Weber’s brisk, engaging SF debut, the inaugural novel in the Vinyi Chronicles, plunges readers into a vividly imagined future where humanity has extended its reach to Mars. During the third wave of colonization, linguist Michelle Arensen moves to the red planet for a “romantic reunion” with her husband, Dave, plus her mouthy teen brother, Phil. But Michelle’s life is upended when she encounters (and seems to be kidnapped by) a sentient and menacing alien species with advanced technology, propelling her into a harrowing struggle for survival within the enigmatic Vinyi empire.Weber crafts a gripping narrative, rich in descriptions of Mars’ alien terrain and the minutiae of daily life but also powered by Michelle’s amusing, slightly over-it voice (“The lithe purple bastards were stronger than they looked”), effectively setting the stage for this otherworldly adventure. Found further humanizes the interplanetary saga through Michelle’s personal relationships, exploring themes of loss, and the new bonds of solidarity she forms in the alien world. This is as much a journey of shifts in Michelle’s surprising experience as the first human to have alien contact as it is about grappling with the loss of her family and the life she once knew. The novel stands out for its deft incorporation of Vinyi terminology and socio-political structures, which add depth to the narrative and help readers empathize with the characters.
As Michelle navigates life-threatening challenges that keep the tension high, the intricacies of Vinyi society come to the fore, especially during the Council proceedings, where Michelle seeks asylum—a sequence that highlights underlying themes of immigration and animal testing, all reframed within a planetary context. This thematic depth, combined with the fast-paced action, makes Found a refreshing and thought-provoking read. This promising series starter blends compelling SF adventure, social commentary, and strong characterization.
Takeaway: Fleet, smart, character-rich SF debut, exploring an alien society.
Comparable Titles: Ada Palmer’s Tera Ignota series; Ann Leckie.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
"The fast-paced plotline, conveyed in a direct, nonjargony prose (some may recall genre master Alan Dean Foster), has much in common with the “Robinsonade” type of SF, in which a resourceful human fights to navigate and survive a perilous alien environment. That this one is a dicey ship-board society and culture rather than a hostile planetary body makes author Weber's material more nuanced, and much weight is accorded to the emotional states of the players (human and nonhuman)... Aye, Captain, there is intelligent life in this involving SF adventure."
“Found is a thoroughly moving, engaging, original, highly intelligent piece of fiction, with themes that run as deep as the questions it raises, the laughter it inspires, the empathy it stirs. Found takes a sci-fi premise and elevates it into a clever meditation on humanity, often from an extraterrestrial perspective. A brilliant debut.”
