Customer Reviews

SEAMS16: A New Home

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

SEAMS 16: A NEW HOME

I love books about space, but what I loved about this one is that it takes place on a space station around Earth. The mystery starts from the get go and continues until the end. This story is so descriptive you find yourself wanting to be a part of the SEAMS 16 station and attending Zeegee matches. I can't wait to get started on Book 2 "SEAMS 16: Arrival".

At first glance, it seems as if SEAMS 16: A New Home might be a read for the young adult crowd. Not so. Eric B. Thomasma has packed this little science fiction novel with engaging characters, realistic relationships and an imaginative plot that will leave readers with a rather unearthly feeling.

First we meet Charlie Samplin and his wife Susan. Charlie is reeling with excitement: he was just given a life-changing opportunity to become a technician at S. E. A. Maintenance Station 16. Susan, questioning the sincerity of the opportunity, first imagines the new location.


After moving off-planet, Charlie and Susan appear to be living the good life. They at first believe that SEAMS 16 has brought them popularity, recognition and good fortune. All seems fresh and fun in the beginning, until death finds a new home as well. Charlie soon places himself as guardian of his new community and realizes his full potential in order to protect the lives around him.

SEAMS 16: A New Home was a refreshingly imaginative tale. Readers will connect with the Samplin couple's relationship. Though the story takes place "offplanet," the realness of the relationship between Charlie and Susan keep us grounded. Thomasma's dialogue driven plot also connects the reader with his characters, making SEAMS 16 an entertaining read for science fiction and mainstream fans alike.

Great story with believable rounded characters. I especially liked the fact that both male and female characters had equally strong parts to play in the story. The descriptions of the technical work made one feel smart, being able to follow and understand what was going on.

If someone had tried to describe a football game to me, I would have yawned. But the descriptions of the Zeegee game and even the practice sessions were riveting. Fascinating stuff. Looking forward to reading the sequel.

So, if I loved it all, why only 4 stars? Editing. The editing wasn't bad. If it had been, I would have chucked it after the first couple of chapters, no matter how good the story seemed. But in a completed, published book the editing has to be perfect. No typos, no 'your' vs 'you're'; no 'sight' vs 'site'. It all has to be clean to get 5 stars from me.

Wow! What an imagination Eric Thomasma has! I love this book and its completely believable characters. Wonderful, as well, to read an author who has such complete command of the English language! A lot of "space" stories are beyond what one could wrap his or her mind around, but this one is spot on in terms of suspending reality and making one want to be one of the crew. Kudos to the author!

I bought the kindle edition for 99 cents and still feel that I paid too much. The story unfolds so slowly as to make a root canal preferable. The main character, Susan the wife, is annoying and has to be right all the time. She reminds me of one of my ex-wives. The stories dialogue is very junior high. Give this one a pass.