Review by Maisy -- Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)

[Maisy]

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

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2 out of 4 stars

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Solaris Seethes by Janet McNulty is the first book in the Solaris Saga. In it, the recently engaged security officer Rynah goes to work at the Geological Institute only to have her fiancé, Klanor steal the crystal which stabilizes the magnetic field of their planet, Lanyr. Abandoned and alone on a rapidly exploding planet, Rynah is able to escape on her grandfather’s ship, Solaris. In an attempt to save her planet and get revenge on her traitorous ex-fiancé, Rynah must follow the old myths and legends of her planet. She unites the mythical four from thirteen: the lover (Bre), the philosopher (Solon), the warrior (Alfric) and the inventor (Tom).

Solaris Seethes is a quick moving story. There is lots of action and the story doesn’t waste time. McNulty does a great job of not letting a scene run too long or waste time with useless information. The introduction of the four from thirteen is great. It is quick and concise, giving the reader enough information to get a sense of who each character is and where they’re from. It successfully endears each character to the reader.

However, the story was lacking in details. Even one short chapter at the beginning introducing Rynah and Klanor would have done a lot to create more of an impact before Klanor stole the crystal. It would have given Klanor more dimensions. It also would have made it easier to connect with Rynah for a reason other than the fact that she’s supposed to be the hero. Overall, the beginning half of the book was a big problem in terms of lack of details. There were minor things that were bothersome like where did Rynah work? It would’ve taken a second to mention it in chapter 1, when Rynah was going to work yet it was not specifically stated that she worked at the Geological Institute until chapter 7. Instead it was simply referred to the lab. It was also difficult to get a true sense of the importance of the crystal until chapter 7, up until then the book seemed to fluctuate about the significance of the crystal.

Overall, I give the story 2 out of 4 stars. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I felt that it was too abrupt and that there was an overuse of parenthesis. Parentheses are used as an aside yet there are so many of them. On page 57 for example, there are 5 even though it isn’t even a full page. The parentheses are just one of the issues I had with the flow. The flow is all around too abrupt for me, for example like how on page 19 in the midst of this intense battle scene, instead of continuing the intense scene, McNulty abruptly writes: “They entered the shipyard.” A lot of the writing feels like it’s right on the edge of being great and then I would be disappointed. I really couldn’t get past the writing style and the lack of details.

That being said, the book is entertaining. It works well as a light read for a young adult audience. I didn’t hate reading it though I wouldn’t seek out the book. I just couldn’t get into the writing style and I never fully connected with Rynar. I loved the four though and I overall was okay with story. It just wasn’t for me though I’d recommend it to most teenagers who are into the sci-fi genre.

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Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)
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Like Maisy's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Manang Muyang]

Hi, Maisy! I am a parenthesis user myself (check my reviews, if you have time) so I am intrigued (what a reason to read a book!) with this author.

Welcome to OBC! I hope to read more from you!

[Jeremie Mondejar]

I guess that the book actions that I can't easily comprehend and imagine. Anyway, I like your review. Keep it up.

[Sasha Walker]

Good review! I also reviewed this book and I feel the same way. McNulty's story has potential but she doesn't develop her characters or scenes enough to make the book worth reading.