Book Review: Wistful Ascending by JCM Berne

"Wistful Ascending," the first novel in the Hybrid Helix series by JCM Berne, is a fusion of superhero saga and space opera that is innovative in its storytelling and rich character development.

Centered on Rohan, a hybrid of human and alien heritage from the imperialist il’Drach race, the narrative explores his quest for a quieter existence after a decade of interstellar conflict, offering a unique blend of action, introspection, and some humour.

Rohan's journey unfolds on the space station Wistful, where he seeks anonymity, utilizing his formidable powers in a mundane role. However, the arrival of refugees via a newly activated wormhole propels him back into the fray, challenging his aspirations for peace. Berne skilfully navigates Rohan's internal struggles and external conflicts, weaving a tale that is as much about self-discovery as it is about space battles and alien diplomacy​​​​​​.

The universe Berne crafts is vivid and diverse, populated with intriguing alien races, including the novel's strangely endearing space bears, the Ursans. The inclusion of sentient spaceships and stations also adds layers to the worldbuilding, enriching the narrative with a sense of wonder and complexity. Despite the overarching themes of heroism and conflict, the novel doesn't shy away from moments of levity and the exploration of personal relationships, particularly the nuanced romance between Rohan and Tamara, an alien with secrets of her own​​​​​​.

Berne's prose is crisp, striking a balance between the kinetic energy of action sequences and the thoughtful pacing of character-driven moments. While the narrative does experience some pacing issues, particularly in its initial stages, and occasional abrupt shifts in tone, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging and well-executed story.

The novel's exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the cost of war lends depth to the high-stakes action and fantastical elements, does I have to admit make "Wistful Ascending" a compelling read for fans of both science fiction and superhero genres​​​​​​.

In summary, "Wistful Ascending" is a book that promises much for the subsequent instalments of the Hybrid Helix series.

Berne's ability to blend action, character depth, and worldbuilding with a deft hand makes for a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Whether you're drawn to the allure of space operas, the thrill of superhero narratives, or the complexity of character-driven science fiction, "Wistful Ascending" delivers a richly satisfying experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Rohan's journey.

*Some of you might be surprised I would review this book after recent dramas on X. Well, I may be a lot of things, but I will always be fair to an author’s works.*