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Raq
Lies that become truths…
The Hlad are one race, the only race beneath the Great Abyss. The great Fire King deemed it so when the Great Mother birthed the Fire King’s children from the dry lake beds. All know of His power and scorn, and praise Him with each rising so He may shine down gently and with kindness.
Warrior Class Lieutenant Raq of the Imperial Guard is a proud soldier, an adoring father to his sons, brave, dutiful and honour-bound, a devout servant of the Fire King. He is a true Hlad. But his faith is shattered when an alien craft crash-lands on Hlad from the Great Abyss.
One alien, the Dayyid, survives the horrible massacre that follows the crash. Imprisoned, suffering from malnutrition, and studied by the reptilian doctors and scientists, he doesn’t forget one of the creatures from the crash site. One who hesitated to kill.
Forced to live together, Raq and the Dayyid learn to understand each other despite the language barrier. But when they learn of a threat to Earth, they discover an almost unbelievable truth that unites them against the Hlad. The rest of Hlad must learn this truth, and so, too, the rest of the universe.
The Hlad are one race, the only race beneath the Great Abyss. The great Fire King deemed it so when the Great Mother birthed the Fire King’s children from the dry lake beds. All know of His power and scorn, and praise Him with each rising so He may shine down gently and with kindness.
Warrior Class Lieutenant Raq of the Imperial Guard is a proud soldier, an adoring father to his sons, brave, dutiful and honour-bound, a devout servant of the Fire King. He is a true Hlad. But his faith is shattered when an alien craft crash-lands on Hlad from the Great Abyss.
One alien, the Dayyid, survives the horrible massacre that follows the crash. Imprisoned, suffering from malnutrition, and studied by the reptilian doctors and scientists, he doesn’t forget one of the creatures from the crash site. One who hesitated to kill.
Forced to live together, Raq and the Dayyid learn to understand each other despite the language barrier. But when they learn of a threat to Earth, they discover an almost unbelievable truth that unites them against the Hlad. The rest of Hlad must learn this truth, and so, too, the rest of the universe.
235 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2022
19 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Toppin
28 books58 followers"I tell lies, write them down, and call it fiction."
T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Previously with small press publishers, she is now immersed in indie publishing, embracing its many challenges and delights. T.K. is an award-winning author, her novel The Dark Without, received Literary Titan's Book Award.
Born, raised and living in Barbados, when T.K. is not writing, can be found studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination by binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.
T.K. Toppin writes character-driven tales, loaded with mystery, intrigue and adventure, navigating the realms of Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction and Space Opera. Previously with small press publishers, she is now immersed in indie publishing, embracing its many challenges and delights. T.K. is an award-winning author, her novel The Dark Without, received Literary Titan's Book Award.
Born, raised and living in Barbados, when T.K. is not writing, can be found studiously working on her doctorate in Procrastination by binge-watching shows on streaming networks, doing absolutely nothing, and juggling the baffling realm of social media marketing.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 1, 2024
A triumphant, beautiful story of chaos and friendship.
Aliens crash land on Raq’s planet, throwing his world into turmoil. Even though only one alien survives—a frail, nearly ineffectual creature—it wreaks havoc on Raq’s personal wellbeing. Before this event, Raq had been led to believe his race was the only one that existed in the “Great Abyss.” Now he knows it was all a lie. And it crushes him.
Though Raq is Warrior class, he is nevertheless tasked with keeping the foul-smelling and repulsive Dayyid alive and safe from harm. With communication nearly impossible between the two, their union becomes one of constant agitation and frustration for the disheartened warrior, and a suspicious source of scrutiny for his superiors in this matriarchal society.
The world-building in this novel is remarkable, and Toppin’s literary gymnastics in forging clarity between these two species is marvelous! I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the device Toppin employed to bring the reader into this tricky dialogue between disparate races. A must read with tons of heart! Bravo!
Aliens crash land on Raq’s planet, throwing his world into turmoil. Even though only one alien survives—a frail, nearly ineffectual creature—it wreaks havoc on Raq’s personal wellbeing. Before this event, Raq had been led to believe his race was the only one that existed in the “Great Abyss.” Now he knows it was all a lie. And it crushes him.
Though Raq is Warrior class, he is nevertheless tasked with keeping the foul-smelling and repulsive Dayyid alive and safe from harm. With communication nearly impossible between the two, their union becomes one of constant agitation and frustration for the disheartened warrior, and a suspicious source of scrutiny for his superiors in this matriarchal society.
The world-building in this novel is remarkable, and Toppin’s literary gymnastics in forging clarity between these two species is marvelous! I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the device Toppin employed to bring the reader into this tricky dialogue between disparate races. A must read with tons of heart! Bravo!
November 8, 2024
I love SciFi that subverts the norms, and Raq did just that. The world of the Hlad have just had everything turned upside down. They've been told they were the only beings anywhere, and then humans crash land on their planet. One of those humans is taken captive, and I love the way Toppin shows us the clash of these two worlds. This was a very good read, thought provoking.
February 13, 2023
Having read novels by TK Toppin before, I looked forward to reading RAQ and I was not disappointed. The story captured me right off with the well-developed title character of an alien, a warrior, questioning the aggressive actions of his race—a society long based on power and the strong leadership of women.
Toppin employs a brilliant twist by pairing RAQ with a second main character, called Dayyid, He is equally engaging and is referred to as “the alien” but is actually the last surviving human from a disastrous mission in space exploration. Nonetheless, he is an alien in RAQ’s view and the story culminates in a Big Bang of an ending.
The best part of the story is that RAQ and Dayyid manage to form a strong bond, learn to trust, communicate and ultimately learn that although very different beings, they share so much.
The sci-fi details of this novel are strong and believable. The descriptions of space travel and conditions on RAQ’s home planet are vivid and exciting. The book is a pleasure to read and is filled with lessons about acceptance, friendship and the error of pre-conceived notions.
Toppin employs a brilliant twist by pairing RAQ with a second main character, called Dayyid, He is equally engaging and is referred to as “the alien” but is actually the last surviving human from a disastrous mission in space exploration. Nonetheless, he is an alien in RAQ’s view and the story culminates in a Big Bang of an ending.
The best part of the story is that RAQ and Dayyid manage to form a strong bond, learn to trust, communicate and ultimately learn that although very different beings, they share so much.
The sci-fi details of this novel are strong and believable. The descriptions of space travel and conditions on RAQ’s home planet are vivid and exciting. The book is a pleasure to read and is filled with lessons about acceptance, friendship and the error of pre-conceived notions.
February 10, 2023
Raq is one of the finest first-contact sci-fi books I have ever read. Far from the sugar-coated scenarios presented by Star Trek, this story explores the probable consequences of humankind coming into contact with an alien species. With both sides tense and afraid facing an insurmountable language barrier, and both species trigger-happy and liable to shoot first and regret later, is it any wonder this first contact goes tragically wrong?
Raq is a warrior whose race firmly believed they were alone in the universe. Suddenly, these disgusting creatures crash land on his world and everything he ever thought is turned violently inside out. Forced to be a caretaker for the sole survivor of the aliens, he is resentful and hostile towards his bizarre, stinking charge.
David never thought when he signed up for the excitement of space exploration that he would wind up a captive of a hostile and primitive race of beings. Beings so radically different from humans that understanding between the species seems impossible.
This is a beautiful and intriguing exploration of overcoming differences, discovering similarities, and becoming open to change. Superbly written and wonderfully paced, although it is sci-fi so by definition deals with the bigger picture of space and other worlds, it’s also wonderfully insular in that it is primarily about the developing relationship between Raq and David. A relationship that could blossom into a deep and abiding friendship.
Raq’s species is by nature a hostile and belligerent one. For those in power, the discovery that they are not alone is a clarion call to arms and war is declared on the faraway home world of the aliens. Yet for many of Raq’s compatriots, it opens their minds to disturbing possibilities and demands the truth behind their origins be exposed. As civil war sweeps Raq’s world he has to make a hard choice between the past and the future.
A stunning five-star read which deserves a place alongside Asimov, Clarke, and all the other great masters of this genre.
Raq is a warrior whose race firmly believed they were alone in the universe. Suddenly, these disgusting creatures crash land on his world and everything he ever thought is turned violently inside out. Forced to be a caretaker for the sole survivor of the aliens, he is resentful and hostile towards his bizarre, stinking charge.
David never thought when he signed up for the excitement of space exploration that he would wind up a captive of a hostile and primitive race of beings. Beings so radically different from humans that understanding between the species seems impossible.
This is a beautiful and intriguing exploration of overcoming differences, discovering similarities, and becoming open to change. Superbly written and wonderfully paced, although it is sci-fi so by definition deals with the bigger picture of space and other worlds, it’s also wonderfully insular in that it is primarily about the developing relationship between Raq and David. A relationship that could blossom into a deep and abiding friendship.
Raq’s species is by nature a hostile and belligerent one. For those in power, the discovery that they are not alone is a clarion call to arms and war is declared on the faraway home world of the aliens. Yet for many of Raq’s compatriots, it opens their minds to disturbing possibilities and demands the truth behind their origins be exposed. As civil war sweeps Raq’s world he has to make a hard choice between the past and the future.
A stunning five-star read which deserves a place alongside Asimov, Clarke, and all the other great masters of this genre.
November 10, 2024
RAQ by T. K. TOPPIN ****
DISCLAIMER - I received a free copy of this book to review for the 2024/25 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).
When I started this book I was concerned that it was a ripoff of the 1885 movie Enemy Mine. That movie centered around a member of a reptilian race and a human who are alone on a planet after their fighters crash landed during an intergalactic war. Raq tells the story of a sole human, David, who is the only survivor of a crash landing on an alien planet inhabited by a reptilian race. You can see why I was concerned.
T. K. Toppin has written an engaging, intelligent, and suspenseful first contact novel. While there are similarities to the Enemy Mine movie, Toppin’s book develves much deeper into the issues and problems of first contact. Her explorations of food, language, physiology, and politics are fascinating. Toppin’s writing pulls you in quickly and you find yourself seeing issues from both David’ and Raq’s points of view. Throw in a lot about a matriarchal society divided into clear classes ruled by a sun worshipping religion with questioning suppressed and you have a well thought out storyline.
My complaint is with the final chapters, which seemed rushed. After going into great detail about so many issues and concepts, the last part of this book glosses over a lot to get to the ending. The ending works as it is but it also sets up a possible sequel. I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
DISCLAIMER - I received a free copy of this book to review for the 2024/25 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).
When I started this book I was concerned that it was a ripoff of the 1885 movie Enemy Mine. That movie centered around a member of a reptilian race and a human who are alone on a planet after their fighters crash landed during an intergalactic war. Raq tells the story of a sole human, David, who is the only survivor of a crash landing on an alien planet inhabited by a reptilian race. You can see why I was concerned.
T. K. Toppin has written an engaging, intelligent, and suspenseful first contact novel. While there are similarities to the Enemy Mine movie, Toppin’s book develves much deeper into the issues and problems of first contact. Her explorations of food, language, physiology, and politics are fascinating. Toppin’s writing pulls you in quickly and you find yourself seeing issues from both David’ and Raq’s points of view. Throw in a lot about a matriarchal society divided into clear classes ruled by a sun worshipping religion with questioning suppressed and you have a well thought out storyline.
My complaint is with the final chapters, which seemed rushed. After going into great detail about so many issues and concepts, the last part of this book glosses over a lot to get to the ending. The ending works as it is but it also sets up a possible sequel. I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
September 1, 2022
I was captured after the first chapter. This book reads like an episode of original "Star Trek" written by Gene Roddenberry himself. It had the feel of classic science fiction but still modern to today. I loved the way it switched between the alien to the human perspective throughout. You understood both sides of the story, even though you may disagree with one or the other. It presented all the challenges of a first encounter with a world ending reality. The author is one of the great new voices in science fiction writing today.
August 29, 2023
When a spaceship finally gets to its destination - to find an old ship that has been lost- the humans aboard could not forsee what is waiting for them.
Due to miscommunication, the lack of understanding and fear, the humans are being attacked.
David finds himself a prisoner. Rack is the alien assigned to him. He tries to communicate, but it is difficult.
The funfact of this book is, that the story is told from not only Davids POV, but also from Raq (Rack).
Loved their story!
Due to miscommunication, the lack of understanding and fear, the humans are being attacked.
David finds himself a prisoner. Rack is the alien assigned to him. He tries to communicate, but it is difficult.
The funfact of this book is, that the story is told from not only Davids POV, but also from Raq (Rack).
Loved their story!
May 7, 2024
Reading Raq brought me a lot of enjoyment. The cover immediately drew me in. I loved reading this story from Raq's pov, a lizard like alien a part of the Hlad. I enjoyed Raq's journey and the budding friendship between him and David. I thought each character had a unique voice making the story highly enjoyable. Truly alien and wonderful.
November 13, 2024
RAQ is a very clever book with juxtaposed human/alien PoVs.
We are in a futuristic version similar to Golding's The Inheritors; the reader feels the same novelty of environment as the main character, which is one of the best things I liked about this book (I read it more than once). Stef McD
We are in a futuristic version similar to Golding's The Inheritors; the reader feels the same novelty of environment as the main character, which is one of the best things I liked about this book (I read it more than once). Stef McD
March 3, 2025
Some books pull you into their world gradually. Raq grabs you by the collar and throws you straight into the heat. Set in an alien society where belief, honor, and duty shape every action, it follows Lieutenant Raq, a soldier of the Hlad race, as he faces the impossible, a crashed alien ship, a survivor who isn’t like anything his people have ever seen, and a truth that could shatter everything he believes. What starts as a mission to protect his world turns into an unsettling journey of discovery, where Raq and the human survivor, David, are forced to bridge their differences to uncover something bigger than both of them.
One thing that stood out immediately was the visceral world-building. Toppin doesn’t just describe the Hlad; she immerses you in their culture. From the Fire King’s brutal rule to the structured hierarchy of warriors and scholars, every piece of their world feels lived-in. Raq, in particular, is a character torn between deep-seated faith and an uncomfortable new reality. His reaction to the humans is intense disgust, superiority, then creeping doubt. You can feel his internal struggle as he hesitates before killing a human, as he wrestles with the possibility that everything he’s been taught is a lie. There’s a moment early on when he watches the alien leader, “the Tall One,” fall back protectively in front of his injured companion. That brief hesitation, that flicker of recognition, sets the stage for his slow unraveling. It’s masterfully done.
The novel also does something many sci-fi books struggle with: making the aliens alien but still relatable. The Hlad aren’t just humans in lizard suits; they have different physical structures, customs, and ways of processing emotions. And yet, they still feel incredibly real. Their biology is fascinating, with spikes that bristle in response to emotion, mandibles that twitch when angry, a rigid class system that dictates their entire lives. The moment when Raq realizes that David, the human, is just as confused and afraid as he is, is a pivotal shift. The way language is used as a barrier between them is handled well at first, all Raq hears are strange, clipped sounds, but then David keeps repeating “I am human” until Raq starts to understand. It’s a slow, believable progression, not a convenient sci-fi instant-translation moment.
Raq is an ambitious book that takes its time unfolding its layers. The first half is gripping, packed with tension, mystery, and high-stakes conflict. Then, the pace shifts, allowing room for deeper reflection. David’s journal entries bring a rich perspective, immersing us in Earth’s forgotten history and the mission that led them to Hlad. While these sections slow the immediate action, they add depth and context, making the story feel expansive. The balance between action and introspection leans heavily toward world-building at times, but for readers who enjoy a thoughtful, layered narrative, this shift offers a rewarding look into the bigger picture.
Raq is an engrossing read for anyone who loves deep world-building and character-driven sci-fi. If you enjoy stories where different cultures clash and characters have to earn their understanding of each other rather than just getting along right away, this one’s for you. Fans of The Forever War or The Sparrow will appreciate the moral dilemmas and the slow unraveling of certainty. It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one, and by the time you turn the last page, you’ll be left with that eerie, lingering question, what if we’re not as alone as we think?
One thing that stood out immediately was the visceral world-building. Toppin doesn’t just describe the Hlad; she immerses you in their culture. From the Fire King’s brutal rule to the structured hierarchy of warriors and scholars, every piece of their world feels lived-in. Raq, in particular, is a character torn between deep-seated faith and an uncomfortable new reality. His reaction to the humans is intense disgust, superiority, then creeping doubt. You can feel his internal struggle as he hesitates before killing a human, as he wrestles with the possibility that everything he’s been taught is a lie. There’s a moment early on when he watches the alien leader, “the Tall One,” fall back protectively in front of his injured companion. That brief hesitation, that flicker of recognition, sets the stage for his slow unraveling. It’s masterfully done.
The novel also does something many sci-fi books struggle with: making the aliens alien but still relatable. The Hlad aren’t just humans in lizard suits; they have different physical structures, customs, and ways of processing emotions. And yet, they still feel incredibly real. Their biology is fascinating, with spikes that bristle in response to emotion, mandibles that twitch when angry, a rigid class system that dictates their entire lives. The moment when Raq realizes that David, the human, is just as confused and afraid as he is, is a pivotal shift. The way language is used as a barrier between them is handled well at first, all Raq hears are strange, clipped sounds, but then David keeps repeating “I am human” until Raq starts to understand. It’s a slow, believable progression, not a convenient sci-fi instant-translation moment.
Raq is an ambitious book that takes its time unfolding its layers. The first half is gripping, packed with tension, mystery, and high-stakes conflict. Then, the pace shifts, allowing room for deeper reflection. David’s journal entries bring a rich perspective, immersing us in Earth’s forgotten history and the mission that led them to Hlad. While these sections slow the immediate action, they add depth and context, making the story feel expansive. The balance between action and introspection leans heavily toward world-building at times, but for readers who enjoy a thoughtful, layered narrative, this shift offers a rewarding look into the bigger picture.
Raq is an engrossing read for anyone who loves deep world-building and character-driven sci-fi. If you enjoy stories where different cultures clash and characters have to earn their understanding of each other rather than just getting along right away, this one’s for you. Fans of The Forever War or The Sparrow will appreciate the moral dilemmas and the slow unraveling of certainty. It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one, and by the time you turn the last page, you’ll be left with that eerie, lingering question, what if we’re not as alone as we think?
September 7, 2024
A more philosophical take on the first encounter
Ignore the blurb, it’s really a spoiler. Just know that the story begins when the great race Hlad anticipates the arrival of a spaceship that ends tragically. Not surprising for a race who perceived themselves as superior and the one great race derived from the Fire King. And the alien that arrives……. You can guess seems superior with their ability to travel through the galaxy is human. Loved this fresh take.
Written using minor characters from the more popular science fiction book and told in narrative and journal entries, we explore a desert planet whose inhabitants appear reptilian but yet intelligent and able to adapt to change quickly. The survivor from the first encounter and Raq, a warrior are forced together as the powers that be harvest information from the disastrous start. The narrative is slow and is more character driven. The political intrigue is a minor secondary plot. It is the slow development of an unlikely friendship that lies at the heart of this book.
Would recommend if you like slow paced thoughtful character driven stories that place value on identity, friendship rather than action directed towards demonstrating your might and right.
Ignore the blurb, it’s really a spoiler. Just know that the story begins when the great race Hlad anticipates the arrival of a spaceship that ends tragically. Not surprising for a race who perceived themselves as superior and the one great race derived from the Fire King. And the alien that arrives……. You can guess seems superior with their ability to travel through the galaxy is human. Loved this fresh take.
Written using minor characters from the more popular science fiction book and told in narrative and journal entries, we explore a desert planet whose inhabitants appear reptilian but yet intelligent and able to adapt to change quickly. The survivor from the first encounter and Raq, a warrior are forced together as the powers that be harvest information from the disastrous start. The narrative is slow and is more character driven. The political intrigue is a minor secondary plot. It is the slow development of an unlikely friendship that lies at the heart of this book.
Would recommend if you like slow paced thoughtful character driven stories that place value on identity, friendship rather than action directed towards demonstrating your might and right.
October 27, 2023
Every so often I take a turn into science fiction and am rarely disappointed. Raq is a fantastic exploration of a first encounter with aliens, although this time the arrivals from a galaxy far far away are humans and the aliens, a lizardine race called the Hlad, are the visited.
When the spaceship crashes the encounter does not go well and soon the honourable warrior, Lieutenant Raq finds himself charged with looking after the sole survivor, Dayiid. Initially, the shame of looking after such lowlife is nothing but humiliation, and Raq’s fellow soldiers give him a hard time. But soon a tenuous bond begins to form between the two – a bond that leads to a series of increasingly difficult revelations for Raq.
This is a beautifully written book with fine world- and culture-building – you can really feel yourself in the alien city, on the hot desert planet of Hlad – and a touching study of the way people from polarised backgrounds can, given time and effort, finally come to understand and care for each other. Something that the best sci-fi is perfectly placed to handle. A strong 5 stars.
