Field Movers

by Guy Nesher

An old and fading race of beings has selected four ten-year-old kids, from different continents, to command the Earth’s elements. Uprooted from their homes, each child is supernaturally taken to an island in the Pacific Ocean where they continue their reckless journey, testing the limits of their new abilities. Ultimately, they’re charged with the task of protecting the planet from a being who would dissect it to sell its raw materials for profit. The mysteries of the ancient race complicate the young group’s goals as they fight to overcome a series of natural and unnatural disasters. Can they save everything they love despite their young age?

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2021

Reviews

[Courtney Lillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began Field Movers, I was instantly drawn into the prologue, which detailed the alien creatures who gift humans with the ability to manipulate the elements. All of this is told from the perspective of one of the aliens. Then, I realized this exposition continues on for twenty pages before we are introduced the the protagonist. Essentially, all of the lore built up early on, which would have been exciting to explore on its own, is glossed over in favor of focusing on the present day.

The sci-fi narrative is entertaining in its own way until the end of the book, but what I didn’t care for is how the story is presented. Most everything is told, but nothing is shown. This makes reading the book like reading a journal or a textbook about the story instead of reading the story itself.

I applaud the author for their creativity and can tell they envision the universe in the story. A lot of the fault is simply with how the narrative is presented. However, once we meet Ria and follow the elemental users, the climax is rewarding. Can I suggest a prequel with the Yahgi and Nannuv’s falling out, because that was the most enthralling part for me.