A Second Life Worth Living by Karen Lucia SFINCs3 Book Review
- Tabitha Tomala
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This review is part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”. This is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.).
To see more information on my team TBR check out this post!
Blurb for A Second Life Worth Living
Bennet Smith has already died once. He has no interest in a repeat act.
Caught in the crossfire of an increasingly violent revolution, Ben's first death doesn't stick. His bones ache. His body still feels phantom pains. Wrongfully killed, he should return ready to fight alongside the revolutionaries striving for change. Instead, he wants no part of it.
Bennet Smith is no hero. He has never been a hero. He has never wanted to be a hero. All Ben has ever wanted is to keep his head down, fly under the radar, and pass completely unnoticed. Death didn't change that.
A Second Life Worth Living Book Review
Caught in the middle of an altercation caused by the revolutionaries, Ben is in the wrong place at the worst time. After suffering injuries from the fight, he is also captured and hanged as part of the revolution group. When he magically comes back to life, some believe he should strike out against the wrongs done to him. But Ben wants to live a simple, normal life, away from justice rallies and violent uprisings. His second life, however, will have something else in store for him.
While there is the overarching theme of revolution and wanting a better life, A Second Life Worth Living also dives into how people vilify what they do not understand. Those who come back to life are treated like a plague. People who should be wiped out, versus being understood and accepted back into society. Having a loved one brought back should be a blessing, yet there are those who are disgusted and frightened by the returned. This conflict is horrific, yet Ben will find a new purpose in life through it. Albeit one he never could have expected.
The writing style of A Second Worth Living is brutally honest and filled with emotion. The story does not hesitate to show the darker parts of humanity and ignorance while also creating relatable characters. Readers should feel shocked and horrified while reading this novella. This was a dark and worthy tale.
To Purchase: Author's Website
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