Official Review: Independence by Alasdair C Shaw
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acasto
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Official Review: Independence by Alasdair C Shaw
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Independence" by Alasdair C Shaw.]
3 out of 4 stars
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This book “Independence” is the first in a series of short stories by Alasdair C Shaw. This story is a sci-fi/fantasy book set far in the future. The entire proceedings occur in a relatively short amount of time in outer space. This first book in the series gives an introduction to Shaw’s fantasy world and the problems characters there face. Although it is a story on its own, this book serves mainly as an introduction.
An interesting aspect of this story is that it alternates between two points of view. The stories of each character do not connect until the very end of the book. This builds up a lot of suspense, as the reader tries to determine the connection between the two. I also like the creative use of futuristic technology implied in the telling of the story. The author imagines technology that combines mechanics and organic structures and methods to aid in the speedy recovery of damaged spaceships. I found this to be a very interesting concept, especially as it was presented as being very efficient and effective.
I did not like how distant the characters felt. I didn’t get to know them very well, even the main character, who is the spaceship’s commander. She is so focused on her mission and keeping her composure that few details about her personality come through. Although the other main character’s feelings were more openly discussed, these rarely included emotions, only logical thoughts and physical feelings.
I rate this short story 3 out of 4 stars. I found the story engaging and creative, but I didn’t connect with the characters. The conflicts kept me on the edge of my seat, and I feared for the lives of the characters. But I felt nothing drawing me to one side of the conflict or the other. Neither side was presented as good or evil, right or wrong. This made it difficult to know who to root for in the final battle. I was also confused as to who was the second main character. At first I thought it was one of the crew members on the damaged ship, but it was actually a member of the opposing force. If I had connected more with characters and been able to choose a side of the conflict, I may have given this book 4 out of 4 stars.
This book would likely appeal to young adults who enjoy science fiction novels. It is very spacey and futuristic. Though there is violence mentioned, the descriptions are not vulgar or profane. It is a quick read that satisfies a desire for creativity and the use of imagination.
******
Independence
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3 out of 4 stars
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This book “Independence” is the first in a series of short stories by Alasdair C Shaw. This story is a sci-fi/fantasy book set far in the future. The entire proceedings occur in a relatively short amount of time in outer space. This first book in the series gives an introduction to Shaw’s fantasy world and the problems characters there face. Although it is a story on its own, this book serves mainly as an introduction.
An interesting aspect of this story is that it alternates between two points of view. The stories of each character do not connect until the very end of the book. This builds up a lot of suspense, as the reader tries to determine the connection between the two. I also like the creative use of futuristic technology implied in the telling of the story. The author imagines technology that combines mechanics and organic structures and methods to aid in the speedy recovery of damaged spaceships. I found this to be a very interesting concept, especially as it was presented as being very efficient and effective.
I did not like how distant the characters felt. I didn’t get to know them very well, even the main character, who is the spaceship’s commander. She is so focused on her mission and keeping her composure that few details about her personality come through. Although the other main character’s feelings were more openly discussed, these rarely included emotions, only logical thoughts and physical feelings.
I rate this short story 3 out of 4 stars. I found the story engaging and creative, but I didn’t connect with the characters. The conflicts kept me on the edge of my seat, and I feared for the lives of the characters. But I felt nothing drawing me to one side of the conflict or the other. Neither side was presented as good or evil, right or wrong. This made it difficult to know who to root for in the final battle. I was also confused as to who was the second main character. At first I thought it was one of the crew members on the damaged ship, but it was actually a member of the opposing force. If I had connected more with characters and been able to choose a side of the conflict, I may have given this book 4 out of 4 stars.
This book would likely appeal to young adults who enjoy science fiction novels. It is very spacey and futuristic. Though there is violence mentioned, the descriptions are not vulgar or profane. It is a quick read that satisfies a desire for creativity and the use of imagination.
******
Independence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like acasto's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "I can still hear what Grandma Said "Give me my flowers while I live"" by Sonya JW Lunsford
