Overall Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Since the onset of COVID-19, people’s reading habits have changed. Tastes have been shifting towards the apocalyptic, dystopian and science-fiction genres. A.J. Witt’s debut science-fiction novel “The Source: Origins” is both an earnest reflection of the times and a reinvention of past fascinations. It is not only a book to get lost in during the current circumstances, but also a novel that showcases how political struggles, class differences and fear of the unknown affects people in different ways.
The novel follows multiple storylines that eventually intersect. In a world known as the Dominion, there is an extraordinary power called the Source. The book takes place in a society that has been divided since the Dread Days. The Adepts, who hold the power to control the Source, and the Overseers maintain tense and hostile relations. An increasing number of deaths within the Council of Five and various village attacks have left many puzzled, fearful and determined to understand. With an eclectic cast of characters, the Dominion struggles to avoid the violence, war and terror it faced in prior centuries.
Upon its publication in Sept. 2019 by Spring Cedars Publishing, “The Source: Origins” received widespread praise from fans. Karas Jim of the popular author-publishing platform Reedsy wrote, “This story leaves a successful imprint on the reader’s mind because it is, content-wise, highly original.” On this note, I could not agree more.
The most attractive elements of the first book in Witt’s series are the complex world-building and unresolved mystery at the end. Using both medieval dynamics and modern societal aspects, Witt crafts a futuristic setting that is familiar yet convincingly distinct. In the science-fiction genre, it is often difficult to seamlessly combine such drastically different eras, cultures and traditions. But Witt accomplishes this feat beautifully through a fast-paced plot that immerses readers rather than overwhelms them.
“The Source” includes a spirited cast of characters, each with their own history, quirks, motivations and unique relationships to those frantically running around the Dominion. Because the book is split into four parts, it takes time to find yourself attached to the shifting storylines. But about halfway through, things begin to click into place and the characters take on more defining roles. I’m especially fond of Adept brothers Kyran and Edvon, who have a typical love-hate sibling relationship full of witty bickering. However, there are moments where the dialogue reads similarly to a comic book, which I found to be distracting from the action of the scene at times. Nonetheless, the overall writing is clean and eloquent. The narrative voice that skillfully delivers a heart-racing adventure.
The sequel, “The Source: Galactic Steps,” was released earlier this year in July. The third book will be released in spring 2021.
