Drowning Earth

Portalverse Elemental Origins Book 1

Fiction - Science Fiction
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 03/10/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Sean Willson lives in North Carolina with his wife and three beautiful children. He’s a Computer Engineer in his day job, and when he’s not busy being a father, you can find him peering through his telescope, reading, or enjoying a great cup of coffee. It was only after having kids and teaching them that they could do anything they put their minds to, that he resolved to rekindle his passion for writing. He has since self-published multiple popular science fiction series.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Drowning Earth is penned by author Sean Willson in the dystopian, sci-fi, and climate subgenres, and is the opening novel of the Portalverse Elemental Origins series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The author presents a gripping tale set in 2055, where humanity faces imminent destruction amidst escalating global tensions. Captain Kel Williams commands a cutting-edge submarine on a mission to secure vital undersea biomass, crucial for humanity's survival. However, Kel and her crew encounter formidable adversaries, including Russo-Chinese factions determined to thwart their efforts. As threats escalate both inside and outside the submarine, Kel navigates a precarious path, relying on her crew's loyalty and advanced technology to evade disaster. Yet, amidst the chaos, hidden truths emerge, hinting at ancient myths and forgotten gods that may hold the key to humanity's salvation. As danger looms, the race for survival intensifies, posing the ultimate question: can anyone escape the deadly snare, or will ancient myths determine humanity's fate?

Author Sean Willson has crafted an immersive and engaging work that masterfully blends elements of science fiction, dystopian conflict, and techno-thriller intrigue to craft a balanced and compelling narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The cast of characters is vividly portrayed with a unique warmth to the narration that I found deeply engaging. I really enjoyed how the dialogue was utilized for unique characterization, but also in allowing different characters to push the plot forward naturally with their exposition knowledge. The richly imagined world-building is also a standout feature, giving the whole novel a realistic and authentic feel with a strong internal logic. Willson's exploration of ancient myths and their potential relevance to modern-day crises added an intriguing new dimension that sets the work apart from others of its kind in the climate fiction genre. Overall, Drowning Earth is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that captivated me from start to finish and I would highly recommend it to fans of environmental dystopian fiction everywhere.