Once We Flew by Nikky Lee SFINCs2 Book Review
- Tabitha Tomala
- Apr 18
- 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 Behind the Musings check out this post!
Blurb for Once We Flew
Four generations ago a generation ship crashed into the sands of Savene. Since then, its survivors have eked out an existence in the planet’s hostile desert. Yet, the tech is failing, the sands are encroaching, and people are dying.
Rescue is still generations away—if it comes at all.
But Marsa is a survivor.
And an outcast.
Infected with the Chrysalis—a disease that grants its carriers uncanny abilities—she keeps her distance from her dwindling community.
Until an old friend’s dying wish sends her and a young boy across Savene’s inhospitable sands in search of something Marsa had thought she’d long forgotten.
Hope.
Once We Flew Book Review
Chrysalis is an inevitable disease, a price everyone must pay to live on Savene. And while it will give a person powers, it will ultimately be their end. Marsa has exiled herself because of an uncontrollable ability to gain a person's memories through touch. But when she is summoned to the bedside of her dying friend, she will take on their final memories. Memories that dare to show Marsa a way to end the suffering of them all. If only Marsa can maintain the memories long enough.
Marsa's story will begin with a tragic loss. One written to show the raw grief exposed when a loved one dies. Regret from distancing herself hangs heavy in Marsa’s heart as she begins her journey. Guilt and doubt are steadfast partners in this novella. If Marsa were alone, this could have been a very different tale. However, she is accompanied by Koby, the grandson of her departed friend. And it is through Koby’s youthful determination Marsa is able to find the will to continue.
The dynamics between Marsa and Koby were a delight to read. And the memories Marsa cycles through seeing her friend in Koby’s actions are heartwarming. Koby’s ability to utilize dying technology to ease their journey also grants the reader glimpses of what the world could have once been. Before it was a near wasteland of sand and dead tech.
Once We Flew is an emotion packed journey. The characters are wonderful, the world-building is spot on and the blend of sci-fi and fantasy is so well done. Not to mention I never could have predicted the ending. I would eagerly recommend this to fans of both fantasy and sci-fi.
To Purchase: Bookshop | Author's Website
All or part of this book review may be used in marketing, I only ask that you reference Behind the Pages if you choose to do so.
Hello fellow bookworms! By purchasing books through the Bookshop link in this post Behind the Pages will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your help and dedication!
Comments