Review by ReaderReachers -- Solaris Seethes (Solaris Sag...

[ReaderReachers]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)" by Janet McNulty.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga Book 1) is the first book in this sci fi/fantasy series by Janet McNulty. In this captivating read, Rynah is forced to flee her planet after it is purposely destroyed by her fiance, Klanor. Following an ancient myth deciphered by her grandfather, Rynah must locate five all powerful crystals before Klanor finds them and uses them for nefarious reasons. Joining Rynah on her quest is her grandfather's sarcastic and stubborn ship, Solaris, who definitely has a mind of her own. Together, they recruit four uniquely skilled people (the ancient scholar, the Viking warrior, the futuristic inventor, and the present teen) to help complete their mission.

I find Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga Book 1) to be intriguing and well written. Janet McNulty's use of description to transport the reader into her world is exceptional. Her characters, all from different time periods are blended together so effortlessly. Though they all are strangers, they quickly form a familial bond and work together well to overcome the obstacles that lay ahead. Any conflict between characters resolves itself in teachable moments regarding the character's own flaws and weaknesses. Through the author's use of both description and dialogue, I have a thoughtful understanding of each character, particularly Solaris, Rynah, Alfric, and Brie.

The multitude of planets that the characters visit are varied and well depicted through McNulty's beautiful use of imagery. The author has taken great care to describe each planet with such ease to the reader. I feel she was deliberate with choosing each word that perfectly conveys her meaning. I must include a sentence that captures the author's use of imagery to bring you into her extraordinary world. McNulty describes the feeling of being stranded on an ice planet like, "It's artic-like winds bombarded them with knifelike snowflakes that stabbed them until crystals formed on them, clinging to the hairs on their arms." Are you cold yet?

What I like most about this book is McNulty's ability to sync the lives and actions into a very cohesive storyline. Given the varying characters, planets, and actions, a lesser book would feel confusing and the reader easily lost, but in Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga Book 1) each chapter flows seamlessly into the next.

My favorite character without a doubt has to be the only non living character, the ship Solaris. I love how McNulty personifies the ship. While technically not "living", Solaris is a force to be reckoned with. She has a sarcastic attitude, a harsh temperament, is extremely sensitive, stubborn, compassionate, knowledgeable, and has very real desires to become a living entity. Solaris is like the stern yet motherly teacher you never wanted, but very much needed.

What I would like to see more in Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga Book 1) is the villian Klanor's story. What is his motivation? What is his background? His character development is the only one lacking in the book. I have a feeling, though, that we may learn more in subsequent books in the series. Or at least I hope we do.

If you are a science fiction or action fan, you will relish this book. Every chapter includes a large amount of action, and each sequence is new and exciting. In addition, I believe this book is perfect as a young adult read. There is no vulgarity or sexual content. There is action violence, but it is never too graphic. If you are neither a sci/fi fan or a young adult, I would still recommend this book for it's new approach to the science fiction genre. I appreciate the author imagining an entire world that the reader hasn't experienced before.

I rate Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga Book 1) 4 out of 4 stars for Janet McNulty's ability to transport the reader into her complex world with such ease. Her captivating story makes me want to keep reading. Book 2, here I come!

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Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)
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