It’s
1958 and the race for the first manned space flight is in full gear. Russia has already sent a dog into space in
the Sputnik program. The fact that that
dog later died isn’t considered a blockade for future missions to outer
space. So it is that a choice for the
first man to fly to space is made. He is
24 years old, a child prodigy who has propelled into a role of leadership due
to his remarkable intelligence, flight knowledge, military skills, and physical
toughness. The man chosen for this formidable,
dangerous task is Sergei Federev and what he is about to undergo will leave the
reader with mouth agape and more questions than answers!
Riccardo
Bertora’s first novel in this planned series is the story of the explosion that
would have killed any other human being instantly. However, Sergei not only survives but finds
himself completely healed and awake on a planet whose inhabitants are
scientifically advanced and free of the strife that exists on Earth. The story is replete with explanations of how
disease and war have been obliterated.
Scientific explanations are vaguely offered, the only incredible aspect
of this riveting novel, and Sergei goes so far as attempting to form a
relationship of a woman. Sergei
eventually decides to return to Earth, no mean feat since this planet is in a
different solar system and galaxy far, far from the Milky Way we know.
As
much attention is given to the Cold War and Russia’s secretive, absolute
decisions as the science fiction end of the novel. At first on his return Sergei is not
believed but then the plot goes sinister as he disappears and is being hunted
by the government. Will or won’t he
survive his new fugitive status? Will he
live or die?
Except
for the very vague scientific explanations about eradicating war and how the
inhabitants of this strange planet give birth, The Seventh Day of Light is a fascinating read about a topic that
intrigues most human beings. Bertora has
done a good job with imagining what life might be like on other planets far
from our limited understanding. Nicely
done science fiction/fantasy!
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