Review: A refreshing take on scifi
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 12, 2013
With a female protagonist and antagonist, "Going Home" is truly a fresh take on the scifi genre.Kim Welsman's novel, which takes place on Earth a few hundred years from the present, is set in motion when a prophet-like alien, named Sygen, appears in front of a powerful military man, bearing a strange gift and the message that the newly emerging Agency will be the demise of Earth.Fast forward a few years, the quick-thinking protagonist, Lyrissa, is tasked with infiltrating the mysterious and hateful Agency to get in contact with Peggy, an enigmatic being with a veiled agenda.The novel's plot is relatively straightforward, yet intriguing and engaging. I got a bit of a spy novel vibe from it, with all the secrets, targets, and contacts.I am impressed with how Welsman builds a world that is reminiscent of present Earth, but also has plenty of futuristic aspects. Welsman's creations, such as the soma-like drug Zyloftin, move the plot forward, as well as make the world more interesting.Welsman's usage of females in a variety of strong roles is innovative for the genre, making the novel feel refreshing.Because of the combination of an intriguing plot, strong writing, and a fresh take on the genre, I would recommend "Going Home" to any science fiction fan.