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Ver’Nova: Evergreen Sunlight — Part One
The universe pays no mercy to the life that is created across time. Alien species that have survived its chaos know this, and have made it their purpose to preserve any life that is created and found. Whether its mountain sized leviathans, beetle-like beings, or hivemind structures that span lightyears, they are all owed a chance for a future among the stars. But thousands of galaxies away, a man named Joel Robson struggles with the absence of his own purpose. Trying to tolerate an already broken life, his world is suddenly challenged when he finds himself on a self-destructive path leading him into the jaws of a sociopathic murderer, a group of powerfully gifted people, and discovering violent abilities of his own.
The events of Joel’s journey are experienced through an unexpected love, a yearning for purpose, and across the unknown vastness of the universe. What he finds on the other side forces him to choose between his beliefs, or a newfound hope in saving humanity from the evil that haunts him.
The events of Joel’s journey are experienced through an unexpected love, a yearning for purpose, and across the unknown vastness of the universe. What he finds on the other side forces him to choose between his beliefs, or a newfound hope in saving humanity from the evil that haunts him.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 20, 2025
I wrote this! Nice!
December 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of Ver’Nova, though I regrettably didn’t finish it before its official release. Thankfully, I’ve now completed the book and am excited to share my praise — along with one small criticism.
Ver’Nova is a story about personal struggle and the search for meaning, all while being thrust into unexpected power and responsibility. I’d best describe it as a blend of Good Will Hunting, X-Men, and a David Attenborough documentary… if it were set in space.
The story takes place on Arross, a parallel world to Earth, where Joel Robson returns home to confront his troubled past — only to be hurled into an unknown journey after discovering newfound abilities. His path carries the reader across space and time while exploring themes of purpose, responsibility, and self-forgiveness.
Forrest C. Richard demonstrates an impressive talent for world-building throughout Ver’Nova. The pacing is strong, and the story never lingers too long, especially during moments of action. As someone close to the author, it was a privilege to read this work and witness his remarkable ability as a storyteller.
My one criticism is that Joel can be a challenging protagonist to immediately connect with. He is deeply entrenched in his own personal struggles, which at times makes it difficult to find traits that resonate right away. That said, this is very much Joel’s story of growth and self-reflection, and his flaws are essential to the journey being told.
My personal favorite character is Janak, an insect-like alien who travels across galaxies studying alien mating rituals. The author’s ability to vividly explore alien worlds and their ecosystems is truly impressive — I could easily read an entire book devoted solely to Janak’s adventures.
I sincerely hope this is not the end of the Ver’Nova series. The story feels far from finished, and I’m excited to see where the journey leads next. I couldn’t recommend this book more. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, entertaining space opera, Ver’Nova is absolutely worth the read.
Congrats, brother — I’m incredibly proud of you.
Ver’Nova is a story about personal struggle and the search for meaning, all while being thrust into unexpected power and responsibility. I’d best describe it as a blend of Good Will Hunting, X-Men, and a David Attenborough documentary… if it were set in space.
The story takes place on Arross, a parallel world to Earth, where Joel Robson returns home to confront his troubled past — only to be hurled into an unknown journey after discovering newfound abilities. His path carries the reader across space and time while exploring themes of purpose, responsibility, and self-forgiveness.
Forrest C. Richard demonstrates an impressive talent for world-building throughout Ver’Nova. The pacing is strong, and the story never lingers too long, especially during moments of action. As someone close to the author, it was a privilege to read this work and witness his remarkable ability as a storyteller.
My one criticism is that Joel can be a challenging protagonist to immediately connect with. He is deeply entrenched in his own personal struggles, which at times makes it difficult to find traits that resonate right away. That said, this is very much Joel’s story of growth and self-reflection, and his flaws are essential to the journey being told.
My personal favorite character is Janak, an insect-like alien who travels across galaxies studying alien mating rituals. The author’s ability to vividly explore alien worlds and their ecosystems is truly impressive — I could easily read an entire book devoted solely to Janak’s adventures.
I sincerely hope this is not the end of the Ver’Nova series. The story feels far from finished, and I’m excited to see where the journey leads next. I couldn’t recommend this book more. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, entertaining space opera, Ver’Nova is absolutely worth the read.
Congrats, brother — I’m incredibly proud of you.
December 3, 2025
Ver’Nova is modern Sci-fi novel about Joel, a young forestry technician, who is trying to find meaning in life while dealing his own mental health and trauma. The story follows Joel as he uncovers and learns to control powerful abilities, while battling with his internal struggles and discovering a new world of enemies, family, and romance.
Joel’s journey of growth and discovery, his mysterious connection to another character, and the involvement of a seemingly unconnected alien keep this story engaging, and page turning.
Forrest’s ability to create and describe such vivid, beautiful, and grotesque (you’ll know what I mean when you meet Morwin) scenes make you feel like you’re in the world watching it unfold. He created distinct characters, all with their own motivations and feelings, that left me wanting more (which is my biggest gripe that we didn’t get to know more about some of these family members TELL ME MORE ABOUT AIDEN’S BOOT MAKING). His pacing is another highlight of this novel, I never felt bored, rushed, or anything in between. Every chapter felt concise but made me mad that I wanted to keep reading when I knew it was past my bedtime.
Forrest’s debut novel was exceptional and I am patiently waiting for part 2. Very very excited to see Forrest grow as a writer and can’t wait to see what he does next!
Janak is the best character. Period.
Joel’s journey of growth and discovery, his mysterious connection to another character, and the involvement of a seemingly unconnected alien keep this story engaging, and page turning.
Forrest’s ability to create and describe such vivid, beautiful, and grotesque (you’ll know what I mean when you meet Morwin) scenes make you feel like you’re in the world watching it unfold. He created distinct characters, all with their own motivations and feelings, that left me wanting more (which is my biggest gripe that we didn’t get to know more about some of these family members TELL ME MORE ABOUT AIDEN’S BOOT MAKING). His pacing is another highlight of this novel, I never felt bored, rushed, or anything in between. Every chapter felt concise but made me mad that I wanted to keep reading when I knew it was past my bedtime.
Forrest’s debut novel was exceptional and I am patiently waiting for part 2. Very very excited to see Forrest grow as a writer and can’t wait to see what he does next!
Janak is the best character. Period.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews