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

[Deliza]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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The novel begins on the day Rynah is betrayed by her fiancée when he steals a crystal stabilizing the planet of Lanyr. It is the second time someone close to her has attempted to steal the stone, and all because of the belief in an inane myth. It tells of six crystals, that when united, would form one of the deadliest weapons in the universe. A myth which suggests Lanyr’s crystal as one of the legendary six. Her grandfather’s effort had failed, but before being labeled a traitor and locked away, he created Solaris, a most intriguing ship.

Quite early on in the novel, Rynah meets Solaris, who despite being an artificial intelligence, proves to be a major character in the novel. Solaris holds a vast amount of information, of secrets, and is surprisingly humane. Fuelled by the desire to restore her planet, and the wish for revenge, Rynah agrees to put her faith in the legend. With Solaris’s assistance, she seeks out four individuals, who together it is foretold can save the universe. And so from the backward planet of Earth, from four different times and places, Rynah kidnaps these heroes of the universe. There is Solon the philosopher, Brie the lover, Alfric the Viking Warrior, and Tom the inventor. They, with the jaded Rynak, and the ship Solaris, form an odd band destined to save the universe.

Solaris Seethes by Janet McNulty is a fast-paced and action-packed 460 page sci-fi / fantasy novel. With only minor ‘hints’ of a sexual undertone it is appropriate for fans of this genre inclusive of the young adults’ population.

What I enjoyed most about the novel was the team the author put brought together. McNulty brings together six unique personalities that form a less than perfect dynamic for the task at hand. There are numerous differences between them including culture, gender, race, time…even planet and species. But as the team is tested over and over again, we see each character learning to accept each other’s differences. In this way, bonds of friendship and the team grow.

Over the course of the novel we also witness the personal growth of individual characters. In this first novel of the saga, the author focused most on Brie and Rynah. The timid Brie learns to overcome many of her fears, and the severe Rynah discovers a more considerate and compassionate side of herself. Additionally, we see glimpses into the inner world of the Warrior Alfric. It is expected that in later books, the strengths and challenges of the rest of the team will be focused on.

Another delightful aspect of the novel was the glimpses into various legends and bits of history. For the learnt reader, and even for younger readers, it can be a pleasant brain teaser to puzzle out references before the author reveals them.

The romantic in me was a bit disappointed that there was no love interest though, but as the story still has three more novels till its completion, the possibility exists.

Overall, I give this novel a 4 out of 4 review. I was quickly lured into its story and characters, and my interest was held right down to the end. Moreover, I find myself left with that bit of excited anticipation to begin reading the next novel of the saga, Solaris Seeks.

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Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)
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