Review of Sent to Watch

[Uma gupta]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Sent to Watch" by David J. Lebenstein.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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David J. Lebenstein's novel "Sent to Watch" transports readers to a future in which CIA operatives are entrusted with monitoring and gathering data on primitive planet civilizations while abiding by the Noninterference Protocol. In this story of mystery, love, and intergalactic perils, Lebenstein sets the historical backdrop of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The three agents at the center of the story are Unni Vlaytork, Ori Svavapass, and Urelt Sraymlat. They are assigned to "Earth 48," which is the British Empire during Prince George's regency. Their search for a dangerous starfaring civilization in another galaxy leads to an unexpected detour in their quest. In an attempt to secure Earth 48's admittance to the Confederation before the invaders arrive, the agents devise a bold plan to expedite the planet's technological progress in response to the approaching threat.


Lebenstein grounds the novel in the historical setting of the Battle of Waterloo and the political climate of the day by deftly fusing science fiction elements with historical occurrences. This fusion gives the story more depth and turns it into a reflection on historical injustices and cultural nuances, in addition to exploring hypothetical future eventualities.

Under false identities throughout the British Empire, individuals encounter moral quandaries and tensions, especially about their transgression of the Noninterference Protocol. The plot gains emotional depth from the intricacy of their relationships, which include romantic tensions between Unni, Ori, and Urelt. The author made an intriguing and skillfully written literary choice when deciding to have agents' names alternate between their native names and their Earth aliases.


The book does a good job of exploring the political divisions of the era, showing the Protestant-Catholic split, and throwing light on historical and cultural injustices, especially those that the Irish had to deal with when they were subject to English Protestant control. The story focuses on complicated socioeconomic issues, which enhances the reading experience in general.


The novel does, however, go quickly at times, and there are a few additional line breaks here and there that throw off the flow for certain readers. Although the novel offers a distinctive viewpoint on historical events, there may be instances where names and dates become difficult to follow due to the author's desire to combine imagination and truth flawlessly.

Professional editing throughout the book makes for a wonderful reading experience. The novel does, however, go quickly at times, and there are a few additional line breaks here and there that throw off the flow for certain readers. "Sent to Watch" is deserving of a rating of 4 stars out of 5 . It's a compelling read because of the concepts' uniqueness, the compelling plot, and the deft combination of historical and speculative components.


Suggested reading for lovers of science fiction and historical fiction, "Sent to Watch" delves deeply into the question of what occurs when the distinction between an observer and an influencer is blurred. The novel is a creative and thoroughly researched story that captivates readers to the very end, even with a few small pace problems.

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Sent to Watch
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[Uma gupta]

Thankyou all

[Prashant Sh]

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[Anjana Savita]

Nice review i enjoyed the whole review you perfectly spotted merits and demerits of the book after reading your review I like to read this book

[Anjana Savita]

This book review captivates readers with its elegant language, capturing strong emotions and vivid pictures, urging them to explore the world within its pages.

[Maneesha Tyagi]

This review masterfully captures the essence of the book, eloquently dissecting its themes and characters with insightful analysis. A concise yet comprehensive assessment, highlighting both strengths and nuances.

[RomeeRajput]

Nice review I would like to read this book ..you give details of the book nicely ..you also mentioned the postive and negative aspects of book ...

[AkashTyagi]

nicely done! you perfectly describe the books positive and negative aspects i would like to read this book

[Neha Shakya]

you did a good job in reviewing this book while you did not explain it fully you give sufficient explanation for deducted rating .i think its a good review

[Anaïs Quesson]

This novel was outstanding. The author successfully played with historical and science-fiction éléments to create a story like no other.
Thank you for this detailed and honest review!