This was not for me. I did end up DNF-ing, but I do believe that it could be someone else's favorite book. Just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't make it a bad book. Despite my own dislike, I do encourage others to give it a chance. I simply found it hard to enjoy and boring to read.

The authors never use one short sentence when three long sentences will do, and it quickly became tedious to read. Here's an example:

"A faint vibration came from Michael's pocket. It was his phone, demanding attention. Mindful of the person seated next to him, he kept his elbow close to his body as he struggled to extract the device. After considerable effort, he finally succeeded. Straightening himself, his eyes fell on the screen, revealing a new message."

Or you could just say, "Michael's phone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out - with some difficulty because of the crowded tram - and saw a message from his sister." That's 25 words in two sentences, and it conveys slightly more information than the 54 words in five sentences above.

A lot of those long sentences involve an introductory participle (like the last sentence quoted above), and occasionally those participles dangle, referring to something other than the grammatical subject of the sentence. There are also a few issues with tense (missing past perfect, mingling of past and present), the usual excess commas between adjectives, and some odd or incorrect use of vocabulary, like "she glanced the woman" instead of "she glimpsed" or "she glanced at". It's well within the normal range of errors, probably better than average, but that tedious, long-winded prose means there's not much plot per thousand words, and slows the pace to a crawl even in the action scenes. I only got 5% of the way through, so I can't say much about characterization, worldbuilding, or plot; it moved so slowly I hadn't seen much of any of those yet, just wordy narration of the mundane and obvious.

I received a pre-release version from Netgalley for review, and some of the minor issues may be fixed before publication.

Book Review: Worlds of Eternity: Where Magic is Known Among the Universe by Aaron Hillsbery & Allen Hillsbery
Aaron and Allen Hillsbery’s Worlds of Eternity: Where Magic is Known Among the Universe is a thrilling and imaginative sci-fi fantasy that seamlessly merges spacefaring adventures, interstellar conflicts, and the wonder of magical discovery. This novel, a blend of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and compelling character arcs, successfully bridges the genres of science fiction and fantasy in a way that feels both fresh and deeply engaging.

An Expansive Universe
The story takes readers across a vast, intricately imagined universe where magic is as integral to existence as advanced technology. The Hillsberys excel in crafting a cosmos filled with wonder and danger, where starships coexist with mystical invokers capable of wielding powers beyond human comprehension. The duality of magic and science feels natural, offering a sense of depth and balance to the narrative’s setting. The attention to detail in the descriptions of the Kaljerian Legion’s ships and the mystical aspects of the Invoker Corum enriches the immersion, making the universe feel alive and complex.

A Tale of Two Worlds
The plot revolves around two main characters: Aryssa Mathis, a seasoned regent of the Invoker Corum, and Michael Weller, an ordinary Earthling whose life is turned upside down by his accidental involvement in an intergalactic conflict. Their paths intertwine in a story that is as much about personal transformation as it is about the struggle against the enigmatic Kaljerian Legion.

Aryssa’s journey is one of resilience and duty. Her mission, riddled with unforeseen dangers, showcases her as a character of strength and vulnerability. Her stoic determination in the face of betrayal and relentless pursuit by the Kaljerian Legion makes her a relatable and inspiring figure. Meanwhile, Michael’s arc provides a grounded, human perspective to the story’s high-stakes galactic drama. His evolution from an everyman into a burgeoning invoker highlights themes of self-discovery and the courage it takes to embrace a new identity.

The Kaljerian Threat
The Kaljerian Legion serves as a menacing and mysterious antagonist. Their dark armor and advanced technology evoke a sense of dread, and their relentless pursuit of Aryssa raises intriguing questions about their motives. The authors smartly avoid reducing them to mere villains, suggesting deeper, more complex motivations that tease readers and set the stage for potential revelations in future installments.

Themes of Choice and Transformation
At its heart, Worlds of Eternity is about the choices we make and the transformative power of those decisions. Michael’s decision to join the Invoker Corum after discovering his latent abilities reflects the universal yearning for purpose and belonging. His internal conflict—whether to remain in his familiar, safe life on Earth or to venture into the unknown—resonates deeply, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Similarly, Aryssa’s commitment to her mission, despite the personal costs, underscores the themes of duty and sacrifice. These parallel journeys enrich the novel’s thematic depth, making it not just an adventure but also a meditation on identity and destiny.

Strengths and Highlights
World-Building: The novel’s world-building is superb. From the sleek, threatening vessels of the Kaljerian Legion to the mystical rites of the Invoker Corum, every detail feels purposeful and vivid.
Character Dynamics: The chemistry between Aryssa and Michael is subtle but effective. Their partnership evolves naturally, avoiding clichéd romantic tropes while focusing on mutual respect and shared purpose.
Pacing and Action: The narrative strikes a good balance between quiet moments of reflection and high-octane action sequences. The ambushes, battles, and magical duels are thrilling and well-choreographed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many areas, there are moments where the dense exposition, especially in the early chapters, can feel overwhelming. The authors dedicate a significant portion of the opening to world-building, which, while necessary, might slow the story's momentum for some readers. Additionally, Michael’s transformation into an invoker happens rather quickly, leaving less room for an in-depth exploration of his initial struggles or the learning curve of mastering magic.

Final Thoughts
Worlds of Eternity: Where Magic is Known Among the Universe is an ambitious and enthralling work that delivers on its promise of intergalactic intrigue and magical wonder. Aaron and Allen Hillsbery have crafted a story that appeals to fans of both genres, offering a rich narrative filled with memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and breathtaking world-building.

While not without minor flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh, imaginative take on the intersection of magic and science fiction. With its blend of personal journeys and universal stakes, Worlds of Eternity leaves readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this fascinating universe.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Absolutely loved the storyline and look forward to the continuation of this story. Overall great world building with great characters.

This was a strong start to the Worlds of Eternity series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed how good the overall story was told. It had a great world that was built and enjoyed the overall concept. It had that element that left me wanting to read more in this world and characters. Aaron Hillsbery & Allen Hillsbery has that element that I wanted and was glad I got to read this.