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Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 22 Jan 2025, 03:30
by Bethel Saint Bright
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)" by Christopher D Myers.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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"Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)" by Christopher D. Myers is a story showing the connection between different realms. The Ethereal Universe is a realm consisting of beings of pure consciousness. These beings are also called "Mental Beings." Unfortunately for these beings, they are not capable of experiencing the kind of life beings in the Physical Universe have, which, according to the book, are "the warmth of sunlight, the bite of frigid air, and the ache and joy of feeling." However, Falin and Xin are able to solve the riddle that can take Mental Beings to the Physical Universe and back without losing their identity. But there's a big problem: Some kin have been trapped in the Physical Universe. It is up to Xin and Falin to find them and return them to Zenla. After Karluk's rescue, Xin and Falin are separated by a blackhole pull. Falin finds himself on an unfamiliar planet, where he feels the energies of Mental Beings in human bodies. To continue his quest, he possesses the body of Daniel to enable him to continue his mission. Will Daniel lead him to find his trapped kin, especially Thron? 

This is one of the few books that cut across many genres. The sci-fi elements can be felt by the presence of beings from realms different from Earth. We see beings from the Ethereal Realm with abilities to possess humans and enjoy human existence through them. This book can also fit into the young adult genre. A more significant part of the story revolved around the Gen Z folks between the first grade and high school. We see how the author explores the significant role of social media in shaping Gen Z culture. We also see how the interest in vocations shifts from blue-collar jobs to tech-based entrepreneurship. Daniel is a character that exemplifies this shift in career choice among the Gen Z folks. Finally, there's the romance aspect of the book. Although it is not explored in depth, readers can see different love interests spicing up the narrative. Readers are also exposed to the complexities of Gen Z relationships. Through Alice, we see how young people can lose their chance of having a meaningful relationship because of peer pressure. Readers also see the shallowness in how many Gen Z folks approach relationships. 

However, there were points when the story became unnecessarily repetitive. The narrative about folks asking each other out and making out became too repetitive and boring. Impatient readers would find those aspects of the book not so exciting, mainly because it took away from its central focus. I kept asking myself how repeatedly narrating about Gen Z characters going through relationship challenges would be relevant to Falin's objective of finding his lost kin.

I applaud the editors for doing an excellent job of ensuring there are no errors in the book. However, because of the unnecessary repetition of a particular narrative, I deduct a star from the rating. Conclusively, I rate the book a 4 out of 5. I recommend the book to people who enjoy stories that blend sci-fi, romance, and young adult genres.

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Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)
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Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 24 Jan 2025, 16:34
by Jelani Trotter
This review highlights the imaginative and thought-provoking premise of Sandcastles and Rainbows II. The contrast between the Ethereal Universe and the Physical Universe adds depth, especially with the idea of "Mental Beings" longing to experience physical sensations. The journey of Xin and Falin, navigating black holes and possessing human forms, creates an intriguing blend of science fiction and metaphysics, making the reader eager to uncover the fate of the trapped beings and the resolution of their mission.

Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 02 Feb 2025, 15:55
by NetMassimo
I have mixed feelings about this novel. The science fiction element seems fascinating with the different realms and all the consequent ramifications. However, romance is not my thing, so all the complications deriving from relationship issues might become boring to me. Regardless, thank you for your great review!

Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 17 Feb 2025, 08:30
by Louis Donald
The mix of sci-fi, Gen Z culture, and romance sounds interesting, especially with the idea of beings from different realms interacting with humans. However, the repetitive focus on relationships seems like it might take away from the main storyline, which I’m not sure I'd enjoy. I’m leaning towards skipping this one.

Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 20 Feb 2025, 12:04
by Pearl Flourish
“Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)” by Christopher D. Myers offers a unique blend of sci-fi and young adult themes, exploring the journey of ethereal beings navigating Gen Z culture. While the narrative provides insightful commentary on modern societal dynamics, some repetitive elements may detract from the central plot. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for those interested in genre-crossing stories.

Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 25 Feb 2025, 11:44
by George Bastem
It sounds like a creative mix of sci-fi and young adult drama with a touch of romance. The idea of mental beings exploring life through human bodies is pretty cool, but the repeated love scenes might drag things down a bit.

Re: Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows II: (Plain English Version)

Posted: 27 Mar 2025, 06:15
by Mark Lazarus
The mix of sci-fi, young adult themes, and romance sounds intriguing, especially with the idea of beings from another realm experiencing human life. The exploration of Gen Z culture, social media, and career shifts adds a fresh, modern angle to the story. I also like that it touches on the complexities of relationships, even if it seems like that aspect became a bit repetitive.

The concept of the Ethereal Universe and beings possessing humans to complete their mission is interesting. But if the romance and Gen Z relationship dynamics take up too much space at the expense of the main plot, I can see how that might slow things down. I’d still consider checking it out, though, since I enjoy sci-fi with deep world-building and philosophical elements.