Review of Unlight
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Ana Chao
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Review of Unlight
[Following is a volunteer review of "Unlight" by Chandra Shekhar.]
Chandra Shekhar's Unlight follows the Miller family as they attempt to survive a mass ice age caused by human arrogance and incoming space particles named the Shroud. The family consists of five members, representing three generations. Despite the spectacular conditions Larry created in the Shell, they must struggle to overcome tragedies and obstacles. Throughout the novel, we doubt the Millers will live and, if they do, if the outside world will be survivable.
What makes Unlight such a phenomenal book is how believable the sequence of events prior to the Shroud's eminent arrival, i.e., the reaction of world leaders and the mass hysteria thereafter. As I was reading this section, I couldn't help but remember the months before COVID took over the world. Another positive aspect of this novel is Jessica's character growth, where she becomes an empathetic and caring individual rather than continuing her spoiled behavior. It is essential to mention that a remarkable part of Unlight is the spectacular editing done to it; I could not find a single grammatical or spelling mistake.
Despite the outstanding aspects of this novel, specific sections felt too long, regardless of the use of time skips as a countermeasure. I understand that the repetitive nature was to demonstrate how monotonous life could be; however, it would have been more interesting if there had been a shift in the point of view. There were various team meetings where the Millers spoke about what they needed, wanted, or were doing rather than actively doing any of those actions. Those monotonous sections would have been more interesting, despite their repetitive nature, if there had been descriptions of them working out the problems actively rather than describing the mental process.
I rate Unlight as a 4 out of 5 stars. While an exciting story with magnificent editing, I think it would've been a richer story had it focused solely on a singular perspective within the family rather than a shifting omniscient third-person voice sprinkled with journal entries. Moreover, despite the horrible circumstances and situations they've faced in the Shell, there is no true terror felt. I understand resigning to one's fate, but I think there would've been more emotional depth if it had focused on one specific person's sense of loss rather than the amalgamation. It still deserves its 4 out of 5 stars rating because of the interesting premise and the scientific explanations throughout.
The audience for this book should be those knowledgeable about science or engineering. Additionally, I recommend this book to our world leaders so that they learn to avoid shoving essential world issues to the back because it doesn't align with their monetary goals. All threats should be assessed and combatted before it is too late.
******
Unlight
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Chandra Shekhar's Unlight follows the Miller family as they attempt to survive a mass ice age caused by human arrogance and incoming space particles named the Shroud. The family consists of five members, representing three generations. Despite the spectacular conditions Larry created in the Shell, they must struggle to overcome tragedies and obstacles. Throughout the novel, we doubt the Millers will live and, if they do, if the outside world will be survivable.
What makes Unlight such a phenomenal book is how believable the sequence of events prior to the Shroud's eminent arrival, i.e., the reaction of world leaders and the mass hysteria thereafter. As I was reading this section, I couldn't help but remember the months before COVID took over the world. Another positive aspect of this novel is Jessica's character growth, where she becomes an empathetic and caring individual rather than continuing her spoiled behavior. It is essential to mention that a remarkable part of Unlight is the spectacular editing done to it; I could not find a single grammatical or spelling mistake.
Despite the outstanding aspects of this novel, specific sections felt too long, regardless of the use of time skips as a countermeasure. I understand that the repetitive nature was to demonstrate how monotonous life could be; however, it would have been more interesting if there had been a shift in the point of view. There were various team meetings where the Millers spoke about what they needed, wanted, or were doing rather than actively doing any of those actions. Those monotonous sections would have been more interesting, despite their repetitive nature, if there had been descriptions of them working out the problems actively rather than describing the mental process.
I rate Unlight as a 4 out of 5 stars. While an exciting story with magnificent editing, I think it would've been a richer story had it focused solely on a singular perspective within the family rather than a shifting omniscient third-person voice sprinkled with journal entries. Moreover, despite the horrible circumstances and situations they've faced in the Shell, there is no true terror felt. I understand resigning to one's fate, but I think there would've been more emotional depth if it had focused on one specific person's sense of loss rather than the amalgamation. It still deserves its 4 out of 5 stars rating because of the interesting premise and the scientific explanations throughout.
The audience for this book should be those knowledgeable about science or engineering. Additionally, I recommend this book to our world leaders so that they learn to avoid shoving essential world issues to the back because it doesn't align with their monetary goals. All threats should be assessed and combatted before it is too late.
******
Unlight
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Luray by Dennis Haupt
