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Book Review – Beyond the Father (Gods on Trial: Book 1) by Opëshum Patroz

“Beyond the Father” is the first book in the series of Gods on Trial, written by Opëshum Patroz. As it commences, it looks like a promising riveting sci-fi fantasy epic. The novel is staged against a vivid, different, yet chaotic planet named Xżyber – the smallest planet in the Warget Solar System.


Right at the beginning, the author asserts that readers first should go through the Xżyber glossary to grasp the storyline uninterrupted. Since it is going to be an eight book series, Beyond the Father sets the premises for all upcoming novels.

“Beyond the Father” puts its focus on differences that are subverting the world of Xżyber, which is geographically divided in around four regions. Another aspect that triggers animosity among its inhabitants is rivalry between Mollards and non-Mollards, each one of the species is seeking to secure their future. Mollards are metal flesh, more like robots with less enhanced emotions, powered by battery system, while non-Mollards are like humans of the earth, with social activities, aspirations, and gods to worship. Both species don’t like one another yet live together.

The King Thio and her Queen Evaline of Xżyber aren’t those ideal figures to run the world. They dwell in Central Kingdom (CK) but looking forward to settle down somewhere else. Their planet is vulnerable to storms that affect the overall life system of the planet. However, non- Mollards are worst sufferers while Mollards aren’t. The planet runs on Teal oil and ironically its shortage has sowed the seeds of revolts and invasion from sub-median region…and much more. With military leaders detecting possible attack from North, Xżyberians’ hope for peaceful living is slimmer than ever. Is it going to be an end or a beginning of new era for them? Only time could tell that! How will they deal with all the fuss? Probably, the next book in the series could take us to that part.

Also the series name is ‘Gods on Trial’. Their veracity is at stake. Xżyberians hold their faith in Plebony but things aren’t materializing for many. As you read ahead, you may come across Flexix vs. Plebony – that’s another story in the novel about choosing faith and god properly. Or it could be possible that the gods detected perversion of their people, hence letting them to suffer. May be?

The novel is intriguing, complex, riveting and of course highly readable with optimum dose of philosophy on a gamut of aspects associated with life. Since it’s a first book in the series that is setting landscape for promising storytelling, it will be a bit difficult to favour one and loath another. King Thio has his own share of grief and dilemma, his son Anglid crashes to some Area X while on a quest, his daughter Anya is missing. Probably in the next book they make a comeback.

The novel has many points of view (PoV) and narration arteries, still in one view it looks replete and moving fast with measured pace.  As the story chugs ahead, while one thing comes around to settle down, another surprise may throw you in a loop. The periphery of the story is tumultuous but the author’s lucid and controlled narration makes it a wonderful read in its essential genre. For sure, readers will wait for other books in the series having tasted Beyond the Father.

Buy from Amazon/Kindle.

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