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Atrophy Records #1
Fourth World Wonderland
A cordon surrounds a part of Siberia that’s been abandoned for decades, guarded by soldiers from an ostensibly neutral, international coalition. Most people don’t know that the Quarantine exists, and why would they? Some forgotten corner of Russia isn’t likely to affect their lives.
Elizabeth Belle has been affected by the Quarantine. She doesn’t care what’s inside; it doesn’t matter to her what the governments of the world are trying so hard to hide. For more than twenty years, she’s watched her father’s pursuit of the Quarantine, and seen it swallow the lives of other scientists obsessed with its secrets. She’s never cared about secrets or science, but she does care about her father, and he’s gone.
To find him, she’ll have to follow in his footsteps, not knowing who or what is waiting on the other side of that fence. The whole world wants what’s inside the Quarantine, but all she wants is her dad. No more secrets.
Elizabeth Belle has been affected by the Quarantine. She doesn’t care what’s inside; it doesn’t matter to her what the governments of the world are trying so hard to hide. For more than twenty years, she’s watched her father’s pursuit of the Quarantine, and seen it swallow the lives of other scientists obsessed with its secrets. She’s never cared about secrets or science, but she does care about her father, and he’s gone.
To find him, she’ll have to follow in his footsteps, not knowing who or what is waiting on the other side of that fence. The whole world wants what’s inside the Quarantine, but all she wants is her dad. No more secrets.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2020
1 person is currently reading
836 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 24, 2021
Where to begin... back in 2011/2012 I stumbled across a story called 'The Way Home' by somebody I only knew as wish. I fell in love with this story and would read and follow the updates every chance I got as this was back when I didn't have regular access to a computer let alone the Internet. 'The Way Home' became special to me but at some point in late 2013 early 2014, I forgot about it. The computer I used to read the story was no longer mine to access and I couldn't find the story on google... that is until summer 2015 where I found the story once more only this time the latest update was one stating that it was being removed in hopes of being published as a real book. I was conflicted with this because I loved the original story but being able to hold a version in my hands, without the trappings of the borrowed universe the Strugatsky Brothers created, would be amazing.
Cut to 2017, I message the author on twitter to ask for an update and was informed that a publisher had passed but he was still trying.
Cut to April this year and I think what happened to 'The Way Home'? Despite following the author on his socials I hadn't seen him in some time, presumably buried under my other follows, so I check his site and what do I find... 'Fourth World Wonderland'. 'The Way Home' finally brought back to life. I quickly purchased to say the least.
So the book itself. Immediately I saw the changes made which admittedly took some time to adjust to but I really did enjoy this book. Despite the changes the world of 'The Zone' welcomed me and I enjoyed what it had become. I understand the story ties in to Dankers other work but, besides listening to some of the 'Admiral' audiobook, I have not read them yet so do not get those references but I'm excited to learn what they mean.
The story has really left me wanting more and I cannot wait to see the 'Atrophy Records' continue. Although I will admit, it has left me wanting to read 'The Way Home' one last time.
Cut to 2017, I message the author on twitter to ask for an update and was informed that a publisher had passed but he was still trying.
Cut to April this year and I think what happened to 'The Way Home'? Despite following the author on his socials I hadn't seen him in some time, presumably buried under my other follows, so I check his site and what do I find... 'Fourth World Wonderland'. 'The Way Home' finally brought back to life. I quickly purchased to say the least.
So the book itself. Immediately I saw the changes made which admittedly took some time to adjust to but I really did enjoy this book. Despite the changes the world of 'The Zone' welcomed me and I enjoyed what it had become. I understand the story ties in to Dankers other work but, besides listening to some of the 'Admiral' audiobook, I have not read them yet so do not get those references but I'm excited to learn what they mean.
The story has really left me wanting more and I cannot wait to see the 'Atrophy Records' continue. Although I will admit, it has left me wanting to read 'The Way Home' one last time.
January 13, 2021
Thanks to Sean for providing the ebook through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is the trippiest story I've read in a while-it had an Annihilation vibe. The first 50% of the novel was vague and mysterious and frustrating, and I almost gave up. I'm still not sure exactly what Harbinger is and what people want to do with it. And why did so many people know Elizabeth? It's hard to rate, but I'll give it 3 stars since the Epilogue makes me wonder what Elizabeth's fate is and I just may read the next book in the series.
This is the trippiest story I've read in a while-it had an Annihilation vibe. The first 50% of the novel was vague and mysterious and frustrating, and I almost gave up. I'm still not sure exactly what Harbinger is and what people want to do with it. And why did so many people know Elizabeth? It's hard to rate, but I'll give it 3 stars since the Epilogue makes me wonder what Elizabeth's fate is and I just may read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews