Review of Sent to Watch
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JOVITA ANGEL
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Review of Sent to Watch
[Following is a volunteer review of "Sent to Watch" by David J. Lebenstein.]
David J. Lebenstein's "Sent to Watch" is a brilliant fusion of science fiction and historical drama. It centers on agents operating in early 19th-century England under the Noninterference Protocol. Through engrossing characters and complex narratives, it examines the development of society, power relations, and individual identity while considering the effects of philosophical discussions and technical breakthroughs on freedom and government.
This book takes place shortly after the famous Battle of Waterloo. There are countless planets with life; our Earth, known as Earth 48, is just one. There are aliens, and they're all human. Through their alliance, these so-called humans permit other Earths to become members of the Confederation of Civilized Planets upon reaching a particular degree of technological development. Although Earth 48 is still in its infancy, it is one of the planets being closely watched as it approaches membership status. The primary protagonists are extraterrestrial spies tasked with infiltrating powerful nations or factions on undeveloped worlds in order to ascertain when those planets are prepared to be admitted into the Confederation of Civilized Worlds. It is anticipated that the Interplanetary Intelligence Service will monitor the planets they observe but will not intervene in any way. They would have followed this process, but a peaceful projection is threatened by the Vittmians, an enemy extraterrestrial racial empire.
This is a work of outstanding excellence, requiring the composition of a highly talented and thoroughly knowledgeable intellect across a multiplicity of unconnected areas. "Sent to Watch" is a collection of extraterrestrial civilizations, each with its own languages, customs, and technological advancements. These societies mesh well with one another and with the known principles of astronomy. This book covers a wide range of topics with skill, including modern languages, medical research, military strategy, music theory, and even the national politics of specific historical countries at very specific points in time! And if you check the names and locations, you'll see that everything corresponds perfectly with the historical account.
Finding a book that does justice to the intricacies of several historical human societies and a thoughtfully imagined extraterrestrial universe with a sensible interstellar community and technological and societal advancements amid a compelling story of vivid, likable characters on a mission of immense significance, not only to their own worlds but also to the one that unknowingly hosts their desperate struggle—that is a rare find. Moreover, this book is well edited, and I just found one minor error. I find no reason to dislike this book and would like to rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
The entire novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with its many turns and turns in the plot. "Sent to Watch" is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts looking for an engrossing adventure because of its excellent writing and painstakingly created environment.
******
Sent to Watch
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
David J. Lebenstein's "Sent to Watch" is a brilliant fusion of science fiction and historical drama. It centers on agents operating in early 19th-century England under the Noninterference Protocol. Through engrossing characters and complex narratives, it examines the development of society, power relations, and individual identity while considering the effects of philosophical discussions and technical breakthroughs on freedom and government.
This book takes place shortly after the famous Battle of Waterloo. There are countless planets with life; our Earth, known as Earth 48, is just one. There are aliens, and they're all human. Through their alliance, these so-called humans permit other Earths to become members of the Confederation of Civilized Planets upon reaching a particular degree of technological development. Although Earth 48 is still in its infancy, it is one of the planets being closely watched as it approaches membership status. The primary protagonists are extraterrestrial spies tasked with infiltrating powerful nations or factions on undeveloped worlds in order to ascertain when those planets are prepared to be admitted into the Confederation of Civilized Worlds. It is anticipated that the Interplanetary Intelligence Service will monitor the planets they observe but will not intervene in any way. They would have followed this process, but a peaceful projection is threatened by the Vittmians, an enemy extraterrestrial racial empire.
This is a work of outstanding excellence, requiring the composition of a highly talented and thoroughly knowledgeable intellect across a multiplicity of unconnected areas. "Sent to Watch" is a collection of extraterrestrial civilizations, each with its own languages, customs, and technological advancements. These societies mesh well with one another and with the known principles of astronomy. This book covers a wide range of topics with skill, including modern languages, medical research, military strategy, music theory, and even the national politics of specific historical countries at very specific points in time! And if you check the names and locations, you'll see that everything corresponds perfectly with the historical account.
Finding a book that does justice to the intricacies of several historical human societies and a thoughtfully imagined extraterrestrial universe with a sensible interstellar community and technological and societal advancements amid a compelling story of vivid, likable characters on a mission of immense significance, not only to their own worlds but also to the one that unknowingly hosts their desperate struggle—that is a rare find. Moreover, this book is well edited, and I just found one minor error. I find no reason to dislike this book and would like to rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
The entire novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with its many turns and turns in the plot. "Sent to Watch" is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts looking for an engrossing adventure because of its excellent writing and painstakingly created environment.
******
Sent to Watch
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Come What May by Marie Fostino
