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Horizon #1
Horizon
WINNER Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards
FINALIST Next Generation Indie Book Awards
FINALIST National Indie Excellence Awards
Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Commander Derek Markham awakens stranded on an uncharted planet. His co-pilot is dead, his ship is in ruins, and he’s only alive because a beautiful young woman is healing him with her mind.
As Derek recovers, Caeli shares the horror of her past and her fear for the future. When Derek’s command ship, Horizon, sends rescue, Derek convinces Caeli to leave with him. But his world is as treacherous as hers—full of spies, interplanetary terrorist plots, and political intrigue. Soon the Horizon team is racing to defend an outlying planet from a deadly enemy, and Caeli’s unique skills may just give them the edge they need to save it.
FINALIST Next Generation Indie Book Awards
FINALIST National Indie Excellence Awards
Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Commander Derek Markham awakens stranded on an uncharted planet. His co-pilot is dead, his ship is in ruins, and he’s only alive because a beautiful young woman is healing him with her mind.
As Derek recovers, Caeli shares the horror of her past and her fear for the future. When Derek’s command ship, Horizon, sends rescue, Derek convinces Caeli to leave with him. But his world is as treacherous as hers—full of spies, interplanetary terrorist plots, and political intrigue. Soon the Horizon team is racing to defend an outlying planet from a deadly enemy, and Caeli’s unique skills may just give them the edge they need to save it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha Lord
8 books69 followersWRITER'S DIGEST GRAND PRIZE WINNER 2016
Tabitha's HORIZON series has won seven independent book awards. In addition to writing novels and short fiction, Tabitha is managing editor for the Inkitt Writer's Blog and a partner and senior writer for Book Club Babble. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, four kids, and various fur babies.
Tabitha's HORIZON series has won seven independent book awards. In addition to writing novels and short fiction, Tabitha is managing editor for the Inkitt Writer's Blog and a partner and senior writer for Book Club Babble. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, four kids, and various fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
dnf
January 4, 2016Going into this new year I've decided if I'm not interested and have set a book down for more than a week and have no urge to pick it back up I'll be DNF'ing it. Unfortunately this is the first victim of the year.
I received a copy of this for review on Netgalley and was really interested in the synopsis and was hoping this book would wow me. However, right from the get go I was completely disinterested in this almost entirely. Rarely would I DNF a book this early in (15%) but it's just been sitting there and I have no interest in continuing.
I received a copy of this for review on Netgalley and was really interested in the synopsis and was hoping this book would wow me. However, right from the get go I was completely disinterested in this almost entirely. Rarely would I DNF a book this early in (15%) but it's just been sitting there and I have no interest in continuing.
July 24, 2017
Arc kindly provided by Wise Ink Creative Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
RTC
RTC
June 19, 2017
I expected Star Trek, but in the first half of the book got a planet-bound tale of two societies struggling with each other, genocide, rebellion and a slow burning romance. The second half of the book was more of what I had expected, but I had lost interest by that point. The plot did not hold any great surprises and was pretty predictable.
I was fairly bored and did a good amount of skimming towards the end.
Too much romance and not enough sci-fi for me. Violence and sex happened mostly in the off, nothing was (too) graphic. Trigger warning for a rape scene, not graphic and with fade-out. Without that I would have pegged this as Young Adult, if the characters had been a bit younger.
The characters were formulaic. The story lacked suspense. The world building was adequate.
Maybe it would have been better to make two books out of this, with each of the two distinct storylines more deeply explored, one about Caeli and her rebellion on planet and the other about Derek and his Star Trekking off-planet and on another world.
The epilogue is a not very surprising cliffhanger and sets the scene for the next book.
I had a small problem with the moral ambiguity of the two main characters. Caeli had some pretty strong standpoints in the first half of the book regarding the use of her empathy, that she quite easily threw over board in the second half. The reasoning for it did not convince me. Derek does something later in the novel that did not work for me either.
I doubt I would get the second book in this series or recommend it to someone else.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
I was fairly bored and did a good amount of skimming towards the end.
Too much romance and not enough sci-fi for me. Violence and sex happened mostly in the off, nothing was (too) graphic. Trigger warning for a rape scene, not graphic and with fade-out. Without that I would have pegged this as Young Adult, if the characters had been a bit younger.
The characters were formulaic. The story lacked suspense. The world building was adequate.
Maybe it would have been better to make two books out of this, with each of the two distinct storylines more deeply explored, one about Caeli and her rebellion on planet and the other about Derek and his Star Trekking off-planet and on another world.
The epilogue is a not very surprising cliffhanger and sets the scene for the next book.
I had a small problem with the moral ambiguity of the two main characters. Caeli had some pretty strong standpoints in the first half of the book regarding the use of her empathy, that she quite easily threw over board in the second half. The reasoning for it did not convince me. Derek does something later in the novel that did not work for me either.
I doubt I would get the second book in this series or recommend it to someone else.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
January 28, 2016
My status update reading this book pretty much says it all: This book is about as exciting as a bowl of plain, tepid oatmeal.
Seriously, this book is a snooze fest. All tell, no show, with characters that are damn near perfect to the point of being boring, I had nothing to grab on to that would keep me engaged. It was a slog to get through to the end.
It starts off in the present with the shipwreck and then goes back in time to show Caeli’s life for chapters, probably just under half the book is Caeli’s story. And then it comes back to the present where we get some really dull moments that don’t even attempt to engage the reader in any action and then the story’s over.
Any feelings any characters were having were just stated. Anything that actually happened, be it sex, a murder, an attack, whatever it was was just spit out as if no time could be spent elaborating on anything. We needed to get to the end of the story. There was just nothing. I felt like I was reading an outline for how dry everything was. There was no character growth because the characters all said the right things and did the right things at all the right times and you can’t grow from that. The characters were largely flawless on top of that and any flaws they did have were glossed over with excuses for why they did what they did and of course everything made perfect sense in the perfect world.
It was just . . . blah. It lacked . . . heart. I felt like the author was just trying to spit out a story with characters that didn’t require any development in a world that didn’t require very much thought. The world(s) were no different from Earth. Everyone’s human, the technology isn’t anything that I couldn’t think of (and I’m not big into sci fi so . . .). There was just . . . nothing.
I really don’t know what else I can say about HORIZON. The concept is interesting enough. It’s what caught my attention and made me grab for the title. But that’s where the interest ended. Might as well have Ben Stein narrate this one because it’s monotone all the way through. All the characters might as well be the same, the world might as well be earth, and the time might as well be present. Nothing stands out, good or bad. It’s just blah.
1
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Seriously, this book is a snooze fest. All tell, no show, with characters that are damn near perfect to the point of being boring, I had nothing to grab on to that would keep me engaged. It was a slog to get through to the end.
It starts off in the present with the shipwreck and then goes back in time to show Caeli’s life for chapters, probably just under half the book is Caeli’s story. And then it comes back to the present where we get some really dull moments that don’t even attempt to engage the reader in any action and then the story’s over.
Any feelings any characters were having were just stated. Anything that actually happened, be it sex, a murder, an attack, whatever it was was just spit out as if no time could be spent elaborating on anything. We needed to get to the end of the story. There was just nothing. I felt like I was reading an outline for how dry everything was. There was no character growth because the characters all said the right things and did the right things at all the right times and you can’t grow from that. The characters were largely flawless on top of that and any flaws they did have were glossed over with excuses for why they did what they did and of course everything made perfect sense in the perfect world.
It was just . . . blah. It lacked . . . heart. I felt like the author was just trying to spit out a story with characters that didn’t require any development in a world that didn’t require very much thought. The world(s) were no different from Earth. Everyone’s human, the technology isn’t anything that I couldn’t think of (and I’m not big into sci fi so . . .). There was just . . . nothing.
I really don’t know what else I can say about HORIZON. The concept is interesting enough. It’s what caught my attention and made me grab for the title. But that’s where the interest ended. Might as well have Ben Stein narrate this one because it’s monotone all the way through. All the characters might as well be the same, the world might as well be earth, and the time might as well be present. Nothing stands out, good or bad. It’s just blah.
1
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2015
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2015/10/2...
