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Aride Universe #1
Seeds of Change
Introverted, intuitive healer, Jada "Jey" Grey has nothing left to lose. After all, her skills and knowledge couldn’t save her mother from a manmade virus. Set in 2071, with the heat index reaching crippling levels on Earth, Jey is barely coping. But when she stumbles upon an opportunity to launch from Earth, she feels compelled to go.
The mission—to create a new colony on an unexplored exoplanet—fits right in with Jey’s dreams. Her friendship with a clairvoyant child onboard the ship, her growing empathic abilities, and her attempts at love spark an unfamiliar hope.
But when a rival corporation sabotages their ship, and their target planet is a wasteland, Jey must set aside her old self-destructive patterns and take a leap into a new way of being—and seeing. Her connection to the seeds and plants changes everything. Can she convince the other colonists that her clairvoyant vision is exactly what they need?
“Engaging, positive, uplifting with a good story. The kind of book I like to read but is so difficult to find.” —Andrew, Goodreads
“I loved this story of Jey and her journey out to the stars and in to her self at the same time... I particularly like the writing style, the language, and how the dialogue felt true to the characters who were speaking. As a first novel it was outstanding.” — Elissa Matthews, author of Where the River Bends
“I loved this book from the instant I began reading it... Seeds of Change features a solid narrative arc, tiptoes between genres of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and sci-fi, clean smooth-flowing language that drew me in from start to finish, and, ultimately, some really nice feel-good vibes. A very enjoyable read!” — Angela Panayotopulos, author of The Wake Up
The mission—to create a new colony on an unexplored exoplanet—fits right in with Jey’s dreams. Her friendship with a clairvoyant child onboard the ship, her growing empathic abilities, and her attempts at love spark an unfamiliar hope.
But when a rival corporation sabotages their ship, and their target planet is a wasteland, Jey must set aside her old self-destructive patterns and take a leap into a new way of being—and seeing. Her connection to the seeds and plants changes everything. Can she convince the other colonists that her clairvoyant vision is exactly what they need?
“Engaging, positive, uplifting with a good story. The kind of book I like to read but is so difficult to find.” —Andrew, Goodreads
“I loved this story of Jey and her journey out to the stars and in to her self at the same time... I particularly like the writing style, the language, and how the dialogue felt true to the characters who were speaking. As a first novel it was outstanding.” — Elissa Matthews, author of Where the River Bends
“I loved this book from the instant I began reading it... Seeds of Change features a solid narrative arc, tiptoes between genres of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and sci-fi, clean smooth-flowing language that drew me in from start to finish, and, ultimately, some really nice feel-good vibes. A very enjoyable read!” — Angela Panayotopulos, author of The Wake Up
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
52 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Willow Thomson
6 books47 followersI live among the rolling hills and tall trees of a small hamlet with my husband of many years and children who come and go. While spending a lifetime “finding” myself only to discover that I was there all along, I have pursued several pastimes: typesetting, weaving, glass bead making, energy healing, homeopathy, painting and writing.
I love a good morality tale about the struggle between the dark and the light. I trust that at rock bottom most people are good but I suspect that some people are not. I am sure that life is more mysterious and magical than we know in these days of selfies, venti double shot lattes and working overtime to make ends meet.
I always root for the underdog and hang on tightly to my belief that good will triumph over evil in the end and that some things are worth fighting for—nature, equality, common sense, beauty and truth. And some things make life worth living—family, friends, trees, flowers, the ocean, lakes and rivers, French pastries and fresh baked bread. I find it difficult to believe that sugar is evil and greed is good.
I write stories to try to understand all these things and more.
I love a good morality tale about the struggle between the dark and the light. I trust that at rock bottom most people are good but I suspect that some people are not. I am sure that life is more mysterious and magical than we know in these days of selfies, venti double shot lattes and working overtime to make ends meet.
I always root for the underdog and hang on tightly to my belief that good will triumph over evil in the end and that some things are worth fighting for—nature, equality, common sense, beauty and truth. And some things make life worth living—family, friends, trees, flowers, the ocean, lakes and rivers, French pastries and fresh baked bread. I find it difficult to believe that sugar is evil and greed is good.
I write stories to try to understand all these things and more.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 17, 2020
Seeds of Change is set in the future – 2071 –when global warming has ravaged our planet and human greed has created havoc with people’s lives. There is no hope for the planet and its inhabitants; it is only a matter of time before heat or disease will extinguish all life.
Jada is a homeopathic practitioner and an energy-healer. Strong and yet vulnerable, a healer but broken, she immediately strikes an emphatic chord. When the opportunity arises to leave the planet, she grabs it even though there are no guarantees of a new, safe, habitable world.
The voyage to Aride and the challenges to establish a new colony and social order make up the rest of story.
Willow Thomson has used the time-tested trope of having a group of intrepid humans travel into space in quest of another livable planet and given it a twist. She has also made it a journey to the Self in an eminently readable way.
Recommended to readers who enjoy science fiction without an overload of information.
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Jada is a homeopathic practitioner and an energy-healer. Strong and yet vulnerable, a healer but broken, she immediately strikes an emphatic chord. When the opportunity arises to leave the planet, she grabs it even though there are no guarantees of a new, safe, habitable world.
The voyage to Aride and the challenges to establish a new colony and social order make up the rest of story.
Willow Thomson has used the time-tested trope of having a group of intrepid humans travel into space in quest of another livable planet and given it a twist. She has also made it a journey to the Self in an eminently readable way.
Recommended to readers who enjoy science fiction without an overload of information.
.
October 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the escapism of venturing into the unknown with Jey, the characters journey and the world. The writing style was easy to follow and the world brought to life in fun and interesting ways.
