Title: Zepharius: volume 1

Author: Mel Snyder

Genre: Sci-fi

My Rating: 3.5/5

“What do you mean you weren’t aware?” He smiles, questioning my lack of concern for my own status.

I tilt my head slightly, puzzled by his action.

He seems different, in a way that I can’t seem to comprehend. His conversation and wording is so odd, his gestures seem so carefree, and there’s a look in his eyes that gives off a sense of determination that is different from the other soldiers. He’s also smiling, an action that I can’t even recall seeing before. Why is he smiling? Why do people smile?

__________

The planet Gisaawek is prospering in its government and is growing in military power and security. Everyone is dedicated to their assignments. Their objective is serving their planet to the best of their ability.

Zepharius is a soldier in Gisaawek and works with that objective in mind.

Throughout the years, however, she becomes aware of abnormalities that reside within her world. People do not speak to each other unless it is necessary for them to do so. Improving strength on the planet is their only objective. Events and memories before a certain point in time have been obliterated.

More importantly, there are people within the planet which disappear faster than they are appearing. Their existence is dubbed “dangerous and forbidden”. They are Gisaawekians who have an ability to choose their own objective, which can lead to destruction of both themselves and the planet. They are called dïfakàténs.

She comes to realize that the world she lives in is not as perfect as it seems. What will happen when she comes across secrets that could explain why?

Zepharius by Mel Snyder falls under the category of science fiction. The story revolves around Zepharius, a Gisaawekian soldier. After a strange event Gisaawekians woke up with a vague recollection of their past. Their only goal since then is to obey the commands without any question and to complete the tasks assigned to them. Anyone who has emotions or has the ability to think/act on their own is considered a threat, and therefore will be executed.

The world-building was so brilliant, unique and intriguing. The detailed description of the Gisaawekians, the system gave better understanding. The visual guide given at the back of the book of how a typical Gisaawekian and Kiatromuan looks like was very helpful. The characters and places names were a little confusing at first, but after the first few chapters I got used to it.

The pace of the book was slow, but I liked it considering the complexity of world-building. There was a chapter or two which I felt was unnecessary. I also felt that the author might have added few chapters on backstory of Prataolïs and Lïtsubavïr rather than pulling them out of thin air in the middle of the book. But I did like the reunion of Zepharius with her siblings (Prataolïs and Lïtsubavïr) and their adventure. It made the second half of the book more interesting.

There were many questions running through my mind about what was going on in the underground lab, and why Kiatromuans turned against Gisaawek. I had hoped Zepharius’s encounter with Natamoré would unfold all the mystery that lies beneath but the enconter leads to new discoveries and something to look forward to book two.

*Thanks to the author for the e-copy. All opinions are my own.*