Review of One If
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- Latest Review: One If by Carol B Allen
Review of One If
[Following is a volunteer review of "One If" by Carol B Allen.]
After teleporting to the world of Spyridon, Parker is charged with saving a planet in distress. Climate change has destroyed the ecosystem and created warring factions with unique abilities. Some have evolved to live in the air while others live in the sea. With the help of her new friends, Parker explores and researches the planet in order to save it, but there is much resistance. She struggles to be accepted and supported by the Upperworld of which she is now the Sky Queen. The group of friends is constantly up against life-threatening scenarios caused by the power-hungry Underworld. However, despite the challenges, Parker, Henley, Edison, and Cole will not be discouraged; they cannot ignore their deep desire to help a world in peril.
One If by Carol B. Allen is a fast-paced mixture of science fiction and fantasy that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
Overall, One If is an extremely creative and unique idea. This genre is a rare mixing, but it really works. Generally, youth fantasy novels lean more toward magic and powers rather than scientific advancement. Although the novel incorporates both, there is a clear emphasis on the power of science. Also refreshing is that the strong female lead is not strong by brute force, but she is strong because of her intellectual capabilities and leadership. The author does a nice job of creating a realistic teen girl, one who is both confident and insecure simultaneously.
The biggest disappointment of this book was that it felt like a sequel at first. There seemed to be a lot of missing context which made for a confusing start. Immediately in Chapter One, several past events are alluded to as well as characters that the reader has not yet met. It is unclear how all of the main characters arrived on Spyridon, and they are already disillusioned when the story begins. It’s almost as if the exposition is passed over. Truly, the story could have been improved if it had included a discovery period entailing the characters’ excitement or bewilderment as they learned about their new home.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars primarily because at times it was hard to follow. Although it was incredibly imaginative, unique, and descriptive, the beginning really lacked some critical context which made the story confusing at first. The author should have spent more time on how the characters arrived in Spyridon and how Parker became the Sky Queen. Also, there was a relatively long build-up to the climax, but the conflict was resolved disproportionately quickly. There was some ambiguity at the end which had me rereading to ensure I didn’t miss something.
This book is perfectly written for the young adult audience. It is very clean and has a very light romance included. The characters act and think like mature teenagers. This book will appeal more to those inclined toward fantasy novels and those with an interest in scientific discovery and climate change.
******
One If
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
After teleporting to the world of Spyridon, Parker is charged with saving a planet in distress. Climate change has destroyed the ecosystem and created warring factions with unique abilities. Some have evolved to live in the air while others live in the sea. With the help of her new friends, Parker explores and researches the planet in order to save it, but there is much resistance. She struggles to be accepted and supported by the Upperworld of which she is now the Sky Queen. The group of friends is constantly up against life-threatening scenarios caused by the power-hungry Underworld. However, despite the challenges, Parker, Henley, Edison, and Cole will not be discouraged; they cannot ignore their deep desire to help a world in peril.
One If by Carol B. Allen is a fast-paced mixture of science fiction and fantasy that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
Overall, One If is an extremely creative and unique idea. This genre is a rare mixing, but it really works. Generally, youth fantasy novels lean more toward magic and powers rather than scientific advancement. Although the novel incorporates both, there is a clear emphasis on the power of science. Also refreshing is that the strong female lead is not strong by brute force, but she is strong because of her intellectual capabilities and leadership. The author does a nice job of creating a realistic teen girl, one who is both confident and insecure simultaneously.
The biggest disappointment of this book was that it felt like a sequel at first. There seemed to be a lot of missing context which made for a confusing start. Immediately in Chapter One, several past events are alluded to as well as characters that the reader has not yet met. It is unclear how all of the main characters arrived on Spyridon, and they are already disillusioned when the story begins. It’s almost as if the exposition is passed over. Truly, the story could have been improved if it had included a discovery period entailing the characters’ excitement or bewilderment as they learned about their new home.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars primarily because at times it was hard to follow. Although it was incredibly imaginative, unique, and descriptive, the beginning really lacked some critical context which made the story confusing at first. The author should have spent more time on how the characters arrived in Spyridon and how Parker became the Sky Queen. Also, there was a relatively long build-up to the climax, but the conflict was resolved disproportionately quickly. There was some ambiguity at the end which had me rereading to ensure I didn’t miss something.
This book is perfectly written for the young adult audience. It is very clean and has a very light romance included. The characters act and think like mature teenagers. This book will appeal more to those inclined toward fantasy novels and those with an interest in scientific discovery and climate change.
******
One If
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: One If by Carol B Allen
