Tier Zero: Vol. I of the Knolan Cycle by D.B. Sayers
What if We’re Completely Wrong About First Contact?
Many of us who think about first contact, how it might happen and what it might mean have a couple of assumptions that drive our expectations as they are reflected in our stories. We assume that when (and if) first contact occurs, we’ll necessarily know about it. But will we? Another default assumption underpinning much of our speculative narratives about first contact is that it’s more likely than not that “aliens” will necessarily be both vastly different from us and possibly hostile. Given our own history, it’s not difficult to understand from whence those assumptions come. In reading the Knolan Cycle, discard forever all those assumptions.
In Tier Zero, first contact happened a little over thirty years ago, but life on Earth goes on, unaware. Marty Tellus, a graduate student at UCLA has been troubled by a recurring dream he can’t shake. An unsuspecting offspring of that contact, Marty’s chance meeting with Lysia Uupao, a Knolan Waykeeper posing as a foreign student draws him into a broadened reality laced with paradox—and entangling him in danger and the ancient war between Knola and their implacable enemies, the Valdrōsians—who covet Earth for their own reasons.
And the Knolans interest in Earth? It’s…complicated.
Tier Zero: Vol. I of the Knolan Cycle Review
I was compensated with a small amount for writing this review in exchange for my time and effort. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the publisher in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.
The story of Tier Zero: Volume I of the Knolan Cycle takes place in a world where people are blissfully unaware of a covert encounter that took place more than thirty years ago. This covert event introduces readers to the intricate network of the Knolan Cycle.
The main character of the story revolves around UCLA graduate student Marty Tellus, who unintentionally participated in the events that follow first contact. Marty is plagued by recurrent dreams, and his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Lysia Uupao, a Knolan Waykeeper posing as an international student. Marty is thrown into an intricately paradoxical world by this accidental encounter, where he finds himself embroiled in the long-running conflict between the powerful enemies of the Knolans, the Valdrōsians, and their own mysterious motivations for wanting Earth.
The book alternates between Marty and Lynyth’s points of view deftly, giving readers a complex understanding of what’s happening. A distinctive and engrossing reading experience is offered by the frequent switches between Marty and Lynyth’s second-person points of view, which are almost like reading from a third person. This storytelling technique improves the overall depth and engagement of the story by helping readers understand the holistic nature of the events as they unfold.
The use of two narratives greatly enhances the immersive experience because it allows readers to observe the events from a neutral perspective without feeling pressured to take a side. The narrative is permeated with a sense of anticipation and curiosity as the perspectives seamlessly weave together, creating a tension that grows naturally. The author avoids a simple “my side vs. their side” dichotomy by upholding this fine balance, which enables readers to connect with the narrative on a deeper level. By gradually revealing the whole story to readers, this narrative technique builds suspense and captivates them by fostering a nuanced understanding of the characters, their motivations, and the intricate threads connecting them.
The method of switching between their dual points of view also allowed for a more complex examination of the politics between humans and aliens on Earth. In contrast to the frequently one-sided focus found in many extraterrestrial tales, the narrative explores the complexities of both alien and human political landscapes.
The novel provides readers with an insight into the intricate political dynamics between the Knolans and the Valdrōsians, as well as how people react to these supernatural forces, by drawing them into the worlds of Marty and Lysia. This multifaceted strategy raises the story above a straightforward clash of civilizations by adding layers of depth to the overall narrative. The complex web of political scheming on Earth and Knola presents itself as an engrossing side plot that enhances the reading experience and makes political intrigue a vital and intriguing part of the larger narrative.
Sayers creates a compelling story by deftly fusing science fiction, romance, and intergalactic conflict. Readers are captivated by the atmosphere of suspense created by the characters’ enigmatic connections and the developing plot, which makes them want to discover the secrets hidden within the Knolan Cycle. The story is made richer and more intriguing by the juxtaposition of earthly and otherworldly elements, which draws the reader into previously unexplored areas.
At the heart of the narrative are Marty’s personal reflections and the evolving events on Knola. As Marty and Lysia’s connection deepens, and Lynyth navigates the complexities of strategic decisions, the story tantalizingly builds towards a convergence of perspectives. This convergence promises a revelation of the broader implications of the mysterious occurrences, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The stories of Marty and Lysia’s developing relationship, entwined with Lynyth’s calculated actions, weave a smooth web of difficulties and revelations. The book invites readers to consider the complexities of a reality that defies conventional expectations as it deftly explores themes of identity, destiny, and the aftermath of first contact.
Tier Zero: Vol. I of the Knolan Cycle is a compelling exploration of speculative fiction that challenges preconceived notions about first contact. D.B. Sayers has crafted a narrative that seamlessly melds genres, delivering a story that is not only thought-provoking but also emotionally resonant. As the characters navigate the complexities of their intertwined fates, readers are taken on a riveting journey that promises to linger in the imagination long after the final page.
Though Marty and Lysia do have romance, as an avid romance reader I found myself more engrossed in the political and plot attributes of the novel instead of the romance. This is supposed to be a compliment because that is how much the plot has captured my attention. If you are into science fiction and aliens I highly recommend this book!
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