Review by David+Hubbell -- Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga...

[David+Hubbell]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)" by Janet McNulty.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Solaris Seethes by Janet McNutly is book one of a four book Sci-Fi series, Solaris Saga. This book carries a copyright of 2014 and is available on Amazon Kindle books for $3.99. I will rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. There is lots of action, both physical and environmental.

Ms. McNutly takes the reader to various sectors of the universe in search of crystals told of in ancient stories and myths. She opens the book with a prologue by Solaris, an archaic vessel, refurbished by Marlow, the hero's grandfather. The main characters are Rynah (hero), Solaris (artificial intelligence hero), Klanor (villain), Stein (villain), Obiah (Marlow's friend) and four unlikely heroes from, well, I'll leave that for you to discover.


Rynah and Solaris begin a mission to retrieve six crystals that keep planets in twelve sectors stable. She is helped by Solon, Brie, Tom and Alfric, all from different eras in sector thirteen.


Solaris recites the prophecy Marlow discovered to Rynah:

"Six crystals in evil’s grasp:
one lone exile with fury’s wrath.
Four you need from thirteen:
four heroes of faith and belief.

The warrior of nobility,
descended from the line of kings.
Strength and prowess he commands
from his frozen homeland.

A philosopher whose wisdom all need;
knowledge and learning are his deeds.
A scholar of myth and history
will guide you on this journey.

The inventor with guided skills,
machines and mechanics fulfill his days;
all of which shall prove most useful in the darkest grooves.

And the one who loves when all is lost;
do not let timidity blind you and deceive,
for he shall bear the highest cost.

Blood ties that run deep,
Blood shared from conflict reaped.
Traitors they were called.
Heroes they are all."

Rynah and Solaris follow the prophecy. It takes them to many worlds and will introduce them to many beings.

Ms. McNutly takes a great deal of care developing each character. The interaction between character personalities is so skillfully developed that the reader is feels drawn in and immersed in the drama. Several times, Rynah has doubts and emotional outbursts at and with Brie. Rynah does not believe Brie is capable of being a part of the team because she lacks courage. Rynah also has a conflict with Solaris about Brie's commitment to the mission. The interaction between all of the characters gives this book an interesting dimension. Sometimes co-operation, sometimes conflict, a great description of the team dynamic.

Another aspect of the book is the situations encountered by the team of characters. They travel to different sectors of the universe, in search of the crystals. The extremes of each sector generally brings the team together in new ways. Another scenario which brings the team growth, is their encounter with pirates. These encounters are well written and designed to show story development that would not have been possible in other situations.

The author divided some chapters in the book with three green diamonds to bring in the activity of one of the villains or to switch scenes. A good visual technic. She also used color illustrations throughout the book.

Solaris Seethes is designed for pre-teens to young adults. Ms. McNutly's writing is direct and very descriptive. I only found one typo. It occurred on page 325. The word "singing" should be "singeing". The book was obviously edited be a professional. Another aspect of this publication is it's availability as an audible book. The availability of a companion coloring book might heighten one's enjoyment of Janet McNutly 's Solaris Seethes.

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Solaris Seethes (Solaris Saga book 1)
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