The Year Before the End - Book Review


The Year Before the End
By Vidar Hokstad

If you were given enough resources, would you take the opportunity to travel through time and space to visit Mars? In his science fiction novel, The Year Before the End, author Vidar Hokstad claims that Mars is now habitable, and the number of people from Earth traveling there has increased over the past three decades.

The Year Before the End is the first book in a six-part series. It tells the story of Zara Ortega, also known as Zo, who frequently travels to Mars for work as a transport operator. Her job involves delivering weapons to warring factions in Tharsis City, and sometimes, she engages in illegal deals. As Zo becomes more experienced in her trade, she receives more clients.

One day, Zo receives an important job offer. The client wants her to steal a capsule from a heavily fortified station, and after careful consideration, Zo accepts the offer. She assembles a crew of six able-bodied individuals and briefs them on their mission.

Zo leads her team to the Vanguard station the spaceship, Black Rain. They successfully land and execute their plan to retrieve the item they were sent there for. However, they soon realize that they are in danger and are faced with several obstacles that they must overcome.

The Book and its Author
 
The Year Before the End is a captivating read that takes readers on a unique adventure beyond Earth. The author's vivid descriptions of the scenes make readers feel like they are right where the story happens. The book explores the possibility of tourism and human habitation on Mars, as well as the technicalities of the infrastructure and equipment used in outer space.

Although the book is well-written, the author's extensive technical descriptions in the first few chapters make it appear like an engineering manual. While this might appeal to engineering or architecture enthusiasts, it can be rather dull for the general reading public. The lack of dialogue in these chapters further contributes to the book's slow start.

However, the story quickly picks up pace after the technical descriptions, becoming fast-paced and action-packed. The author skillfully builds each character's persona and consistency throughout, making them relatable and engaging. The plot is well-organized, and the author is imaginative. 

Overall, The Year Before the End is a well-proofread work that is easy to follow. While the slow start and lack of dialogue may turn off some readers, it is still a recommended book for those who enjoy science fiction and fantasy stories. I give it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

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