Degranon
20th Anniversary Edition
Degranon by Duane Simolke has so much for fans of science fiction storytelling. A sympathetic villain playing the long game against an entire society. A dedicated and brilliant scientist doing everything she can to save her home from its own worst impulses. And twins, separated at birth, finding the courage and strength to build a future through a multitude of trials.
In the tradition of many first sci-fi classics, Degranon is dense with concepts in the first few chapters: Maintainers (zealous law-keepers), travel through time and space, and a complex socio-political environment. The fast-paced plot continues apace throughout the novel with scientific discoveries and whirlwind relationships, pushing the reader ever-deeper into Simolke’s world.
The story is at its best when it dives into the multifaceted portrayal of family. Whether via the childhood memories of the warrior-spy Geln, or the sacrifice of a father in order to save his sons from intractable single-child laws, these moments of emotional insight are immensely satisfying and drive the book forward.
Degranon follows in the footsteps of the best of dystopian novels, the 20th anniversary edition doesn’t shy away from message while delivering on a fast-moving and satisfying plot. You’ll definitely want to explore more from Simolke’s shorts, poems, and novels.
20th Anniversary Edition
Degranon by Duane Simolke has so much for fans of science fiction storytelling. A sympathetic villain playing the long game against an entire society. A dedicated and brilliant scientist doing everything she can to save her home from its own worst impulses. And twins, separated at birth, finding the courage and strength to build a future through a multitude of trials.
In the tradition of many first sci-fi classics, Degranon is dense with concepts in the first few chapters: Maintainers (zealous law-keepers), travel through time and space, and a complex socio-political environment. The fast-paced plot continues apace throughout the novel with scientific discoveries and whirlwind relationships, pushing the reader ever-deeper into Simolke’s world.
The story is at its best when it dives into the multifaceted portrayal of family. Whether via the childhood memories of the warrior-spy Geln, or the sacrifice of a father in order to save his sons from intractable single-child laws, these moments of emotional insight are immensely satisfying and drive the book forward.
Degranon follows in the footsteps of the best of dystopian novels, the 20th anniversary edition doesn’t shy away from message while delivering on a fast-moving and satisfying plot. You’ll definitely want to explore more from Simolke’s shorts, poems, and novels.
Above the Storms
Habitable Worlds Book I
For anyone who loves epic sci-fi, discovering new authors, seamless world building, and adventure.
Above the Storms had me hooked on the first page. I am notorious for throwing books back onto the shelf if I'm not immediately intrigued by what's happening. Blessing or curse? Probably half and half. This habit has, however, saved me countless hours of sticking to content I was never interested in. With Rob Perrier's debut novel, I never questioned whether I was going to finish the book.
Hives, terraforming, battles, espionage, government cover-ups, and even a touch of romance (just enough not to throw those of us who don't read that genre - it's neither awkward nor overindulged in this novel).
The story is told in first person narrative by the main character, Lucas. He is an affable young guy, who is stationed, with his best friend, Carter, on an exploratory mission throughout the galaxy. When they receive a distress signal from a "hive" (so named because these ships are in orbit around a terraforming planet, and it is puzzled together similarly to a beehive), they have to make the decision to go against direct orders from their government or help the people who will surely die if they don't act. What follows is a fast paced story of intrigue, sabotage, getting whipped around a ship outside in a wormhole, and escape.
Wonderful to read and highly recommend!
Habitable Worlds Book I
For anyone who loves epic sci-fi, discovering new authors, seamless world building, and adventure.
Above the Storms had me hooked on the first page. I am notorious for throwing books back onto the shelf if I'm not immediately intrigued by what's happening. Blessing or curse? Probably half and half. This habit has, however, saved me countless hours of sticking to content I was never interested in. With Rob Perrier's debut novel, I never questioned whether I was going to finish the book.
Hives, terraforming, battles, espionage, government cover-ups, and even a touch of romance (just enough not to throw those of us who don't read that genre - it's neither awkward nor overindulged in this novel).
The story is told in first person narrative by the main character, Lucas. He is an affable young guy, who is stationed, with his best friend, Carter, on an exploratory mission throughout the galaxy. When they receive a distress signal from a "hive" (so named because these ships are in orbit around a terraforming planet, and it is puzzled together similarly to a beehive), they have to make the decision to go against direct orders from their government or help the people who will surely die if they don't act. What follows is a fast paced story of intrigue, sabotage, getting whipped around a ship outside in a wormhole, and escape.
Wonderful to read and highly recommend!