Its more on the spare opera side of science fiction than heavy action, drama focussed and its unique in that way, it surprised me. The focus is on spirituality, nature and conservation. As a fellow author, i dont review to critique, and I try not to box myself in to my own genre. I put myself in the audiences shoes, and an audience here who loves spirituality, femininity, nature and light space adventures are in for a treat.
Its more on the spare opera side of science fiction than heavy action, drama focussed and its unique in that way, it surprised me. The focus is on spirituality, nature and conservation. As a fellow author, i dont review to critique, and I try not to box myself in to my own genre. I put myself in the audiences shoes, and an audience here who loves spirituality, femininity, nature and light space adventures are in for a treat.
February 28, 2021
Jey is a homeopathic healer, trying to keep people alive in a time of societal decay and global warming, but it’s a losing battle. So, she jumps on the idea of joining a colony vessel and making a fresh start, someplace far away from poor ailing Earth.
At first all seems well on the spaceship, called the Two by Two. But the first twinges of uneasiness come from Jey’s friend’s daughter, a girl whose empathic abilities have been aggravated by the sheer human density aboard the spaceship. Some of the passengers and crew simply “feel” wrong.
And it turns out the uneasiness is grounded in fact. All is not what it seems aboard ship. Some would-be colonists aren’t really there to build a better world at all. Their plan is to subvert the growing world for a shadowy organization, the Z Corporation.
I usually try on these reviews to help the book find its audience. I think this book’s readership will be mostly women, who might say that they’re spiritual but not religious. Definitely more for those who like space opera rather than hard SF. And it’s a book for adult readers, not a YA/adult crossover read. For this audience, I think Seeds of Change will be a satisfying read.
At first all seems well on the spaceship, called the Two by Two. But the first twinges of uneasiness come from Jey’s friend’s daughter, a girl whose empathic abilities have been aggravated by the sheer human density aboard the spaceship. Some of the passengers and crew simply “feel” wrong.
And it turns out the uneasiness is grounded in fact. All is not what it seems aboard ship. Some would-be colonists aren’t really there to build a better world at all. Their plan is to subvert the growing world for a shadowy organization, the Z Corporation.
I usually try on these reviews to help the book find its audience. I think this book’s readership will be mostly women, who might say that they’re spiritual but not religious. Definitely more for those who like space opera rather than hard SF. And it’s a book for adult readers, not a YA/adult crossover read. For this audience, I think Seeds of Change will be a satisfying read.
May 24, 2019
I loved this story of Jey and her journey out to the stars and in to her self at the same time. The writing was engaging, the plot held surprises, and the characters were alive and well drawn. Some of the interesting secondary characters were left hanging, but since this is a series, I can forgive that – I’m sure we’ll see them again. I particularly like the writing style, the language, and how the dialogue felt true to the characters who were speaking. As a first novel it was outstanding.
August 3, 2019
This book is so positive and hopeful! It is the kind of book that you start to slow down as you reach the end because you don't want to leave the world you've fallen in love with. I can't wait for the sequels! I love that it focuses on homeopathy and using that to learn about the environment and ourselves.
October 22, 2020
I'm old enough to remember the 'flower power' movement of the 1970s. There was an iconic image of youthful protesters inserting flower stems into the barrels of the guns being wielded by riot police in San Francisco. And there was great music: "If you are going to San Francisco be sure to wear a flower in your hair."
I doubt that Ms Thomson is old enough to remember those times but she has certainly been inspired by them. Her tale begins exactly 200 years after the events of Height Ashbury, in 2170, when Earth's civilisation has collapsed. Two disparate groups are planning to set out on a mission to colonise a planet 20 light years away. A couple of women who practice alternative healing sign up to the group whose motives reflect the ideology of 1970s 'flower children'.
It should be no surprise that the colony they found is named Fleur. It's inhabitants are determined to live in harmony with the planet and its environment. The other crowd, motivated by greed and the desire to exploit the resources of the new world, is called New Sparta. Inevitably the two come in to conflict.
Along the way there are a couple of love stories and people learn to live with their memories of bad things that happened to them back on Earth.
I would describe this book as very feminine in tone. I imagine the intended readership to be young adults, especially young women. The book is also overtly political, showing the 'hippy' philosophy of co-operation and empathy succeeding, whilst the elites in charge of the exploitative colony suffer and large numbers of their followers choose to move over to Fleur. There is even a debate about the benefits and drawbacks of such immigration.
Readers of a conservative bent will give up on it early on and condemn it as a simplistic fantasy. I'm not and I won't, but at times I did find it difficult to suspend disbelieve.
Whilst the book is a complete story with an ending, it is the first in a series of books about the continuing fortunes of the two communities so, if you enjoy reading about them, you don't have to wonder what happens to the diverse cast of characters. Ms Thomson has it all worked out for you.
I doubt that Ms Thomson is old enough to remember those times but she has certainly been inspired by them. Her tale begins exactly 200 years after the events of Height Ashbury, in 2170, when Earth's civilisation has collapsed. Two disparate groups are planning to set out on a mission to colonise a planet 20 light years away. A couple of women who practice alternative healing sign up to the group whose motives reflect the ideology of 1970s 'flower children'.
It should be no surprise that the colony they found is named Fleur. It's inhabitants are determined to live in harmony with the planet and its environment. The other crowd, motivated by greed and the desire to exploit the resources of the new world, is called New Sparta. Inevitably the two come in to conflict.
Along the way there are a couple of love stories and people learn to live with their memories of bad things that happened to them back on Earth.
