The Gate to Futures Past by Julie E. Czerneda REVIEW

 

The Gate to Futures Past

by Julie E. Czerneda

Blurb:

 The second book in the hard science fiction Reunification trilogy, the thrilling conclusion to the award-winning Clan Chronicles

Betrayed and attacked, the Clan fled the Trade Pact for Cersi, believing that world their long-lost home. With them went a lone alien, the Human named Jason Morgan, Chosen of their leader, Sira di Sarc. Tragically, their arrival upset the Balance between Cersi’s three sentient species. And so the Clan, with their newfound kin, must flee again.

Their starship, powered by the M’hir, follows a course set long ago, for Clan abilities came from an experiment their ancestors—the Hoveny—conducted on themselves. But it’s a perilous journey. The Clan must endure more than cramped conditions and inner turmoil.

Their dead are Calling.

Sira must keep her people from answering, for if they do, they die. Morgan searches the ship for answers, afraid the Hoveny’s tech is beyond his grasp. Their only hope? To reach their destination.

Little do Sira and Morgan realize their destination holds the gravest threat of all....

Amazon link

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My review

4 out of 5 stars 

The Gate to Futures Past by Julie E. Czerneda is part of the ‘Reunification’ section of the ‘Clan Chronicles’ series. Unfortunately, it should NOT be read as a stand-alone story, as pivotal information is required (or so I surmise) in order to understand the events and conflicts in this tale.

 

This science fiction novel is a complex story that explores tradition, remarkable powers, faith, mysticism, and perspective within the framework of space travel and learning about new worlds. The change in fortune for the Sona Clan that puts them at the mercy of the AI in the building known as Cloisters that has become a starship is making them question the future and their role in it. The stresses of dealing with the M’hir added to the dismaying losses, changes in the ship, and the constant voices make it difficult to discern whether their lives are going to improve but crucial decisions may turn reality as they know it on end, with no balance in sight.

As usual, the story expands one’s universe and makes the reader ponder what the distillation of self is, and whether alien life is a state of mind or a reality. Despite being a bit lost at times, I was still caught up in the struggles of the various beings sharing their journey and fighting to survive, and tied emotionally to them. There are elements that I love, including Sira’s constantly moving hair, the pronoun nes, and the telepathy between mates, but I was VERY frustrated by the ending (although I definitely needed a tissue). As usual, this author has penned a compelling tale in a well-built and complex universe, but my suggestion would be to start with the first book in this particular trilogy, if not the couple of trilogies prior, in order to have some sense of the progression of events and how much overlap can be avoided.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

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A Play of Shadow by Julie Czerneda (Review)

A Play of Shadow:  Mellynne by Julie Czerneda is the second story in the mesmerizing 'Night's Edge' series, and continues the story of Jenn Nalynn and her adventures with the other inhabitants of Marrowdell. Her ties to Truthseer Bannan Larmensu prompt her to risk the unpredictable dangers of the Verge in order to help search for his missing relatives. The amazing revelations about his family and the continuing maturation of Jenn's abilities elicit unexpected situations but the evil that seeks to destroy everything being built makes it essential for allies both large and small to take a stand, as the very fabric of Marrowdell becomes endangered.


The fun thing about reading fantasy is having one's imagination stretched, as one amazing event forms the framework for another, but it is essential for a vivid universe to be established in order for everything else to make sense, especially when one revisits after an absence. This series combines vivid world-building, memorable characters, and intensely emotional encounters that are fascinating in that none of them involve a 'normal' run-of-the-mill human. From the mercurial Wisp, whose protective dragonish qualities are contrasted with his whimsical dexterity as a breeze, the intimidating and carnivorous kruar Scourge, with his somewhat skewed method of interaction, to the remarkable house toad who manages to produce just what is needed at a crucial juncture...the myriad of creatures add a wonderful texture to a story that combines magic, adventure and romance in a winning combination. I confess to a tendency to take a closer look at the moths around me, in hopes that one will be writing on a very tiny scroll and I look forward to many more adventures featuring the fascinating Turn-born Jenn as she continues to explore her capabilities, ably supported by the very intriguing Bannan.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
 

Species Imperative by Julie Czerneda (review)

Species Imperative is an omnibus that celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the main character’s story.  It is a weighty tome that combines three separate stories, Survival, Migration, and Regeneration.



Survival by Julie Czerneda is the first story in the ‘Species Imperative’ trilogy, and follows biologist and researcher Dr. Mackenzie (Winifred Elizabeth Wright) Connor, known as Mac, as she is thrust into a research project far beyond her wildest imagination, involving multiple alien races and innumerable planets and a mystery that has stumped multitudes over the  years.  Not quite a xenophobe, Mac has a crash course in inter-species and diplomatic relations, when she suddenly acquires the attention of both a Dhryn named Brymn and a government representative named Nikolai Trojanowski (Nik) and discovers that everything she has believed is about to be forcefully changed, and she will have to adapt to new circumstances quickly...if the worlds as she knows them are to survive.


