Review: Fantastic Sc-Fi!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 11, 2012
This review may seem slightly confusing, but that's because it was originally a co-review: [...]I really enjoyed A Time for Ryda! We give the same rating for once, Rachel! Yes, it was short, but the 40-ish pages were enough for Phil Stern to create a wonderful dystopian/sci-fi adventure with some interesting twists.Plot:I actually was kind of confused during the first six pages or so but as the story progressed, I understood it and soon, I couldn't stop turning (virtual) pages! This novella combines a dystopian government, stealthy secret agents, gripping suspense and intense action scenes all in one small package!Most of the story had a steady pace, until the conclusion. The ending felt extremely rushed - I wish the author had taken the time to more fully expand on the twist ending and its consequences. Moreover, there was no real resolution - the plot mystery is explained, but what happened to the characters in the end? Did the Resistance succeed? Are the bad guys defeated? The reader basically left hanging with these and other important questions.Nevertheless, it is a fast-paced roller coaster ride with two big twists I didn't expect coming but LOVED. Definitely left me wanting more from this author!Characters:There's only one real, three-dimensional character - Eve. At first, you think she's going to be a run-of-the-mill secret agent, but then you see another side of her, reminiscing of her childhood in Ryda, now ruled by the controlling Gandians. She recounts their attack, her family's escape and her missing boyfriend - until now. The next thing you know, she's incapacitating a Gandian soldier trying to touch her. So it was lovely to see the different sides of this protagonist. In the short time I knew her, I really started to root for her safety and her cause.Setting:It was really interesting to see the author's take on a dystopian future world - dystopian, because it's ruled by an overbearing, controlling government, future, because the food ordered in a cafe comes down from the roof and appearance can be modified with a press of a button. There is an underlying air of depression and despair and nostalgia which makes this story all the more believable.Recommendation:This is a great book if you're waiting in line at the dentist's or looking for a quick but gripping read. That's exactly what this book provides. It'll take you less than an hour to read but take you on a wonderful journey with Eve in Ryda and multiple worlds.SECRET AGENTS AND DISASTROUS BETRAYAL, says II received a complimentary ebook from the author as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.