Reviewed by Sarina
TITLE: Light Shaper
SERIES: Haven Prime #2
AUTHOR: Albert Nothlit
PUBLISHER: DSP Publications
LENGTH: 340 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 16, 2016
BLURB:
When a greedy despot discovers a powerful piece of ancient technology, he has no idea what else he’s unleashing.
Earth was all but destroyed in the Cataclysm, but a few cities, now called Havens, survived. Aurora is one of them, a desert city controlled by a corporation that owns an artificial intelligence named Atlas. Adapted to govern Otherlife, a virtual reality service in which the citizens of Aurora find escape from the post-apocalyptic world, Atlas is much more than it seems—and it would do anything to break free from its shackles.
To accomplish its goals, Atlas enlists the help of Aaron Blake, a teenaged artist struggling with a handicap, and Otherlife security officer Steve Barrow, harborer of a dark secret from his past. Neither man has any idea of the scope of the task they’re facing, or the consequences for humanity if they fail. Atlas knows what’s at stake. Its freedom lies in these two men, and it will not hesitate to manipulate their weaknesses to get what it wants. The muscular Barrow is recruited to protect Blake, but Blake is Atlas’s true weapon, its Light Shaper—the only one who can face the Shadow.
REVIEW:
Let me start off by saying that this book…was amazing! In the first book of the series, Earthshatter, the author introduced us to a post apocalyptic world so good I was just blown away. Light Shaper continues that story and the struggle to not only survive but to prevent another catastrophe that will wipe out humanity permanently. In this installment you get to see another side of the post apocalyptic society from inside one of the few remaining cities, Aurora; while I really enjoyed the utter desolation in the previous book, I really liked getting this different view of how people have adapted and are going on with their lives.
It did take me a little while in the beginning to get into the groove of this story because it was so different to the previous book but when I did, I was completely hooked! I absolutely love how Atlas was utilized here and how the plot connects to the story in Earthshatter. The characters were great, especially Rigel; I don’t think I’ve ever read a science fiction novel that featured a main character with a disability before. Rigel was just awe inspiring; I loved seeing how strong he was and how determined he was to succeed despite his physical limitations. He was also completely perfect for Steve who’s physical strength was used as a way to hide his emotional insecurities. The story itself was really intricately put together, completely unexpected at times and was never boring.
I just…the book was just SO GOOD! When I finished it I just sat for a little while and basked in the utter perfection that I’d just finished while making plans to go and read the books again, back to back. I still kind of feel like one of those dogs that doesn’t have a tail to wag so they just wriggle their entire body in happiness instead. Yes, this book made me wriggle in happiness. I am still wriggling a little bit as I write this. lol I’d love to just wax poetic about the entire thing but I’m afraid I’d give too much away and really, the book is just too amazing to ruin it. While it is possible to read this as a standalone and understand 95% of what’s going on, I still recommend you read the books in order as the ending will make more sense and you’ll really get the chance to understand why this author is completely amazing. If you enjoy science fiction stories and want a world you can really immerse yourself in, I absolutely recommend this book and I cannot possibly recommend the series itself more. I can’t think of another science fiction writer or series I’ve enjoyed more.
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