When the spaceship crashes the encounter does not go well and soon the honourable warrior, Lieutenant Raq finds himself charged with looking after the sole survivor, Dayiid. Initially, the shame of looking after such lowlife is nothing but humiliation, and Raq’s fellow soldiers give him a hard time. But soon a tenuous bond begins to form between the two – a bond that leads to a series of increasingly difficult revelations for Raq.
This is a beautifully written book with fine world- and culture-building – you can really feel yourself in the alien city, on the hot desert planet of Hlad – and a touching study of the way people from polarised backgrounds can, given time and effort, finally come to understand and care for each other. Something that the best sci-fi is perfectly placed to handle. A strong 5 stars.
December 15, 2024
There are moments in Raq when you just have to sit back and applaud. TK Toppin has crafted a first contact novel, placing the perspective squarely on the shoulders of an alien race. After the crash of a human ship, and the subsequent catastrophic first meeting between two very alien races, a sole human survives. He is bequeathed to Raq, a Hlad of the Warrior Class, to alien-sit. It is here that Toppin delves into the physical, societal and cultural differences and thus difficulties that such contact would entail. It is down to the skill of the author that such instances are enthralling, and that we watch two characters evolve upon the page as their relationship becomes self-reliant while Raq’s society fractures around them. Toppin’s insight into how an alien race would cope with finding they are not alone, puts a mirror to humanity, and asks the reader to consider the impact on both sides of that coin.
A superb read, highly recommended for those who enjoy character driven scifi that makes you think about your place in the world.
A superb read, highly recommended for those who enjoy character driven scifi that makes you think about your place in the world.
May 1, 2024
Raq is centered on an agent of change who is himself in the midst of change. In this case the change isn’t physical transformation, but rather the effects of shifting perspectives, from enlightenment to revelation to corruption to alienation to subterfuge. Oh, and a most unlikely friendship. But what’s fascinating is observing the consequences and emergent truths of this societal chain reaction largely from one alien’s point of view—the titular Raq—when these shifting sands are very much affecting every aspect of his society, his family, and his own deeply-held beliefs. Truly, nothing is safe from change, and the truths we see emerging in times of such profound uncertainty are very much worth the journey. It’s a great global scale metamorphosis told from the intimate perspective of a buddy film, and an easy recommendation!
October 5, 2022
If Toppin’s name is on the cover of a book, you should buy it without hesitation. Her stories are unique and well told. Raq is no exception.
I love the twist in this book that presents man as the alien on a distant planet of warrior lizard-like beings. After a bumbling human attempt at exploration, one of these aliens is captured by the locals, and the story unfolds here.
Can the alien escape? Can he find friendship and understanding? Can he prevent the invasion of his own planet? What of his captor RAQ? Can he recover from the humiliation of having to supervise a smelly loathsome alien? And what of the bigger mysteries of this planet? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out, won’t you.
Definitely a five-star read. Bravo, Toppin!
I love the twist in this book that presents man as the alien on a distant planet of warrior lizard-like beings. After a bumbling human attempt at exploration, one of these aliens is captured by the locals, and the story unfolds here.
Can the alien escape? Can he find friendship and understanding? Can he prevent the invasion of his own planet? What of his captor RAQ? Can he recover from the humiliation of having to supervise a smelly loathsome alien? And what of the bigger mysteries of this planet? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out, won’t you.
Definitely a five-star read. Bravo, Toppin!
September 18, 2022
The Hlad's belief that they are alone in the universe is shattered when an alien craft crash lands. Following a disastrous first contact, warrior Raq receives the shameful order to protect the lone survivor. But what of truth when it is based on lies?
Whilst the gradual revelation of the Hlad's ancestry and the resulting turmoil forms the basis of the plot, the true strength of this story lies in the evolving relationship between the alien Dayyid and Raq as they slowly learn to communicate.
Touching on the ethics of colonisation and scientific manipulation, tragic misunderstanding and the heart of friendship, Raq is a philosophical delight wrapped up in compelling sci fi. I loved it.
Whilst the gradual revelation of the Hlad's ancestry and the resulting turmoil forms the basis of the plot, the true strength of this story lies in the evolving relationship between the alien Dayyid and Raq as they slowly learn to communicate.
Touching on the ethics of colonisation and scientific manipulation, tragic misunderstanding and the heart of friendship, Raq is a philosophical delight wrapped up in compelling sci fi. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews