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Aestus: Book 1: The City
An underground city, built centuries ago to ride out the devastating heat. A society under attack. And a young solar engineer whose skills may be the key to saving her city…if she doesn’t get herself killed first.
When Jossey was ten, the creatures of the aboveground took her brother and left her for dead, with horrible scars. Now, years later, she’s a successful solar engineer, working to keep her underground city’s power running, but she’s never really recovered. After she saves dozens of people during a second attack, she is offered a top-secret assignment as a field Engineer with Patrol, but fear prevents her from taking it…until Patrol finds bones near where her brother disappeared.
She signs on and finds herself catapulted into a world that is far more dangerous, and requires far more of her, than she ever imagined. The creatures and the burning heat aboveground are not the only threats facing the City, and what she learns during her assignment could cost her her life: one of the greatest threats to the City may in fact lie within. With thousands of lives at stake, can she act in time?
Aestus is an adult dystopian science-fiction series set centuries after climate change has ravaged much of Earth. An epic story of vengeance, power, shifting loyalties, and survival that looks at just how far people will go to protect what they love, brought to you by science writer S.Z. Attwell, Aestus paints a picture of a world in which far too little has changed.
When Jossey was ten, the creatures of the aboveground took her brother and left her for dead, with horrible scars. Now, years later, she’s a successful solar engineer, working to keep her underground city’s power running, but she’s never really recovered. After she saves dozens of people during a second attack, she is offered a top-secret assignment as a field Engineer with Patrol, but fear prevents her from taking it…until Patrol finds bones near where her brother disappeared.
She signs on and finds herself catapulted into a world that is far more dangerous, and requires far more of her, than she ever imagined. The creatures and the burning heat aboveground are not the only threats facing the City, and what she learns during her assignment could cost her her life: one of the greatest threats to the City may in fact lie within. With thousands of lives at stake, can she act in time?
Aestus is an adult dystopian science-fiction series set centuries after climate change has ravaged much of Earth. An epic story of vengeance, power, shifting loyalties, and survival that looks at just how far people will go to protect what they love, brought to you by science writer S.Z. Attwell, Aestus paints a picture of a world in which far too little has changed.
706 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
24 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
S.Z. Attwell
2 books70 followersHello!
My name is Sabrina, and I'm both a science writer/nerd and a huge fan of epic speculative fiction in which you not only have to think, but end up loving the characters. I love putting down a book and being disappointed that it's over. Aestus was my attempt to write that kind of novel (now series)...with my own characters. I think I succeeded. :) Check out Book 1: The City.
Reviews for Aestus, Book 1:
SPSFC2 Finalist | 2021 Kindle Book Review Award Finalist
"....at the level of Frank Herbert's Dune." - IHeartSci-fi
"...nothing less than brilliant." - C. J. Shane
"...masterful...on par with the best in the genre." - A. R. Saida
"Aestus has the makings of a viral sensation. It's that good. We all know those series you just can't seem to escape....the fantasy stories that bridge the gap between YA and Adult fiction, ushering in the readers by the masses. I think that Aestus has all the makings of doing the same thing, but for the sci-fi genre." - Ian the Reader, SPSFC2 judge
"....a gifted writer who knows how to maintain suspense as well as anyone writing today...." - C. Dorman
"One of the best books I've ever read" - The Very Bookish
"....There are a lot of 'living in a hole in the ground after X disaster' novels, but this one manages to be new. Aestus is visceral and disturbing...you are compelled to feel the fear and the toil. It was not a book I devoured in a couple of sittings, but some of the scenes and images stuck with me for a long time afterwards...." - J. C. Duncan
"It's hard to write a review of this book because I'm afraid that my description won't do it justice. This is a phenomenal read....I can't remember the last time I read a book this fast nor one that stayed with me for so long." - A. W.
"...a many-layered exploration of humanity and justice....Read this book! It says so much about our world, who we are, the challenges we face...." - I. M.
"....the best fiction book I've read this year...." - R Sha
All reviews used with permission of the reviewers
------
In my offline professional life, I have written largely about physics and astronomy. I thought it would be interesting to apply those skills to fiction, to see what a world after centuries of climate change might look like. I have another speculative-fiction project in the works, one set much closer to the present time.
Also in my offline non-professional life, I love cats and do archery. I also really like good tea and conversation. Feel free to reach out!
My name is Sabrina, and I'm both a science writer/nerd and a huge fan of epic speculative fiction in which you not only have to think, but end up loving the characters. I love putting down a book and being disappointed that it's over. Aestus was my attempt to write that kind of novel (now series)...with my own characters. I think I succeeded. :) Check out Book 1: The City.
Reviews for Aestus, Book 1:
SPSFC2 Finalist | 2021 Kindle Book Review Award Finalist
"....at the level of Frank Herbert's Dune." - IHeartSci-fi
"...nothing less than brilliant." - C. J. Shane
"...masterful...on par with the best in the genre." - A. R. Saida
"Aestus has the makings of a viral sensation. It's that good. We all know those series you just can't seem to escape....the fantasy stories that bridge the gap between YA and Adult fiction, ushering in the readers by the masses. I think that Aestus has all the makings of doing the same thing, but for the sci-fi genre." - Ian the Reader, SPSFC2 judge
"....a gifted writer who knows how to maintain suspense as well as anyone writing today...." - C. Dorman
"One of the best books I've ever read" - The Very Bookish
"....There are a lot of 'living in a hole in the ground after X disaster' novels, but this one manages to be new. Aestus is visceral and disturbing...you are compelled to feel the fear and the toil. It was not a book I devoured in a couple of sittings, but some of the scenes and images stuck with me for a long time afterwards...." - J. C. Duncan
"It's hard to write a review of this book because I'm afraid that my description won't do it justice. This is a phenomenal read....I can't remember the last time I read a book this fast nor one that stayed with me for so long." - A. W.
"...a many-layered exploration of humanity and justice....Read this book! It says so much about our world, who we are, the challenges we face...." - I. M.
"....the best fiction book I've read this year...." - R Sha
All reviews used with permission of the reviewers
------
In my offline professional life, I have written largely about physics and astronomy. I thought it would be interesting to apply those skills to fiction, to see what a world after centuries of climate change might look like. I have another speculative-fiction project in the works, one set much closer to the present time.
Also in my offline non-professional life, I love cats and do archery. I also really like good tea and conversation. Feel free to reach out!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 3, 2020
I picked this up, not sure what to expect. Then I couldn't put it down. It's a masterful work written with originality, depth, and a thrilling yet meaningful plot. I enjoy dystopian fiction, and this is on par with the best in the genre. Look out for author S.Z. Attwell.
I eagerly await Book 2.
I eagerly await Book 2.
May 10, 2021
Aestus Book 1: The City is flat out one of the best science fiction novels I’ve read in recent years. It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. From the first pages the action is almost nonstop. The heroine, Jossey Sokol, is appealing, vulnerable, but determined and courageous. The story is one of her finding herself as well as finding the truth about the city in which she lives.
Aestus is an underground city in earth’s future; a future in which vaguely described wars and climate change have turned the planet into a hot wasteland of mostly deserts. People have gone underground, first occupying many cities, then finally only one, Aestus, which is elaborately constructed and connected by a series of concentric tunnels that lead to the surface and give it a multi-story character. The wars are over, but outside on the surface are the Onlars, hideous, vicious creatures who attack anyone who remains outside of the city after dark.
The novel is about Jossey’s experiences, but it is also about her brother Tark, who was lost to the Onlar years earlier, his friend Gavin, who heads up the Patrol, the security service, and about Caspar a security service Assassin. It’s not just an adventure set in the future, however. There is a secret about the Onlar, which I won’t give away, and dark secrets about Aestus and those who run it. As the plot unfolds, it also becomes a metaphor for the haves and have-nots of our present world and the hidden truths that support the world of the privileged.
The plot of the novel is complex, the relationships between the characters far from simple. The depth of characterization is stunning, especially with regard to Jossey. But what stands out is that the book is a page-turner. I regretted every time I had to put it down and looked forward to picking it back up. I approached the end of the book with regret that the story would end…but it doesn’t. That is, it sort of ends mid-stream. This is book one of a series and book two is already out there. I can’t wait to get it and continue the story. As a science fiction writer myself, I have to say that S.Z. Atwell is a gifted writer who knows how to maintain suspense as well as anyone writing today. I believe anyone who begins reading Aestus Book 1, will become immediately hooked. I was and I am.
Aestus is an underground city in earth’s future; a future in which vaguely described wars and climate change have turned the planet into a hot wasteland of mostly deserts. People have gone underground, first occupying many cities, then finally only one, Aestus, which is elaborately constructed and connected by a series of concentric tunnels that lead to the surface and give it a multi-story character. The wars are over, but outside on the surface are the Onlars, hideous, vicious creatures who attack anyone who remains outside of the city after dark.
The novel is about Jossey’s experiences, but it is also about her brother Tark, who was lost to the Onlar years earlier, his friend Gavin, who heads up the Patrol, the security service, and about Caspar a security service Assassin. It’s not just an adventure set in the future, however. There is a secret about the Onlar, which I won’t give away, and dark secrets about Aestus and those who run it. As the plot unfolds, it also becomes a metaphor for the haves and have-nots of our present world and the hidden truths that support the world of the privileged.
The plot of the novel is complex, the relationships between the characters far from simple. The depth of characterization is stunning, especially with regard to Jossey. But what stands out is that the book is a page-turner. I regretted every time I had to put it down and looked forward to picking it back up. I approached the end of the book with regret that the story would end…but it doesn’t. That is, it sort of ends mid-stream. This is book one of a series and book two is already out there. I can’t wait to get it and continue the story. As a science fiction writer myself, I have to say that S.Z. Atwell is a gifted writer who knows how to maintain suspense as well as anyone writing today. I believe anyone who begins reading Aestus Book 1, will become immediately hooked. I was and I am.
November 25, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This sci-fi novel deals with a future all too likely - the Earth is too scorching for us - or our descendants - to live on, so, like The Jam urged us back in the day, We’re Going Underground. But therein lies a whole new set of problems - water, food, security, and the threat of the apparently savage Onlars, and an insurgent faction likely based amongst the population.
Jossey, niece of a powerful Minister in the underground government, and still grieving sister for a brother lost in an above ground childish incident years ago, from which she carries the scars, is a more than competent engineer, until Events (no spoilers) sees her train as part of the elite Patrol security services. More events open her eyes, resulting in a realisation that all is not what they have been told, and action needs to be taken to right the wrongs. With parallels to slavery, and governmental secrecy, this futuristic action/science/bitta love story trots along at a good pace, however, finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is pretty clever, considering there’s a Book 2…
This sci-fi novel deals with a future all too likely - the Earth is too scorching for us - or our descendants - to live on, so, like The Jam urged us back in the day, We’re Going Underground. But therein lies a whole new set of problems - water, food, security, and the threat of the apparently savage Onlars, and an insurgent faction likely based amongst the population.
Jossey, niece of a powerful Minister in the underground government, and still grieving sister for a brother lost in an above ground childish incident years ago, from which she carries the scars, is a more than competent engineer, until Events (no spoilers) sees her train as part of the elite Patrol security services. More events open her eyes, resulting in a realisation that all is not what they have been told, and action needs to be taken to right the wrongs. With parallels to slavery, and governmental secrecy, this futuristic action/science/bitta love story trots along at a good pace, however, finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is pretty clever, considering there’s a Book 2…
April 1, 2023
This book was amazing!! And I would be back with a more coherent review, but I need to write down some thoughts:
1) It is a chunky book, but you won't be able to put it down. And you will be done with it in no time!
2) Gavin. I have a new bookish crush, and I cannot lie. Gavin is sooooo good!
3) Caspar. He almost won the "bookish crush" contest, but I decided to go monogamous with this one and so here he is, but he is another amazing character!
4) The plot is not the most original out there, and it's the only minor complaint I have. And it's not about the unoriginality of it, it's just that it's not the kind of story I am really interested in. So, even if the author is pretty good at re-telling this story, creates some amazing characters, and writes it all in a smooth and compelling way, this was the part that I enjoyed less. But I am not saying that is not solid, or that is boring, or whatever, not at all! It's a pretty solid and well developed plot, and it would absorb you, but it's the thing I liked less in the book.
5) You need to read this book because it is amazing!
1) It is a chunky book, but you won't be able to put it down. And you will be done with it in no time!
2) Gavin. I have a new bookish crush, and I cannot lie. Gavin is sooooo good!
3) Caspar. He almost won the "bookish crush" contest, but I decided to go monogamous with this one and so here he is, but he is another amazing character!
4) The plot is not the most original out there, and it's the only minor complaint I have. And it's not about the unoriginality of it, it's just that it's not the kind of story I am really interested in. So, even if the author is pretty good at re-telling this story, creates some amazing characters, and writes it all in a smooth and compelling way, this was the part that I enjoyed less. But I am not saying that is not solid, or that is boring, or whatever, not at all! It's a pretty solid and well developed plot, and it would absorb you, but it's the thing I liked less in the book.
5) You need to read this book because it is amazing!
July 2, 2023
I will never advocate that a book like this needs to be 700 pages long, and it could have been shortened. That said, it does move quickly. There's a lot of action and political plotting. Short chapters to fool you on pacing like in the style of some of the thrillers. I would have done some things differently but overall I did enjoy this quite a bit as a dystopian story about a failing City underground, a rival faction, a brave engineer, and the men & women protecting and helping her along the way. This does have some military SF aspects which I liked but they fight with swords and knives and have pretty limited weapons technology, which I find odd considering some of the other technology they have.
We aren't sharing full reviews or ratings until the entire SPSFC team has read, so probably towards the end of the month I will rate and review this!
We aren't sharing full reviews or ratings until the entire SPSFC team has read, so probably towards the end of the month I will rate and review this!
June 19, 2022
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
The devastating effects of Global Warming has made the surface of the earth so devastating that society has turned to the underground for shade and shelter. This has been the way of life for centuries and for Jossey, its just another day on the circut. Until one day her life will change forever and she will not know who to trust in this epic sci-fi novel about vengeance, climate, resources, and engineering. Fans of Dune will flock to this series and it is the authors debut novel.
Jossey is a solar engineer working in the underground city of Aestus. Her childhood has been shattered when she witnessed the death of her brother at the hands of the Onlars. The Onlars are surface creatures of unmatched strength, speed, and the enemies of all human civilization. Jossey’s job is to help with the agricultural food supply to the city and how the resources are used in a more efficient manor.
In the present day, during a routine train ride to Aestus, the train is attacked by a dreaded Onlar. Jossey manages to slay the Onlar based on her earlier interaction with the creatures years earlier. With the help of her uncle Gavin, Jossey is moved to the Patrol team as a field engineer to help combat the Onlars. What Jossey learns on her missions will start a chain of events that could mean the down fall of Aestus but also her knowledge of who can be trusted.
Reading this story brought back the same feelings I had when reading Dune. Futuristic sci-fi novel with politics, martial arts type of fighting, politics, scarcity of resources, and twists around every corner. The chapters are short and I had no problem reading this book ten chapters at a time until I burned through the final hundred pages. The writting style is not overly dense but a continuous moving plot I found similar to John Gwynnes books. Giving the reader just enough information while being engaged in a wonderful plot. Don’t take your eyes away from the page for a second or you might miss the rug being pulled out from under you.
Anyone looking for a good introduction to sci-fi or veterans of the genre will enjoy this book. A possible future to what could happen on Earth and the damaging consequences is something we should all be mindful of. Lookout for me to be continuing with the series soon.
Cheers!
The devastating effects of Global Warming has made the surface of the earth so devastating that society has turned to the underground for shade and shelter. This has been the way of life for centuries and for Jossey, its just another day on the circut. Until one day her life will change forever and she will not know who to trust in this epic sci-fi novel about vengeance, climate, resources, and engineering. Fans of Dune will flock to this series and it is the authors debut novel.
Jossey is a solar engineer working in the underground city of Aestus. Her childhood has been shattered when she witnessed the death of her brother at the hands of the Onlars. The Onlars are surface creatures of unmatched strength, speed, and the enemies of all human civilization. Jossey’s job is to help with the agricultural food supply to the city and how the resources are used in a more efficient manor.
In the present day, during a routine train ride to Aestus, the train is attacked by a dreaded Onlar. Jossey manages to slay the Onlar based on her earlier interaction with the creatures years earlier. With the help of her uncle Gavin, Jossey is moved to the Patrol team as a field engineer to help combat the Onlars. What Jossey learns on her missions will start a chain of events that could mean the down fall of Aestus but also her knowledge of who can be trusted.
Reading this story brought back the same feelings I had when reading Dune. Futuristic sci-fi novel with politics, martial arts type of fighting, politics, scarcity of resources, and twists around every corner. The chapters are short and I had no problem reading this book ten chapters at a time until I burned through the final hundred pages. The writting style is not overly dense but a continuous moving plot I found similar to John Gwynnes books. Giving the reader just enough information while being engaged in a wonderful plot. Don’t take your eyes away from the page for a second or you might miss the rug being pulled out from under you.
Anyone looking for a good introduction to sci-fi or veterans of the genre will enjoy this book. A possible future to what could happen on Earth and the damaging consequences is something we should all be mindful of. Lookout for me to be continuing with the series soon.
Cheers!
July 12, 2022
well written futuristic novel
A sci-fi mystery of sorts, an enigmatic prologue, character driven tale through the eyes of several players, an engaging tale
A sci-fi mystery of sorts, an enigmatic prologue, character driven tale through the eyes of several players, an engaging tale
August 6, 2023
In the dystopian future of … I want to say somewhere in the Pakistan-adjacent region of the Himalaya or Karakoram mountain ranges? … things are not great.
Earth’s surface has been rendered uninhabitable, too hot and nasty and crowded with hideous human-eating monsters, so the people live underground in a large, tightly-controlled city society. Excellent dystopian setup. Down below, life is authoritarian and very hierarchical; whereas above ground the Onlar, kind of reverse Morlocks, hang around waiting to eat people. What’s the deal with them? Tell me that, book I have suddenly decided to address as though it’s a person I’m arguing with (but will now stop).
Enter Jossey, our protagonist who survived an Onlar attack as a kid while her brother was taken. Fifteen years later, when an oddly-behaving Onlar chases a bunch of commuters into a tunnel, she fights it off and is promoted to “Patrol” by her high-ranking politician uncle. Jossey’s brother’s friend Gavin, who also endured the Onlar attack, has grown up to become The Tiger, a huge, hunky and protective soldier type who is a squad leader in Patrol and whose flowering love for Jossey seems, just, excruciatingly obvious.
Jossey’s arc includes an enjoyable (quite extended, but at least that’s better than stupidly foreshortened in my view, since it was written well) training and preparation montage for a Patrol career, set against the backdrop of the underground city’s daily life and the assortment of tough, fun, distinctive characters she gets to know in her Patrol unit. And when Patrol finds remains apparently belonging to Jossey’s brother, the plot thickens.
Just a quick aside here – man, the characters in this story really like crapping on pulp books. I found it a bit overdone, although I know it was meant to be a combination joke and character trait – it was all in fun, and it didn’t seem to be a real author or book they were dumping on – it was just a slightly overdone bit. We all know the sort of books in question. Anyway, the trajectory of Jossey’s life, her curiosity and bravery, her interest in environmental mechanics, and the political machinations going on around her, all lead her back to the surface, where adventures and revelations await.
What’s it all about? What secrets are the leaders of this grim new world hiding? To what lengths will a civic / military authority go to preserve the illusion of a functional world in order to perpetuate social docility and prosperity? Guess you’re going to have to read and find out. Let’s take a look at what the meters had to say about this one.
Sex-o-meter
Jossey and Tiger? No? Come on. Nope, we’re not really given anything despite the telegraphing. We experience a bit of a triangle between Tiger, Delta and Jossey, but it doesn’t seem to head anywhere particularly moist and pliable. Tark has at least one (1) sex because he has a kid. Sorry, let me spoiler-blank that. All in all this is a pretty tame one.
Oh – one Patrol bro inevitably gets rapey, as seems to be the standard villainous-guy-confronting-female-character modus operandi … and look, I’m not saying it’s not what would happen in that situation. It’s gross. Power corrupts, and the sort of person attracted to that sort of job … meh, all cops are bad, fine. It wasn’t unrealistic. It just seemed a tiny bit tropey and not enough was done with it as a narrative device to make it into its own thing. Which … sort of encapsulates my issue with the whole story in a nutshell, for all that it was an enjoyable read. The setting and the sub-genre and the characters, even the Onlar twist, needed a bit more personal flavour to give the story a distinct voice to me. But that’s less to do with sex and more to do with wider (not to mention unintentionally overly-harsh-seeming) critique that doesn’t belong here. The sex-o-meter is giving the story seven large throbbing gonads of indeterminate type and varying hairiness out of a possible fifty, just to hammer home the whole point about this not being the right place to talk about the nuances of story crafting.
Gore-o-meter
The early chapters have a fair amount of slashing and poisoning and nastiness as we get to know the Onlar and the harsh world of the Aestus future, and a bit of fighting-related violence and child cruelty later on – but I wouldn’t say this is a gory outing. It didn’t need blood and guts to get across the idea that this is a dangerous and violent world. Two flesh-gobbets out of a possible five.
WTF-o-meter
As is so often the case with dystopian post-apocalyptic sagas, the reader is faced with the intriguing mystery of how we got there from here. Usually, to be honest, it’s depressingly obvious. Future possibly-Pakistan is a nasty place and the back-story of the degeneration of the world and the formation of the city, as it takes gradual shape, is an interesting one. But ultimately this isn’t WTF as such, it’s just W. And that’s fine. Take the W, as the youth say. In the meantime, the WTF-o-meter is hovering somewhere between Wool and Release Day, and if you know, you know.
My Final Verdict
See, there was nothing specifically wrong with this book. It was a good story, and very well-written. But … it just seemed to have too much book for the amount of character and story in it. It needed something … else? … to warrant that epic page-count. For all that, however, it was an interesting read and I have high hopes for the rest of the series. I’m giving Aestus a 4-star rating on the Amazon / Goodreads scale.
Earth’s surface has been rendered uninhabitable, too hot and nasty and crowded with hideous human-eating monsters, so the people live underground in a large, tightly-controlled city society. Excellent dystopian setup. Down below, life is authoritarian and very hierarchical; whereas above ground the Onlar, kind of reverse Morlocks, hang around waiting to eat people. What’s the deal with them? Tell me that, book I have suddenly decided to address as though it’s a person I’m arguing with (but will now stop).
Enter Jossey, our protagonist who survived an Onlar attack as a kid while her brother was taken. Fifteen years later, when an oddly-behaving Onlar chases a bunch of commuters into a tunnel, she fights it off and is promoted to “Patrol” by her high-ranking politician uncle. Jossey’s brother’s friend Gavin, who also endured the Onlar attack, has grown up to become The Tiger, a huge, hunky and protective soldier type who is a squad leader in Patrol and whose flowering love for Jossey seems, just, excruciatingly obvious.
Jossey’s arc includes an enjoyable (quite extended, but at least that’s better than stupidly foreshortened in my view, since it was written well) training and preparation montage for a Patrol career, set against the backdrop of the underground city’s daily life and the assortment of tough, fun, distinctive characters she gets to know in her Patrol unit. And when Patrol finds remains apparently belonging to Jossey’s brother, the plot thickens.
Just a quick aside here – man, the characters in this story really like crapping on pulp books. I found it a bit overdone, although I know it was meant to be a combination joke and character trait – it was all in fun, and it didn’t seem to be a real author or book they were dumping on – it was just a slightly overdone bit. We all know the sort of books in question. Anyway, the trajectory of Jossey’s life, her curiosity and bravery, her interest in environmental mechanics, and the political machinations going on around her, all lead her back to the surface, where adventures and revelations await.
What’s it all about? What secrets are the leaders of this grim new world hiding? To what lengths will a civic / military authority go to preserve the illusion of a functional world in order to perpetuate social docility and prosperity? Guess you’re going to have to read and find out. Let’s take a look at what the meters had to say about this one.
Sex-o-meter
Jossey and Tiger? No? Come on. Nope, we’re not really given anything despite the telegraphing. We experience a bit of a triangle between Tiger, Delta and Jossey, but it doesn’t seem to head anywhere particularly moist and pliable. Tark has at least one (1) sex because he has a kid. Sorry, let me spoiler-blank that. All in all this is a pretty tame one.
Oh – one Patrol bro inevitably gets rapey, as seems to be the standard villainous-guy-confronting-female-character modus operandi … and look, I’m not saying it’s not what would happen in that situation. It’s gross. Power corrupts, and the sort of person attracted to that sort of job … meh, all cops are bad, fine. It wasn’t unrealistic. It just seemed a tiny bit tropey and not enough was done with it as a narrative device to make it into its own thing. Which … sort of encapsulates my issue with the whole story in a nutshell, for all that it was an enjoyable read. The setting and the sub-genre and the characters, even the Onlar twist, needed a bit more personal flavour to give the story a distinct voice to me. But that’s less to do with sex and more to do with wider (not to mention unintentionally overly-harsh-seeming) critique that doesn’t belong here. The sex-o-meter is giving the story seven large throbbing gonads of indeterminate type and varying hairiness out of a possible fifty, just to hammer home the whole point about this not being the right place to talk about the nuances of story crafting.
Gore-o-meter
The early chapters have a fair amount of slashing and poisoning and nastiness as we get to know the Onlar and the harsh world of the Aestus future, and a bit of fighting-related violence and child cruelty later on – but I wouldn’t say this is a gory outing. It didn’t need blood and guts to get across the idea that this is a dangerous and violent world. Two flesh-gobbets out of a possible five.
WTF-o-meter
As is so often the case with dystopian post-apocalyptic sagas, the reader is faced with the intriguing mystery of how we got there from here. Usually, to be honest, it’s depressingly obvious. Future possibly-Pakistan is a nasty place and the back-story of the degeneration of the world and the formation of the city, as it takes gradual shape, is an interesting one. But ultimately this isn’t WTF as such, it’s just W. And that’s fine. Take the W, as the youth say. In the meantime, the WTF-o-meter is hovering somewhere between Wool and Release Day, and if you know, you know.
My Final Verdict
See, there was nothing specifically wrong with this book. It was a good story, and very well-written. But … it just seemed to have too much book for the amount of character and story in it. It needed something … else? … to warrant that epic page-count. For all that, however, it was an interesting read and I have high hopes for the rest of the series. I’m giving Aestus a 4-star rating on the Amazon / Goodreads scale.
March 24, 2023
SPSFC Quarter Finalist Review -- Ok, at first I was pretty intimidated as she is a chunky book. However, I don't think I have ever read a book this large as quickly as I did. It was really well thought out, the characters were immersive and really well done (even the side characters) and the world building was on point. I would suggest however, you might want to be ready to pick up Book 2 pretty quickly :)
July 14, 2023
Aestus: The City is a book that has been on my radar for quite a while. I have heard really good things about it and was really happy that SPSFC forced it to the top of my TBR. As so many people know, even highly anticipated books sometimes don’t get read for quite a while because there are just so many of them! Thankfully this issue was circumvented smoothly this time!
I don’t think there is any other way to start this review than by mentioning the incredibly well done sense of dread present in the first couple of chapters. I was so anxious while reading them. I don’t think there have been many books that had me feeling this strongly right from the start. There were also a couple of interesting mysteries and reveals relatively soon in the first half of the book already that made me feel invested pretty quickly.
Aestus is told in multiple POVs. The beginning had one main narrator that I much preferred over the others as those felt just a little more clunky. Later on, we got to spend more and more time with other characters as well and they smoothed out more as time went by. I do think that some reveals later on in the book would’ve had a little more impact if the feelings and thinking of some of these other characters had been explored more deeply along the way. I wasn’t quite invested enough in one of them for those to hit as much as they should’ve.
Despite the expansion of the POVs, I preferred the female MC’s narration throughout the entire book. Her feelings and motivations were explored the deepest and she had the most exciting and interesting adventures as well. Some of the happenings (I don’t want to spoil what exactly) that the other POVs were involved in felt a little repetitive and boring at times, though eventually those had some exciting turns as well.
The way the dangerous creatures were referred to by different people and factions throughout the book felt a little inconsistent. I can’t go into too much detail here for spoiler reasons but this stood out to me a little. I also felt like the story could maybe have been a bit shorter overall.
I really appreciated that this book didn’t rely on romance directly. It was set up in a way that could’ve easily been overshadowed by a love story been aside from some hints here and there, it was not a focus of the book. While I do enjoy a good romance, I don’t think this first book in this series (I’m not sure how this part continues later on) would’ve been served well if that had been different. There was definitely a focus on different types of relationships between people and how those affected the major plot points of the book but I’m glad those happened the way they did without a lot of pining after each other and other things that happen when romance is a major part of a story.
While I did have a couple of gripes with this book here and there, overall Aestus was one of my favorite reading experiences of the competition. I really enjoyed the way the author really made me feel the different emotions of the characters. If I didn’t have SPFBO books to work on next, I would finish this duology right away. I do hope to read the second book very soon though.
I don’t think there is any other way to start this review than by mentioning the incredibly well done sense of dread present in the first couple of chapters. I was so anxious while reading them. I don’t think there have been many books that had me feeling this strongly right from the start. There were also a couple of interesting mysteries and reveals relatively soon in the first half of the book already that made me feel invested pretty quickly.
Aestus is told in multiple POVs. The beginning had one main narrator that I much preferred over the others as those felt just a little more clunky. Later on, we got to spend more and more time with other characters as well and they smoothed out more as time went by. I do think that some reveals later on in the book would’ve had a little more impact if the feelings and thinking of some of these other characters had been explored more deeply along the way. I wasn’t quite invested enough in one of them for those to hit as much as they should’ve.
Despite the expansion of the POVs, I preferred the female MC’s narration throughout the entire book. Her feelings and motivations were explored the deepest and she had the most exciting and interesting adventures as well. Some of the happenings (I don’t want to spoil what exactly) that the other POVs were involved in felt a little repetitive and boring at times, though eventually those had some exciting turns as well.
The way the dangerous creatures were referred to by different people and factions throughout the book felt a little inconsistent. I can’t go into too much detail here for spoiler reasons but this stood out to me a little. I also felt like the story could maybe have been a bit shorter overall.
I really appreciated that this book didn’t rely on romance directly. It was set up in a way that could’ve easily been overshadowed by a love story been aside from some hints here and there, it was not a focus of the book. While I do enjoy a good romance, I don’t think this first book in this series (I’m not sure how this part continues later on) would’ve been served well if that had been different. There was definitely a focus on different types of relationships between people and how those affected the major plot points of the book but I’m glad those happened the way they did without a lot of pining after each other and other things that happen when romance is a major part of a story.
While I did have a couple of gripes with this book here and there, overall Aestus was one of my favorite reading experiences of the competition. I really enjoyed the way the author really made me feel the different emotions of the characters. If I didn’t have SPFBO books to work on next, I would finish this duology right away. I do hope to read the second book very soon though.
June 24, 2021
It's been a while since I read something this genuinely unputdownable. At least twice I thought 'oh, yeah, this is gonna be a reveal and it's gonna be unsatisfying', only for it to be revealed much sooner than I thought in ways I didn't expect; rather than string things out, this book keeps up the stakes and the tension, throwing revelations out early so we get to see the reactions and implications. The short length of the chapters helps, too, since you'll almost always think 'well, I'll just read the next one, then'.
It's climate fiction: the world is pretty ruined, with the surface of the Earth now so hot that nobody can live there, so the population's moved underground. I always appreciate when details of worldbuilding are actually considered as far as their implications, and that happens really well here; there's a lot of thought behind how energy, food, etc would have to be managed.
There are several memorable characters - even the minor ones are done well, so you feel you do actually know who everyone is rather than just names on a page that don't mean much to you. The one thing I'm not sure about, and we'll have to see how it plays out in future books, is the hint of romance. Perhaps it's because I've mostly been reading queer books lately but I really thought there were hints that our female protagonist and another female character might be on a path to love, but I think I might've been wrong there because (marking this bit as spoilers just in case, even though it's just speculation for future books) .
The quality of the edit often makes or breaks indie books, and here it's excellent. I don't know that I spotted any typos, and I'm usually pretty sensitive to those - the only thing I noticed is the phrase 'look for sign' coming up a few times, when 'look for a sign' or 'look for signs' would be what I'd expect to see, but entirely possible that's a regional thing and not at all incorrect. Point is, it reads smoothly and professionally, and that's a big deal.
So... yeah. It has spirit, it's tightly executed, and it's memorable for all kinds of reasons. Read this book.
It's climate fiction: the world is pretty ruined, with the surface of the Earth now so hot that nobody can live there, so the population's moved underground. I always appreciate when details of worldbuilding are actually considered as far as their implications, and that happens really well here; there's a lot of thought behind how energy, food, etc would have to be managed.
There are several memorable characters - even the minor ones are done well, so you feel you do actually know who everyone is rather than just names on a page that don't mean much to you. The one thing I'm not sure about, and we'll have to see how it plays out in future books, is the hint of romance. Perhaps it's because I've mostly been reading queer books lately but I really thought there were hints that our female protagonist and another female character might be on a path to love, but I think I might've been wrong there because (marking this bit as spoilers just in case, even though it's just speculation for future books) .
The quality of the edit often makes or breaks indie books, and here it's excellent. I don't know that I spotted any typos, and I'm usually pretty sensitive to those - the only thing I noticed is the phrase 'look for sign' coming up a few times, when 'look for a sign' or 'look for signs' would be what I'd expect to see, but entirely possible that's a regional thing and not at all incorrect. Point is, it reads smoothly and professionally, and that's a big deal.
So... yeah. It has spirit, it's tightly executed, and it's memorable for all kinds of reasons. Read this book.
July 16, 2023
/* Note: I read this as a finalist for SPSFC2. This review reflects only my personal opinion, not the opinion of the entire team. */
My Score: 6.5/10
Aestus: Book 1: The City by S.Z. Attwell plunges into a dystopian narrative with a gripping setup: a subterranean city on an overheated Earth, teetering on the edge of survival. On the surface, green-eyed entities known as Onlar grow increasingly dangerous, and belowground resources are running low. It's a twisty tale that kept me turning the pages, though certain elements somewhat marred the experience.
First, the positives: Attwell's world-building is impressive and delivered without excessive exposition or hand holding. Information surfaces naturally through the course of the story, letting my understanding of the world expand as the protagonist herself discovers more. I love when characters realize the world is bigger and more complex than they thought, and this book does that well.
Another thing the book does well: pacing. While perhaps more could have been done to trim this 700-page book down, the plot kept a fast pace with exciting twists and turns (even if I did spot some of them coming from miles away).
Some of this fast-paced feeling surely comes from the author's unusual choice to break up this long book into many very short chapters. I don't know what it is about human psychology, but that little trick had me thinking, 'Just one more chapter' over and over again. Some people may find this distracting, but I didn't mind, as it definitely helped me read the book more quickly.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the characters and the writing style in Aestus. Jossey, the protagonist, consistently frustrated me throughout the narrative. Despite being a 25-year-old dealing with a post-apocalyptic setting, she seemed much younger for her lack of competence. The ways she interacts with other characters felt equally immature, as though she belonged in a YA novel instead. At times, the plot also leaned into some YA tropes, such as when the character is in training and has to stand up to her bully. That younger tone was something I personally didn't enjoy.
Similarly, the writing style felt too distanced from Jossey's and the other POV characters' perspectives. There were too many phrases like "she thought", "she could feel", and "she could see", making it hard to settle into Jossey's head and making emotional moments fall flat.
The novel also stumbles slightly with Jossey's technologically solved problems, which, to me, lacked depth and complexity. For example, she develops a new vital technology for the city in just a day if I recall correctly, with no errors in the design—it felt too convenient to me. I could have accepted it if Jossey was characterized as some sort of engineering genius, but instead it seemed like these details were skimmed past to keep up the plot's rapid pace.
In conclusion, Aestus offers an intriguing premise and a well-crafted world, though its characterization and narrative voice pulled it too far into the YA spectrum for my personal tastes. For those unbothered by those elements, the book is worth checking out for an entertaining journey into a uniquely realized dystopian society.
My Score: 6.5/10
Aestus: Book 1: The City by S.Z. Attwell plunges into a dystopian narrative with a gripping setup: a subterranean city on an overheated Earth, teetering on the edge of survival. On the surface, green-eyed entities known as Onlar grow increasingly dangerous, and belowground resources are running low. It's a twisty tale that kept me turning the pages, though certain elements somewhat marred the experience.
First, the positives: Attwell's world-building is impressive and delivered without excessive exposition or hand holding. Information surfaces naturally through the course of the story, letting my understanding of the world expand as the protagonist herself discovers more. I love when characters realize the world is bigger and more complex than they thought, and this book does that well.
Another thing the book does well: pacing. While perhaps more could have been done to trim this 700-page book down, the plot kept a fast pace with exciting twists and turns (even if I did spot some of them coming from miles away).
Some of this fast-paced feeling surely comes from the author's unusual choice to break up this long book into many very short chapters. I don't know what it is about human psychology, but that little trick had me thinking, 'Just one more chapter' over and over again. Some people may find this distracting, but I didn't mind, as it definitely helped me read the book more quickly.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the characters and the writing style in Aestus. Jossey, the protagonist, consistently frustrated me throughout the narrative. Despite being a 25-year-old dealing with a post-apocalyptic setting, she seemed much younger for her lack of competence. The ways she interacts with other characters felt equally immature, as though she belonged in a YA novel instead. At times, the plot also leaned into some YA tropes, such as when the character is in training and has to stand up to her bully. That younger tone was something I personally didn't enjoy.
Similarly, the writing style felt too distanced from Jossey's and the other POV characters' perspectives. There were too many phrases like "she thought", "she could feel", and "she could see", making it hard to settle into Jossey's head and making emotional moments fall flat.
The novel also stumbles slightly with Jossey's technologically solved problems, which, to me, lacked depth and complexity. For example, she develops a new vital technology for the city in just a day if I recall correctly, with no errors in the design—it felt too convenient to me. I could have accepted it if Jossey was characterized as some sort of engineering genius, but instead it seemed like these details were skimmed past to keep up the plot's rapid pace.
In conclusion, Aestus offers an intriguing premise and a well-crafted world, though its characterization and narrative voice pulled it too far into the YA spectrum for my personal tastes. For those unbothered by those elements, the book is worth checking out for an entertaining journey into a uniquely realized dystopian society.
September 8, 2022
Rich worldbuilding
I'm a fan of subterranean settings in fiction, and this story doesn't disappoint. The writing is clean and clear, and the characters are interesting. I especially Caspar. You'll see why when you read the book. The themes woven into the story were noticeable, but not obtrusive--a big plus.
About pacing: I enjoyed the first quarter of the book, then felt things lagged a little until the 60% point, and then the story riveted me till the end. The end leaves a lot of lingering questions that are clearly designed to draw the reader into book two. Fortunately, book two is already out, so I'll be picking that one up.
The attention to detail is impressive. One small example: "Tskoulis sat up and went to join him by the fire. It was warm, and he held his hands out. He wasn't used to feeling warmth as a positive thing. But these tunnels were chilly at night." (For some context: this character spends a lot of time in a desert) I also really enjoyed the engineering details about the city's power infrastructure.
About content: I don't remember there being a lot of vulgarity, gratuitous violence, or graphic sexuality. This was a fairly clean read, which I always appreciate.
If you enjoy postapocalytpic sci-fi, definitely read this book.
I'm a fan of subterranean settings in fiction, and this story doesn't disappoint. The writing is clean and clear, and the characters are interesting. I especially Caspar. You'll see why when you read the book. The themes woven into the story were noticeable, but not obtrusive--a big plus.
About pacing: I enjoyed the first quarter of the book, then felt things lagged a little until the 60% point, and then the story riveted me till the end. The end leaves a lot of lingering questions that are clearly designed to draw the reader into book two. Fortunately, book two is already out, so I'll be picking that one up.
The attention to detail is impressive. One small example: "Tskoulis sat up and went to join him by the fire. It was warm, and he held his hands out. He wasn't used to feeling warmth as a positive thing. But these tunnels were chilly at night." (For some context: this character spends a lot of time in a desert) I also really enjoyed the engineering details about the city's power infrastructure.
About content: I don't remember there being a lot of vulgarity, gratuitous violence, or graphic sexuality. This was a fairly clean read, which I always appreciate.
If you enjoy postapocalytpic sci-fi, definitely read this book.
February 3, 2023
Aestus is an action-packed adventure through a dystopian world where humans have had to move underground in order to avoid climate change-related issues. There are threats from outside creatures and internal factions that threaten the balance of living underground. We follow Jossey, a solar engineer, as she gets involved with the world above. I loved the characters in this book, especially Jossey, and their dynamics. I thought this book was so fast-paced and exciting! I also really appreciated the themes explored, like climate change and how people are treated, as well as how the world was built. I can’t wait to see more of this world and these characters!
September 28, 2020
Disclaimer: The writer is a friend of mine and what follows is a gushing review of the book. However, I honestly think those are two independent facts and the opinions I hold about this book are driven by its very own merits. That and probably because I have visited setting of the novel and thought it was one of the coolest places on Earth.
Mini-review:
- Setting that takes advantage of interesting real world history
- Female lead that exists comfortably outside of the usual stereotypes
- Layers and layers of exciting twists that make sense!
Full Review:
Aestus is a unique and enjoyable read ready to be picked up by any sci-fi fan. The book starts off with a familiar beat, the main character going through an impactful experience at a young age. Honestly at the start I was worried it felt too similar to Brandon Sanderson's Skyward, with people living underground and an overworld populated by strange creatures to be fought. However, Aestus is a much more grounded novel, in terms of the technology (don't expect any space wars), a real world setting (no spoilers, it's fun to figure out on your own), and mature and grounded characters.
The main character, Jossey Sokol, is especially enjoyable because she is written with nuance. She's not brave to a fault as many protagonists are, in fact at multiple points throughout the novel she's absolutely filled with dread and can you blame her with the picture of the Onlar that Attwell paints? But she's smart and resourceful as she navigates increasingly dangerous situations. She acts like a very real person facing these challenges and that makes her so very easy to root for. The side characters around her come to the forefront more slowly as the story progresses and makes space for them but for the sake of avoiding spoilers all I can say is Attwell does a great job of showing who they really are by how they act. As someone who enjoys trying to get in front of a twist I was often times surprised in the best of ways.
Readers looking for a unique feel in terms of characters and settings should definitely pick up this novel. It just feels so fresh compared to other books in dystopian worlds because it explores a different setting than most and really makes you sit in the fear of a world overrun by extreme heat and monsters that force humanity to hide underground. And also you should pick up this book because it strives to exist outside of the usual publishing framework. Yes the author is my friend so of course I would tell you to buy their book but independent of our friendship I'm just impressed by the courage it takes to self-publish a novel. I honestly think that it contributes to the fresh and unique flavor of this book that it wasn't sterilized by the usual long publishing process (and it allows us to get a sequel this year too!!) and would be happy to support more books like this. Books that decide to go to new places, have new characters, and be exciting to read!
Mini-review:
- Setting that takes advantage of interesting real world history
- Female lead that exists comfortably outside of the usual stereotypes
- Layers and layers of exciting twists that make sense!
Full Review:
Aestus is a unique and enjoyable read ready to be picked up by any sci-fi fan. The book starts off with a familiar beat, the main character going through an impactful experience at a young age. Honestly at the start I was worried it felt too similar to Brandon Sanderson's Skyward, with people living underground and an overworld populated by strange creatures to be fought. However, Aestus is a much more grounded novel, in terms of the technology (don't expect any space wars), a real world setting (no spoilers, it's fun to figure out on your own), and mature and grounded characters.
The main character, Jossey Sokol, is especially enjoyable because she is written with nuance. She's not brave to a fault as many protagonists are, in fact at multiple points throughout the novel she's absolutely filled with dread and can you blame her with the picture of the Onlar that Attwell paints? But she's smart and resourceful as she navigates increasingly dangerous situations. She acts like a very real person facing these challenges and that makes her so very easy to root for. The side characters around her come to the forefront more slowly as the story progresses and makes space for them but for the sake of avoiding spoilers all I can say is Attwell does a great job of showing who they really are by how they act. As someone who enjoys trying to get in front of a twist I was often times surprised in the best of ways.
