The New York Times Book Review - N. K. Jemisin
…Sparks's post-apocalyptic wasteland is…imaginative and richly rendered…The badlands are the draw here, from their "mechabeasts" and fortress cities to the Obsidian Sea where terrible weapons have blasted the earth. Sparks frames all of this in haunting, near-poetic detail, such that readers can smell the toxic red sand and perhaps taste the blood.
Publishers Weekly
01/30/2017
Australian author Sparks’s debut novel, set in a strange postapocalyptic world, is all middle with no beginning or end. Star is a child of the Sand Road who dreams of wealth and adventure in the port town of Fallow Heel. Quarrel is an ancient warrior who knows his current mission will be his last. Both are forced onto the Black Sea, not to seek their fortunes but to continue a war that most of the world thinks is over. Sparks demonstrates technical skill with prose, but the start of the book is a confusing jumble, fragmented by the introduction of several characters’ points of view scattered over a variety of settings. The mood is relentlessly bleak. The protagonists lack agency, which leads to a feeling of prologue rather than resolution. A satisfying conclusion is impossible; the book ends with the feeling that a stage has been set, but the story is yet to come. That promise is the only hope Sparks offers in this relentlessly grim narrative. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Shortlisted for the 2017 Aurealis Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Ditmar Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Compton Crook Award
“Imaginative and richly rendered . . . Sparks frames all of this in haunting, near-poetic detail, such that the readers can smell the toxic red sand and perhaps taste the blood. Recommended for people who crave fresh post-apocalypse chaos—because Sparks’s post-apocalyptic chaos is pretty fresh, at that.”—NK Jemisin, The New York Times
“A worthy mashup of Mad Max and Blade Runner . . . both richly atmospheric and incredibly engaging . . . more than just an action novel; there are mysteries to unpack and full-blooded characters who will keep you turning pages.”—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog (also included on the Blog's "The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2017 So Far" list)
“Australian author Sparks’ first foray into full-length fiction is an unforgettable ride into dystopian, post-apocalyptic sci-fi storytelling. Her rich, hauntingly familiar yet desolate alien landscapes are filled with eons-old mutant soldiers, ancient war machines and extraordinarily scrappy and resilient characters. But it’s her perfect weaving of the different plot threads into one fantastic read that rocks this debut sci-fi offering.”—RT Book Reviews
“In the spirit of the Mad Max films, Australian author Spark’s debut takes reader on a journey of the intersection of human and machine. Strong characters and a vivid desert landscape bring this postapocalyptic story to life.” —Library Journal
“While there may be much that seems familiar in [Lotus Blue], with echoes not only of the Mad Max films but of Robocops, Terminators, and doomsday machines, there's also a good deal that's original . . . While this exuberance of invention is what initially draws us in to Sparks's world, her narrative energy builds admirably as we learn more about the characters' true identities and secrets . . . [A] fine first novel.”—Gary K. Wolfe, Locus
"Filled with effortless worldbuilding that will have you shaking the sand out of your shoes after each chapter, this post-apocalyptic thrill ride is not to be missed.”—B&N Sci-Fi Blog, “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of February 2017”
“Sparks creates an uneasy and painfully suspenseful atmosphere with this sudden technological awakening, sweeping Star up in the burgeoning chaos as a long-dormant power from the Lotus Wars stirs, bringing with it only death.”—Booklist
“A wonderfully inventive story . . . It’s a great read, but it is also a fine first literary attempt which calls to mind the world of J.G. Ballard—the dystopian modernity and the somewhat pessimistic take on humanity’s inherent failings.” —Cosmos magazine
“It’s a monumental feat of imagination and the details build through the early chapters until you can see the ruin around you and understand the misery that created it. . . . an impressive piece of imaginative writing, and one you’ll enjoy from start to finish.”—Newtown Review of Books
“Lotus Blue is [Sparks’] first novel, and what an entertaining ride it is. A striking adventure story in a world of nuked cities, killer hi-tech storms and cybernetic wizardry.” —Herald Sun (Melbourne)
“Forget the Mad Max comparisons: Sparks is far more ambitious than that. Lotus Blue is A Canticle for Leibowitz by way of Neuromancer.”
—Peter Watts, author of Blindsight
"A mythic, far-future outback populated by superhuman soldiers, house-sized reptiles, and half-crazed armored vehicles: If that doesn't sound incredible to you, you have no heart. Lotus Blue is the year's most compelling science fiction novel."
—Zachary Jernigan, author of Jeroun: The Collected Omnibus
“Astonishingly rich in ideas and concepts and the world building is truly breathtaking in its breadth and originality. Lotus Blue is a revelation.”
—Isobelle Carmody, author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles
“Lotus Blue is sci-fi author Cat Sparks’s debut novel, and for a first journey it’s a hell of a ride. As intelligent and thought-provoking as it is exciting . . . From the opening paragraphs you can feel the desert heat and the sand whipping your face.”
—Starburst magazine
“Lotus Blue is SF adventure on steroids. A dystopian vision worthy of H. Rider Haggard and the Mad Max film franchise.”
—Jack Dann
“Vivid, compelling, and relentless, Cat Sparks makes you care about the soul of a mecha future as you hang onto the edge, feeling the sandy grit between your teeth.”
—Tina LeCount Myers, author of The Song of All
“Strong-minded women to root for, self-driven, sentient war mech, and a broken, raw world make Lotus Blue the latest and greatest of recent post-apocalyptic stories. An imagined future that leaves you discomfited, but an engaging read that leaves you satisfied.”
—Betsy Dornbusch, author of the Books of the Seven Eyes trilogy
“A post-apocalyptic vision from Australia. Sparks' debut is ambitious . . . but patient readers will find it ultimately rewarding.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Fascinating and grisly . . . gets strong approval for an excellent idea and a wonderful world.”—Aurealis
Shortlisted for the 2017 Aurealis Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Ditmar Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Compton Crook Award
“Imaginative and richly rendered . . . Sparks frames all of this in haunting, near-poetic detail, such that the readers can smell the toxic red sand and perhaps taste the blood. Recommended for people who crave fresh post-apocalypse chaos—because Sparks’s post-apocalyptic chaos is pretty fresh, at that.”—NK Jemisin, The New York Times
“A worthy mashup of Mad Max and Blade Runner . . . both richly atmospheric and incredibly engaging . . . more than just an action novel; there are mysteries to unpack and full-blooded characters who will keep you turning pages.”—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog (also included on the Blog's "The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2017 So Far" list)
“Australian author Sparks’ first foray into full-length fiction is an unforgettable ride into dystopian, post-apocalyptic sci-fi storytelling. Her rich, hauntingly familiar yet desolate alien landscapes are filled with eons-old mutant soldiers, ancient war machines and extraordinarily scrappy and resilient characters. But it’s her perfect weaving of the different plot threads into one fantastic read that rocks this debut sci-fi offering.”—RT Book Reviews
“In the spirit of the Mad Max films, Australian author Spark’s debut takes reader on a journey of the intersection of human and machine. Strong characters and a vivid desert landscape bring this postapocalyptic story to life.” —Library Journal
“While there may be much that seems familiar in [Lotus Blue], with echoes not only of the Mad Max films but of Robocops, Terminators, and doomsday machines, there's also a good deal that's original . . . While this exuberance of invention is what initially draws us in to Sparks's world, her narrative energy builds admirably as we learn more about the characters' true identities and secrets . . . [A] fine first novel.”—Gary K. Wolfe, Locus
"Filled with effortless worldbuilding that will have you shaking the sand out of your shoes after each chapter, this post-apocalyptic thrill ride is not to be missed.”—B&N Sci-Fi Blog, “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of February 2017”
“Sparks creates an uneasy and painfully suspenseful atmosphere with this sudden technological awakening, sweeping Star up in the burgeoning chaos as a long-dormant power from the Lotus Wars stirs, bringing with it only death.”—Booklist
“A wonderfully inventive story . . . It’s a great read, but it is also a fine first literary attempt which calls to mind the world of J.G. Ballard—the dystopian modernity and the somewhat pessimistic take on humanity’s inherent failings.” —Cosmos magazine
“It’s a monumental feat of imagination and the details build through the early chapters until you can see the ruin around you and understand the misery that created it. . . . an impressive piece of imaginative writing, and one you’ll enjoy from start to finish.”—Newtown Review of Books
“Lotus Blue is [Sparks’] first novel, and what an entertaining ride it is. A striking adventure story in a world of nuked cities, killer hi-tech storms and cybernetic wizardry.” —Herald Sun (Melbourne)
“Forget the Mad Max comparisons: Sparks is far more ambitious than that. Lotus Blue is A Canticle for Leibowitz by way of Neuromancer.”
—Peter Watts, author of Blindsight
"A mythic, far-future outback populated by superhuman soldiers, house-sized reptiles, and half-crazed armored vehicles: If that doesn't sound incredible to you, you have no heart. Lotus Blue is the year's most compelling science fiction novel."
—Zachary Jernigan, author of Jeroun: The Collected Omnibus
“Astonishingly rich in ideas and concepts and the world building is truly breathtaking in its breadth and originality. Lotus Blue is a revelation.”
—Isobelle Carmody, author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles
“Lotus Blue is sci-fi author Cat Sparks’s debut novel, and for a first journey it’s a hell of a ride. As intelligent and thought-provoking as it is exciting . . . From the opening paragraphs you can feel the desert heat and the sand whipping your face.”
—Starburst magazine
“Lotus Blue is SF adventure on steroids. A dystopian vision worthy of H. Rider Haggard and the Mad Max film franchise.”
—Jack Dann
“Vivid, compelling, and relentless, Cat Sparks makes you care about the soul of a mecha future as you hang onto the edge, feeling the sandy grit between your teeth.”
—Tina LeCount Myers, author of The Song of All
“Strong-minded women to root for, self-driven, sentient war mech, and a broken, raw world make Lotus Blue the latest and greatest of recent post-apocalyptic stories. An imagined future that leaves you discomfited, but an engaging read that leaves you satisfied.”
—Betsy Dornbusch, author of the Books of the Seven Eyes trilogy
“A post-apocalyptic vision from Australia. Sparks' debut is ambitious . . . but patient readers will find it ultimately rewarding.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Fascinating and grisly . . . gets strong approval for an excellent idea and a wonderful world.”—Aurealis
Library Journal
03/15/2017
On an Earth that has been ravaged by war and technology, traders travel by caravan across the Sand Road. Partially sentient machines and other monsters live in the desert, and humans struggle to survive. One particular caravan carries two orphaned sisters, Star and Nene. Nene has always tried to protect her younger sibling, and of course, 17-year-old Star loves and hates her for it. But Nene's protectiveness involves secrets that Star will soon discover, when a satellite crashes to Earth, separating her from Nene and forcing her on an unexpected journey that will bring her face to face with Lotus Blue. This ancient war machine is powerful, deadly, and now awake, ready to destroy the rest of humanity. VERDICT In the spirit of the Mad Max films, Australian author Spark's debut takes reader on a journey of the intersection of human and machine. Strong characters and a vivid desert landscape bring this postapocalyptic story to life.—KC
Kirkus Reviews
2017-01-17
A post-apocalyptic vision from Australia.Seventeen-year-old dreadlocked Star and her older sister, Nene, a medic and the closest thing she's got to a parent, are part of a nomadic group of travelers and traders enduring hard lives and journeys across the Sand Road, traversing a desert overrun with vestiges of rogue semi-sentient machinery and other monsters from a time and war long past. When their 13-wagon caravan witnesses a relic Angel satellite crash to Earth, a chain of events is set into motion that launches Star on a voyage far away from the familiar life she yearns to leave—but close to discovering a secret her sister has desperately tried to protect her from. As all of this takes place, an old and powerful entity has awoken in the desert: a Lotus Blue, the deadliest of all war machines of the past and a soldier with its own agenda. Star's journey crosses paths with various soldiers and survivors in this complex tale, and knowing whom to trust, including herself, may be the key to her survival. Sparks' debut is ambitious and, at times, convoluted. The worldbuilding is so detailed that language borders on repetitive and tedious, and the narrative sets up a daunting array of characters, but patient readers will find it ultimately rewarding. The epitome of a slow burn, with a drawn-out plot and leisurely pace, this jigsaw puzzle requires full attention to piece together. (Science fiction. 14 & up)