Publisher: Wise Ink
Publishing Date: December 2015
ISBN: 9781940014791
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 1.6/5
Publisher Description: Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Review: Caeli Crys is….you guessed it, Speshul. She’s always blushing or being demur, quiet, thoughtful, brilliant, beautiful, strong and giving. Not to say people cant have those qualities but there is never anything wrong with Caeli. She can heal with her mind and empathically read others minds as well (so she can speak alien languages in a few seconds). Her only downside is the rage she feels for others subjugating her people. Wah?
So as per the recent pattern of romantic novels that try to be SciFi or thriller or fantasy, we get hunky space man Derek, whom she saves with her MIND and soon they are on his spaceship banging each other amongst the stars. Caeli is so great that she endears herself to suspecting crew members and saves everyone with her MIND. The characters are not deeply developed enough with the movement so their antics are rendered flat. The scene progression is all about Caeli with some infusion of new characters that are also uninteresting. The world building is finite, meaning some names of other aliens(?) are thrown out there but they are human?? “Actually” was used 30x which is not the most that I have encountered but is getting up there.
The ending is a kind of cliffhanger or in this case, unresolved spew that hints at a series of MIND numbing journeys featuring Caeli the speshul and her douchebag boyfriend, Derek the Dumb.
Publisher: Wise Ink
Publishing Date: December 2015
ISBN: 9781940014791
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 1.6/5
Publisher Description: Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Review: Caeli Crys is….you guessed it, Speshul. She’s always blushing or being demur, quiet, thoughtful, brilliant, beautiful, strong and giving. Not to say people cant have those qualities but there is never anything wrong with Caeli. She can heal with her mind and empathically read others minds as well (so she can speak alien languages in a few seconds). Her only downside is the rage she feels for others subjugating her people. Wah?
So as per the recent pattern of romantic novels that try to be SciFi or thriller or fantasy, we get hunky space man Derek, whom she saves with her MIND and soon they are on his spaceship banging each other amongst the stars. Caeli is so great that she endears herself to suspecting crew members and saves everyone with her MIND. The characters are not deeply developed enough with the movement so their antics are rendered flat. The scene progression is all about Caeli with some infusion of new characters that are also uninteresting. The world building is finite, meaning some names of other aliens(?) are thrown out there but they are human?? “Actually” was used 30x which is not the most that I have encountered but is getting up there.
The ending is a kind of cliffhanger or in this case, unresolved spew that hints at a series of MIND numbing journeys featuring Caeli the speshul and her douchebag boyfriend, Derek the Dumb.
July 10, 2017
***Copy provided by Wise Ink Creative Publishing and Netgalley in exchange of a honest review***
A book about space, two people coming from different planets falling in love and empathic people who can heal other with their minds. Seems like a lot of fun!
And it was. I loved the first part when Caeli meets Derek and she tells him her story. The change between present and flash back was well done and easy to follow. I loved learning more about Caeli's past.
I only gave 3 stars to this book though because the second part was less interesting. I could not really follow what was happening between the different people and why it was happening. I'm not sure if it was not well explained or if I was losing interest, but I did not particularly enjoy the second part.
I liked the ending and how it makes you want to know what is going to happen next. But unfortunately, I’m not that excited about learning more. I love the world created by the author, all the different planets, how their societies work etc. but in my opinion, it lacks something to keep my interest.
Great characters and great idea behind this book!
A book about space, two people coming from different planets falling in love and empathic people who can heal other with their minds. Seems like a lot of fun!
And it was. I loved the first part when Caeli meets Derek and she tells him her story. The change between present and flash back was well done and easy to follow. I loved learning more about Caeli's past.
I only gave 3 stars to this book though because the second part was less interesting. I could not really follow what was happening between the different people and why it was happening. I'm not sure if it was not well explained or if I was losing interest, but I did not particularly enjoy the second part.
I liked the ending and how it makes you want to know what is going to happen next. But unfortunately, I’m not that excited about learning more. I love the world created by the author, all the different planets, how their societies work etc. but in my opinion, it lacks something to keep my interest.
Great characters and great idea behind this book!
November 23, 2015
There was considerable world building in this story. In many Sci-fi books, this world building comes across like a tired old history book, and is often an imposing wall of text. Not the case with Horizon. Although the first chapters did seem slower than later chapters, the payoff is a complete understanding on the theme of the book: Redemption. I did find some of the later scenes, and character actions a little far fetched, but that was because I came to know the characters, and when they did things I found contrary to established traits.
I’d be eager to follow the exploits of Caeli and Derek, and to see if the loose ends in this book are resolved in a sequel. We learn a great deal about Caeli and her civilization, but Derek, his history, and his society are vague. Over all, I enjoyed this easy sci-fi, and I’m glad I requested it through NetGalley.
I’d be eager to follow the exploits of Caeli and Derek, and to see if the loose ends in this book are resolved in a sequel. We learn a great deal about Caeli and her civilization, but Derek, his history, and his society are vague. Over all, I enjoyed this easy sci-fi, and I’m glad I requested it through NetGalley.
November 28, 2015
Horizon is a very well planned with a story that takes place in two very different worlds. Commander Derek Markham is from one and Caeli Crys is from the other. They meet when Derek crash lands on Caeli’s planet. This sets up a plot full of action, danger and of course some romance.
The story requires quite a bit of backstory about both worlds. In Caeli’s case it is done as Caeli tells her story to Derek. It is not a short telling. In fact when you put all of the elements together they are the size of a novella buried into the body of the story.
Derek’s backstory is much easier to tell and shows up in small areas of dialog and action. The first half of the book is set on Caeli’s planet and the second half on Derek’s ship. It is interesting to watch how both Derek and Caeli have to adjust to a very different life style. This is a romance so the two are drawn together from the start. I did like that the attraction was allowed to build and not rushed into.
This reads like the first book in the series. There is a big problem on Caeli’s world and it is left hanging as the book ends. I am hoping that the author is working on book two. The world building is complete and the backstory told. Everything is set for a lot more action and adventure for Derek and Caeli.
October 24, 2015
What I liked: I really like Caeli character. You get to really know her. She shows herself growing up, adult life, the attack, creating a new life and then finding the pilot. I liked how most of the intimate nature was there but not explained. It was nice for that to be private between the couple and it is more intimate that way.
What didn't work for me: You never really got to know Derek. He seemed like a good guy, but he could have just been that guy for Caeli He could have been like Marcus. He certainly put her in the same positions, but you did know that he did not like the position he put her in.
I was engrossed in the book until the half way mark. If felt like when they left the planet, most of my interest left too. Since we don't know Derek as well, it was hard to be absorbed in his life. There was a whole political agenda and multiple worlds, each having its own government and political agenda as well… And whatever happened to Caeli's planet? What was Marcus storing and creating weapons for? Was there a revolt or did the resistance die out? Is there a sequel? The story ends open ended, so between that and the epilog I want to believe there will be a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What didn't work for me: You never really got to know Derek. He seemed like a good guy, but he could have just been that guy for Caeli He could have been like Marcus. He certainly put her in the same positions, but you did know that he did not like the position he put her in.
I was engrossed in the book until the half way mark. If felt like when they left the planet, most of my interest left too. Since we don't know Derek as well, it was hard to be absorbed in his life. There was a whole political agenda and multiple worlds, each having its own government and political agenda as well… And whatever happened to Caeli's planet? What was Marcus storing and creating weapons for? Was there a revolt or did the resistance die out? Is there a sequel? The story ends open ended, so between that and the epilog I want to believe there will be a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2017
Horizon is a sci-fi novel based in a war zone. A war torn planet, an empathic girl, a warrior and the need to save those who are left.
When Derek crash lands on a planet he is dying when a girl rescues him and heals him. The girl is Caeli a member of an empathic race who were killed. She is now on the run from the people who killed her race. The book flashes between the present and Caeli’s past through the empathic connection Caeli shares with Derek. This was an intriguing concept and lent itself well to this sci-fi novel.
Caeli’s backstory is horrifying and one cannot help but draw parallels to the potential lives of war refugees, for example, Jews in WW2. This aspect of the book, while terrifying, was important to the motivations of the characters.
There is a growing connection between Caeli and Derek through the book amplified by war and survival. As the two wait to be rescued by the Horizon they must hide from mercenaries. The novel moved fast and was engaging. The world building was done brilliantly in a way that allowed the reader to empathise with what was happening to the characters.
