Sky Curse is the first book in Janet Kravetz’s genre-blurring The Chosen Five series. In this sci-fi dystopian-themed novel, the author takes readers into the not-so-distant future, where humanity has brought Earth to its knees. Climate change is rampant and the dangerous weather is unpredictable. The population has overwhelmed the planet, and humans are using advanced technology to “evolve”—into cyborgs. Not only that, but AI are a step away from knowing they can run things.
The process has begun to shift away from Earth to another moon farther out in the solar system. It is believed by most humans that the Earth has now run its course, and things are too far out of hand. They don’t think the planet is capable of being saved, but Cecilia believes differently. She wishes to leave Earth herself, however, her dreams indicate a different path is the one she must follow.
The book unfolds slowly. It takes a chapter or two to gain its footing and become interesting. Once the story gains some stability, it will engage you more, and there will be a variety of elements that will pique your interest.
At the start of the book, Cecilia isn’t the most engaging character. She comes off as blasé and dull—doing little to engage the reader in the story. What will capture the reader’s attention first will be the technology mentioned, and then the bizarre hailstorm. The violence of the storm that springs up will be quite shocking but will help enforce the dangers of climate change in this futuristic novel. Page by page, Cecilia evolves to be more interesting. This character development ebbs and flows though. The author attempted to depict Cecilia as a complex character, but unfortunately, unless the situation is extreme, Cecilia comes off as apathetic to most situations unless she’s “provoked.”
Thankfully, as the Sky Curse story progresses, Cecilia becomes more interesting as a character, and more animated. She just needs a nudge, and, apparently, some people to interact with beyond her “sister,” Malee. The story behind Malee’s “existence” is an interesting one. So, when she is first mentioned, don’t let the “label” throw you for a loop.
The technology in this book is truly advanced. The author details cyborgs, enhanced DNA, PowerNap pillows, learning while “dreaming,” and so much more. Technology has advanced rapidly, but with the advancements of technology have come serious dangers. Wireless communication has advanced, but due to this, the electromagnetic spectrum has polluted the air. This probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but consider the interference with radar this creates. With radar crippled by this pollution, accurately staying ahead of a deadly storm becomes a game of roulette. A game you don’t want to be on the losing end of.
Space travel has been possible for a long time without the exorbitant amount of time it used to take. The trade-off, however, is that too much technology impedes devices that were once used to keep humanity safe.
The world is divided. The middle class no longer exists, and poverty is rampant. Technological advancements are controlled, and “Big Brother” is always watching. When you hear that “Big Brother is always watching,” it means specific glasses most people wear are always recording everything around them.
While this book is largely fiction, steeply based in the science fiction realm with dystopian highlights and overtures, there is more than meets the eye. As you dig deeper into this book, you’ll discover some educational nuggets buried here and there. These elements take this book’s storytelling to the next level, and Kravetz brings the point home by talking about particulars so many of us are familiar with. One specific element is the Mayans and their mysterious collapse from greatness. We are reminded of this simple saying —“Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it”—as the author ties the past to the present.
When it comes to choosing a favorite character, Kravetz, it would seem, intended to make that rather difficult. The author’s thoughtful attention to detail makes these characters almost lifelike in their mentality and behavior. However, Duncan becomes the standout character at certain points in this novel because he comes off as more open-minded and informed. Cecilia has her merits, yet she comes off as more heavily entrenched in her beliefs and too stubborn to really be open to another voice. Both are flawed, but facts are more on his side than Cecilia’s.
It takes a while for the title, “Sky Curse“, to tie in, but when it does, it adds another level of intrigue. In fact, it adds a fantasy element to the story. It’s not often in science fiction that you get a prophecy surrounding a scenario that could save or doom the world. Yet, in this book, that is exactly what you get. It’s a while in coming, but once it all comes together, prepare for blast off!
This book has a slow start. That much is a fact. However, once the story really gets underway, it will capture your attention and even pull you to the edge of your seat. The drama will entice you to find out what happens next, and The Sky Curse’s blurred genres will surprise you and have you cheering for the characters to turn the tide and save all who call Earth their home.
Pros:
- The attention to detail.
- The advancements in technology.
- The variety of characters and the various dynamics between them.
- The tie-in of the title to the overall storyline.
- The plot twists and surprises.
Cons:
- The beginning is sluggish.
- Cecilia comes off as bland and uninteresting initially.
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