Review of Star Chaser
Posted: 08 Mar 2025, 00:49
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Star Chaser" by Reiter.]
"Star Chaser" by Reiter is as advertised: a lot of action with little exposition. The story revolves around Dungias and his role in the ultimate game of the universe. Dungias was introduced as a young boy with weird characteristics. Even his family members did not seem to understand him. He would always dare things that normal people were scared of imagining. His encounter with a "Master Traveller," Nugar, began his journey to discovering his destiny and knowing more about his ancestry.
Phew! That was my expression when I finished reading this lengthy book (and I don't mean it badly). It has been long since I read a book this long. Thankfully, this book is worth every second spent reading it. From the first page, readers are immersed in the action, which doesn't stop until the final page. I was first introduced to a man who had come so close to obliterating a people from the universe but failed. In that instant, I knew plenty of action would keep me reading until the final page.
Albert Einstein is attributed to have said this: "Life is just like a game, first you have to learn the rules of the game, and then play it better than anyone else." This statement finds full expression in many of the story arcs of this book. First, we see the Iro-Games, where some entities are willing to circumvent the rules to have an edge over their opponents. We also see Freund and Neve challenging themselves to a game of chess, where the consequences of losing will be devastating. I like how this author uses the "show, don't tell" technique to point out that life is a game.
For a lengthy book like this, it is expected that so many characters will be involved. One challenge this poses is the risk of some characters being lost in the maze as the plot unfolds. However, the author makes this book about Dungias. Many of the characters find relevance through their interactions with him. I easily remember characters like Nugar, Saru, Gantee, and Danatra because of their relationship with Dungias. Alternatively, the author provides a link to the list of characters to help readers appreciate their roles in the story.
I liked everything about the book. However, if this weren't the final version, it would have been great to have some graphics in it. This would help the book in two ways. First, it would give readers a mental picture of the characters and places. For instance, I kept imagining what Kiaplyx, the AI robot that Dungias fought with, looked like. Was it a full-machine robot or a humanoid? Secondly, it would help to intermittently break the boredom of an extended text reading.
The above issue does not affect my enjoyment of the book negatively. Therefore, I rate it a five out of five. If you're a fan of stories that blend the hyper-scientific, like "Star Wars," and the magical, like "The Lord of the Rings," I recommend this book to you.
******
Star Chaser
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
"Star Chaser" by Reiter is as advertised: a lot of action with little exposition. The story revolves around Dungias and his role in the ultimate game of the universe. Dungias was introduced as a young boy with weird characteristics. Even his family members did not seem to understand him. He would always dare things that normal people were scared of imagining. His encounter with a "Master Traveller," Nugar, began his journey to discovering his destiny and knowing more about his ancestry.
Phew! That was my expression when I finished reading this lengthy book (and I don't mean it badly). It has been long since I read a book this long. Thankfully, this book is worth every second spent reading it. From the first page, readers are immersed in the action, which doesn't stop until the final page. I was first introduced to a man who had come so close to obliterating a people from the universe but failed. In that instant, I knew plenty of action would keep me reading until the final page.
Albert Einstein is attributed to have said this: "Life is just like a game, first you have to learn the rules of the game, and then play it better than anyone else." This statement finds full expression in many of the story arcs of this book. First, we see the Iro-Games, where some entities are willing to circumvent the rules to have an edge over their opponents. We also see Freund and Neve challenging themselves to a game of chess, where the consequences of losing will be devastating. I like how this author uses the "show, don't tell" technique to point out that life is a game.
For a lengthy book like this, it is expected that so many characters will be involved. One challenge this poses is the risk of some characters being lost in the maze as the plot unfolds. However, the author makes this book about Dungias. Many of the characters find relevance through their interactions with him. I easily remember characters like Nugar, Saru, Gantee, and Danatra because of their relationship with Dungias. Alternatively, the author provides a link to the list of characters to help readers appreciate their roles in the story.
I liked everything about the book. However, if this weren't the final version, it would have been great to have some graphics in it. This would help the book in two ways. First, it would give readers a mental picture of the characters and places. For instance, I kept imagining what Kiaplyx, the AI robot that Dungias fought with, looked like. Was it a full-machine robot or a humanoid? Secondly, it would help to intermittently break the boredom of an extended text reading.
The above issue does not affect my enjoyment of the book negatively. Therefore, I rate it a five out of five. If you're a fan of stories that blend the hyper-scientific, like "Star Wars," and the magical, like "The Lord of the Rings," I recommend this book to you.
******
Star Chaser
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords