What if winning the gold medal at the Olympics wasn’t the end? What if it was only the beginning?
In 2036, Earth learns that humans have never been alone in the universe. A handful of summer and winter olympians are chosen to compete in the Universe Olympics, alongside highly adapted species from across the Milky Way Galaxy.
No human is prepared for what comes next.
Ambassador Liew invites a swimmer, gymnast, snowboarder, skier, wrestler, sprinter, surfer, skaters, diver, a decathlete, and other celebrated athletes, to represent Planet Earth in the 100,121st Universe Olympic Games. Liew, as their alien Ambassador, will be guide them through this tremendous first opportunity for humankind to be challenged in sporting events. The Olympians will see new worlds, and meet new life forms. Join Team Earth on a lush, vivid, imaginative adventure through space, to discover if humans will adapt and overcome not only in their sport, but in their Universe Olympic adventure.
Assessment:
Plot: Dubin’s unique sci-fi story is set in a near-future world in which humans learn that they are far from the most highly intelligent or evolved species in the universe. The plotting is quickly paced and quite straightforward, with finer subplots slow to emerge. With engaging and unexpected twists, readers are sure to find the story deeply memorable.
Prose: Dubin’s prose is clear and driven, constantly pushing the narrative forward. Voices are distinct, but at times, certain characters' dialogue falls into an overly quirky style that can detract from readability.
Originality: This entertaining novel blends traditional first contact sci-fi elements with wildly creative, adventurous Olympic matches against contestants from across the Milky Way galaxy. Dubin carries off the clever premise with panache.
Character/Execution: Despite having an eighteen-member Olympic team as the main cast, each character emerges as an individual with unique motivations, fears, and goals. Alien lifeforms are described convincingly and evocatively.
Date Submitted: April 01, 2021
