I enjoyed this book. The author created an interesting future world with resulting ethical dilemmas. The story included a mix of the usual hero, baddy, baddy’s cohorts and those trying to stop the baddy and vision a better world. I thought the conflict/fighting scenes were well written and I was invested in the main character. ( )

This story is a good choice for those that enjoyed "The 100" series.

Due to genetic engineering, a group of people have "accidentally" become immortal. As the immortals became more common, the mortals grew to fear them as the two groups began fighting, leading to the mortals leaving Earth for the Moon and Mars.

Fast forward 100 years, and the immortals (and the Earth) seem to be thriving on their own. That is, until mortal Riva shows up at immortal Trace Martin's door. Turns out, not all mortals left. Instead, a large number of them were underground in stasis as they had planned to release a biological weapon that would wipe out the immortals.

A solar flare wrecked their plans just after they entered stasis, but now it's up to Riva to figure out what's happened in the last century before her commander returns the surviving mortals to stasis and reinitiates the bioweapon.

To be honest, the story was a bit slow to get through at first as there's a lot of sci-fi jargon and details thrown at you immediately. It feels a little like the writing expects you to already be at least moderately familiar with the world before the story starts. This writing style did make some of the story hard to visualize fully throughout the book but I was able to settle in reasonably once the plot starts picking up.

I read an arc copy so this *might* be addressed already in final publishing but there were also a few moments where there were some continuity discrepancies that pulled me out of the story briefly. Namely, when Riva tells Trace and Jana that she's not sure that Moon Command is even there to receive her call for help, despite her having had a full on conversation with her just hours prior.

Overall, there's definitely some writing issues that could do with some further editing for ease of reading, but a very interesting story! ( )

This book delivered its storyline in a bell-curve pattern. The first 10% consisted of character building and human divisiveness leaks; the next 70% got my adrenaline elevated as I followed the main character as she raced to stop Armageddon; and the last 20% was the main character's anxiety about how to govern the two conflicting sides of humanity, both mortal and immortal. After the book’s middle 70%, its building climax, I felt let down by the mundanity of governance issues. The book could have ended better absent the author’s philosophical narration about that topic.

A law professor I once had said, ‘If you have a weak argument, use a big word. Most of the jury won’t know what it means and will be too self-conscious to admit it. Also, it leaves them with the impression that you’re smart so you must know what you're talking about during your argument.’ The last part of the book gave me the impression that the author wrote it while making frequent references to a thesaurus to find her big words.

Despite these thoughts, I think Lauren Keyes, the author, is on the road to writing success. Worlds Apart is well worth the read. And being the first book in her series, it can stand on its own as a complete read while hinting at future mortal-immortal storylines. Riva Dorn, her main character, intends to remedy the two human variants’ divisiveness through persuasive leadership. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see how that goes. ( )

Only a few days after I finished this and already I can remember very little about it which is about as much as needs to be said. It's ok, neither terrible nor great. the opening paragraphs of the prologue are actually some of the best writing in the book, a philosophical science fiction treaty on what might have been and why. Instead the story itself feels petty and frequently unbelievable. It is a hard task in SF to make the technology fit the world you've built, but Keyes hasn't really managed it.

The premise is that a genetic cure for aging was found, but only the rich and their descendants could afford it leading to social division - so far so possible. The unmodified, revolted and managed to devise a killer weapon, a tailored genetic virus - his would kill them too, but they had a plan. They would enter hibernation for a hundred years and re-awake to a world fit for their own managing the past mistakes having been erased. Unfortunately their plan failed when a solar surge overwhelms the release technology and most of the hibernation equipment. The book opens with a few survivors of 'normal' humanity awakening to a world mostly populated by the long living modified descendants. We follow a couple of both groups who unlike their leaders realise that cooperation might be possible.

The consequences of long life aren't explored, the characters frequently trite and the rest of the actions unbelievable, most of the technology is also impossible. I've read much worse, but won't be exploring the series any further. ( )

Worlds Apart: A Genetic Engineering Science Fiction Novel (Immortal Rising)

In the sprawling tapestry of science fiction, L. L. Keyes's "Worlds Apart" emerges as a dazzling beacon of innovation and narrative depth, inviting readers into a future fraught with peril, mystery, and the enduring question of what it means to be truly human. Released on February 22, 2024, this first volume in the Immortal Rising series is not just a book; it's a journey into the heart of humanity's potential and the darkness that comes with unchecked power.

The year is 2355, and Earth is divided not by land or ideology but by genetics. The story orbits around Riva Dorn, a character whose search for truth and survival becomes the reader’s north star in a constellation of mystery and moral quandaries. From the first page, Keyes crafts a narrative as compelling as it is complex, drawing us into a reality where the aftermath of a genetic catastrophe has given rise to a new form of human life. These immortals, with their golden eyes and the promise of eternity, challenge the very foundations of society.

"Worlds Apart" is a masterclass in pacing and plot. The narrative propels you forward with the urgency of a racing heartbeat, ensuring there's never a dull moment. The author has a gift for balancing the thrill of discovery with the gravity of its implications, making each chapter a piece of a more giant, mesmerizing puzzle.

What sets this novel apart is its unwavering commitment to exploring the gray areas of its world. Through Riva’s eyes, we are asked to consider not only the cost of survival but the price of progress. The immortals, far from being mere antagonists, are a mirror to our fears and prejudices, making us question who the real villains are.

While the book shines brightly with its inventive storyline and breathtaking scope, it leaves readers yearning for more—more of the characters who populate this richly imagined world. The call for more profound character development is a testament to Keyes's creation; we care deeply for these characters and want to delve further into their histories, motivations, and destinies.

"Worlds Apart" is a clarion call to the dreamers, the thinkers, and the seekers of truth. It’s for those who relish a narrative that doesn’t just escape reality but confronts it, offering both a mirror and a window to alternate possibilities. This novel is your next must-read if you are drawn to the exhilarating blend of science fiction, thriller, and dystopian genres. Its fast-paced nature, coupled with a storyline that is as unique as it is engaging, ensures that the mystery of the immortals will keep you turning pages well into the night.

However, the true beauty of "Worlds Apart" lies in the secrets it reveals and the conversations it ignites about our world. It is a vivid reminder of the power of speculative fiction to explore the what-ifs of human evolution and the ethical quandaries that accompany our relentless pursuit of advancement.

In conclusion, L. L. Keyes’s "Worlds Apart" is a triumphant blend of imagination, insight, and intrigue. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of science fiction and its ability to challenge, entertain, and inspire. With this novel, Keyes has crafted an unforgettable world and laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exhilarating series. Join Riva Dorn on her quest for truth and discover a world where the line between mortal and immortal is as fragile as it is fascinating. ( )