novella

‘The Re-Emergence: An Augment Saga Novella’ by Alan K. Dell – Review

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Well-written imaginative and original space sci-fi

Alan K. Dell presents a well-written imaginative and original space sci-fi novella that follows a ship navigated by an intelligent bird-like race known as the Phori.

After this ship, known as the ‘Qesh’Kal’ intercepts a probe from an old satellite network the crew come to realise one particular satellite is self-aware and has even evolved. ‘Satellite 17’ becomes a personality on the ship and even begins to bother the crew by occasionally interfering while also exploring the concept of ‘Synthetic Evolution’. Ultimately, ‘Sev’ becomes a vital part of the ship and even helps during a potential siege from ‘Ancient Wanderers’.

With some wonderful description and plenty of new terminology for the genre (the glossary makes a fun addition) any fan of space sci-fi or action will enjoy this one and it certainly immersed me. I’d definitely be interested in reading the further books set in this universe.

‘A nervous anticipation hung in the hallway, the only sounds being the occasional cough or shuffle of clothing. An oppressive darkness replaced the corridor’s usual warmth…’

5 Stars

‘The View From Here’ by Leon Stevens – Review

Lee Hall 1 Comment

An exploration themed sci-fi novella not of this world…

Leon Stevens combines a unique mix of adventure, exploration and sci-fi in this intriguing novella that see’s a pair of hikers find their way into another world. At the heart of the story is a problem-solving theme that runs alongside adventure.

From figuring out how high a cliff is to deciphering alien language and maps, this world they explore becomes more intriguing as the story unfolds. The premise is original and full of mystery throughout where most chapters finish with a moment where readers will want to keep reading. A seemingly deserted place creates intrigue and even a sense of eerie atmosphere that kept me interested throughout. I would have liked to have seen a little more from both characters in terms of character depth but their chemistry together works well to tell their tale of exploration and fun.

4 Stars

Weekly Ramble #85

Lee Hall Leave a comment

Nothing beats the thrill of a story unfolding as you write it. As much as planning can be fulfilling, there’s a certain organic creativity that comes with seeing a tale come to life in front of your own imagination.

Even with this current novella I’ve got back into, after starting it late last year I don’t actually know where it’s going in some respect which to me is thrilling. It also shows that sometimes we’re not consciously in control because the ideas that follow suite appear from the deep imagination. They are normally led by character and setting, something that’s always established early in my works so maybe there is some truth to stories writing themselves.

My reasons for delving back into this one may become apparent eventually but recently I’ve learned as a writer and a blogger to go where the demand is. If there is a need and want for something then sit your ass on that pony of opportunity as it walks by. Plus it’s also good to get into an already established project.

This is supposed to be ‘off season’ but things have changed this year and so I’ve loaded up and got out there again into the voyage of book writing. Currently I’m gonna need five life times until I might actually be done with everything and that’s purpose above all, without it we’re nothing. Truthfully, this has been a year of social media stuff for me and I’m actually happier without that right now and just writing is where I want to be – it’s what I do all this for anyway. In terms of that novella, watch this space.

This year I pledged to review one book more than 2019’s grand total of 40, without realising because my head is either in a book or a writing project I am about to achieve that goal of 41 indie books reviewed! This has been a foundation and pillar to near enough all of my success. Maybe we’ll get to near 50 by the year’s end, either way achieving that before the end of November is huge!

Memories of Mars: a Novella (Custodian Library Archives Book 1) by Colin Yeoman – Review

Lee Hall 1 Comment

A thought provokingly original novella that will leave you wanting more…

 

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There aren’t many stories that successfully combine real science with imaginative fiction which is not only clever but also thought provokingly original, Memories of Mars is both of those and so much more.

From what is a relatively slow but curious start moves towards an imaginative theory about the origins of man and the history of the red planet known as Mars. That is after main character ‘Josiah Lamples’ discovers evidence of life on the barren surface and is soon ‘let go’ by his employers. This is where the story becomes engaging and interesting with just a hint of deception, we see ‘Josiah’ come face to face with the rabbit hole of theory and that life long question of what happened to Mars?

Colin Yeoman has cleverly fused real elements of biological transmission experimentation with the human memory which possibly fills in the gaps of our history in the universe and more specifically Mars which is wholeheartedly original.

Readers of both science fiction and literary fiction will enjoy this brand of ‘Fringe Fiction’ that gives answers and leaves you wanting more..

4 Stars – A very interesting and original read. Novellas like this don’t get enough credit. Reviews left via Goodreads and Amazon UK

 

 

‘The Skeleton in Gelatin’ by Johan Michaels – Mini Review

Lee Hall Leave a comment

A short and twisting tale of the unexpected that stirs the mind… 

 

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‘The Skeleton in Gelatin’ manages to entertain and stir the imagination of readers even if it is quite a short story. For what begins in one place slowly and gradually twists into something completely different and unexpected. This could easily be the premise of a Black Mirror episode with it’s sci-fi edge that uses intrigue as the vessel to carry the story.

For anyone looking to be briefly immersed and distracted from the real world then I highly recommend this book!

5 Stars – A different one for the Hall of information, but different is good even if I was unsure about what to say in a review for such a short book.