Still the Sun by Charlie Holmberg

This early review copy was provided to me by author Charlie N. Holmberg. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Still the Sun

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg

Publisher: 47North

Release Date: July 1, 2024

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction

Source: paperback, Author Direct

Pages: 303

Synopsis

An ancient machine holds the secrets of a distant world’s past for two intimate strangers in the latest romantic fantasy adventure by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Pell is an engineer and digger by trade—unearthing and repairing the fascinating artifacts left behind by the mysterious Ancients who once inhabited the sunbaked planet of Tampere. She’ll do anything to help the people of her village survive and to better understand the secrets of what came before.

Heartwood and Moseus are keepers of a forbidding tower near the village of Emgarden. Inside are the remnants of complex machines the likes of which Pell has never seen. Considering her affinity for Ancient tech, the keepers know Pell is their only hope of putting the pieces of these metal puzzles together and getting them running. The tower’s other riddle is Heartwood himself. He is an enigma, distant yet protective, to whom Pell is inexplicably drawn.

Pell’s restoration of this broken behemoth soon brings disturbing visions—and the discovery that her relationship to it could finally reveal the origins of the towers’ strange keepers and the unfathomable reason the truth has been hidden from her.

Thoughts

I was completely captivated by "Still the Sun" — a gem crafted by Charlie N. Holmberg. Holmberg's writing style resonates with me deeply, demonstrating an exceptional talent for storytelling that is both compelling and memorable.

The story transported me back to my younger years; it was reminiscent of the classic science fiction movies I would watch at my dad's house. The plot was absolutely captivating, with a rich narrative that unfolded with every page. The mystery surrounding the characters of Heartwood and Moseus, as well as the unbreachable tower they guard, kept me glued to the pages, eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.

Every fresh revelation in the story caught me by surprise, leaving me gasping in awe and anticipation. The author has a knack for suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, making it impossible to put the book down.

One aspect of the book I particularly enjoyed was the in-depth exploration of engineering science. Whenever the character Pell discussed her machinery and her tinkering, I was utterly fascinated. It was akin to the dense scientific details found in classic science fiction novels, the kind that make you feel like you're not just being entertained, but also educated.

The world-building in this book is nothing short of remarkable. Set in the world of Tampere, the lore of the Serpent and the Well of Creation is beautifully intricate and exquisitely detailed. The way Holmberg weaves these elements into the narrative is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

I must admit, I would be ecstatic if Holmberg decided to write a sequel to this story. There are so many elements of this world that I'd love to explore further, and I'm sure other readers would feel the same.

Last but certainly not least, I was completely enamored with the blossoming, forbidden romance between Pell and Heartwood. The emotional depth and complexity of their relationship added another layer to the story, making it even more engrossing. Holmberg has a talent for creating compelling romantic leads - in fact, she knows exactly how to craft the perfect "book boyfriend".

In conclusion, "Still the Sun" is an extraordinary book that offers a captivating storyline, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters. It's a testament to Holmberg's talent as a writer, and I always look forward to reading more of her work.