D L Richardson

I'd like to say first, I don't like serials. I much prefer stand alone books. I don't enjoy having to buy another book (or two) to get to the end of the story.

That said, I did enjoy this book and the story is very good. Humanity is almost wiped out by a virus and aliens (the Criterion) come along and offer help, Not having much choice, the humans accept the help. It's now 20 years later and the aliens, with help from humans, are still keeping Earth in quarantine. Now people are starting to question why.

I would have liked more in depth descriptions of the aliens and their motives. I felt that the aliens were not 3d characters. Perhaps the development of the aliens will come in future books in the series.

If you like serials and enjoy a good sci fi read, I recommend this book.… (mehr)

Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson is a fantastic futuristic science fiction novel that is filled with twists and turns and will have readers turning the pages quickly in anticipation while being totally enthralled and entertained.

A deadly virus kills millions of humans, but is now gone thanks to the intervention of the Criterion, an alien race that set up a system and quarantined the entire planet. They promised to give their secret into interstellar planet travel, but after years have passed, they have failed to keep their intended promise. The Criterion continued to stay and control the planet and kept people in colonized segments know as states. They stayed to help rebuild the planet and keep peace among the population. They also put restraints upon the humans to control the population. Because of these strict measures of intervention and control, many people live underground in secret cities where they are working on a solution to getting humans off the earth and into space. What follows is an exciting story filled with action as the benevolent Criterion and the humans fight to achieve their own specific agendas. The secret contact between the groups of separated people, how they sometimes work together, and their independent struggles on how they deal with the alien rulers, is what drives the plot and story forward.

Earth Quarantined is an outstanding story that science fiction lovers will revel in. The world building is extraordinary with descriptive writing that shines through on every page. The characters are both realistic and relatable. I really felt for the woman that was intended to be the nominal leader for the human race and her inevitable struggles. Readers will be rooting for certain characters at one moment, then doubting them the next. The characterization of the aliens is enthralling and complete. There is nothing missing in this thrilling story. This makes for great storytelling.

Earth Quarantined is unpredictable and extremely engaging. I was fully captivated by the futuristic world that D.L. Richardson has creatively built. The premise and plot are deep and resound with intrigue and fascination. Readers will find Earth Quarantined to be compelling, thought provoking and gripping. The conclusion is outstanding, came as a surprise and is left open for a sequel. I highly recommend Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson. Get yourself a copy of this must read one-of-a-kind science fiction novel.… (mehr)

I received a free copy of this book through Library thing's Early Reviewers program.

The synopsis is what drew me to this book. It reminded me of Ready Player One, but with more of a serious tone to it. But I had a hard time getting through this one.

People signed up a for 24 hour virtual reality apocalypse simulation, but something goes wrong and the game places the players into another simulation, then another. The problem with this is that the players' bodies are in a sleep state while their minds are fully immersed in the apocalypse scenarios. To the reader it seems like an endless scenario. No real option for ending the cycle is available and it all felt purposeless. There is a lot of action but i didn't find it particularly riveting. After all, it's all virtual. No one can really die.

The characters are flat and uninteresting. Kelly, approaching the one year anniversary of her husband's death, is kind of annoying. Reis is a rich kid who has a secret crush on Kelly. Jack, Kelly's brother, has the most interesting storyline.

There were several discussions amongst the characters about retaining their humanity in the face of life and death decisions, but it didn't feel connected enough to the story to be a central theme. I just never ft a real sense of direction from this story.… (mehr)