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Adventure and Peril in Uncharted Worlds

BOOK REVIEW
Lost World of the Void

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Genre: Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2024
Pages: 272
Writer(s): Andrew Valenza
Where To Watch: available June 11, 2024, pre-order here now www.amazon.com; for more information on the works of Andrew Valenza, he can be found at www.valenzapublishing.com


RAVING REVIEW: First and foremost, if you haven’t read EMPIRE OF THE VOID, do that now; it's necessary and gives you the groundwork for what you can expect to see here. In LOST WORLD OF THE VOID, the newest installment of the Empire Marathon series, Dex and Lacy find themselves again flung into uncharted territories fraught with danger. This chapter offers a mix of suspense and fun, maintaining the series' signature blend of drama and light-hearted moments as our protagonists face off against their perennial nemesis, the Empire of the Void.


The story starts with Dex and Lacy making a narrow escape from the Empire's clutches, only to land on a planet that seems a haven but soon ends up being far more than meets the eye. Here, Dex's survivalist brilliance comes to the fore as he navigates new challenges with a purpose. Meanwhile, Lacy's character undergoes significant development, her journey marked by introspection and assertiveness that establishes her as more than just Dex's sidekick, which sees her story grow even more from EMPIRE OF THE VOID into a hero in her own right.

The duo's relationship is peppered with witty exchanges that serve as comic relief against the backdrop of their struggles. A particularly amusing incident involves Dex's run-in with a tribal elder, which injects a lighter tone to a more profound topic and subtly critiques intercultural interactions.

The book shines in its descriptive scenes, creating a vividness that draws readers into its alien worlds. The settings are detailed, lush, and dynamic; while reading, you lay the groundwork for these vast landscapes in your mind. This is thanks in part to the book's beautiful cover, which gives you a starting point to create these visuals. This depth lets you put yourself on the ground along Dec and Lacy.

The book's pacing is another one of its highlights; it never feels rushed while also never dragging. The swift transitions from high-tension moments to slower and more introspective ones feel natural and as authentically grounded as can be in a sci-fi journey. These quieter moments aim to deepen our understanding of the characters and flow wonderfully within the more significant action of the story.

Thematically, the book delves into the eternal struggle between freedom and control, embedding its action within a broader discourse on power and resistance. Dex and Lacy navigate these themes through encounters with various characters across the galaxy, painting a complex picture of cosmic rebellion and resilience.

LOST WORLD OF THE VOID is another fantastic addition to its series and will leave you on the edge of your seat, ready for the next book. It combines elements of suspense, science fiction, and drama with just the right touch of humor to craft a narrative as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The book confirms the allure of Dex and Lacy's adventures and the universe they inhabit!

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[photo courtesy of VALENZA PUBLISHING]

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Chris Jones
Entertainment Editor

Chris Jones is the Mail Entertainment Editor covering Movies and Television topics. He is from Washington, Illinois, and is the owner, writer, and editor of Overly Honest Reviews.