by
Marc Corwin
Deep within the hidden headquarters of the Galactic Corps, Admiral Thomas Nathaniel Burns ponders the mysteries of the universe. The sudden discovery of Vixus, a planet with the ability to reverse its rotation, sets in motion a series of events that leads Captain Knight and the crew of the Indiana on a mission to investigate its unique properties. As they venture to the outer reaches of the Milky Way, they encounter unexpected obstacles, elusive truths, and a power struggle that could reshape the galaxy. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, the race to uncover Vixus’ secrets becomes a high-stakes endeavor.
From the first chapter, readers are drawn into the story of Supreme Commander Jason Cody and his quest for justice and revenge against the dark forces. The first pages show Cody imprisoned by unknown captors. Another key character, Lieutenant Janet “Cat” Miles, enters the picture as he navigates his captivity. Cat is a skilled warrior and leader of an elite combat force. She is also taken prisoner, and to her surprise, she finds herself confined alongside Cody, who disappeared years ago after accidentally going through a wormhole on Neptune’s dark side. Their meeting marks a pivotal moment as they must learn to lean on each other to survive their shared ordeal.
“The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side” highlights the significance of trust between these two leaders and features adventures, aliens, exciting battles, and mysterious elements.
Marc Corwin captivates readers with a premise that challenges their understanding of the galaxy and presents a mystery to unravel. His world-building is remarkable, immersing readers in a future where technology and space travel have evolved to new frontiers. He balances scientific concepts with storytelling, making complex ideas understandable. And that is why readers can easily follow along as they journey alongside the characters through a thrilling space opera.
As the story unfolds, this book brings readers to a world where the boundaries of known science are tested, and the quest for wisdom becomes a race against time. The characters are well-developed, each with their motivations and flaws. Their camaraderie allows readers to connect emotionally with their triumphs and setbacks.
One of the strengths of the writing is its exploration of scientific theories. Corwin seamlessly integrates elements of astrophysics, wormholes, and parallel universes into the narrative, providing an intellectually stimulating experience. The book also explores the themes of trust, survival, and sacrifice and effectively blends fiction and fantasy, making it a must-read for fans of both genres. In addition, it is important to mention the philanthropic aspect of the book. The fact that half of the royalties earned from the sale will be donated to the Grace Science Foundation is a worthy initiative. This foundation aims to aid in developing cost-effective cures for rare diseases that affect millions of people globally.
With “The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side,” readers will find themselves engrossed in the quest to uncover the secrets of Vixus, pondering the vastness of the Milky Way and contemplating the limits of human knowledge. Corwin’s work is recommended for those who seek an exploration of the cosmos and those who relish a quirky impression of storylines not often found in novels of this genre.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2024
