Orbem by Scott V. Adrian
In one of my other reviews, I pondered an age-old question in the world of fiction — the difference between science fiction and fantasy.
Although the discussion is still in progress and probably will be for some time to come, the one thing that many seem to agree on is that possibility — that is, whether the elements of the novel could conceivably come to pass — is a major determining factor. Science fiction explores what is possible (even if it’s improbable), while fantasy explores the impossible. As Ray Bradbury put it, “Science fiction is really sociological studies of the future, things that the writer believes are going to happen by putting two and two together, it’s a logical projection.”
Mixing the possible and impossible might seem like a strictly impossible feat, however, in his new novel Orbem, author Scott V. Adrian has done exactly that.
A Mad Dash to Another Universe
In this sci-fi/portal fantasy, Dr. Graeme Milford, a 32 year old technologist and Japanese sword-fighting enthusiast, invents personal wormhole transportation at a secret research facility in Scotland full of scientific wonders using a laser that can cut through reality. His success turns into a nightmare as the unstoppable power-hungry tech CEO of ‘Foresight’ forces him and three of his new colleagues to run for their lives or risk being purged.
Using Graeme’s device, they flee to the only place Graeme can think of, Orbem, another universe full of fantasy. Elves, Fairies, Caninth (wolf humanoids), Harilizards (lizard humanoids) and a dark Sorcerer meet our scientists as they try to survive in hopes of discovering a way to return home and defeat the CEO.
Innovative Twists to Fantasy Staples
My favorite aspect of the book is without a doubt the universe Adrian has created. The world-building in Orbem is truly remarkable, transporting readers to a realm brimming with wonder and enchantment. Adrian seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction and fantasy, skillfully intertwining advanced technology with mythical creatures and magical beings.
The vividly described inhabitants of Orbem, including elves, fairies, animal-human hybrids and magic wielders, add multiple layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Rather than creating these diverse beings and simply writing them as stereotypes, as much fantasy tends to do, Adrian has infused them all with unique, nuanced traits that made them immediately memorable.
I also enjoyed the first-person narration, with the readers being placed in the shoes of the protagonist Graeme Milford. First person narration is something many books in fantasy/science fiction genres stay away from as it is difficult to pull off, however Adrian here has done exactly that. The viewpoint provides a window into the mind of Milford, immersing readers and making for a much more personal experience that any third-person perspective could accomplish. It was a fascinating experience watching Milford’s character develop from right over his shoulder.
Orbem uses humorous dialogue, energetic fight scenes and logic to make sense of a world unlike our own. In making sense of this new world, Orbem enthralls readers in its serpentine, unpredictable narrative and will feel right at home for fans of authors such as Brandon Sanderson, who create alien worlds themselves.
Scott V. Adrian was born in 1988 in Los Angeles, California.
He was allowed to indulge in media at an early age, leading to his love of cartoons and fantasy. Scott never missed the big fantasy/animated movie releases including any Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and super hero flicks.
Later in his teens, Scott found a love of anime. He contributes a lot of his story structure and flow to the hundreds of anime series he binged over the years. His distaste for dubbed animes is also what he thinks grew his reading abilities as subtitles were his preference.
Scott later went from a musician to professional piercer and then post production coordinator before landing on a long career as a software engineer. His resume includes programming for companies such as Disney, Warner Bros and Universal.
His wife is an extremely intelligent person who pushes him to do more and better with his life. His two daughters are an endless source of joy and imagination. Without them he feels he couldn’t imagine his work being any good.
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