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Sanaa
When long-range telescopes spot intelligent machine structures on an intercept course with Earth, world governments are thrown into a panic. Drafting hundreds of thousands of humanity’s best and brightest, they assemble an army to combat the impending invasion before it reaches earth. Enlisted on this interplanetary mission is Sanaa, a female mechanic who reluctantly leaves her husband Ade to fight to save their world.
But when the ship is torn apart by the machines on approach, and her escape pod crash-lands on a neighboring planet, Sanaa soon discovers that she’s on her own. Guided by nothing more than the encouraging thoughts of her husband, Sanaa searches for a way off the hostile world to rejoin the fight. With time running out, she comes to a terrible realization – one which could change the course of the entire war.
Armed with the truth about the machines and their alien commanders, Sanaa takes matters into her own hands to try and stop the invasion… if she can stay alive long enough.
But when the ship is torn apart by the machines on approach, and her escape pod crash-lands on a neighboring planet, Sanaa soon discovers that she’s on her own. Guided by nothing more than the encouraging thoughts of her husband, Sanaa searches for a way off the hostile world to rejoin the fight. With time running out, she comes to a terrible realization – one which could change the course of the entire war.
Armed with the truth about the machines and their alien commanders, Sanaa takes matters into her own hands to try and stop the invasion… if she can stay alive long enough.
66 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 15, 2025
Tishaun Dawson’s Sanaa (Mother of Machines) is a bold, electrifying fusion of science fiction, mythmaking, and psychological depth—a story that announces itself not merely as genre fiction but as a vibrant reimagining of futurism through a deeply human lens.
The first time I read it, I was struck by how confidently it blends the intimate with the cosmic. It’s a book about machinery, yes, but also a book about motherhood, identity, power, and the emotional circuitry that binds people to their creations.
Sanaa, the protagonist, feels unlike any other character in contemporary sci-fi. She is brilliant yet wounded, visionary yet haunted by the echoes of her past.
Dawson writes her not as a trope—the gifted scientist, the reluctant hero—but as a woman whose genius and fragility intertwine. She is someone trying to navigate the shifting boundaries between human and machine, self and legacy, independence and responsibility. And in doing so, she becomes one of the most compelling figures in recent speculative fiction.
What elevates this novel is Dawson’s sense of balance. The worldbuilding is richly textured—cities built on technological ambition, cultures adapting to new artificial intelligences, social tensions simmering beneath sleek metallic surfaces—but the narrative never loses sight of emotional stakes. Every mechanical innovation comes with a moral cost. Every advancement reveals a fracture. Dawson refuses to separate technology from the human condition; instead, he emphasises how deeply our inventions reflect our fears and desires.
The writing style is immersive, almost cinematic. Scenes unfold in vivid sensory detail: the hum of machinery beneath Sanaa’s fingertips, the cold gleam of metallic structures, the strange tenderness between creators and their creations.
Dawson has a flair for describing technology in poetic terms, giving machinery an inner life. At times, the book reminded me of early cyberpunk, but stripped of cynicism and replaced with something more soulful.
What lingered with me most strongly was the theme of creation—what it means to bring something into the world. Sanaa’s relationship with the machines she designs is not unlike a mother’s bond with a child: protective, proud, uncertain. Dawson uses this metaphor not merely for plot, but for exploring identity. He raises questions about what makes someone a creator—and whether creation is an act of love, control, or fear.
The emotional tension in the novel feels deeply grounded. Sanaa’s inner conflict—between her extraordinary potential and her fragile humanity—is rendered with tenderness. There are scenes where she questions the consequences of her work, moments where she confronts memories that threaten to destabilise her sense of self. These passages are some of the most moving, because Dawson allows vulnerability to coexist with brilliance.
On a personal level, I found myself thinking about how technology has shaped my own creative life—how the act of making anything, even writing, carries its own echoes of responsibility. Dawson taps into the universal fear that our creations might one day outgrow us—or worse, reflect the parts of ourselves we’d rather not confront.
The secondary characters add layers of texture to the narrative. Allies, rivals, and enigmas orbit Sanaa in complex ways, each representing a different philosophy of innovation. Some believe in unrestrained progress; others carry caution like a shield. Dawson uses their conflicts to create a vibrant dialogue about the ethics of invention.
Yet for all its intellectual richness, the novel is also simply thrilling. The pacing is taut, the conflicts gripping, and the stakes escalate with elegant precision. But what makes Sanaa exceptional is its heart. It is sci-fi with a pulse—alive, vulnerable, searching.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt the rare exhilaration that comes from discovering a story that expands the emotional range of its genre. Dawson has created something both visionary and intimate. Sanaa is not merely the beginning of a series; it’s the announcement of a powerful new voice in speculative fiction.
The first time I read it, I was struck by how confidently it blends the intimate with the cosmic. It’s a book about machinery, yes, but also a book about motherhood, identity, power, and the emotional circuitry that binds people to their creations.
