Stained Light

The Gaia Chronicles #4

by Naomi Foyle

'Foyle has built a fascinating portrait, often reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin in its layered complexity'. The fourth title in Naomi Foyle's critically acclaimed Gaia Chronicle is perfect 'for Hunger Games fans of all ages' says Library Journal.

Astra Ordott tried - and failed - to deny her destiny.

To cleanse her conscience and save those she loves, she made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up her freedom to hand herself over to the Is-Land authorities. But that was ten years ago, and the conflicts that have branded her a psychotic traitor are just getting hotter. All around her, long-simmering conflicts are beginning to boil over again, Non-Land and Is-Land are further from reunification than ever and the wider world is facing devastating threats both old and new.

Outside Astra's fortified Gaian homeland, an infertility crisis is threatening the survival of the human race, while global civilisation's reckless pursuit of rare earth mining is infuriating the ancient spirits of the planet.
Astra may have found her voice as a messenger of cosmic harmony - but is anyone listening? And if she cannot persuade humanity to respect the elemental laws of the universe, will she at least see her life-long personal enemies, Dr Samrod Blesserson and Ahn Orson, face justice on Earth?

Genres: Science Fiction

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2018

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gaia Chronicles flow with such rich description that I would call Naomi Foyle’s writing Woolf-esque.

The characters burst forth with such vivacity and charm that the reader truly becomes at one with the dystopian world.

I would strongly recommend these charming, thought-provoking books to anyone with an appetite for true science fiction.

[Ildiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book of the Astra series reminded me why I love science fiction. At its best, it can be a vehicle for modern day prophets to share their vision about our world . By extrapolating current trends to scary possibilities and dreaming up solutions that can lift up our soul - they serve an important role - they give us hope that no matter how dark times we are living in, we are never too far from the light either... In the finest tradition of the genre, Stained Light takes us on an adventure that reflects the complexity of today's political, environmental and social issues, as well as the heroic responses it ignites in those people, who care. Astra fans eagerly waiting for the publication of the final instalment of the series will be delighted to read this and I can recommend even more wholeheartedly to new readers the whole series - now that it has been so gloriously realised.

[Ry Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book of the Gaia Chronicles makes some bold choices -- a twelve-year jump in time since the last book, and an increase in the number of shifting viewpoints until the former central character is just one of many voices. But both of these work surprisingly well. Astra has been a notably nonactive protagonist in a lot of ways for a while, so decentralizing her and giving her enough time to grow into her role end up making the story stronger.

Some parts of the book work better than others. Some of the storylines were more effective and some were a bit weaker. It sometimes seemed like a few of the characters were there to just to wrap up pieces of the narrative that had been left hanging. But overall, it's a strong conclusion to a series that contains some powerful warnings about the corruption of power, the poison of xenophobia, and the stark choices facing humanity.

[John Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

this stunning conculsion to the gaia chronicles, so sad that the quartet is at an end, is a story spun of speculative SF with its roots firmly enmeshed in real life and weaves an abundance of characters into a maelstrom of politics and desire. culturally astute, foyle is a strong clear voice in a crowded world.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazingly strong, satisfying conclusion to one of my favourite science fiction series ever. A must-read for fans of of LeGuin, Butler, Piercy and Atwood.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My expectations where high, the other 3 books in the Gaia Chronicles had me at the edge of my seat and now I had to wait a whole week for delivery of the last book.
Suddenly it all made sense, It became clear what the message was/is from the old wise beings. Why Astra had to suffer so much and how it all is connected. Stained Light made me question my own beliefs, my quick judging and opinionated ways went out of the window. Certain things were shown from a total different perspective. Was justice done in the end? Was it as shocking as the other 3 parts?
The book allowed me to finish a wonderfully told story with some kind of warm feeling within me and a huge hole in my heart. What on earth am I going to read after the Gaia Chronicles? Honestly for me, it was one of the best books I ever read in my whole life.