It is 200 years in the future, and humans have finally mastered the ability to travel to other star systems beyond our own. They head for an exoplanet much like earth, in hopes of establishing a colony and more. Unbeknownst to them, they are entering a world that is far more sophisticated, advanced, and riddled with its own politics and threats that can be the end of humankind. That is just one thread of the enormous, star-spanning journey that is Phoenix by T.S. Alexander, the first book of the Queen's Avatar series.

Phoenix boasts a rich world-building and an extensive cast of compelling characters. There is nothing here that feels out of place, overdone or perfunctory. T.S. Alexander has managed to borrow elements that make great fantasy epics, like exceptional world-building, rich lore, and magic, to construct a science fiction story that is unique and exceeds expectations. It is an addictive read, one that stirs a lot of curiosity within its readers. Readers are in for a long journey, one that is as immaculate, elegant, and creative as the writing itself.

You would think multiple viewpoints, one told in the first person and the other in the third person, would make for a bad combination, but Phoenix flourishes because of it. It is a storytelling technique employed to avoid the many traits that bog down ambitious science fiction novels like these. This has allowed Phoenix to capitalize on qualities that are more familiar in mysteries and thrillers, succeeding at being suspenseful and captivating. All this without losing its impressive scope, grandeur, and beauty. Phoenix: Queen's Avatar Book 1 hints at an eon-spanning masterpiece in the making, a series that is poised to be as impressive as it is gigantic. An amazing read!

In their quest to find a habitable human colony in space, the exoplanet surveyor, the Endeavour, arrives in the Kepler 452 system. The crew of the Endeavour is surprised to find an alien civilization, known as the Haillars, thriving there. The Endeavour’s arrival triggers a first contact with the Haillar, who seem to be technologically backward and non-threatening. However, first impressions are seldom correct. Aldeea, Kepler 452 to the humans, is a planet on the border of a star-faring empire dating back countless millennia. The Haillars can wield astonishing psychic powers called eka. They are also the most technologically developed species inhabiting the empire. However, their enemy—the Scourge—is even deadlier. A war has been going on between them for millennia. The Endeavour has landed on Aldeea on the verge of one such imminent attack. Caught between two vastly superior enemies, the humans can survive only if they and the Haillars stand united. Easier said than done. Read Phoenix, the first book in the Queen’s Avatar Series by T.S. Alexander to find out who wins this war.

T.S. Alexander has crafted an action-packed, thrilling science fiction tale in Phoenix. The first half is more character-driven as we are introduced to scores of characters—many of whom are central to the plot—although it also has its moments of tense action. However, once the reader reaches the second half, the action starts, and it is unputdownable from there. There is not a single moment of lull in the second half. The smoothly flowing story from the start to the finish results in an engaging book. Despite being a science fiction novel, Phoenix is not heavy on jargon. As a result, I did not feel alienated. Further, Alexander is deft in conjuring up vivid images. Hence, I could clearly visualize the space shuttle, the equipment of the Endeavour crew, the powers of the Haillars, their architecture, and their defense mechanisms. Alexander steered me to an explosive, bittersweet finale. I eagerly look forward to the sequel to learn more. Phoenix by T.S. Alexander is recommended for science fiction fans.