Official Review: Tacenda by Christine Jayne Vann
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Sarah G
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Official Review: Tacenda by Christine Jayne Vann
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tacenda" by Christine Jayne Vann.]
2 out of 4 stars
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‘Not all humans could cope with the knowledge of alien life’ so the Concordat, the alliance of the planets, gave humans a choice known as the purge; to have part of their memory wiped and remain in a safe enclave or they can serve the Concordat, who offer implants to alter one’s thinking to something deemed acceptable to them, but are allowed to know the truth. Kerris is of the latter.
Tascencda by Christine Jayne Vann follows Kerris and Arucken, a human-nestling pairing. Together they are messengers for the Concordat with their mental link providing skills unmatched as well as their unique hybrid ship Octavia. Their recent assignment requires them to deliver a message to the people of Kalinaw on the planet Maylith Tara. Someone has stolen the minds of their children leaving them in non-cognitive state. Things become more suspicious when the Concordat refuses to be involved leaving the messengers stranded on the island. Kerris and Arucken must solve the mystery to gain their freedom and return home.
A compelling story is told in this book with a nice depth adding a realistic feel. It is told from three different points of view; Kerris, Arucken and Lily (an unaffected child of the Kalinaw colony). These characters have very different perspectives giving the reader a full view of the story and become immersed in the world. These characters have been well crafted making them believable and relatable, each having their own strengths and flaws and behaviours. I found the development of the relationship between Kerris and Arucken very interesting as they have very different ways of thinking and mainly communicate telepathically. This leads to some differing opinions on subjects I did not expect, which left me thinking, even once I had put the book down which was great.
However, there was one aspect of this book that let the story down, which was the beginning. The reader is thrown into the story without much explanation. I found myself feeling a little lost in the plot until about a third of the way through. The main issue at the beginning of the story is the purge is not well explained. For some reason Vann has given the full explanation near the end of the book. I do not find it adds to the story or works as a mystery reveal. I believe it would be much more beneficial to the reader for this information to be provided at the beginning to allow for better understanding of the world the character is in.
Overall I would give this book a rating of 2 out of 4 stars. Although the story is great and well written from the middle onwards, I felt the beginning of the book let it down. It was too confusing being thrown straight into the story and receiving little background information explaining what was going on and why. I think with a bit of alteration this could be improved. However, at this moment in time I would not recommend the book.
******
Tacenda
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
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2 out of 4 stars
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‘Not all humans could cope with the knowledge of alien life’ so the Concordat, the alliance of the planets, gave humans a choice known as the purge; to have part of their memory wiped and remain in a safe enclave or they can serve the Concordat, who offer implants to alter one’s thinking to something deemed acceptable to them, but are allowed to know the truth. Kerris is of the latter.
Tascencda by Christine Jayne Vann follows Kerris and Arucken, a human-nestling pairing. Together they are messengers for the Concordat with their mental link providing skills unmatched as well as their unique hybrid ship Octavia. Their recent assignment requires them to deliver a message to the people of Kalinaw on the planet Maylith Tara. Someone has stolen the minds of their children leaving them in non-cognitive state. Things become more suspicious when the Concordat refuses to be involved leaving the messengers stranded on the island. Kerris and Arucken must solve the mystery to gain their freedom and return home.
A compelling story is told in this book with a nice depth adding a realistic feel. It is told from three different points of view; Kerris, Arucken and Lily (an unaffected child of the Kalinaw colony). These characters have very different perspectives giving the reader a full view of the story and become immersed in the world. These characters have been well crafted making them believable and relatable, each having their own strengths and flaws and behaviours. I found the development of the relationship between Kerris and Arucken very interesting as they have very different ways of thinking and mainly communicate telepathically. This leads to some differing opinions on subjects I did not expect, which left me thinking, even once I had put the book down which was great.
However, there was one aspect of this book that let the story down, which was the beginning. The reader is thrown into the story without much explanation. I found myself feeling a little lost in the plot until about a third of the way through. The main issue at the beginning of the story is the purge is not well explained. For some reason Vann has given the full explanation near the end of the book. I do not find it adds to the story or works as a mystery reveal. I believe it would be much more beneficial to the reader for this information to be provided at the beginning to allow for better understanding of the world the character is in.
Overall I would give this book a rating of 2 out of 4 stars. Although the story is great and well written from the middle onwards, I felt the beginning of the book let it down. It was too confusing being thrown straight into the story and receiving little background information explaining what was going on and why. I think with a bit of alteration this could be improved. However, at this moment in time I would not recommend the book.
******
Tacenda
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like Sarah G's review? Post a comment saying so!
The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon
Latest Review: Smith by Sam B Miller II