Migration

Mac’s life has been forever changed, but it seems she is destined to become more than a respected salmon researcher as she ends up in a think-tank that includes not only an amazing spectrum of aliens, but also the man she has spent so many years arguing with over her research parameters and its impact on her little corner of the world.  The discovery that her knowledge of biology has direct relevance to the question of what is happening with the Dhryn leads to even more discoveries about other aliens, and the dangers mount, until it is not only Mac who is at risk, but perhaps the entire Earth and beyond.  The difficult of identifying who are allies and who are enemies intensifies, and betrayal may sabotage the chance for any defense against the enemies who apparently can infiltrate at will.



Regeneration

Mac continues to learn how little she knows about the capabilities of her allies even as she rallies those around her to continue to fight and learn as much as they can about their enemy.  The discovery of the layered implications of promises and the importance of congruence is reflected both in her personal world and in the systems that have to work together to defeat the threat that may wipe out all of the allies.  Unexpected developments reflect the persistence of the rules of biology, no matter the type of being, but betrayal and misdirection may undermine any progress made unless everyone can work together.  The demands made on everyone will winnow out the faint of heart and allow those with the capability to show what heroes are made of, the question is, will it be enough to overcome the enemy?

These stories are an amazing melding of biology, science fiction, action, and romance.  The gradual build-up from a sometimes hilarious view of the antics of grad students and obsessed researchers, to the connection between research techniques and the concept of a precariously balanced system of worlds in which very disparate beings interact, is a remarkable reflection of the author’s artistry and dexterity at creating very believable scenarios that showcase so many different elements.  There is a fascinating analogy between the technique used to recreate the sounds of the intruder in Mac’s room and the entire first story, as patience and experimentation gradually exposes information needed to get an accurate picture. The vivid counterpoint between the horrific descriptions of widespread destruction and the joy of studying life while respecting fragile ecosystems drives home the message delivered in the story and its unexpected ending makes one even more anxious to read the next one.

The second book expounds on the remarkable beings introduced in the first, even as it introduces even more fantastical situations that are so adroitly portrayed that they seem perfectly possible and probable.  Unexpected shifts in the roles of characters previously introduced provide both illumination and more confusion, as more details are uncovered, yet the parallels to the microcosm of salmon research are still perpetuated and help provide insight into the overall mystery. 

The third book provides a delicious resolution to many of the issues that have been plaguing the investigation, even as it uncovers a dizzying array of interconnections and hidden agendas.  There is a very satisfying sense of congruence and fulfillment, even as some tendrils are left to possibly take root and grow into another enthralling set of tales.

Overall, this is an intense set of novels that has engendered a set of fans who describe themselves as ‘bio-geeks’, with good cause.  Fortunately, I don’t think that one HAS to be a lover of science and logic to appreciate these stories, although I daresay, it definitely enhances one’s appreciation for the facility with which Ms. Czerneda has blended fact and fiction.  I am in awe of the amount of detail that has gone into creating such a mesmerizing story and one can spend hours dissecting such things as a race that uses ‘ne’ as a pronoun, the importance of having an additional name which can be ‘taken into one’s keeping’ as each major accomplishment in life is achieved, a joke about differences between beings that can only be appreciated when one knows how each deals with stress, and the myriad of other creative hints that comprise this story.  I can only say that, each time I pick up one of these books, I am caught by the spell and have no problem spending hours revisiting exotic and fantastical situations that are so clearly described that I have no problem understanding when something is happening that isn’t ‘logical’ within the framework of the story.  I can’t deny that these are very weighty books and it will require a considerable commitment of time to read them, but wow, one can only be enhanced by this glimpse of other cultures and the interactions between them…and it will probably make you think about how these issues that encompass solar systems and a multiplicity of aliens actually are pertinent to how we humans treat each other within our own spheres of influence.  These stories deserve much higher than a 5 star rating and are definitely part of my ‘keeper’ collection!


© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Interesting adventures

I was a little frazzled over the past few weeks since I was editing a wonderful anthology of 7 interracial romances...I will have the pleasure of hosting the authors when the book is released, and there are definitely some fun and romantic tales included.  Consequently, I am even further behind than usual on my reviews, which is compounded by the fact that two of them are for VERY long books.  One of those is Mirror Sight, by Kristen Britain, a rousing fantasy story that is part of her 'Green Rider' series, which I fell in love with many moons ago when I read the first volume, Green Rider.  I admit, I haven't been as enthralled with every book in the series, but it is a very nice fantasy set nonetheless, and a great choice if you are looking for books for the young adult fantasy readers in your life.


                   


The other massive tome is geared for the science fiction lover, the Species Imperative collection by Julie Czerneda.  I will write more about this trilogy once I get it read and reviewed...but don't hold your breath, it's about 1,000 pages since it is comprised of three full-length novels!

But, lest you think I never leave the house...I will tell you about the adventures I have had over the past few weeks!

I enter contests all of the time (I am sure you have seen my name submitted at all sorts of places as you wander through the book sites) but I don't limit my entries to those related to books!  So, a few weeks ago, I received notice that I had won a trip to see the Soul Train Music Awards in Las Vegas!

We were flown to Vegas (the organizers were not amused by my offer to rent a car and drive and use the excess money that they were ostensibly paying for our flight to go shopping--we looked in the newspaper and the flights were listed at less than half of what they supposedly were paying!), they put us up in a nice hotel room at The Orleans (where the ceremony was to be held), we were able to attend a pre-party and see stars such as Doug E. Fresh, the master of beatboxing (if you've never seen him perform, look up a YouTube video...he is so IMPRESSIVE!).  We're short, and shy, so we didn't wade into the crowd around Wendy Williams but we watched the hubbub as she made her brief appearance.  Sadly, the itinerary was mistaken, and we did NOT get a chance to see Kool and the Gang (pout), but we saw them the next night as they received their awards.

The next afternoon, we were able to watch folks as they came in on the red carpet...since I haven't really kept up with the current artists, I didn't know many of them, but I was SO impressed to see the female artist, MC Lyte, present scholarships to three young men for their college education, awarded by the Hip Hop Sisters Network.  More information is at this link.  I was disappointed that we were not allowed to bring our cameras, just to use our camera phone (and those who know me are aware that I don't use a cellphone and the hubby has one of those very basic ones)...and I still haven't figured out how to get those fuzzy pictures onto my computer but one of these days, lol.  Then we were escorted into the building past these VERY long lines of folks waiting to enter...wow, what a way to feel special.

Our final treat was to attend a comedy show hosted by Bill Bellamy.  The only drawback was that it was supposed to start at 10:30 p.m. and they didn't start letting people in until after 11:00 p.m.  Geesh.  I read until the wee hours of the night, but I am usually tucked into my bed, lol.  It was a very good show and I liked all of the routines except one, and I managed to doze through most of that one.  Naturally, they were a little politically incorrect, and unfortunately involved way too much profanity for my tastes, but they were undeniably funny.

After way too little sleep, we got the shuttle back to the airport and flew back to our home city...exhausted but entertained.  What a blast!

Then, today, I participated in the gun trade-in being hosted by the County Sheriffs.  But...I think I will save that story for another day...
anything interesting going on in your life?  Feel free to share...

A Turn of Light by Julie Czerneda (review)

                                        


One of my favorite science fiction trilogies (and a source of friction between me and my younger brother since I made the mistake of loaning him book 1 which he lost!) is by Julie Czerneda so I was delighted to discover a new title by her.  I am always a little reluctant to start new series lately because I have promised so many authors reviews and I know that this author writes very densely intricate stories that cannot be rushed through.  I am now even further behind on my commitments...but I can't say I'm sorry, lol.  Be warned...it is more than 800 pages...and I had extreme trouble putting it down!  (and, my apologies, I neglected to state that it is the beginning of the 'Night's Edge' series in my review)

My review:


A Turn of Light (Night's Edge) by Julie Czerneda is a fabulous fantasy tale that is an unusual coming of age story which follows Jenn Nalynn as she approaches her pivotal nineteenth birthday. The very insulated population of the valley of Marrowdell has a limited scope for someone who yearns to see the wide world yet is unaware what a singular existence she has in a place where grain protects and harvests itself, an ethereal companion has watched her mature and a fountain remains forever pure. Unbeknownst to Jenn, the conundrum is, if she goes out to explore the world, will there be a world to explore? The arrival of enigmatic newcomer, Bannan Larmensu, who sees much more than the ordinary observer, may provide more complications than solutions, particularly since he brings a companion known as Scourge. Marrowdell undoubtedly will never be the same, no matter what happens.

I have always been impressed by the science fiction titles I have read by this author because I am fascinated by her world-building. It takes a lot of talent to create an entirely believable world filled with interesting beings who are fascinating despite their obvious ‘otherness’. I am ecstatic to discover that there was no loss of that ability when the world portrayed in this wonderful tale was created. The dexterity in populating the very unusual village of Marrowdell with exquisitely layered individuals and the gradual unfolding of their layers showcase what I love best about this author, her ability to suck one in and then turn preconceptions on their sides.

There are a wealth of beings who vacillate between being powerless and pivotal at various times interspersed with great hidden gems of sly humor and almost groan-worthy puns (e.g. will o’ the wisp) that keep one mesmerized by the unfolding tales The combination of positive and negative aspects that each entity is composed of gives a reality to the tale yet the fantastical world(s) they occupy stretch the imagination and lead to bemused speculation. There are so many side elements that I would love to explore and I am delighted to discover that there is a least one other tale already being woven. Be forewarned, this is not a quick beach read, but rather one that should be savored with the expectation of revisiting favorite sections, and plan your time accordingly as you prepare to be drawn under Ms. Czerneda’s spell and only reluctantly escape back into the real world.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.