Engaging Sci Fi

This is the first book in a continuing series. The book concludes at a natural break in the narrative, but it is obvious that the story continues in future books.

Nadia is a young woman who long to leave her dull mining colony and see the stars. She left her compulsory education at age 14 but loves her job of fixing electronic equipment because of the challenge to her inquisitive and intelligent mind. In order to fulfil her dream she applies to the Riss Project. The Riss Project will provide her with an education at the naval academy, enabling her to graduate as an officer in the SAS Navy and travel the stars. In return she owes the SAS 25 years service in the Navy and to host a Riss, an intelligent alien parasite. So far only one Riss/Human exists, a Vice Admiral and she has advocated on behalf of the telepathic Riss who want to learn how to travel the stars

This book follows the story of Nadia’s journey with the project and her encounters with the Riss and how people treat her after she joins the project. She encounters prejudice and often outright disgust and even hatred for endeavours on behalf of the Riss Race, but Nadia believes that not only with the Riss benefit from a full alliance with humans, but humans will equally benefit from that alliance.

I really enjoyed this book. Nadia is intelligent, lively and engaging. Her inquisitive and friendly nature make her character appealing, however it is her strength and intelligence that make her admirable. Her communications with her Riss parasite are internal but as a reader/listener we get to enjoy her humorous commentary that pops up at irreverent moments.

Watching Nadia and Thalia, the Riss embedded in Nadia grow and learn from each other is fascinating, especially as Nadia becomes almost a leader for the other Riss/Humans in her determination to protect the project she believes in. She and the other Riss/Humans undergo many hardships but they gain a great deal from their partnerships.

The book follows Nadia’s education and her initial few years onboard ships as she learns to become a good officer and how to make good friends. Both are hard because of prejudice but she finds a way through a difficult path strewn with obstacles.

There is much to admire in both Nadia and Thalia and I can’t wait to read/hear what happens to them next in this ongoing series. I imagine it will be equally enjoyable.

Listening to this as an audiobook was en enjoyable experience as the narrator, Gabrielle De Cuir, conveyed the different characters well. She was convincing as both Nadia and Thalia, as well as other supporting characters. Her style of narration drew me in and kept me hooked. I normally only listen to audiobooks whilst doing other things, such as crafting, but I wanted to continue with this story so much I sat and listened to this book even when I wasn’t doing anything else, which is when I’d normally read an ebook to save the audiobooks for when I had my hands busy. I’d be happy to listen to other audiobooks with this narrator.

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Amazing

Yet again another fantastic novel from C.R.Daems. I have now already listened to entire series it is that good, that I didn't have time to write a review between books.

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Gripping

excellent , I can't wait the rest of the series.a great concept, well executed and read.

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Entertaining listen

This book being the first in the series has grabbed my interest and I do hope that audible will continue to make available the rest of the series as I am keen to follow the exploits of Nadia and her Riss symbiot on further adventures finding out the interaction between them and how it developers. This is a different type of scyfy story to which I am totally hooked much more please and soonest.

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