Official Review: Embers of Freedom by T.J. Patterson

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Embers of Freedom" by T.J. Patterson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Embers of Freedom, by T.J. Patterson, is the third book in her sci-fi/dystopian trilogy - "Whisper Independence". Initially, when reading it, I had no idea that it was part of a trilogy. Patterson provides enough details and information, to allow it to be a stand alone.

This book has an engrossing plot where the importance of independence and freedom are emphasized. The humans on Vitory and Earth are losing more and more of their freedoms. Their governments, under the influence of The Guardians, are imposing impossible laws and taxes on them. This is aimed at making the masses dependant and controllable. The Guardians are a group of humiens (half human and half alien), who plan to have complete control and domination. Vitorians and Earthlings face yet another peril when people start disappearing. Our dashing protagonist is Adora Jensen, who is on the side of the Luxurs (a group of benevolent humiens who work to protect humans). Adora struggles to embrace her new found abilities, which have been afforded to her through genetic engineering. The effects of this engineering are threefold: immortality, being unable to lie and being able to travel in an instant to a different location. Her innermost desire is to help mankind break free from the shackles of The Guardians.

I loved the depth of the characters. At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of supporting characters, but soon became comfortable with all of them, since they all played important roles. The difference of opinions amongst the characters on how to achieve a common goal allows us to catch a glimpse of how they think, perceive things and it allows us to see their flaws.

Adora's character was appealing to me. She is independent, passionate and compassionate. Being an introvert myself, I could relate to her need of having some alone time to reinvigorate herself. She believes that people should have the right to make their own choices and live with the consequences. This came across as an important message to me, as she goes to great lengths to fight for this. Adora's independence is not stifled by her relationship with Zane, a gorgeous Luxur. I loved that they are two whole people, each with their own interests. This added to the theme of independence.

There is only one thing I wish the author had done differently. A lot of the story is revealed through conversations and dialogue. This is a pity, because whenever Patterson described a scene or event, she did so masterfully. In the few last chapters of the book I was fully absorbed as a lot more action takes place.

Overall, Embers of Freedom is great read! I have to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. It is well edited and this shows even from the eye-catching cover. It has a nice, steady pace and keeps readers enthralled. I recommend this to all science fiction lovers.

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Embers of Freedom
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Like Kelebogile Mbangi's review? Post a comment saying so!

[The Researcher]

Very nice review.However I am going to skip this book as I am not a big fan of dystopia novels.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Thank you. I agree, dystopian novels can be depressing, with everything being doom and gloom!

[Rosemary Okoko]

It's good to know that the characters are well developed in this book. Sounds like it will make an interesting read. Thank you for this review.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Thank you Rosemary. I enjoyed the characters, especially Adora's character.

[kandscreeley]

I saw this one to review, but I wasn't sure because it's part of a series. I'm glad to know it can act as a standalone. I might have to try it. Nice review.

[Naval Aulakh]

The review is very nice. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the review.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Thank you both for the lovely comments.

[LadyClaire]

What a glowering review! What appeals most to me is the name given to the characters. For a series, the book makes a great read.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Thank you, you made me blush. I like the names too, especially Adora, its so cute.

[Manang Muyang]

Humans and humiens. An immortal heroine who cannot lie. Your glowing review. These make the book irresistible for me. I hope I can read it soon.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Thank you I really enjoyed it this book, hope you get to read it.

[Donatelloo]

Book seems very interesting . And I think if they make a movie on it ,that would be so great??? I would love to watch that .. Thank you for such a nice review

[bookiegalke]

This seems to me like another book on democracy and humann rights. Books of this genre are my cup of tea. Thanks for the review

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Yes human rights took centre stage in this book. Thank you for reading my review.