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Onyx: A YA SciFi Retelling of Othello
This 18,000-word SHORT STORY is a Young Adult retelling of the Shakespearean drama, Othello. The year is 3015, and the planet Earth is no more. Existing on space stations strewn about the galaxy, humans are searching for a new planet to call home. Their explorations have led to war with many alien races, leaving their numbers decimated and their position in the universe unstable. A humanoid alien captured during one of Earth’s many wars, Onyx is given his freedom in return for joining the planet’s army. He is placed in an elite unit, where he quickly proves himself a good soldier and climbs the ranks. Many shun him because even though he looks like a human, they know he isn’t one. However, there is one person who does not fear him. Onyx cannot help but love Dia, and marries her against her father’s will. Yet, their happy union is threatened when Isaias, Onyx’s ensign begins whispering secrets of Dia’s infidelity into his ear. When the web of lies, truths, and half-truths begin to engulf Onyx, he finds himself unable to discern who his real friends and enemies are … which will lead to him making one of the biggest mistakes of his life. *This story was previously published as part of the Perchance to Dream anthology of young adult Shakespeare retellings*
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2016
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About the author
Alicia Michaels
34 books497 followersMother of 3 and Army wife. Lover of coffee, chocolate and good books. Writer of YA Fantasy that stretches the imagination. When not writing, I can usually be found reading.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 13, 2019
This is a brief, yet brilliant retelling of one of my favorite Shakespearean plays. It broke me as delightfully as the original play and I enjoyed how Michael’s unique perspective shone through.
The worldbuilding:
There is a lingering sense of “moreness” to the universe that implies it stretches beyond what we get to see here. While we don’t get much time to explore the world by virtue of the book’s length, the world still feels real and believable.
The plot/characters:
While the plot is unavoidably predictable in some ways by virtue of bring a retelling, we do get some unexpected twists! Spoilers, but…yes, I was pleased. *grin* As with most retellings, the motivations and drivers and relationships of most the characters were predetermined, but Michaels still finds room for liberties! I don’t want to spoil anything just because of the length, but…YES.
In the end, this is, of course, a tragedy. It ends sad. I hate to break it to you. Nonetheless, I consider this a worthwhile and engaging read. Definitely worth picking up!
The worldbuilding:
There is a lingering sense of “moreness” to the universe that implies it stretches beyond what we get to see here. While we don’t get much time to explore the world by virtue of the book’s length, the world still feels real and believable.
The plot/characters:
While the plot is unavoidably predictable in some ways by virtue of bring a retelling, we do get some unexpected twists! Spoilers, but…yes, I was pleased. *grin* As with most retellings, the motivations and drivers and relationships of most the characters were predetermined, but Michaels still finds room for liberties! I don’t want to spoil anything just because of the length, but…YES.
In the end, this is, of course, a tragedy. It ends sad. I hate to break it to you. Nonetheless, I consider this a worthwhile and engaging read. Definitely worth picking up!
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March 6, 2016***I was given a kindle copy in exchange for an Honest Review***
Onyx is a futuristic retelling of Othello. And it definitely doesn't disappoint in capturing the cruelty of racism, whether it be color, race, or specie.
This is perhaps the saddest love story I've ever read. The emotion Alicia put into writing this is evident as you follow Onyx and Dia's story. I wish this was longer, though in many ways, it didn't need to be. The story gets it point across beautifully and at Alicia's known fast-pace.
There were three noticeable errors that I spotted in the work, but they shouldn't hitch the reader for more than a second and none of them take anything away from the flow of the story.
If you've read Othello or watched any of the movies based on it, you know this story isn't a happy one... Onyx follows that same line. It would be smart to have some tissues on hand while reading this.
Alicia, you did an amazing job on this retelling and this definitely one I would read and reread over and over again.
Onyx is a futuristic retelling of Othello. And it definitely doesn't disappoint in capturing the cruelty of racism, whether it be color, race, or specie.
This is perhaps the saddest love story I've ever read. The emotion Alicia put into writing this is evident as you follow Onyx and Dia's story. I wish this was longer, though in many ways, it didn't need to be. The story gets it point across beautifully and at Alicia's known fast-pace.
There were three noticeable errors that I spotted in the work, but they shouldn't hitch the reader for more than a second and none of them take anything away from the flow of the story.
If you've read Othello or watched any of the movies based on it, you know this story isn't a happy one... Onyx follows that same line. It would be smart to have some tissues on hand while reading this.
Alicia, you did an amazing job on this retelling and this definitely one I would read and reread over and over again.
March 18, 2016
WOW, what a retelling Alicia did for Othello... Set in the future, 3015 to be exact, planet Earth is no more & humans are searching the universe for a new home, exploration leading to wars. Onyx is a product of a war against the humans, the last of his kind he just wants acceptance, named the youngest major in the human army, still trying to fit in, he's only solace is his wife Dia. When Onyx's ensign starts whispering secrets in his ears, a web of lies, friends & enemies become hard to point out.....
Oh my, did I cry, but loved every minute of this read.
Oh my, did I cry, but loved every minute of this read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews