The US Review of Books (USRB) commended Simone Voltaire’s “Sarcaun: The Journey” because the work “has many fantastical elements, featuring relatable characters and engaging worldbuilding”
Simone Voltaire’s “Sarcaun: The Journey” is highly commended by Sarah Poulette of the US Review of Books, acknowledging that “Elly’s adventures are riveting and suitable for science fiction or fantasy fans from young adults onwards.”
An advanced creature known as the Gens, who possessed psychic skills, fled Earth long ago to stop humanity (who dubbed them “genies”) from using their abilities. They traveled far into space, but every so often they would send a representative to observe life and culture on Earth. Elly, a headstrong princess from the Sarcaun solar system, is surprised when her mother chooses her to travel to Earth next. The Queen’s counsel is adamantly opposed to Sarcaun nobility visiting Earth for the first time. The Queen, however, has her own explanation for sending her daughter to Earth.
Elly is having an experience of Earth she never dreamed of. She finds up being involved in her new foster sister’s difficulties, which include a risky gang initiation, in addition to learning about money and malls. When Elly unexpectedly returns to Sarcaun, she discovers that her voyage has let a dreadful dimension through. The entire solar system is in peril as an evil power wants to capture Elly and wipe out her entire world.
Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:
“This science fiction novel has many fantastical elements, featuring relatable characters and engaging worldbuilding. The most interesting moments occur when Elly compares and contrasts her world and way of life with that of humans, like when she is shocked to realize that Earth flowers die or how dark human buildings seem when compared to the crystal houses in Sarcaun. The action-packed plot goes through many directions and locations throughout the story, but the author expertly weaves in parallels between Elly’s time on Earth and what happens to her back in Sarcaun, smoothly connecting all the disparate elements.“