Review of On the Precipice

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 19 Jul 2024, 01:55

Mayang Bature wrote: ↑04 Apr 2024, 08:51 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "On the Precipice" by Brianna MacMahon.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Imperium, a planetary civilization that split from the Core due to differing church beliefs, is now thriving as an independent colony. Their government is divided into seven factions, each headed by a Lord Regent. Lord Regents are Keepers who have graduated from one of the prestigious Keeper schools. They are assisted by Prophates, church-assigned advisers. To become a Lord Regent or hold any prestigious office, a Keeper must belong to one of three political parties: Expansionists (the ruling party), Affiliates, or Grounders (minorities). The election season has arrived, and the struggle for political power has resumed.

Raelynn, a recent graduate, or Audilla, was surprised to learn that the Lord Regent of Diplomacy, Levine Liston, had opted to be her tutor. A Lord Regent taking on an Audilla had never occurred in Imperium history, and the higher-ups were opposed to the act. This allowed Raelynn to work with a well-known mentor while also exploring New Caelus, Imperium's capital. Cyno Banner, the Lord Regent of War and Defense and an Expansionist, had a long-standing rivalry with Levine Liston, an Affiliate. He believed that everything Liston did, including taking on an Audilla, was part of a plot to undermine his leadership of the Assembly. To make matters worse, Liston was actively pursuing peace talks with the Civitans, another faction attempting to secede from the Core and declare independence. It did not help that they were involved in the Glass War years ago against the Imperialists. Not everyone was pleased with Liston's decision in this matter. The other Lord Regents and Prophates each had their own noble or not-so-noble goals to pursue. Now that election day is approaching, with determination, greed, and betrayal in the mix, one can only wonder how it will all play out.

"On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)" featured proper world-building and well-developed characters without devoting too much time to any one aspect. I appreciated the novel's straightforward approach. Each of the seven Lord Regents, along with their Prophates, was given some screentime to highlight their backstories and express their motivations. Banner and Liston went at it like politicians, using the media to sway public opinion. This aspect was enjoyable because it could be both tense and funny at times. Banner's Prophate, Kosabeus, was the leader of the Prophates and had a very sharp tongue. Banner's explosive temper was always met with a clever remark from Kosaebus, which hindered executing some of his rash decisions. Kosabeus was likely the only one who could keep Banner in check.

The gradual progression and description of events made the world-building feel very familiar. Every reference was followed by an explanation as to why it was that way. Liston's interest in Raelynn, the glass war, and the people's desire for new leadership were all addressed, allowing me to better understand what was going on. It made sense how different people were affected by different events based on their level of participation. It was amazing how the author created this world, with all of the characters and their personal stories. I was truly immersed in this world, always eager to find out what happened next.

I honestly have nothing negative to say about this book. Despite its slow start, I thought it was necessary for the gradual development of the world and the overall description of global affairs. Brianna MacMahon's "On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)" deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for its well-thought-out story and flawless execution. I am hooked and looking forward to the next book in the series. With only one objective error that I discovered, I am confident that this book was thoroughly edited. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy delicate world-building and political affairs.

******
On the Precipice
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

There is a lot to digest in this review. It looks like the story will have a lot of volume. You might need to jot notes or draw a mind map while reading so you will not miss any details. Though that is probably a thing of fantasy books. Congratulations on winning Book of the Day!

Phillip Noah · Post by **Phillip Noah** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:02

What most interests me in "On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)" are its world-building, well-developed characters without devoting too much time to any one aspect, and the novel's straightforward approach.

Abraham Ozo · Post by **Abraham Ozo** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:05

On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1) impressively weaves intricate political intrigue with captivating character dynamics, making it a compelling read for fans of nuanced world-building.

Shewaofafrica · Post by **Shewaofafrica** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:12

Brianna MacMahon's debut masterfully balances suspense and humor amidst a backdrop of planetary diplomacy and power struggles, delivering a refreshing take on political fiction.

