Official Review: Nyxe by Jedaiah Ramnarine

[anonanemone]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Nyxe" by Jedaiah Ramnarine.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Nyxe may be the most poetic science fiction book I have read in a long time. This is true because not only are several of the chapters prefaced with bits of original and germane poetry, but the visualization the author conveys is at times stunning.

Nyxe is a genetically enhanced young woman, presumably in her late teens, who we first meet as 'Test Subject 17.' Guru is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) who is 17's lone companion and mentor. Once awakened from her nearly 400 year slumber, subject 17 is presumed to be the last living woman on a post-apocalyptic Earth charged to make the planet habitable for humans. Did humanity really wipe itself out? Can one AI and one human girl repopulate the Earth and restore an idealized humanity to the planet?

The scientists that modified 17 operate on the premise that the basic faults of humanity can be eradicated through genetics and a lack of exposure to 'tainted' humans. Once the reader moves past such an obvious oversimplification the story flows well. Nyxe explores the stark compound which housed her and the outside world with a sense of wonder and beauty for each new experience. The descriptive visualization is enthralling. The story induces the reader forward with its measured pace of discovery, propelled by the enthusiastic and uncontainable Nyxe.

The biggest critique I have of this novel is the awkward phrasing and strangely structured sentences scattered throughout. These instances can be confusing and are detractive from the reader's experience. One example is as follows: "I smiled delightfully and lusting the desire to get as clean as possible." At times it feels as though the text is taken either from a translation or that English is a second language for the author.

Another issue with the novel is strange incidents of anthropomorphic thinking. One example is: "It's a waterfall after all, housed with this beautiful luminescence calling me to dive in her and explore." Another example alludes to the East and West as sisters: "I see, so that would mean east would be a contrast to west - an excitement of her sister's taste." It is difficult to determine whether this type of reference makes the story more poetic or whether it is just plain distracting.

Nyxe by Jedaiah Ramnarine is a truly compelling coming of age story appropriate and enjoyable for any who enjoy science fiction, a good coming of age story or a new approach to the post-apocalyptic story. Due to the awkward structuring of sentences and random anthropomorphism, I must remove a star from the rating I would otherwise award this book. Therefore, I give Nyxe a rating of 3 out of 4 stars.

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Nyxe
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Like anonanemone's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Jedaiah X]

Thanks for the review,

It's great you enjoyed the book, although I think some of your critique is subjective as the phrasing could be appreciated by one audience and deterred by another. That's just the risk of making artistic, ambitious material. Some of it will be hit and miss. The question is: what audience are you trying to please?

Either way, the ambition did pay off. Nyxe managed to hit multiple bestseller lists, particularly #1 in Dystopian and Military SciFi Bestsellers AU.

One thing this book has personally taught me, is something beyond the entertainment value. It's taught me that dreams can come true, as long as you're willing to go out and push blood, sweat and tears for it. Don't sit around and hope for anything. Get out there and will your dream into reality.

This is especially true for new authors who are stepping into a very over-saturated market. Many of the 'guides' out there do more harm than good. One author's success is not necessarily going to work for another. What will, however, universally work - is that you never give up.

No matter what anyone says.

PS: Thanks for the critique, I'll be noting your words and taking them into consideration for improvement on future titles. Nyxe II especially, since I have no choice but to make a sequel

[Rachaelamb1]

Very interesting review. I do not think I would enjoy the style of writing, but I'm sure people with more of a poetic taste would like it.

[rssllue]

Very nice review! It sounds like quite the interesting story.

[gali]

Great review! The premise sounds intriguing enough, and 3 stars is still good.

[anonanemone]

Thanks for the review,

It's great you enjoyed the book, although I think some of your critique is subjective as the phrasing could be appreciated by one audience and deterred by another. That's just the risk of making artistic, ambitious material. Some of it will be hit and miss. The question is: what audience are you trying to please?

Either way, the ambition did pay off. Nyxe managed to hit multiple bestseller lists, particularly #1 in Dystopian and Military SciFi Bestsellers AU.

One thing this book has personally taught me, is something beyond the entertainment value. It's taught me that dreams can come true, as long as you're willing to go out and push blood, sweat and tears for it. Don't sit around and hope for anything. Get out there and will your dream into reality.

This is especially true for new authors who are stepping into a very over-saturated market. Many of the 'guides' out there do more harm than good. One author's success is not necessarily going to work for another. What will, however, universally work - is that you never give up.

No matter what anyone says.

PS: Thanks for the critique, I'll be noting your words and taking them into consideration for improvement on future titles. Nyxe II especially, since I have no choice but to make a sequel

Congratulations on your book taking off! I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't have expected it to make it a military sci-fi list but that's still pretty awesome. I look forward to seeing Nyxe II come out!

Thank you for your kind words gali, rssllue, and rachaellamb!

[rssllue]

You are most welcome!

[Jedaiah X]

Thanks for the review,

It's great you enjoyed the book, although I think some of your critique is subjective as the phrasing could be appreciated by one audience and deterred by another. That's just the risk of making artistic, ambitious material. Some of it will be hit and miss. The question is: what audience are you trying to please?

Either way, the ambition did pay off. Nyxe managed to hit multiple bestseller lists, particularly #1 in Dystopian and Military SciFi Bestsellers AU.

One thing this book has personally taught me, is something beyond the entertainment value. It's taught me that dreams can come true, as long as you're willing to go out and push blood, sweat and tears for it. Don't sit around and hope for anything. Get out there and will your dream into reality.

This is especially true for new authors who are stepping into a very over-saturated market. Many of the 'guides' out there do more harm than good. One author's success is not necessarily going to work for another. What will, however, universally work - is that you never give up.

No matter what anyone says.

PS: Thanks for the critique, I'll be noting your words and taking them into consideration for improvement on future titles. Nyxe II especially, since I have no choice but to make a sequel

Congratulations on your book taking off! I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't have expected it to make it a military sci-fi list but that's still pretty awesome. I look forward to seeing Nyxe II come out!

When it does come out, you will have yourself to thank for making it better than I previously dreamed of and making me a better writer in general. I'd like to thank you and online book club once more for this opportunity.

[anonanemone]

Still lovin the hat. Are you still refusing the share with graverobber? Really taking it to heart I guess...

-- 14 Nov 2015, 13:30 --

Thank you, Jedaiah. I apreciate that criticism is hard to take even when meant to be constructive. I applaud you for being open minded. I wish you the best of luck!

[Sarah G]

Great review! I've just recently read Jedaian Ramnarine's first book and am intrigued as to how his writing has developed. Might have to put this on my 'to read' list

[anonanemone]

Thank you, Sarah! Eon Seven sounds much more complicated than Nyxe. It's always interesting to see author development over time.

[Tanaya]

Great review! I like the premise, but I'm not sure how I feel about the poetic aspect of it (I'm just not that big a fan of poetry). Congrats to the author regardless. I appreciated those words of encouragement for aspiring writers.

[anonanemone]

I'm not really a big poetry fan either. It just had more of a poetic feel to me for some reason. The pieces of poetry included are really only a few lines at a time.

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like my kind of book. It seems very interesting I could overlook the poetic parts. I hope I get the chance to read it. Congratulations to Jedaiah Ramnarine for a wonderful book!

[anonanemone]

I hope you get a chance to read the book too!