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Bennie Russchen is a Dutch author of immersive speculative fiction that blends dystopian tension with emotional depth and societal relevance. With a background in storytelling and a lifelong fascination for technology, psychology, and humanity’s place in the universe, Bennie crafts narratives that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.
His latest novel, Bittersweet as Angel’s Fruit, dives deep into themes like climate collapse, sacrifice, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the diary of Ethan, a structural engineer chosen for a one-way mission to a distant planet, Bennie explores not just the fate of Earth, but the moral and emotional weight of those sent to save it. The book has received critical acclaim, including a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite, which praised its strong characters, immersive world-building, and poignant message.
Bennie’s work often centers around individuals navigating systems larger than themselves whether political, environmental, or technological, and finding meaning in connection, courage, and personal growth. His writing style is accessible yet layered, inviting readers to reflect without ever losing momentum.
When he’s not writing, Bennie is actively involved in the creative community and enjoys exploring science fiction in all its forms, from classic novels to modern esports and virtual reality concepts. He believes deeply in the power of independent voices and strives to build bridges between entertainment and introspection through his stories.
Bittersweet as Angel’s Fruit is Bennie Russchen’s second published novel.
Reviewed by Salina Coria for Readers' Favorite
Bittersweet as Angel's Fruit by Bennie Russchen documents Ethan's diary in the year 2090. The world is on the brink of collapse due to human activity, which has negatively impacted nature. Earth has become uninhabitable due to numerous disasters such as pollution, climate change, shortage of resources, and civil unrest. However, despite the concerted effort by both governmental and non-governmental organizations in making things better, the condition deteriorates. Ethan, a civil and structural engineer with years of experience in crisis management, and his crew members were chosen to help. He applied and was selected for the Proxima Mission, an initiative designed to help build life on a distant planet called Centauri b. This planet is believed to be inhabitable, although it has not been clearly proven. There was no assurance that the mission would be successful. However, the chances of returning from the trip are unknown, but it is worth a try. Will Ethan be able to save the world from this chaos?
Bittersweet as Angel's Fruit by Bennie Russchen is not just about saving Earth, but also about loyalty, trust, reliance, sacrifice, and hope. I love how Ethan was able to share his journey through his diary with events and their dates of occurrence in such an understandable way. What stood out the most for me was Ethan's devotion to helping humanity even when the mission's outcome was uncertain. The support from his friend Emma, who was there for him emotionally, and Commander Vasquez's leadership were admirable, and the love they had for each other, and also from his crew members, touched me deeply. This book taught me that teamwork, loyalty, and shared purpose can make the impossible seem possible. The writing style is easy to understand, detailed, and captivating. The characters are well developed and easily identified. There are relevant themes like political instability, climate change, the struggle for survival, and a deep sense of humanity. Bittersweet as Angel's Fruit is a well-thought-out work. I recommend it to sci-fi fans and also to readers interested in suspense-filled books.
