Jackiem Joyner is one of those writers that once you read what he’s got, you cannot forget his books. This time, he brings us Zarya – Cydnus Final Hope, the first part of a sci-fi series with a female main character for us to enjoy and get lost in.
With a start that grabs your attention in 6 words, and keeps you going for an entire paragraph, Jackiem Joyner makes a strong start with this book. As you read, the first impression you get is: “something is going to go off the cliff soon”.
Energy and societies are tied together and this is many times the reason for entire wars. When you add that with personal interests of a powerful few, things get even more delicate. I mean, what is more important? The well being of everyone along with free energy, or, having absolute power? Well… that depends on who you ask, and if that person has a suit and tie, and is in the government…
Interests run high in this book and loyalties are fickle, to the point that everyone is on the edge, but with a smile plastered on face while pushing their agendas in the dark. Talk about thrilling reads, eh?
The tension of this sci-fi is palpable and the crispness of the narrative, along with the fast pace of it aids in making this book more thrilling. Even the characters seem in a hurry, and it’s understandable if you measure the size of the crisis and the times left.
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Talking about fast, our main character, Zayra is full of energy and loves speed. There is however, a hint that this society is against women, and traps women from doing certain things. Zarya, knows this and has to be careful or else she will face the law. With her abilities and skills, she pushes every boundary that is set upon her and strives to be better in what she does.
The story doesn’t stop or goes aroung the bush. The narrative and the events are very straight forward, with little mystery. It reads as a series of events that run with ease as Zarya pursues her goals of finding her parents and solving the problems of Cydnus as she walks the steps of her father. At times, we get the impression that things occur with too much ease.
You got a megalomaniac villain, thirsty for power, with a macabre plan hidden in the shadows. He is willing to risk anything and kill anyone to achieve his goals. He is marked with with a simple mind and a twisted logic. His allies within the government that he is bound to rule want to ensure that his plans are successful, and are careless about the costs.
Despicable, power hungry, brutal and merciless, this villain gains solid point in his position and role. We don’t have much time with him on the pages, yet he can still make an impression that sticks with us. He is one of the best built characters in this novel.
There’s one thing that catches our attention as we read, and it’s how impulsive, and lucky, Zarya seems to be when she chooses to do things. Sure, there are obstacles, but there is equal luck that follows her. That takes off part of the relatability from Zarya. Yes, we get it that this is a scifi, and fiction, book directed at young teens so that might explain why the Jackiem Joyner didn’t make things more complex. Her friends are also fairly skilled and at times as crazy as Zarya, even if at times one of them always seems scared and clueless, hahahahah.
Romance is mainly absent, with only hints of it scattered in the plot, becoming more frequent towards the end of the book, but thankfully, never taking a primary spot. This is good, because the scifi part and the thriller parts keep our focus on the book along with its fast scenes.
Guida will be the surprise character as she will have a few cards up her sleeve that will be crucial for Zarya’s objectives. Do not underestimate that old lady, hahahhah.
Zarya by Jackiem Joyner revealed itself to be a very fast paced sci-fi book for teens that pushes the importance of determination and persistence on our goals. It also reveals how important, crucial, is the support of our friends and family in order for us to achieve things, no matter how capable or stubborn one is. If teens read this and learn a few lessons that this book brings inside it. So, if you have a teen that loves sci-fi, specially if that teen is a girl, then Zarya by Jackiem Joyner is a good book for them to read and you should send them a copy of it.
If you are an adult looking for a fun, fast-paced and simple scifi to read that will not fry your brain with complex plots and descriptions, you should grab your copy of Zarya by Jackiem Joyner here.
Pros:
- Fast-paced narrative
- Simple descriptions
- Straightforward plotline
- The descriptions of the character’s character was made by action instead of descriptions which is always a plus
- A good villain
- Great moral tones to the book
Cons:
- Zayra at tiemes seem too perfect and lucky. Things just fell into place when she needed them to
- Female empowerment tones and at times the downplay of men
Scribble's Worth 