Post by **David Awunor** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:13

The political dynamics described in this book appear captivating. It's easy to envision the intense interactions between Banner and Liston. Kosabeus comes across as quite a unique individual, and I can only imagine the witty exchanges he had with Banner.

Tejas Koli · Post by **Tejas Koli** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:15

"On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)" by Brianna MacMahon explores a planetary civilization, Imperium, divided by political factions and church beliefs. The story follows Raelynn, a recent graduate mentored by the Lord Regent of Diplomacy, amidst a backdrop of political tension and upcoming elections. The novel's world-building and character development are well-crafted, providing an immersive experience. The intricate political dynamics and rivalries make for a compelling read.

Abiodunakinola · Post by **Abiodunakinola** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:21

The rivalry between Banner and Liston adds a layer of tension and intrigue, especially with the upcoming elections and the peace talks with the Civitans, highlighting the power struggles and differing ideologies within the society. Nice review.

Harty Muli · Post by **Harty Muli** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:24

I like the author's world building and well developed characters the most. However, I am not interested in the political theme prevalent in the story. Thanks for the review.

Post by **Byron Dsouza** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:26

"On the Precipice" by Brianna MacMahon is a political drama novel with intricate elements. The content involves various alliances, rivalries, and a lot of other elements. Frankly, it's not something I'm interested in, so I'll be moving on from this. Congrats on Book of the Day!

Precious Dubazana · Post by **Precious Dubazana** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:28

It would be interesting to read the story of this civilization (of the Imperium nation) and their adventure in religion and politics. The review is promising great experience with refined characters in this narration. Thank you for the review.

Dan Polumbric · Post by **Dan Polumbric** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:31

This book has been commended by many as a brilliant and deep, all encompassing scifi project. The worldbuilding effort to describe factions and individuals in the vast galaxy resembles high fantasy more than scifi. But that's what's great about it!
The author put a lot of effort to delve into how different people were affected by different events based on their involvement. It was amazing how the author created this world, with all of the characters and their personal stories.

Precious Dubazana · Post by **Precious Dubazana** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:35

It would be interesting to read the story of this civilization (of the Imperium nation) and their adventure in religion and politics. The review is a promising great experience with refined characters in this narration. Thank you for the review.

Abhishek Kumar Gupta · Post by **Abhishek Kumar Gupta** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:44

What a detailed and insightful review! It’s clear you were deeply engaged with Brianna MacMahon's "On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)." The way you highlighted the intricate world-building and complex characters really captures the essence of the novel. I’m glad to hear the political drama and character interactions kept you hooked. Your enthusiasm for the book and its immersive qualities shines through. I’m looking forward to reading it myself, especially given your high praise. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful review!

Bro Jonah Kiraithe · Post by **Bro Jonah Kiraithe** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:54

The review of "On the Precipice (New Caelus Book 1)" by Brianna MacMahon offers a thorough and engaging overview of the book, emphasizing its strong world-building and character development. The book looks complex but well delved into by the reviewer.
The critic values the book's intricate and compelling worldbuilding. The story's intricate and captivating backdrop is created by the portrayal of the Imperium, its political factions, and the responsibilities of the Lord Regents and Prophates.
The characters, particularly the interactions between Banner and Liston, are well-developed. The reviewer highlights the dynamics between these characters and their respective Prophates, adding depth to the political intrigue. The reviewer feels fully immersed in the world created by the author, eager to see what happens next, which indicates that the book successfully captures the reader's interest. The reviewer mentions finding only one objective error, suggesting that the book is well-edited and polished, which adds to the overall positive impression of the book. The book is recommended for readers who enjoy detailed world-building and political affairs, making it clear who might appreciate this novel the most.
Overall, the review is highly positive, awarding the book a perfect score and expressing anticipation for the next installment in the series. The detailed praise for the book's structure, character interactions, and immersive quality makes it a compelling endorsement for potential readers.

Ohanele Chinonyerem · Post by **Ohanele Chinonyerem** » 19 Jul 2024, 02:59

The straight-forward approach of the novel is top-notch. I like that the seven Lord Regents were given screentime to highlight their backstories and express their motivations.