Review by jimthorne2 -- Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga bo...

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
jimthorne2
Posts: 244
Joined: 16 Apr 2017, 20:16
Favorite Book: Christians in the Age of Outrage
Currently Reading: 30th Century: Escape (First Edition)
Bookshelf Size: 165
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jimthorne2.html
Latest Review: California: On the Edge of American History by Ronald Genini
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Review by jimthorne2 -- Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga bo...

Post by jimthorne2 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)" by Janet McNulty.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Solaris Seethes
Janet McNulty
Solaris Saga Book 1

The main character of Solaris Seethes is artificial intelligence and spaceship. She tells her story with the supporting witness of Rynah, a young pilot of the planet Lunyra. This science fiction fantasy is called a space opera by the author, Janet McNulty. The book starts well with personality, action, suspense, deception and conflict. The plot introduces us to people and situations even with the presence of artificial intelligence. The story moves along smoothly with just enough conflict to keep it interesting. The writer knows how to get her people in and out of crisis situations. Her narrative style is captivating.

Writing from the perspective of artificial intelligence is a unique device but useful. The story uses a balance of good character development and dialogue. Subplots and secondary characters occur at various intervals and add spice to the story. The Star Trek type of setting is pleasing to the modern science-oriented reader. Descriptions of different planets appear realistic. More personal than the typical science fiction writers like Jordan, McNulty is a seasoned writer with many books to her credit.

I like the writing style that intersperses the personal stories with the technological events. I like the gems of wisdom scattered throughout the book like the pithy comment, “Just like I must learn to be on time for my studies, you must learn to face whatever it is you are hiding, even if you do not realize that you are running from it.” (p. 149) I appreciate the author introducing characters at a steady pace with stimulating short stories about their nature and circumstances. What I like most about the book is a continued tone of personal care that enriches the plot in such a way that the reader finds it hard to put down.

What I don’t like about the book is the impression it gives that the answer to life’s problems is more about technology than it is about personality. The main character scoffs at a minor character’s confidence in a god who sees and protects. Although I agree that a prophecy is necessary because “myths told one as much about the past as they did about the present and future” (p. 42); I'm not happy with the equation of prophecy with myth. I’m not too critical since fantasy builds upon myth.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is full of wise statements that a reader will profit from personally. There is a great wrap up at the end and an enticing invitation to the series. I want to read the series. Readers who like the combination of technology and fantasy will be pleased. A Christian reader will appreciate the definition of love developed throughout the story.

******
Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

Like jimthorne2's review? Post a comment saying so!
Jim Thorne
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”