Once Human by Massimo Marino review

The writing captured my attention from the start. It is almost poetic, helping the reader to envision an imaginative picture of an unimaginable universe, seeing what some may think is impossible to see. Yet the writer seems to make it plausible.

Although the second instalment, I already got a quick sense of what the characters are like and what they are faced with. A mass genocide that had occurred only left the world with small groups of inhabitants – ones that support the Moîrai, and ones that are convinced they have to destroy the Moîrai.

The creative use of language, the way the author sets a scene is riveting. I felt a connection with the characters. The complexity of the characters and the connections they have, the imagery, the structure; creates an image in the mind’s eye of a place forgotten, nearly destroyed. Feeling the sense of abandonment and desperation as separate groups of humans fight against each other for survival. But soon distrust mingles amongst those once trusted.

It is easy to get lost in this other world, the aura of the Moîrai and the influence they have. Scenery created by using popular structures and converting them into this desolate city. The raw intensity and desperation of these people makes it hard to fully comprehend what is happening, but in a good way. I wanted to keep on reading to discover more about this intricate plot.

It would seem that although the Moîrai are peaceful, it looks like they destroyed the earth, and a selected few were chosen to survive. They have no idea why, or how they were selected. A book hides many secrets. Secrets that led many to their deaths.

The main character can be seen to undergo a battle of morals. Having to choose between life and death, his own unique ability enabling him to do things that no other human can do. Making him nearly equal to the Moîrai. His inner emotions reveals the complexity of intense emotions of love, something the Moîrai cannot feel. The incredible power of the palladium, giving him the ability to see what no one else can.

Coming to the final climax will reveal the need for greed, power and the will to dominate. That the selected were part of something they could never have imagined.

The sadness of loss, the reality of living for eternity, leaves a trail of sorrow, but in that hope. Hope of a better future, hope that things will improve and hope to bring those responsible to justice. Even when you thought they had done enough, there is more to come.

I would definitely recommend reading all in this series.

4 ½ 5 stars