Review of IslanD-25

[Sky Revews]

[Following is a volunteer review of "IslanD-25" by Alan Doer.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Alan Doer's IslanD-25 is not an ordinary spacefaring adventure. It is an emotionally moving duet between a struggle-filled world, that is, Earth, and their dream world, Crystal. The story is written in third-person limited POV, through which the main character, Alex, a Crystal citizen, struggles with existential quandaries amidst the wonders of technology and social contentment.

IslanD-25 is so gripping due to its worldbuilding. Crystal introduces us to an amazing world, detailed in the TEKRAM (their economic system) descriptions and the completely extraordinary Subsea Life Lab. Doer has no qualms about getting down to the nitty-gritty, as it makes the whole thing not look like a fairy tale but rather like a map to a successful future.

On the positive side, Alex's inner transformation is a splendid quality. He delves into "inner research," and it gives a different sort of feeling from the usual honesty. It's definitely not a magic pill, but it is a challenging procedure for self-reflection that may appeal to anyone looking for the meaning of life. The novel does these seemingly simple things very subtly. It even deals with complex themes like love, loss, fear of public speaking, and many others with surprising depth that adds a lot of spice to Alex's narrative.

The editing was excellent. Admittedly, the book doesn't leave room for anything but praise. While impressive, the technical aspects of Alex's studies can also hinder the storytelling. However, the romance plot shows insufficient development, so the reader can’t attain an emotional connection. I will definitely give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Nevertheless, an idea such as IslanD-25 provokes a sparkling thought. It is that kind of book that confounds the reader for years when you are done reading the last page, even though you won't resist these thoughts of that self-discovery and you desire a future where that of self-discovery and social progression are interlinked. IslanD-25 offers an intriguing fusion of science fiction, philosophy, and personal growth that is bound to captivate you with the beautiful sound of an unforgettable symphony.

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IslanD-25
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