I would describe this book as very feminine in tone. I imagine the intended readership to be young adults, especially young women. The book is also overtly political, showing the 'hippy' philosophy of co-operation and empathy succeeding, whilst the elites in charge of the exploitative colony suffer and large numbers of their followers choose to move over to Fleur. There is even a debate about the benefits and drawbacks of such immigration.
Readers of a conservative bent will give up on it early on and condemn it as a simplistic fantasy. I'm not and I won't, but at times I did find it difficult to suspend disbelieve.
Whilst the book is a complete story with an ending, it is the first in a series of books about the continuing fortunes of the two communities so, if you enjoy reading about them, you don't have to wonder what happens to the diverse cast of characters. Ms Thomson has it all worked out for you.
September 17, 2019
I received a free copy of this ebook for review.
I loved that this involved a theme of energy healing and intuitive/spiritual connection. Given that this is what I do for a living, I could really identify with this tale. That being said, I think because this is already my thing, I was cheering all the way through - but for someone not quite on board, I do think this could have used a bit more development... And more attention to the perspective of those "coming around" to tapping into the Universe and their Higher Selves, and what that looks like for them. Otherwise, this just needs a sequel! More, please :)
I loved that this involved a theme of energy healing and intuitive/spiritual connection. Given that this is what I do for a living, I could really identify with this tale. That being said, I think because this is already my thing, I was cheering all the way through - but for someone not quite on board, I do think this could have used a bit more development... And more attention to the perspective of those "coming around" to tapping into the Universe and their Higher Selves, and what that looks like for them. Otherwise, this just needs a sequel! More, please :)
February 28, 2019
Seeds of Change, by Willow Thomson, is marketed as "soft science fiction, cozy, metaphysical". As always, taking genre into consideration is absolutely essential in approaching a novel from a critical perspective.
A successful novel is one that, among other things, plays by the book of its individual genre. To expect deep introspection or complex characters from a romance novel is about as sense-making as expecting happy endings and love-conquers-all in literary fiction.
With these in mind, Seeds of Change is a narrative that mostly stays true to what it claims to be. Basically science fiction, with some elements of fantasy, and a little bit of "the metaphysical" (which, I discover, is a code word for the spiritual, rather than the philosophical). To me personally this isn't very interesting, but for the intended audience is, I imagine, exactly what it ought to be.
The language is consistent with (intended) audience expectation: simple, descriptive, engaging without being too heavy. Nonetheless, some instances of linguistic self-censorship are very odd, even in the context, and damage the illusory veil between author and audience. Puzzlingly, these instances disappear from the second half of the novel, fact that affects the overall consistency.
Characters are probably about what they ought to be, considering the genre and its intended audience: not much complexity or ambiguity, and they're mostly caricatured (in other words, they serve a function rather than being realistic). But this is consistent with the genre, so it's not a big issue. Still, the sheer number of characters can overwhelm the casual reader.
The narrative arc is mostly predictable and very linear, lacking any wider/deeper context - fact which has a somewhat negative effect in terms of narrative credibility (to name one example, the entire premise of "Noah's ark" spaceships that half-blindly travel to another planet to "set up camp" lacks scientific as well as social explanations, fact that affects its plausibility).
That is not to say that the plot does not revolve around important issues or that they are not presented in interesting hues . However, the novel seems a bit too preoccupied with touching upon all of the issues it wants to address, to the extent that the effect is a bit thinned. Still, about right for the intended audience.
Of course, from an ontological narrative perspective, any intermixing of science fiction (even of the "soft" variety) with fantasy is deeply problematic when it comes to genre designation (intended audience or not), as each one of these modes is predicated on inherently opposing things.
In simpler terms, the narrative balances awkwardly between approaching the concept of non-realism. Whereas science fiction rejects the supernatural, fantasy accepts it (and does not treat it as such). And so, the narrative comes off as either science fiction with a little too much fantasy (or pseudo-science, in this case), or as fantasy with a little too much science (and not enough magic).
[Those more interested in this can read my blog article on the differences between science fiction, fantasy, and the Gothic/horror.]
Still, when all is said and done, it all boils down to generic expectations. The novel stays honest to its intended audience, despite these few critical observations, and it should be well appreciated by fans of the "soft" science fiction genre and/or younger audiences. For those outside the intended audience, it does remain an entertaining story to keep you busy for an afternoon or two, so overall, I think it's worth the reader's time.
Note:
I thoroughly dislike rating systems, due to their inherent limitations - particularly when the scale is 1-5. As always, however, my rating is based not on my personal preference but on my assumption of how the intended audience would receive this novel.
A successful novel is one that, among other things, plays by the book of its individual genre. To expect deep introspection or complex characters from a romance novel is about as sense-making as expecting happy endings and love-conquers-all in literary fiction.
With these in mind, Seeds of Change is a narrative that mostly stays true to what it claims to be. Basically science fiction, with some elements of fantasy, and a little bit of "the metaphysical" (which, I discover, is a code word for the spiritual, rather than the philosophical). To me personally this isn't very interesting, but for the intended audience is, I imagine, exactly what it ought to be.
The language is consistent with (intended) audience expectation: simple, descriptive, engaging without being too heavy. Nonetheless, some instances of linguistic self-censorship are very odd, even in the context, and damage the illusory veil between author and audience. Puzzlingly, these instances disappear from the second half of the novel, fact that affects the overall consistency.
Characters are probably about what they ought to be, considering the genre and its intended audience: not much complexity or ambiguity, and they're mostly caricatured (in other words, they serve a function rather than being realistic). But this is consistent with the genre, so it's not a big issue. Still, the sheer number of characters can overwhelm the casual reader.
