The Augur’s View is a work of science fiction penned by author Victoria Lehrer, and it forms the first novel in the New Earth Chronicles series. Set across space and time with a cyclical narrative that connects the ancient to the modern, this exciting and action packed novel focuses on an apocalyptic event which has devastating and fascinating consequences for planet Earth: the Solar Flash. After the Solar Flash hits, hybrid heroine Eena teams up with fellow survivor Gavin to investigate the effects of the storms and the secret work being undertaken by those who knew the storms were coming. What results is a terrifying mystery with conspiracies that will take a trip to another world to resolve.

Whilst not terribly graphic in nature, this is certainly a complex and adult science fiction tale which requires a good head for plot to get around. Author Victoria Lehrer blends sinister politics that echo today with ancient legends and disaster movie effects, creating a layered and intriguing read for the near future of Earth. It is well written, with fluid prose that puts across the concept very well, and the dialogue serves to uncover the story line naturally as Eena gets deeper and closer to the truth. Though not a character-led tale, the central figures are well developed, capable heroes who carry the story to a credible conclusion, but one that also leaves room for more. Overall, I’d recommend The Augur’s View for fans of both complex science fiction and literary, thoughtful works.

Power lines and generation systems melt, causing fires to rage out of control in The Augur's View. Airliners in flight crash around the world. A powered genetic elite, given forewarning of the event, have emerged from their underground sanctuaries to rule over the rubble. A few survivors have escaped the control of the newly established Union of the Americas, forming a small community of like-minded free people in the mountains around Durango, Colorado. But there is more going on here besides a human political struggle. Forces more advanced than humans are also in play and it's unclear what their objectives will be in the end. The blast has also activated normally-recessive DNA in the survivors. Eena is a hybrid member of the elite faction who defects to join those living in freedom. Along the way she rediscovers the lost continent of Mu and a race of large birds, called augurs, which can be bonded and flown by human riders. As the elite works to rebuild aircraft and consolidate power, the augur riders stand in opposition.

Victoria Lehrer has written a compelling kickoff to the New Earth Chronicle series with The Augur's View. She presents a dystopian world as it exists post Solar Blast, a coronal mass ejection which fries the electronics of every unshielded device in the world. Victoria Lehrer has tackled a story with a huge number of initial plot elements in play, and done it well. The Augur's View sets the stage for what will almost certainly be a worthy series. I particularly liked Gavin and his heroic quest struggles to fit into the augur rider community. Dora's serendipitous introduction was handled adroitly and she will also be an interesting character to follow. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second installment.

The Augur's View by Victoria Lehrer is an exciting science fiction tale. Eena, an Anunnaki/human hybrid, is one of those left to fend for themselves above ground when the solar flash hit, storms wreaking havoc across the planet. Forewarned, the controllers headed underground and waited. Tracking Eena down, they offer her a choice. She is descended from Roya blood and they want her to oversee the cloning of a new workforce. If she chooses not to, she will remain one of the Worker Force. Horrified, Eena runs and finds herself in a new world as she goes through the last portal to Mu, an ancient world that may hold the answers, where the giant augurs fly. Solar Flash is starting to switch on a secret human DNA component that has lain dormant for millennia – a secret guarded closely by those forewarned by ancient writings. Eena needs the augurs’ help – will they give it? Will human sovereignty reign once more?

The Augur’s View by Victoria Lehrer is a thrilling science fiction story, parts of it closer to the truth than we may ever know! The story jumps right into the action on the first page and there is no let up for the entire read. Victoria has created a compelling story, filled with action, suspense and intrigue. Her characters are wonderful, developed fully with enough backstory to give them an air of reality. The story is paced well; no dead spots where nothing happens, just steady thrilling adventure all the way. A reader could probably draw a number of parallels between this story and what might happen in real-life should nuclear war erupt. Great story, you won't put it down. Can't wait for book 2!

The Augur's View by Victoria Lehrer is a spellbinding science fiction story that thrusts the reader into a dystopian setting. A powerful Solar Flash has devastated Earth, but before it hit home with its impact, a select few already knew about it, thanks to secrets contained in an ancient manuscript. The controllers go underground with their followers and the military, only emerging after the devastation. This remnant of humanity is on the hunt for the hybrid creature, Eena, and Gavin, who are among those left. The current rulers offer her a new status and she finds herself working in a lab to clone infants for reasons that are strangely dubious. She is caught in a web of intrigue, because there are some that hold an even deadlier secret. Discovering the portal to ancient Mu, she hopes to have freedom at last for her and her kind. But it’s just the beginning.

What makes this novel unique? First, it is the dystopian setting and the dramatic images against the backdrop of a splintering Union of the Americas in the year 2034. This setting and the phenomenal event of the Solar Flash create the environment where intrigue and the quest for power develops, a conflict that is fueled by secrets associated with an ancient manuscript. The plot has many levels and it is interesting how the author allows the conflict to evolve in the different points of the plot. The Augur's View features memorable characters, an ingeniously plotted story, a phenomenal conflict, and a world that is exciting to navigate, a blend of a dying Earth and another dimension. The Augur's View by Victoria Lehrer is a riveting, exceptional story for fans of dystopian and science fiction novels.