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Perception
For years Dena Anderson had all but ignored her twin brother Dalton, but that was before the aliens arrived. The extra-terrestrial spacecraft neutralized satellite communications, power plants and even the military throughout the United States within hours, leaving Dena and the other residents of Hugo Drive helpless. Now, with her husband at her side, Dena Anderson must struggle to exist in a world without order while contending with local racism, hostile survivalists and the prejudice that has estranged her from her twin. Surrounded by danger, what Dena fears most is her next-door neighbor, a mysterious, surly man known only as Beaker.
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232 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2013
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15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 21, 2014
At first glance, one might think this novel is a science fiction story about aliens and the end of the world as we know it. It has a post-apocalyptic bent to it that really drew me in, as one of my own fascinations is what I would do if the modern world changed drastically tomorrow.
Once I got into the story, however, I realized that this is not a novel about aliens (although it has them) or the struggle for survival (also present), but about people and how they view their world. Cleverly titled "Perception," the book is not only about how the main characters speculate on what the invading aliens could possibly want, but also their impressions and attitudes toward each other.
Alaric Albertsson weaves a tale with believable, realistic characters, the kind of people that I imagine everyone has encountered. Except Beaker. I've never met anyone like that man in all my life -- which is what makes him a heroic character. The first protagonist you'll meet is Dena Anderson, who I wanted to strangle until halfway through the book, in spite of the fact that she is probably like most people. She is afraid of confrontation and too timid to stand up for her own beliefs. When her brother appears on her doorstep, she is forced to face her own insecurities and weaknesses.
The prose is well-written and the narrative flows smoothly from person to person and event to event. I very much enjoyed reading this book and hated having to put it down to go to bed, because I wanted to see what was really up with Beaker and the aliens.
The mystery of the aliens is subtly revealed in the beginning of the novel. I think that was a wise move on Albertsson's part, as it allowed me to focus more on the interactions between characters, as well as allowing the ongoing discussion about hatred and acceptance of persons of different races, creeds, and sexual orientations.
All in all, it's a great book, not only for the story, but also for the fact that some of the ideas it explores will stimulate a reader to think. It's well worth your time.
Once I got into the story, however, I realized that this is not a novel about aliens (although it has them) or the struggle for survival (also present), but about people and how they view their world. Cleverly titled "Perception," the book is not only about how the main characters speculate on what the invading aliens could possibly want, but also their impressions and attitudes toward each other.
Alaric Albertsson weaves a tale with believable, realistic characters, the kind of people that I imagine everyone has encountered. Except Beaker. I've never met anyone like that man in all my life -- which is what makes him a heroic character. The first protagonist you'll meet is Dena Anderson, who I wanted to strangle until halfway through the book, in spite of the fact that she is probably like most people. She is afraid of confrontation and too timid to stand up for her own beliefs. When her brother appears on her doorstep, she is forced to face her own insecurities and weaknesses.
The prose is well-written and the narrative flows smoothly from person to person and event to event. I very much enjoyed reading this book and hated having to put it down to go to bed, because I wanted to see what was really up with Beaker and the aliens.
The mystery of the aliens is subtly revealed in the beginning of the novel. I think that was a wise move on Albertsson's part, as it allowed me to focus more on the interactions between characters, as well as allowing the ongoing discussion about hatred and acceptance of persons of different races, creeds, and sexual orientations.
All in all, it's a great book, not only for the story, but also for the fact that some of the ideas it explores will stimulate a reader to think. It's well worth your time.
April 27, 2015
The book started kind of slow, but the more I read the more I got into it. This book started out right away with the sci-fi aspects.
Then the author leaves you wondering what the aliens are going to do next... while you wait for the answer he develops the characters little by little, slowly letting you inside their life transitions and eventually inside their heads. All while keeping you in suspense as to why the aliens do what they do.
There are several surprise twists, some are character twists, plot twists...just when you think you know what might happen, don't be so sure...
The end was not at all what I expected, loved it! The only disappointment at the end of the book was that it was setup that it could of continued. Please write a sequel! I want to know what happens next!
Then the author leaves you wondering what the aliens are going to do next... while you wait for the answer he develops the characters little by little, slowly letting you inside their life transitions and eventually inside their heads. All while keeping you in suspense as to why the aliens do what they do.
There are several surprise twists, some are character twists, plot twists...just when you think you know what might happen, don't be so sure...
The end was not at all what I expected, loved it! The only disappointment at the end of the book was that it was setup that it could of continued. Please write a sequel! I want to know what happens next!
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February 6, 2023Well, that was weird.
I can't decide if the book were fantastic or terrible.
The yarn itself was compelling, with periods of excitement. Yet there was also too much 'she stood here. He went upstairs. The other woman sat down' odd detail.
Felt like a book not polished by an editor.
But if you like your ye ende of the world stories, it's a cool little read.
I can't decide if the book were fantastic or terrible.
The yarn itself was compelling, with periods of excitement. Yet there was also too much 'she stood here. He went upstairs. The other woman sat down' odd detail.
Felt like a book not polished by an editor.
But if you like your ye ende of the world stories, it's a cool little read.
June 17, 2014
this book was a very enjoyable read. I loved the apocolyptic setting of an alien invasion and how it affected different characters in different ways. it really makes you think! how would you react in these situations? ... how would I!? just as the title says, it's all about "Perception"!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews