The novel follows the eponymous Ace, a former attorney turned detective, whose life intertwines with mysteries beyond the realm of human understanding. With his best friend Eli and girlfriend Lux, Ace embarks on a perplexing murder investigation that defies conventional logic. The story, which oscillates between past and present, revolves around the murder of Hamar, a technological prodigy with ties to a secretive sleaze club and a dream of populating planet Venus.
Ace, who possesses extraordinary abilities as a Superior Echophile, can read people and objects, predict probable futures, and observe parallel timelines. His involvement in the case takes a personal turn when he discovers that Venus—the widow of the deceased—was once deeply connected to him. However, their memories of each other remain mysteriously erased. The investigation reveals baffling phenomena, including shifting memories, an unrotting corpse, and an alleged killer with inhuman speed and strength. As the author puts it herself, “This is a page-turner, but it’ll also make you stop and think about its concepts and motifs.”
PB Flower, who is an Indian-American author, has already carved a niche for herself in the sci-fi literary landscape with her unconventional and thought-provoking storytelling. Her All Kal None trilogy was met with extremely positive reviews and also garnered her several awards and accolades. Her fourth novel, i$ubscribe, an extension of the All Kal None Trilogy was also met with critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Not only that but PB has also contributed to several anthologies and her stories have always been warmly received both by her readers and peers. Her writing is deeply influenced by her diverse life experiences and philosophical explorations. Having lived in several states across the U.S., she now calls California home, where she enjoys a serene lifestyle, balancing creativity with nature.
PB’s passion for literature though extends much beyond just writing and she runs a Little Free Library showcasing indie authors, supporting fellow storytellers in their journey. Talking about her writing style, she says, “My work, though rooted in science fiction, seamlessly blends multiple genres from romance and mythology to metaphysics and the supernatural.” Inspired by her husband’s introduction to U.G. Krishnamurti’s philosophy, she challenges routine perspectives and redefines the boundaries of speculative fiction. She is also constantly working and endeavouring to bring her work to readers in different formats and platforms, so to make it more accessible and convenient, and the latest step she has taken in this turn is to convert her works into audiobooks. While her novel i$ubscribe is already in audio production, Ace Umbra too is on its way to release as an audiobook!
Coming back to the book, what sets Ace Umbra apart is its ability to weave together contrasting elements. The novel presents a futuristic world where human and extraterrestrial interactions shape reality, but it also draws heavily from mythology. The concept of an adaptive program leading to the creation of a deadly hybrid mirrors the legend of Hiranyakashipu and Narasimha from Hindu mythology. Similarly, Ace’s transformation into Sharabha reflects an ancient, powerful archetype that ties together science fiction and spirituality.
The story also delves into the ethics of technological advancements, touching upon issues of human experimentation, corporate exploitation, and the potential consequences of unchecked genius. At the same time, it explores the complexities of relationships—whether it’s Ace’s unresolved connection with Venus, his crumbling relationship with Lux, or his estranged bond with his father, Khristós.
With Ace Umbra, PB Flower crafts a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged. Her writing draws readers into a world where reality is constantly shifting, and truth is a matter of perception. By mixing mythology, science, and metaphysical themes, she delivers a novel that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.
For those seeking a novel that challenges conventional storytelling, Ace Umbra is a must-read. With its deep philosophical undertones, exhilarating action sequences, and mind-bending plot twists, the book solidifies PB Flower’s place as a distinctive voice in modern speculative fiction. Ace Umbra is available in both EBook and Paperback versions: https://mybook.to/aceumbrapbflower
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