At first glance, it seems as if SEAMS 16: A New Home might be a read for the young adult crowd. Not so. Eric B. Thomasma has packed this little science fiction novel with engaging characters, realistic relationships and an imaginative plot that will leave readers with a rather unearthly feeling.
First we meet Charlie Samplin and his wife Susan. Charlie is reeling with excitement: he was just given a life-changing opportunity to become a technician at S. E. A. Maintenance Station 16. Susan, questioning the sincerity of the opportunity, first imagines the new location.
“SEAMS16...” Susan replied slowly, trying to place the name, then remembered, “You mean the S. E. A. Maintenance Station? Charlie, that's offplanet. I know when we got married I said I would follow you anywhere, but off-planet? I don't know...”
“This is the best opportunity I've ever had,” Charlie explained. “The pay is twice as much as I've ever gotten, and I'll finally be able to get us out of the hole we're in.”
“But Charlie, you didn't even tell me you were looking off-world.” Susan was a little exasperated. “Shouldn't we have talked about this before you applied?”
“But that's just it,” Charlie answered. “I didn't apply. They just came to me and offered me the job. They said that the Head of Service asked specifically for me. They want us both to come up to the station and take the grand tour. It's the chance of a lifetime. Shouldn't we at least check it out?”
After moving off-planet, Charlie and Susan appear to be living the good life. They at first believe that SEAMS 16 has brought them popularity, recognition and good fortune. All seems fresh and fun in the beginning, until death finds a new home as well. Charlie soon places himself as guardian of his new community and realizes his full potential in order to protect the lives around him.
SEAMS 16: A New Home was a refreshingly imaginative tale. Readers will connect with the Samplin couple’s relationship. Though the story takes place “offplanet,” the realness of the relationship between Charlie and Susan keep us grounded. Thomasma’s dialogue driven plot also connects the reader with his characters, making SEAMS 16 an entertaining read for science fiction and mainstream fans alike.
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