Sanaa, the protagonist, feels unlike any other character in contemporary sci-fi. She is brilliant yet wounded, visionary yet haunted by the echoes of her past.
Dawson writes her not as a trope—the gifted scientist, the reluctant hero—but as a woman whose genius and fragility intertwine. She is someone trying to navigate the shifting boundaries between human and machine, self and legacy, independence and responsibility. And in doing so, she becomes one of the most compelling figures in recent speculative fiction.
What elevates this novel is Dawson’s sense of balance. The worldbuilding is richly textured—cities built on technological ambition, cultures adapting to new artificial intelligences, social tensions simmering beneath sleek metallic surfaces—but the narrative never loses sight of emotional stakes. Every mechanical innovation comes with a moral cost. Every advancement reveals a fracture. Dawson refuses to separate technology from the human condition; instead, he emphasises how deeply our inventions reflect our fears and desires.
The writing style is immersive, almost cinematic. Scenes unfold in vivid sensory detail: the hum of machinery beneath Sanaa’s fingertips, the cold gleam of metallic structures, the strange tenderness between creators and their creations.
Dawson has a flair for describing technology in poetic terms, giving machinery an inner life. At times, the book reminded me of early cyberpunk, but stripped of cynicism and replaced with something more soulful.
What lingered with me most strongly was the theme of creation—what it means to bring something into the world. Sanaa’s relationship with the machines she designs is not unlike a mother’s bond with a child: protective, proud, uncertain. Dawson uses this metaphor not merely for plot, but for exploring identity. He raises questions about what makes someone a creator—and whether creation is an act of love, control, or fear.
The emotional tension in the novel feels deeply grounded. Sanaa’s inner conflict—between her extraordinary potential and her fragile humanity—is rendered with tenderness. There are scenes where she questions the consequences of her work, moments where she confronts memories that threaten to destabilise her sense of self. These passages are some of the most moving, because Dawson allows vulnerability to coexist with brilliance.
On a personal level, I found myself thinking about how technology has shaped my own creative life—how the act of making anything, even writing, carries its own echoes of responsibility. Dawson taps into the universal fear that our creations might one day outgrow us—or worse, reflect the parts of ourselves we’d rather not confront.
The secondary characters add layers of texture to the narrative. Allies, rivals, and enigmas orbit Sanaa in complex ways, each representing a different philosophy of innovation. Some believe in unrestrained progress; others carry caution like a shield. Dawson uses their conflicts to create a vibrant dialogue about the ethics of invention.
Yet for all its intellectual richness, the novel is also simply thrilling. The pacing is taut, the conflicts gripping, and the stakes escalate with elegant precision. But what makes Sanaa exceptional is its heart. It is sci-fi with a pulse—alive, vulnerable, searching.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt the rare exhilaration that comes from discovering a story that expands the emotional range of its genre. Dawson has created something both visionary and intimate. Sanaa is not merely the beginning of a series; it’s the announcement of a powerful new voice in speculative fiction.
December 25, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised and a bit disappointed after reading Sanaa Mother of Machines. The story started out strong and held my attention. This was surprising to me as I am not usually a fan of science fiction. I don't like Star Wars, Star Trek, or anything really based in outer space. I believe it is the author's ability to create well formed characters and tell an intriguing story that pulled me in. Tishaun Dawson is a very talented writer. Sanaa is a mechanic whom is being sent to space. She is leaving behind her husband Ade on earth. It is a bit refreshing for the woman to be the one leaving the husband being to go be the hero. I would like to have had a little more information on Ade though but maybe his story builds more in the next book. We got to see what is really going on in space but some more back story would have been helpful. I enjoyed the little furry creature, Bubu but he was gone in a flash. I'm looking forward to more enjoyable creatures hopefully... Maybe Bubu will be encountered again or some other interesting creatures. More characters to get to know as well.
I was, however; a bit disappointed by the abrupt end to the story. This entire book generally would have been just the beginning of a journey. I was relieved to see the statement, "the mother of machines will return..." But why not continue the story in the first book? I do look forward to reading the next book as I do feel like this could be a really great story. It is fast paced and well written. I thoroughly enjoy a book that starts quickly with some excitement right away. I do hope the next book is longer though! Don't stop a good thing.
I was, however; a bit disappointed by the abrupt end to the story. This entire book generally would have been just the beginning of a journey. I was relieved to see the statement, "the mother of machines will return..." But why not continue the story in the first book? I do look forward to reading the next book as I do feel like this could be a really great story. It is fast paced and well written. I thoroughly enjoy a book that starts quickly with some excitement right away. I do hope the next book is longer though! Don't stop a good thing.
December 19, 2020
Mother of Machines is an exciting science fiction novelette. It is told from the point of view of Sanaa who is a mechanic that repairs drones and rockets. She is preparing for a military mission in space. Alien space craft have been detected in Earth's solar system and the United Nations has decided to send a fleet of rockets to "protect humanity" from this outside threat. Sanaa is sad to be leaving her husband Ade for there is the possibility that she will not return to him. Ade has always inspired her. "Time is the most valuable currency.", he once told her. I really like that line.
Shortly after Sanaa's rocket enters space, they are attacked by enemy fire and everyone on board have to use escape pods because the rocket is so badly damaged that it will soon explode. Sanaa and the rest of the crew escape in their individual pods just before the rocket explodes sending Sanaa's pod into a spin and towards an alien planet. She crash lands on the surface getting a concussion and some hurt ribs.
Her visor on her space suit tells her that the atmosphere has breathable air. This is a relief to her because she has a limited supply of oxygen on hand. Her radio signal is weak. She is in survival mode now and grabs the first aid kit and some nutrition cubes. She sees some mountains in the distance and decides to walk toward them for a better signal to call for help.
This story moves at a very fast pace and Sanaa uncovers secrets that only top level military have access to.
Shortly after Sanaa's rocket enters space, they are attacked by enemy fire and everyone on board have to use escape pods because the rocket is so badly damaged that it will soon explode. Sanaa and the rest of the crew escape in their individual pods just before the rocket explodes sending Sanaa's pod into a spin and towards an alien planet. She crash lands on the surface getting a concussion and some hurt ribs.
Her visor on her space suit tells her that the atmosphere has breathable air. This is a relief to her because she has a limited supply of oxygen on hand. Her radio signal is weak. She is in survival mode now and grabs the first aid kit and some nutrition cubes. She sees some mountains in the distance and decides to walk toward them for a better signal to call for help.
This story moves at a very fast pace and Sanaa uncovers secrets that only top level military have access to.
January 4, 2022
This is not really a novel. It's length isn't really enough to be a novella. Basically it is a really long short story. But considering the scope of the action and the battle in space contained in this short-short book, it could be a very good novel for young adults if only the author expands the story. It has three distinct parts; the journey into space to face an unknown invader, the captivity of the main character, and a third act I cannot reveal because it would involve spoilers. Back-story is already presented in the memories and reflections of the main character, and some important context details are presented the same way. But this story needs a lot more of both things in all three sections of the story. There are also some editing problems that still need to be ironed out. At one point there is confusion in the action caused by using the word, "Yolk" for the word, "Yoke." I really hope the author will still be willing to revise and rewrite this story because I believe it can be a really top-rate YA science-fiction novel.
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December 16, 2020Actual rating 3.5
The story here is definitely intriguing. The idea of aliens readying to attack the earth is attention grabbing and exciting and the truth is even more emotional.
My only problem with the story is a felt it was rushed. If i knew more about the main character, some of her actions would have made more sense. And there's definitely some holes that leave questions. Granted, those could be answered in a later book.
I'm glad I picked this book up and I hope others do the same. It really is a good read even if it could use a little work. Kudos to the author for how great they did make it. I will be reading more from this author.
The story here is definitely intriguing. The idea of aliens readying to attack the earth is attention grabbing and exciting and the truth is even more emotional.
My only problem with the story is a felt it was rushed. If i knew more about the main character, some of her actions would have made more sense. And there's definitely some holes that leave questions. Granted, those could be answered in a later book.
I'm glad I picked this book up and I hope others do the same. It really is a good read even if it could use a little work. Kudos to the author for how great they did make it. I will be reading more from this author.
January 1, 2021
Mother of Machines: Sanaa (Book 1) is a perfectly crafted sci-fi thriller. The story captured my attention instantly and kept me at the edge of my seat until the end. It is a wonderful mixture of technology, science fiction, and thriller. But I must say this is not a typical sci-fi story. Because I thought that this story will be a predictable one with the usual pattern in the beginning. But it completely blew away my preconception at the end.
One of the unique features of this thriller is its strong female protagonist. She transforms throughout the story. Her weak points gradually fade away and she rises to become the "mother of machines" at the end. She finds her courage and voice. That heroism deserves huge praise.
Another strong point of this book is its narration. The author doesn't reveal too much background details on any of the characters. Thus creates lots of room for imagination. This also invites sudden twists and turns which lands us in a whole new another level of story. Also, the fast-paced narration was quite satisfying for me because it helped me to explore the story much faster.
Book 1 of the Mother of Machines series ends in a cliffhanger. I loved the climax and looking forward to reading the next one.
One of the unique features of this thriller is its strong female protagonist. She transforms throughout the story. Her weak points gradually fade away and she rises to become the "mother of machines" at the end. She finds her courage and voice. That heroism deserves huge praise.
Another strong point of this book is its narration. The author doesn't reveal too much background details on any of the characters. Thus creates lots of room for imagination. This also invites sudden twists and turns which lands us in a whole new another level of story. Also, the fast-paced narration was quite satisfying for me because it helped me to explore the story much faster.
Book 1 of the Mother of Machines series ends in a cliffhanger. I loved the climax and looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews