With the arrival of The Stone Keepers, a formidable and potent force that seeks out their enemies with relentless determination, the stakes have never been higher. Their latest objective: Earth. The protagonist of Timothy M. David’s novel, The Imposed Path, is young Emma, a girl grappling with her father’s loss and the isolating circumstances of her small-town existence. Her comforting anchors are her mother and newfound love, Natalie. Yet, life has more in store for her; she is tasked with the enormous responsibility of either saving her world or witnessing the annihilation of all she cherishes. This novel is a riveting, action-filled saga that takes readers through Emma and Natalie’s transformation from dealing with high school bullies to becoming the universe’s saviors.

David’s storytelling prowess shines through in his creation of an engaging and diverse ensemble of characters. Each member of the six central figures, the Gem Keepers, is imbued with their own distinct traits and characteristics, making their interactions and dialogues genuinely pleasurable to follow. The universe of the Gem Keepers is richly textured, filled with intriguing lore and complex world-building. However, there are moments when the sheer volume of information can be daunting. Readers might find themselves struggling occasionally to assimilate the intricate details while keeping pace with the rapidly evolving plot. It’s worth highlighting David’s admirable endeavor to include LGBT+ themes in his narrative – a gesture still relatively uncommon within the science fiction genre. The novel not only welcomes queer readers but also acknowledges and celebrates their identity.

The Imposed Path is an excellent choice for aficionados of science fiction who appreciate fresh and broad-ranging concepts. While those new to the genre might find it initially challenging to fully immerse themselves in this carefully crafted universe, the endeavor is rewarding. Despite instances where the characters’ emotions felt somewhat superficial and disconnected, the overall reading journey was an immensely enjoyable one. It has left me eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve into David’s future works.

Pages: 432 | ASIN: B0C2M2J2J7