The ending was explosive, leaving off on a cliff-hanger. A thrilling rollercoaster sci-fi novel. If you liked Illuminae or Firefly, try Horizon.
When Derek crash lands on a planet he is dying when a girl rescues him and heals him. The girl is Caeli a member of an empathic race who were killed. She is now on the run from the people who killed her race. The book flashes between the present and Caeli’s past through the empathic connection Caeli shares with Derek. This was an intriguing concept and lent itself well to this sci-fi novel.
Caeli’s backstory is horrifying and one cannot help but draw parallels to the potential lives of war refugees, for example, Jews in WW2. This aspect of the book, while terrifying, was important to the motivations of the characters.
There is a growing connection between Caeli and Derek through the book amplified by war and survival. As the two wait to be rescued by the Horizon they must hide from mercenaries. The novel moved fast and was engaging. The world building was done brilliantly in a way that allowed the reader to empathise with what was happening to the characters.
The ending was explosive, leaving off on a cliff-hanger. A thrilling rollercoaster sci-fi novel. If you liked Illuminae or Firefly, try Horizon.
February 4, 2016
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out quite interesting. A space ship crash, an injured man, a girl with strange psychic healing powers, a planet at war. There were other small problems, the characterizations were little weak. But the main problem was that about halfway through, the book loses itself, as the reader is suddenly whisked off planet and subjected to intergalactic politics that you don't really care about...while wondering what happened to everything that was left behind.
Sadly, I found it impossible to make this transition, and kept trying to force myself to try and finish this book, finally giving up and skimming the last 20%.
However, with all that said, Ms. Lord is not a bad writer, and I think if she strengthens her characterization and plotting she will someday produce an enjoyable novel.
This book started out quite interesting. A space ship crash, an injured man, a girl with strange psychic healing powers, a planet at war. There were other small problems, the characterizations were little weak. But the main problem was that about halfway through, the book loses itself, as the reader is suddenly whisked off planet and subjected to intergalactic politics that you don't really care about...while wondering what happened to everything that was left behind.
Sadly, I found it impossible to make this transition, and kept trying to force myself to try and finish this book, finally giving up and skimming the last 20%.
However, with all that said, Ms. Lord is not a bad writer, and I think if she strengthens her characterization and plotting she will someday produce an enjoyable novel.
May 25, 2016
This book was incredible. I loved Caeli and Derek's relationship! What an awesome dynamic between the two of them and a great mix of despair, action, love, and joy! This book made me yell, laugh and cry. Everything you need in a book!
November 23, 2018
Tabitha Lord’s science fiction novel, Horizon, which is the first of a series is so beautifully layered, well thought out, and engaging. I by no means read a lot of science fiction. I prefer to see it on the big screen but what Lord has done with this introductory novel is absolutely amazing. There is such depth to her protagonist, Caeli Crys, and such a rich history that the author has laid out for her people. I was completely engrossed in the division of a people on Algamest: Amathi versus Novali, the advances made on each side of it, and how the power of groupthink drove one to commit genocide of the other. It was a clear example of how division and just one individual can have the power to create both fear and chaos. Marcus, one of the story’s antagonist, is a power-driven dictator that rules with violence, fear, and lies. He truly is a frightening individual in that he is willing to sacrifice his own in order to achieve his agenda. Bloodshed is just a part of business as far as he is concerned and torture and coercion only aid him in achieving his goals. The fear that he created also became a testament to Caeli’s selflessness as she put her own life on the line to help others, including those that in the grand scheme had assisted in the decimation of her people, and also Derek while she was on the run.
Derek…our resident eye candy, hahah! I’m kidding. Derek was a great compliment to Caeli. She is strong when he is weak as they quiet literally meet due to the crashing of his ship in which he should not have survived and could not have if it were not for her. On the flip side he becomes her strength emotionally as she has been alone for so long and then is thrust into numerous situations that are outside of her realm. He has to make the tough calls and more or less pull the trigger via his role within the Alliance and also must take the lead in their relationship.
The Drokoran (excuse me if my spelling is wrong) are a mystery yet to be solved. I appreciated a new threat being introduced as Caeli is escaping Algamest with Derek. The universe is much bigger than the world that she has known. Her abilities and the need for them are much more. Though from a reader’s standpoint you do wonder what is going on with The Resistance on Algamest you cannot help but to be swept up into the whirlwind that is Part II of this novel. It is action packed and you are absorbed in the mission just as Caeli is as a civilian being faced with such responsibility. There were just so many facets to this novel with such fleshed out characters – both leading and supporting -and it all was woven together so masterfully that you would not suspect that this was Lord’s first novel.
FIVE STARS. Easily.
Derek…our resident eye candy, hahah! I’m kidding. Derek was a great compliment to Caeli. She is strong when he is weak as they quiet literally meet due to the crashing of his ship in which he should not have survived and could not have if it were not for her. On the flip side he becomes her strength emotionally as she has been alone for so long and then is thrust into numerous situations that are outside of her realm. He has to make the tough calls and more or less pull the trigger via his role within the Alliance and also must take the lead in their relationship.
The Drokoran (excuse me if my spelling is wrong) are a mystery yet to be solved. I appreciated a new threat being introduced as Caeli is escaping Algamest with Derek. The universe is much bigger than the world that she has known. Her abilities and the need for them are much more. Though from a reader’s standpoint you do wonder what is going on with The Resistance on Algamest you cannot help but to be swept up into the whirlwind that is Part II of this novel. It is action packed and you are absorbed in the mission just as Caeli is as a civilian being faced with such responsibility. There were just so many facets to this novel with such fleshed out characters – both leading and supporting -and it all was woven together so masterfully that you would not suspect that this was Lord’s first novel.
FIVE STARS. Easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2017
I loved this fast paced science fiction novel. We start off with Caeli saving the life of Derek all with her mind! This is when we are introduced slowly to Caeli, her people, her past and how this connects with her future. The novel evolves in a way that keeps you hooked to her story, her people and how can she possibly save them.
I felt such pain for her - I can't even begin to imagine the suffering and hurt she has gone through. She is such a kind soul and her greatest gift is to heal others. I loved how her people had special powers: they could heal, they could read minds, they could create but most of all they were peaceful. All they wanted to do was to continue to live peacefully, learn and grow. This was destroyed by another group on their planet who didn't share their powers (and who naturally were distrustful of those who had those powers). I think many of us can relate to this - you see so many people today who are fearful of those they don't understand. The consequences of this hate and mistrust was disastrous.
When Derek begins to fall in love with her, he wants to do nothing more than to protect her from her past, those who may be trying to find her and those who wish to harm her. He convinces her to come with him to his home but would this really be the saving grace that he thinks it will be?
I loved every moment of Horizon - it pulled you in with the emotions and you instantly felt connected to Caeli. You want her to find peace, you want her to save her people somehow and you want her to find love and hope again. Horizon is well written and I couldn't wait to start on book two - Infinity.
I felt such pain for her - I can't even begin to imagine the suffering and hurt she has gone through. She is such a kind soul and her greatest gift is to heal others. I loved how her people had special powers: they could heal, they could read minds, they could create but most of all they were peaceful. All they wanted to do was to continue to live peacefully, learn and grow. This was destroyed by another group on their planet who didn't share their powers (and who naturally were distrustful of those who had those powers). I think many of us can relate to this - you see so many people today who are fearful of those they don't understand. The consequences of this hate and mistrust was disastrous.
When Derek begins to fall in love with her, he wants to do nothing more than to protect her from her past, those who may be trying to find her and those who wish to harm her. He convinces her to come with him to his home but would this really be the saving grace that he thinks it will be?
I loved every moment of Horizon - it pulled you in with the emotions and you instantly felt connected to Caeli. You want her to find peace, you want her to save her people somehow and you want her to find love and hope again. Horizon is well written and I couldn't wait to start on book two - Infinity.
October 1, 2017
Thanks to the contribution of Monica Wheatley, meeting Ms Tabitha Lord, we received the novel, Horizon at the Woodbridge High School. I contacted Ms Lord, and we are trying to line her up to be on of the authors for Woodbridge's first author panel in the Spring of 2018. At the same time, I started her novel.
