Review: PROJECT SOLSTICE - Where sci-fi and fantasy become one
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 24, 2014
VG Harrison is as much a mystery as the novels that comprise the triptych PROJECT SOLSTICE (SECTION 51 is Book 1, DEPARTMENT 51 is Book 2, and UNIT 51 is Book 3). Searching for Harrison's biography only gives bits and pieces of inspiration for the novels; we do know that Harrison lives in North Carolina, has a day job, and writes books in spare time. Gender: not designated, though the Facebook page refers to VG as `him' - and perhaps that ups the ante on the mystery that pervades this little work that adroitly mixes supernatural/paranormal, science fiction and horror. Now we have a word from the author about the concept of his current novels: `Project Solstice is a top secret initiative that explains why the government spends $20,000 on toilet seats and $49,000 on cuff links. The extra money has to go somewhere and this secret organization has been on the receiving end for decades, long before the Roswell Incident. But if you're looking for information about that or Area 51, you won't find it here. The "aliens" have lived in our fairytales as skinwalkers, vampires, and nymphs as far back as anyone can remember. Unfortunately, they're real. But, that's not what Project Solstice is about. It's about what the government has been doing with the technology that brought them here.'Still with one volume to go this reviewer would recommend reading the entire trilogy, of which this is Book 2. Not that DEPARTMENT 51 cannot stand on its own as a complete story - it can, but the background from SECTION 51 heightens the experience of delving into this book. Grieving of the murder of her triplet brother Ian, Ava Frost discovers a threat from the loathed Department 51 - she is to be imprisoned for bizarre criminal charges. Remember that Ava is an empath (an empath is someone with the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences). She learns that a sentient, complex computer program called Ian 2 has been imprinted with her brother's anagrams. But even more sinister, the computer is linked to her brain, sharing the same organic metal as her cybernetic implant. Department 51 wants her to disable Ian 2, but when an alien craft threatens the Earth, Ava discovers her brother's computer program may be the only key to deciphering the invaders' intentions.VG Harrison writes with language appropriate to the characters and moves the story along as fast as a space ship spinning out of control. Even for those who do not relish sci-fi or paranormal or alien tales, Harrison writes in a manner that remains propulsive. As bizarre as the characters and actions are, they become part of our psyches - polished writing such as this is a gift. Grady Harp, February 14