Aether Ones: #bookreview

Synopsis of Aether Ones by Wendie Coffman-Porter:

Long ago, the Great Sundering ripped the universe apart, creating two separate realities. The kuldain realm developed advanced technology, and its inhabitants travel the universe on massive ships to colonize and expand their empire. The aether realm, meanwhile, harnessed the magic of the massively powerful eldrich energy that connects everything within their realm.

Now, a tentative peace reigns between the two realms, maintained by a treaty and by the Imperial Investigative Service—a force designed to monitor interactions between the realms and ensure that most kuldain inhabitants don’t even know aether space exists.

Leilani Falconi, a talented agent of the IIS, polices the galaxy with quick sarcasm and a quicker temper. When a series of suspicious deaths in kuldain space threatens the secrecy and peace, Lei must solve the mystery—fast—before both her realities change forever.

Review:

When I imagine the setting of Aether Ones by Wendi Coffman-Porter , I picture a combination of Altered Carbon and Star Wars. The scenery is probably dark and gritty yet bright and colorful. Space can be shiny and mysterious at the same time. Outer space is filled with so many possibilities.

Leilani Falconi is brilliant. I think I would root for her even if she was the villain. When she finds Rothar Harrison, who is kind of a big deal, it’s like she is starstruck. Imagine meeting your childhood hero and now they are your work partner. If Bo Jackson, Oprah or Slash suddenly appeared in my life, it would be shocking. Falconi handles the situation with much more finesse than most of us could muster. I mean, she has to . . . there is so much at stake – not just the fate of one world but the fate of two worlds are basically in her hands.

I really imagine the character of Rothar Harrison as Bo Jackson but maybe purple and taller. He is a leader and seems to be fair. Could there be a romantic spark between Harrison and Falconi? I think so. Is it just me that is hoping? Both of the characters are old as hell. They are still well-preserved though. Don’t they deserve a beach vacation after all that they’ve been through?

Falconi and Harrison are hot on the trail of Admiral Brigitta Gremm, who should be portrayed by Jane Lynch. Gemm is very powerful so of course, she wants all of the power. Falconi suspects that Gemm is up to no good but she has to walk on eggshells for a little while. Gemm knows how to get rid of information that Falconi could use. She’s dangerous and conniving. Can Falconi stay one step ahead of Gemm?

Recommendation:

So here is a quick rundown of who I think should be cast in two of the lead roles if the book were a movie:

If you enjoy science fiction with strong female characters who are not condescended to by their tall purple work partner or other male co-workers, then Aether Ones could be the book for you.

If you don’t see a place for women in leadership roles in science fiction or in real life, then you should read a book that can enlighten you on why women are leaders and should continue to lead. Then please come back to read this book.

• I received this book from The Write Reads as part of the Aether Ones book tour.
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