Terminal Core by Lynn Steigleder

Science fiction meets the wild west in this stand-alone novel by Lynn Steigleder

I received an ARC or review copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

Title: Terminal Core
Author: Lynn Steigleder
Series: Stand Alone
Publish Date: April 18, 2016
Genre: Space Western
Source: Provided by Author

Publisher’s Description: Aon, a solid core planet made from the priceless and most dense element in the galaxy, caladium, is under silent attack. Plans are made by off-worlders to dissolve the unbreakable core using crude oil obtained from 19th-century Earth. Once the oil is refined, the byproduct, gasoline, will soften the caladium, allowing it to be collected. It is soon discovered the core is made from living beings created from caladium itself. The off-worlders employ a band of corrupt inhabitants to carry on this work. They find themselves in a constant struggle with a small coalition of Aonians bent on saving their homeworld. Both factions clash with the indestructible core creatures. With horrendous beasts one step behind and deadly pitfalls ahead, the coalition struggles to finish its journey, hoping to ensure their races’ survival.

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Luna Lovebooks says…

There were several elements that I liked and enjoyed about this novel. For starters, the world building was very interesting. In many science fiction novels, readers either spend time on Earth with advances in technology, or readers go into space and rarely get a look at what Earth is like. In Terminal Core, readers get both. I really enjoyed the mix of western meets sci-fi. The fact that it was unusual also appealed to me.

I had a hard time following the plot as the book is divided into short chapters and each chapter jumps from character to character. This would normally be fine, but a few times, I was thrown for a loop when it seemed like a character died and then a few chapters later would start talking again. I think if the chapters were a bit longer it would have worked out much better. Some of the book is very telling and not showing.

Many of the characters are well written. However, readers are given little time to explore and learn to love or hate them. There are just too many. Character development is okay, but trying to get to know them and care about what happens to them is difficult because there are so many of them. Many are likable for the most part, and a few you would grow to hate if given the chance. 

Even though the plot can be hard to follow, everything does come together in the end. Characters meet up or die and the world is saved. For me, this book was just ok. It jumped around too much, and with so many characters, it was hard to keep track of who was who. For this reason, I give this novel three cores. But don’t let me pdissuade you. If you think the premise sounds good or like Space Westerns, then by all means, pick up this unusual book.

Other recommendations…

Try these other great reads: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland, West by Carys Davies, Taming Chaos by Anna Carven

I received an ARC or review copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.