Vividly imagined and powerfully characterized—A powerful page-turner of fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, and intrigue.
Intricate and creative worldbuilding, superb set pieces, and emotionally complex, fully fleshed-out characters complement the twist-riddled plot of Atrium’s remarkable latest novel. After escaping their lost homeworld, resident aliens are struggling to find the New Restingplace of the Dead and seek refuge on Earth. Dr. Meenins, an old traveler, comes to Earth to hide in the colony of aliens. But a blood feud follows them to a colony on Earth as well. They must avoid assassination and reach their destination before time runs out. Atrium is skilled at crafting vivid settings inhabited by well-constructed characters with rich backstories. There are humans, mighty immortals, and other powerful beings, along with alien races that are intermixed with humanity. Though multifaceted worldbuilding with overlapping plotlines, leaping in both time and space, and the unexpected twists at times constrain the narrative, vivid prose and a deeply intriguing storyline ensures the reader stay thoroughly invested. While the story boasts layered, complex plotting and setting and cutting-edge time-traveling technology, it’s Atrium’s thorough and deft examination of consciousness, spiritual connection, hierarchical social structures, interstellar politics, and individual struggles amid past traumas that truly distinguishes this tale. The stakes mount in tandem with Dr. Meenins’s philosophical quest to find the answers to the greatest mysteries of existence, captivating readers and propelling the story to an intense, spectacular ending. A combination of reflective dialogue, deft mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements, and hair-raising thrills, the novel makes for a riveting, thoughtful read.
Seven Beyond
Stella Atrium
Pub date August 1, 2022
ISBN 978-1958959008
Price $14.99 (USD) Paperback, $1.99 Kindle edition