The Delphine

The Last Ark Book 2

Fiction - Science Fiction
441 Pages
Reviewed on 10/08/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Delphine: Haunter Grey Prequel 2 by Ross C. Miller explores the complexities of time travel through the eyes of its protagonist, Wakanda. Set on the mysterious planet Bethel, the story follows her journey through space and time as she attempts to prevent the Wilson Concurrence. This ambitious undertaking raises questions about fate, morality, and the true cost of wielding power. The narrative becomes even more layered as readers follow Dakota, who faces similar moral challenges, leading to profound insights about the delicate balance between what's possible and what's right. Miller's intricate plotting and philosophical approach create a story that resonates on multiple levels, challenging readers to consider the implications of changing history while maintaining a compelling narrative.

Author Ross C. Miller always delivers a masterful blend of hard science fiction and deep moral questioning that keeps his series on a different level from most time travel stories, and fans of the Haunter Grey saga will not be disappointed by this exciting new installment. Miller brings Bethel to life, creating a world that feels authentic despite its alien nature, thanks to all the little details and atmospheric touches that make it feel authentically lived in. This is an author who knows his story world inside out, and he pens each scene with confidence and a smooth, proven narrative style that is easy to read. Miller's treatment of time travel also avoids common tropes, instead focusing on the emotional and philosophical implications of altering history, which is an interesting and original angle. The character of Wakanda develops in fascinating ways, becoming someone readers can relate to even as she grapples with extraordinary circumstances. The speech and thought presentation allows readers to get very close to her innermost thoughts and feelings. I also really appreciated the way Miller weaves together multiple timelines while maintaining clarity, and his ability to make complex temporal concepts accessible to readers without oversimplifying or belittling them shows off his skill as a writer. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend The Delphine to readers seeking thoughtful science fiction that challenges both mind and heart.

Cecelia Hopkins

The Delphine: The Last Ark Book 2 by Ross C. Miller commences with the birth of twins on the space settlement of Bethel. Winona and Wakanda Somers are both remarkably intelligent, but Winona is destined to be the “Guide” while Wakanda "sees" mathematics. One day Wakanda discovers she can move in space and time simply by mentally adjusting formulae. This exciting discovery is followed by Wakanda’s observation of an anomaly and she resolves to save the lives of a crew of intelligent “bug-people.” Wakanda continues to jump back and forth in time, righting wrongs as she sees them. Sometimes there is the risk of destroying the future, and failures come at a great emotional cost. In the role of The Delphine, she is followed by her nephew Dakota and other descendants to Tacoma.

The Delphine by Ross C. Miller contained genuine speculative elements that reminded me of the golden age of "scientifiction". The world-building was impressive throughout, and the plot was informed by the theories of mathematics, laws of physics, and various conundrums surrounding time travel. I enjoyed the descriptions of animal life on Bethel and the depictions of ships in outer space. My sympathies were always with the Rajinistas who were being hunted by the Unity. On the other hand, I respected Wakanda’s remorse for the loss of life she caused among the Unity fleet. The position of Delphine somehow reminded me of the oracle of Delphi from ancient Greece, as Wakanda was informed and rendered wise by her visits to the past. This work belongs among the award-winning volumes of classic science fiction.

Doreen Chombu

The Delphine by Ross C. Miller is a science fiction novel that follows the story of twins Wakanda and Winona. Born from an unusual pregnancy, the twins are destined for greatness. Winona develops strong social and communication skills, earning the title of the People’s Guide. Meanwhile, Wakanda discovers, with the help of Ai—an advanced artificial intelligence system—that she has the power to manipulate space and time. She begins to practice and hone her abilities in a secluded area, which leads to unexpected consequences as she alters timelines and creates parallel realities. As Wakanda's powers grow, she inadvertently attracts the attention of intergalactic species and uncovers a family mission connected to their creator.

The Delphine is a prequel to the final volumes in the Last Ark: Haunter Grey series by Ross C. Miller. The story delves into themes of family ties, space and time travel, mathematics, and science, while also incorporating religious elements that form the foundation of the characters' journeys. The concept of destiny plays a significant role, highlighting the complex interplay between free will and predestination. The narrative explains how tragic events in history are necessary for shaping the future. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Wakanda and Winona, which emphasizes the importance of loyalty and trust. Their future descendants also play crucial roles in continuing their legacy and staying connected to the divine. The realistic art enhances the narrative and offers a vivid depiction of the characters. This is an intriguing read and a must-have for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking science-fiction dramas that explore deep philosophical themes and character development.

Rabia Tanveer

The Delphine is the second book in the Haunter Grey Prequel series by Ross C Miller. The story centers on Wakanda, the twin sister of the future People's Guide, born with a unique ability to manipulate her "numbers," allowing her to traverse space and time. Driven by a desire to prevent the devastating Wilson Concurrence, Wakanda attempts to alter history by traveling back to Earth's past. However, her pursuit of rewriting history comes with profound challenges and unforeseen consequences as she learns that just because one can change the past doesn’t mean one should. The stakes are high, and the cost of change is far too high! Does Wakanda have what it takes to change the course of the future?

The Delphine was more entertaining than I anticipated. Author Ross C Miller’s narrative masterfully balances intricate world-building with deep philosophical undertones. The story has a fast pace that grows steadily, seamlessly transitioning between moments of high tension and character development. Wakanda is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts and growth anchor the narrative. The concept of manipulating numerical values to control space and time is intriguing and adds a unique dimension to the story. It offers a unique twist that I didn’t anticipate! The descriptions are vivid and engaging, immersing readers in Bethel’s culture. The Delphine is a thought-provoking and captivating story that leaves readers eager to see how the saga unfolds. I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Manik Chaturmutha

Ross C. Miller's The Delphine unfolds on the space settlement of Bethel, following the intertwined lives of twins Winona and Wakanda Somers. While Winona is groomed as the spiritual "Guide," Wakanda discovers she can manipulate time and space through mathematical calculations. The novel chronicles her daring interventions, from saving the lives of alien "bug-people" to attempting to avert catastrophic events. Wakanda's abilities come at immense personal cost, including physical injuries and moral dilemmas that weigh heavily on her conscience. Her timeline-altering endeavors highlight the delicate balance between free will and predestination, ultimately shaping the future of humanity in Bethel and beyond. The narrative concludes with Wakanda's legacy passed to her nephew, Dakota, emphasizing the cyclic nature of destiny and evolution. 

In The Delphine, Ross C. Miller crafts a fascinating narrative that beautifully merges scientific concepts, philosophical questions, and immersive world-building. Bethel, the settlement planet, symbolizes humanity's resilience in the face of galactic struggles and environmental issues. The vivid descriptions of its unique creatures, advanced technology, and diverse societal structures enhance the believability of this universe. The story unfolds primarily through Wakanda's eyes as she begins to grasp her exceptional abilities. Her knack for mathematical precision allows her to traverse time and space, providing a genuinely original twist in speculative fiction. The novel also introduces intelligent alien species like the Rajinistas. Miller effectively engages with well-known sci-fi themes, presenting them in a nuanced manner that encourages deeper reflection and avoids the pitfalls of straightforward good-versus-evil narratives. What truly makes this story resonate, though, is Wakanda's emotional journey—her sacrifices and moral struggles bring depth to her character and make her relatable to readers. Miller's writing deftly combines technical intricacies with heartfelt moments. The focus on how choices shape lives and the interconnectedness of actions really elevates the story, providing a thought-provoking read. Overall, The Delphine is an engaging exploration of humanity's role in the universe, perfect for fans who appreciate a blend of science with philosophy. With its imaginative reach and layered storytelling, it certainly is a must-read.

Luwi Nyakansaila

The Delphine by Ross C. Miller is a captivating tale that begins with the discovery of an invisible twin in a woman’s womb, leading to the birth of two extraordinary girls, Winona and Wakanda. Raised in a unique environment, the girls grow into intelligent women. Wakanda discovers she has remarkable mathematical and time-manipulating abilities that allow her to traverse space and time. As she navigates through time, she grapples with her evolving powers and the implications of her actions on both the past and the future. The time paradoxes she creates prompt her to question the concepts of personal will and divine purpose. Fortunately, Wakanda begins to understand not only her purpose but also that of her family. The vision of trillions dying due to her actions forces her to reflect on the morality of her abilities. However, witnessing the good that her family will accomplish in the future, alongside the battle between good and evil, reinforces her resolve to fulfill her destiny.

Family bonds, love, romance, science, space and time travel, and faith, The Delphine is a compelling story that has all this and more. It takes the reader through unexpected twists and turns that keep them engaged from start to finish, addressing complex conundrums that challenge the intellect. I particularly enjoyed the element of mystery, which keeps readers pondering Wakanda's destiny and the reason for her invisibility in her mother's womb. Both Wakanda and the other Delphine characters are unique, each with their own complexities and growth arcs. As this book is part of a series and serves as a prequel to future installments, it provides valuable insights into the origins of the Unity conflict and the beginnings of different species. The story is well thought out, seamlessly connecting to the other volumes in the series, exploring themes of futuristic advanced science, religion, and family legacy. For fans of Ross C. Miller's Last Ark — Haunter Grey series, this is an excellent addition to the saga and a wonderful read.