The narrative arc is mostly predictable and very linear, lacking any wider/deeper context - fact which has a somewhat negative effect in terms of narrative credibility (to name one example, the entire premise of "Noah's ark" spaceships that half-blindly travel to another planet to "set up camp" lacks scientific as well as social explanations, fact that affects its plausibility).
That is not to say that the plot does not revolve around important issues or that they are not presented in interesting hues . However, the novel seems a bit too preoccupied with touching upon all of the issues it wants to address, to the extent that the effect is a bit thinned. Still, about right for the intended audience.
Of course, from an ontological narrative perspective, any intermixing of science fiction (even of the "soft" variety) with fantasy is deeply problematic when it comes to genre designation (intended audience or not), as each one of these modes is predicated on inherently opposing things.
In simpler terms, the narrative balances awkwardly between approaching the concept of non-realism. Whereas science fiction rejects the supernatural, fantasy accepts it (and does not treat it as such). And so, the narrative comes off as either science fiction with a little too much fantasy (or pseudo-science, in this case), or as fantasy with a little too much science (and not enough magic).
[Those more interested in this can read my blog article on the differences between science fiction, fantasy, and the Gothic/horror.]
Still, when all is said and done, it all boils down to generic expectations. The novel stays honest to its intended audience, despite these few critical observations, and it should be well appreciated by fans of the "soft" science fiction genre and/or younger audiences. For those outside the intended audience, it does remain an entertaining story to keep you busy for an afternoon or two, so overall, I think it's worth the reader's time.
Note:
I thoroughly dislike rating systems, due to their inherent limitations - particularly when the scale is 1-5. As always, however, my rating is based not on my personal preference but on my assumption of how the intended audience would receive this novel.
April 3, 2019
Seeds of Change is an apt title once you get into the novel. It is soft-sci, as others have pointed out, but I think with a strong feminine and ecological twist. For movie fans: I picked up on fragments of Passengers, The Martian and an old favorite, Silent Running - but obviously not as sad and tragic as that.
I think the author did a great job of covering many wider issues in the novel and her attention to technology was pretty decent. Some things were a bit hip: vegetarian sausages, 3D printing and the whole healing, sensory thing but generally the story developed quite well - although I would have liked to see more peril. I enjoyed the growth of the two opposing societies on a new planet and how they came together. Seeds of Change certainly had a vein of optimism about it. Things were growing: plants, societies and babies, but sometimes I thought the cast of characters also grew too much. The writing was clean and unpretentious. There was never a massive info dump, a surefire way to getting the eyelids drooping.
It is certainly worth a read, probably more suited to a female audience and I give it an easy 4 stars.
I think the author did a great job of covering many wider issues in the novel and her attention to technology was pretty decent. Some things were a bit hip: vegetarian sausages, 3D printing and the whole healing, sensory thing but generally the story developed quite well - although I would have liked to see more peril. I enjoyed the growth of the two opposing societies on a new planet and how they came together. Seeds of Change certainly had a vein of optimism about it. Things were growing: plants, societies and babies, but sometimes I thought the cast of characters also grew too much. The writing was clean and unpretentious. There was never a massive info dump, a surefire way to getting the eyelids drooping.
It is certainly worth a read, probably more suited to a female audience and I give it an easy 4 stars.
July 22, 2019
The beginning of a novel is important. Within half a page of Willow Thomson’s Seeds of Change I quivered. I encountered “night passed softly into morning” and the moon described as “a frosty ice cube.” I feared that with each turn of the page I would OD on creative writing 101. However, that was not the case. Each page took me more happily into a good story well told.
Thomson put together a thoughtful story of a group of Americans escaping the dangers of global warming by travelling to a faraway, only partially known planet. On one level, this is a simple, straightforward story. Yet, if the reader cares to pause occasionally, the metaphor is easily explored for greater appreciation.
Like most stories riding on plot, character development is minimal and that’s okay. It was enough. I enjoyed the wisdom of planets and plants, the clearly defined good guys and bad guys, and the story strolling its way to a comfy ending.
This is a book to read for enjoyment. Like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it is not too heavy, not too light, it’s just right.
Thomson put together a thoughtful story of a group of Americans escaping the dangers of global warming by travelling to a faraway, only partially known planet. On one level, this is a simple, straightforward story. Yet, if the reader cares to pause occasionally, the metaphor is easily explored for greater appreciation.
Like most stories riding on plot, character development is minimal and that’s okay. It was enough. I enjoyed the wisdom of planets and plants, the clearly defined good guys and bad guys, and the story strolling its way to a comfy ending.
This is a book to read for enjoyment. Like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it is not too heavy, not too light, it’s just right.
May 8, 2019
I didn’t like Jey at first in Seeds of Change, but as the story progresses, she grows and matures into a more likable person. Seeds of Change is a dystopian novel with global warming a big problem in the not so distant future. Jey finds her niche in a group going to colonize a distant planet, but things don’t go so smoothly. The Z Corp. wants to cause problems, and Jey finds herself in the middle of a fight for her life and the lives of her friends. Celia was a good character, and Talleh. Talleh has unique gifts, including being able to communicate with plants.
There seems to be more telling about things than showing, but otherwise, the book is a good read. People who like dystopian, sci-fi, space opera would enjoy this book.
There seems to be more telling about things than showing, but otherwise, the book is a good read. People who like dystopian, sci-fi, space opera would enjoy this book.
September 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Seeds of Change, Book 1 in the Aride Universe Series is a solid science fiction novel by Willow Thompson.
The main character, Jada ‘Jey’ Grey, is an instantly likeable and sympathetic protagonist and readers will want to see her succeed. The book takes place in the year 2071, in a world far changed from our own due to environmental devastation and human greed. The world-building by Thompson is nicely detailed, and felt like a dystopian novel at times, rather than straight science fiction. The plot itself was rather slow-paced, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, unless you’re an action junkie.
