Horizon

This book has several strengths which made me think it was worth reading so I purchased it after reading the sample.Strengths:-Interesting protagonist Caeli with interesting powers to heal people and also read minds but with some limitations-Author's writing is coherent, well edited, professional, even though it is her first book.-I enjoyed the explanation of how Caeli was diagnosing and working hard in the infirmary. It was interesting and I think the author did a really good job at this.But I failed on many other regards as so many Western romances.Weaknesses:-Caeli's character is deeply flawed, it makes no sense. She has been raped and physical abused after a mass genocide against her people but is still willing to jump into bed with a stranger. This seems contradictory since the author goes to great lengths to portray her as someone who is deeply bruised by the suffering she experienced from around her.-Kat was also a confusing character. She is an intelligence officer but totally opens up to an alien from a different planet on the basis of some female gossip. This worries me and it's just not realistic. The type of relationships happening on a Naval vessel would definitely be prohibited as it was clear that emotions were beginning to guide the mission at times,-Male protagonist Derek is boring and does not match the psychology of a leader, he felt fake and pushed into a uniform. I often felt completely disconnected from him and he was far too insecure. His romance with Caeli seemed faked, and forced. He "loves" her but she doesn't reciprocate the same feelings. Does he have some boy crush on a hot girl or is he deeply caring for someone who went through great danger to herself to protect his life. The author tries to make him appear ruthless and devoted to his work via his desire to protect his loved ones and the innocent but no good explanation is given why he killed Guran and not the other Dorakan.-I found myself uninterested in the whole genocide and resistance movement plot arc, because I knew she was going off planet and I was already disenchanted that the author was so quick to consummate the relationship she was sprinkling. It felt forced and one-dimensional. Devoid of deep meaning. I recommend the author read more Asian and maybe even Jane Eyre for better tips on how to shape her novels.Overall this author has such a great potential, as it was clear she wanted to touch on controversial moral decisions and subjective morals. But at the end of the day the botched romance ruined the rest of the plot. If she improves her characters personalities, I think I may read her next novel. But otherwise I will be steering clear.

A story centered on a strong female protagonist who is a survivor, quiet leader, and who has unique skills. Her telepathic healing abilities make her an asset beyond her original people, the Novali. As her story develops, you see more of her character, abilities and how much of an asset she is to others besides the Novali. Circumstances crush her dreams and her society but she proves resilient and the reader grows to admire her fighting spirit and how far that spirit and her abilities take her. The book does not end on a cliff hanger and can be read as a stand alone novel but I am looking forward to the next book. I want to see how much further her story takes her, and the other characters developed in the book. I enjoyed the world building although it did not have to be extensive to set up the plot, and I liked the clever way a love interest was created for her.

Tabitha Lord has done an astounding job with this novel. The characters, story, setting... all of it is extremely well written and pulls you in right from the beginning. Caeli has become one of my favorite characters in sci-fi in a long time because she's a survivor and a fighter, with a strong will to live and desire to help those around her. But at the same time she also has a vulnerable, passionate, tenderness to her that helps round out an amazing multi-layered character.I found the story itself to be engrossing and fast-paced. The worlds that Lord has created for this universe feel exciting and believable, with a very human characteristic that makes them feel real. I can safely say I am very much looking forward to continuing the series and reading more books from this author.

The beginning was excellent, kept me interested and liking the main characters. Once they left the first planet, however, we seemed to have fallen behind a curtain with more telling than showing. The ending would have been better if the final short section had been part of the epilogue.

I could not put the book down until I finish it. In a well thought out plot, the author masterfully combined action, mystery, conflicts, love, pain and hope to make a very entertaining read that kept me looking for more, page after page!The book quickly immerses you into the life, feelings and thoughts of the main characters, with the right balance of rich but not overloaded descriptions.I really enjoyed all of it, from the exquisite description of Caeli’s healing intervention to the setting and description of a society in crisis and the varied reactions of its citizens.I am looking forward to the next chapter of this story

Tabitha Lord creates an intriguing science fiction world. She crafted her character, Dr. Caeli Crys, with alternative medicine skills that are uniquely adept for this world. Caeli’s goal of helping those around her includes her love interest, Commander Derek Markham. She struggles with the ethics and morals of using her talents in Derek’s world.After reading I wondered, did Caeli’s empathetic process with the Drokaran affect her in ways unknown? What might it have to do with her home planet? Will it alter her relationship with Derek? I hope I get to find out.I enjoyed your first novel, Tabitha Lord.

On an evening when I needed to relax my mind and body, I chose my favorite genre to do the trick. I was immediately captivated by the story and the characters. This is a story that feels familiar given the tone in which it is written. The story is so tangible that I could place myself in it. The characters so real that they make science fiction plausible. I read the book in three short sittings and found myself not wanting it to end. I am so looking forward to the next book!

I happened upon this book and I fell in love with the characters. I shed some tears, laughed and shouted - a book that truly makes you feel.Give this book a chance I am sure you'll be surprised.

I try to give compelling stories by Indie authors five stars, but I was slightly let down by this story, and so I wanted to give potential readers the reasons they might enjoy, or might NOT enjoy, this book.Strengths:- The two romantic leads are lovely and captivating- Details and world-building is strong- Clear, easy to follow writing- Tone is sweet, older teens could read this (rape happens, but is not described in gory detail, and a few F-bombs are dropped)- What the story leads us to want happen, happens, so we aren't kept in suspense- Consistent style and charactersWhat didn't work for me (but is clearly fine for others!):- Lots of extra words not directly related to the plot/plot rambles- Some romance and space opera conventions were skipped- We get introduced to the romantic leads, then about 30% of the book is a flashback- The characters get what they want (within reason), there is little suspense or conflict- The characters are too reasonable - they make reasonable choices instead of making the choices that exemplify their character- A few small writing mistakes an editor should have caught (mis-ordering actions, timings); this might be a stylistic choice/showing the voice of the authorI gave four instead of five stars because I skimmed most of the book. I feel like the premise promised a few things that weren't delivered. My fault really, I wasn't sure I liked the sample read at the start and bought anyways.Read the sample, if you enjoy it, buy the book!If you are on the fence, don't buy the book, the style is consistent throughout.Overall, an excellent contribution by an indie author.