In a historical sense, The Cure for Stars is an interesting and intelligent read.

Absolutely fantastic sequel! ... This second book of the trilogy follows Al-Khidr’s journey to complete his promise to the Lyrian people: helping them get rid of the Mutmut disease. It is definitely not an easy task, especially since things have changed since he has left Earth for Lyra. At the same time, we get to experience Earth from the perspective of a Lyrian: Hatathor, who also landed alongside Al-Khidr. And so the hunt is on: the hunt for the cure for the Mutmut disease and Hatathor’s hunt for Al-Khidr.

The hero of Odin’s trilogy is immensely likable in this outing. His entire quest is to help a race that’s not his own. Still, Al-Khidr faces minimal conflict. He has to recover his sphere from a thieving monkey and resist his immediate attraction to Estelle, especially with police officer and fiancee Nefertiti waiting for him on Lyra. In addition, for much of the story, he’s oblivious to Hatathor at his heels. Interestingly, it’s the antagonist who endures the most obstacles. Unlike Al-Khidr, Hatathor isn’t on his home turf; he relies on tech and his sleeve-device (a weapon and language translator) that uses a solar charge that’s much slower on Earth than Lyra. In a clever turn, Hatathor’s alien “reddish skin” stands out in Egypt only because he, at one point, dons a White French soldier’s pilfered uniform. Despite following a series launch set on another planet, this sequel forgoes much of the SF in favor of late-18th-century historical fiction. Odin deftly fuses Al-Khidr’s and Hatathor’s stories with real-world events, like the ongoing French Revolutionary Wars, and historical figures. French Gen. Louis Desaix and Egyptian ruler Murand Bey both make appearances. The narrative and dialogue are occasionally too contemporary; for example, Al-Khidr feels “low-key proud” of Estelle. Nevertheless, descriptions can be memorable. Alexandria’s vibrant streets at night are lit with flame torches and candles while people “with different skin tones, a variety of dialects, and languages” mingle. An exhilarating cliffhanger sets the stage for the series conclusion.

An engaging mix of historical fiction and SF.

The story is exhilarating, the setting is captivating and the addition of Hatathor makes this entry a little darker, violent and fun.

Highly impressive and exceptionally promising… Addictive.               

Odin continues his gripping The Sphere of Destiny Trilogy with this exhilarating second installment. Al-Khidr thought he was inside the Hall of Stars but found himself moving inside a wormhole instead and landed on earth once again. And it’s not the same world he has left behind: times have changed and shifting political alliances have brought an entirely new era. Al-Khidr must find a cure for the Mutmut disease before time runs out. But with Hatathor on his trail, he needs to tread carefully. Odin has constructed a compelling tale of individual struggles, ambition, and regrets against a fantastically credible SF backdrop. The narrative is rounded and complete and Odin’s storytelling entertaining. He offers plenty of exhilarating moments as the plot snowballs toward a shocking, cliffhanger ending. The imaginative juxtaposition of historical setting and futuristic detail keeps the readers intrigued. Expertly blending elements of physics and soap opera, Odin’s SF tale is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.