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The Sun Song Trilogy #1
Ways of the Doomed
"An exciting new voice" Helen Fitzgerald. Book 1 of the Sun Song Trilogy. It’s the year 2089 and everything is altered. The revolutions of the early 21st century have created a world divided - between the privileged few and the native (Celtic) underclass. Sorlie is enjoying a typical carefree Privileged teenage life until it is smashed apart and he is spirited away to live with his imperious grandfather at an island penal colony. Sorlie’s discovery that the captives are being genetically altered triggers a chain of shocking events that reveal his grandfather’s terrible secrets and, ultimately, the truth about himself.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
1 person is currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Moira McPartlin
11 books39 followersMoira McPartlin made a big impact with The Incomers, her debut novel set in Fife. It was shortlisted for the Saltire Society First Book of the Year Award and was a critical success.
Her speculative fiction Sun Song Trilogy novels, Ways of the Doomed, Wants of the Silent and Star of Hope set in 2089, reflect many issues we are living with today.
In September 2019 her short play A Handful Of Glaur was included as part of the UNESCO Cities of Literature Short Play Festival in New Zealand and in 2020 she will take up a writing fellowship at Hawthornden Castle. She is also a prolific writer of short stories and poetry and has been published in a variety of literary magazines.
Her new novel Before Now: Memoir of a Toerag was published in May 2021.
She lives in Stirling.
Her speculative fiction Sun Song Trilogy novels, Ways of the Doomed, Wants of the Silent and Star of Hope set in 2089, reflect many issues we are living with today.
In September 2019 her short play A Handful Of Glaur was included as part of the UNESCO Cities of Literature Short Play Festival in New Zealand and in 2020 she will take up a writing fellowship at Hawthornden Castle. She is also a prolific writer of short stories and poetry and has been published in a variety of literary magazines.
Her new novel Before Now: Memoir of a Toerag was published in May 2021.
She lives in Stirling.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 13, 2020
A YA novel set in a future where we can get a glimpse of what may happen if we continue to follow the route we are currently on. It covers environmental and political issues. The world is divided into two groups Privileged and Native (celts). The story is told by Sorlie just after his 16th birthday when his life changes completely. Taken from his parents, believed to be dead, Sorlie goes to live with his Grandfather, who is Jailor on an island full of prisoners. The story is a little disturbing but is a fast paced thriller. Landscape is wild and beautiful and language through the sixteen year old Sorlie is realistic. This is part of a trilogy and can't wait to find out what happens next!
July 26, 2019
The parallel worlds of Sorlie and Ishbel don't so much collide in this, the first in the Sun Song trilogy, as meld. McPartlin creates a bleak world for Sorlie, who, despite his entitled cockiness, is thrown into chaos as his family life falls apart.
The two main characters are introduced to the reader with such precision; the world they inhabit (a grim future Scotland) is both recognisable and horrifically different from what we have now. What McPartlin does beautifully here is tag our lives and draw spine-chilling but believable conclusions about where what we do now might lead.
This is a book about a teenager, but it is a book for all readers. It is fast-paced; it has the character development of all good fiction. A great read. I can't wait to get my teeth into the second one.
The two main characters are introduced to the reader with such precision; the world they inhabit (a grim future Scotland) is both recognisable and horrifically different from what we have now. What McPartlin does beautifully here is tag our lives and draw spine-chilling but believable conclusions about where what we do now might lead.
This is a book about a teenager, but it is a book for all readers. It is fast-paced; it has the character development of all good fiction. A great read. I can't wait to get my teeth into the second one.
June 12, 2015
Ways of the Doomed, by Moira McPartlin, is a YA novel set in a dystopian future where society has been divided into Privileged and Native based on genetics. The natives serve the privileged and it is expected that they be treated as less than human, never referred to by name, and disposed of if they fail to perform as required. Lives are strictly controlled and constantly observed. Transgressors from both castes are quickly removed, never to be heard from again.
The protagonist, Sorlie, is the only child of military parents whom he believes are well regarded. When they are away on missions Sorlie is cared for by the family native. He has observed that his parents treat her with frowned upon kindness. At sixteen his concerns are for the quality of his gaming machine and his status amongst his peers at the Academy where he is educated. He has learned not to question the status quo.
All of this changes when he is forced to flee the family home and live with his grandfather who runs an island penal colony. In the days leading up to this shocking transition both his father and their native had tried to explain some of his personal history along with the truth behind the setting up of the societal structure in which they live. It is all too much for Sorlie to take in and he struggles to contain his anger and despair at his sudden change in circumstances.
On the island his freedom is curtailed and he slowly begins to understand the horrors of the place in which he now resides. With the help of a prisoner assigned to assist with his education he hatches a plan to escape. His problems escalate when he realises that those he trusts have a more audacious plan in which he is expected to play an integral part. The new world order may have eradicated religion but it has been replaced by a different kind of belief.
The tension builds nicely as the story progresses. I felt Sorlie’s irritation as he was treated as a child and then expected to accept the adult plans without question. It is rarely clear who can be trusted or whose side they are on.
This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Although it stands alone it sets the scene for further action and intrigue as the political landscape of this world and its factions are revealed. An enjoyable read and proof once again that YA novels can be appreciated by all. I look forward to reading the sequels.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Saraband Books.
The protagonist, Sorlie, is the only child of military parents whom he believes are well regarded. When they are away on missions Sorlie is cared for by the family native. He has observed that his parents treat her with frowned upon kindness. At sixteen his concerns are for the quality of his gaming machine and his status amongst his peers at the Academy where he is educated. He has learned not to question the status quo.
All of this changes when he is forced to flee the family home and live with his grandfather who runs an island penal colony. In the days leading up to this shocking transition both his father and their native had tried to explain some of his personal history along with the truth behind the setting up of the societal structure in which they live. It is all too much for Sorlie to take in and he struggles to contain his anger and despair at his sudden change in circumstances.
On the island his freedom is curtailed and he slowly begins to understand the horrors of the place in which he now resides. With the help of a prisoner assigned to assist with his education he hatches a plan to escape. His problems escalate when he realises that those he trusts have a more audacious plan in which he is expected to play an integral part. The new world order may have eradicated religion but it has been replaced by a different kind of belief.
The tension builds nicely as the story progresses. I felt Sorlie’s irritation as he was treated as a child and then expected to accept the adult plans without question. It is rarely clear who can be trusted or whose side they are on.
This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Although it stands alone it sets the scene for further action and intrigue as the political landscape of this world and its factions are revealed. An enjoyable read and proof once again that YA novels can be appreciated by all. I look forward to reading the sequels.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Saraband Books.
June 29, 2015
A thrilling beginning to The Sun Song Trilogy. I found Ways of the Doomed to be a very enjoyable, fast-paced read with never a dull moment. It sets the stage for what is bound to be a thrilling trilogy full of excitement that I look forward to reading more of.
The protagonist, Sorlie, is a believable and likable character, and the dystopian future the author has crafted is an intriguing one. I'm very interested in finding out more about what caused it and what is really going on.
I received this book for free via a First Reads giveaway, but all opinions are my own.
The protagonist, Sorlie, is a believable and likable character, and the dystopian future the author has crafted is an intriguing one. I'm very interested in finding out more about what caused it and what is really going on.
I received this book for free via a First Reads giveaway, but all opinions are my own.
March 8, 2020
Was really close to giving this one 4 stars. From the beginning I was intrigued, with the writing so refreshing and a promising concept.
I loved the writing, I enjoyed the characters however I struggled to really get into the story and found it rather slow at times and ended up skimming the last few pages.
Overall it was a nice, interesting read but nothing spectacular.
I loved the writing, I enjoyed the characters however I struggled to really get into the story and found it rather slow at times and ended up skimming the last few pages.
Overall it was a nice, interesting read but nothing spectacular.
June 11, 2015
A fast-paced and exciting read. It's an adventure and coming of age story of Sorlie, a young boy who's world gets ripped away overnight. He has to search for the truth in a dystopian world where he's been lied to and nothing is what it seems...
December 14, 2018
the first of a trilogy, yet this book stands well on its own. Fantastic world building based in a near future Scotland with lots of imaginings of "what ifs?" - the detail is astonishing but doesn't weigh down the book or slow the pace at all. I found the main character unlikeable to begin with, but as he is forced out of his relatively comfortable ("privileged") life and faces numerous challenges, he becomes less self-centred, less self-absorbed, develops empathy for others and questions the world around him. He is fearful, but overcomes his fears. And all of this made him a totally convincing character. Quite often in dark post-apocalyptic books, the protagonist is unbelievably heroic and courageous, and IMO people just aint like that.
This book is so well written, with fabulous attention to detail and lovely descriptions, but none of this weighs the narrative down at all.
Really recommend this book for teenagers of both sexes.
This book is so well written, with fabulous attention to detail and lovely descriptions, but none of this weighs the narrative down at all.
Really recommend this book for teenagers of both sexes.
August 18, 2019
What a flippin book this is! The writing style is so unique and almost futuristic, it really does feel as if this could have been written in 2089. The world-building is done perfectly, with the writer just giving us pieces at a time and not overwhelming us with backstory. The story feels fresh and unlike any other dystopian series out there. I think the genius of it is that the book has a narrow viewpoint of the main character of Sorlie and his, what is essentially, jail cell, rather than trying to explore every bit of the world outside. It makes for an exciting read and I had no idea what was coming next. Looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
July 24, 2017
3.5 rounded up
August 8, 2017
Full review to follow.
August 24, 2015
Book 1 of the Sun Song Trilogy
I love a book set in the future or in the past or in a different world altogether. I love that part at the beginning when the action is already going on and you’re finding out about the characters, but at the same time you’re being introduced to the world the author has created. In Ways of the Doomed we’re in 2089, a world profoundly affected by climate change and a racial divide not so very far on from where we are now. Our hero, Sorlie, is torn from his life as one of the Privileged class and sent to stay in an island penal colony run by the cold, frightening grandfather he’s never met. There are secrets here: secrets about the prisoners and about Sorlie and his family. As Sorlie begins to discover the answers to his questions, he has to decide who he can trust and how to react to what he discovers.
