Alterra Paperback – September 28, 2014

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book. This is an honest review of the book.[...]Traditional religion and scientific advancement rarely meet eye to eye. One holds the ideology that men and women should aspire to a spiritual existence, versus the other, a technological one. In Alterra’s schools, children are nurtured based on their individual growth and sometimes parental background, but it is not without an agenda. Children who study history, art, religion, and the human condition are more likely to be pushed to attend the Monastery after finishing school, whereas those who study computers, science, technology, and advancement are more likely to be forced toward University. There is a bitterness between the two that keeps the factions separated, and with each passing day, they become a little more hostile toward one another.We start by following Le as he nears his graduation, and the day he will choose Monastery or University. His academic record reflects that he would best be suited to attend University and pursue technological advancement. But when his boyfriend, Shey, attends a meeting held by a radical faction at University, he becomes less than enthusiastic to join. Then he meets Stok, a free-thinker, and Le is enticed to think beyond the boundaries his world has set up. Beyond the two groups. Stok tells him there is a different way, a way that the two can coincide. Can there be more? Can they exist in harmony, or will radicals destroy their dream before it even begins?I liked the ideas that drove this book. The two sides of religion versus scientific advancement mirror aspects of today’s society. Alterra’s groups are polarizing, spawning radicals and in real life we know what that looks like. First it starts with words, then it comes to actions. Zachary’s story imitates life and that makes for a good read because the plot is relatable on more than just a “Monastery or University” level. The book also speaks to the idea of hope for humanity coming together, even if it’s one or two people at a time. Alterra dives deep into this important topic. The human condition.This isn’t my first encounter with Zachary’s work. Like Insomnium, I was impressed with the polished feel and clean read. It was a breeze to read this book and not have to worry about errors or continuity problems and that’s a major plus for me. From the first chapter I was ready to pick it back up any time I had to put it down. The pace in the first chapter differs from the other two only because of the world building. It seems a little slow to start but chapters two and three pick up the pace significantly. None of this detracted from the story though.I’m rating this 5 stars because I can't find fault in it. It's a great story and worth every star.

(I read an advanced review copy of this book.)Hands down this is my favorite so far by Bonelli.The story is a dramatization of the conflict, both personal and political, between scientism and theism. The book handles the issue well and sort of gives each side a role to play in this sci fi drama, as we explore where each is stronger than the other and where each fails.To avoid spoilers, I'll just say that the issue is handled well, and I found myself glued to the book waiting to see how it would unravel. This is the kind of book you read and then instantly want to talk about to someone else who has read it.The battle (and it really doesn't need to be one) between Scientism and theism is going on all over America right now, though it doesn't seem to be properly identified as such in many circles. But, it's real and it's impactful, and this story does a great job of using a fictional story line to give it all shape.

I've become accustomed to Zachary Bonelli's storytelling over the past year and in my honest opinion, I think Alterra is his most unique and satisfying yet. Told from three different narratives, Alterra questions our beliefs in religion, science as well as bringing our own humanity to the front of our minds.Alterra is a unique and refreshing story; interesting as well as thoughtful. The author does his best to put forward each branch honestly. What would you choose? Science? Religion? Or is there another way - an unknown way? And although this is very much a science fiction novel, it is has strong parallels in our world, our own time.Alterra is an intelligent and satisfying novel. Zachary Bonelli brings to life the oldest of enemies: science and religion, and does so in such a heart-warming, cohesive, intricate and compelling way. You could lose yourself in the escapism. Zachary Bonelli is one those authors whose words and stories make you think and stay with you long after closing his books.