Review: Irradiance by David Bruns
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2014
The people of Sindra live by several Edicts set down centuries ago. They’re telepathic (the use of speech is highly discouraged) and they’re mentally connected to the Community by the crystals implanted through their foreheads into their brains when they’re about 13 or 14. Everything Sindrans do is for the betterment of the Community. Physical contact is a no-no and all children are bioengineered in a lab to be the best specimens of the species. Maribel is a new mother to a very different set of twins, a “wife”, and a premier scientist. She also flouts some of the Edicts in the privacy of her own home with her family. When Maribel’s research uncovers a dangerous truth, she must make choices which could risk the safety of herself and everyone she loves.IRRADIANCE is a well-crafted science fiction novel written in a style which makes the science easy to understand and the characters blaze to life. Most Sindrans go through life never questioning the Community or their roles in it. I was appalled by how they ‘recycled’ defective people like it was no big deal as long as it benefitted the Community. There was no real room for individuality and anyone who did not follow the rules was punished severely. I loved Maribel and her very special twins. It was empowering to see how the quest for truth was Maribel’s ultimate goal, no matter the personal consequences. There are some eerie similarities to the blind followers and people today who no longer question authority or the removal of rights. IRRADIANCE is the first book in a new series and the ending will leave you with many more questions than answers, but also with hope.