Review of Unlight

[NetMassimo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Unlight" by Chandra Shekhar.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Unlight by Chandra Shekhar is a post-apocalyptic novel. When a giant cloud of dust comes into the solar system and astronomers predict it will hit Earth and obscure the sun, almost no one believes that there's real danger. Larry is a billionaire and one of the few people who take the threat seriously. He had the Shell built, a self-sufficient shelter meant to save some people from what was called the Shroud, the part of the dust cloud attracted by the Earth's gravity and hanging on to it, causing temperatures to fall dramatically. The Shell can host a few people only, so Larry decides to save his fiancée Nicole, her mother Elizabeth, and her daughters Jessica and Anna. Can they last for years?

If some conditions on Earth were to be altered so much as to threaten all life on the planet, would people act in time to save themselves and any possible ecosystems or would they ignore the threat until it's too late? That's the question Chandra Shekhar poses at the beginning of this novel. His answer is that the astronomers that raise the alarm would be ridiculed and only a few people would act on the threat. In this novel, the threat is not climate change, with decades for humans to wake up and find a solution but a quick apocalypse with a dust cloud that obscures the sun and freezes the whole Earth almost overnight.

This is a character-oriented story that is centered around what happens to Larry, his fiancée Nicole, and her family. There's not much action, as it's mostly set within the Shell. It follows the characters' reactions to the situation and the risks posed by any fault that might happen in the Shell's machines that keep them alive. This is an introspective survival story focused on the relationship between characters, their thoughts, and reflections. Those include spirituality and religion offering different points of view. Most post-apocalyptic stories focus on the challenges the characters face in the outside world while this one is somewhat the opposite.

The story spans several years, and I appreciated how the interpersonal dynamics changed over time. For example, Nicole's daughters start as teenagers who have some personal issues, partly caused by their father's abandonment, and then grow up through time. Overall, conflict between characters is limited, as they mostly make an effort to get along. I wonder if it's realistic to have so little conflict, even if the women are close relatives who got along in a normal situation.

The author doesn't explain everything concerning the Shroud and people's reactions to the quick freezing. From this point of view, the story might be too focused on the protagonists. For example, we know nothing about all the people who built the Shell and why none of them tried to get in, even using violence in desperation. This isn't the kind of novel that explains everything, so if you're not OK with being left with some questions unanswered, this novel is not for you.

For Chandra Shekhar, becoming even closer through a crisis was the main theme of this novel. Maybe we are too used to stories full of conflict between characters to believe that getting along during a crisis is likely. If you want to read a story that is positive from this point of view, Unlight is perfect for you.

The book's editing is extraordinary, as I found no errors. Chandra Shekhar mentioned his proofreading work in an afterword. I appreciate a writer who puts in extra effort to correct errors. My doubts about some bits of the plot are very subjective and didn't affect my enjoyment of this novel, so I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. The book contains limited profanity with words that your average teenager has heard many times. Sex is mentioned but only kissing is told explicitly. For this reason, I believe it's suitable for teenagers as well.

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Unlight
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[marta baglioni]

This book has been on my TBR for months, after your review I will certainly read it. Thank you!

[NetMassimo]

This book has been on my TBR for months, after your review I will certainly read it. Thank you!

Have fun and thank you for your comment!

[Alice Heritage]

I wonder if they will come out of their Shell? Thanks for the introduction to this alternative take on post-apocalyptic fiction.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Unlight" by Chandra Shekhar.]

Unlight by Chandra Shekhar is a post-apocalyptic novel. When a giant cloud of dust comes into the solar system and astronomers predict it will hit Earth and obscure the sun, almost no one believes that there's real danger. Larry is a billionaire and one of the few people who take the threat seriously. He had the Shell built, a self-sufficient shelter meant to save some people from what was called the Shroud, the part of the dust cloud attracted by the Earth's gravity and hanging on to it, causing temperatures to fall dramatically. The Shell can host a few people only, so Larry decides to save his fiancée Nicole, her mother Elizabeth, and her daughters Jessica and Anna. Can they last for years?