The writing is simple and easy to follow, although sometimes felt disengaged. The main strength of the book was the likeable characters and their growth throughout the novel.
Seeds of Change, Book 1 in the Aride Universe Series is a solid science fiction novel by Willow Thompson.
The main character, Jada ‘Jey’ Grey, is an instantly likeable and sympathetic protagonist and readers will want to see her succeed. The book takes place in the year 2071, in a world far changed from our own due to environmental devastation and human greed. The world-building by Thompson is nicely detailed, and felt like a dystopian novel at times, rather than straight science fiction. The plot itself was rather slow-paced, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, unless you’re an action junkie.
The writing is simple and easy to follow, although sometimes felt disengaged. The main strength of the book was the likeable characters and their growth throughout the novel.
January 7, 2020
Willow Thomson gives us a novel of discovery and hope in Seeds of Change! The year is 2071 and Earth is falling apart from both disease and climate change. Thus young Jey joins a crew sent to settle an exoplanet. But thanks to corporate rivalry and dangers on the planet itself, her journey is anything but smooth. Joy is a great character and I love her journey, the romance and spirituality connected to it! Thomson builds a compelling world, one that I’m looking forward to diving more into in the future!
August 10, 2019
Just finished reading and absolutely loved it! It's a very good mixture of sci-fi and spirituality. Would love to live in a world what the colonists created on the new planet. Also was a good reminder to protect what we still have in here and live more close and in harmony with Mother Nature. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2019
Engaging, positive, uplifting with a good story. The kind of book I like to read but is so difficult to find.
November 12, 2020
I was pulled into this story from the very first page as our main character Jada Grey dealt with an overheated Earth where thousands were dying from pandemics. Jada, known as Jey, is a super sensitive homeopathic healer who is ready for the next life. Along with her pal Celie and Celie's intuitive young daughter, she joins a space expedition to establish an artisan-centred colony on the distant planet Aride. No one knows much about Aride, but the expedition has been a century in preparation. It's led by Captain Rob Gardner, the handsome grandson of a tech billionaire. Is Willow Thomson channeling Elon Musk ?
It's about 150 years in the future and Earth has been devastated by climate change. Of course there are numerous new technologies, but they are generally understandable. This is effective writing, because within the world of the novel, the new technologies are the normal for these characters and need no explanation. Indeed, the writing throughout is solid, succinct, well-paced, and thoroughly edited.
Willow Thomson writes convincingly about space travel and the daily challenges of zero gravity. There are threats from a competing expedition but plenty of romance along the way for Jey and her friends.
The story is told largely from Jey's point of view, an approach I applaud. There are numerous other characters and occasionally we see things through their eyes, but there isn't too much narrative bounce. Jey is a highly intuitive and likeable young woman, a healer and a person whose interactions with the plant world are almost incredible. She experiences personal growth during these pages as she gains self-confidence.
I should have liked a little more sense of the timeline, especially on the new planet, Aride, which itself is surprisingly sensitive to human presence. Jey is part of the team planting seeds and growing vegetables, and within weeks they are harvesting lettuce. But only a few pages later, they are drinking coffee from their own coffee beans. I found that hard to swallow and had to check. Wiki advised that it takes four to five years to produce the first crop of beans from a coffee plant.
I don't often read science fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed Seeds of Change. The aptly named book is a well-written exploration of new ways of living, of a new planet, of space travel, and more.
It's about 150 years in the future and Earth has been devastated by climate change. Of course there are numerous new technologies, but they are generally understandable. This is effective writing, because within the world of the novel, the new technologies are the normal for these characters and need no explanation. Indeed, the writing throughout is solid, succinct, well-paced, and thoroughly edited.
Willow Thomson writes convincingly about space travel and the daily challenges of zero gravity. There are threats from a competing expedition but plenty of romance along the way for Jey and her friends.
The story is told largely from Jey's point of view, an approach I applaud. There are numerous other characters and occasionally we see things through their eyes, but there isn't too much narrative bounce. Jey is a highly intuitive and likeable young woman, a healer and a person whose interactions with the plant world are almost incredible. She experiences personal growth during these pages as she gains self-confidence.
I should have liked a little more sense of the timeline, especially on the new planet, Aride, which itself is surprisingly sensitive to human presence. Jey is part of the team planting seeds and growing vegetables, and within weeks they are harvesting lettuce. But only a few pages later, they are drinking coffee from their own coffee beans. I found that hard to swallow and had to check. Wiki advised that it takes four to five years to produce the first crop of beans from a coffee plant.
I don't often read science fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed Seeds of Change. The aptly named book is a well-written exploration of new ways of living, of a new planet, of space travel, and more.
March 18, 2020
I'm a big fan of science fiction so was looking forward to reading this novel and I was pleasantly surprised.
It would definitely fall into a 'softer' version of Sci-Fi with certain elements classing as fantasy and a focus on the spiritual aspect and I can definitely see this novel being enjoyed by a wide spread of people including Young Adults.
The story follows the main character 'Jey', an empathic healer who leave earth to help form a new colony, but things don't always work out the way they are supposed to. Her character is well written and likeable and grows on you as the story unfolds.
This is a gentle first novel from this author with an optimistic outlook and it was very easy to enter the world of Jey and her friends. Will be keeping an eye open for this author for any future novels.
It would definitely fall into a 'softer' version of Sci-Fi with certain elements classing as fantasy and a focus on the spiritual aspect and I can definitely see this novel being enjoyed by a wide spread of people including Young Adults.
