This mesmerizing work of Science Fiction is the debut novel of the author but ceases to look like one. It is one sci-fi read that will capture the reader’s imagination effortlessly. With about 302 pages, it counts for a decent mid-sized read, capable of being consumed in a maximum of two sittings. It is original, adventurous, entertaining, amusing at instances, and very engrossing. Part 1 of a series, it leaves the reader wanting for more. The story is mysterious as well as surprising, which adds to the element of uncertainty and thrill. 

We live in a world marked by rapid changes in technology, climate, and society. The genre, Science fiction offers a medium and allows us to better process the world around us. Science fiction, often called “sci-fi,” is a genre of fiction literature whose content is imaginative, but based in science. It relies heavily on scientific facts, theories, and principles as support for its settings, characters, themes, and plot-lines, which is what makes it different from fantasy. Science fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future. A good science fiction work posits one vision for the future, among countless possibilities, that is built on a foundation of realism. Science fiction often takes place in a dystopian society, sometime in the future, and contains elements of advanced technology. 

“As long as there is life, there are purposes to achieve”. 

The prologue gives a sneak into the fascinating storyline. 

When I am gone, I will return to Home. I will then start on my spiritual journey, which I am sure I will enjoy until I receive or choose a new assignment and a new purpose to fulfill. I am pleased and honored that I was here and had the opportunity to serve.

TAKARA YUOLIN, SECOND AMBASSADOR

In the year 23456 of the Federation. 

-An excerpt. 

The story begins with Lt. Neill Kheds in the International Space Station and Captain Patrick, who is test flying the latest CBU-14 Space Fighter and is wondering, this is too perfect to be true when a blinding light with immense heat strikes both of them, one on planet earth and one in space. This monstrous bright flash of white lightning emanates from the sun.

Keith Brandon, the author, first dreamed of new worlds when he saw Star Wars back in 1991. Since then, even as a child, he has wanted to write his own stories. When he grew up he traveled the world, working on cruise liners as a waiter, learned to drive boats, and saw beautiful parts of the western hemisphere. With his debut novel, Lost Universe, which is the first in a series, he creates new creatures and worlds for others to explore.

The story is written in a simple writing style but is fascinating and engrossing, to say the least! It is a page-turner, with every chapter revealing new surprises which would leave the reader salivating with excitement. There are a total of 53 chapters, not lengthy though. There is artificial intelligence, space crafts, aliens, more than one sun, galaxies, new planets and moons, and much much more. As the reader goes ahead with the story, the reading experience gets even more amazing with each chapter and the end gives way to part two in the series. 

15 trained uniform officers from the US of A are on a mission, aboard the ship Universe 1, to explore the end of the universe. Due to a tragedy, there are only 4 survivors left on the ship who manage to reach a crack, which they comprehend as the end of the universe. Major Patrick Mayson with his lady love Vanessa James, Lieutenant Josh McRory, and Kathy Logan are the lone survivors. For this deep space exploration, they have an artificial intelligence Priscilla for support. The year is 2255 and they have traveled at hyper speed for 5 earth years. When they reach the crack, they lose contact with the earth’s station and are welcomed by a few aliens who seem to be superior in technology and knowledge, by all means. They reveal that this is not the end of the universe, but the gate to another universe and the earth has been wiped out of the universe’s geography. Also, they reveal, that they only had planned it years and years ago for humans to reach here one day. Plus they state that God’s are actually masters of the different universe and there are multiple gods or masters. How much of this is true and what will happen next, is a totally exhilarating experience. You need to read the entire book to inhale that. 

The classic elements of a sci-fi include time travel, teleportation, telepathy, aliens, space travel, fictional worlds, etc and this read does not disappoint even on one such frontier. The plot is interesting, the characters are compelling and the pace is good. It will keep the reader guessing for the next scene or chapter. This genre of speculative fiction deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. The writing style is simple but effective, thereby making this read easily comprehendable by kids and adults alike. A brilliant book to invest your time and energy to gain a wonderful,  exhilarating experience. 

Ratings: 5/5
Author Name:  Keith Brandon
Book Title: Lost Universe: a sci-fi novel that will capture your imagination
Publisher:   Britain’s Next Bestseller (3 June 2019)                            
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Reviewed by : Noor at Theliteraturetoday