Title: Beyond Providence
Author: Lawrence Burk
Publisher: Book – Art Press Solutions
ISBN: 78-1-4028-9462
Pages: 222
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review
Beyond Providence picks up 16 years after Hope is born, a young woman with hybrid DNA. There is a prophecy that she and another with similar DNA would help bring about the reform of the new civilization. Humanity is just about extinct, and merge with beings from other dimensions to create hybrids that will repopulate the world.
A comet, carrying a deadly virus, threatens the world’s destruction, but ends up changing the world instead. Now three generations of alien contact with the human world has culminated in a new world, a new rave that could survive the effects of contact with the comet. Will Hope and her companions be able to figure out how to help humanity survive this catastrophe of an alien virus?
One concept that will continue to interest audiences of all age is the idea of aliens, both living outside our plant and among us. Author Lawrence Burk has the ability to provide readers with a trilogy that different from other novels and series. He gives us characters that are relatable, flawed, and realistic, so much so that reading his books makes you feel as if you are a part of the story. What could be more threatening that a comet, and not just any large comet, but one with a deadly disease within. Burk ensnares his readers with the way he weaves his tale of suspense, mystery and the unknown. Readers will quickly become engrossed in this story, only to lose all concept of time.
They say great things come in small packages; Beyond Providence coming in at about 222 pages this book packs a punch. Burk is able to include so many elements and masterful storytelling to leave readers sated. There are some word and sentence structuring that feel a bit awkward and one can stumble over, but that doesn’t take away from the overall effect of the tale. There are so many different things to enjoy about this story, and one can imagine the series itself becoming a screenplay or even a television show. It is interesting to see how Burk develops his characters, having them move the story along rather than simply telling readers everything thing that happens. He leaves things to the imagination. Readers will find themselves excited to turn the page, to get to the next chapter and find out what will happen once the comet crosses paths with earth.
For anyone who enjoys a good science fiction, post-apocalyptic, and alien based stories, Beyond Providence is one that should be added your reading list. It has everything a good ending novel should have, and more. It is the third book in Burk’s Alien Within trilogy, so be sure to pick up Alien Within, and A Remarkable Curse as well. All three of these books would make a wonderful addition to a sci-fi lover’s library. Lawrence Burk’s novel will speak to many readers of this genre and spark new theories and ideas.
