In Of Friction, the first installment of S. J. Lee’s Altered Earth Series, readers are introduced to protagonist Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan right from the outset. The narrative dives into her complex world as she grapples with her brother’s abrupt departure from the military, a budding romance with Miriam, the team’s medic, and startling revelations about her own past. These personal challenges are set against her mission to safeguard a crucial reconciliation summit between the Altered and humans, threatened by human-supremacist terrorists.

The book maintains a brisk pace, managing to be engaging without overwhelming the reader. Lee effectively portrays a vivid and believable world through Sam’s perspective, ensuring that each character stands out with distinct voices and personalities. This strong sense of place and character enriches the narrative, making the high-stakes environment palpable.

The prologue of Of Friction serves as a great preliminary brief that sets the stage with valuable background details that enrich the reader’s understanding of the world within the series. While stylistically distinct from the chapters that follow, this introduction ensures that the narrative is accessible from the very beginning, offering insights that complement the unfolding story without necessity, indicating the author’s thorough world-building.

The relationship between Sam and Miriam holds the potential for deeper exploration. I think by incorporating Miriam’s perspective earlier in the story, readers could gain a fuller understanding of her motivations and emotions. I think this addition would not only enrich the romantic subplot but also contribute to a more rounded and impactful climax, smoothly integrating the story’s emotional and narrative arcs.

Of Friction is a compelling opener for the Altered Earth Series, featuring a well-crafted setting and a dynamic cast. This dystopian military thriller lays a promising groundwork for the subsequent books, leaving readers eager to see how the complexities of the characters’ relationships and the overarching conflict will evolve.

Pages: 404 | ASIN: B0CPGG44BR