THE CRYSTALLINE PLANET

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Traveling across the galaxy and chasing after his best friend was not the plan. Sam was meant to stay on the Earthen Moon Colony, cementing his seat at the Assembly as a prefect. His open, empathetic nature makes him an effective diplomat. That career path will have to wait. Now, he is on the planet Iloora, searching for Chris.

Chris is what they call a "digger," or archeologist, and has been missing for months without any communication. His mission is to find new resources on nearby planets before Earth's people deplete theirs. Sam retraces Chris' tracks to journey through mysterious landscapes that vaguely reflect Earth's environments. Each Parcel or region seems spiritually tied to crystals. These color-coded minerals enhance the special properties of the habitat and the unique abilities of those dwelling there. Sam risks everything to find his friend. Trusting the citizens to guide him on his journey, a universal picture reveals itself. He sees a critical mission beyond bringing Chris home.

Andresen skillfully creates an enchanting future world. Her elaborate descriptions of the landscapes use all five senses, successfully building an escape for readers. The quick-paced narrative is compelling. The characters are defined with vibrant details and further developed through the storyline. The author also treats the dialogue with intelligence and emotional depth. With its mystery, wonder, and anticipation, this book is an illustration of strong science fiction. Andresen incorporates aspects of life that reflect our current world, including complex politics, the disparity between rich and poor, and the conflict of protecting nature in the wake of harmful development. It is an exhilarating read with a unique adaptation of other intelligent life. Fans of this volume will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of its sequel.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

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CRYSTAL CAVERNS

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Crystal Caverns is a work of fiction in the fantasy, science fiction,
interpersonal drama, and adventure genres. It is suitable for mature
teen and new adult audiences. Penned by author S. B. Andresen,
the plot follows Sam as he reconnects with a childhood friend while
pursued across continents by a powerful organization known as the
PCO. Encounters with crystal caverns on Earth evoke memories of
Iloora and its inhabitants, deepening his connection to the
Crystalline planet. Sam uncovers secrets held by his father, the
Moon Colony's governing body, and the Keepers of Time. To
prevent damage to the fabric of time and space, he must halt
crystal mining. Sam's journey leads him to rediscover the beauty of
Earth and strive to rescue its children before they're stranded on
the moon forever.
Author S. B. Andresen utilizes a natural flair for drama and
characterization to craft an exhilarating adventure through realms
of mystery and discovery. Sam's quest for truth, intertwined with
themes of friendship and sacrifice, kept me engrossed in the
narrative from start to finish, and Sam and those around him were
gorgeously well-realized with vivid description and dialogue.
Andresen puts multi-sensory language and emotive, atmospheric
descriptions on the pages to show us a world where Earth's crystal
caverns serve as portals to another dimension, evoking a sense of
wonder and intrigue at every turn. Sam's journey of self-discovery
and redemption is sure to affect readers deeply thanks to the close
narrative viewpoint, and as he faced relentless pursuit by the PCO,
the tension of the narrative ramped up more and more. The
exploration of familial secrets and the consequences of unchecked
greed drove the stakes ever higher with a lot of well-paced, credible
twists that kept the logic of the story flowing well. Overall, Crystal
Caverns is a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy that is
guaranteed to give its readers a thrilling ride through realms of
imagination and possibility.

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Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

After a grueling journey to the crystalline planet Iloora, Sam returns
to the human colony on the Earth's moon with the lifeless body of
his dear friend Christopher. He grapples with the decision to
withhold the truth about Christopher's death, fearing the
consequences of revealing the existence of lifeforms on that planet.
But when the young man realizes the key to rejuvenating Earth lies
with him, Sam must confront the mysteries surrounding his friend's
death and the role of the enigmatic crystals in his quest. Will he
triumph, or will his adversaries finally seize the initiative? The
answers lie in S.B. Andresen's Crystal Caverns.
Set over a century into a future where most of humanity has
abandoned Earth for colonies on the moon, multiple factions are
involved in an intriguing story arc where familial tensions set the
tone. There is more to this adventure than meets the eye, as a
discerning reader will deduce from the relatively simple character
development and the several hints interwoven in the conversations.
Andresen's incorporation of traditional Native American names and
legends into the narrative offers a distinctive cultural element to a
story gradually coming into its own. What stands out is how
Andresen integrates numerous factions and activities into one
seamless plot. Fans of mysteries will be intrigued by the well-placed
clues. Sci-fi purists will enjoy Andresen's storytelling style, slow
pacing, and outstanding world-building. A romantic undertone is
added to an action-packed adventure by the possibility of a
romantic triangle involving Sam, Annie, and Kaya. S.B. Andresen
deserves praise for creating Crystal Caverns.

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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Crystal Caverns by S. B. Andresen, set in 2120, Sam embarks on
a journey of self-discovery, triggered by a book from his father's
office and comforting a grieving family. Memories flood back of his
past, including adventures with his parents. Annie's visit brings up
unresolved emotions and reveals her involvement in a quest for a
rainbow crystal, but Sam questions her motives. A vision leads him
to discover a cobalt crystal and meet Kaya, unveiling a connection
to ancient prophecies. Together, they embark on a journey, learning
truths about Earth's rulers and Sam's family secrets. Guided by
elders and Gaia's spirit, Sam embraces his role as a Keeper of Time.
Joined by Kaya and his father, they journey to Australia, facing
threats and betrayal, and Sam resolves to prevent further harm and
fulfill his destiny in restoring balance to Earth.
S. B. Andresen skillfully and immediately integrates exposition into
the narrative of Crystal Caverns to provide essential information
about the setting, history, and technology of the story world. Details
about the Iloora, the Assembly, the Moon Colony, Earth's demise,
and the indigenous communities are all brought out early enough to
enrich our understanding of the story's context. I loved the
foreshadowing and symbolism that hint at not only what has
transpired, but what is to come. For example, the recurring motif of
the red stone necklace symbolizes Sam's connection to his mother,
his heritage, and the larger quest he is destined to undertake.
Similarly, the ancient prophecies, the Keepers of Time, and the split
in universal balance foreshadows the epic journey and challenges
that lie ahead for Sam as he embraces his destiny. The writing is
simple and straightforward, making it accessible to readers who are
new to fantasy-science fiction hybrids, and I look forward to seeing
where the story goes next.