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Ceres
Neith, a Sicarii Knight, is one of a specially evolved race bound to the will of The Hierarch - an omnipotent wise man who dictates the workings of the universe. His newest assignment is to assassinate a Scavenger, who The Hierarch has determined will bring about the destruction of the planet Taylor. This Scavenger, a downtrodden orphan boy stuck in the service of a cruel trade magnate, has no knowledge of his providence, but will, if unfettered, spiral into a state from which he can never recover, sealing the fate of millions.
The second published novel from author Tony Del Degan is his first foray into the wide world of science-fiction; it is endearing, disturbing, and entirely unique, providing a possible glimpse into the future of our human race: a violent, disturbing vestige.
Praise for Tony Del Degan:
"Wow... this book is worth the read... the author has breathed some serious light, shadow and colour into these characters. Loads of themes are tightly interwoven throughout the story..." - Goodreads review for The Plight of Steel
"Setting up high standards for young adult authors to come. Good things coming for you in the future, Tony Del Degan, keep at it." - Goodreads review for The Plight of Steel
The second published novel from author Tony Del Degan is his first foray into the wide world of science-fiction; it is endearing, disturbing, and entirely unique, providing a possible glimpse into the future of our human race: a violent, disturbing vestige.
Praise for Tony Del Degan:
"Wow... this book is worth the read... the author has breathed some serious light, shadow and colour into these characters. Loads of themes are tightly interwoven throughout the story..." - Goodreads review for The Plight of Steel
"Setting up high standards for young adult authors to come. Good things coming for you in the future, Tony Del Degan, keep at it." - Goodreads review for The Plight of Steel
217 pages, Paperback
4 people want to read
About the author
Tony Del Degan
12 books10 followersMade-up worlds are far better than our real one.
You might find yourself reading one of my stories and thinking to yourself: "wow. What kind of illegal substance was he taking?"
That's really my goal. I try to write outside the boundaries of what I probably should be writing. Many would describe me as a bit of an eccentric person.
Yes.
I typically write complex sci-fi/fantasy horror with elements of human psychology. Ever since I watched Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
I try to involve an orange cat in any and all scenarios.
tony.deldegan.ca
You might find yourself reading one of my stories and thinking to yourself: "wow. What kind of illegal substance was he taking?"
That's really my goal. I try to write outside the boundaries of what I probably should be writing. Many would describe me as a bit of an eccentric person.
Yes.
I typically write complex sci-fi/fantasy horror with elements of human psychology. Ever since I watched Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
I try to involve an orange cat in any and all scenarios.
tony.deldegan.ca
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 11, 2022
I've read Tony Del Degan's other books, and this one was by far the best yet. I love sci-fi, and this is a great example of unique sci-fi that leaves you thinking when you're done.
The two storylines mesh really well and come together perfectly at the end, but each of them can stand alone. It's like reading two different books, in a way. One is more comedic at times, and the other is darker and more brooding. Not the mention, the universe Del Degan has created is fascinating.
There's no more technology, I understand, except for certain banal things like picture frames and starships - or startrucks, as they're called. Humans are no longer humans because they destroyed the earth and had to move to another planet, and they are basically subject to the will of this omnipotent god-type figure who seems to control the galaxy. That god created these alien assassins, and we read the perspective of one named Neith for the first half of the novel.
The second story is about the kid he's supposed to hunt down and kill, whose trapped in the service of this corporation that mines scrap. Everything, by the way, hinges on this asteroid called Ceres, which this book's version of space Satan is trying to launch at the planet the humans now live on.
All in all, very interesting. Some parts were a little confusing at first, but I think I got it by the end. It's a quick 200-something page read, so not a brick. Great work.
The two storylines mesh really well and come together perfectly at the end, but each of them can stand alone. It's like reading two different books, in a way. One is more comedic at times, and the other is darker and more brooding. Not the mention, the universe Del Degan has created is fascinating.
There's no more technology, I understand, except for certain banal things like picture frames and starships - or startrucks, as they're called. Humans are no longer humans because they destroyed the earth and had to move to another planet, and they are basically subject to the will of this omnipotent god-type figure who seems to control the galaxy. That god created these alien assassins, and we read the perspective of one named Neith for the first half of the novel.
The second story is about the kid he's supposed to hunt down and kill, whose trapped in the service of this corporation that mines scrap. Everything, by the way, hinges on this asteroid called Ceres, which this book's version of space Satan is trying to launch at the planet the humans now live on.
All in all, very interesting. Some parts were a little confusing at first, but I think I got it by the end. It's a quick 200-something page read, so not a brick. Great work.
February 6, 2023
This story is split in two.
The first half is about a specially created being, Neith who is assigned to search for a scavenger in order to assassinate him. You bounce around a lot of cool places. But honestly this is all in service of Neith's arc. Who's inner workings, worldview and perspective I found to be genuinely one of the more interesting non-human perspectives I've read about recently. He's a bit like a robot. But also not at all. And while his gradual undoing due to "malfunctioning over emotion" isn't an original concept it's execution is definitely a fresher take on it.
Also there is a snarky talking bird who tags along with Neith. He's a little shit and it's great. His relationship with Neith will get you in the feels.
The last half of the book features the scavenger Neith is tracking down. An orphan boy working for a cruel master. A bit like the start of a fairy tale I guess. A fairy tale that quickly spirals into some insanity. Which is also fun.
The world building consists of concepts also used frequently. Humans who have ruined themselves and their home. Omnipotent beings. But luckily the execution twists it a little into something different. A small gripe could be some aspects of the world building weren't really as interesting compared to the characters and their journey. But for the most part the balance between world building and story was even. (Mostly)
Check it out for the weirdness, stay for the talking bird.
The first half is about a specially created being, Neith who is assigned to search for a scavenger in order to assassinate him. You bounce around a lot of cool places. But honestly this is all in service of Neith's arc. Who's inner workings, worldview and perspective I found to be genuinely one of the more interesting non-human perspectives I've read about recently. He's a bit like a robot. But also not at all. And while his gradual undoing due to "malfunctioning over emotion" isn't an original concept it's execution is definitely a fresher take on it.
Also there is a snarky talking bird who tags along with Neith. He's a little shit and it's great. His relationship with Neith will get you in the feels.
The last half of the book features the scavenger Neith is tracking down. An orphan boy working for a cruel master. A bit like the start of a fairy tale I guess. A fairy tale that quickly spirals into some insanity. Which is also fun.
The world building consists of concepts also used frequently. Humans who have ruined themselves and their home. Omnipotent beings. But luckily the execution twists it a little into something different. A small gripe could be some aspects of the world building weren't really as interesting compared to the characters and their journey. But for the most part the balance between world building and story was even. (Mostly)
Check it out for the weirdness, stay for the talking bird.
September 22, 2022
If you like sci-fi this is a must read novel. The world building is amazing but the roots of the story and characters have a lasting impact. An evolved society with everything from animalistic malformed addicts to omnipotent beings will lure you in and the differences in the two main characters will give you such an insight into the inner workings of of this universe.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews