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Reflection. A collection of short stories

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Stories that take you on a mysterious journey to Mars and a planet inhabited by descendants of humans and aliens. A book describing Europe during an epidemic, with an all-powerful European Security Service keeping the peace. Tales of an investigation into a suspicious death on an orbital platform, a daring action by Polish forces in Iraq and the Last Hero of the Kingdom. The "Reflection" and "Ares Mission" stories were recognised at the 1st and 2nd Clarke-Bradbury International Science Fiction Competition and published in English as part of collections of prize-winning works.

Adam Ostaszewski is a lawyer by profession who lives in Poland. He is an author of novels and short stories. He is also a fan of historical, science fiction and political fiction literature. "Reflection" is his publishing debut.

156 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2021

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Adam Ostaszewski

12 books6 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Nidhi.
249 reviews34 followers
August 11, 2021
Book " Reflection: A collection of short stories " is a gripping book that takes readers into a bizarre world where reality and illusion are merging at a rapid pace. It's a collection of short stories as the name itself appears to be a collection of short stories written by author Adam Ostaszewski which are full of history, science politics, literary fiction, and mystery.

The box the imaginative stories of a world that resides on will travel all Mars and descendants of aliens and humans. The book explains how Europe dealt with and how it impacted during a pandemic, and how a strong link to yourself while maintaining a powerful European security service peace in this difficult time has proved. Stories that will give you details of suspicious deaths as well as historical stories in Iraq showing the courageous struggle of the Polish army and their kingdom's last hero.

The author has moments of calm and reflection, which work well in between the fast-paced moments. The author has beautifully penned down the stories avoiding chaos for the readers. It has engrossing storylines which intrigue the readers to stick to the last. The title of the book is felicitous justifying the plot and theme. The storytelling is solid and functional, with gigantic tableaux serving as center stage for the large-scale conflicts converging.

You just enjoy reading it out of curiosity and the juice. I don't want to send out spoilers since this is a new book and I would let people buy their copy and judge.

.
Profile Image for Ishita Rai.
247 reviews
August 28, 2021
Reflection is a process of exploring and examining ourselves, our perspectives, attributes, experiences and actions/interactions.
That reminds me of famous quote,"It's not about reflection,its about what you see beyond it".
Reflection is a collection of six brilliant short stories with great plot and twists rich scientifically, historically,politically and mysteriously.The author has really done a commendable job.Each story is penned with perfection and really takes the reader into a different world or time period.The stories will surely give a second thought about your existence so,the title really goes well with the book,and no doubt the cover is just awesome.Reading it was really adventures and gripping.
The book depicts stories based on life on Mars, Europe during epidemic, investigation into a suspicious death etc. and trust me this is not all,there is much more to find.
I really loved the strong narrative of the book.If you love sci-fi and time travelling books just like me,you should really grab it without a second thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Motivationaldailythoughts.
1,102 reviews34 followers
August 11, 2021
Title - Reflection : A collection of
short stories
Author - Adam Ostaszewski
Publisher - White Falcon
Genre - short stories
Pages - 156
Format - e-book

This book is a collection of beautiful short stories. The blurb of this book is what made me to pick it up. The cover of the book is aptly designed and the title is eye catchy. Really these stories are the reflection of the society. The plot of the stories are interesting, engaging and mysterious. It is a perfect blend of fiction, mystery and adventure with lots of twist and turns. The book consists of 6 stories and all the stories are well narrated by the author.

My favourite ones are :-

Reflection and Virus

The language used is simple and lucid. Characters are well developed and described by the author. These stories are the roller coaster ride which take anyone to mysterious journey of Mars and a planet inhibited by descendants of humans and aliens. It also describes about Europe during an epidemic and investigation into a mysterious death of an orbital platform.
The flow of each story is well paced. Hats off to the author for his imagination.

Overall, an interesting read.

Rating - 4.7/5

I recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,469 reviews136 followers
August 24, 2021
Book review📚
Title - Reflection : A collection of
short stories
Author - Adam Ostaszewski

Rating:5/5

Adam Ostaszewski is a lawyer by profession who lives in Poland. He is an author of novels and short stories. He is also a fan of historical, science fiction and political fiction literature.

Description:

Stories that take you on a mysterious journey to Mars and a planet inhabited by descendants of humans and aliens. A book describing Europe during an epidemic, with an all-powerful European Security Service keeping the peace. Tales of an investigation into a suspicious death on an orbital platform, a daring action by Polish forces in Iraq and the Last Hero of the Kingdom. The "Reflection" and "Ares Mission" stories were recognised at the 1st and 2nd Clarke-Bradbury International Science Fiction Competition and published in English as part of collections of prize-winning works.

Review:

👉The title of the book is really so interesting to read.

👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style of the author is quite appreciable .

👉This book is a collection of beautiful short stories.The plot of the stories are interesting, engaging and mysterious.

👉It is a perfect blend of fiction, mystery and adventure with lots of twist and turns. The book consists of 6 stories and all the stories are well narrated by the author.

👉This book describes how infectious disease Europe has dealt with and affected it, and during this difficult time, a strong connection with oneself while maintaining the peace of a strong European security service. Shows how was proven. A historical story of Iraq, showing the details of the award-winning death and the brave struggle between the Polish army and the last hero of the kingdom.

👉Book " Reflection: A collection of short stories " is a gripping book that takes readers into a bizarre world where reality and illusion are merging at a rapid pace. The author has moments of calm and reflection, which work well in between the fast-paced moments.

For complete read do order book on @amazondotin

👉The book is recommended to the adult readers. You are definitely going to enjoy the storyline .

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Himanshu.
641 reviews19 followers
August 27, 2021
The book "Reflection: A collection of short stories" is an amazing book written down by the author Adam Ostaszewski. It contains six stories that take the bookworm into a mightily created, bizarre, and mysterious world. These six stories are pieces of art and the ultimate treasure of imagination.
The book portrays Europe during an epidemic, with an omnipotent European Security Service keeping the peace.
They all are trying their best to maintain peace there in the deadly situation of the epidemic. The translucent dimension of Ostaszewski's imagination, his enormous world-building linked with an additional exciting and incredible story of survival, voyage, persistence, deception, and absolute ascendance are more than enough to develop inquisitiveness amongst bibliomaniacs. The author has beautifully imagined such an amazing fiction comprising the most broadcasted topic that is life on Mars.
It's a short and light read containing around 100 pages which will keep the readers hooked till the end. I'm damn confident you won't regret selecting this book up. A damn excellent read which will take the readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
After reading the book, I would admire the author for composing this incredible book. The wording used by the author is straightforward and understandable for anyone to comprehend. The writing technique is remarkable along with the use of clear words. The narration is also done very impressive and accurate which makes it more engrossing. The headline of the book sounds distinctive and also applies to the content. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.


122 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2021
Reflection : By Adam Ostaszewski

My Rating : 4.9/5

These accounts in the book are work of secret and fiction. A baffling excursion to Mars planet where the people are possessed because of a plague diverting in Europe. Agents and security administrations are making an honest effort to bring harmony because of the experiencing going in an uncommon way. What is there is no life on Earth? Many inquiries emerge as a top priority ...however on the off chance that you need to plan to go on some other planet because of the suffering and congesting human trouble.

The creator has snapshots of quiet and reflection, which function admirably in the middle of the quick moving minutes. The writer has flawlessly written down the accounts staying away from disarray for the perusers. It has fascinating story lines which interest the perusers to adhere to the last. The title of the book is well suited defending the plot and topic. The narrating is strong and utilitarian, with colossal tableaux filling in as focal point of the audience for the huge scope clashes joining.

The creator has very much taken to a crazy ride with some scramble of sci-fi and some innovativeness utilized all through. The characters have plotted well indeed and the stunning read will take your consideration out from everything to it.

The book has six stories and all are of an ideal mix of secret, fiction and experience. The writer has composed this in clear manner. I totally happy with the narratives of the book and language was unrivaled. Enthusiastically suggested
.
Profile Image for Srishti.
352 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2021
I have loved reading short stories for as long as I remember, however Reflection came as a surprise to me, it is a collection of six short stories by Adam Ostensibly taking the reader through a journey of faraway lands, some heard of, some unheard and unseen. An investigation turns ugly, and a dead body is found at the orbital station, threat has a become a persistent feeling.

A deadly plague has taken hold of Europe, and an excursion to the red land of Mars turns out to be even scarier. The ESS, European Secret Service, is trying to maintain peace and harmony but the thought that our world has become inhabitable looms over everyone's head, the only possible way out would be to scour other planets for possible signs of live.


One would wonder– 'has it been years after civilizations on earth have fallen to ruins and the planet that was once perfect for sustaining life has turned into an ashen nightmare; that the descendents of humans and an alien species inhabit the red land of Mars?' Ostensibly's writing makes you stop and think what our future will look like, it is terrifying because we exist in between two infinities, the space goes on as far as your eyes can see and even further. This is a must read!
5 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
My first encounter with books as a child was through short stories. Short stories with impactful and engaging storyline provide an exhilarating experience of reading books.
Recently I came across this book on the collection of short stories "Reflection" by Adam Ostaszewski. It's a brilliant science fiction novel comprising six short stories.
Each story is written with such perfection that takes your reading to the next level of augmentative imaginations. Plots of the stories are so intriguing that they keep you on edge every moment. All the six stories are of different genres and each one more astounding than the previous one. Endings of the stories too are so innovative and written in a subtle manner that binds you with the story even after it is complete.
There are stories about spreading human viruses and spreading epidemic in Europe, voyage to another planet where human and arcadian races bind together, war heroes fighting for power, mission mars and Iraqi war.
My personal favourite however is the story titled "Reflection" , a death mystery which revolves around atomic object cloning. Can humans be cloned too?
Do find out in "Reflection" - collection of short stories by Adam Ostaszewski, a super exciting sci-fi that keeps your adrenaline rush pumping till the climax of each story.
Profile Image for Dharmendra.
345 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2021
Title- Reflection: A collection of short stories
Author: Adam Ostaszewski

Review:

Reflection by Adam Ostaszewski is a collection of six short stories which takes the readers into a mightily constructed, weird and obscure world.
These six stories are piece of art and ultimate treasure of imagination.
From taking readers on a odyssey to Mars and a planet inhabited by descendants of humans and aliens to the amazing tales of an investigation into a suspicious death on an orbital platform or the daring action by Polish forces in Iraq.

The sheer magnitude of Ostaszewski's invention, his monumental world building tied with an extra exciting and mysterious story of survival, adventure, perseverance, betrayal and ultimate ascendance are more than enough to generate curiosity amongst readers.

The plot of each of these stories is so captivating that even a non- reader might be drawn towards it. And if you like dystopian YA novels this might become a perfect treat for you. Each story written in a very simple and easy language maintains its consistency and coherency and provides an excellent content for readers to enjoy.
Highly Recommended!

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
452 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2021
Short stories are always the most apt to choose when you really want to go on an adventure for a short time.
I loved reading and recommending them.Recently I came across this amazing,"Reflection",by Adam Ostaszewki.





Reflection is a collection of six short stories which takes you to a different mysterious journey filled with science, history, politics and much more.
I really loved how beautifully the author has portrayed everything.
Journey to mars, Europe fighting epidemic, investigation of mysterious death and much more. Trust me when I say,every historical fiction and sci-fi lovers are going to like it to the most.
Strong narrative has been used,which makes it really intriguing to read.
It is so transparent to see how much the author loves history and sci-fi fiction.
The cover and the title is so apt for the book.
Although I loved every story of the book, my most favourite among all six are Virus and Reflection.
Great character sketching,great plot and twist with great mix of adventure and thrill,woahh just a perfect read.
Conclusions,I really loved the book alot.
Profile Image for Prashant Singh.
893 reviews32 followers
August 30, 2021
Have you ever wondered what would happen if humans start living on Mars? What’s life is like there and what would trigger the journey? A collection of short stories, six different short stories that encourage us to reflect on ourselves. Reflection will take you on a journey of sci-fi, mystery, and thrill.

Due to the virus outbreak in Europe, the people decided to relocate to Mars to escape from this pandemic. Mars planet has its own kind of species that are not human entirely. It is a fight of power and mission to their planet. Solve mysteries and go on the adventure of a lifetime. It’s an epic combination of fiction, sci-fi, and everything in between.

The author has done an incredible job with the book. He has done justice to the stories and written them to woe the readers. It will be fascinating to read how the people have destroyed Earth and flew away from it. I bet if you are a sci-fi lover then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. MUST BUY.
Profile Image for Akshay Anilkumar.
38 reviews
August 27, 2021
Book Name: Reflection: A collection of short stories
Author: Adam Ostaszewski
Pages: 100
Version: Kindle / Paperback
Language: English

The writer has flawlessly written down the accounts staying away from disarray for the perusers. It has fascinating story lines which interest the perusers to adhere to the last. The title of the book is well suited defending the plot and topic. The narrating is strong. The book has six stories and all are of an ideal mix of secret, fiction and experience. The writer has composed this in clear manner. I totally happy with the narratives of the book and language was lucid. This book gives you different stories filled with adventure and mystery. I love how each story unfolds. Some leave out the mystery for you to crack, some slowly and steadily unroll itself. There were many twists and turns with the author taking you on a very entertaining roller coaster ride with many satisfying endings.
62 reviews
August 29, 2021


Well, I really don't know from where to start with as this book has summed up quite a lot of things for a reader to enjoy a whole new world and take a break from monotous pattern of life. I can't say which genre should this book belong to because it is going to make you feel a lot more things that what you can imagine.

Reflection is a great book written by Adam. The book is basically a collection of some great short stories. The author talks about history, Iraq, Europe and it's activities that impacted during pandemic, mystery, litreray fiction, and politics. All in all this book is all about having a great time and with the soothing Writing style of the author, you are gonna be hooked all the time.

So if you are looking for a refreshing yet informative read,go ahead with this one.
17 reviews
September 5, 2021
Have you ever read a book that is Mysterious and informative? Well, here is it. While so many topics that the author has covered in this book that cannot put this book down.

I actually like reading short stories so I picked up this one and bingo this book proved to be a great one. The author delivers us on Mars, yes, you heard me right, there is some mysterious connection that is going on and aliens walks into the story to make it more interesting.

While not only mystery,the book has covered some political views too like Turing to Europe and how it affected the world during the Covid period and how we need to safeguard ourselves.

The book talks about litreray fiction, and history too so yeah, there is nothing that you are not going to get in your plate. The whole book is like riding on a roller coaster, you are going to have fun with suprises.
Profile Image for Bookish Buddy.
147 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2021
Short stories are always my comfort zone. If you are in reading slump or too busy with work, short stories are like a life saver. Reflection is a collection of short stories, there are six stories which are entirely different from one another.

I took two days to finish this book, it is a small book so we can finish within a day also. I enjoyed all the stories and the titles are also interesting. The plots of the stories are filled with adventures and mystery. We can say that the stories are plot driven.

One of the short stories named Virus is about epidemic struck across Europe. Another story is Arcadia, all the stories are good in their own way. Narration and execution amused me. I loved the sci fi stories. I recommend this to all who are looking forward to read short stories.
Profile Image for Reader Vivek.
238 reviews13 followers
January 11, 2022
Reflection


The author created this book, by adding some mysterious stories. All are fictional stories. Some are political, some related to space science and adventures.
This is a short storybook.
The author added 6 short stories in it. All the stories are different from each other, not related to anyone.

1) Reflection- The title story, reflection is the story of a murder mystery, death on the space station.

2)Virus

3)Arcadia - This story is about of alien planet.

4)Meeting

5)The mission of Ares - In this story, the author wrote down a journey to the red planet that is Mars.

6)Iraq 2035

I like the above 3 stories which I mention from all 3. Simple and engaging language. The cover is average good.
If you like fictional mysterious stories then pick this one.
Profile Image for Prachi.
403 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2021
Book title :: Reflection: a collection of short stories..
Author:: Adam ostaszewski
Genre:: short stories
Format:: e-book

The book is a collection of short stories. Stories that take you on a mysterious journey to Mars and a planet inhabited by descendants of humans and aliens.
The thing I get to know about this book before adding it in my list and it really impressive. The book cover is Catchy and related to the content. Narration was outstanding. This is such a masterpiece book of 156 pages.


Adam Ostaszewski is a lawyer by profession who lives in Poland. He is an author of novels and short stories. He is also a fan of historical, science fiction and political fiction literature. "Reflection" is his publishing debut..

The book has six stories and all are of a perfect blend of mystery, fiction and adventure. The author has written this in lucid way. I completely satisfied with the stories of the book and language was superior. Highly recommended!!
15 reviews
September 3, 2021
Sometimes a book can make you feel so much and this is one of those books that will help you to kick off boredom and have some exciting time like transferring into a whole new world.

The book is a collection of multiple short stories where we get to see different topics very creatively crafted. The author talks about history, mystery, fiction and politics.

It takes us to marks and we get to meet aliens to see some unusual activities are going to be taken place on earth too and how would humans reacts.

It talks about pandemic and Europe Influenced us and it's power was utilised throughout. How politically things are always different and what all we need to know about the same.

It talks about so many things. Keeping the beautiful writing style consistent so that the readers don't feel bored. It's beautiful book to have some refreshing time and enjoy a roller coaster ride of suprises
140 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2021
I have read so many short stories the past year and what I find it some monotous stories that revolve around one particular topic or genre, but when I read the review of this book, I picked it up and guess what? It worth your time.

The book is a collection of some kick ass short stories that don't suck. In fact, ths author has covered many different topics like history, mystery, politics and much more.

I never knew that this book is going to unfold European activities and impact on us this way. The author has disclosed how European has taken the advantage of pandemic and he also says what we can do.

To make us feel more enthusiastic,the author takes the road to Mars and begins a mystery story. Aliens, and human interaction with them is gonna shock you.

The book is worth reading and will take you on many journeys. You will feel like you're enjoying your time upto the fullest.
104 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2021
Reflection is a collection of six short stories. Author's imagination is remarkable. He perfectly penned down this book. I really like to read short stories but I am not very much into sci-fi books but this book made me realise how much I was missing. This is the perfect book if you want to start reading sci-fi. This book wouldn't disappoint you.
This book takes you to a puzzling journey to Mars and a planet of humans and aliens.

Plot of every story is totally different but somehow author managed to connect all the stories. This book will keep you hooked till the end as the stories have right amount of suspense and adventure. I recommend this book to everyone out there.
Profile Image for Mohit Naval.
63 reviews
September 3, 2021
It is been long since I picked any short and effective read and one of my friends suggested me this beautiful book and I have to say, after a long time, I have find something so engaging.

The book, Reflection is not a book but a enthusiastic ride that takes us to another planet that is Mars and introduce us to aliens. Yes, the mystery story of aliens and human activities, and how is it going to impact the world.

Another time, the book addresses the issues of pandemic and how such countries played smart like Europe and how it affected the world.

The book is basically a collection of some amazing short stories that are so engaging that you can complete the book in just one go. It is a real page turner. Moreover, the variety of genres are covered which makes it even more interesting
156 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
Reflection- Collection of Short Stories
Author- Adam Ostaszewski

Who would think that a professional lawyer can write such apt short-stories. Yes, the book falls into Science fiction , consists of six short stories.

There are many assumption people make but this assumption won't disappoint you i.e. if you liked Interstellar then you will love this one too.

Have you ever thought what if something arises in this Earth that makes you leave this place, what will be your reaction? In this book, an epidemic arises in Europe and people start leaving the Earth. Wait a second, did just they mention about going to Mars? That's definitely implies to our future indirectly. People are already curious about living in Mars. But, this situation creates a lot chaos in the story where high officials are trying to handle the situation.

I really liked the way Author blended everything together i.e politics, Science, human nature and many more. The book shows a possibility that something similar can be happen in the future also. I would like to recommend this book to those who are always curious about Space science and Sci-fi books.

Ratings-4/5
671 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2022
Reflection by Adam Ostaszewski ia a nice book in fiction genre. This book has beautifully written by the author.

This is a collection of short stories plotted on various topics. The stories hold mystery and adventure. The stories are unpredictable. All the characters have portrayed well. Nice narration and amazing storyline. Stories are engaging as well. It entertained me in every aspects.

Language is simple and lucid. Title and cover are nice. Enjoyed throughout.

My rating-4/5
Profile Image for Sunshine.
246 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2021
Reflection is collection big six short stories. If you have been waiting to read a sci-fi book, but have been resistant just like me, this will be a perfect pick for you.

Set in future, this book gives you different stories filled with adventure and mystery. I love how each story unfolds. Some leave out the mystery for you to crack, some slowly and steadily unroll itself.
.
The book is very well-written. In a very lucid flow, this book will keep you engaged. I often feel that writting short stories is a very difficult task, but the author has written these stories beautifully.
Profile Image for Half Papyrus.
483 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2021
In collaboration with @read_with_nazmo

The author has written these stories with a theme that deserves a hearty nod, owing to the utter amount of creativity it sparks. Owing to this, the book cannot possibly be summed up to a discrete genre. It is part thriller, as it surely spikes some good dose of thrill, it is also mystery—which is the basic essence with which the plot thrives, and of course its fantasy. The fantasy in this book is not some absurd rocket science jugglery that could earn a scowl from some rational human, it is rather very easy to believe, and makes you feel as if it could be happening in your own life too.

Apart from being a page turner and a fast-paced book, this also gifts us with a reading experience very immersive. You would perhaps never feel burdened by the quantity of action and spice happening throughout the book. On the other hand, this book could make you want to jump right to the climax, right from the beginning. The author’s writing style achieves a very emphasized attention to both ‘what’ is happening in the story, in addition to ‘how’ is it happening.

It is a book very fast and furious, almost like a bullet of excitement. If you’re looking for literary fiction that will provide you an action-packed and thought-provoking reading experience, it is a recommended one!
Profile Image for Harsh Kr.
15 reviews
September 7, 2021
All the six stories of the book and are spectacular explanations of remarkable sci-fi mystery stories and happenings.

The creator has depicted everything. Excursion to Mars, Europe battling plague, examination of the strange passing and substantially more. A solid account has been utilized, which makes it captivating to peruse.

Adam has previews of calm and reflection, which work commendably in the centre of the speedy moving minutes.
I love the way every story unfurls. Some leave out the secret for you to break, some leisurely and consistently unroll themselves. There were many exciting bends on the way.

Europe during a plague, with a supreme European Security Service keeping the harmony. They all are making an honest effort to keep up with harmony there in the lethal circumstance of the pestilence. The clear element of Adam's creative mind, his colossal world-building connected with an extra interesting and staggering story is all that anyone could need to enable curiosity among readers.

A combination of brief tales by Adam. This is a very tonic science fiction that keeps you to the peak of every story. It has entrancing storylines which interest the readers to grip to the end.
259 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2021
Every now and then, a book comes along that rightfully lays claim to the feat of changing your life. We select books according to the genres, but what if we are getting a book with a combination of some genres? And this one most certainly did.

This book is a compilation of six beautiful stories. From science fiction to mystery, every bit of the stories can be enjoyable. The stories are diverse and belong to many genres which is different and attractive. Really enjoyed reading the author’s piece of writing. I don’t usually read much short stories but these stories really made my day. I couldn’t put it down. I kept flipping the pages. I found reading this comforting.

The writing style appealed to me neither over simplified nor was it so complex that one could get lost halfway through a sentence or paragraph. It’s the journey that counts here. If you’re looking for something entirely different that will mesmerise you instantly, you can’t miss this beautiful book.
Profile Image for Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ).
2,367 reviews83 followers
September 7, 2021
Book Name: Reflection: A collection of short stories
Author: Adam Ostaszewski
Format: Kindle

Review:
This book by author Adam Ostaszewski is a collection of six short stories that vary from different themes. Each of the six stories deals with interesting topics of history, politics, environment, science and humanity.

Often readers tend to pick up books that contain a collection of short stories because reading a considerable book becomes tedious for many reasons. The pandemic 2020 has made everyone pick up easy and heartening reads as dystopian attitude has been raving around. The uncertainty about life and its progress made reading also quite challenging. Thinking that this 2021 would be any better was a fundamental misconception. But, one grace thing was that excellent amount books had been published in and around the Indian subcontinent. Many thanks and salute to all the authors and writers who took time putting apart all the apprehensions they faced and yet gave the readers some beautiful books.

At this juncture, Reflection by Adam also made a place in my bookshelf of short story collection books. This book is a work of excellent fiction and imagination. Considering the present situations combined with politics, sci-fi, humanity, and weaving stories by building a new world. Surviving under new conditions and rules is not an as easy task for any person. The concept of democracy shifts to a new model when everything is controlled by a specific agency which less than a totalitarian society and away from people's government. These kinds of aspects are present in the stories.

