A colony ship left Earth to settle the distant planet Avalon. The last radio signal received a hundred years ago said they had arrived. What happened to the original crew, their descendants, and Earth's attempt to re-establish contact?
Avalon Found by E.M. Hanzel is grounded in old-school science fiction story-telling, the way Clarke or Asimov might have done it. The premise is simple: an Earth colony has gone dark, cut off from its ability to communicate with Earth and forced into a technological dark age by conditions on the planet. A society evolves in ignorance of its origins and a religion founded on a pantheon of gods steps in to fill the void. Fast forward a few generations and we are introduced to Jocab, a village handyman with a passion for amateur astronomy, who one night looks in his telescope and discovers something metallic in orbit above the planet. This discovery sets off a crisis threatening the very fabric of the society the religious leaders have tried to build. Avalon Found is a story that explores the point-of-conflict between faith and science, where dogmatic allegiance can blind people to objective truth, even when it's staring them right in the face.
Avalon Found is a science fiction story of discovery The characters are well drawn and engaging with individual personalities. It is a quest for knowledge that threatens the fabric of what society believes and puts a young man at odds with the authorities. There is action, adventure,d political intrigue and moments of tenderness. The prose are excellent and a pleasure to read.
From start to finish in one sitting, I adored this book! *Avalon Found* weaves an engaging story brimming with intrigue and adventure, set in a realm where celestial marvels intersect with strong religious influences.
The narrative follows Jocab, an everyday tradesman whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn upon witnessing a peculiar object in the sky. Instead of granting him fame or fortune, this discovery entangles him in a perilous confrontation with the Temple Priests, who are determined to silence him.
Hanzel skillfully crafts a setting that feels both timeless and innovative, drawing readers into a society tightly controlled by the Temple. The story delves deeply into the conflict between inquisitiveness and dogma as Jocab embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind these celestial occurrences. This journey evolves beyond mere adventure; it becomes a profound exploration of mind and spirit, challenging everything he has believed.
The emergence of a second enigmatic object amplifies the struggle between the pursuit of knowledge and the oppressive grip of religious authority. One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Jocab's evolution. He transforms from an ordinary tradesman into a fervent truth-seeker, making significant personal sacrifices along the way. The pressures from the Temple weigh heavily on him, influencing his relationships and foundational beliefs. This emotional journey enriches the narrative, enabling readers to empathize with Jocab’s struggles and resilience.
The pacing is expertly balanced, blending thrilling action with reflective moments that encourage deeper thought. Hanzel combines intricate world-building with robust character development, enhancing the overall reading experience. The looming threat from the Temple Priests creates palpable suspense, keeping readers engaged.
Ultimately, *Avalon Found* provokes reflection on the age-old struggle between knowledge and authority, as well as the battle between faith and rationality. It invites readers to ponder the sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth and the courage required to challenge entrenched beliefs. For those who appreciate stories that explore cosmic mysteries while examining the complexities of the human experience, Hanzel’s work offers a thought-provoking journey alongside Jocab as he daringly seeks answers.
Now, I anxiously await the release of the second book!
A young man discovers an object that challenges a world’s beliefs as he makes him the target of the rulers. The story is well written with engaging characters who each have their own personalities. There is action, adventure and tender moments as the main character tries to unravel the mystery of a hidden past.