If some conditions on Earth were to be altered so much as to threaten all life on the planet, would people act in time to save themselves and any possible ecosystems or would they ignore the threat until it's too late? That's the question Chandra Shekhar poses at the beginning of this novel. His answer is that the astronomers that raise the alarm would be ridiculed and only a few people would act on the threat. In this novel, the threat is not climate change, with decades for humans to wake up and find a solution but a quick apocalypse with a dust cloud that obscures the sun and freezes the whole Earth almost overnight.

Overall, conflict between characters is limited, as they mostly make an effort to get along. I wonder if it's realistic to have so little conflict, even if the women are close relatives who got along in a normal situation.

The author doesn't explain everything concerning the Shroud and people's reactions to the quick freezing. From this point of view, the story might be too focused on the protagonists. For example, we know nothing about all the people who built the Shell and why none of them tried to get in, even using violence in desperation. This isn't the kind of novel that explains everything, so if you're not OK with being left with some questions unanswered, this novel is not for you.

There is no shortage of post-apocalyptic novels these days; however, the spin on this one is unique! I like the concept of an overnight event that drives the situation. I don't think the author is too far off the mark in terms of how people might react with the ridicule and lack of action. I can see where you would question the realism with a lack of conflict. I would definitely be expecting some violence getting into that Shell. It sounds so good, but I know I would be so mad not to know about the building of the shell! I'm on the fence about reading this for that reason, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading your detailed review! Until next time...

[Veronica Hunter]

In 'Unlight,' Chandra Shekhar crafts a gripping narrative around a billionaire's bold attempt to save a select few from an impending disaster. The novel's exploration of human response to a sudden, catastrophic event adds a layer of urgency, making it a thought-provoking read that delves into the essence of survival and human nature.

[NetMassimo]

There is no shortage of post-apocalyptic novels these days; however, the spin on this one is unique! I like the concept of an overnight event that drives the situation. I don't think the author is too far off the mark in terms of how people might react with the ridicule and lack of action. I can see where you would question the realism with a lack of conflict. I would definitely be expecting some violence getting into that Shell. It sounds so good, but I know I would be so mad not to know about the building of the shell! I'm on the fence about reading this for that reason, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading your detailed review! Until next time...

Some optimism is refreshing in the depiction of human nature, which is the reason why I gave this novel a high score despite my doubts. Thank you for your appreciation!

[NetMassimo]

In 'Unlight,' Chandra Shekhar crafts a gripping narrative around a billionaire's bold attempt to save a select few from an impending disaster. The novel's exploration of human response to a sudden, catastrophic event adds a layer of urgency, making it a thought-provoking read that delves into the essence of survival and human nature.

Yes, it's a story of survival that is different from usual and for this reason, it can offer food for thought. Thank you for your comment!

[Gerry Steen]

Your description of this book appeals to me. I appreciate that it is a story of survival and gratefulness for being able to live with loved ones. The great writing skills of the author are a welcomed bonus. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you for this informative review.

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Excellent review! I'm a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre.
I also admire your writing style; you provide ample details about various aspects of the book. This is incredibly informative and enjoyable to read.
I couldn't help but chuckle when I came across the line, "if you're not OK with being left with some questions unanswered, this novel is not for you." This resonated with me because I generally prefer books that tie up loose ends and provide closure.

[MAHAD BAIG MIRZA]

I appreciate how you focused on the unique aspects of "Unlight" by Chandra Shekhar, particularly the introspective and character-oriented approach to a post-apocalyptic scenario. Your review skillfully highlights the novel's strengths in exploring relationships and personal growth amidst a crisis, while also acknowledging its lack of broader explanations, providing a balanced and insightful evaluation.

[Seetha E]

I've read this one. You raised some valid points that I hadn't considered while reading it. What I appreciated about the book was its focus on the human spirit—what we should do in times of crisis. It was an easy-to-read, engaging, and fascinating book.
I enjoyed your take on the book. Thank you for the great review!

[Victor Nwabuisi]

What caught my attention in the review is the idea of a “quiet apocalypse”, one where people ignore the warning signs until it’s too late. It feels like a very timely and thought-provoking concept. thank you for the intriguing review.