Homequest liberation

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Book Review: Tales of Roumanhi-Homequest: Liberation by J.E. Browning
Book Reviews: Fiction Meghan Morrow Volume 8 Issue 73 08/25/2010
By Meghan Morrow

Typically, I am annoyingly selective when it comes to reading sci-fi/fantasy novels. There are so many cookie-cutter stories out in the world that I have grown to dread seeing the cover of a new fantasy. When I picked up J.E. Browning’s novel, Tales of Roumanhi-Homequest: Liberation, fearing that it was just another attempt at science fiction, I can’t say that I was instantly intrigued, but upon delving further into the novel, I was sorely mistaken. Right from the beginning, Browning introduces her readers to a different world, complete with a mystical terrain and a new language. I have to say that the geek in me did a little flip at the thought of an entirely make-believe language.

Homequest: Liberation opens with a young environmental technician, T’skya, and her crash landing into a strange desert on her way to finding a new home for her people. After mysteriously transporting to the edge of the Roumanhi forest, she is captured by Cail and Hollum then accused of being a member of their enemy clan, the Kházakha. Both technologically superior and devoid of morality, the Kházakha corrupted the land of Roumanhi and continue to tyrannize the inhabitants. T’skya manages to convince the Roumanhis that she means them no harm and works with them. In between her new daily life and worrying about her people, T’skya becomes quickly attached to the Roumanhi clan, even allowing for a romance to kindle.

Days pass and cause T’skya to become more anxious about her ship until she finally warns the Roumanhis that her abandoned ship will alert the Kházakha of her presence so it must be located. The supplies T’skya finds after returning from a less-than-perfect search expedition allows her and the Roumanhis to hatch a plan that will sabotage the Kházakha. The mission goes awry and they lose Cail to the enemy, so T’skya and the rest of the Roumanhis must find a way to bring him back to safety—if he hasn’t already been lost.

In a world of fantasy, Browning has done a wonderful job not to stray into the unbelievable. From start to finish, Homequest: Liberation captured me. Every character had soul that leaped from the page and I found myself emotionally invested in every one of them. The land of Roumanhi is filled with, not only beauty, but dangers as well, and the trek along the terrain had me anxious and excited. Liberation is a maze of stories that take the reader off in several directions, but Browning was able to lead us easily through the labyrinth.

I wasn't sure this would be my type of book. However, after reading the first page it sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. It is one of the most exciting books I have read; a real page turner. Filled with fantastical ideas of other worlds/people written with real passion and empathy this is a book everyone should give a go. So even if you think it isn't your type of book, try it, you may be surprised. I can't wait for the next one.
Natalie C, Teacher, Wiltshire 15/08/10

Although born back in 1992, Homequest: Liberation conveys a message which immensely concerns our present and discloses the uncertainty of our future. That's a story full of action, suspense, love and principles.As it unfolds, it makes you appreciate the importance of keeping this poor planet alive. The way it is written makes the book unputdownable as all revelations occur in the last chapters!! Great story!! Really enjoyed it!!!!
Despoina S, English Teacher, Greece, 24/08/10

I admit to having read this book out of 'duty of friendship' with the author, but quickly became so totally absorbed in it that I literally could not put it down! The descriptions of the lands and characters bring the story alive, with interesting twists and turns, leaving me impatient for the next book in this series. Well worth the read and an excellent 'first' for the author.
Rosemary W, Major Incident Planning Assistant, Wiltshire. 20/07/10

I absolutely loved the book! The blurb piqued my interest and right from the start I fell in love with the main characters. The plotline kept me guessing all the way through the book, and it is a book I would recommend to anyone. My school library now owns one at my request! I can't wait for the next book!
Katy P, 14, Australia 29/09/10

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.
Andrew J. 09/08/10

This is the first book I have read for five years because I am not a great reader. Now I have read it twice and I can't wait for the next one. The way the story unfolds leaves you with no option but to keep reading. If you can read you will enjoy this book. There is something in it for everyone.
Su B, Wiltshire, 08/11/10

Being a bit on the picky side when it comes to my reading catalogue and not known to experiment with new authors, I started to read Homequest: Liberation with some trepidation. My initial fears were unjustified and had completely disappeared before the end of the first chapter.With engaging characters and an intriguing plot line I skipped right past the 'I must try and stick with it' phase and went straight to 'just a couple more pages to find out what happens next'! It is an immensely enjoyable read that builds to a surprising but ultimately rewarding ending which was nicely satisfying but still left me wanting more!
Debbie H, NHS, Wiltshire 08/11/10

T’skya finds herself in a land away from her mother ship she used to call home, being completely unable to contact it. A race called Roumanhi finds her and she soon becomes part of it, and immediately decides to help them liberate themselves from their enslavers. One of the main characters of the book named Cail represents the most important values a human being can possess. Action, adventure and love are intensely shown and anyone will become an avid reader as soon as they start reading the book.
Eleni S, student, Greece, 16/09/1

If you like fantasy novels, science fiction and watched Avatar, you will love this. I read this book from cover to cover almost in a trance - the writing sucks you into the world and keeps you there, the story goes from strength to strength and you will be never want to put it down until you get to the last page.