The story follows the main character 'Jey', an empathic healer who leave earth to help form a new colony, but things don't always work out the way they are supposed to. Her character is well written and likeable and grows on you as the story unfolds.
This is a gentle first novel from this author with an optimistic outlook and it was very easy to enter the world of Jey and her friends. Will be keeping an eye open for this author for any future novels.
October 18, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. Impossible to review this book objectively. I’d even buy a copy!! All I can say is beam me up please! Love this book! Love the understanding of human nature and the optimistic outlook. Love the world she is creating. More please. This world needs more of this perspective.
November 14, 2019
This is a beautiful story that draws you in. A dystopian future, a talented healer and a star ship captain just to start with.
A beautiful combination of hope, love and how powerful the universe really is.... if you open yourself to it.
I loved this story. Its on my recommended read list.
Love Marieke J
A beautiful combination of hope, love and how powerful the universe really is.... if you open yourself to it.
I loved this story. Its on my recommended read list.
Love Marieke J
January 26, 2020
Global warming is a fact and it's time to pay the price. When the Earth no longer wants humans, humans need to leave or die. With a second chance, requires change and an open mind. You must listen to the planet and plants, literally. A lot of good messages and slight romance with twists to keep you interested.
October 19, 2019
Very good sci-fi
I love sci-fi fantasy, usually the YA ones and this is one of the best. Gentle love stories, bad guys getting therapist and of the stick, and a happy ending.
I love sci-fi fantasy, usually the YA ones and this is one of the best. Gentle love stories, bad guys getting therapist and of the stick, and a happy ending.
July 4, 2019
A joy to read. The characters flow together seamlessly. Will keep my eye on this author!
June 26, 2019
I loved this book from the instant I began reading it. Based in a dystopian setting that clings to enough realism and is seeped with just enough humanity for us to envision and accept it fully, this is a story that immediately demands for us to sit up and notice the reality of climate change and the tragedy of personal loss. Willow Thompson introduces us to a young woman named Jey Grey, immersing us immediately into her daily life while providing some context of her past. For Jey, natural disaster, tragedy, and death are “as routine as oatmeal for breakfast.” She’s a gifted healer who hates that she can’t provide more help, and whose losses have made her hate what she does. And her rightful obsession with 124 degrees is – pun intended, because why not – chilling.
There was a scene or two that made me pause near the beginning, nearly jarring me from the story. Nothing major – for example, I found it difficult to wrap my head around was the extreme differences of weather within a single state within the same day—a hot and humid afternoon in New York is punctuated by a fierce March snowstorm—and then, an hour later, it’s sun and heat once more. Not that there weren’t other things “otherworldly” or “abnormal” (while I’m not an expert, it must be essential for space operas, yes?), but the “reality” of those things seemed more solidly built up for me, and thus I could suspend disbelief and accept them as real in the book’s world.
- - - *May include slight spoilers!* - - -
The space exploration program is presented solidly and intriguingly, just like the dystopian society, and I did like the biblical connotations of the name Two By Two. Sounds too good to be true? Unluckily for Jey and her friends (but luckily for us readers, as the tension amps up), it proves to be just so. Seeds of Change features a solid narrative arc, tiptoes between genres of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and sci-fi, clean smooth-flowing language that drew me in from start to finish, and, ultimately, some really nice feel-good vibes. A very enjoyable read!
There was a scene or two that made me pause near the beginning, nearly jarring me from the story. Nothing major – for example, I found it difficult to wrap my head around was the extreme differences of weather within a single state within the same day—a hot and humid afternoon in New York is punctuated by a fierce March snowstorm—and then, an hour later, it’s sun and heat once more. Not that there weren’t other things “otherworldly” or “abnormal” (while I’m not an expert, it must be essential for space operas, yes?), but the “reality” of those things seemed more solidly built up for me, and thus I could suspend disbelief and accept them as real in the book’s world.
- - - *May include slight spoilers!* - - -
The space exploration program is presented solidly and intriguingly, just like the dystopian society, and I did like the biblical connotations of the name Two By Two. Sounds too good to be true? Unluckily for Jey and her friends (but luckily for us readers, as the tension amps up), it proves to be just so. Seeds of Change features a solid narrative arc, tiptoes between genres of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and sci-fi, clean smooth-flowing language that drew me in from start to finish, and, ultimately, some really nice feel-good vibes. A very enjoyable read!
September 27, 2019
This novel was definitely something out of the ordinary, and that's not a bad thing. I don't really know how I would classify this when it comes to existing genres: it's a little too fantastic for science fiction, not really magical enough to be fantasy, but blends elements of the two genres and is, in a sense, its own beast.
I found this to be, largely, a pleasant read, with the exception of one plot point (which I will discuss later). It has a slow-ish, meandering pace, but that is obviously by design, and it suits the material well.
The world-building is probably the element that I felt was the strongest. In spite of a lack of precision when it comes to some details (materials, appearance, layouts, etc), I found it was easy to feel I inhabited the fictional world. The "rules" of this universe were pretty easy to figure out and were consistent. Being the type of reader I am, I would not have complained about moving a notch or two forward on the precision scale, but I am comfortable enough with ambiguity that this wasn't a problem for me (I'm just curious about the details - I want to know, not need to know).
I think the major element that I would have liked to see improved was the character development, which seemed uneven to me. Jey and Kellan were both well-defined and fleshed out in a way that felt realistic, while other characters (Rob, Destrier, the elite women) were so vague as to be almost caricatures. I realise that in a novel with this scope of characters, it's going to be impossible to render them all realistically, but I did feel that there were just too many important characters who really didn't get the level of attention to detail that they deserved. Furthermore, the lack of focus to the characters created an emotional distance, which, in turn, prevented the story from getting under my skin.
