Nova

Title: Nova
Author: Chuck Black
Series: The Starlore Legacy, book 1
Major Themes: Science Fiction, Allegories, Space Opera
Synopsis: When Daeson Starlore, an elite on Jypton and starcraft pilot in training, discovers that most of his life so far is a lie, he is forced into a journey of uncovering the truth—and the fate of the galaxy may very well rest on what he discovers.

Close to a year ago, my older brothers discovered the Starlore Legacy series by Chuck Black, and they spent quite a while discussing it as they listened through the series at approximately the same time. I knew I wanted to read the books, but it was one of those “someday” things for whenever I needed something new to read or listen to. A few weeks ago, though, I came across a Booktuber who was talking about book five coming out, how she’d started at the beginning of the series, and how much she enjoyed them. That reminded me that I wanted to read the books, so I downloaded the audiobook for Nova one afternoon, and pretty quickly got sucked into the story!

Daeson Starlore is one of the elites in Jypton’s society and has nearly completed training as a Starcraft pilot. When he was almost ready to graduate from the academy, a chance encounter saw Daeson coming in contact with a young Starcraft mechanic named Raviel. Raviel is Raylean, one of the servant classes often referred to as Drudges. Struck by her passion, Daeson finds himself drawn to her, despite the dire implications for both of them if they are caught spending time with each other. Then, when he discovers that what he’s always believed is a lie, his search for the truth leads him to places he never thought he’d find himself. When the Jyptonian fleet comes after both him and Raviel, he must rely on every bit of skill he has to help them escape…but will that buy him enough time to find the truth?

I don’t know how long it’s been since I last read a sci-fi book. Far too long, anyway. It was so much fun to be back in the genre! It’s also been a while since I last read any allegories, so that aspect was fun, too. The story itself is well-written, gripping, and inspiring. I had a hard time putting Nova down, and I was really glad when I found some sewing to do one day so I could finish listening to it. Chuck Black has done an excellent job at world-building—while I was reading the story, I felt like I was there. And although some parts of the story seem almost just for fun (after all, who wouldn’t want to try combining rocket-booster boots and an anti-graviton field?), this is the kind of story that is encouraging while it entertains.

If you enjoy science fiction with a strong faith element and a decent amount of adventure, this could be an excellent book for you. I’m looking forward to continuing the series and seeing where it goes from here!

WARNING: “What in omega” is used in ch. 2, “thank Omega” is used in ch. 12, and “by Omega” and “thank the stars” are used in ch. 14. There is lying in ch. 5 and 11. There are several dangerous (almost death-causing) incidents in the first two chapters. There is a story of a woman who was killed in ch. 3, and a description of a woman who was killed in ch. 6 (somewhat graphic, if I remember right). There’s a bad fight in ch. 7 and a man is killed. A woman is hurt in ch. 9. People steal something and almost die in ch. 10. There is a fight in ch. 12, with something killed, and someone has a dream about a person being killed. Ch. 14 has a battle, and a man’s life is threatened. Unmarried characters touch in ch. 4, 7, 8, 11, and 12, and dance together in ch. 5. They also spend time alone together in ch. 8 and from ch. 10–13; the majority of this is a survival situation.

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