Readers looking for a unique feel in terms of characters and settings should definitely pick up this novel. It just feels so fresh compared to other books in dystopian worlds because it explores a different setting than most and really makes you sit in the fear of a world overrun by extreme heat and monsters that force humanity to hide underground. And also you should pick up this book because it strives to exist outside of the usual publishing framework. Yes the author is my friend so of course I would tell you to buy their book but independent of our friendship I'm just impressed by the courage it takes to self-publish a novel. I honestly think that it contributes to the fresh and unique flavor of this book that it wasn't sterilized by the usual long publishing process (and it allows us to get a sequel this year too!!) and would be happy to support more books like this. Books that decide to go to new places, have new characters, and be exciting to read!
May 4, 2022
*Overall 3.5/4 Stars Out of 5: Somewhat outside my usual sci-fi/speculative fiction preferences, but solid premise, great atmosphere, engaging main character, empathetic exploration of humanity and values, and hot sensitive-warrior-type men to vicariously pine after (if hot men are your thing). Read on for more details (if details are also your thing).*
[Disclaimer: This is a (basically) spoiler-free review, though a few establishing details are mentioned]
"Aestus: The City" follows the journey of Jossey Sokol, a solar power engineer in service of an underground city in a post-apocalyptic future. Jossey emerges as an unexpected hero when her solar crew is attacked by one of the mysterious and violent above-ground creatures known as the Onlar, and she finds herself and charming fellow engineer Caspar recruited into the city’s militarized Patrol by her government intelligence uncle. Against the wishes of her late brother’s protective best friend, the now-revered and notorious Patrol commander Gavin, Jossey embarks first on a quest for revenge against the Onlar (who took her brother and left her permanently scarred when they were children), then on one for justice to prevail when she comes to know a terrible secret about her city and the heat-scorched world above-ground. In the process, she and those closest to her must choose where they stand, and what (and whom) they would be willing to sacrifice in order to do what they believe is right.
Full disclosure: I came into this book mostly blind (having not read reviews or more than a basic premise), and my previous experiences and preferences with sci-fi/speculative fiction have geared towards fairly fast-paced plots that hit quick beats and character growth as the action is rolling (e.g: "Sphere" by Michael Crichton, “The Collapsing Empire” by John Scalzi). Because of this, I was absolutely hooked with the 100-or-so-page opener, which was much more to my usual taste (it was genuinely the most tense I’ve been while reading an opening sequence in a long while!). After that, there was a shift in tone, atmosphere, and pace that kind of caught me off-guard and forced me to reorient a bit as I was reading.
As it turned out, though action and tension still played roles throughout the story as it unfolded, the emphasis shifted more towards a slower burn, and especially towards the inner dilemmas of the characters, the developing romantic dynamics and conflicts between several of the main characters, and the human cost of the apocalyptic/dystopian future the story is built around. If you don’t like a fair emphasis on romantic elements in your sci-fi/speculative fiction, this may not be the book for you. It definitely countered the initial impression I got reading those first 100 pages, so that gave me pause. But once I readjusted, there was a lot to enjoy here. Not the least of which is the aforementioned exploration of humanity. And the two apparently very hot, very soulful men pining after our fair-though-damaged Jossey.
Overall, this story presented an engaging setup with some excellent atmosphere and intrigue, and impressive attention to detail. It also made you genuinely sympathetic towards the turmoil and struggles of Jossey and several other characters who were confronted with terrible circumstances and did their best to make the right decisions. Jossey is not in your typical majority of sci-fi protagonists, which is a good thing: she’s very human, and in many ways relatable. A real civilian with her baggage (both physical and emotional), facing all that she faced, would struggle as hard and would stumble on as many obstacles.
If I had to offer critique, it would be that at times it felt like the pacing could’ve used some tightening up and there was some repetition in speech patterns and event sequences that irked a bit. Also, I found myself wishing we could’ve done more exploring of the titular City to enjoy more of that intriguing setting before we were kept isolated to the key areas for the duration of the story. Regardless, by the time the final consequences of the book unfold, it’s impossible not to feel for all that Jossey has gone through and admire her resolve. And it’s equally impossible not to want to know what becomes of them all, as the story continues in the sequel. Though “to be continued” endings usually bother me, here I was drawn in as each character seemed to have chosen their sides and values… to perhaps deadly, or heroic consequences.
The stage is set for the sequel, and the author has a pretty solidly baited hook—damned if I won’t bite… equally to see the fate of the City in this future painted for us, as much as the fate of the will-they-won’t-they trio we’ve got here (I know who I’m rooting for… my guy better win!).
[Disclaimer: This is a (basically) spoiler-free review, though a few establishing details are mentioned]
"Aestus: The City" follows the journey of Jossey Sokol, a solar power engineer in service of an underground city in a post-apocalyptic future. Jossey emerges as an unexpected hero when her solar crew is attacked by one of the mysterious and violent above-ground creatures known as the Onlar, and she finds herself and charming fellow engineer Caspar recruited into the city’s militarized Patrol by her government intelligence uncle. Against the wishes of her late brother’s protective best friend, the now-revered and notorious Patrol commander Gavin, Jossey embarks first on a quest for revenge against the Onlar (who took her brother and left her permanently scarred when they were children), then on one for justice to prevail when she comes to know a terrible secret about her city and the heat-scorched world above-ground. In the process, she and those closest to her must choose where they stand, and what (and whom) they would be willing to sacrifice in order to do what they believe is right.
Full disclosure: I came into this book mostly blind (having not read reviews or more than a basic premise), and my previous experiences and preferences with sci-fi/speculative fiction have geared towards fairly fast-paced plots that hit quick beats and character growth as the action is rolling (e.g: "Sphere" by Michael Crichton, “The Collapsing Empire” by John Scalzi). Because of this, I was absolutely hooked with the 100-or-so-page opener, which was much more to my usual taste (it was genuinely the most tense I’ve been while reading an opening sequence in a long while!). After that, there was a shift in tone, atmosphere, and pace that kind of caught me off-guard and forced me to reorient a bit as I was reading.
As it turned out, though action and tension still played roles throughout the story as it unfolded, the emphasis shifted more towards a slower burn, and especially towards the inner dilemmas of the characters, the developing romantic dynamics and conflicts between several of the main characters, and the human cost of the apocalyptic/dystopian future the story is built around. If you don’t like a fair emphasis on romantic elements in your sci-fi/speculative fiction, this may not be the book for you. It definitely countered the initial impression I got reading those first 100 pages, so that gave me pause. But once I readjusted, there was a lot to enjoy here. Not the least of which is the aforementioned exploration of humanity. And the two apparently very hot, very soulful men pining after our fair-though-damaged Jossey.
Overall, this story presented an engaging setup with some excellent atmosphere and intrigue, and impressive attention to detail. It also made you genuinely sympathetic towards the turmoil and struggles of Jossey and several other characters who were confronted with terrible circumstances and did their best to make the right decisions. Jossey is not in your typical majority of sci-fi protagonists, which is a good thing: she’s very human, and in many ways relatable. A real civilian with her baggage (both physical and emotional), facing all that she faced, would struggle as hard and would stumble on as many obstacles.
If I had to offer critique, it would be that at times it felt like the pacing could’ve used some tightening up and there was some repetition in speech patterns and event sequences that irked a bit. Also, I found myself wishing we could’ve done more exploring of the titular City to enjoy more of that intriguing setting before we were kept isolated to the key areas for the duration of the story. Regardless, by the time the final consequences of the book unfold, it’s impossible not to feel for all that Jossey has gone through and admire her resolve. And it’s equally impossible not to want to know what becomes of them all, as the story continues in the sequel. Though “to be continued” endings usually bother me, here I was drawn in as each character seemed to have chosen their sides and values… to perhaps deadly, or heroic consequences.
The stage is set for the sequel, and the author has a pretty solidly baited hook—damned if I won’t bite… equally to see the fate of the City in this future painted for us, as much as the fate of the will-they-won’t-they trio we’ve got here (I know who I’m rooting for… my guy better win!).
April 2, 2021
This book was recommended to me by a fellow author. The dystopian world was described in detail, and combined with intrigue, conflict and some great characters. You have to read the second book to find out what happens. I enjoyed it.
June 22, 2021
The story takes place several centuries in the future after climate change has taken its toll, making the Earth too hot and desolate to live on the ground.
Characters
I really liked the characters in this book and found them lovable and well-defined. They all felt real, and some of them held dangerous secrets, which made them even more interesting. The protagonist is Jossey, the solar engineer who gets thrown into the heart of action by an unexpected attack on her city. S.Z. Attwell did a great job making Jossey feel real and human. She's brave and resourceful, which doesn't mean she's never afraid or doesn't doubt herself. Even though she's highly capable, there are a lot of situations when she's out of her depth and needs help. The fact that she struggled a lot made her courage and persistence even more admirable.
World-building
The world-building is extensive and compelling. There is a lot about the world that the reader doesn't know initially and discovers with the characters as the story progresses. The scenes are set really skillfully, adding to the overall tension and creating the right mood.
Plot
The plot is exciting, brimming with tension and full of thrilling action. It's an epic adventure that takes the characters on a journey full of dangers, unexpected discoveries and plot twists.
Impressions
I loved Aestus! I couldn't put it down, as it was one of the most engaging and compelling books I've read. I was pulled right into the story from the very first moments. The author did a great job keeping the tension high and the action coming. Spiced up with some romance and unexpected reveals, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. All of that combined with great writing, masterful pacing, fascinating world-building and interesting, lovable characters made for an incredibly enjoyable read.
It's definitely an exciting action-adventure in a magnificently executed dystopian setting, but it also explores some difficult subjects, such as colonialism, slavery and the deception of politics. The characters have to make some tough choices as they discover the truth. None of these subjects are new, but they are presented in a fresh way that doesn't feel forced or heavy-handed.
If I have to find something to criticize about the book, it is the fact that it ended unexpectedly on a major cliffhanger. It didn't feel complete, more like the story was sliced in half. I didn't mind it because I knew I would read the next book in the series anyway, and I bought it immediately after finishing this one. However, I can imagine that it can be disappointing for someone looking for a resolution.
I am most impressed with Aestus, especially taking into account it's S.Z. Attwell's fiction debut, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for her other books.
You might enjoy Aestus Book 1 if you like epic adventures, high tension and dystopian settings.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi by women and non-binary authors . You can find more reviews, interviews, lists, short stories and more there.
Characters
I really liked the characters in this book and found them lovable and well-defined. They all felt real, and some of them held dangerous secrets, which made them even more interesting. The protagonist is Jossey, the solar engineer who gets thrown into the heart of action by an unexpected attack on her city. S.Z. Attwell did a great job making Jossey feel real and human. She's brave and resourceful, which doesn't mean she's never afraid or doesn't doubt herself. Even though she's highly capable, there are a lot of situations when she's out of her depth and needs help. The fact that she struggled a lot made her courage and persistence even more admirable.
World-building
The world-building is extensive and compelling. There is a lot about the world that the reader doesn't know initially and discovers with the characters as the story progresses. The scenes are set really skillfully, adding to the overall tension and creating the right mood.
Plot
The plot is exciting, brimming with tension and full of thrilling action. It's an epic adventure that takes the characters on a journey full of dangers, unexpected discoveries and plot twists.
Impressions
I loved Aestus! I couldn't put it down, as it was one of the most engaging and compelling books I've read. I was pulled right into the story from the very first moments. The author did a great job keeping the tension high and the action coming. Spiced up with some romance and unexpected reveals, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. All of that combined with great writing, masterful pacing, fascinating world-building and interesting, lovable characters made for an incredibly enjoyable read.
It's definitely an exciting action-adventure in a magnificently executed dystopian setting, but it also explores some difficult subjects, such as colonialism, slavery and the deception of politics. The characters have to make some tough choices as they discover the truth. None of these subjects are new, but they are presented in a fresh way that doesn't feel forced or heavy-handed.
If I have to find something to criticize about the book, it is the fact that it ended unexpectedly on a major cliffhanger. It didn't feel complete, more like the story was sliced in half. I didn't mind it because I knew I would read the next book in the series anyway, and I bought it immediately after finishing this one. However, I can imagine that it can be disappointing for someone looking for a resolution.
I am most impressed with Aestus, especially taking into account it's S.Z. Attwell's fiction debut, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for her other books.
You might enjoy Aestus Book 1 if you like epic adventures, high tension and dystopian settings.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi by women and non-binary authors . You can find more reviews, interviews, lists, short stories and more there.
August 20, 2020
In an increasingly apocalyptic world as 2020 it seems foretelling that we should seek respite in a post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction. A whole generation has grown up with Hunger Games, World War Z, The Road, The Maze Runner, and every year there is a never-ending stream of new ones cropping up. Where most of this particular genre carry themes of warning and what could be, Aestus Book 1 reads more like a call to action.
“To those who are brave, and true, and stand for what is right,” is the quote given at the beginning and through her story Attwell drives home the importance of moral integrity in a ruthless world where more often than not it would be easier to look away. A sentiment that echoes particularly true in our current state of political dissonance.
The City is rich with delightfully flawed characters, compelling mystery, and an exhilarative plot that twists in the most unexpected heart stopping ways.
I was given a free copy as an advance reader.
“To those who are brave, and true, and stand for what is right,” is the quote given at the beginning and through her story Attwell drives home the importance of moral integrity in a ruthless world where more often than not it would be easier to look away. A sentiment that echoes particularly true in our current state of political dissonance.
The City is rich with delightfully flawed characters, compelling mystery, and an exhilarative plot that twists in the most unexpected heart stopping ways.
I was given a free copy as an advance reader.
March 4, 2021
Not quite my cup of tea. Shifting loyalties were fine, the book had plenty of twists and I didn't guess all of them. But the twists left me a bit shaken, and I felt like I was rooting for secondary characters in earlier chapters that were 'good', but then 'bad', then maybe. That left me with mixed feelings.
Felt like we were really getting somewhere around 90% but the end felt unresolved. I was pulled in and eager but there was not enough of a resolution. I realize it is a 'Book 1' but felt like there wasn't enough of a climax and resolution. I wanted to buy the next book to see what happens. That's of course a great sales strategy.
Indy Author +1 Keep up the great work
Writing: +1 Good balance of enough setting & enough dialog. People were fleshed out and the scenes were properly set.
Setting +1 I loved the world!
Intro scenes were awesome. Mysteries / background / setting perfectly revealed over time.
Felt like we were really getting somewhere around 90% but the end felt unresolved. I was pulled in and eager but there was not enough of a resolution. I realize it is a 'Book 1' but felt like there wasn't enough of a climax and resolution. I wanted to buy the next book to see what happens. That's of course a great sales strategy.
Indy Author +1 Keep up the great work
Writing: +1 Good balance of enough setting & enough dialog. People were fleshed out and the scenes were properly set.
Setting +1 I loved the world!
Intro scenes were awesome. Mysteries / background / setting perfectly revealed over time.
February 15, 2021
Has its faults (would benefit from a stricter editor), but other than that, a terrific read.
Unexpected twists keep coming and coming (a very well-employed unreliable narrator). We see the story directly from the point of view of several key characters, and the writing is cinematographic—much like watching a movie.
The world is original and detailed, and I'm sure many more books could be written in this setting.
Unexpected twists keep coming and coming (a very well-employed unreliable narrator). We see the story directly from the point of view of several key characters, and the writing is cinematographic—much like watching a movie.
The world is original and detailed, and I'm sure many more books could be written in this setting.
March 9, 2021
I came across this book a few months ago after meeting the author on Twitter. The ideas that brought her to write the book intrigued me, so I picked up an ebook copy of it and its followup novel, which I immediately jumped into after finishing book one. I had recently finished reading Frank Herbert’s epic novel Dune when I saw the review of another reader of Aestus who had compared the world of this book to Dune. I had to investigate.
The book series title “Aestus” does not appear in the text of the story, but upon googling the term I realized how it related to the tale. The Latin word means heat, or fire, a reference to the setting of the story in a post apocalyptic subterranean society which is hiding from the heat of the daytime temperatures of Earth’s out-of-control, post-war climate. The story begins with the main character Jossey, who is an engineer of solar technology. She and her team are descending into the dark tunnels leading to their underground city at the end of a night of working on the surface. The underground city protects them from the heat of day and the frightening creatures that are the nemesis of the city dwellers.
The first chapters introduce the reader to a dark underground world of tunnels and the Onlar – frightening creatures who pursue the main character Jossey and her team of engineers. At first I thought this book would just be a sci-fi horror tale of monsters and fear of the dark, but as the story progressed, I found the author was building a much larger mystery with complex characters and a much deeper plot.
The incremental revealing of new characters, their motives, emotions, and back history is very well done. Understanding of who they are and their intentions is given slowly and steadily to the reader over the course of the book. I especially found the emotional interactions between several of the characters to be very intriguing, realistic, and well written. The ever growing and changing characters present a mystery to solve as Jossey decides who to trust while discovering that some things in her underground city are not always as they first appear.
This first book has a number of well presented plot mysteries for the reader which are paid off throughout the course of the book. I loved how unknown aspects of the city and the overall story are revealed with many surprising revelations. Some I saw coming, but many surprised me. The plot twists don’t feel contrived either. They’re subtly hinted at for the reader. Many “ah-ha” moments are experienced making the growing plot even more interesting as the tale expands.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the adventure and fascinating characters in this story. While there are a few editing related issues that I think could have tightened up and possibly strengthened the tale, the storytelling was still the overriding strength of the book. Replacing some of the “LY” adverb use with more hinted-at sensory and emotion-based imagery might have given an even deeper feeling of “being there” in some spots. (I guess I can’t break from reading as a picky editor! Others might not find these stood out as much as they did to me). Possibly a few more editing passes could make the writing a little stronger, but in the end I overlooked these minor issues since the story and characters drew me further and further into an intriguing tale.
This first book ends with a new understanding of the plight of the characters and their perception of their world, but not all problems are resolved. Many payoffs for mysterious characters, motives, and plot lines are wrapped up at the end of the book, but since this is a multi-book story, the ending presents a major unresolved issue, obviously intended to make the reader press on into book two.
At first I was unsure if this uncompleted plot issue felt unsatisfactory to me, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I liked where it left me as a reader. The first book has a number of huge payoffs, establishing a new playing field for book two. The unresolved plot issues at the end of book one were exciting enough to make me want to immediately jump into the second book right away – which is not something that has always happened for me in other series novels.
I believe this is the author’s first published book, so yes, I think there is room for growth in writing as her personal style and “voice” develops over time, but this story was much more intriguing to me than were other loudly lauded “new amazing authors,” whose books I have read in the past year. S.Z. Attwell’s storytelling brought to life wonderful characters I cared about and made me willing to follow along to see their next exciting adventure.
I highly recommend Aestus: Book 1: The City.
The book series title “Aestus” does not appear in the text of the story, but upon googling the term I realized how it related to the tale. The Latin word means heat, or fire, a reference to the setting of the story in a post apocalyptic subterranean society which is hiding from the heat of the daytime temperatures of Earth’s out-of-control, post-war climate. The story begins with the main character Jossey, who is an engineer of solar technology. She and her team are descending into the dark tunnels leading to their underground city at the end of a night of working on the surface. The underground city protects them from the heat of day and the frightening creatures that are the nemesis of the city dwellers.
The first chapters introduce the reader to a dark underground world of tunnels and the Onlar – frightening creatures who pursue the main character Jossey and her team of engineers. At first I thought this book would just be a sci-fi horror tale of monsters and fear of the dark, but as the story progressed, I found the author was building a much larger mystery with complex characters and a much deeper plot.
The incremental revealing of new characters, their motives, emotions, and back history is very well done. Understanding of who they are and their intentions is given slowly and steadily to the reader over the course of the book. I especially found the emotional interactions between several of the characters to be very intriguing, realistic, and well written. The ever growing and changing characters present a mystery to solve as Jossey decides who to trust while discovering that some things in her underground city are not always as they first appear.
This first book has a number of well presented plot mysteries for the reader which are paid off throughout the course of the book. I loved how unknown aspects of the city and the overall story are revealed with many surprising revelations. Some I saw coming, but many surprised me. The plot twists don’t feel contrived either. They’re subtly hinted at for the reader. Many “ah-ha” moments are experienced making the growing plot even more interesting as the tale expands.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the adventure and fascinating characters in this story. While there are a few editing related issues that I think could have tightened up and possibly strengthened the tale, the storytelling was still the overriding strength of the book. Replacing some of the “LY” adverb use with more hinted-at sensory and emotion-based imagery might have given an even deeper feeling of “being there” in some spots. (I guess I can’t break from reading as a picky editor! Others might not find these stood out as much as they did to me). Possibly a few more editing passes could make the writing a little stronger, but in the end I overlooked these minor issues since the story and characters drew me further and further into an intriguing tale.
This first book ends with a new understanding of the plight of the characters and their perception of their world, but not all problems are resolved. Many payoffs for mysterious characters, motives, and plot lines are wrapped up at the end of the book, but since this is a multi-book story, the ending presents a major unresolved issue, obviously intended to make the reader press on into book two.
At first I was unsure if this uncompleted plot issue felt unsatisfactory to me, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I liked where it left me as a reader. The first book has a number of huge payoffs, establishing a new playing field for book two. The unresolved plot issues at the end of book one were exciting enough to make me want to immediately jump into the second book right away – which is not something that has always happened for me in other series novels.
I believe this is the author’s first published book, so yes, I think there is room for growth in writing as her personal style and “voice” develops over time, but this story was much more intriguing to me than were other loudly lauded “new amazing authors,” whose books I have read in the past year. S.Z. Attwell’s storytelling brought to life wonderful characters I cared about and made me willing to follow along to see their next exciting adventure.
I highly recommend Aestus: Book 1: The City.
January 24, 2021
Yes, you read that headline correctly. I place S.Z. Attwell’s Aestus Book 1: The City, at the level of Frank Herbert’s Dune. I don’t make that comparison lightly, either. It’s just that Aestus is so damn good.
Perhaps I’m turning into a ‘cli-fi’ or climate fiction fan, but I couldn’t put Aestus down. The imaginary world where The City exists is based on our beloved yet troubled planet Earth. Civilization has lived underground for over a millennium since the outside is too hot to sustain human life. Hence, the title “Aestus,” which, in Latin, has a meaning of heat/fire, raging, boiling, agitation, passion, and seething.
