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Transit #2
Sunshine and Shadow: Exodus, or The Second Transit
Where do you go when the storms come and your paradise rebels?
On a cold and rainy September afternoon, Father Elijah Jonas convinced his followers to abandon the purgatory that was Earth and travel on faith to a new world. Now, forty years after the most important event in human history no one left on Earth witnessed, the descendants of those who followed Elijah have built a remarkable life. From farms to stables to the mundane of the day, life has been fruitful. But, like many things in life and society, what lies under the surface threatens the future.
As natural disasters and wild dangers claim the human residents on the planet Tishbe, relationships strain, families are torn apart and allegiances are tested. For Miriam Michaels, granddaughter of the eldest elder and man responsible for the societal mores and traditions the community follows, the future is found in the unknown. For young Micah, a scribe-in-training, the present is a confusing array of love and hate with few answers to the myriad of questions which emerge daily. And for Miriam’s cousin, Joel, an engineer determined to follow in the footsteps of his mentors, it is the past which holds answers.
For all of them, the journey from their normal life into the unknown will test the strength and resolve of the community and strain relationships, threatening to destroy the grand vision Father Elijah and his followers had for the future of mankind. In sunshine they were born and in shadow they will pass, but not until they can build the life each of them imagine on a planet far from paradise.
It doesn't get easier.
On a cold and rainy September afternoon, Father Elijah Jonas convinced his followers to abandon the purgatory that was Earth and travel on faith to a new world. Now, forty years after the most important event in human history no one left on Earth witnessed, the descendants of those who followed Elijah have built a remarkable life. From farms to stables to the mundane of the day, life has been fruitful. But, like many things in life and society, what lies under the surface threatens the future.
As natural disasters and wild dangers claim the human residents on the planet Tishbe, relationships strain, families are torn apart and allegiances are tested. For Miriam Michaels, granddaughter of the eldest elder and man responsible for the societal mores and traditions the community follows, the future is found in the unknown. For young Micah, a scribe-in-training, the present is a confusing array of love and hate with few answers to the myriad of questions which emerge daily. And for Miriam’s cousin, Joel, an engineer determined to follow in the footsteps of his mentors, it is the past which holds answers.
For all of them, the journey from their normal life into the unknown will test the strength and resolve of the community and strain relationships, threatening to destroy the grand vision Father Elijah and his followers had for the future of mankind. In sunshine they were born and in shadow they will pass, but not until they can build the life each of them imagine on a planet far from paradise.
It doesn't get easier.
521 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2022
5 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin X. Wretlind
28 books296 followersBenjamin X. Wretlind is a speculative fiction author who writes science fiction, dark fantasy, magical realism, and some horror. He has been--at different times, of course–a fry cook, range boy, greens maintenance technician, reservations agent, room service attendant, editor, banquet server, meteorologist, instructor, program manager for Internet applications, curriculum developer, training simulation engineer, leadership facilitator/coach, process improvement consultant, learning manager and organizational psychologist. He currently builds and facilitates leadership courses at Yale.
Benjamin is the creator of the Transit series of novels, which has been called “an engaging, personality-driven tale with detailed SF worldbuilding.” He has also written and published many novels, collections, and the weirdest creative writing book ever. Owing his life’s viewpoint to Bob Ross, he has also painted a few things, thrown a few paintings away, and probably has a painting on an easel right now. Oh, and he loves wood working, too.
It’s all about creating.
Benjamin lives with his wife Jesse in Colorado.
Benjamin is the creator of the Transit series of novels, which has been called “an engaging, personality-driven tale with detailed SF worldbuilding.” He has also written and published many novels, collections, and the weirdest creative writing book ever. Owing his life’s viewpoint to Bob Ross, he has also painted a few things, thrown a few paintings away, and probably has a painting on an easel right now. Oh, and he loves wood working, too.
It’s all about creating.
Benjamin lives with his wife Jesse in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 24, 2022
This second book in the series begins with the death of three children. Warning: it is there, it is done tastefully, but it is there.
Throughout the book flows snippets of politics, epic romance and love, and an example of democracy without any basis for it. More of what occurs is a social experiment. This is background to what has happened in the last 40 years since the First Transit landed on Tishbe after leaving earth.
The colony inhabitants are humans and human-like people from Tishbe who co-exist and thrive, until something unexpected happens that uproots their city and causes them to flee.
For this reviewer, a sign of how skillful and intricately this story has been spun is that this is normal to the reader, it doesn't shriek "Sci Fi World Ahead!" or similar. It has love, hate, jealousy, and beauty in spirit. The references to Ovaltine connect the past to the present. There is a lesson in democracy mixed with bible stories and prophecies, along with cults and our perceptions of them. To demonstrate the author's understanding of what he is doing; he tells the reader that the colony on Tishbe is science-based, and only after it goes forward does religion become a part of it.
At page 58, a great underlying mystery is set forth that may or may not be a clue to the ending.
Much later the reader discovers there is something worse than this mystery that has been in the forests and now in their new settlement for the last 40 years; monsters are real here, whether ugly, loud, or terrifying, or cute and furry with tiny lights to entice the unwary.
As a nod to most successful multi-character adventures, here the core group of the scouting party contains a historian, a warrior, a medic, etc. Interestingly, the democracy evolves into something so unlike the premise of it, but it appears to work.
I especially liked the reciting of the art of storytelling within the story itself, and that it was used as a plot devise. The author's imagination is extraordinary, and does not propel the plot as much as become a bi-product of it. Highly recommended.
Throughout the book flows snippets of politics, epic romance and love, and an example of democracy without any basis for it. More of what occurs is a social experiment. This is background to what has happened in the last 40 years since the First Transit landed on Tishbe after leaving earth.
The colony inhabitants are humans and human-like people from Tishbe who co-exist and thrive, until something unexpected happens that uproots their city and causes them to flee.
For this reviewer, a sign of how skillful and intricately this story has been spun is that this is normal to the reader, it doesn't shriek "Sci Fi World Ahead!" or similar. It has love, hate, jealousy, and beauty in spirit. The references to Ovaltine connect the past to the present. There is a lesson in democracy mixed with bible stories and prophecies, along with cults and our perceptions of them. To demonstrate the author's understanding of what he is doing; he tells the reader that the colony on Tishbe is science-based, and only after it goes forward does religion become a part of it.
At page 58, a great underlying mystery is set forth that may or may not be a clue to the ending.
Much later the reader discovers there is something worse than this mystery that has been in the forests and now in their new settlement for the last 40 years; monsters are real here, whether ugly, loud, or terrifying, or cute and furry with tiny lights to entice the unwary.
As a nod to most successful multi-character adventures, here the core group of the scouting party contains a historian, a warrior, a medic, etc. Interestingly, the democracy evolves into something so unlike the premise of it, but it appears to work.
I especially liked the reciting of the art of storytelling within the story itself, and that it was used as a plot devise. The author's imagination is extraordinary, and does not propel the plot as much as become a bi-product of it. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2022
In the second installment of the Transit series, we are introduced to a future generation on the new planet and witness the evolution or rather devolution of a society whose ancestors had achieved the mission of departure but perhaps lost motivation for much else upon arrival aside from shear collective survival. After witnessing the deathly dangers in their new world Wretlind weaves a speculative, imaginative, yet realistic (and beautifully detailed) view on how those with superior knowledge answer the questions of how to raise, govern, survive, thrive, and preserve a virgin society. As the bold descendants explore this new world, we see the colorful imagination and wonderfully descriptive talents of Wretlind explode to vivid surreal life. (One of the most cherished attributes this author has is his ability to accurately guide our imaginations through his spectacular worlds). With every step there is a hint of mystery, Wretlind knows how to lay the foundation and paint a masterpiece! We feel this societies pain, witness its terror, celebrate the joys and weep with its losses. We become travelers amongst a group of scouts as they traverse the real unknown with a mission to save their civilization. They struggle as they question their elders and discover more about what (or who) led their ancestors here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this advance reader copy of Sunshine and Shadow. I easily identified with the characters and relished in the adventures they embarked. I was able to clearly visualize this new world and took pleasure in their conversations and ceremony. I especially appreciated the otherworldly creatures and their ritual characteristics and of course the fantastical scenery of this planet. I understood and easily empathized with the characters struggles as well as felt joyous pride in their triumphs! I highly anticipate the 3rd book in this series as I have bonded with the Out of Due Season characters and now their descendants and I find I am eager to further explore with them and witness the future generations grow in this colorful yet dangerous and mysterious world further.
March 29, 2023
It all started when Elijah jumped off a cliff to his death, but the gods felt his work wasn’t done. They gave him abilities that led him to take his followers from Earth to paradise….
The ‘happy life’ on Tishbe began to deteriorate when Candice, an eleven year old girl, disobeyed her parents warning…Don’t go in the holes.
The three main characters are Miriam Michaels, Micah and Joel. They had never know Earth, having grown up on Tishbe. As the danger around them rises, so do questions. Why had no one investigated the forests, the mountains, the rest of the planet. Secrets were kept, and we all know that sooner or later, those that kept them would be called out.
The creatures and the planet are vividly described, as a small group venture forth, looking for a new place to live. Not only will they learn about Tishbe, but they will learn about each other. Some will not survive.
The Transit series by Benjamin X Wretlind is a nine book series. Each book I’ve read has been over five hundred pages long. I happily spent hours with the characters, ‘watching’ the story unravel, dodging creatures that want to eat me…I mean them…avoiding dangers as they discover a new place to live, wondering why it was deserted and where the aliens went. The more I read, the more curious I become.
Paradise? Utopia? Sure!
On to All We Leave Behind: Transit Three by Benjamin X Wretlind.
The ‘happy life’ on Tishbe began to deteriorate when Candice, an eleven year old girl, disobeyed her parents warning…Don’t go in the holes.
The three main characters are Miriam Michaels, Micah and Joel. They had never know Earth, having grown up on Tishbe. As the danger around them rises, so do questions. Why had no one investigated the forests, the mountains, the rest of the planet. Secrets were kept, and we all know that sooner or later, those that kept them would be called out.
The creatures and the planet are vividly described, as a small group venture forth, looking for a new place to live. Not only will they learn about Tishbe, but they will learn about each other. Some will not survive.
The Transit series by Benjamin X Wretlind is a nine book series. Each book I’ve read has been over five hundred pages long. I happily spent hours with the characters, ‘watching’ the story unravel, dodging creatures that want to eat me…I mean them…avoiding dangers as they discover a new place to live, wondering why it was deserted and where the aliens went. The more I read, the more curious I become.
Paradise? Utopia? Sure!
On to All We Leave Behind: Transit Three by Benjamin X Wretlind.
September 13, 2022
A very good second installment in the series with lots of action. This is quite engaging and the author has a good imagination. Good stuff.
I really appreciate the free review copy for review!!
I really appreciate the free review copy for review!!
August 21, 2022
This is the second book in a series. I did read the first book, but I don't think I would have had a problem reading this book if I hadn't read the first one. It looks like the books need to be read in order after this one. "Sunshine and Shadow" is a fascinating read set in a fantastical world. There are likeable characters and unlikeable ones. There is so much the author writes about in these series, that it's hard to choose what to focus on. The varies themes do not detract from the series, but add to it. Religion and language are some of the subjects explored in "Sunshine and Shadow". Many of the subjects the author explores are thought provoking. Wretlind seems to be very knowledgeable. If he's not, he's good at making things up. That's what makes a good science fiction author. I recommend this book to people who are interested in Alien Worlds.
December 24, 2024
As soon as I finished reading 'OODS: The First Transit,' I desperately needed to read The Second Transit. And then there it was: I got my hands an advance reader copy! It did not disappoint. While it did not take me where I expected to go, it left me exactly we where I expected to be: in desperate need of reading The Third Transit.
Don't miss out on this series. It's a grand ride through unexplored territory; figurately and literally!
Don't miss out on this series. It's a grand ride through unexplored territory; figurately and literally!
July 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in Wretlind's engaging Transit series. His work boasts readability, good pacing, lots of unexpected plot twists, a fascinating, ever-changing setting with inventive flora and fauna and most of all, an author with the expansive capability to create and maintain a multi-part story. Join Aaron, Micah, Candice and a host of other well-drawn characters as they are forced on an exciting and dangerous journey of discovery. Highly recommended.
August 9, 2022
I won this in a giveaway and read it without reading the book one - I highly recommend reading book one first! However, this is a great read. It has elements of Science Fiction, politics, dystopia, etc that will resonate with readers of almost any genre. It took a bit for me to figure out the characters and the layout of the land, but once you get involved in the story you are hooked!
February 6, 2023
Thank you Benjamin X Retlind for giving me opportunity to read Sunshine and Shadow The Second Transit. Not read the first book in series but did not stop me enjoying reading the story. Feel for all the characters and the challenges they faced. Really recommend reading, I will look out for the first book Out of Due Season The First Transit, and will follow the characters as they move on in All We Leave Behind Transit of Three.
August 17, 2022
Such a good book! I didn’t want it to end and it was a page turner.
March 18, 2023
A great read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews