Book Review: Exigency by Michael Siemsen
I love the idea of exploring other planets and meeting alien species. I have a bit of Captain Kirk in me, because I want to boldly go where nobody else has gone. Of course, I’ve no desire to impregnate aliens, but the exploration sounds fun!
One thing that helped the author, Michael Siemsen, tell such a compelling story of wilderness survival on an alien planet was that he spent time as a tanker. I played in the dirt, lived in the field and generally did more with less while serving in the combat arms. He drove tanks, armored personnel carriers and bridge layers while doing the good work of Uncle Sam. I can’t help but think that this experience helped him understand what life looked like outside of suburbia.
The Story
This novel tells the story of several scientists, who travel light years on a one-way trip to an Earth-like planet. Their mission was to study the two species of intelligent lifeforms on the surface from their orbital station. One of the species was an isolated people embarking on civilization and building their world’s first city. The other species was a brutal race of massive predators, spreading across the dominant landmass. The scientists believe this species is destined to breed and eat their way to extinction within a few centuries. After almost a decade of observation, disaster struck the orbiting station and only two crew members ejected successfully. Drifting down through a dark alien sky, the pair realizes their escape pod launched not toward the safety of the city, but to the other side of the planet. They ultimately touch down deep inside a land no human could possibly survive.
That was the story, now let’s talk about the prose. The author is extremely skilled at crafting the pretty words. I thought this was one of Michael Siemsen’s strong points as an author. It was a joy to read his words, even without the compelling story behind them. The story wasn’t non-stop action, but I found I didn’t care because I was hooked on the story and the big ideas within it.
The author also got the descriptions right. They were spot on, adding to the desperate vibe that the unwitting and unintentional colonists endured. I’d love to go into more details, but I strive for spoiler free reviews. Seriously, if this is ever made into a movie the script writers won’t have to worry about imagining things because Michael Siemsen gave them what they needed!
One of my main issues, aside from the characters, was the use of alien languages in the story. I get it, you want to show your world building and how things are different, but if you invent translation programs in your world, we don’t need to be bogged down with the language. Move on, tell the story already!
The story was disjointed at times, though I can’t tell you how without ruining the plot. It was high-octane on the drama, an even mix of internal angst and outside forces. Though, if strange aliens wanted to eat you, you’d be pretty angst ridden as well. I can’t fault that artistic choice here, it fit the circumstances. While I did think it was disjointed, the novel was easy enough to follow, so that might just be a personal preference on my part. And for all its faults, which might not be flaws for some people, the story kept me riveted. I couldn’t put it down, even as I wanted to throw Minnie off a cliff! I read this in just under two days, which is pretty quick for me. Again, other than the character development, this was a solid plot that was well written.
The Characters
There were many secondary characters, but I’ll limit my review to the two main ones. The characters were exactly what I would expect from a group of scientists, but that meant they weren’t necessarily as likeable or personable. The author does get credit for their believability, but much of this is to be expected from this sub-genre of science fiction. Overall, character development was one of the weak spots in this novel.
Minerva (Minnie): She was, hands down, the main point of view character and John was her supporting cast. She has been diagnosis with HSPD, some new psychotic condition that forces her to remain on medicine to maintain her sanity. Why would you send someone like this into space? I don’t know, because the author never told us. She was whiny, annoying and I didn’t really like her, but I didn’t want her to die either. She was well rounded, not very likeable, and shouldn’t have been anywhere near a space exploration mission. She was believable, as a character, but I kept yelling “Why isn’t she back on Earth?”
John: This character was very thought out, although he came off as a bit too perfect for my tastes. The usual “Mr. Awesome,” who sails through life until Thing X in the story requires divergence from his life’s trajectory. He was strong at times when many would have broken down, and I didn’t feel like we had enough back story to justify his actions. Overall, it wouldn’t have bothered me if he got struck by lightning and tied.
The World
Creating this world was an area where the author excelled! The world was vivid, I could imagine all of it. Seriously, this is one novel that I want to see it on the big screen. The world was fleshed out, and completely believable given the circumstances everyone endures. I could envision myself fighting the Hynka and dealing with the more advanced Threck alien species. The strange colors and toxic environment would be fun to visit, like an alien safari! But obviously, only if we were well stocked and had food and water for the entire trip!
Politics
This wasn’t a political novel, nothing to see here, move along!
Content Warning
There were discussions of mental illness in this novel. We also saw violence against alien species on the written page. As a result of all of that, the characters experience psychological distress during the course of the novel. This book is aimed at mature readers comfortable with darker themes.
Who is it for?
The story focuses on a crew stranded on an alien planet, facing survival challenges and complex inter-species dynamics. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy high-stakes adventures and themes of adaptation and endurance in a hard sci-fi environment.
Why buy it.
The book offers plausible technology and vivid world-building, reminiscent of The Martian or Heinlein’s works, appealing to those who crave intellectually stimulating sci-fi. It’s a gripping tale about a crew stranded on an alien planet, forced to endure the survival challenge of a lifetime. It also offers complex human-alien interactions, for readers who love high-stakes adventures.
If this book sounds like it’s right up your alley, check it out! You won’t regret it! Well, unless it keeps you up all night and you’re late to work… and then your boss fires you, because you became a book addict and a rabid Michael Siemsen fan. Okay, the fanboy/fangirl syndrome MIGHT leave you starving. Happy thoughts, it COULD be one heck of a weight loss plan! Be warned but enjoy the high! Seriously, why haven’t you clicked the link and bought this book already? Once you buy and read the book, come back and share your thoughts! Oh, and be sure to leave a review!