The book thus can be coined as a (science) fiction novel having six short stories where each story falls under a different theme. If one story talks about the virus, another talks about planetary travel. If one story talks about cloning, another talks about war and power. The simple yet effective language used in the book also adds beauty. The narration of every story is fascinating and page-turning. The character names in the stories are also interesting.

The story titled - Meeting is my favourite. The character of Erril is so different from any conventional one. The dwarf character reminded me of the Hobbit movie. The scenic explanation of the dark woods, the Inn, the stallions, people, and the atmosphere created in the story is quite appealing. The characters of the story are written beautifully.

This short book of 156 pages with six short stories is a recommended work of fiction.






260 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2022
🍁Recently all of you must have heard Elon Musk has predicted that if the Sun expands which is observed to be the case, Earth will either be destroyed as in the human race will be completely wiped out unless we move to other planets.

🍁This book surprisingly falls on a similar thought.
🍁I would say this was a dystopia endeavour amidst chaos and author has done a fairly good job of predicting human behaviour while simultaneously amalgamating sci-fi , politics, and other parameters.
Author has made an amazing set of the following stories which go by the titles:
🎈 Reflection
🎈Arcadia
🎈 Meeting
🎈Virus
🎈The mission of Ares
🎈Iraq

We humans have always been fascinated with alien domination and intra terrestrial invasion, I think that's what our basic survival instinct does to us, you'll find a similar chapter which is brilliantly executed.
Although my most favourite chapter had to be Virus given the current circumstances.
It has somehow reflected how developed countries (Europe in the book) will outsmart the weak ones' in the time of need and while running amidst chaos.
All of us haven't forgotten how USA , Canada and France overbooked the vaccines during pandemic despite having an embarrassingly low population the number of vaccine units booked were three to four times the respective countries actual size and how that created a problem for countries which are still developing, like Bangladesh, Vietnam, all India's neighbours.
And then India had to rush to help them all .
Anyways back to the book, this is exactly what Europe does but it doesn't necessarily has to be what was done in the actual case

🍁For beginners this could be a tad bit heavy to digest as :

✨The narration is fast paced, even for me.
✨Either have to focus alot, or read it twice.
✨Which is a given since it's made up of 6 short stories and author has succeeded made them an interesting blend of mystery and science fiction.

Pros :
🎈 Creativity is another level
🎈 It's an amazing dose of mystery, history

Cons:
🎈Apart from the points already mentioned, I'm not quite contented with the title because the content and plot I feel deserved much more

🎈It could have been more elaborative,but yes ofcourse it'll defy the purpose of short stories, maybe I have to catch up with sci-fi, because nowadays there's an overdose of self help books on my desk🥴.
Profile Image for Isha Singh.
229 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2021
Reflection by Adam Ostaszewski is a proud collection of stories. I refrain saying short, I admit the stories are long but Adam brought the hidden streaks head in a beautiful way. It is not an overdone sci-fi fantasy book. I mean there is a hint of dystopia with sci-fi and fantasy. In fact, he kept many literary aspects balanced and unequivocal.

You must have not noticed but I did. The author presented the scenarios that could obstacle our life or civilization in future. By saying future, we all think about space. Thus, the author is right by taking the stories to space stations, exoplanets, Mars, and so on. The book clearly indicates the possible lifestyle of our civilization but despite that the human aspirations will remain same. They want to control, whether it is a spaceship or population metrics of a strange planet in the universe.
In any short story collection, the first title should be remarkable to nudge readers for the rest of the book. Adam chose Reflection wisely. It was bang on expectation. It was like a crime thriller, murder mystery, partly dystopian, or something highly futuristic. The story is about death of one rich businessman…but deep inside the story…it turns out something quite strange and unexpected. I did like all stories but Meeting and Virus, I felt they were dragged. Iraq was readable and good. In fact I liked most is the author’s ability to build such futuristic, science-laced worlds for perfect placement.

I admit once again Adam’s writing is engrossing but he is not that author who could be read while ambulating in sleep. You need focus, patience, and need to devote time. If I come across other books by the author, I may pick up after reading the blurb. Most likely, he may come up with a full-fledged novel.
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