At first, I had a problem getting into the role - trying to figure out how Caeli knew certain things, how Derek was going to really come forward as a leading character - it just took me awhile to really get sucked in. I senses a little connection to the recent Alien series as far as the explorers went, and not so much Space Odyssey 2001 as I thought from the cover. Yet, a little before halfway through, things began to click and my synapses went off. I was hooked for sure - and the plot began to become more tightly packed, and I found myself wanting to know more. Certainly the conflicts, as well as interest level of events around the main characters was picking up, and I found myself sucked into an interesting chain of events that I had problem predicting (which I liked).
The ending was definitely not a true ending, as there would have to be more, and I am looking forward to finding out more as we move along. The complications are difficult when you are presented with them, and you can easily have a good discussion about the various topics easily, and find a tie to relations between out country and other countries woven through the various plots. I like not knowing much about an author when it is a pleasant surprise, and in this case and often is, that id definitely the case with Tabitha Lord's Horizon.
At first, I had a problem getting into the role - trying to figure out how Caeli knew certain things, how Derek was going to really come forward as a leading character - it just took me awhile to really get sucked in. I senses a little connection to the recent Alien series as far as the explorers went, and not so much Space Odyssey 2001 as I thought from the cover. Yet, a little before halfway through, things began to click and my synapses went off. I was hooked for sure - and the plot began to become more tightly packed, and I found myself wanting to know more. Certainly the conflicts, as well as interest level of events around the main characters was picking up, and I found myself sucked into an interesting chain of events that I had problem predicting (which I liked).
The ending was definitely not a true ending, as there would have to be more, and I am looking forward to finding out more as we move along. The complications are difficult when you are presented with them, and you can easily have a good discussion about the various topics easily, and find a tie to relations between out country and other countries woven through the various plots. I like not knowing much about an author when it is a pleasant surprise, and in this case and often is, that id definitely the case with Tabitha Lord's Horizon.
November 29, 2016
Horizon is Tabitha Lord’s debut novel, a self-published sci-fi adventure. While I don’t often pick up self-published novels, this one came as a recommendation from someone I trust, and seeing it up on Netgalley was the push I needed. While it’s taken me much longer than planned to get to Horizon – too many books, never enough time – I’m certainly glad that I did, and I found a story within that really catered to my literary tastes.
Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Commander Derek Markham awakens stranded on an uncharted planet. His co-pilot is dead, his ship is in ruins, and he’s only alive because a beautiful young woman is healing him with her mind.
As Derek recovers, Caeli shares the horror of her past and her fear for the future. When Derek’s command ship, Horizon, sends rescue, Derek convinces Caeli to leave with him. But his world is as treacherous as hers—full of spies, interplanetary terrorist plots, and political intrigue. Soon the Horizon team is racing to defend an outlying planet from a deadly enemy, and Caeli’s unique skills may just give them the edge they need to save it.
Horizon starts when Derek’s ship is attacked by an unknown foe, and after a brief fight in which he just survives he must make a crash-landing on the planet of Almagest. Caeli, a native on the planet, establishes a sudden and strong mental connection to Derek while his the ship plummets to the ground. With an empathic ability that can heal others with her mind she rushed to the site of the crash, finding Derek severely injured, and his co-pilot dead. She does what she can, taking him back to her camp to help him on his journey of recovery. Caeli is alone, living in the wilds following the murder of her empathic people, the Novali, at the hands of the warrior Amathi. As Derek recovers and learns more of Caeli’s past their relationship grows closer, and then help arrives to take him back to his ship, the Horizon. Bringing Caeli with him, Derek’s job takes him into a dangerous situation where the fate of a world is at stake, and Caeli may be one of the few that can help stop an invasion before it’s too late…
With the first half of Horizon set on the planet of Almagest I was drawn in immediately. I like seeing an author build a setting and populate it, and Lord has done some interesting things here. While we don’t learn the full history of the planet, we do discover that it’s a place that was hidden from others long ago, and done so with the empathic and psychic abilities of the Novali, one if its peoples. The other side of the coin are the Amathi, a more traditional and warrior like society that, ultimately, fears the Novali for their abilities.
With Caeli a native of Almagest it is through her eyes that we learn much of what has occurred, and done so through her interactions with Derek. As he recovers and questions the situation – Caeli living alone in the wilderness – she slowly opens up and relays her story through her empathic ability. We learn of the destruction of her people at the hands of the Amathi, and of her time living among them after being taken prisoner with the survivors of the Novali. It’s a really interesting set-up, but one that ultimately ends without a satisfactory conclusion, more like being left to be picked up at a later date.
Following this, and as Derek returns to the Horizon bringing Caeli with him, we learn a little more about the wider galaxy. Perhaps, most importantly, is the threat to the Alliance by the Drokarans, a race that now put expansion first after a long time in isolation. With some planets already fallen to them, and the threat now very much a part of the Horizon’s mission, we follow Derek and his team, along with Caeli, as they attempt to stop the conquest of another world. During this we also follow Caeli as she adapts to life in an advanced culture, though one that she can still contribute to with her healing skills.
I can say quite easily what I liked about Horizon: its character focused narrative. At times it reminded me of Eric Brown’s SF offerings, with the more technical aspects taking a back seat to the interactions of the characters. Caeli and Derek are well fleshed out, Caelie especially, and the situation that they find themselves in allows a deep relationship to form between them. While there are other characters as part of the story, and many playing a vital role, only one other brings a different dynamic to their relationship: Kat, a fellow officer aboard Horizon. Her suspicious nature helps to bridge the difference between the time on Almagest and that on Horizon, easing the transition and allowing the reader to learn more about the wider galaxy.
However, all is not plain sailing, with a couple of aspects falling short when there is so much else to enjoy. While the Drokaran threat is clear, there is barely any expansion of this. Early on they’re referred to as a race, yet as they become a bigger part of the story it’s clear that they are human despite no description or details really given about them. It’s a little frustrating, and a touch confusing given it would take only a mention. Caeli’s ability is also woefully under-explored. While this is understandable when they are on Almagest, once they return to the Horizon and modern technology I expected to see more exploration into this, but it was sadly missing. And, finally, there is a real feeling that despite the high stakes, danger is not quite present, with much going very smoothly for our protagonists. It’s a shame, especially given such a strong beginning.
All-in-all Horizon is a solid novel: it’s got a very interesting premise and characters that I genuinely cared about. While not perfect it certainly has potential for any future novels in this series, and given the ending I’d be highly disappointed not to see something else in this setting.
Caeli Crys isn’t living—she’s surviving. On the run after the genocide of her empathic people, she witnesses a spaceship crash near her hidden camp. When she feels the injured pilot suffering from miles away, she can’t help but risk discovery to save his life.
Commander Derek Markham awakens stranded on an uncharted planet. His co-pilot is dead, his ship is in ruins, and he’s only alive because a beautiful young woman is healing him with her mind.
As Derek recovers, Caeli shares the horror of her past and her fear for the future. When Derek’s command ship, Horizon, sends rescue, Derek convinces Caeli to leave with him. But his world is as treacherous as hers—full of spies, interplanetary terrorist plots, and political intrigue. Soon the Horizon team is racing to defend an outlying planet from a deadly enemy, and Caeli’s unique skills may just give them the edge they need to save it.
Horizon starts when Derek’s ship is attacked by an unknown foe, and after a brief fight in which he just survives he must make a crash-landing on the planet of Almagest. Caeli, a native on the planet, establishes a sudden and strong mental connection to Derek while his the ship plummets to the ground. With an empathic ability that can heal others with her mind she rushed to the site of the crash, finding Derek severely injured, and his co-pilot dead. She does what she can, taking him back to her camp to help him on his journey of recovery. Caeli is alone, living in the wilds following the murder of her empathic people, the Novali, at the hands of the warrior Amathi. As Derek recovers and learns more of Caeli’s past their relationship grows closer, and then help arrives to take him back to his ship, the Horizon. Bringing Caeli with him, Derek’s job takes him into a dangerous situation where the fate of a world is at stake, and Caeli may be one of the few that can help stop an invasion before it’s too late…
With the first half of Horizon set on the planet of Almagest I was drawn in immediately. I like seeing an author build a setting and populate it, and Lord has done some interesting things here. While we don’t learn the full history of the planet, we do discover that it’s a place that was hidden from others long ago, and done so with the empathic and psychic abilities of the Novali, one if its peoples. The other side of the coin are the Amathi, a more traditional and warrior like society that, ultimately, fears the Novali for their abilities.
With Caeli a native of Almagest it is through her eyes that we learn much of what has occurred, and done so through her interactions with Derek. As he recovers and questions the situation – Caeli living alone in the wilderness – she slowly opens up and relays her story through her empathic ability. We learn of the destruction of her people at the hands of the Amathi, and of her time living among them after being taken prisoner with the survivors of the Novali. It’s a really interesting set-up, but one that ultimately ends without a satisfactory conclusion, more like being left to be picked up at a later date.
Following this, and as Derek returns to the Horizon bringing Caeli with him, we learn a little more about the wider galaxy. Perhaps, most importantly, is the threat to the Alliance by the Drokarans, a race that now put expansion first after a long time in isolation. With some planets already fallen to them, and the threat now very much a part of the Horizon’s mission, we follow Derek and his team, along with Caeli, as they attempt to stop the conquest of another world. During this we also follow Caeli as she adapts to life in an advanced culture, though one that she can still contribute to with her healing skills.
I can say quite easily what I liked about Horizon: its character focused narrative. At times it reminded me of Eric Brown’s SF offerings, with the more technical aspects taking a back seat to the interactions of the characters. Caeli and Derek are well fleshed out, Caelie especially, and the situation that they find themselves in allows a deep relationship to form between them. While there are other characters as part of the story, and many playing a vital role, only one other brings a different dynamic to their relationship: Kat, a fellow officer aboard Horizon. Her suspicious nature helps to bridge the difference between the time on Almagest and that on Horizon, easing the transition and allowing the reader to learn more about the wider galaxy.
However, all is not plain sailing, with a couple of aspects falling short when there is so much else to enjoy. While the Drokaran threat is clear, there is barely any expansion of this. Early on they’re referred to as a race, yet as they become a bigger part of the story it’s clear that they are human despite no description or details really given about them. It’s a little frustrating, and a touch confusing given it would take only a mention. Caeli’s ability is also woefully under-explored. While this is understandable when they are on Almagest, once they return to the Horizon and modern technology I expected to see more exploration into this, but it was sadly missing. And, finally, there is a real feeling that despite the high stakes, danger is not quite present, with much going very smoothly for our protagonists. It’s a shame, especially given such a strong beginning.
All-in-all Horizon is a solid novel: it’s got a very interesting premise and characters that I genuinely cared about. While not perfect it certainly has potential for any future novels in this series, and given the ending I’d be highly disappointed not to see something else in this setting.
June 20, 2017
This sci fi has a different plot, strong intrigue and romance. My rating 4.25.
Caeli is a healer and a sensitive empath. She is one of the few remaining of her gifted people after a split off race on her planet attacked and destroyed her community. They took the children to be brainwashed and a handful of survivors to use for their skills and as a cover-up to the truth. Caeli had begun to settle in working with the Doctor and hospital staff at the new community. She was asked to join an underground rebellion group who are seeking a way to overthrow the vicious leader who destroyed her own society and frightens many of this community.
Caeli is distressed when the brutal dictator, Marcus, pulls her in to read the mind of a suspected rebel … or watch as he is tortured, then killed. She cannot reveal her friends so she must go on the run so her skills cannot be used again. While hiding out in her secluded cave, she sees a spaceship crash and senses the injuries and distress of the occupants. She is able to rescue Derek, Commander of the attacked ship. She heals him and they develop a bond as they dodge her enemy and wait for his force to rescue him. Although her people never thought to leave their planet., Caeli agrees it will be safest to go with Derek for the time being. That is until Derek’s new mission seeks Caeli’s special skills in order to act quickly to prevent a terrorist attack.
Caeli has to adjust her mind to using her skills for other than healing and without permission of the subject. But she recognizes the cost of failing to give aid when she can. Now she is part of Derek’s special undercover team having to cope with monstrous, evil men while trying to save lives.
From the very beginning I like Caeli’s helper and ‘survivor’ personality. She goes through terrible trauma but, with the help of others, is able to rise and use her skills for good wherever she finds herself. She does not let revenge take over but wisely bides her time trying to find another solution.
The author fills in Caeli’s backstory with alternating chapters as she shares her history with Derek. Derek is a likeable character and the interaction between the two is handled nicely. There is clearly a connection that moves them closer but details are ‘kept behind doors’. The story moves at a good pace and kept me interested. My only disappointment is the few foul words that the author scattered in the story as though she felt they were needed. In my opinion, they were not needed and were disruptive – especially since the random entries were from a female character. Other than that, I enjoyed the book. There are a few questions left open such as Caeli's reaction to reading the mind of the enemy and what is happening back on her planet. I look forward to the next book, Infinity (review to post June 20).
I received this through NetGalley for an iRead Book Tours review.
Caeli is a healer and a sensitive empath. She is one of the few remaining of her gifted people after a split off race on her planet attacked and destroyed her community. They took the children to be brainwashed and a handful of survivors to use for their skills and as a cover-up to the truth. Caeli had begun to settle in working with the Doctor and hospital staff at the new community. She was asked to join an underground rebellion group who are seeking a way to overthrow the vicious leader who destroyed her own society and frightens many of this community.
Caeli is distressed when the brutal dictator, Marcus, pulls her in to read the mind of a suspected rebel … or watch as he is tortured, then killed. She cannot reveal her friends so she must go on the run so her skills cannot be used again. While hiding out in her secluded cave, she sees a spaceship crash and senses the injuries and distress of the occupants. She is able to rescue Derek, Commander of the attacked ship. She heals him and they develop a bond as they dodge her enemy and wait for his force to rescue him. Although her people never thought to leave their planet., Caeli agrees it will be safest to go with Derek for the time being. That is until Derek’s new mission seeks Caeli’s special skills in order to act quickly to prevent a terrorist attack.
Caeli has to adjust her mind to using her skills for other than healing and without permission of the subject. But she recognizes the cost of failing to give aid when she can. Now she is part of Derek’s special undercover team having to cope with monstrous, evil men while trying to save lives.
From the very beginning I like Caeli’s helper and ‘survivor’ personality. She goes through terrible trauma but, with the help of others, is able to rise and use her skills for good wherever she finds herself. She does not let revenge take over but wisely bides her time trying to find another solution.
The author fills in Caeli’s backstory with alternating chapters as she shares her history with Derek. Derek is a likeable character and the interaction between the two is handled nicely. There is clearly a connection that moves them closer but details are ‘kept behind doors’. The story moves at a good pace and kept me interested. My only disappointment is the few foul words that the author scattered in the story as though she felt they were needed. In my opinion, they were not needed and were disruptive – especially since the random entries were from a female character. Other than that, I enjoyed the book. There are a few questions left open such as Caeli's reaction to reading the mind of the enemy and what is happening back on her planet. I look forward to the next book, Infinity (review to post June 20).
I received this through NetGalley for an iRead Book Tours review.
March 7, 2017
I received this free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Pacing: The first half of the book blazed by and not in a good way. The entire first half of the book was basically an info-dump in which the author set up the characters to give reasons for their interactions in the second half of the book. That being said, the second half of the book, while slow, moved at a more understandable and enjoyable pace. Still, there was a lot of breezing by to get to the point.
World: In efforts to get all the plot information in, the world building was forwent. An image may have developed that matched the world if it weren’t for the contradiction between the supposed setting and the tone of the characters and their lives. That being said, the book describes a relatively advanced society. Yet, the tone of the book gives off the idea that the setting is actually a pre-technology village in the middle of the forest.
Writing: The writing style was also neglected in the author’s attempt to get all in the back story onto the page. Unfortunately, while everything was covered in a concise manner, the style felt dry, dull, and unimaginative. Thus, lending to the lack of world-building. Additionally, the diction used by the characters matched the advanced society the characters were went to live in, but because the realism of the world was lacking, the diction doesn’t seem to match the ‘basic’ lifestyle and lower-technology planet that the tone gives off.
Non-Spoilered Plot: When commander Derek Markham’s ship crash lands on an uncharted planet, he should be dead. But thanks to a planet native, Caeli Crys, and her ability to see into and heal the human body, he survived. Now, the two of them must stay alive until Derek’s crew can rescue them. Though, the dangers of Caeli’s planet are nothing when compared to the dangers of other planets.
Pacing: The first half of the book blazed by and not in a good way. The entire first half of the book was basically an info-dump in which the author set up the characters to give reasons for their interactions in the second half of the book. That being said, the second half of the book, while slow, moved at a more understandable and enjoyable pace. Still, there was a lot of breezing by to get to the point.
World: In efforts to get all the plot information in, the world building was forwent. An image may have developed that matched the world if it weren’t for the contradiction between the supposed setting and the tone of the characters and their lives. That being said, the book describes a relatively advanced society. Yet, the tone of the book gives off the idea that the setting is actually a pre-technology village in the middle of the forest.
Writing: The writing style was also neglected in the author’s attempt to get all in the back story onto the page. Unfortunately, while everything was covered in a concise manner, the style felt dry, dull, and unimaginative. Thus, lending to the lack of world-building. Additionally, the diction used by the characters matched the advanced society the characters were went to live in, but because the realism of the world was lacking, the diction doesn’t seem to match the ‘basic’ lifestyle and lower-technology planet that the tone gives off.
Non-Spoilered Plot: When commander Derek Markham’s ship crash lands on an uncharted planet, he should be dead. But thanks to a planet native, Caeli Crys, and her ability to see into and heal the human body, he survived. Now, the two of them must stay alive until Derek’s crew can rescue them. Though, the dangers of Caeli’s planet are nothing when compared to the dangers of other planets.
April 5, 2019
3.25 - 3.5 ⭐
This was an OK sci-fi read.
Poppy is and empath and healer. On her world the population is split between those who have some sort of paranormal ability and those that don't. After the majority of her people are killed she escapes her enemies and is living off the land. She sees a spaceship crash and saves the pilot. That starts her adventures with Derek, and Alliance Commander.
I thought the plot dragged on at times and there were a few scenes that were just plain boring. There is a second book. I'm interested enough to keep the series on my TBR back burner, not enticing enough to move it to the top of my pile.
This was an OK sci-fi read.
Poppy is and empath and healer. On her world the population is split between those who have some sort of paranormal ability and those that don't. After the majority of her people are killed she escapes her enemies and is living off the land. She sees a spaceship crash and saves the pilot. That starts her adventures with Derek, and Alliance Commander.
I thought the plot dragged on at times and there were a few scenes that were just plain boring. There is a second book. I'm interested enough to keep the series on my TBR back burner, not enticing enough to move it to the top of my pile.
October 23, 2015
Author: Tabitha Lord
Genre: Sci Fi and Fantasy
Release Date: Dec 1, 2015
Summary:
He’s a pilot with an interplanetary alliance working to fight off some emotionless/merciless aliens.
She’s an empath who escaped the genocide of her people and saves the aforementioned pilot with her phenomenal cosmic powers when he crash-lands on her planet.
Together they (kind of?) fight crime.
Review:
Overall, the book was completely and totally adequate.
It’s your average science fiction rebellion story, complete with gratuitous swearing from the soldiers, hand-wavy science, and space mercenaries. There’s two main plotlines running through it, the first being Caeli’s and the second being Derek’s. The book can pretty clearly be separated into two main halves based on that.
Caeli’s story is basically a flashback of her society being oppressed by another society sharing their planet and their underground rebellion to stop it. It plays with some ideas of indoctrination, which are hinted at but never go anywhere. There’s actually some really miniscule hints of some kind of indoctrination in Derek’s half of the book, but to be honest I think I may be reading too much into it. Then again, I don’t want to give the author too little credit, because it would have been a nice overall theme and would have tied the two stories together.
Derek’s story is the more science-fiction part; Caeli’s would have been perfectly at home in some kind of realistic magical/fantasy universe. It’s a bit of a disconnect from the first half, although it was fairly obvious that’s where the story was leading to. It’s decent enough, and the world-building and other characters are fine, but a bit predictable There’s a sort-of interesting bit about making the best of two bad options, and the guilt that comes of it. However, that only really sticks out because the story avoids emotional conflict like the plague.
For example, there was a great opportunity for some kind of culture clash between Caeli and Derek, but the author didn’t use it at all. The fact that Caeli’s entire society is open to empaths could mean that she’d be okay with mind reading other people, which would probably be incredibly violating to Derek. Except no, she morally objects to it, and he’s completely fine with it. Everything that has potential to be interesting from an emotional standpoint is immediately and easily solved and forgotten. There are a lot of moments like that, but there’s either next to no conflict, or it’s resolved in one conversation.
I’m kind of torn as to whether the world building was good or bad. It’s kind of interesting that rather than have aliens, all the sapient life on other planets are humans that colonized those planets. I don’t really remember a time when I’ve seen that, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. There are all these vastly different civilizations, and there’s no biological difference, just different variables and external causes that made them so different. That’s not a bad idea, I guess, but you’d have to be really, really clever to pull that off. And this story just isn’t smart enough for that to work.
The other problem is that I’m not entirely sure how much I believe it. There’s not actually much information about the other civilizations aside from Caeli’s. Caeli’s people don’t know about space technology or alien(?) life. I don’t know if I can buy that the knowledge of space travel and other life on other planets could just be forgotten. I mean, that’s some crucial information, and even though there was that huge accident/nuclear war, the people that survived must have passed on that knowledge.
And also, that idea doesn’t really go anywhere. The book doesn’t acknowledge it or play around with it. It has potential, granted, but do something with it.
That’s my main problem with the whole book. It’s perfectly satisfactory in terms of story and character, but throughout the books there were these little kernels of concepts and character dynamics that could have been used, and would have made a more clever story. My e-copy of the book is littered with notes about ideas and concepts the story could have touched on. Even though I can admit that some of those concepts would take the story in an entirely different direction, there were far more interesting places it could have gone.
That’s the real problem. There’s nothing wrong with it, per se, but it wasn’t really engaging. It’s sci-fi combined with empathy powers! I like those ideas; I should be able to get invested. But I just wasn’t able to. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, and it didn’t bring anything really new to the idea. It’s difficult to come up with a wholly unique idea, I know, but you don’t have to. You just need to do something interesting with a pre existing one.
It would be absolutely brilliant if you’ve never read a story before. But as it is now, if you’re familiar with sci-fi concepts and rebellion stories, then it’s nothing really new, but nothing really bad. There are a few concepts just beneath the surface that are interesting to think about, and I’d still say it’s a good way to kill a few hours. It’s worth reading if you’re looking for something to read, but it’s not going to blow your mind. And that’s perfectly okay.
Just like this book.
–charien
For more reviews like this one (and some not like this one), check out our blog at: almostelysian.wordpress.com
Genre: Sci Fi and Fantasy
Release Date: Dec 1, 2015
Summary:
He’s a pilot with an interplanetary alliance working to fight off some emotionless/merciless aliens.
She’s an empath who escaped the genocide of her people and saves the aforementioned pilot with her phenomenal cosmic powers when he crash-lands on her planet.
Together they (kind of?) fight crime.
Review:
Overall, the book was completely and totally adequate.
It’s your average science fiction rebellion story, complete with gratuitous swearing from the soldiers, hand-wavy science, and space mercenaries. There’s two main plotlines running through it, the first being Caeli’s and the second being Derek’s. The book can pretty clearly be separated into two main halves based on that.
Caeli’s story is basically a flashback of her society being oppressed by another society sharing their planet and their underground rebellion to stop it. It plays with some ideas of indoctrination, which are hinted at but never go anywhere. There’s actually some really miniscule hints of some kind of indoctrination in Derek’s half of the book, but to be honest I think I may be reading too much into it. Then again, I don’t want to give the author too little credit, because it would have been a nice overall theme and would have tied the two stories together.
Derek’s story is the more science-fiction part; Caeli’s would have been perfectly at home in some kind of realistic magical/fantasy universe. It’s a bit of a disconnect from the first half, although it was fairly obvious that’s where the story was leading to. It’s decent enough, and the world-building and other characters are fine, but a bit predictable There’s a sort-of interesting bit about making the best of two bad options, and the guilt that comes of it. However, that only really sticks out because the story avoids emotional conflict like the plague.
