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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Rule by Debbie Hightower, the fourth installment in her Raven’s Record science fiction series, expands the universe both literally and figuratively. The story takes place on Proxima Centauri B, where a new group of settlers from Earth arrives, creating tension and anticipation among the established residents of the New Hope colony. Central to the narrative is the character Freddie Ogunjobi, whose journey to the planet’s dark side promises to uncover the mysterious alien operations taking place there. As the settlers wrestle with their past and future, Hightower introduces complex characters such as General Leonard Bardick, whose ambiguous motives add to the intrigue. The narrative is dense with political and social commentary, reflecting on leadership, survival, and the morality of colonization.
The novel masterfully builds its world and seamlessly blends scientific elements with humanistic themes, highlighting the settlers’ fight to keep hope alive in a difficult new environment. Debbie Hightower effectively uses the setting of Proxima Centauri B, a planet divided into perpetually lit and dark sides, to explore themes of isolation, community, and the resilience of the human spirit. The prose is vivid, filled with detailed descriptions of the alien landscape and the settlers' technological advancements. The Golden Rule continues and deepens the series' world-building. With its blend of suspense, mystery, and speculative technology, this book offers a compelling look at the possibilities of human life beyond Earth, making it a significant addition to the Raven’s Record series. Science fiction fans won’t want to miss this one, and I had no problems following the story even though I haven’t read the previous books.
