Review of Homecoming

Terry Kimble · Post by **Terry Kimble** » 30 Nov 2023, 07:58

[Following is a volunteer review of "Homecoming" by Jude Austin.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Homecoming, with its turmoil, suspense, horror, and laugh-out-loud moments, is the sequel to Jude Austin’s Project Tau. It is the aftermath of Kata (Kalin) and Tau’s nerve-racking escape from GenTech Lab. Their adventures continue as they are tracked by bounty hunters and greedy officials who want to return them to GenTech to collect the reward money. One of these officials instructs Kata to find and bring back an ambassador's daughter, who has gone missing on Atthiras, or Tau will be returned to GenTech. Will the mission be a success? Will Kata and Tau finally live free?
This sequel introduces some appealing new characters, and I love that it also builds on the character developments of Kata and Tau. Some exotic and frightening animals debut in this story as well!

Alan Morgan is one of my favorite new characters. Alan helps Kata to open up and trust again, forming a bond between them. Tau attaches to a new character, Kurai, who patiently listens to him while helping him become more independent. Kurai is an enigma; I look forward to discovering more about this guy in the next book!

Some pernicious species of planetary animals roam the landscapes, adding another layer of danger for the characters, and I enjoyed Austin’s vivid depictions of these other-worldly creatures! Her extraordinary imagination and storytelling draw the reader in from the book's first page to its last.

Jude Austin’s Five World series offers stimulating food for thought surrounding societal dependence on machines, the creation of AI, and human cloning. Is the author’s fictional series a prophetic tale of humanity’s future? Could humanity's total dependence on technology—which can be infiltrated and shut down—ultimately cause our destruction and societal collapse? Will society become emotionally detached from other forms of life and pursue human cloning just because technology allows it? Perhaps we should begin limiting the use of technology now—while we are still ahead. Homecoming inspires many things to consider.

I recommend this book to adults who have read and enjoyed the first book, Project Tau, or anyone thinking of dipping their toe into the science fiction genre for the first time! Just be sure to begin with the first book! Before reading the first book, I did not think I could ever become a sci-fi fan. I am now a convert!

A word of caution: This novel references rape, but there are no descriptive rape scenes. Torture is depicted, and the book contains adult language throughout.

I found nothing to dislike about this book; it even satisfactorily put to rest some questions rattling in my brain from the first book! I appreciated the fine editing job of this author’s work. Homecoming is a five-out-of-five-star sci-fi novel!

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Homecoming
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RJ Reviews · Post by **RJ Reviews** » 20 Dec 2023, 09:50

I loved reading this review because it showcased all the interesting fact about the book. This book sounds right up my alley. The rating is promising. A sci-fi book full of mystery and turmoil sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for sharing your informative review.