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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

REVIEW - Future Comes from Behind (Paradigm Shift, #1) by STK Chan

Fighting what we've become.
An ancient dimension of dark echoes from the past.



REVIEW

Two major themes of the SF Fantasy genre: the battle between good and evil and the time travel and its possible repercussions are entwined by STK Chan in a way in which made the public and editors to identify some Metaphysical Visionary touches and Sword & Sorcery elements. But what it’s worth mentioning about Future Comes from Behind is the way in which the author approaches the themes and manipulates these (sub)genres. This approach brings enough originality to make the story interesting.

The “scientific” aspects are mixed with the magical ones in a context in which the quest for a better world is influenced by the main protagonist’s own growth. The personal stakes, usually present in S&S, are replaced with general interest for the fate of the whole world. And what a better way to add the SF elements if not by time travel controlled, more or less, by the characters. But once again, there is a quite amount of “non-science” in this time –travel when the body-mind–soul have a say in it.

For the benefit of the story (and the readers), all these do not happen in a vapid way. While offering plenty occasions for some quite philosophical “debates”, the story is fast-paced, even if, from time to time, we received the author’s explanations and opinions directly, instead of them being offered by deduction from the actions of the characters/story. The author even teases us with the possibility of a romance.

Between the different time-lines and different moments, more or less inspired by real history, the characters are enough profiled in order to connect with them, but there is still room for more depth. And because I have mentioned history, I have to say that, as a descendant of the Dacians “the bravest and the most righteous among the Thracians” (as Herodotus said) it was a nice surprise to meet them here.

For sure, one thing is clear: even from the title (and also the name of the series), Future Comes from Behind promises something different and, hidden into the action, possible different meanings. It’s on you to discover all of them… and… if we didn’t learn from the history, in  Future Comes from Behind we have a chance to change the past… it remains to be seen if the consequences of changing it are for the better or worse. For sure, I’ll check the next volume/s.

Enjoy!

Description:

Fighting what we've become.

An ancient dimension of dark echoes from the past.

Lisa and her family barely manage to escape an invasion from the Rebel army in their home of Malta. Shortly after this episode, she discovers Exo, the ancient dimension she cannot understand until her late 20s. Exo is made of memories of the past; it brings forth all the strong echoes we leave behind. Lisa desperately wants to resolve the conflicts of this inner world peacefully, but quickly learns she must fight the shadows in people's hearts, materialized through battle re-enactments, warfare and emotional turmoil.

The book is $0.99 during the tour
About the author:
A fan of nourishing SF&F fiction. Seeker of essential truths in historical non-fiction. Exploring life for almost half a century. Delivering action and matters of the inner self. "Chan has license to be more philosophical and issue-oriented, and on the whole he blends together different genres well." (John Staughton, SPR)

Author's Giveaway
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18 comments:

James Robert said...

My family and I all appreciate you bringing to our attention the book description of another great book to read. Thanks so much!

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thanks for hosting! and Happy New Year!

chitown22 said...

Love books that jump timelines. Thanks!

Rita Wray said...

Sounds like a good read.

wendy Hutton said...

Happy new years good luck with the book

Marcy Meyer said...

Enjoyed the review. Sounds really interesting. The cover is good too.

Victoria Alexander said...

Great review, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing :)

Dale Wilken said...

Sounds really great.

Bernie Wallace said...

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2019? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Wanda B said...

Oooohhhhh! The book cover looks so interesting.

Debbie P said...

This book sounds like a really intriguing read.

Cali W. said...

Thanks for the giveaway; I like the excerpt. :)

Linda Romer said...

Sounds like a good read. Thank you

@trinicutiegal said...

Thanks for the excerpt.

Laura said...

Great review! Sounds very interesting!

Bernie Wallace said...

Are any of the events in the book based off of true life events? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Nancy P said...

Intriguing cover

Bridgett Wilbur said...

Great cover.