Incarnation

Travelers #4.5

by Al Hess

The Librarian stays safe from the dangers of the wasteland by acting as gatekeeper to an ancient and mysterious cult known as the Order. She has an entire library of Old World knowledge at her disposal, and the Order’s protection… as long as she doesn’t ask questions and follows the rules: Don’t let anyone in and don’t let anyone out.

When she lets in a wounded outsider, talk circulates. How can the cult and its Founders capitalize on the man’s injuries to advance their twisted beliefs and improve their secret technology? Suffering from mutilation of her own before her life with the Order, the Librarian can’t bear to see similar harm come to someone else. She let him in, and she’s determined to get him out.

Devising a rescue might mean saving the life of an innocent man, but going against the Order will forfeit their protection and incur the wrath of Founders with unimaginable science at their disposal.

About the author

Author of World Running Down, Key Lime Sky, Yours Celestially, and the award-winning Hep Cats of Boise series.

Reviews

[OldBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read every Travelers story so far, but this one felt like I was picking up a new series - and I mean that in a good way. Seeing an old favourite world through new eyes, finding out new things lurking beneath the surface (literally in this case) is SO EXCITING.

Also guessing who the Architect is is SO EXCITING I am overwhelmed by feels! My only nitpick is that the new Davith trusts so easily. Both the Librarian (despite not really knowing her even in his past incarnations) and the Architect, who's technically his prisoner and he's just met. It seemed odd for some guys who hang out with an underground bunker cult of paranoia and clones, but maybe Bloodsister will throw some light on those circumstances. Eek!

I loved the idea of the Librarian as some kind of coerced custodian of knowledge and how she introduced us to new things in the dystopian world (pet trashdogs anyone?) As ever, the gentle apocalypse is open about those who are "different" - be it disability, disfigurement or sexual orientation.

I am really stoked to see where these guys fit in to the world I've come to know and love!

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

..."but one thing I do know for certain is that people should not mess with things they don't understand."

When Seth and "the scouts" drag a man missing an arm into the Library and down the stairs, the Librarian knows that things are about to change, but to what?

I this new addition to the Travelers Series, we meet entirely new characters: The Librarian, who has a disfigured face; The Architect, who works with drones at present; and finally, the Fourth Incarnation of Davith- a clone of the Founder Davith. All are a bit "damaged" and are learning that even in the vast Wasteland that is/was America, sticking together is a darn site easier than working against each other, but it might be better if they all knew what was happening to begin with.

I love all of Alia Hess' work but my heart is with this series, and only grows with this addition. Highly recommended. 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent episode in this brilliant Travelers series by Alia Hess! Always worth a read! Love the ideas, world & characters! A great escape!