Review: In the Orbit of Sirens by T.A. Bruno

Readers are thrown into two fascinating futures on a convergence course in author T.A. Bruno’s multifaceted new sci-fi novel, In the Orbit of Sirens (The Song of Kamaria Book 1).

Humanity’s last shreds of hope lie in interstellar lifeboats sailing towards Kamaria, a planet of endless possibility and mystery. Advanced alien races and desperate humans inevitable clash, but must ultimately compromise, if peace can ever be maintained. Denton Castus, a rugged everyman who rises to extraordinary challenges, and Eliana Veston, a proud and brilliant researcher, are forced into the middle of life-or-death negotiations, and a violent crossroads for the future of more than one species.

It feels inevitable that Eliana and Denton will cross paths eventually, and their tangled routes towards purpose and destiny form the solid core of this novel. The broader story, however, is an action-packed adventure from top to bottom – there always seems to be a gun pointed at someone’s head, time running out for a desperate scheme, or another surprisingly dark twist in the plot. The technological and futuristic side of the tale is also complemented with a fantasy edge – of spirits and ghosts and inexplicable phenomena. Bruno bends reality at will, with an imagination that fires on all cylinders throughout the story.

The 300-year time jumps between past and present day are an interesting choice, and allow for a great balance of action, a desperate battle against the invisible threat to humanity’s last hope, and the violent conflict that sent Denton Castus to the stars centuries earlier. The creativity and world-building on both sides of the timeline shine, with original alien species and unexpected galactic dynamics to learn. The horrific and metamorphic qualities of the Undriel, and their deeply disturbing battle strategies, are something few readers will forget anytime soon. The future tech, the “character” of Homer, and the creation of two different fictional timelines keep the energy and intrigue high in every chapter.

While the story is a wild and unpredictable ride, the execution of the plot could be improved in various ways. Even in the first few pages, there are overly convenient discoveries and coincidences that feel like cut corners. This instant gratification within the prose happens regularly, which undercuts the chance for much suspense. The existential threat of lung-lock being mirrored against the relatable threats that chased humanity out into the stars has some allegorical merit, and there are a number of timely symbols for readers today, but opportunities for big-picture philosophy and thematic messaging are often missed. This story has an undeniably epic quality, but the language doesn’t always match up to that mood, with some of the exposition being too densely packed, rather than allowing readers to slowly immerse themselves in the story.

Despite these small shortcomings, this is an excellent first installment of what will hopefully be a long and exciting series. Setting up a seemingly endless supply of new worlds to build and histories to create, In the Orbit of Sirens is an impressive debut from T.A. Bruno.