“Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable, and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable, solutions are not. ” Isaac Asimov
By: TA Bruno
Publisher: Tom Bruno Author; Illustrated edition (October 4, 2020)
Genre: Science Fiction
I was hooked on In the Orbit of Sirens from page one. It’s been quite a while since I have read good science fiction, and TA Bruno’s book is brilliant. The main characters, Denton Castus and Eliana Veston are fully fleshed out protagonists. Denton questions his future with his family business, while Eliana struggles to overcome tragedy. They are 3-dimensional characters who deal with real world problems. They will ultimately need to overcome these challenges if they are to defeat the threat of the Sirens. As the last vestiges of humanity travel to distant planet, Mr. Bruno brings to life the amazing world of Kamaria. As an environmental scientist, world building that involves ecosystems is of special interest. The environment plays a crucial role to the story, and I absolutely loved how Kamaria was built. From the trees, insects, flowers, and larger animals, to the beings native to the planet, a rich and diverse world is created. The Sirens, although they are very dangerous and powerful, are a natural part of this world, fitting in as all other species. It is quite beautiful and deadly as well, and Mr. Bruno makes it easy to picture his creation of Kamaria for the reader. All of these components fit so well together to make In the Orbit of Sirens one of the best science fiction books I have read.
Summary (from Goodreads)
The last fragments of the human race are forced to adapt to a dangerous new world or face extinction. When starship mechanic, Denton Castus, is caught in the destructive path of a devastating war, he abandons his home and seeks refuge on a distant planet. However, this new safe haven has undiscovered threats of its own. Eliana Veston, a scout preparing the planet for the refugees, struggles with a deadly pandemic that is killing off colonists. The hunt for a cure unleashes a new threat to humanity-the Sirens-mysterious beings with incredible powers and a deep hatred for invaders.
Kamaria
On the verge of annihilation by an invading alien force, the last of humanity must travel to a planet that appears to support life. 5 years before, a scout ship was sent ahead to make the planet ready for the arrival of the remaining humans.
The world was so well constructed. While the planet can potentially support life, they first have to overcome the deadly bacteria in the air that humans can’t breathe. It causes “lung lock” which leads to death. While you find many science fiction books may have worlds where the atmosphere lacks oxygen, this was a species of bacteria that was the barrier. It was a was a great twist on the typical problem encountered for starting a colony.
New world building is difficult as one has to create ecosystems. They are complex and for me, they have to make sense. I want to read about how the organisms fit in together to make the world believable. I loved the dichotomy of this beautiful world and the deadly bacteria that would not allow for human life. Just as any ecosystem, there is a mix of harmless animals and dangerous ones. Not every species is a typical human eating monstrosity. The forests, flowers, insects and animals feel organic. They belong where they are.
The native inhabitants, the auk’nai are a mix of bird and human characteristics. They live in settlements high up in the trees, which makes perfect sense since they fly. The building of the relationship with the human population builds over the course of the book, and again, never feels forced or one-sided.
Main Protagonists
There are many important characters in this book. There is a wonderful diversity of characters as well, which is important to me in books that I read.
Eliana Veston is a doctor and one of the scientists sent on the scout ship. She, along with the others, are determined to find a cure for lung-lock before the ship of colonists arrives. Eliana is strong, determined, smart, but vulnerable as well. She must learn to trust again after tragedy strikes. In this sense, she is not a one-dimensional brilliant character who can solve any problem.
Denton Castus works in his family’s business of repairing space vessels, and just about anything mechanical. Because of his skills, he and his family are among the first colonists to be awakened. What makes him a great character is that he wants more than taking over the family business with his brothers. Denton faces the challenge that many children face, wanting more, but not wanting to disappoint his family. He eventually does achieve more, but what that is will be a spoiler.
The other character worth noting is Talulo, and auk’nai who completely trusts the human colonists and aids them in the coming dangers to the colony. He overcomes adversity, and the scorn of his people and risks it all to help them, for he knows the Siren threat will affect his people, too.
Overall Thoughts
I can’t say enough great things about In the Orbit of Sirens. I love science fiction and this was perfect. The blend of science with a great story-that’s science fiction at it’s finest. Mr. Bruno’s characters, the Sirens and the world of Kamaria are a must read if you love science fiction. His creation of Kamaria is brilliant and well thought out. Beauty and brutal-just as all ecosystems are. The characters have complete story arcs and are flawed, as are all human beings. Personally, I like characters I can relate to, and it was easy to relate to Eliana and Denton. The Sirens, an essential part of the story, fit naturally into this world. They belong on Kamaria as much as the other species. I am looking forward to the next installment of In the Orbit of Sirens. Easily the best science fiction I have read.
Thank you to Storytellers on Tour for an eBook copy to review. My thanks to Mr. Bruno for a signed copy of the book.
To learn more about In the Orbit of Sirens, check out TA Bruno’s website: https://tabruno.com/
My thanks to Storytellers on Tour for an eBook in exchange for an honest review
My thanks to TA Bruno for a signed copy of the book
You can purchase In the Orbit of Sirens on Amazon
