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H.M. Irwing’s book, The Final Frontier is an adventure of the science fiction/fantasy variety. In the Awakened Universe, many planets and their populations coexist under the governance of a Council and the protection of a warrior collective known as Ovion. A rogue scientist, aware of the failings of the societal structure, creates new life forms by genetic experimentation in hopes that they will be able to help stave off certain destruction. Once Sim and her “siblings” are grown, it becomes time to face both the predicted calamities as well as the unexpected, the which effort leads Sim and company as far away as the yet-un-Awakened Earth.
There is quite a lot going on in this book. A multiplicity of societies, involving different life forms, abilities, technologies, etc., added to an abundance of phenomena driving the plot forward makes for a very complicated novel. The author goes to great effort to explain what is happening and why, but as I was reading, I came to the conclusion that this is a book best read twice. The first time through, I can get to know the characters and, through them, the lifestyles, abilities, and customs of the various races represented. The second time, I can focus on the technology and scientific phenomena and get a better idea of those plot devices. (Note: this was my experience only. Such a second reading is not strictly necessary. The book was amply enjoyable and clear enough to follow the plot the first time through, but I’m reviewing it, and it’s good enough for a repeat, so I went for it.) Probably, more enthused science fiction readers will more thoroughly enjoy the book because they will be delighted by its detail and variety while also being perhaps more accustomed to placing themselves in an optimal mindset for absorbing and understanding everything that’s going on.
No matter what your reading preference though, I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy Sim, the main character. She is awkward, curious, bold, generally hilarious, and intrinsically likable. She’s never entirely comfortable in her own skin, and her discoveries (and mishaps) as she realizes her potential are sure to have readers smiling, laughing, and maybe believing a little more in the unique possibilities for each person in the real world too. Through Sim’s eyes, we get an outsider’s perspective on each world and race she encounters (including Earth), and all the while, her charm, humor, and compassion humanize every character and draw out the best and worst of everyone who encounters her.
I would be remiss if I left out a warning to prospective readers. If you’re a stickler for technical accuracy, this might not be the book for you. The cardinal rule of the genre is to suspend disbelief. Minor errors, like speech pattern discrepancies, scientific impossibilities relating to obscure phenomena, and technical errors in high-level Earth politics, do exist in the novel. For many readers, these will not present a problem, and the book will be enjoyable or not on its merits, but for some, these small problems will niggle and spoil the effect. In the words of Socrates, “Know thyself,” and guide your choices accordingly.
For my part, I enjoyed the book greatly, and I rate it 3 out of 4 stars. It seems well set-up for a sequel (although the ending is complete - not a cliffhanger, I promise), and I would not be sorry to see Sim and friends return to pick up where they left off once again.
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