Vallar (edition 2011)

On Mars, various organizations and colonies have risen, their ultimate goal to get back to Earth, or Hinun. Thus far, the strongest faction has been a militaristic group, called Marscorp,that uses psychics to show them how to defeat and absorb rival colonies. Alliance is not an option. It is within this milieu that Ian Connors, a growing psychic, discovers the love of his life via visions. The problem? She's on the enemy's side. In his quest to find her, Ian comes face to face with the brutality of war and is forced to make a choice: to save lives or to destroy them.

Vallar is a fast-paced tale, designed for the young adult reader. It is good about playing to one's sense of righteous indignation and the frustration of being ignored and misunderstood. While the forces at work are portrayed in a very uncompromising light (Beacon = evil, Vallar = good), this is the sort of black-and-white worldview that caters to adolescents, even if it doesn't challenge them. In that sense, Ian's limited emotional range is appropriate for the novel, though older readers might crave a little more depth. As for me, I can let it go; my major issue is one common with young adult fiction: the bizarre suddenness with which characters fall in love. In some cases, authors are able to present enough chemistry to make it believable. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.

Incredulity aside, I found this story to be quite diverting. I was quickly pulled into Ian's struggles and shared in his sense of impotence as the adults around him ignored his prognostications. It's a tale as old as time (see Cassandra and the Trojan Horse), but it still rang true and helped me to connect with the character. This, in turn, made his obstacles, triumphs, and failures my own. I wanted him to succeed, just as much as I wanted Beacon to receive his just desserts. In other words, the author successfully made me care about her protagonist and this fictional world.

One of the things that did draw my attention away from the story at hand was the plethora of typographical and grammatical errors. Were my copy a paperback, rather than an e-book, I may have been compelled to whip out a red pen to underline and circle my way along. As it stands, this is definitely not the worst that I've seen, but it was irritating all the same. Some critical proofreading would have benefited this work greatly.

Vallar is an easy, entertaining read for those looking for a quick read and conflicts with clearly drawn lines. For those who prefer subtle nuances and strong character development, this may not be the best fit.

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(Review copy provided by the author) ( )

Teenager Ian Conner has been brought up as an Elite in the Marcs army. He is psychic and is gathering intel on the rogue faction of Genners. After having visions of a young woman that he belives is his future he starts to do research on the people who have raised him only to find that the enemy is not who it seems. Well written and lots of action. This book was hard to put down. I hope to see more from this author and wouldn't mind reading more stories based on the Ian Conner character. GREAT way to spend and afternoon in the sun!! ( )

free e-book received in exchange for a review

This was a good solid sci-fi story about life on Mars. Warring factions, space travel, manipulative governments, and inner struggles are all key aspects to the story. There is a romantic aspect, but the book focuses on action, which is good. Yes there are several cheesy lines and numerous grammatical errors but the plot itself is pretty good. The characters are well developed and the psychic ability twist worked well. ( )

Article first published as Book Review:Vallar by Cindy Borgne on Blogcritics.

In the never-ending road to power and control, other countries, states and continents continue to want what belongs to others. Not at all unique in any way this has been the way of the world for countless centuries. Yet the same control ensues in space, when others have more. The big and mighty look for ways to take what the other worlds have.

In Vallar by Cindy Borgne, Ian Connors and his friend Nate Forshay are seers and have visions of things that are about to happen. Well, the expectation is that they both have visions. Nate has been very adept with his, and they have been instrumental in helping their fleet on its missions. Ian is still struggling with his visions, and yet it is known that he will be able to help in the same way as his best friend Nate. This ability is not common, and they are held in the highest regard. In fact they are elites, giving them strong standing in the army. They report their findings to Admiral Beacon, the man in charge of all missions.

Marscorp has control and intends to keep it so when others begin encroaching on the horizon; they shoot first and ask questions later. There are only a few others, but they will risk it all to gain enough to live by. Marc, though is a bully and wants it all, although not everyone is aware of this. Ian finally begins to have his visions; they are not what he expects. They begin about a girl. As they progress, he gets more information and in an effort to do what is asked, he finally gives Beacon information about a mine in the area, one being sought after by the Genners. As usual, Marscorp goes in with guns blasting, killing and maiming, while the Genners only want to work together, the Marcs want it all.

Worried about the girl in his vision, Ian is also disillusioned by it all. He begins to hide his visions and makes an effort to use them to track down his vision of this girl. What does she mean to him? He feels something but he is not sure. When he has a vision of one of the Marc ships blowing up and those aboard being killed, he takes his concerns to Admiral Beacon. The information makes no difference; the Admiral will not stop in his effort gain control. He does not believe a ship can or will be destroyed, but if it is that is part of this war.

Ian is in disbelief and further hides his visions, not wanting to be a part of what he sees happening. Using his own ship, with his friend Nate along, he decides to go where the action is and try to save those at risk. Little does he know that not only does he risk his own life, but he has also just risked the life of his best friend. When his ship is destroyed, one of the Genners saves Ian, but his friend Nate has disappeared. How does life go forward in such a brutal and hostile environment?

Borgne has developed some great characters, and made them quite human. Ian and his friend Nate are the quintessential teenagers, those we know and see every day. Nate is a bit ahead of Ian in the game, but girls are one of their primary thoughts. Then there is action and adventure, but foremost there are girls. It is interesting to watch Ian develop and become something more, to step beyond the youngster he was to become the young man he is soon to be. His thought process and feelings are quite admirable.

Admiral Beacon is cast as the evil villain, and while he talks a good game of what is right for them as a culture, his cruelty shines through his civility. He is not able to hide the underlying ruthlessness that has put him at the top of his game. He will do what it takes regardless of the consequences, and it will take everything Ian has and more to survive.

Even his foster mother, while you can tell she has feeling for Ian, her fear of Beacon overshadows that love. This is a quick paced and action packed YA Science Fiction adventure that keeps you hopping.

For the young adult reader, the Science Fiction buff, and even those that just enjoy a good action adventure, this is an interesting and quick read. If you are looking for a story to interest your young reader this may be just the thing to keep them reading.

This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material. ( )

Vallar is a good, solid science fiction story. It's the age-old struggle between the power-hungry leaders and the common man. This novel would have been enjoyable set in any genre, as it covers the basics of a good tale. There is the powers that be in the corporation using the talents of a young man, Ian. He is loyal to the company that has raised him, until his talents show him there are other people out there. Companies that treat their workers and the planet better. There's romance, loyal friendships, betrayal, an underdog to root for. The book is about the struggle of mankind to survive, but to do it under humane circumstances.

As for the characters, the protagonist was well written. Ian grows in maturity throughout as he learns life isn't quite what it seems in the corporation that controls him. The rest could have benefited from a little more work to make them more three-dimensional, but still they were easy to like, or hate as the case may be.

Vallar is an enjoyable read, and if you like science fiction, give this one a try.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the author through LibraryThing. I was not required to write a positive review. ( )