
The Skutarans were a warlike group of aliens at the best of times, but when one of their most eminent scientists, Keldon Ankara is publicly humiliated and disgraced by the ruling council, for the direction of his research, he determines to escape and use that research to build an invincible army to return and vanquish the Emperor and rule, himself. Relocated on Earth, Ankara has a plan to infiltrate the brainwaves of millions of earthlings and raise an army to return and claim his homeland. In Aeon Rises by Jim Cronin, Justin Madrid, is a normal earth teenager (or so he thinks), in all respects; a typical geek who longs for acceptance amongst his peers, but cannot, for some reason, participate in the video and internet games so popular with those his age. His blinding headaches and nausea, when he looks at a computer screen are a big cause of concern for him. Justin must soon understand that he is not who he always thought he was, as he, his best friend Kevin, and a beautiful, young, Zarminan alien Myah will be pitched into a battle to save millions of earthlings from the evil machinations of Keldon Ankara.
This is not the first Jim Cronin book I have read and Aeon Rises continues a fine series of excellent science fiction stories from this author. What I particularly like about this author is that his science fiction is never way too outlandish or technologically complex for mere mortals such as myself to understand. Cronin instead focuses on the characters, their relationships and their trial and tribulations. In Aeon Rise, he has created a wonderful trio of three young characters who many will find the ability to identify with. Our hero Justin is a typical geek and along with his best friend Kevin they can quote almost any line from a series of genre films e.g. Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings etc. etc. When you throw in the idea of Justin having to deal with discovering his true identity and also the beautiful, romantic possibilities of the young Zarminan, Myah, you have all the elements of a wonderful young adult, science fiction tale. The idea of the triad bonding opened up all sorts of possibilities, for the future, for the author and I, for one, hope he chooses to explore these in his next books. This is a highly recommended read, from me, for basic science fiction buffs and young adults, alike. I loved this story.
