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Review of "Eclipsia" written by Robert Francis and Joleen Bartles
By: Dr. Ruby Moon-Houldson
12/12/2009
Robert Francis and Joleen Bartles
2008 by LuLu
ISBN 9780615255132
This book was sent to Roddenberry's people who then forwarded the book to me to read and review (I agreed to do so). So, if you have a book you feel is great enough to warrant receiving a review, please do contact the people here at Roddenberry.com and they will see that I get the message---or the book.
Book Summary:
Axreal and Jerish make a fantastic escape to all that remains of their environmentally devastated world. They set out hoping to survive and along their journey they discover themselves, what it is to have a heart, and they learn that it is not enough to want better just for yourself: Dignity must be returned for all. Good and evil clash, powers shift, and the universal economy hangs in the balance!
Review of the Book:
This book seemed like a cross between “The Dark Crystal” and “Mission to Mars”. The main characters are Axreal and Jerish (alien beings called Setiacotions), CreXan (a Lam Warron), and Torbot (a gel-like creature with several arms).
Axreal and Jerish are enslaved by the Lam Warrons and work in an assembly line type processing plant. The Setiacotions and other races born on Eclipsia are kept enslaved by being kept in tubulars where they were given small rations of food. Their minds were controlled with gases so they would be kept weak and docile. The “System” controlled all aspects of the process. Whenever a slave became a liability and lived past their usefulness, they were killed.
CreXan is the overlord of the processing plan on Eclipsia. Axreal and Jerish discover they can escape from their tubulars where they are imprisoned when not working the processing line. They venture to the surface of Eclipsia and discover they can survive there. The planet had been ravaged by the Lam Warriors for hundreds upon hundreds of years until it was a wasteland. However, the land was healing itself and did indeed support life—which Axreal and Jerish came to find out. With the help of their new friend, Torbot, they pull together as a team to rally strength and courage in order to free their enslaved race. And unbeknownst to them, they receive a little help from inside the processing plant.
The story revolves around how Axreal and Jerish try to accomplish the seemingly impossible task.
I wasn’t overly enthralled by this book but did find it interesting. I read the book in about 3 ½ hours. If you do enjoy a story that takes you beyond our solar system, then this may be the book for you. (I do wish to share that the writers report that a sequel is in the works.)
Visit the author’s website: http://www.eclipsia.net/eclipsia_the_science_fiction_adventure.html
Author: Dr. Ruby Moon-Houldson
Ruby loves to read medical thrillers, sci-fi, and paranormal books. She likes to write within those genres as well--with several of her books having received awards and earning exceptional reviews.
www.rubymoon.ning.com
14 Responses
You may also be interested in hearing Robert P. Francis speak live about creating eclipsia. He recently spoke to host Tony Tellado, of Sci-Fi Talk Live http://www.scifitalk.com/
Anonymous
03/09/2010
Thanks Orin, it was also a pleasure working with you. You did an incredible job on the Eclipsia theme song which I know Star Trek Fans would certainly also enjoy! And all of your work demonstrates a great deal of talent. LOL, I think you meant to say I'm not going "away" anytime soon! I hope I am going somewhere at least. Once again a huge thanks to Roddenberry Productions and the kindness they've shown in reviewing our work and for graciously hosting us here!
Robert P.Francis
02/13/2010
I wrote and produced the theme music for the website and I designed the "Contraption" that was from the book. I worked with Robert Francis personally and really enjoyed conversing with some one that's as committed to his work as I am. Fantasy and Science Fiction has always captivated me more than any other type of fiction. I feel that Robert Francis feels the same way as I could tell that the depth and consistency of his world were at no point expendable. I don't see him going any where any time soon and I would watch for any and all of his future projects where ever possible.
Orin Sheffield
(www.myspace.com/OrinSheffield)
Orin Sheffield (www.myspace.com/OrinSheffield
02/12/2010
I began reading this book, while on a cruise last March, and kept wanting to sit on the deck to read, instead of joining the gang! I could not put the book down! Great reading! I even read the book a second time upon returning home, to make sure I did not "miss" anything! It was just as enjoyable to read the second time around. It was original, and the characters were very entertaining and likeable! I hope that this book does well enough on the market, to encourage the authors to do a sequel! Five stars!
Lorenzo
01/05/2010
I loved the book!! I think it should be a movie!! would be really fun.loved it ,got attached to all the charachters!! A lil chilly though kinda hits home here on what Earth is becoming or will be!! Definatley recommend to Sci fi Lovers!! Great work guys & gals!! xx Dan :)
Daniel
01/01/2010
I read the book and loved it. Recomended the book to friends and family. Waiting for the sequel.
C.P:
12/29/2009
I just started rereading Eclipsia this week. It is a story line and characters that you haven't read about before.
mam
12/24/2009
Mr. Francis is a talented writer and I hope to see more of his work.
C.B.
12/23/2009
Frances Pawley ,
I did not see your entire comment to this book review. I have nothing to do with what comments are posted or what may be edited before posting.
I enjoyed the story overall. Yes, the book I read had grammatical flaws, but I go more for the storyline, not grammar. I read fast enough that my eyes do not get hung up with such things.
Ruby Moon-Houldson
12/17/2009
In reference to Ms. Pawley's comment: We did have two editors look at our work and we trusted their efforts. They did a comprehensive and line by line edit. There have been several revisions as well. Also we took some artistic liberties. If you had read an earlier version that might explain some things. Perhaps you'd like to contact us directly to offer suggestions, advice, or any help. we welcome constructive critisim!
Anonymous
12/17/2009
It's no surprise to me that you decided not to publish my negative response to this work. It desperately needs editing and just writing good reviews is unfair on the authors of this work. You owe the authors honesty, and they are not receiving it from you.
Frances Pawley
12/16/2009
Me thinks this novel is an allegory--do I detect "big business"/"big brother" or is the economy getting to me?
Anonymous
12/14/2009
This book would make a fun movie. Imaginative and creative, vivid details make for an interesting read.
Anonymous
12/14/2009
We are honored to be featured on Roddenberry.com and truly ecstatic about Dr. Ruby Moon-Houldson's review! We believe we have a meaningful and entertaining story and are delighted to share it with you. Sincerely, Robert P. Francis & Joleen Bartles.
Robert P. Francis & Joleen Bartles
12/14/2009
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