Book Review: Suffocate by S.R. Johannes

Suffocate by S.R. Johannes
Published by Coleman & Stott
Pages: 30
Ages: Young Adult
Buy It: Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook
Publishers Summary:

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It’s a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes.

If those responsible find out what she knows, they won’t stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

Eria’s life has been and will most likely be within the walls of Biome. The world around her is nothing like the way the earth was years ago before the atmosphere became a suffocating toxic wasteland no longer inhabitable by humans. Eria’s father leads the way in attempting to overcome the obstacles they face in trying to return to life as it once was. His scientific endeavors lead him not only to a suit that allows him to walk outside the Biome, but also many secrets the government would rather he not know. Before Eria knows it she’s struggling to unravel secrets she never anticipated and hoping that maybe she might be able to survive to save everyone within the walls of Biome including her friend Asher.

It’s hard to believe that in the matter of thirty pages you could be completely swept away by story, but that’s exactly what happened when I read Suffocate by S.R. Johannes. This story was so engrossing that thinking back on my reading experience makes me wonder how I could imagine it was just under three dozen pages. I’m actually a huge fan of short stories, novellas, and novelettes but not all are created equally. If not done well with the correct balance of dialogue, action and background you simply end up with a very short mess. This wasn’t at all the case with Suffocate. Here is a short story, the beginning of a series of short stories, that I for one am excited to read again.

Part of what makes Suffocate by S.R. Johannes so engrossing are the details. Details about the main character Eria, about the environment surrounding her, about her father and mother, and then of course about her love interest Asher. I’m still so incredibly blown away that so much was packed into such a small amount of pages and that it was done so well. This is a case of extremely good storytelling and great editing, because this could easily have been a four hundred page novel but wasn’t. Everything about Eria and the relationships she had was believable and easy to connect to. Even the love interest within the story isn’t overdone, it’s the perfect balance with everything else going on within this beautifully written novelette.

Suffocate by S.R. Johannes is a short story that packs a punch! Rich with characters that literally come to life before your eyes, this is one young adult science fiction novelette that readers will want to read over and over. I’m a big fan of the recent insurgence of science fiction within the young adult genre and this is one that should be welcomed with open arms. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next two in the series, Choke and Exhale, because if they are anywhere close to as good as Suffocate this will prove to be an incredible series. I’d highly recommend picking up Suffocate by S.R. Johannes because of it’s incredible story telling and it’s ability to grab you within a matter of a few pages!

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 12 and up. A short story that packs a punch! Rich characters, realistic science fiction setting and a love interest that all strike a perfect balance. Pick up Suffocate by S.R. Johannes now!

Find Suffocate by S.R. Johannes for only .99 cents (USD) at the following spots:
Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Goodreads

The 2nd novella in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.

Thank you so much to the author, S.R. Johannes, for providing a copy of this book for review! Connect with her on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Goodreads!
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