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Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite
The Crystalline Planet by S. B. Andresen is a highly symbolic tale on the old topic of good against evil. It is played out on an uncharted planet that emits strong and strange energy lines which catch the attention of Earth dwellers who can see profit in exploring it and maybe conquering the peaceful inhabitants. One of two friends, Christopher, is sent there to investigate but disappears, prompting the other, Sam, to follow looking for him. He finds himself surrounded by lovingly peaceful locals who will help him find Christopher. He wanders from community to community, finding different dwellings, habits, attitudes, and soon he is thrown into the middle of a conflict he had not suspected. The age-old argument about social justice is displayed halfway through the novel and the sides are clearly stated. It boils down to compassion versus greed, sharing versus ownership. We only get to know Christopher to a lesser degree but Sam’s character is drawn a lot more intimately; we are there with him in his mind as he mulls over his experiences.
The world-building is breathtaking in its detail, the descriptions are vivid and evocative, the dialogue flows naturally. This story has been written before in sci-fi literature but seldom so vividly that the reader explores the alien world as if being a present participant. I had a deeply spiritual experience reading S. B. Andresen’s The Crystalline Planet and was enchanted by the imagery, the characters, and the underlying message: we are all one, death is only a step forward. The last truth Sam discovered is: “Love is the answer! They need to know what it feels to love each other, not just depend on each other!”
As Sam moves from one ‘Parcel’ to the next, he encounters unique characters who are intriguingly different yet share the same need for physical and emotional rejuvenation provided by their crystalline planet. This is the most symbolic part of the novel; the reader is forced to realize that we all need some form of inspiration to sustain our humanity. The pacing is excellent, leading the book from mystery to crisis and the final solution. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I can recommend The Crystalline Planet to anyone who wants to go on an ethical and spiritual adventure.
