Duatero Review Spotlight

 

Are you an avid reader of science fiction? Do you enjoy horror? If so, then this novel, Duatero, is going to be a great fit for you.

Duatero is a scifi/horror novel by Brad C. Anderson that takes you to a planet where the people every nine years wait for the Founders to return, and it seems like the planet was “forgotten” by them. People are struggling for survival and the vegetation that rules the planet. It doesn’t want them there, and it will do what it must to “bring them to heel.”

The protectors, the falchilo, do what they believe they must, by ordinance of the Founders, to protect the people and “cleanse” this evil. But what does it all mean when this vegetation, Malamiko, begins to evolve? The game has changed. The big question now is: Can the people protect themselves from what is to come?

This novel is packed with action in just the right places to keep this story engaging and a real page-turner and the first chapter in this book is really going to set the stage. You’re going to be introduced to Majstro Falchilo Kredo. He has his second, Talia, with him as well as a group of initiates. Danger is lurking nearby and they have no idea just how close they are. The author is quick to bring the horrors that these characters will face and just how insidious it is to them and their survival. You’ll learn very quickly that curiosity? It’s more dangerous here than the thing they are fighting.

Kredo is an interesting character, and he’s the one that the author focuses the story on mostly. We follow him and really get to see inside his head as he fights to save people from Malamiko, and cleanse those who are taken by it. You’re going to see his hard-boiled point of view, due to the belief system he follows to the letter, most times, and at times, even if his own consciousness appeals to him asking: “What if you are wrong Kredo? What if things aren’t what you believe they appear to be?“

The author focuses heavily on the situation that these people are finding themselves in, which makes this story multi-tiered. There is much more going on than what you first see, and it’s truly heartbreaking when Brad C. Anderson shines a light on how these characters behave when things are dire. Fear is the driving force for many things, but it’s not the only one and it’s beautiful to see how the author reinforces this throughout the book. There are some really heartbreaking moments in Duatero, so do brace yourself.

When it comes to characters, it’s difficult to pick just one favourite character in this book. I gravitated towards Talia and Esperante, specially the latter. She’s a kind-hearted character. She’s literally the exact opposite of Jak. Esperante does what she must, but she’s not senseless about it. She’s brave, smart, and observant, and she takes time to think about things. She wants to learn more, and solve problems. Not just assume that everything needs a “hammer” to be fixed.

Jak, is… a power-hungry character that will make a good contrast to the good ones. When he’s first introduced, he seems like a decent enough individual, but as the story continues, this attitude of his begins to develop and you’ll come to find that he has something darker and deeper than simply arrogance.

Duatero is a serious page-turner scifi. You’re probably going to be yelling at the characters, on the action packed scenes, and sometimes when things calm down a little, and appreciate while you read the struggles they battle within their minds and as the author builds up moments of hope, you will have those “maybe, just maybe” moments that will leave you on the edge, even when the outcome is dire.

You are going to enjoy this book. As I reflect on this story, I have tears in my eyes, I enjoyed it so much, the highs and the lows, because, ultimately, it is a true reflection of what we all know inside.

I’m honestly hoping that the author will consider, if he’s not already doing so, writing a second book to follow up on this one. I’d love to know what happens next. There are many questions left unanswered at the end and I’d love to know the answers to all of them.

Pros:
This book is emotionally evoking.
A real page-turner packed with drama, horror, and hope.
The characters are engaging and really help draw you in piece by piece.
I loved the unpredictability of this storyline. You just never really know which direction the author is going to take you.

Cons:
Kredo is a good character, but he’s too blind to the truth around him. It causes me to be disappointed in him.
I’d have liked more of the evolved Malamiko interactions.

Lesson of the book : Everything is not black and white, there are always shades of gray.

Cover Score: 9.0

Book Score: 8.7 (5 stars)

This review was made by me @ Duatero by Brad C. Anderson – Scribble's Worth Book Reviews (wordpress.com)