For example, there was a great opportunity for some kind of culture clash between Caeli and Derek, but the author didn’t use it at all. The fact that Caeli’s entire society is open to empaths could mean that she’d be okay with mind reading other people, which would probably be incredibly violating to Derek. Except no, she morally objects to it, and he’s completely fine with it. Everything that has potential to be interesting from an emotional standpoint is immediately and easily solved and forgotten. There are a lot of moments like that, but there’s either next to no conflict, or it’s resolved in one conversation.
I’m kind of torn as to whether the world building was good or bad. It’s kind of interesting that rather than have aliens, all the sapient life on other planets are humans that colonized those planets. I don’t really remember a time when I’ve seen that, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. There are all these vastly different civilizations, and there’s no biological difference, just different variables and external causes that made them so different. That’s not a bad idea, I guess, but you’d have to be really, really clever to pull that off. And this story just isn’t smart enough for that to work.
The other problem is that I’m not entirely sure how much I believe it. There’s not actually much information about the other civilizations aside from Caeli’s. Caeli’s people don’t know about space technology or alien(?) life. I don’t know if I can buy that the knowledge of space travel and other life on other planets could just be forgotten. I mean, that’s some crucial information, and even though there was that huge accident/nuclear war, the people that survived must have passed on that knowledge.
And also, that idea doesn’t really go anywhere. The book doesn’t acknowledge it or play around with it. It has potential, granted, but do something with it.
That’s my main problem with the whole book. It’s perfectly satisfactory in terms of story and character, but throughout the books there were these little kernels of concepts and character dynamics that could have been used, and would have made a more clever story. My e-copy of the book is littered with notes about ideas and concepts the story could have touched on. Even though I can admit that some of those concepts would take the story in an entirely different direction, there were far more interesting places it could have gone.
That’s the real problem. There’s nothing wrong with it, per se, but it wasn’t really engaging. It’s sci-fi combined with empathy powers! I like those ideas; I should be able to get invested. But I just wasn’t able to. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, and it didn’t bring anything really new to the idea. It’s difficult to come up with a wholly unique idea, I know, but you don’t have to. You just need to do something interesting with a pre existing one.
It would be absolutely brilliant if you’ve never read a story before. But as it is now, if you’re familiar with sci-fi concepts and rebellion stories, then it’s nothing really new, but nothing really bad. There are a few concepts just beneath the surface that are interesting to think about, and I’d still say it’s a good way to kill a few hours. It’s worth reading if you’re looking for something to read, but it’s not going to blow your mind. And that’s perfectly okay.
Just like this book.
–charien
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August 3, 2017
I learned about this book from Writer's Digest, this book won the self publishing award. It was well deserved this was a terrific book. The author does a good job of world building, character development and plot development. If I have any criticism is that the characters could stand to have a few more flaws to make them a little more believable. I am starting on the sequel next.
March 4, 2017
This self-published book is well written with a good plot. It is the first in a series of books (the rest have not been written) about the adventures of Caeli Crys.
The backstory and world building in the first part of the book is written like a novel in a novel and well done. It tells Caeli’s life as a Novali living on the planet Almagest with another group of people called the Amathi. The biggest difference between the two groups is the Novali can do things with their minds like hide the planet from aliens.
A dictator leads the Amathi to kill most of the nature-loving Novali. Caeli is captured and the remaining Novali are integrated into Amathi society and families. Caeli continues her apprenticeship as a doctor learning to heal people with her mind. Eventually, she joins a secret group of Amathi who plan to overthrow the dictator. When the dictator learns of Caeli’s talents, she must fake her death and escape to avoid exposing the group. While living in the forest, she sees a spaceship crash land near a beach.
Caeli saves one of the pilots, Derek, by healing him with her mind. She explains to him that she can, “. . . see inside the body with a different part of my brain. I can effect change, too, but it costs me a lot of energy to do it, so that’s really a last resort.”
Before the dictator’s military can find the two and the wrecked spaceship, Derek’s people rescue them. Caeli goes because she is at risk on her planet and they are falling in love with each other.
Derek’s mother ship is the Horizon, an intelligent gathering spaceship belonging the intergalactic Alliance. They are currently trying to stop attacks by a planet of military minded beings called Drokarans. The second half of the book has the crew, along with Caeli, running to defend another planet of Tharsis from the Drokarans.
The second half of the book is political-espionage action to stop the assignation of the Tharsis’ president. Caeli finds her calling among the military crew because she can also read people’s minds.
As in a series, the book as a soft or partial ending. The people of Tharsis are saved, but there is still the question of the revolution on Almagest and that the planet is no longer hidden from mercenaries or the Drokarans.
I generally do not like series because they never have a true ending. But, I’ll probably read the next in the series when its published. I liked Ms. Lord’s style of writing. Not so commercially, market driven. I learned a lot about Caeli, but not much about Derek or the other characters. I guess that’s for the next book.
The backstory and world building in the first part of the book is written like a novel in a novel and well done. It tells Caeli’s life as a Novali living on the planet Almagest with another group of people called the Amathi. The biggest difference between the two groups is the Novali can do things with their minds like hide the planet from aliens.
A dictator leads the Amathi to kill most of the nature-loving Novali. Caeli is captured and the remaining Novali are integrated into Amathi society and families. Caeli continues her apprenticeship as a doctor learning to heal people with her mind. Eventually, she joins a secret group of Amathi who plan to overthrow the dictator. When the dictator learns of Caeli’s talents, she must fake her death and escape to avoid exposing the group. While living in the forest, she sees a spaceship crash land near a beach.
Caeli saves one of the pilots, Derek, by healing him with her mind. She explains to him that she can, “. . . see inside the body with a different part of my brain. I can effect change, too, but it costs me a lot of energy to do it, so that’s really a last resort.”
Before the dictator’s military can find the two and the wrecked spaceship, Derek’s people rescue them. Caeli goes because she is at risk on her planet and they are falling in love with each other.
Derek’s mother ship is the Horizon, an intelligent gathering spaceship belonging the intergalactic Alliance. They are currently trying to stop attacks by a planet of military minded beings called Drokarans. The second half of the book has the crew, along with Caeli, running to defend another planet of Tharsis from the Drokarans.
The second half of the book is political-espionage action to stop the assignation of the Tharsis’ president. Caeli finds her calling among the military crew because she can also read people’s minds.
As in a series, the book as a soft or partial ending. The people of Tharsis are saved, but there is still the question of the revolution on Almagest and that the planet is no longer hidden from mercenaries or the Drokarans.
I generally do not like series because they never have a true ending. But, I’ll probably read the next in the series when its published. I liked Ms. Lord’s style of writing. Not so commercially, market driven. I learned a lot about Caeli, but not much about Derek or the other characters. I guess that’s for the next book.
September 18, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a really poor Science Fiction opera.
I found the characters to be one dimensional and the story one of the worst I have read.
Personally I would leave this well alone.
This is a really poor Science Fiction opera.
I found the characters to be one dimensional and the story one of the worst I have read.
Personally I would leave this well alone.
June 28, 2017
Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
Working on a review; sit tight, my dears!
Working on a review; sit tight, my dears!
April 20, 2017
This science-fiction novel opens on the planet of Almagest, with each new chapter indicated by a character from whose third-person perspective the novel is narrated, akin to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire franchise, with a significant number of early chapters indicated BEFORE and AFTER a certain piece of backstory that occurs with Caeli Crys, one of the primary protagonists, the bulk of the other chapters from the perspective of Derek, the only survivor of a spaceship crash that Caeli senses and stresses about when the first chapter commences on her homeworld.
Caeli has a special healing ability that she uses on Derek to help him recover, although it’s too late for his shipmate, whom she cremates in accordance with her tribe’s customs. As Derek heals, a significant chunk of backstory is revealed for Caeli, who was in love with her fellow Novalis tribesman Daniel, marriage even proposed between them, although tragedy separates them, and she finds herself captive of an antagonistic tribe, the Amathi, sent to a foster home along with other Novalis children. Caeli quickly finds work as a healer, and involves himself in a resistance against the government of the dictatorial Marcus.
The first part ends with Caeli following Derek to the titular Horizon in space, which quickly comes under attack, the remainder of the story dedicated to the war and anticipated terrorism, with a bit of a cliffhanger ending and epilogue. Overall, this is an enjoyable sci-fi novel, although it boldly goes where most stories in the genre have gone, given the racial themes and rebellion against unjust government that play significant roles, along with the heavy emphasis upon human interest as opposed to the novel’s scientific aspect. Even so, this reviewer very much has interest in reading its sequel.
Caeli has a special healing ability that she uses on Derek to help him recover, although it’s too late for his shipmate, whom she cremates in accordance with her tribe’s customs. As Derek heals, a significant chunk of backstory is revealed for Caeli, who was in love with her fellow Novalis tribesman Daniel, marriage even proposed between them, although tragedy separates them, and she finds herself captive of an antagonistic tribe, the Amathi, sent to a foster home along with other Novalis children. Caeli quickly finds work as a healer, and involves himself in a resistance against the government of the dictatorial Marcus.
The first part ends with Caeli following Derek to the titular Horizon in space, which quickly comes under attack, the remainder of the story dedicated to the war and anticipated terrorism, with a bit of a cliffhanger ending and epilogue. Overall, this is an enjoyable sci-fi novel, although it boldly goes where most stories in the genre have gone, given the racial themes and rebellion against unjust government that play significant roles, along with the heavy emphasis upon human interest as opposed to the novel’s scientific aspect. Even so, this reviewer very much has interest in reading its sequel.
August 28, 2017
Although I usually tend to read more on the fantasy side of speculative fiction, I really am glad I picked up Horizon by Tabitha Lord! It is a well-paced, intriguing space opera with endearing main characters. Caeli is a wonderful character, full of emotion and strength despite the hardships that she has endured, and I rooted for her throughout the book. The scientific/medical knowledge in the book is spot on and believable (you can tell Tabitha Lord knows her stuff in this area) and Caeli's powers in this regard are fascinating. The major plot lines of this book are resolved but there is definitely more going on and questions to be answered in the bigger series picture, which is why I am eager to get my hands on the next book, Infinity. I highly recommend Horizon. It's easy to see why it is an indie award winner!
January 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Derek Markham crash lands his fighter on a previously unknown planet after an attack by a mercenary ship that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Derek is the leader of a fighter squad attached to the space ship, Horizon, who had been sent to set a probe to mark the location of a previously unidentified planet. His crewmate dead and he himself critically injured, he is found and healed by Caeli Crys, a fugitive slave that had faked her own suicide hiding out in the unpopulated wilderness on the planet. Caeli is one of her people’s few survivors after a ruthless attack by a neighboring city’s militia. Together, they escape the planet when Derek’s shipmates return to find out what happened to him.
This was just a darn good story. For me, it had the feel of an early Star Trek novel (The Original Series) which was a plus for me. I liked the settings – Caeli’s home world, Almagest, (the pristine, empty wilderness where she is originally found by Derek, her city, the city of the Amathi). I liked the differences in how the two societies evolved after the destruction of their common founding society. I enjoyed the description of Derek’s ship, Horizon, but wanted to become more familiar with his world and hope that this will be explored in future installments.There is interesting and fast-paced action throughout from the subjugation of the survivors of the attack on the Novali, their integration into Amathi life, the Amathi rebellion, the unfolding of the attempt of universal domination by the race of beings known as the Drokaran, and the interface with underworld operations on Alliance planets.
I really enjoyed this story from the cover to the final page, and am hoping for a quick arriving sequel to prolong the entertainment.
February 2, 2016
I simply couldn't get excited as I read this book. I felt that I was reading a young person's story. The characters were simple and lacking depth; the story pretty much the same.
It's about a human-like empathic woman meeting a man who crash lands on her planet.
There's little character development, and in a short time these two are in love with each other. I found it difficult to connect or understand their attraction for each other; there simply wasn't enough depth in the writing to accept this bond they were feeling. And although these were supposed to be adults, I couldn't help but think that her thoughts were those of a young girl. But I guess the sex was supposed to be the giveaway; so she wasn't a girl.
I had thoughts of rereading this to try to give it a second chance. But no chance - I couldn't force myself.
Also, looking at the whole package I find a complete disconnect between the story, mainly on the ground of an alien planet, and the sterile cover showing the interior of a spacecraft.
I will say that, seeing the cover, and reading the description; I was really looking forward to this one. For me, this book was a big disappointment.
Thanks to Wise Ink Creative Publishing and NetGalley for this opportunity to provide an unbiased review.
It's about a human-like empathic woman meeting a man who crash lands on her planet.
There's little character development, and in a short time these two are in love with each other. I found it difficult to connect or understand their attraction for each other; there simply wasn't enough depth in the writing to accept this bond they were feeling. And although these were supposed to be adults, I couldn't help but think that her thoughts were those of a young girl. But I guess the sex was supposed to be the giveaway; so she wasn't a girl.
I had thoughts of rereading this to try to give it a second chance. But no chance - I couldn't force myself.
Also, looking at the whole package I find a complete disconnect between the story, mainly on the ground of an alien planet, and the sterile cover showing the interior of a spacecraft.
I will say that, seeing the cover, and reading the description; I was really looking forward to this one. For me, this book was a big disappointment.
Thanks to Wise Ink Creative Publishing and NetGalley for this opportunity to provide an unbiased review.
October 1, 2016
Oh no the spacecraft is crashing.
This is one of those 'Fun to read', stories that gives everything you want, A beautiful woman with mind reading skills, somewhere on a planet with little to no population, somewhere you can get away from people and live off the land, then, we must have an alien presence, of the opposite sex (of course), who happens to be someone important on a spaceship with a mission and desperately wants you to join him in the stars. Sounds like a good nights dream. Haha I now think I'm sounding a little bit flippant and maybe I am a little, but.... I must admit that once I started reading it, i didn't stop until I finished the storyline and was left with want for more, It was a good story-line, very well written and not rough at all, The writer does allow the story to flow along at a pleasant pace, not rushing into anything, but not stumbling either. I actually did like it and wondered then and now, what will happen next. I would actually wait for it and read the next installment if or when it comes out (if there is to be a next).
Review copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those 'Fun to read', stories that gives everything you want, A beautiful woman with mind reading skills, somewhere on a planet with little to no population, somewhere you can get away from people and live off the land, then, we must have an alien presence, of the opposite sex (of course), who happens to be someone important on a spaceship with a mission and desperately wants you to join him in the stars. Sounds like a good nights dream. Haha I now think I'm sounding a little bit flippant and maybe I am a little, but.... I must admit that once I started reading it, i didn't stop until I finished the storyline and was left with want for more, It was a good story-line, very well written and not rough at all, The writer does allow the story to flow along at a pleasant pace, not rushing into anything, but not stumbling either. I actually did like it and wondered then and now, what will happen next. I would actually wait for it and read the next installment if or when it comes out (if there is to be a next).
Review copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2017
Horizon by Tabitha Lord Caeli is one member that has a few unique skills. There is a commander in trouble with his spaceship. Will he survive? Caeli is part of the few survivors of her world. She is taken from her home and put with someone that being dictator.
Tabitha is a good author and she brings it all to life. What will happen on Horizon. Will the commander and Caeli get together and help save the crew, and find love in each other? She happy to work on the ship in where she loves working.
We go on adventures through inner space and what life is like on Horizon. Will they all survive or not? I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page. I cannot wait to start the second book that I do have in this series. The author has done wonderfully with it. There are surprises throughout the book and some romance as well.
I believe this book is good for though science fiction but also I would suggest teens read it from the age of 14 and up. The parent has the right to decide. It being rated PG 13 so it would be okay for 13 years old if you the parent this your child or children are mature enough for the book. That is up to you.
Tabitha is a good author and she brings it all to life. What will happen on Horizon. Will the commander and Caeli get together and help save the crew, and find love in each other? She happy to work on the ship in where she loves working.
We go on adventures through inner space and what life is like on Horizon. Will they all survive or not? I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page. I cannot wait to start the second book that I do have in this series. The author has done wonderfully with it. There are surprises throughout the book and some romance as well.
I believe this book is good for though science fiction but also I would suggest teens read it from the age of 14 and up. The parent has the right to decide. It being rated PG 13 so it would be okay for 13 years old if you the parent this your child or children are mature enough for the book. That is up to you.
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