I recently dove into Neron Rising, the first episode of Keary Taylor’s new space-fantasy romance series, and I must say, it left me thoroughly captivated. As a fan of sci-fi and romance, the premise intrigued me, especially the blend of an engaging storyline set in a galaxy filled with political tension and elements of love.
From the very first line, “I…am nothing,” I was hooked. The tension surrounding Nova Ainsley, who operates a secret mine on Korpillion, was palpable. In a universe controlled by the ruthless Dominion, Nova’s character stands out as she tries to carve out a future for herself and her father. I appreciated how Taylor deftly unfolded the complexities of wielding Neron—the galaxy’s purest form of energy—while interweaving Nova’s emotional stakes throughout the plot.
One aspect that particularly resonated with me was the character development. Nova is portrayed not just as a powerful individual among a sea of characters, but also as a complex person grappling with her identity and purpose. Her tumultuous connection to the last Nero adds an intriguing layer to her story. As Court0517 notes in their review, Taylor creates a world that’s rich in detail without overwhelming the reader, making it easy to dive deep into the narrative.
On the flip side, I did find the pacing a tad rushed. At only 30,000 words, this episode moves quickly, sometimes jumping from one powerful scene to another without giving readers enough time to fully absorb the emotional weight of meeting the last Nero or the implications of the Dominion’s impending threat. Carlie mentions this as well, highlighting how the short format prompts readers to fly through the pages but leaves some nuances behind. I wholeheartedly agree; I often wished for just a few more paragraphs to explore character feelings and relationships more deeply.
Moreover, while I relished the world-building, it did remind me of elements from popular franchises, particularly with the comparisons to Star Wars and its archetypes. Gypsy M’s review eloquently points out these similarities, particularly drawing parallels between Nova and Rey and between the Dominion and the Empire. However, I appreciated that Taylor took these influences and carved a unique narrative that was vibrant in its execution. It didn’t feel like I was reading a copy of something else, but rather a fresh take on familiar elements.
The chemistry between Nova and Valen, the last Nero, is intriguing yet slow to build, which is fitting for a slow-burn romance. While some readers may find this frustrating, I personally enjoyed the suspense of their connection and how it is developed. The final scene where Nova realizes her future with Valen was nothing short of enthralling and left me eager to read the next episode.
Overall, Neron Rising impressively combines world-building, character depth, and romance in a fast-paced read with a unique twist on familiar genres. However, be prepared for the story’s brevity; it leaves you wanting more details in certain areas. For fans of sci-fi romance, I assure you, this episodic format is well worth the read.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Neron Rising for those looking for an engaging story with a strong female protagonist and a thoughtful exploration of love and destiny amidst galactic conflict. I can’t wait to see how Nova’s journey unfolds in the next episodes. Definitely a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me!