Eruption I by B.C. Young takes readers on a fantasy epic set on the ancient planet of Kawa, a place once teeming with cosmic significance and spiritual enlightenment. This first installment of The Scene Chronicles offers a tapestry of world-building, soul craft, crystal magic, and the mysticism of ancient gods, weaving an intricate story of destiny, power, and the quest for self-discovery. Kawa, the once-thriving center of cosmic civilization ruled by the Plumians, has fallen into ruin after a catastrophic event. The Plumians were known for their mastery of soul craft and crystal magic, and their peaceful society lasted for millions of years. However, the serenity was shattered, and the planet teetered into oblivion. May and Ray emerge three thousand years after Kawa’s decline, which marks the beginning of a quest to discover ancient gods and their world's mysteries and ultimately find their own destinies.

The novel's detailed descriptions and evocative language help paint a vivid picture of Kawa and its history, though the narrative can sometimes feel dense. The pacing varies, with some sections feeling slow while others are packed with action, but the writing style does add to the anticipation of heightened tension. While pacing does impact world-building, I found the author's unique approach refreshing. Considering Eruption I is B.C. Young’s debut novel, its fantasy elements are well executed and worth sticking with. The story arc is nicely developed, and some mini-arcs enhance the characters’ self-exploration, making it more compelling. It’s a novel well worth the time invested, and I look forward to the next installment.

Eruption I: The Scene Chronicles is an epic fantasy by B.C. Young. The Lost Planet, Kawa, where the bird people, the Plumians, lived lavishly and carefree for centuries, is destined for ruin. Either of the two Plumian maidens, Ray or May, is destined to be Kawa's next goddess, and Farron's successor will return tranquility to the barren land. Ray and May both wield magic, but Ray, a Soul Master, has the scarce magical ability of ethereal projection, whereas May possesses elemental might. Their friendship is put to the ultimate test when May learns that part of her destiny lies in defeating and killing her best friend Ray. Many characters shape the young maidens' dreams and aspirations, and myths, dreams, reality, life, and death intertwine to shape their and the Plumians' destinies.
 
Eruption I is a skillful blend of smooth and eloquent writing, epic world-building, and many unique and relatable characters. It transported me to a very different yet still realistic universe of alien species, magic, and mythology. Apart from B.C. Young's depictions of fantasy elements, there are also several instances of effective humor. A character that comes to mind here is the hyperactive Ulan, who after a chaotic exchange at the movie theater with her brother Abel insists that she wants all the ice creams and chocolate bars of every flavor, to which Abel replies, “Please stop eating, Ulan.” All the characters seem to have a wittiness about them, increasing their authenticity and the book's charm. Eruption I is a rich, rewarding, and character-driven tale that surprises, uplifts, and enriches the reader's spirit.