Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Book Review: Bloodright

Bloodright

By:  William Greenleaf

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  February 1, 2011

Format:  Trade print 258pgs, 9" x 6"

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  Stand alone (as far as I can tell)

Recommendation:  Yes, an interesting and enjoyable take on an alien visit with science fiction setting in the real world that draws you into the story with the characters.

Synopsis:
When a brilliant point of light appears in the southern sky, Nathan Oakes is finishing his early-morning run in Central Park, Kathy Stratton is preparing to give a speech in San Francisco, Nikki Jamison is dreaming peacefully in her home near phoenix, and Oscar Villalobos is grappling with the guilt that fuels his nightmares.  None are yet aware of how much that strange light in the sky will change their lives.

By the time it begins sending a digital signal, however, Kathy Stratton, science advisor to the president, knows that a turning point in the human story has been reached.  Aliens have made contact.

Soon after they land on a rural stretch of road west of Phoenix, Nikki Jamison and Oscr Villalobos slip unnoticed into the tiny red spaceship and learn the hard way that Zeke and Simon aren't the friendly back-slappers they pretend to be.  Trapped in a weird, impassibly vast labyrinth inside the ship, knowing their chances for survival are slim, Nikki and Oscar discover the truth about the aliens.  They also learn about the complex network of interaction between sentient species throughout the universe, and the elegantly simple system of law that holds it all together - and they learn that a partnership with Zeke and Simon will not bring riches to the human race.  Instead, it will bring extinction.

First Sentence:
Nathan Oakes jogged down the gentle slope and let himself slow to a stop in a grassy clearing surrounded by giant old trees.

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My Thoughts and Summary:
Returning from his run Nathan Oakes realizes it's not the rising sun brightening the sky over Manhattan, in the South and to early.  Seeing a red pinpoint of light, which the whole city saw then started to move on in wonder.  Kathy Stratton is woken in the wee hours of morning, called to Washington to investigate the red light from outer space.  Her expertise in astronomy is needed.  Then, when she goes to her window in San Francisco, she too can see the glowing effects of the red light.  Nikki Jamison, a young girl intrigued by the light she sees in the sky decodes the message it relays when starts blinking.  From her desert home, she does the one thing that feels child-like - uses a flash light to say they are welcome.  To Nikki's surprise, the beings that visit her will change her world and bring her together with others she never thought possible.

Wow.  Great Science Fiction read.  Interesting meeting the 'Teddies.'  Quick start on the first page.  No time wasted meeting and getting to know the characters, we get to know them through the happenings as the light appears and the aliens appear.  I appreciate the quick start, and getting to know the characters in this way.  No wasted words.

The characters:
Nathan Oakes - a brilliant business man of Manhattan, who's called to Arizona by his sister in worry of what is happening in her front yard.  And plays a big part in saving his niece...and the world.

Kathy - A doctor of astronomy.  She's taken with the thought of beings from outer space and what they could introduce us to in the way of universe, technology, and so much more.

Nikki Jamison - a 15 year old smart girl with a science fiction love and knack.

Zeke and Simon - The aliens!  Oh, Guardians?  Hmm, you'll have to read to find out. ;) Human's had a nickname for them as they appear to look like... Teddies. lol.

Oscar - A man unhappy in his job and aimlessly wondering through life.  He is attracted to the same thing Nikki is...the Deirrikon and what he felt looking into it's eyes.  Needing to see and feel it again, to know if it was real.

We see many other characters, of course, that make this story interesting with different personalities and goals when aliens with promise come.  But will anyone thing long enough on the bigger picture to see what's happening?


We follow along by day and time to see how fast things happen on earth, and with the different time zones until we end up in the same place.  And the timeline is important to keep in mind as well.  Every couple chapters there is a short interview with Lori Kelcher.  A little girl who felt the Echtros come and what happened to her parents and home.  She's also visited by Progo prior and tried to help.  These are touching glimpses from her.  And you learn how special she.

This doesn't read like high tech science fiction stories.  This is a story with an alien present, and learning more are out in the universe.  There is science talk, but not much beyond what one would have in school, which is in the early pages.  The people in the story are not all scientists so have to explain, but is of the happenings with the people not the technology.  Great for story readers.  Anything mentioned in science or facilities, the location and function is given to keep us in the know.  I would even suggest this for YA readers even though it's an Adult book.  Well done!

This looks to be a stand alone book.  However, there are a few strands left open that I'm curious if the author will take them to continue with this idea.  The story is complete, but I think it would be interesting to read more.



*I read this book for an honest review from publisher.

20 comments:

  1. maybe... I confess that me and sci-fi aren't really buddy but well I said that not a long time ago about PNR and I was surprised by some authors. So maybe one day.

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    1. Melliane, It's okay. Sci fi books aren't for everyone. I well know that. :) And it seems to be a hit or miss with the genre. :) So thank you greatly for stopping and checking it out! :)

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  2. Hmm, not a huge Sci-fi reader here either so I definitely appreciate the mention of the lesser side of that world presented here, yet in a good way. Okay, so that was clear as mud, but you know what I mean. ^_^ Thanks for sharing!

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    1. LOL! Gina R. I got what you are saying. lol. I like to mention if there is a lot of sci fi tech talk. It seems to make a big difference in the read. :) Thank you!

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  3. Sounds like an excellent read, Melissa! Thank you! :)

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  4. I am all oh those many characters, and then I read fantasy, I am so weird

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    1. Blodeuedd, it sounds like a lot, and I thought that when I wrote it. But it's really not. :) And yes, you of the huge epic fantasy reads. lol. Thank you!

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  5. Oh I like the sound of it, plus I love that it is a standalone but yet can turn into a series. Love that.

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    1. Melissa (B&T) Yes, the standalone thing caught my eye with this. There are possible threads to visit if the author wanted too, but so far, it's a standalone. :) Thank you!

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  6. Great to know there is not too much techie stuff in it. Also 'Ah Ha' about the Teddies! I enjoyed getting a further glimpse as to what that was about. Thank you so much for sharing! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven

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    1. Jaclyn Canada, I think the techie stuff is important to know about in a sci fi read. Really changes the level of concentration and what you might be looking for in a read. :) And yes! The Teddies! LOL! Thank you for stopping.

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  7. Oh this was the 'teddies' book, so they're the aliens? weird, giant teddies? I don't know if I should find it creepy or cute lol.
    Sounds very interesting and different, I want to read it

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    1. Ha ha, Yep Rivie Bleu, this is the Teddies book. lol. I really stumped everyone with that one. ;D Thank you! They are the aliens. It was an interesting read and I liked the twist the author used on the cozy teddy bear idea. :) Thank you!

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  8. This sound interesting and I love that it engaged you from the start. Teddies Huh? I do like alien novels especially as a Whovian. Awesome review!

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    1. Kimba, I liked we started right in with the approach of the aliens. And yep, Teddies. :D LOL! Thank you!!

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  9. I've really liked the alien books I have read. This sounds like a good one to add to my collection. Great review.

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    1. Hi Jennifer Bielman, This was a nice read, and one to add to the collection. Hope you like it if you try it. :) Thank you!

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  10. I'm not a fan of Sci-Fi, at all, but I'm glad you really enjoyed this book, and it's quick start seemed to suck you right into the world.

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    1. Thank you Silverlight. And I understand. :) Sci-fi is an acquired taste, I think. :) So glad you stopped by still. Thank you!

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