Series Review of "Orbs" - #SciFi #Apocalyptic

Orbs Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith As a fan of Anthony J. Melchiorri’s work, I follow him on social media. That is perhaps where I first learned of Nicholas Sansbury Smith. When the announcement came down that the two authors were collaborating, I was intrigued. Then there was a too-good-to-pass-up deal on the entire series, something inside me said, “You need to get this and read it. Don’t delay!” I’m glad I listened and I hope you will be glad that you took the time to read this review.
 
A brief series synopsis: In 2055, a solar event had a devastating effect on portions of Earth. In the aftermath, a plan was devised to help humanity. Fast-forward to 2061, Dr. Sophie Winston is charged with leading a team of scientists in a biosphere project. The mission plan: to stay inside for six-months whereby their experimentation and experience would gain them a ride on a spaceship headed to a colony on another planet. Not long after the biosphere was activated, the artificial intelligence (AI) alerted the team to an unexpected complication to their mission. The complication: blue orbs and beings from another world. The result: apocalyptic. The choices facing the team: difficult. Will humanity survive or will the other-worldly beings take away everything human and inhuman?
 
My observations: In my opinion, there is a depth to the characters that made me connect with them on a personal level. There were some characters that annoyed me. One or two of them, I wanted to have a stern talk with - like a mother to a wayward child. Most of them, I felt their pain and wanted to make it all better. Of course, in the situation they were all in, I’m not sure how I would have fared. This made me wonder if perhaps, modern society has shielded individuals from taking responsibility for their physical and mental health not to mention how they treat others. The bitter truth is that when it comes right down to it and the end comes for you, no one, not the police, the military, the government, or anyone else, is going to save you. It will be the skills, knowledge, and attitude that you have on hand, at that time, which will make the difference. If you are with a group, and time allows, then combine your talents. Don’t allow personal egos to outweigh the good of the whole, for you never know if you are, in fact, the last people on Earth.
 
Warning: There are graphic descriptions that may distress sensitive readers. There is also violence as well as adult language and situations.
 
Below are the US links to the books in the series. They are in the order that I read them. Each book builds upon the previous one. A case could be made that the short story could be read first but in my opinion, reading them in this order helped me have a better understanding of the short story. Feel free to read them either way that suits you.
 
If like me you enjoy these works, then, at the back of each book is a way for you to follow Mr. Nicholas Sansbury Smith and on book four, links for Mr. Anthony J. Melchiorri are available.
 
Orbs (Book 1)
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Apocalyptic-Science-Fiction-Survival-Thriller-ebook/dp/B07BJL1DKP/
White Sands and Red Sands (Short story collection)
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/White-Sands-Orbs-Short-Stories-ebook/dp/B07BJL8Y97
Orbs II: Stranded
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL27FL/
Orbs III: Redemption
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL6TS5/
Orbs IV: Exodus
US Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJL84WL/ 

Happy Reading,

Lynn Hallbrooks
Reader/author/founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC