Reader (Daughter of Time, Book 1)

Erec Stebbins’ original sci-fi novel Reader is a unique and altogether profound sci-fi novel that will stick with the reader long after the last page is turned. The story, told through the eyes, or rather the “visions,” of Ambra Dawn, spans both time and space as Ambra recounts her life and her gift.

Ambra begins her story from early childhood, when she is forcefully taken from her parents by mysterious black-suited men because she is “gifted.” This gift is that she is a reader, capable of having visions through both space and time, allowing her to view events in both the past and the future. Unfortunately, it is at the cost of going blind, as the very thing that is allowing her to have these visions is a large brain tumor. Her tale continues as she recounts her time at a “training facility” with other readers, where her skills are honed, and surgery is performed not to decrease the size of her tumor, but increase the size, effectively sharpening her skills. This is all followed by the fateful day that she learns the awful truth: the Readers are trained and conditioned like cattle until they are to be taken by aliens and used like slaves. The rest of the story unfolds as Ambra struggles to make sense of her new world, her new powers, and ultimately her fate.

Stebbins’ novel is a huge success and is incredibly well-written. A fusion of the best classic styles, reminiscent of Bradbury himself, fused with new and original ideas, Reader is haunting, thought-provoking and surprisingly philosophical while remaining engaging and thrilling throughout. Stebbins’ Reader is a must-read for any sci-fi fan that wants to be pleasantly surprised by a well-written novel.