Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Aberration Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Aberration

Author: Cathy McCrumb

Genre: Science Fiction

Release date: November 15, 2022

Freedom Awaits, but the Consortium is Watching

When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.

With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.

More from Cathy

After I finished writing Recorder, my main character was stuck.

Or, more precisely, I was.

Don’t get me wrong, I knew where she was, roughly what was going to happen, and what was going on elsewhere. But after the rush of finishing the first book and even having a great opening line for the second, I was at a standstill. Starting there didn’t make sense, didn’t set the scene. I tried again. And again.

It bothered me for months.

Then, on my way into work, a phrase popped into my head. Eyes on the stoplight, I fumbled in my bag, grabbed the first pen I could find, and scrawled the words on my left forearm in large block letters: NEED HELP WITH THE BODIES.

And like that, I knew where to begin.

(Fortunately, my coworkers were more amused than not, though I did wear long sleeves to church the next day, since I figured no one would find my Sharpie-scrawl comforting.)

While some of the story fell into place as I had expected, it turns out anticipation of a few scenes didn’t dull the edge, and I cried for those. My characters didn’t always comply, and aside from the black block letters on my arm, Aberration had other surprises that made me laugh or cringe. Two of those twists shifted the book’s trajectory, and the Recorder still must deal with the repercussions.

Life is like that. Some things trundle along like they should, but when change rears its head, everything can go sideways. A move, a sickness, a loss, a gain, a promotion… The good things—smiles, laughter, friends, song, color—don’t negate the uncomfortable things—failure, disappointment, isolation. But for those who believe in Christ, sorrow doesn’t have the final word. There is a sudden turn of joy, a grace in an unexpected twist that reminds us that there is no universal defeat awaiting us, even when it feels like all hope is lost.

Writing frequently reminds me of a difficult child who doesn’t want to cooperate. Characters show up uninvited to reshape scenes, or the plot goes exactly as I expect, but carries a completely different meaning. Sometimes I have to pause and let the story wash over me.

A lot like life.

The reversal of sorrow to joy, of catastrophe to eucatastrophe, shows us a glimpse of the home that awaits. Light pierces the shadows of story and heart, illuminating the core of who we are as we journey further up and farther in.

When you continue with the Recorder on her search for a name, for meaning, for hope, I hope that in those sudden surprise turns, you, too, hear the silver trumpets calling you home, no matter where or when you might be stuck.

Because, really, you aren’t.

MY REVIEW

I remember vividly reading the first book in this series and thinking that I have found an author that can write science fiction that keeps my attention. It is a must to read the first book in this series in order to be able to follow the story. I loved that we focus on the Recorder also known as Zeta more in this story. The author goes deeper into the emotions of this character and once again I found myself attached to her every thought.

Zeta is asked what she would like to see happen to someone who betrays her. That stopped me in my tracks. Oh in my fresh I want them to suffer, but I can’t do that because we are to love unconditionally. It is a great question to ponder for Zeta as she knows she should not want revenge. Are you guilty of wanting to see someone pay for hurting you?

With a threat of a virus running rampant on the ship, Zeta is being targeted for spreading it. There is almost like a chaotic feeling in the air as Zeta tries to redeem herself and save those who she was destined to protect. The author gives us a look inside the Consortium and how it tries to control everything. There were a few parts in the story of how Recorders are destroyed that were uncomfortable to read.

The story picks up with action as the Elders try to break Zeta. She has feelings for her friends and will do anything to protect them, even if it means harm to her. I liked how she stood her ground. Oh how I enjoyed her reuniting with a very special character at the end. Now I wonder where the story will go now that imminent danger has passed for now.

“Is life without affection or happiness worth living?”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.