AN EPIC TALE, A CLASH OF TWO UNIVERSES
Disgraced scientist, Captain Anton Ekels, seizes the opportunity for redemption he recognizes in the Endeavor’s near-collision with an alien stasis pod. Expelled from the mouth of a remote wormhole, the capsule—once taken onboard the deep space research vessel--reveals clues that the captain believes may link its female humanoid occupant to an alternate reality. A student of Earth’s space exploration history, Ekels quickly recognizes a plaque similar to that attached to the twentieth century’s Pioneer space probes--but the universe described is potentially unlike anything ever encountered by the Intragalactic Science Consortium.
SIX-HUNDRED YEARS EARLIER
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORMHOLE
Grand Master G’lea and her assistant, Master T’reau, aim their innovative celestiscope skyward and make a heretical discovery. Suppressed and warped by influential P’nesian Clerics, this startling revelation further secures the dominance of the Grand Conclave, enhances the mystery of the Heavenly Visitors and seals the fate of G’lea and T’reau.
Despite the best efforts of the Grand Conclave the legend of the Grand Master and her assistant lives on in hand-copied, forbidden books, the furtive whisperings of radical academics and the tall tales of drunken sailors on the island of Lolus.
Hundreds of years later, on this oft-denigrated island, unique circumstances unite a sea captain raised on those whispered tall tales with the estranged son of the powerful P’nesian Archcleric. Aboard the Vagus, A’zra and G’regor begin an adventure that not only challenges entrenched religious beliefs, but eventually inspires a much greater scientific leap—towards the Celestial Ocean and beyond.
PIERCING THE CELESTIAL OCEAN
THE SAGA OF THE CERULEAN UNIVERSE BEGINS
Assessment:
Plot: The plot is satisfyingly complex, moving between time periods and perspectives. The book builds to twist in its culmination, which serves as an intriguing launching point for an extended series.
Prose/Style: The writing is sound, clearly depicting scenes while also effectively delivering exposition. Most of the character names have an apostrophe inserted after the initial letter, which can prove an irksome stylistic choice at times.
Originality: The book is exceptionally clever. The plot and conceit are complicated but clearly thought out meticulously. Like good sci-fi should, commentary on our own society is seamlessly woven in. The book stands out as a unique and original science fiction novel.
Character Development: The characters are thoughtfully crafted, and effectively convey the politics of the world they inhabit.
Date Submitted: August 31, 2020
