19 Apr 2016

MILIJUN


MILIJUN by CLAYTON GRAHAM.

BACK COVER BLURB (Contains what some might consider spoilers. Please hi-light text to view the full synopsis)It is Australia in 2179. 

On a moonlit Nullarbor night, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, witness aliens descend to Earth. The extraterrestrials endeavour to form a symbiotic relationship with humankind, and Jason is chosen as a genetic link in a bizarre trial involving the impregnation of human females with hybrid embryos and exploration of spiritual compatibility. 

Laura crosses swords with Major General Sebastian Ord from the Australian Defence Force, Eucla and Uriel, the enigmatic head of Milijun, a reclusive research facility in the outback. Following a disastrous armed attempt to capture aliens at Cocklebiddy Cave and a fierce confrontation at Eucla, Jason is abducted by an alien swarm. 

What follows tests the resolve of Laura to the core. Caught in a relentless web of frightening new technologies and alien mystery, spurred by the undying love of her son, she gains a strength of character she never thought possible. 

All she has to do is save herself, Jason and several women and unborn children from the scheming plans of man and alien alike ...

FIRST SENTENCE {Mare Moscoviense, Lunar Far Side, 2179. AD - 1 -}: Simon Cordell turned his floater's light to maximum, opened the access door, and dropped to the cavern floor.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 170}: As Janice thought more about Laura Sinclair's words, RNetnaA was abruptly in front of her, staring into her mind with huge, radiant eyes. The alien lifted its arms, displaying translucent membranes, which seemed to capture all the moon's brightness but turn the area around Janice a little darker.

SOURCE: Received for review from the author.

MY THOUGHTS: Not a genre I read a lot of (I leave that to Mr T). Perhaps it was the promise of 'alien interaction' instead of the more common 'alien abduction' that had me intrigued. Whatever it was I was keeping my fingers crossed that, written by a retired aerospace engineer, Milijun wasn't going to be bogged down in technicalities as had another book of the genre I'd read not so long ago.

Alas no need to worry. Milijun is very readable. Hugely compelling. Just what are these aliens and just what do they want? Are mother and son, Laura and Jason (the 'First Seen'), able to trust Major General Ord of the Australian Defence Force or the mysterious Uriel, enigmatic head of Milijun, a reclusive research facility in the outback?

A well written 'extraterrestrial' novel and yet at its heart is the very human story of a mother whose strength and resolve is tested time and time again as not only the future of her son but indeed everything she knows is turned on its head. 

Initially alternating between several different threads, the characters and their stories eventually entwine, coming together to reveal all in a wonderfully thought provoking ending that doesn't disappoint.





13 comments:

Melliane said...

I don't read a lor of books like that but sometimes it's intriguing too

Kelly said...

Not my standard genre, but one I usually enjoy when I do read it. This sounds quite good and your positive review and recommendation have convinced me to add it to my wish list.

Sherry Ellis said...

I think alien interaction is more intriguing, especially if they're not portrayed as bad guys.

Literary Feline said...

I love that memorable moment you shared, Tracy! It certainly piqued my interest. I am glad you enjoyed this one despite it being outside your comfort zone. This does sound like a good one.

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I don't read a lot of these type of books either. That's good you ended up enjoying it though. Sometimes it turns out well to branch out.

Suko said...

Tracy, this is not my usual type of book or genre, but it does sound very enjoyable to me. I'm glad you enjoyed this alien interaction.

Brian Joseph said...

I hope that you are feeling better Tracy.

As you know I really like science fiction. This sounds very appealing. Among other things, the plot sounds original. It also sounds like it has strong characters who interact well. This is usually something that I look for in book.

StarTraci said...

Not a genre I read much either but you have made a compelling case. I am glad that I didn't read the highlighted section. That's cool, btw!
:-)
Traci

Gina said...

See, I'm with you... I just don't read a lot of this particular genre, but sometimes the right one connects with you and really leaves its mark. Thanks for the share!

Natasha said...

I like the idea of alien interaction rather than abduction in a book too and this one sounds really interesting. Like the fact it still has that human element too. I didn't highlight the black text as I like to try and be spoiler free, so will definitely have to check this one out! - Tasha

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Well this is a different kind of interaction we get with aliens. I especially like that you don't read much in this genre but enjoyed it. I might have to check it out.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

Just not my genre at all' I'm afraid. However I did enjoy the comment which the author posted on Goodreads, very interesting and thought provoking!

I like an author to publish quite a comprehensive synopsis for their book, so that I have enough information to make the decision as to whether to read the story or not. However, sometimes an author doesn't seem to know when to stop and the inevitable outcome is 'spoilers', which isn't so good! There is a very fine balance, which I guess is different for each individual reader.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)

Yvonne

DMS said...

I don't usually read books with aliens, but this does sound compelling! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it even though it is out of your normal reading genre. :)
~Jess