It’s a page-turner, I promise you, gripping and fascinating and thoughtful. I was utterly convinced by Sorlie who has a truly human mish-mash of characteristics: stroppy, self-opinionated and snobbish as well as brave and resourceful and plagued by self-doubt.
One of the things I most enjoyed about Ways of the Doomed was the author’s playful and clever use of language. She has invented a vernacular using snippets of Scots, words used in not quite the way you would expect them to be and entirely made up expressions. It’s an easy thing to overdo, so that the reader has to think that little bit too hard or even so that a glossary is needed. Not here. ‘For jupe sake’ is perfectly clear, as is ‘I was fair puggled’. As a lover of words, I can’t get enough of this sort of linguistic play!
My regular readers will know that I have a constant gripe about books that do not conclude properly. I’m pleased to report that Ways of the Doomed has mastered the art of a fully satisfying conclusion with just enough threads for this reader to be looking forward to the second book in the series.
I love a book set in the future or in the past or in a different world altogether. I love that part at the beginning when the action is already going on and you’re finding out about the characters, but at the same time you’re being introduced to the world the author has created. In Ways of the Doomed we’re in 2089, a world profoundly affected by climate change and a racial divide not so very far on from where we are now. Our hero, Sorlie, is torn from his life as one of the Privileged class and sent to stay in an island penal colony run by the cold, frightening grandfather he’s never met. There are secrets here: secrets about the prisoners and about Sorlie and his family. As Sorlie begins to discover the answers to his questions, he has to decide who he can trust and how to react to what he discovers.
It’s a page-turner, I promise you, gripping and fascinating and thoughtful. I was utterly convinced by Sorlie who has a truly human mish-mash of characteristics: stroppy, self-opinionated and snobbish as well as brave and resourceful and plagued by self-doubt.
One of the things I most enjoyed about Ways of the Doomed was the author’s playful and clever use of language. She has invented a vernacular using snippets of Scots, words used in not quite the way you would expect them to be and entirely made up expressions. It’s an easy thing to overdo, so that the reader has to think that little bit too hard or even so that a glossary is needed. Not here. ‘For jupe sake’ is perfectly clear, as is ‘I was fair puggled’. As a lover of words, I can’t get enough of this sort of linguistic play!
My regular readers will know that I have a constant gripe about books that do not conclude properly. I’m pleased to report that Ways of the Doomed has mastered the art of a fully satisfying conclusion with just enough threads for this reader to be looking forward to the second book in the series.
October 3, 2015
What a great dystopian book! If you love The Hunger Games and Divergent then I can't recommend this enough!
This is the first book in the Sun Song trilogy and what a great start to the trilogy. It had me gripped from the very first page and I enjoyed every second of it. I could not put it down whatsoever.
Sorlie is a great main character. Set in 2089. Sorlie's parents are both in the military and he is sent to live with his grandfather who runs a island penal colony. He tries to make a plan to escape but more problems come as he realise those he trust are just basically using him. I don't want to go too much into the story as I don't want to spoil it as I think everyone needs to give this book a read. It is a page turner. It was gripping and very fascinating. I really loved Moira's style of writing. She was able to grip me from the first line and didn't let go till the last page. But I still want more, I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy. If the next two are just as good as this one then I can't wait.
This is the first book in the Sun Song trilogy and what a great start to the trilogy. It had me gripped from the very first page and I enjoyed every second of it. I could not put it down whatsoever.
Sorlie is a great main character. Set in 2089. Sorlie's parents are both in the military and he is sent to live with his grandfather who runs a island penal colony. He tries to make a plan to escape but more problems come as he realise those he trust are just basically using him. I don't want to go too much into the story as I don't want to spoil it as I think everyone needs to give this book a read. It is a page turner. It was gripping and very fascinating. I really loved Moira's style of writing. She was able to grip me from the first line and didn't let go till the last page. But I still want more, I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy. If the next two are just as good as this one then I can't wait.
July 2, 2015
t's the year 2089 and everything is altered. The revolutions of the early 21st century have created a world divided - between the Privileged few and the Native (Celtic) underclass. Sorlie is enjoying a typical carefree Privileged teenage life until it is smashed apart by the cruel death of his parents and he is spirited away to live with his ice-cold grandfather at a mysterious island penal colony. Sorlie's discovery that the captives are being genetically altered to remove all trace of their Native origins triggers a chain of shocking events that reveal his grandfather's terrible secrets and, ultimately, the truth about himself.
A really enjoyable book that kept my interest all the way - looking forward to the next in the series - YA books can be read and enjoyed by all ages.
A really enjoyable book that kept my interest all the way - looking forward to the next in the series - YA books can be read and enjoyed by all ages.
December 16, 2015
Some beautiful writing, especially in the concrete detail of Sorlie and what he's going through in his new life on the prison island. Interesting ideas about the near future too. Sorlie is rather a bratish hero, and very teenage in his concerns, but by the end he is (a little) wiser. There's some great characters, and I love the developing way Sorlie relates to Ishbel, and his grandfather Davie, and to Scud - who was my favourite character in the book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews