Proxima by Chase Hildenbrand is a science fiction action adventure in which humans have ravaged Earth’s natural resources and must find a way to survive. The situation leaves the human race no choice but to build space arks and head for the nearest habitable planet, Proxima. However, not everyone wants the space travelers to leave.
Starting with an action scene and rarely letting up, this exciting novel twists and turns with a driving plot and perspectives from primarily two people: lovers Liam Donovan and Ann Caldwell. Liam is overseeing the construction of the fifth space ark to Proxima and attempting to keep terrorists at bay. He becomes involved in investigating the group trying to stop the exodus from Earth. Ann is a biologist and passenger on the ark ready to identify and potentially populate plant life on Proxima.
As described above, the novel appears to be chiefly about getting the ships on their way to Proxima, but the book has more on its mind than a race into space. If you are a science fiction fan, you won’t be disappointed. All the elements scifi fans love in space travel novels are here. Proxima takes its time describing the technology and philosophy of the outer space journey. The reader is rewarded with a plot that holds together and makes sense.
The sequences are intermixed between action and exposition. Never dull, the world-building, and personalities are rich with detail. As with many science fiction and fantasy books, memorable characters are in abundance here. The main motivation between Liam and Ann, and their individual situations, work in the book’s favor, driving the plot forward.
While enjoyable, Proxima could be improved in future installments. The narrative loses its grip when the book explains character motivations instead of allowing them to flow from their behavior. And while the viewpoints are primarily Liam and Ann’s, other’s perspectives are intermixed in scenes that tend to slow down the tension.
Proxima may be enjoyed as a standalone novel or the first in a series. The book is an engaging read, creating surprising turns of events in a seemingly straightforward plot to travel to a sustainable world. If you’re looking for a space-centered adventure, this is a book to pick up.