Lauder’s page-turner debut immerses readers in a dystopian fantasy that unfolds an intricate futuristic world, Aurora Saura. The Quelling paints a vivid picture of a complex and original world divided among three distinct races, each vying for power in a struggle for supremacy: the Aurora Saurins, who inhabit Fareen and Sojour and worship a deity known as the Hands, and then two non-humanoid species capable of controlling the Aurora Saurins. The cask-grown Tarrohar, who dwell in the Parched Lands, are “all squishy tentacles and shiny translucence—like a pudding that’s sat too long in the heat,” able to exert control through “Mind Pain and mental manipulation,” while a more recent arrival, the disembodied Rhemans, disrupted the fragile equilibrium and introduced the Body Trust system, under which the Rhemans pay Aurora Saurins for the right to control their bodies. Unpredictability and tension reign—and Aurora Saurins like Kyjta, once “Stained,” find their bodies are "theirs for the taking.” Lauder’s ability to blend action, intrigue, and emotional depth makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. Kyjta and Kranik, a Rheman, offer unique perspectives that drive an adventure that’s fast-paced and exciting even with its richness of worldbuilding. Kyjta grapples with uncertainty, betrayal, a longing for her lost mother, and the possibility of being snatched “hideous winged” ghoragalls. When a young woman she cares for is abducted, Kyjta uproots her life to return her friend home, navigating a world of lies and hidden dangers. Meanwhile, Kranik is a Rheman whose natural state is as a transparent sphere containing a raging storm within. The process of quelling, where a Rheman takes control of another’s body, adds complexity to the tale.
Lauder masterfully explores the tension, highlighting the challenges of discernment and the consequences of being “quelled.” The Quelling is a triumph with gripping, well-developed characters and a richly imagined world, though a glossary with definitions would make it all a bit more inviting.
Takeaway: Inventive, compelling SF dystopia of minds, bodies, and rebellion.
Comparable Titles: Alechia Dow’s The Sound of Stars, Lauren James’s The Quiet at the End of the World.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
