onua’s deliberate science and Juno’s raw hunger for power felt too real, too familiar. Juno isn’t just a villain, he’s the voice of all those who feel shut out of systems they don’t trust. That tension, between rational caution and chaotic rebellion, gave the story weight. I also loved the vision of parenting and partnership between Onua and Emrys. Their love felt grounded and believable, especially in the chaos. And the children, with their clear-eyed logic and endless questions, gave the book its soul.

Origin Earth: Book One left me both hopeful and uneasy. It’s a story about second chances and the cost of change. I’d recommend this book to thoughtful readers who enjoy slow-building sci-fi with heart, especially those interested in social dynamics, environmental themes, or family bonds under pressure. If you like stories that ask, “What kind of world do we want to make?” then you’ll enjoy this story.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Earth: Book One by Tim Rees is a thought-provoking story about starting over. The book follows Anu, an eight-year-old girl living on a spaceship, as she and her family prepare to land on a new planet. They have never seen real land, animals, or even tasted real food. Everything they know comes from history lessons about "Original Earth." The story beautifully captures the excitement and fear of beginning a new life in an unknown world.

What I liked most about this book is how real the characters feel. Anu is full of questions, just like any curious child, and her innocence makes you see things differently. There’s a scene where she wonders why people used to drink cow’s milk, and it made me smile because kids always ask such honest questions. The bond between Anu and her family is also very touching. Even though they live in space, their emotions and relationships feel so familiar and relatable.

This book made me think a lot about how we treat our own planet. In the story, people have been living in space for generations, eating algae-based food and breathing artificial air. When they finally step on real ground and see animals, they are in complete awe. It made me realize how much we take nature for granted. If we ever had to start over on a new planet, would we do things differently? That question stayed with me long after I finished the book.

I would recommend Original Earth to anyone who enjoys simple yet meaningful stories. It’s not just about space and survival—it’s about people, family, and the choices we make. It makes you think, but in a natural and easy way. If you like books that feel real and make you appreciate life, this is a great one to read.

[Prisha Rohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an exhilarating glimpse into a world where humanity is granted a fresh start on an uncontaminated planet. The story cleverly weaves together a narrative that not only explores the possibilities of a new life but also poses thought-provoking questions about how humanity would move forward if given a second chance.

The protagonist, Anu, stands at the heart of this journey. Her vibration is in perfect harmony with the natural world, making her an incredibly unique and compelling character. She embodies the ideal balance between humanity and the environment, offering an inspiring model of how we might live in better connection with the earth. This connection to nature plays a central role in the narrative, exploring complex relationships between humans, animals, and plants in a way that is both enchanting and educational.

The book's strength lies in its ability to inspire readers to think deeply about our current relationship with the planet. The writing itself is lush and vibrant, mirroring the world it describes. It's a tale that feels alive with possibility, offering a vision of hope for a future where humanity has learned from its past and is striving to create something truly harmonious. The pacing is just right, allowing readers to become deeply immersed in Anu's world while also reflecting on the larger questions raised by the plot.

In conclusion, A New Beginning is a book that resonates with both heart and mind. It is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that offer more than just entertainment but also profound lessons about our relationship with nature and the future of our species. It's a refreshing read that combines rich storytelling with a deep exploration of humanity's potential for growth.

[M. Book reveiwers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Original Earth: Book One by Tim Rees felt like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. The story follows Anu, a young girl who has spent her entire life on a spaceship, never knowing what it’s like to stand on real ground or feel the wind on her face. When her people finally reach a new planet, the excitement of a fresh start is mixed with fear and uncertainty. It’s a story that makes you think—about the choices we make, the mistakes we repeat, and the hope that comes with new beginnings.

What I loved most about this book was how it made me see things differently. Anu’s innocent questions, like why humans ever drank cow’s milk, seem simple, but they hold so much depth. She doesn’t just accept things as they are—she questions them, and through her, we start to wonder too. Her curiosity reminded me of how much we take for granted in our everyday lives. It made me appreciate the little things—fresh air, nature, the simple joy of being outside.

This book isn’t just about survival in space; it’s about humanity itself. It asks an important question—if we got a second chance on a new planet, would we do things differently? The story is filled with emotions—hope, fear, love, and the deep longing for a place to call home. It’s not just about reaching a new world; it’s about deciding what kind of world we want to build. That thought stayed with me long after I finished reading.

I’d recommend Original Earth to anyone who enjoys stories that make them feel and think. It’s beautifully written, thought-provoking, and full of heart. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to start over, to see the world with fresh eyes, then this book is for you.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all three of these books and particularly liked the first one. The aspect of the 2 children being creative and inventive in making their way through a new and sometimes dangerous world really appealed to me.