Kai and the Collector

by B.L. Wilson

Kai has a mundane life as a contract laborer for on the planet Verrin - a 'fringe world' run by the ubiquitous Chara Corporation. But things take a dramatic turn after she decides to participate in an obscure medical study introduced to her by Rem Jia - her uncle.

Kai and the Collector is a short story in a Science Fiction Horror setting. It explores some of the cultural and economic aspects of fringe worlds in the fictional Celeritas universe, and plants seeds for additional stories to come.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Pawan Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book on author's request for an honest review. The author was able to create a good visual imaginary right from the first sentence. To know what was Kai up to, and what was going to happen to her, kept me engaged in the story. I am not a science fiction/ horror enthusiast in particular but I liked the story and development of Kai's character. The only thing i would suggest the author to have another pair of editing eyes as there may be (very few) places where some small edits would add lot of value.

[Michael Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this novella interesting. The story centres on a lonely young woman scratching out an existence in a bleak, dystopian future on Mars. Like all good sci-fi, it draws parallels to now and the ending has lingered in my thoughts. The writing has a number of editorial issues which I found distracting while I read, but the premise is solid and the descriptions bring the world and people alive. I’d rate it higher if the editing was better.

[John Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sets a fantastic scene right from the get go. There is a tendency in science fiction to over explain things but I’ve never been a fan of this. Kai is immediately set up as a strong protagonist, albeit one whose fallen on hard times. Those hard times lead her to make some questionable decisions.
It’s a novella, not a novel though keep that in mind. Would like to see more of this world.

[KSR Menon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting science fiction. The story unravels on Mars. The characters travel to earth often it seems, so apparently there is some inter-planetary mode of transport. Kai, the chief character is kidnapped and thereby hangs a tale. Maiden attempt by the author.

[Eric Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story, good quick sci fi fix!