Leon Huet

Call it a techno-thriller or hard sci-fi, or call it a cross-over novel that incorporates a number of genres, but there's a lot to be said for this fast-paced work by Huet. Incorporating computer tech, philosophy, drama, political intrigue, suspense, and a tiny bit of romance, it brings together a lot of elements.

The highlights of the book are, without doubt, the passages regarding technology and the action sequences, both of which Huet executes flawlessly. The one downfall of the book may, if anything, that it is too fast-paced, which I could see being a direct result of the author playing to these two strengths. Now that I'm finished, I'm left... well, wanting more, I suppose. Not necessarily in terms of closure, but in terms of time. There were a lot of points where the book felt rushed--not in individual moments/passages, but in plotting/pacing overall. For readers looking for hard sci-fi or focused on the techno-thriller label, this might not be a weakness at all, but for me, I just wanted more time with the characters, and to really feel like I understood the intricacies of motivations and relationships, which wasn't always the case.

All told, though, I did really enjoy this, and I'd certainly pick up more of Huet's work. So if the book's subject or genre appeals to you, yes, I'd absolutely recommend it. I just hope the writer goes a bit more slowly with the next book...… (mehr)

We live in a new literary age. Everyone has a story to tell, and now more than ever, thanks to the self-publishing market, those stories are being shared with the world. More often than not, however, self-published novels prove a disappointment to the reader. Stories without heart, or morals, or interesting characters... whatever the reason, searching for silver amongst the dross is an arduous and deflating task. But finding such treasure is a rare and rewarding experience, with the ability to reinvigorate hope in the human capacity to aspire to, and occasionally achieve, greatness.

Leon Huet's work is much more than an elusive piece of silver. It's a testament to the bright future of fiction. From humble beginnings, the story rises by leaps and twists as a pilgrim making an ascent towards the celestial peaks of a mountain-top observatory. Its considerations reach to our globe's four corners, its ambitions reach into the dark recesses of eternity, and its implications cover the past and future, origins and potential downfall, of not just the existence of intelligent life here on earth, but throughout the cosmos.

A good story leaves us pondering its morals, and how they could influence our own life. A great story... well, I'll reserve the platitudes. I'll just say that literature, thankfully, is not dead; greatness is still possible, if not prevalent; and the future, to me, now looks a little brighter than it did before.… (mehr)