La Tombola

What if God required human sacrifice? Would it be more palatable if that God talked to you, wasn't capricious and kept promises? Once I started this story I wasn't able to stop reading. The characters' questions became my questions. Does God ask too much? Am I strong enough? Do I get enough now? Can I withstand the weight of waiting for future promise? 

The story is compact, totaling less than 40,000 words. Perfect for me. For any naysayers, I assure you there is a complete emotional orchestra ready to play for you. Several moments of the story made me cry before I realized what was happening. The imagery and emotional presentation were beautifully overwhelming. Sometimes it made me sad. Sometimes it made me happy. I think some real care went into the characters in this story.

The alternate earth, space, future, science fiction type tags of any story make me very hard on the first few pages. If it doesn't quickly read approachable and comfortable, I'm out. This story is easy to read, wants to be read, and I felt like it asked me to sit down and immerse myself in the story.

This is a fantastic story. Wonderfully written. Highly recommended.
 

This is a well written, unique take on sci-fi fantasy.  Or it's a character driven mystery.  Or it's an epic romance spanning decades.  It's all of these rolled into a tight, cohesive tale.  Regardless of your favorite genre, you won't be sorry you read this wonderful story.

La Tombola is an amazing story, complex and compellingly written. When the Operation Plymouth Plantation colonists arrive at their destination, they find a paradise free from the pollution and destruction they knew they had left behind.  They started their settlement only to find that their technology was quickly failing.  Their supplies and backup ships were destroyed and they were facing a quick death in paradise.  Their rescue by the Gnos who introduce them to Mithras is only the beginning of this tale that spreads over a millennium.

This story is written with great care and love.  The plot is quite unique and inspires discussions of life, sentience, relationships and gods.  There are many times you will laugh, cry, get angry and feel great relief.  The characters express complexity and reality in well written dialogue and internal thoughts. Most of all they will capture your heart. This is one of my favourite SciFi novels on GA.  

What can I say but that this powerful story is clearly written and wondrous to read! Powerful dialogue and amazing description that bring this story to life.  There was love with no boundaries so rich to see. And of course, there was, Mithras, a force to be reckoned with!

Thanks for sharing this great story

This is a futuristic sci-fi fantasy with elements of a touching romance that is not to be, or is it? Join this group of space travellers as they flee a crumbling earth in its final days to a distant planet to start anew. Is the planet what they wanted and thought it was, or was it something else? Do they survive, and if so how? If you want to know the answers to these questions read on because I'm not giving you the answers. I will say this, this is not my usual genre but I found it a fascinating and captivating read from the start through to the end and I'm sure you will too. This is an imaginative story worthy of the five-star rating I have given it.

It took me several settings to finish this story, and I had to spend a few days thinking about how I truly felt about it.  Ultimately, I am going to recommend this story to others.  

The characters and the quality of the writing are the driving issues for me to recommend this story.  Still not fully sure how to categorize it even now.  But the superior storytelling and compelling characters are the touchstone and the true reason to read this story.  

This story asks some truly uncomfortable questions and while it gives you some answers, there are others that are left open to your interpretation and beliefs.  I found it hard to read some of the chapters and questioned how I felt about more than one after reading it but the need to know how this played out and if the two main protagonists ever came back together, drove me forward.  

There are more than a few turns, somersaults, twist, and twirls to keep even those unsure of how they feel going forward.  Take a chance, give yourself time to get into the story, and keep reading.  In the end, contemplate the questions that this story forces you to consider.

La Trombola captured my imagination early on and kept me entranced as I read the chapters.  Many aspects of the plot are unusual and interesting -- the space exploration, the new planet, the unusual requirement for the planet to bless settlers.  The back and forth between then and now served as a tether throughout to keep the reader from confusion as the story deepened.  The characters were good loving and lovable people I cared for immediately.  The plot resolves in an unexpected but very satisfying conclusion.  I'm glad to have found this story!