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There are currently 20 member reviews
for Hole in the Sky
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Rebecca H. (Bolton, CT)
Different and Absorbing Story
While sci-fi is not my preferred genre, I thought the description of this novel was interesting, and it did not disappoint. A sort of sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy/suspense hybrid, the novel has great characters, including a young, social-misfit Black female NASA scientist with a huge curiosity about the 'other' in the universe, an estranged Native American father and teenage daughter with a tragedy in their lives, a nerdy but intelligent and well-meaning member of the Emerging Weapons division of the defense department, and the mysterious Man Downstairs, a powerful and shadowy figure in the secret intelligence services. The plot is suspenseful, as first contact with an alien force is imminent, but that's not the only danger: something already deep under the earth's surface is being awakened. Neither of these scenarios is good for humanity, and it's up to these disparate humans, each with their unique perceptions, beliefs, skills, and knowledge, to avert the crisis. Point of view shifts between them with the chapters, and this device adds to the pace of the story and keeps the interest and tension high. The story is divided into five parts: Detection, Monitor, Impact, Quarantine, and Last Conflict, and begins and ends with two letters that introduce and wind up the narrative. Once started on this one, it's difficult to put down, and I'll definitely look for other books by this author.
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Donna M. (Kennesaw, GA)
Hole in the Sky is fascinating
This was a truly enjoyable and thought-provoking read. I'll admit I could not follow all the science, but using Indigenous heritage was a great connecting point. Connecting serious space science to an old and poorly known tradition allowed the reader to view our planet and people with an entirely new perspective, including the idea that different peoples may experience different realities. The characters were well drawn and believable. I can heartily recommend this to non-sci-fi readers. The story is truly captivating!
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Katherine H. (Indianapolis, IN)
Hole In The Sky
Daniel Wilson you have a new fan. This was my first Sci-Fi book , but not my last . I will forgive you for scaring me at 2 in the morning, with all the lights out except my book light. I know something was scratching my wall ??. Still a great book. Thanks
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Karen P. (Silver Spring, MD)
Great Hard SF
Hard SF. first contact, weird physics, and ancient Native American lore. What's not to like! The plot propels the story forward and interesting characters tell it in alternating chapters. A welcome change from the romantasy that currently dominates genre fiction.
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Cathy T.
Two Worlds Meet
Wow! I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were strong, determined, and well-defined. The descriptions of the worlds were clear and visual. The story brought Indian culture and outer space aliens to life in a way that created an atmosphere of suspense, fear, and hope. I found myself rushing through parts of the tale to find out what happened, then slowing down when the action slowed down. A fun, suspenseful read. I would recommend this book to sci fi fans as well as indigenous native culture fans. Pick it up, read it, and make up your own mind.
Well done!
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Jeffrey B. (Worcester, MA)
Mind-bending fun
"Hole in the Sky" is a thrilling science fiction read that readers will want to sit with and rush to the ending. Willson's new novel is addictively fun, a seamless blend of "new weird," classic disaster story, and Indigenous futurism. The story is told through the perspective of three main characters, all of whom are fully-realized people in their world, making choices and acting during a time of extreme change and danger. A true page turner with a incredible ending.
Highly recommend to all fans of science fiction and thrillers, especially those who enjoyed the Area X series and Wilson's "Robopocolyps."
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Anne C. (Herndon, VA)
Incredible Science Fiction
There are some books that make the reader want to read slowly to make the book last longer, and other books that cause the reader to rush through the book to get to the exciting ending. "Hole in the Sky" is the rare novel that combines those reactions!
The author tells the story in present tense and with multiple narrators. We know from the beginning that something terrible is threatening our world. It will be our first contact with an alien civilization. How many of us have hoped to witness such an event? But what if it is vastly different from our expectations?
Science, psychology, military intelligence and weaponry, and Native American tradition all play a role in the stunning ending. This is a truly original thriller of a book.