Read the book, and you’ll agree – the author chose the perfect name for her book.
Aestus begins by detailing a traumatic childhood experience our protagonist – Jossey – went through when she was ten years old. That event, which resulted in a large scar on her face and the loss of her brother, still shapes her life 15 years later.
Jossey works for The City as a solar engineer, responsible for keeping The City’s solar panels operational to support the agriculture citizens rely on to sustain themselves. The drama begins almost immediately. The transport Jossey and her crew are on runs over something on the way back down from the surface.
As the story develops, readers learn there is more to society than the citizens of The City. There are Onlar, dwellers of the outside world, and the Karapartei, a political uprising group. Throughout the book, Attwell cleverly weaves each group together to reveal a surprising history and turmoil of civilization from millennia ago.
Aestus ebbs and flows between extreme action and terror moments to moments of introspection, training, plot progression, and tension. As a reader, you could not ask for a more perfectly paced book.
Often, indie authors leave gaping plot holes and don’t close out their story in the first book of a trilogy or series, forcing their readers to wait until the subsequent text. Aestus ends on a cliff-hanger, but it manages to close out all of the first book’s plot points. Everything hinted at during the book is revealed by the end. I felt satisfied when I finished reading Aestus.
Yet, Attwell added just enough allusion at the end of the book to stage a continuation of the storyline, making me anxious to read Book 2. Not enough authors, especially indie authors, are capable of that.
This Book Has It All
Action and adventure? Check.
Military/police? Check.
Climate change? Check.
Romance? Check.
Amazing world-building? Check.
Well-developed characters? Check.
Frightening moments? Check.
Death and loss? Check.
Sinister antagonists? Check and check.
Best of all? A strong, realistic female protagonist – something all too often missing from the science fiction genre.
The story is hands-down the most dynamic, intertwined dramas I have read since Frank Herbert’s Dune.
Perhaps I’m turning into a ‘cli-fi’ or climate fiction fan, but I couldn’t put Aestus down. The imaginary world where The City exists is based on our beloved yet troubled planet Earth. Civilization has lived underground for over a millennium since the outside is too hot to sustain human life. Hence, the title “Aestus,” which, in Latin, has a meaning of heat/fire, raging, boiling, agitation, passion, and seething.
Read the book, and you’ll agree – the author chose the perfect name for her book.
Aestus begins by detailing a traumatic childhood experience our protagonist – Jossey – went through when she was ten years old. That event, which resulted in a large scar on her face and the loss of her brother, still shapes her life 15 years later.
Jossey works for The City as a solar engineer, responsible for keeping The City’s solar panels operational to support the agriculture citizens rely on to sustain themselves. The drama begins almost immediately. The transport Jossey and her crew are on runs over something on the way back down from the surface.
As the story develops, readers learn there is more to society than the citizens of The City. There are Onlar, dwellers of the outside world, and the Karapartei, a political uprising group. Throughout the book, Attwell cleverly weaves each group together to reveal a surprising history and turmoil of civilization from millennia ago.
Aestus ebbs and flows between extreme action and terror moments to moments of introspection, training, plot progression, and tension. As a reader, you could not ask for a more perfectly paced book.
Often, indie authors leave gaping plot holes and don’t close out their story in the first book of a trilogy or series, forcing their readers to wait until the subsequent text. Aestus ends on a cliff-hanger, but it manages to close out all of the first book’s plot points. Everything hinted at during the book is revealed by the end. I felt satisfied when I finished reading Aestus.
Yet, Attwell added just enough allusion at the end of the book to stage a continuation of the storyline, making me anxious to read Book 2. Not enough authors, especially indie authors, are capable of that.
This Book Has It All
Action and adventure? Check.
Military/police? Check.
Climate change? Check.
Romance? Check.
Amazing world-building? Check.
Well-developed characters? Check.
Frightening moments? Check.
Death and loss? Check.
Sinister antagonists? Check and check.
Best of all? A strong, realistic female protagonist – something all too often missing from the science fiction genre.
The story is hands-down the most dynamic, intertwined dramas I have read since Frank Herbert’s Dune.
July 19, 2023
I read Aestus Book 1 earlier in the year, but as this book recently won third place in the SPSFC final I felt this was worth celebrating with a review. Congratulations to the author - an amazing achievement.
I recently wrote an essay on why I love this book - more like a love letter to Aestus than an essay, in all honesty - so I'm certainly not unbiased; that post is available on my fediverse blog (CW: it is basically all spoilers so I'm linking rather than reproducing here). This book was a deeply emotional experience for me, and I loved it very much - the linked piece was my attempt to process my personal experience.
But here follow some spoiler-free thoughts for any who have not read it yet (adapted slightly from the review I posted on Amazon). If you're on the fence about checking it out - don't hesitate, just do it, you will not regret reading this. Please do not read the spoilers before reading the book!
Aestus Book 1: The City was incredible. It totally blew me away - I could hardly put it down, struggled to sleep thinking about it, it was just so good. I rarely describe anything as 'awesome' - it's often used in quite a hyperbolic way; but, in this case, I am in awe.
The first thing that struck me is how well written the characters are. This author has a real talent for writing genuine, believable characters. I feel sure many of them must be real people she knows - all the little moments that she captures just bring them to life so vividly. Just get such a sense of familiarity from them. It's a very human story, with people front and centre.
The pacing is spot on - there's never a dull moment, nor a scene that passes too quickly; the action is tight, intense and exciting; the story is incredibly compelling and an absolutely fascinating take on a plausible future for our species. And there is so much subtlety in the writing - a wealth of small details that just bring the scenes to life and provide a sense of depth and place; it's quite masterful stuff. This is an author who really understands her craft.
It absorbed me so much that reading this book took up all my free time while I read it. This one is really special - if you've got any interest in speculative science fiction works, I strongly recommend it. Started on Book 2 immediately after finishing Book 1 - and it did not disappoint at all.
I'm really looking forward to whatever S. Z. Attwell releases next - she deserves to be at the top of everybody's 'most anticipated' list.
I recently wrote an essay on why I love this book - more like a love letter to Aestus than an essay, in all honesty - so I'm certainly not unbiased; that post is available on my fediverse blog (CW: it is basically all spoilers so I'm linking rather than reproducing here). This book was a deeply emotional experience for me, and I loved it very much - the linked piece was my attempt to process my personal experience.
But here follow some spoiler-free thoughts for any who have not read it yet (adapted slightly from the review I posted on Amazon). If you're on the fence about checking it out - don't hesitate, just do it, you will not regret reading this. Please do not read the spoilers before reading the book!
Aestus Book 1: The City was incredible. It totally blew me away - I could hardly put it down, struggled to sleep thinking about it, it was just so good. I rarely describe anything as 'awesome' - it's often used in quite a hyperbolic way; but, in this case, I am in awe.
The first thing that struck me is how well written the characters are. This author has a real talent for writing genuine, believable characters. I feel sure many of them must be real people she knows - all the little moments that she captures just bring them to life so vividly. Just get such a sense of familiarity from them. It's a very human story, with people front and centre.
The pacing is spot on - there's never a dull moment, nor a scene that passes too quickly; the action is tight, intense and exciting; the story is incredibly compelling and an absolutely fascinating take on a plausible future for our species. And there is so much subtlety in the writing - a wealth of small details that just bring the scenes to life and provide a sense of depth and place; it's quite masterful stuff. This is an author who really understands her craft.
It absorbed me so much that reading this book took up all my free time while I read it. This one is really special - if you've got any interest in speculative science fiction works, I strongly recommend it. Started on Book 2 immediately after finishing Book 1 - and it did not disappoint at all.
I'm really looking forward to whatever S. Z. Attwell releases next - she deserves to be at the top of everybody's 'most anticipated' list.
April 30, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3oTLgrB.
When the surface of Earth became uninhabitable the Founders determined a new way to survive. They carved a city deep into the underground and have eked out a life there for the last few centuries. While the surface is still too hot for anyone to be on it during the day without a carefully rationed supply of water at night they must be even more careful. Due to radiation what were once human have evolved into something now known as the Onlar. Little more than beasts that strike with claws and glowing green eyes. Sometimes all that are found of those that go missing are bones. However, there may be more to this story than meets the eye when Engineer Jossey is captured by the Onlar.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I love post apocalyptic books. They easily rank in my top favorites and this one did not disappoint. I love books where the biggest threat is more a scooby doo than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, there are many many real threats in this book. And I won’t for a second give away who the bad guy or girl is. Still I wanted to say that.
Moving on. There seems to be a budding love triangle here. Not the way you may be thinking. Gavin obviously has feelings for Jossey. Jossey sort of has feelings for Gavin, but has never allowed herself to feel anything for him due to personal past they share which you will read about. Then there is Casper who obviously has a thing for Jossey and Jossey likes him, but I don’t know that she feels the same anymore. Hell I wouldn’t after that stunt. Again, not going into it. You’ll see. Second to last chapter of the book.
This book absolutely leaves a lot up in the air and I would read the next book in the series if requested to do so. It was an intriguing and fun book that had a lot of action and a bit of romance. Not the sexy sexy kind, but that is okay. I don’t think the sexy sexy kind would have fit into this book at this point anyways. Possibly in book two. We shall see.
When the surface of Earth became uninhabitable the Founders determined a new way to survive. They carved a city deep into the underground and have eked out a life there for the last few centuries. While the surface is still too hot for anyone to be on it during the day without a carefully rationed supply of water at night they must be even more careful. Due to radiation what were once human have evolved into something now known as the Onlar. Little more than beasts that strike with claws and glowing green eyes. Sometimes all that are found of those that go missing are bones. However, there may be more to this story than meets the eye when Engineer Jossey is captured by the Onlar.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I love post apocalyptic books. They easily rank in my top favorites and this one did not disappoint. I love books where the biggest threat is more a scooby doo than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, there are many many real threats in this book. And I won’t for a second give away who the bad guy or girl is. Still I wanted to say that.
Moving on. There seems to be a budding love triangle here. Not the way you may be thinking. Gavin obviously has feelings for Jossey. Jossey sort of has feelings for Gavin, but has never allowed herself to feel anything for him due to personal past they share which you will read about. Then there is Casper who obviously has a thing for Jossey and Jossey likes him, but I don’t know that she feels the same anymore. Hell I wouldn’t after that stunt. Again, not going into it. You’ll see. Second to last chapter of the book.
This book absolutely leaves a lot up in the air and I would read the next book in the series if requested to do so. It was an intriguing and fun book that had a lot of action and a bit of romance. Not the sexy sexy kind, but that is okay. I don’t think the sexy sexy kind would have fit into this book at this point anyways. Possibly in book two. We shall see.
August 25, 2021
I picked this book after one of my Goodreads mutuals rated it 5 stars but I went into it not knowing anything about it beyond it being science fiction (the title wouldn't have grabbed me if I hadn't read the review first). I was incredibly impressed by the opening (not the fairly redundant preface, but the first chapters after that), which was dripping in suspense. In fact, the atmosphere was so good that I was almost disappointed when it switched to action. I was also intrigued by the cool SF premise, set in a future where humans have moved underground to survive the dangers of climate change. I also enjoyed the setting, which I think is supposed to be around Turkey in the far future. However I was a little disappointed that the book leant into the 1984/Soylent Green tropes of evil governments and societies based on terrible secrets etc, which while still relevant so long as we have corrupt governments, are also fairly tired tropes that I don't much enjoy. This is a personal taste issue though; I can't blame the author for not writing the exact story I want.
It's a very long book with very short chapters, which made making any progress quite a task and it's also impeded by often being quite repetitive. Ultimately this is a well written book that kept my interest, but it definitely felt like it could have done with a stricter edit. Particularly considering that it ends on a cliffhanger, or rather that the story doesn't remotely resolve in this book, leading into future instalments, so that was a bit deflating after reading for SO MANY PAGES. One other issue I had was that the main character Jossey is introduced as a dynamic, intelligent, resourceful and brave woman but pretty much spends the rest of the book being totally helpless, constantly having to be rescued by men or failing to succeed at her missions. This played into that issue of repetition.
But whatever issues I had, I did finish the whole book and I was pretty much hooked so I'll probably be reading the next in the series.
It's a very long book with very short chapters, which made making any progress quite a task and it's also impeded by often being quite repetitive. Ultimately this is a well written book that kept my interest, but it definitely felt like it could have done with a stricter edit. Particularly considering that it ends on a cliffhanger, or rather that the story doesn't remotely resolve in this book, leading into future instalments, so that was a bit deflating after reading for SO MANY PAGES. One other issue I had was that the main character Jossey is introduced as a dynamic, intelligent, resourceful and brave woman but pretty much spends the rest of the book being totally helpless, constantly having to be rescued by men or failing to succeed at her missions. This played into that issue of repetition.
But whatever issues I had, I did finish the whole book and I was pretty much hooked so I'll probably be reading the next in the series.
September 10, 2023
3.9 stars. Mixed feelings, but moving on to book 2
Many twists and turns live within this complex story. What is truth, and what is a lie? I'm still unclear after the big reveal at the end.
This should not be taken as a negative towards the writing. Being a dyslexic reader, I don't always follow as well as other readers. The result is that I personally did not have the best result reading Ms. Attwell's offering. That's not to say that your experience will be the same as mine. There are so many aspects to this story that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, there are some that fell a bit flat for me. While I had no problem that there was an element of romance that was part of the plot, it very quickly it started to feel cliche to me.
Ms. Atwell very skillfully builds a world of desolation filled with awesome vistas beautifully described. As the characters traveled the land, I was very lost on the true scale of the distances traveled. What took days on foot could be covered in minutes via powered vehicles. Was I having issues following correctly, or was it a minor inconsistency that, in the long run, had no real effect on the overall story? I'm not sure. Finally, I love reading about strong female leading characters. I had trouble enjoyed our heroine due to the reoccurring theme that everyone, including she herself, held the mindset that she was constantly in need of being saved from harm or needed a big strong man to rescue her. A personal preference, to be sure, but this trait kept me from fully loving the character. I really hope that in book 2, she finds the strength to come to terms with her childhood trauma.
So, overall, I definitely recommend The City, book 1 of Aestus to y'all. My hope is that your experience exceeds mine. After you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts about my take on it.
Many twists and turns live within this complex story. What is truth, and what is a lie? I'm still unclear after the big reveal at the end.
This should not be taken as a negative towards the writing. Being a dyslexic reader, I don't always follow as well as other readers. The result is that I personally did not have the best result reading Ms. Attwell's offering. That's not to say that your experience will be the same as mine. There are so many aspects to this story that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, there are some that fell a bit flat for me. While I had no problem that there was an element of romance that was part of the plot, it very quickly it started to feel cliche to me.
Ms. Atwell very skillfully builds a world of desolation filled with awesome vistas beautifully described. As the characters traveled the land, I was very lost on the true scale of the distances traveled. What took days on foot could be covered in minutes via powered vehicles. Was I having issues following correctly, or was it a minor inconsistency that, in the long run, had no real effect on the overall story? I'm not sure. Finally, I love reading about strong female leading characters. I had trouble enjoyed our heroine due to the reoccurring theme that everyone, including she herself, held the mindset that she was constantly in need of being saved from harm or needed a big strong man to rescue her. A personal preference, to be sure, but this trait kept me from fully loving the character. I really hope that in book 2, she finds the strength to come to terms with her childhood trauma.
So, overall, I definitely recommend The City, book 1 of Aestus to y'all. My hope is that your experience exceeds mine. After you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts about my take on it.
December 29, 2021
Cli-Fi, or climate fiction, is not new to the world of literature. Jules Verne’s 1889 novel The Purchase of the North Pole is the earliest example I know of. However, cli-fi has seen an uptick in offerings over the past decade. Typically, cli-fi sticks to near future timelines with a distinct dystopian feel. Some novels, however, take us centuries into the future and employ unique engineering or adaptation methods to allow the characters to exist in the first place.
S. Z. Attwell’s Aestus: Book 1: The City is one of those books. Set long after a climate disaster that has left the surface of our planet incredibly difficult to inhabit, the story focuses on a solar engineer turned Patrol named Jossey Sokol and her discovery of the true threats to the society.
Primarily told from Jossey’s point of view, the story successfully weaves political intrigue, mystery, science fact, science fiction, classism, betrayal, action and even romance together in order to bring us into the City and beyond. This is a drama, a cli-fi that sometimes feels as operatic as Dune or Foundation. And while those two novels are set in a place far removed from Earth, Aestus: Book 1: The City is set here, and that makes it all the more possible…and very similar to the world of today.
To pull off so many elements of fiction in one book takes a lot of pages (700 or so), but the writing is smooth, without too much superfluous narration. It is easy to digest, and while it does end on a cliffhanger, Aestus: Book 1: The City does not leave us wondering about much. All in all, S. Z. Attwell’s novel is a fitting entry into the cli-fi library, and I look forward to reading Book 2.
S. Z. Attwell’s Aestus: Book 1: The City is one of those books. Set long after a climate disaster that has left the surface of our planet incredibly difficult to inhabit, the story focuses on a solar engineer turned Patrol named Jossey Sokol and her discovery of the true threats to the society.
Primarily told from Jossey’s point of view, the story successfully weaves political intrigue, mystery, science fact, science fiction, classism, betrayal, action and even romance together in order to bring us into the City and beyond. This is a drama, a cli-fi that sometimes feels as operatic as Dune or Foundation. And while those two novels are set in a place far removed from Earth, Aestus: Book 1: The City is set here, and that makes it all the more possible…and very similar to the world of today.
To pull off so many elements of fiction in one book takes a lot of pages (700 or so), but the writing is smooth, without too much superfluous narration. It is easy to digest, and while it does end on a cliffhanger, Aestus: Book 1: The City does not leave us wondering about much. All in all, S. Z. Attwell’s novel is a fitting entry into the cli-fi library, and I look forward to reading Book 2.
June 14, 2023
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book to review for the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).
This is an interesting, apocalyptic story with heroes, bad guys, monsters, deception, death defying action, and love interests. Our naive hero, Jossey, finds herself in many difficult, and often, life or death situations which she has to face and grow through. With over 706 pages, S.Z. Attwell goes into great detail about her main character and the challenges with which she is confronted. The story is well-written, has several twists and turns, and keeps the action moving at a lively pace.
Unfortunately, there were several things about Aestus that troubled me. The biggest is that the whole idea of a civilization living underground to survive an apocalypse has been done several times before, with Hugh Howey’s series, Wool, at the top of this list. Also, despite the number of pages, many of the characters are one dimensional; one character is mainly and constantly described by the size of his food portions. This is in stark contrast to Attwell’s detailed treatment of several of the major players, specifically Jossey, Caspar, Gavin and Tark.
It is quite possible that I am just the wrong audience for this book as my largest complaint is Jossey’s many naive and entangled love interests. If I were a young girl I might find Jossey to be an interesting “coming of age character” but as an elder, male reader I just found her nativity irritating.
Having told you all of my complaints, let me confess that I did purchase the second book in the series, Aestus: The Colony. Attwell’s writing and storyline did leave me wanting to know how it all came out.
This is an interesting, apocalyptic story with heroes, bad guys, monsters, deception, death defying action, and love interests. Our naive hero, Jossey, finds herself in many difficult, and often, life or death situations which she has to face and grow through. With over 706 pages, S.Z. Attwell goes into great detail about her main character and the challenges with which she is confronted. The story is well-written, has several twists and turns, and keeps the action moving at a lively pace.
Unfortunately, there were several things about Aestus that troubled me. The biggest is that the whole idea of a civilization living underground to survive an apocalypse has been done several times before, with Hugh Howey’s series, Wool, at the top of this list. Also, despite the number of pages, many of the characters are one dimensional; one character is mainly and constantly described by the size of his food portions. This is in stark contrast to Attwell’s detailed treatment of several of the major players, specifically Jossey, Caspar, Gavin and Tark.
It is quite possible that I am just the wrong audience for this book as my largest complaint is Jossey’s many naive and entangled love interests. If I were a young girl I might find Jossey to be an interesting “coming of age character” but as an elder, male reader I just found her nativity irritating.
Having told you all of my complaints, let me confess that I did purchase the second book in the series, Aestus: The Colony. Attwell’s writing and storyline did leave me wanting to know how it all came out.
August 12, 2023
Attwell’s debut novel, Aestus, is one to be proud of as it highlights her imagination and ability to tell a page-turner of a story!
Jossey is a reluctant hero, which makes her more relatable because of the reader’s ability to identify with her being an average woman thrust into unlikely circumstances. She uses her intelligence, courage, and a healthy dose of luck to navigate her way through various risky situations where her life and those around her are in jeopardy.
Just when I thought I knew where Attwell was going with the story, she pulled out a plot twist, leaving me surprised and intrigued. This happened several times and was part of what kept me reading! This continued all the way up until the end, and it was unexpected how invested in the story I had become at that point. Attwell concluded the book at just the right moment, leaving me wanting more and giving me a reason to pick up book two.
While the length may feel daunting to some, the story moves quickly, offering surprises along the way. Most of the time, I eagerly turned pages wanting to know what would happen next. While most scenes moved quickly, others felt unnecessarily lengthy, and I wondered if the same impact could not have been achieved in a more concise manner. Aestus could increase its star rating through another round of editing focusing on the clarity of certain passages, punctuation, and stronger descriptions.
I look forward to reading Aestus: Book 2: The Colony!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
Jossey is a reluctant hero, which makes her more relatable because of the reader’s ability to identify with her being an average woman thrust into unlikely circumstances. She uses her intelligence, courage, and a healthy dose of luck to navigate her way through various risky situations where her life and those around her are in jeopardy.
Just when I thought I knew where Attwell was going with the story, she pulled out a plot twist, leaving me surprised and intrigued. This happened several times and was part of what kept me reading! This continued all the way up until the end, and it was unexpected how invested in the story I had become at that point. Attwell concluded the book at just the right moment, leaving me wanting more and giving me a reason to pick up book two.
While the length may feel daunting to some, the story moves quickly, offering surprises along the way. Most of the time, I eagerly turned pages wanting to know what would happen next. While most scenes moved quickly, others felt unnecessarily lengthy, and I wondered if the same impact could not have been achieved in a more concise manner. Aestus could increase its star rating through another round of editing focusing on the clarity of certain passages, punctuation, and stronger descriptions.
I look forward to reading Aestus: Book 2: The Colony!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
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