Title: Heatherbound
Author: Dorrine Simmering
Publisher: PageTurner, Press and Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1649084224
Pages: 282
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Jennifer Bailey
Hollywood Book Reviews
A group of people who have become disenchanted with the politics of Earth, and long for a simpler life have settled upon a new planet; Heatherbound. But the group soon discovers that their paradise is not as perfect as it seems; it has no resources and they need to reach out to Earth to obtain resources they do need. Now they must find a product on Heatherbound that can be traded or else they will fall into insurmountable debt. A colonist biologist; Kendall McCreight, is able to partner with the Dasurians (an alien race). As he aides them during their hibernation while a plant grows. One that can provide fuel to the Dasurians so they may return home. In exchange the alien race gives Kendall a formula to make a lightweight material, one that is stronger than steel. Now Earth plans to invade and conquer Hearthbound for their valuable plants.
Heatherbound is an interesting and entertaining novel that not only delves into the science fiction of colonizing a new planet, but also takes a look at human relationships and qualities such as loyalty, love, betrayal and greed. There are many aspects to this novel which made it such a great read, even if Science Fiction is not a genre you’d normally read. Readers get to “watch” as the characters struggle through learning how to live on a new planet, navigate relations with an alien race, as well as learning how to trade and negotiate with Earth.
There is a lot packed into this short novel, but it reads so well. Readers will not get lost in jargon, or technicalities. They will find a novel to escape into and envision life among the stars. After reading the first few pages of the first chapter, readers will easily get engulfed in the characters and story. Readers will immediately want to know more and follow the journey of these people. You witness how the characters learn to adapt, and are on the edge of the seat as they strive to defend themselves from Earth. Simmering does a wonderful job at bringing forth the emotions throughout this story.
Heatherbound is a novel all readers will enjoy, not just science fiction lovers. It is a great book to break into the genre with. It is exciting, informative, and heartwarming all wrapped up in a nice 282-page package. Readers will want more from this author. It’s an unpredictable tale of survival, love, family and community. Well written with a satisfactory ending makes Dorrine Simmering’s novel a must have on any sci-fi aficionados’ shelf.