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“Complex, Creative, and Compelling – 4 Stars” from B.C. Brown for “This Changes Everything”!

B.C. Brown’s review of This Changes Everything, Volume I, The Spanners Series, by Sally Ember, Ed.D., is quite positive! Here are some quotes from and a link to the full review, below. Thanks, B.C.!

“Sally Ember has created a humorous science-fiction tale with This Changes Everything. Initially woven loosely, the style is a little confusing but seems to be what the writer had in mind to introduce the fact that everything in life, and the story, happens simultaneously and it rarely makes sense from the onset. The point of time being more expansive and less linear is clearly defined by this opening.”

…

“This Changes Everything has great wit. Its writing is simple and dignified with complex ideas and theorizes on politics, science, religion, and socio-economics. While it may not be the next ‘Oprah’s Book Club’ nominee, the book certainly encompasses a wide topical range and has something for any audience. It will resonate well with thinkers.”

…

“4 stars = Quite Enjoyable”…”This book was solidly in the 4-star range; a recommended read.”

Link to full review NOT WORKING, yet: http://www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com/

So, full review, below:

Complex, Creative, and Compelling – 4 Stars

[Rating systems can be fluid. Since limited to a 5 star system, the following scale will help quantify the rating. 1 star = Distinct Dislike; 2 star = Fine/Not For Me; 3 star = Enjoyable; 4 star = Quite Enjoyable; 5 star = Love/Will Re-Read. This book was solidly in the 4 star range; a recommended read.]

Sally Ember has created a humorous science fiction tale with This Changes Everything. Initially woven loosely, the style is a little confusing but seems to be what the writer had in mind to introduce the fact that everything in life, and the story, happens simultaneously and it rarely makes sense from the onset. The point of time being more expansive and less linear is clearly defined by this opening.

Dr Clara Branon, a school teacher involved at least partially in Buddhist belief system, is faced with a unique set of “what if’s” in life when alien holograms visit. While not a startling revelation to the protagonist (she has been visited regularly by beings since childhood), she is confounded when the species speaks and proclaims her communications liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective (MWC).

Having to appoint media consultants to help disseminate information about the aliens to “Earthers”, Clara and a group she dubs “The Band” have great interaction. Clara’s family’s reactions (sometimes adverse) to her involvement in the alien cause offers a distinct counterpoint to the inclusive knowledge and welcoming attitudes of “The Band”.

Ember’s impressive writing style was a beautiful mix of journalistic documentation and creative writing. By doing so, she gives an unclear understanding as to whether the tale is truly a work of fiction or non-fiction and the realistic possibility of the circumstances tantalizing the reader with the possibility it may not all be poppycock.

Editorially sound, little error could be found in the work despite not finding an accredited editor, however the inclusion of one might have smoothed the areas heavily-laden with narrative and lacking dialogue that did slow the pace in sections. Also the present tense, for many, may be disconcerting but adds a realism that circles back to the time being expansive concept.

This Changes Everything has great wit. Its writing is simple and dignified with complex ideas and theorizes on politics, science, religion, and socio-economics. While it may not be the next Oprah’s Book Club nominee, the book certainly encompasses a wide topical range and has something for any audience. It will resonate well with thinkers.

(Disclaimer: A free e-copy was provided for an honest review.)

-BC Brown

All buy links for this sci-fi ebook are on http://www.sallyember.com. Look to the right and scroll down! Spread the word!