quippe | Entries tagged with aliya whiteley

The Blurb On The Back:

In January 2314, Rowena Savalas - a curator of the vast archive of the twenty-first century’s primitive internet - stumbles upon a story posted in the summer of 2024. She’s quickly drawn into the mystery of the text: is it autobiography, fantasy or fraud? What’s the significance of the recurring number 381?

In the story, the protagonist Fairly walks the Horned Road - a quest undertaken by youngsters in her village when they come of age. She is followed by the “breathing man”, a looming presence, dogging her heels every step of the way. Everything she was taught about her world is overturned.

Following Fairly’s quest, Rowena comes to question her own choices, and a predictable life of curation becomes one of exploration, adventure and love. As both women’s stories draw to a close, she realise it doesn’t matter whether the story is true or not: as with the quest itself, it’s the journey that matters.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Aliya Whiteley’s standalone SF novel is a technically clever piece of writing (each section of Fairly’s story is exactly 381 words) but its literary nature is one you either absolutely love or really don’t dig. Sadly, I was in the latter camp as there isn’t enough characterisation of Rowena or Fairly for me to engage with while the coming of age theme is under-developed and Fairly’s story so thin that I couldn’t understand Rowena’s fascination.

THREE EIGHT ONE will be released in the USA on 16th January and in the United Kingdom on 18th January 2024. Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

This is a place we can be alone, together.

Drink down the brew and dream of a better Earth.

Skyward Inn, within the high walls of the Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where people come together to tell stories of the time before the war with Qita.

But safety from what? Qita surrendered without complaint when Earth invaded; Inkeepers em and Isley, veterans from either side, have regrets but few scars.

Their peace is disturbed when a visitor known to Isley comes to the Inn asking for help, bringing reminders of an unnerving past and triggering an uncertain future.

Did humanity really win the war?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Aliya Whiteley’s SF novel is a quiet, contemplative affair about loneliness, independence and the desire for connection. It’s tightly written with interesting ideas and Cronenberg-style imagery but the characterisation is too sparse and I needed more from the relationships, notably Jem and Isley as a key revelation should have made Jem reevaluate it. That said, this is a thought-provoking book and I’d definitely check out Whiteley’s next novel.

SKYWARD INN will be released in the United Kingdom on 18th March 2021. Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for the review copy of this book.