Siege of Praetar

In the midst of conflict and the exploitation of one race of people over the other, determination, optimism, and resolve are tested. In Tales of a Dying Star, Book 1: Siege of Praetar, cosmic circumstances have pushed members of both races to a desperate pursuit for survival. In this first book in a series of books, the people of the planets of Melis and Praetar are faced with the imminent destruction of their star, Saria. Motivated by fear, the people of Melis are exploiting the people of Praetar as they prepare for the relocation of their empire.

Perhaps one of the book’s most compelling features is its ability to captivate, both right from the start and as the story progresses. The first chapter contains action, suspense, and an appeal to human sensibilities. This approach to story-telling continues throughout the narrative. With the introduction of every new character, there is early delving into each one. They become authentic and believable very quickly. And, with the complicated relationships among the characters and the looming natural disaster, it is, likewise, easy to readily care about all of the characters, regardless of any wrongdoing.

The writing is concise and picturesque. It is easy to imagine the abject living conditions that befall many of the people in the story. The author wields an impressive “less-is-more” approach to writing. With a wonderful balance between dialogue and description, this story is amazingly well-crafted.

As the first book in a series, this volume does a tremendous job of setting the stage for the conflict between the two races of people. The tension between them is established, and the looming destruction of their homes creates an impetus for action. Several key questions are posed, yet not answered, in this first volume, furthering reader interest in learning the ultimate fates of the planets and the people who inhabit them.

The promise of learning more about these characters and finding out what happens to them is almost seductive. This story has mass appeal as it taps into a universal fear that anyone could envision. For a story about perseverance and survival, look no further than Tales of a Dying Star, Book 1: Siege of Praetar by David Kristoph. This book is a gem.