I understand it is being self financed by the author for this limited run, so volume 2 may be a short time away yet (unfortunately), but for a first time novel from a new writer this is brilliant.

Please, please do more!
Kev H, IT, Wiltshire, 10/08/2010

Homequest-Liberation is not your ordinary run of the mill sci-fi: it is a well written and believable world, with astonishing creatures and varied landscapes. The native tribe, the Roumanhis, have been invaded by a technologically superior but amoral race, the Khazakha, who enslave them and exploit them. Into this world falls T'skya, an environmental analyst, who looks like the invaders. She has little memory of how she got from the desert to the forest, and fears for her life when the Roumanhis capture her. As she learns more about them, T'skya decides to help them free themselves, using her scientific knowledge and items retrieved from her crashed ship. Things are not straightforward however: there is adventure, romance, a whole new language, and twists and turns so that you are left wondering what will happen next. The whole book is extremely well crafted and engages your interest: my teenage daughter got to it before I did, and reviewed it in one word: "UNPUTDOWNABLE" Get it before it sells out!
Mrs Caroline P, Teacher, Australia 31/08/10

It's been a while since I read a book that stayed with me even when I put it down, and which I couldn't wait to get back to reading...in fact it kept me up until gone 2am this morning because I just had to finish it. I'm now desperate to read book 2 and see what happens next.... I would say it was just as good and in some cases better, than other books of the same genre by well known authors... I know it's a bit more expensive than usual for a paperback but it has been self-financed by the author, and if you believe in supporting people with real talent, (and local talent too, Wiltshire peeps), who've put a lot of love, sweat, and tears into their work then it's not really that much.
Honour L. 06/08/10

From the first page JE Browning has created a world of its own, with every corner packed full of details. You will meet ordinary people, with all their doubts and faults, turning into heroes or heroines because of the choices they make, and long-term heroes (or heroines) failing themselves or others, whereby you cannot necessarily be angry with them for failing; they are human and their reasons are understandable. There are some surprises in the plot while other twists are more to be expected and the author's message is quite clearly based on the environmental destruction we see in our own world: humans should be nice to each other and to every other living being whether animal or plant. But whether you are up for that bit of philosophical (and moral) message or just want to enjoy some well written fantasy/sci-fi mix does not matter, the book caters for both.
Janine R, Germany, 16/11/10

Being an avid reader of the likes of Iain M Banks, Alastair Reynolds and Terry Pratchet, I initially braced myself for disappointment.
“How can a new author produce something of their quality” I thought to myself. How wrong I was.
The more I read, the more I could not put the book down, a totally bewitching read which has made me yearn for more.
I lost count of how many cups of tea went cold sat at the side of me while I read this book, taking me on an amazing journey through a world as equally as intricate a Tolkien's middle earth full of characters who could be quite at home in any of the Culture novels of Iain M Banks.
This book is an instant giant amongst some of the world's best Sci-Fi novels.
Well done Jane.
Genius!
Al P, Yorkshire, 10/01/11

From the moment I picked up Homequest: Liberation, I was captivated by Miss Browning's world of fantasy. Each character and the land itself had a soul, which brings the tale alive. The engaging plot had me anxious to read on to discover the fate of the characters and the land they hold so dear. A job well done for a first time author and leaves me longing for more.
Elaine Q, Solicitor, Australia 02/03/11

I have just finished the book and would like to give you a warning!
It's utterly addictive!!
I couldn't help but get involved with the storyline and trying to work out what would happen next was an impossibility!
I absolutely fell in love with T'skya and Cail and cannot wait to see where their journey takes them!
I began reading it a few days back and could not put it down since it has travelled with me everywhere; I couldn't stop wondering what would happen next!
A truly exciting read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
Best of luck and I hope to see more of your work in the future.
Rob C, 11/01/11

Not being a great reader of novels, preferring non-fiction/factual books, I thought I’d just read the first couple of chapters of Homequest: LIBERATION to satisfy my curiosity and leave it at that. Well, I’ve finished the book and I defy anyone who picks it up to put it down again! It struck a chord with me almost immediately as I identified with the Roumanhi’s and their love and reverence for nature. All in all, Homequest: LIBERATION is a very readable and compelling novel; with an important environmental message for us all. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
Ursula L, artist, UK 11/10/11

This is a fast paced adventure from a writer with a great imagination. Very descriptive, you feel you are there with the characters which the author really brings to life. Highly recommend this book to all fantasy/science fiction readers.
Pat A, Legal Secretary, Australia, 11/03/2011

I think Homequest has a very good idea…It is hard to produce a fresh version of fantasy staples, but I think you succeeded and I look forward to seeing how you develop it. Characterisation was mostly good, T'skya especially as a protagonist, growing in knowledge with the reader is an effective tool to carry the story forward. Some of the other characters seemed a little shallow though, especially the villains and this is really the only criticism I can level at the story. I like the scope and the story certainly has lots of potential. Inventing languages for your cast of characters is something very few authors do and it shows in the depth, consistency and potential of the world you have developed. I eagerly await the next one in the series and wish you the very best of luck!
Oliver F, UK, 09/07/11