Terra Nova - Book Review

Jessahme Wren’s TERRA NOVA is a compelling science fiction tale set in a future world called Dobani. Unlike typical sci-fi filled with alien monsters and fire-spitting creatures, this story focuses on humanity’s struggle to thrive in a new era. Life in Dobani mirrors our own in many ways but is enhanced by advanced technologies, including superior transportation systems and cutting-edge medical facilities. Here, holopads replace digital notepads, painting a vivid picture of a society that blends familiarity with innovation. TERRA NOVA offers a thoughtful exploration of human resilience and adaptation in an evolved world.

The novel follows Sev, a determined teenage girl and the story’s central protagonist. Her father, Phoenix, is gravely ill, and his critical condition forms the emotional and dramatic core of the narrative. The medical facilities in their world, Dobani, lack the expertise to treat Phoenix’s life-threatening illness. However, there is hope in Ocarro, a distant and more advanced world known for its cutting-edge medical breakthroughs. Yet, transporting Phoenix to Ocarro is no simple feat—it’s a perilous journey fraught with immense challenges and risks. The choice is made to attempt the medical transfer to Ocarro.

The journey to Ocarro, though successful, is fraught with peril and reveals the story’s true antagonists: closed-minded, fearful humans. A potential cure for Phoenix’s illness exists, but it lies buried beneath layers of bureaucratic red tape. Enter Soren, a determined young doctor with a daring solution. Defying the system's rigid constraints, he suggest bold action to save Phoenix. Yet, his rebellion against the oppressive rules backfires, leading to his imprisonment. Soren’s courage comes at a steep cost, leaving him to face an uncertain and likely grim fate for challenging the barriers of bureaucracy.

Sev sets out on a perilous mission to Terra Firma, a treacherous world, in search of the deadly spores—the source of the illness ravaging Phoenix. Despite the immense risks, her unwavering sense of duty and loyalty to her father drive her determination to face the dangers of the hostile planet and see her mission through.

This story transports readers to a distant future, far removed from traditional tales of heroism and world-saving quests. Instead of focusing on epic battles or grand adventures, it delves into the intricate, thought-provoking possibilities of human evolution, exploring how scientific advancements and bureaucratic obstacles might both shape or hinder our progress. The narrative thoughtfully examines the challenges, transformations, and opportunities humanity might encounter as it adapts to new technologies and environments. With vivid detail and profound insight, this story offers a fresh and captivating perspective, making it a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts eager to reflect on the future of our species.