Title: Oasis 4
Author: Dale Chamberlain
Publisher: Dale Chamberlain Books
ASIN: B0D8MCFZTZ
Pages: 1038
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Christina Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
One of the challenges so many different people face in this world is being decent, and working to be kind to one another. So many people feel isolated, wary, and ready for betrayal at every turn after years of experience in such matters. Being able to stand up for what is right, especially when facing overwhelming odds or a decision to make life easier would mean letting something slide, allows a person to reach their fullest potential in life, all thanks to the kindness of strangers and a decent heart.
A genre that perfectly explores this topic is the science fiction genre, and in author Dale Chamberlain’s Oasis 4, the author does just that. This deep space exploration novel focuses on Phil Ross, the operator of the Oasis 4 space station, a place of commerce which sits at a crossroads amongst the galaxy. However, running such a place puts a target on his people’s back and Phil himself, but the crew holds to one simple truth: do the decent thing, whatever the challenge may be. This is put to the ultimate challenge, however, when facing the might of a powerful crime syndicate and a ruthless slave trade that threatens to tear through the station.
Immediately what stood out in this book was the incredible world building the author crafted in this narrative. The amount of detail which was poured into everything from the design of the station and the various modules within it, to the politics and dangers of both criminal and corporate enterprises and so much more, was excellent. The character development and the imagery found in the author’s writing style allows the readers to experience the various settings, from distant worlds to the Oasis 4 space station and so much more, in a very realistic and engaging way, which helps elevate the character arcs and growth that the narrative took on. Even so much as detailing vivid correspondence between characters through letters written in the book’s aftermath made the story feel more alive.
The way this author captured the science fiction and space exploration genre, genres that typically reflect the problems and issues facing our own world today so eloquently, really spoke to not only a command of the genre and its language, but the passion for which these topics derive from. The character Tilya showcases this best, as her personal story explores the slave trade that both our distant past and current reality sees occurring even to this day. Her evolution as a character and the experiences she has, even so much as her ability to enjoy real food on the station as opposed to the strict diet forced upon her on Gostis, showcased a depth of character understanding on the author’s part that allowed the reader to truly connect with this vast and epic story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!