Title: Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall
Author: Aaron Safronoff
Publisher: Neoglyphic Entertainment
ISBN: 978-1-944606-00-8
Pages: 383
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewed by: Carol Davala, Pacific Book Review
Buy on AmazonPacific Book Review
In this first book of the “Sunborn Rising” series, Aaron Safronoff creates a truly imaginative fantasy world layered in the harshness and beauty of natural landscapes. Against the backdrop of a rare ecosystem, he weaves a colorful and innovative tale heightened by a cast of characters that draw the reader into an otherworldly realm to traverse an intricate terrain marked by both good and evil.
Here in Cerulean where the great root woven Forest floats on an ocean encircling a star, we meet plucky Barra, a pink-maned human-like cat creature known as a Listlespur. As an arboreal she dwells in the upper portion of the treetops called the Loft. The central area of this world is the Middens, and the tier beneath the lowest bough is the Fall. When Barra discovers the research journals of her late explorer father, she sets out to uncover the mysteries of an ancient plague that has left this isle region in a perpetual stage of Twilight. With her two friends, a winged Kolalabat named Plicks, and Tory, a long limbed, armor-skinned, humanoid Rugosic, Barra ventures into the depths of an unknown vista where questions, uncertainty, and danger prevail. Ultimately she must risk life and limb in an effort to restore light to the Great Trees and return to the sanctuary of home. In this under Root system beneath the Fall, the trio will face evil in all its forms. Betrayal from a community Elder reveals the ill-fate of Barra’s father, while battles ensue against Kudmoths, monster fungal puppets, a deadly Creepervine, and a supreme, harrowing force.
There seems a classic “Wizard of Oz” like appeal to this story as we follow this group of engaging young characters on a journey where they encounter both beauty and peril amidst a subsequent effort to find their way home. While Safronoff’s vision clearly stems from a more fantastical mind set, as he taps into the time-honored themes of adolescent angst, parent/child relationships, love and friendship, he brings human qualities to this imaginary menagerie, allowing for a deeper connection with the targeted Young Adult reader.
In this unique natural setting there are semi-recognizable beings resembling the likes of a bear, lion, and sea creatures. With their friendly anthropomorphic qualities they provide a heroic edge. On the flipside, the characters of evil encroach from a menacing place of darkness and decay. Using nature as such a major component of this storyline, Safranoff shines in his ability to render such an innovative and textured literary work. Highlighting the intense biodiversity of this fictional domain, Safronoff aptly cloaks this story in vivid detail. Here time is marked by the cyclic changes of the plants, with colors and shapes morphing in the upper canopy. In this inspired habitat we witness a Haggidon lizard boasting a double tail tipped with fangs, while Listlespurs like Barra wrap their own precious tails in a Thread of memories. Every element holds its place in this multi-faceted environment.
There is pure joy to be found in curling up with an imaginative fantasy novel that can transport a reader into the captivating pages of adventure. For more tech savvy readers, Safronoff offers up an additional corresponding website that transforms this book into a three-fold experience of sight, sound, and mind. Here easy navigation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the truly creative process that helped bring the “Sunborn Rising” project to fruition. From writing and character creation, to musical scoring and visionary artwork, such pure collective efforts are bound to compliment this story and turn an already enjoyable read into a fully immersive and enlightening experience.