The plot element that doesn't sit well with me involves Sherri and Rolo. While I appreciated the subversion of the typical roles, I was very disappointed that this plotline didn't result in some fallout. I did not feel that the situation was okay, and the lack of recognition of the severity of the situation negated any positive initial impressions I had for the set up.
I also felt that, while some attempts were made to address post-traumatic stress and trauma, that this was very generalised and limited in scope. The lack of serious psychological effects from leaving Earth permanently stretched my credulity, especially since there was no reference to intense psychological screening being completed prior to joining the project. This, for me, was a major hole in the story.
The other element that I felt could have been strengthened was in fleshing out the antagonists' agendas. I think understanding the intersection between personal, political, financial, corporate, and other types of motivations would have both created some empathy for the characters on a personal level, and enriched the initial world-building (state of life on Earth) even more fully. Also, if these folks are so far away from Earth, what makes the staff remain loyal to a corporation that, seemingly, can't DO anything if they go rogue?
It may be that I wanted a different book than this is trying to be. I think life as a pioneer would be gritty, uncomfortable, utterly terrifying, as well as rewarding. I would have liked to have seen more of the former, but that is a matter of personal taste. There were lots of places where narrative tension could have been increased to very dramatic effect, but, again, this novel wasn't trying to be a pulse-pounding adventure. I think a bit more tension would have been an improvement in terms of the effect the story left, but that is, again, a judgement call and the way things are is not wrong.
I did enjoy novel that was in front of me. It was unique in its approach to the basic premise and it was an overall nice read. I did not notice any major editing problems other than the developmental concerns that I have highlighted (and which may well be deliberate choices on the part of the author). I would be interested in seeing what more this author has to offer.
I received a copy of this novel through Voracious Readers Only.
I found this to be, largely, a pleasant read, with the exception of one plot point (which I will discuss later). It has a slow-ish, meandering pace, but that is obviously by design, and it suits the material well.
The world-building is probably the element that I felt was the strongest. In spite of a lack of precision when it comes to some details (materials, appearance, layouts, etc), I found it was easy to feel I inhabited the fictional world. The "rules" of this universe were pretty easy to figure out and were consistent. Being the type of reader I am, I would not have complained about moving a notch or two forward on the precision scale, but I am comfortable enough with ambiguity that this wasn't a problem for me (I'm just curious about the details - I want to know, not need to know).
I think the major element that I would have liked to see improved was the character development, which seemed uneven to me. Jey and Kellan were both well-defined and fleshed out in a way that felt realistic, while other characters (Rob, Destrier, the elite women) were so vague as to be almost caricatures. I realise that in a novel with this scope of characters, it's going to be impossible to render them all realistically, but I did feel that there were just too many important characters who really didn't get the level of attention to detail that they deserved. Furthermore, the lack of focus to the characters created an emotional distance, which, in turn, prevented the story from getting under my skin.
The plot element that doesn't sit well with me involves Sherri and Rolo. While I appreciated the subversion of the typical roles, I was very disappointed that this plotline didn't result in some fallout. I did not feel that the situation was okay, and the lack of recognition of the severity of the situation negated any positive initial impressions I had for the set up.
I also felt that, while some attempts were made to address post-traumatic stress and trauma, that this was very generalised and limited in scope. The lack of serious psychological effects from leaving Earth permanently stretched my credulity, especially since there was no reference to intense psychological screening being completed prior to joining the project. This, for me, was a major hole in the story.
The other element that I felt could have been strengthened was in fleshing out the antagonists' agendas. I think understanding the intersection between personal, political, financial, corporate, and other types of motivations would have both created some empathy for the characters on a personal level, and enriched the initial world-building (state of life on Earth) even more fully. Also, if these folks are so far away from Earth, what makes the staff remain loyal to a corporation that, seemingly, can't DO anything if they go rogue?
It may be that I wanted a different book than this is trying to be. I think life as a pioneer would be gritty, uncomfortable, utterly terrifying, as well as rewarding. I would have liked to have seen more of the former, but that is a matter of personal taste. There were lots of places where narrative tension could have been increased to very dramatic effect, but, again, this novel wasn't trying to be a pulse-pounding adventure. I think a bit more tension would have been an improvement in terms of the effect the story left, but that is, again, a judgement call and the way things are is not wrong.
I did enjoy novel that was in front of me. It was unique in its approach to the basic premise and it was an overall nice read. I did not notice any major editing problems other than the developmental concerns that I have highlighted (and which may well be deliberate choices on the part of the author). I would be interested in seeing what more this author has to offer.
I received a copy of this novel through Voracious Readers Only.
April 20, 2019
Beautiful story, amazing concept!
With all the discussion of climate change, humans’ impact on the planet, and a renewed public interest in space exploration, the story concept was spot on. The world building and explanation behind energy & empathy was easy to understand. The world Willow Thompson created felt like an answer to “What will happen if we can’t fix our climate crisis?” It was easy to enter the world of Jey and her friends and get aboard the Two by Two ship.
I enjoyed all the characters and their relationships with each other. Everyone felt real and accessible, so although the cast grew in size, I felt I knew most of the characters intimately. I loved the burgeoning romances, just the right amount. It took some time to warm up to Jey, because she read less broken than she claimed to be. This made her growth more believable and less like a super-hero.
Hints of something bad waiting to happen were peppered through the book and my biggest disappointment was that I was waiting for something terrible to happen, and before it did, everything got resolved and the book ended.
Overall it was well written and a fun and mystical journey to a new planet that I enjoyed!
With all the discussion of climate change, humans’ impact on the planet, and a renewed public interest in space exploration, the story concept was spot on. The world building and explanation behind energy & empathy was easy to understand. The world Willow Thompson created felt like an answer to “What will happen if we can’t fix our climate crisis?” It was easy to enter the world of Jey and her friends and get aboard the Two by Two ship.
I enjoyed all the characters and their relationships with each other. Everyone felt real and accessible, so although the cast grew in size, I felt I knew most of the characters intimately. I loved the burgeoning romances, just the right amount. It took some time to warm up to Jey, because she read less broken than she claimed to be. This made her growth more believable and less like a super-hero.
Hints of something bad waiting to happen were peppered through the book and my biggest disappointment was that I was waiting for something terrible to happen, and before it did, everything got resolved and the book ended.
Overall it was well written and a fun and mystical journey to a new planet that I enjoyed!
September 12, 2020
Is there such a genre as cozy sci fi? If so, this story would fall into that category.
To be honest, I wish there had been more space-oriented science fiction like this when I was growing up. Books with female protagonists, space, and aliens; books that weren’t focused on war and dominance in space, but that also weren’t pure fantasy, either. (I’ve a pet peeve about science fiction and fantasy being lumped together.)
So yes, a cozy story. Very focused on homeopathy and clairvoyance, but also very clearly not New Agey or focused on spirituality, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the character development and growth, both personally and interpersonally.
I read books 1 and 2 in quick succession (couldn’t put them down), so I am still processing. The only reason I gave the book 4 stars (4.5 really) instead of 5 is because I felt the lack of obstacles and of weaker seeming foils/antagonists really diminished the value of the journey. I would have liked a bit more tension built before resolution. But maybe that’s just me. To be honest, I’d love to live on Aride, in Fleur. Or at least to vacation there!
To be honest, I wish there had been more space-oriented science fiction like this when I was growing up. Books with female protagonists, space, and aliens; books that weren’t focused on war and dominance in space, but that also weren’t pure fantasy, either. (I’ve a pet peeve about science fiction and fantasy being lumped together.)
So yes, a cozy story. Very focused on homeopathy and clairvoyance, but also very clearly not New Agey or focused on spirituality, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the character development and growth, both personally and interpersonally.
I read books 1 and 2 in quick succession (couldn’t put them down), so I am still processing. The only reason I gave the book 4 stars (4.5 really) instead of 5 is because I felt the lack of obstacles and of weaker seeming foils/antagonists really diminished the value of the journey. I would have liked a bit more tension built before resolution. But maybe that’s just me. To be honest, I’d love to live on Aride, in Fleur. Or at least to vacation there!
March 29, 2020
Considering that we are in the middle of a crisis which involves a nasty virus which has spread world-wide and we have been mistreating the Earth for a long time, this book is pretty apt reading.
Jey is an intuitive healer and as there is nothing left for her on Earth, she joins her friend Celie (and her daughter Talleh) on a spaceship to colonise a new planet. There are many different personalities and skill sets on board the spaceship and it isn't long before there is trouble brewing on board.....
I found this an absolutely beautiful story, I have to say. It flowed so well, and I loved that Jey and Talleh were so tuned in to things that most of us would not even notice. There were magical elements to the story and if you have a scientific bent this could be difficult reading as you have to suspend belief, but I really loved it. There is such a hopefulness about the story, I want to read more.
5 stars from me. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series :)
Jey is an intuitive healer and as there is nothing left for her on Earth, she joins her friend Celie (and her daughter Talleh) on a spaceship to colonise a new planet. There are many different personalities and skill sets on board the spaceship and it isn't long before there is trouble brewing on board.....
I found this an absolutely beautiful story, I have to say. It flowed so well, and I loved that Jey and Talleh were so tuned in to things that most of us would not even notice. There were magical elements to the story and if you have a scientific bent this could be difficult reading as you have to suspend belief, but I really loved it. There is such a hopefulness about the story, I want to read more.
5 stars from me. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series :)
August 15, 2019
Complimentary copy of this book was received through Voracious Readers Only
What an enjoyable read! I loved all of it. It has a well written, interesting plot set in a dystopian future with new hope in new lands.
I was quickly drawn into the story and although a lot was packed into the book, it moved at a comfortable pace.
The metaphysical/spiritual aspects of the plot which could have been cloying or trite were shown respectfully and simply as part of the main character and her giftings.
As other reviewers have summed up, this is a cosy, 'soft science fiction' story, set at a gentle pace.
What an enjoyable read! I loved all of it. It has a well written, interesting plot set in a dystopian future with new hope in new lands.
I was quickly drawn into the story and although a lot was packed into the book, it moved at a comfortable pace.
The metaphysical/spiritual aspects of the plot which could have been cloying or trite were shown respectfully and simply as part of the main character and her giftings.
As other reviewers have summed up, this is a cosy, 'soft science fiction' story, set at a gentle pace.
April 12, 2019
A fun story with a optimistic tilt
I enjoyed this book for what it was. A little Pollyanna maybe with a new age optimism, but a fun tale that kept me reading since I liked the characters. If you like a story with a positive outlook and finding magic in the simple natural things around you, this book is for you.
I enjoyed this book for what it was. A little Pollyanna maybe with a new age optimism, but a fun tale that kept me reading since I liked the characters. If you like a story with a positive outlook and finding magic in the simple natural things around you, this book is for you.
August 18, 2019
The earth is going to hell in a handbasket, and you find an ad looking for people to found a colony on another planet. Would you go? Jey and her friend do. This is a well-written tale about a space colony devoted to alternative healing and an artisanal way of life. If you think New Age and hard sci-fi don't go together, think again.
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