Atomica: Between Sea and Sky by Heather McKenzie
A Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel published by House of Hebyzie (08/27/24)
Summary:
“If you’re not doing things the hard way, then you’re not living…” (Page 40, ebook).
“Never judge based on appearances. Sometimes the most unassuming can be the deadliest.” (Page 114, ebook).
Eva is a protector. Even when she fails in her duty and is captured, her loyalty and determination do not falter. Kade is a hunter on a mission. When Eva and Kade are shipwrecked together, they will be forced to rely on each other to survive. But it’s not just the two of them on the island. Mysterious forces, harsh weather, deadly animals, and the villainous Raiders stand between them and their survival.
Keywords:
Capture, Escape, Hiding, Secrets, Mission, Mind, Protection, Shelter, Island, Power, Fight
My Review:
In a perfect mashup between fantasy and science fiction, I’m compelled by both main characters Eva and Kade. They both have a strong, compelling, nearly single-minded purpose. In the beginning, we learn that Kade’s and Eva’s missions are at odds with the other’s. And then they meet. When will they discover what the other is hiding and how will that turn out when they are slowly becoming more and more reliant and trusting of each other? I couldn’t put the book down until the inevitable happened. The build-up to the end was a slow burn of constant tension that kept me at the edge of my seat frantically turning pages.
It annoyed me that Kade could quiet down the force that propelled him to his mission at all costs when he didn’t believe he was laser-focused on the end goal. He knew he was getting sidetracked by Eva. I didn’t believe him when he tried to persuade the force that what he was doing would ultimately serve the end goal. I’m waiting to see how this force and Kade’s free will ultimately clash.
My favorite character, though, was the conflicted Rowan of the Raiders. We see him through Eva’s story as he doesn’t have his own narrative. One of Eva’s first encounters with him shows that he is not who he appears to be. This mystery pulled me to the end almost as much as the tension between Eva and Kade and the survival story that ties the characters together.
I’m excited to see where this story goes next and what is going to happen to Rowan, Eva, Kade, and Zolaya.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.
This novel will be published by House of Hebyzie on 08/27/2024 and is available on Amazon here.
TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50
Links for more information:
Rachel Author Barnard 