Tag: science fiction

New Dawn by Andrew J. Morgan

New Dawn by [Morgan, Andrew J.]

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Date published: February 16, 2016

Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | AbeBooks | Alibris | IndieBound | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

When you’re 200 trillion miles from home . . .
With mankind on the brink of economic collapse, a population growing at an unmanageable rate and a limited supply of natural resources, there is only one place we can look to for our future . . . the stars. A deep space mining tug is sent to a planet codenamed New Dawn to begin a mission to relocate humanity.

. . . the only person you can trust . . . is you
The mission falls into chaos when a crewmember dies unexpectedly. Geologist Jake Brooks must keep his wits about him to uncover what really happened—but are the confines of the ship clouding his judgment? Is there really a sinister motive behind the death—and the mission—or is he letting his mind get the better of him? What really awaits him on New Dawn? He must push on to reveal the truth, no matter who or what stands in his way . . .

Please note: New Dawn is not a hard sci-fi novel.

Before I start my review, I will let you guys know that I am switching up my review style again. The list of 3 things I liked/disliked will be here, but I will write the review instead of putting up the 3 things. My style of reviewing is always evolving.

Now saying that, here is the review:

I loved the storyline. You have a crew on a deep space mining ship that will survey a planet that could be habitable and be a new Earth. Then the unthinkable happens, and a crew member is murdered. Who do you trust, and better yet, who do you believe?

I got into this book. You couldn’t help but like and sympathize with Jake when all hell breaks out on the ship after the first death. You are on this tiny vessel with crewmates; someone could be a killer. And the tension comes through the book when the body count goes up to 3. I did feel bad for Jake because the team was torn apart, and mentally, it was tough on him.

I wasn’t too keen on the almost-love story. To be honest, that part could have been left out. I could have done without reading about Jake’s attraction to a certain Dr.

The relationships between the different characters were tangible. You couldn’t help but root for them all (even the bad guys, as weird as that sounds).

The ending was great and on spot for this book. There was a twist that I kinda saw coming. Enough hints were dropped, but it took me by surprise.

3 Things I liked about New Dawn:

  1. The storyline
  2. Jake
  3. The ending

3 Things that I disliked about New Dawn:

  1. The almost love story between Jake and the ship’s Dr
  2. Sadie’s death
  3. Jason

I would recommend New Dawn to anyone over 16. There is no sex, minimal violence, and language.

If you enjoyed reading The New Dawn, you will enjoy reading these books:

The Ones (The Ones: Book 1) by Daniel Sweren-Becker

The Ones by [Sweren-Becker, Daniel]

Publisher: Imprint

Date of publication: September 6, 2016

Series: The Ones

The Ones—Book 1

The Equals—Book 2

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | Indigo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Cody has always been proud of being a One. She and her boyfriend James were two of the lucky babies from the 1% of the U.S. population that were randomly selected to benefit from genetic engineering. Now, she and the rest of The Ones are excelling. They are healthy, beautiful, and talented. They aren’t otherworldly, just perfect. And to some, that’s not fair. The Equality Movement, capitalizing on the growing fear and jealousy, gains political traction and actually outlaws their existence. Society shows its darker side as The Ones are marginalized. The line between right and wrong blurs in the face of injustice and Cody becomes closer to a group of radical Ones intent on fighting back. James begins to fear just how far she is willing to go for the cause.

3 Things I Liked About The Ones

Cody and James’s romance.
I loved how sweet and innocent their relationship was. The author took the time to let it unfold naturally, and amid a world that’s completely falling apart, their connection felt normal. That contrast made it even more special.

How realistic the plot felt—for the most part.
If you take out the genetically modified kids and drop in current events instead, the story becomes even more unsettling. That realism made the book feel a little too close to home at times.

The family relationships.
The difference between James’s relationship with his family and Cody’s relationship with her mother is stark—and sad. Honestly, I’d rather have a parent who isn’t physically present than one who’s there but emotionally absent.

The Equality Movement.
They genuinely reminded me of Nazis. Their solution to what they believe is a problem is deeply disturbing—and you’ll need to read the book to understand just how far they go. Everything they stand for feels wrong, and what makes it even scarier is how much power they gain.

Kai’s group of friends.
Kai and Taryn rubbed me the wrong way from the moment they appeared. The way they operate didn’t sit right with me at all, and I didn’t believe Kai for a second about specific events. Watching Cody get pulled deeper into their mess just turned into a complete cluster.

The Ones is for readers who enjoy dystopian stories grounded in realism, slow-burn young love, complicated family dynamics, and themes that feel uncomfortably close to our current world.