Review of The Mountain: A novel of Antridi

Fast Facts:

Title: "The Mountain: A novel of Antridi"
Author: C.R. Leverette
​Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars

Be prepared to explore a breathtaking world as we revisit Antridi!

Meet three close friends: Grant, Jace, an Nora. All hungry for adventure, they team up with three individuals (one of which is an android named Clive!) who work for a wealthy man named Alan Riker to explore the mountains in Antridi- rumored to be filled with Antridium. A mineral worth millions. This team must dodge the Order of Regulation, dangers in the wilderness, and Riker's old business partner-turned-rival.

"The Mountain" begins with a quick nod to the first novella in the series, "Trouble in Peaceful Haven", then takes us to Grant, Jace, and Nora at a diner-like setting. You immediately witness fun banter between them, and that their personalities are relatable. In this book, the POV does jump from character to character and starts with a slow burn; however, the pacing picks up quickly when this exploration team sets off to the mountains. The multiple POVs do provide each character's feelings and thoughts- and "The Mountain" is filled with diverse personalities! My personal favorites were Nora (the anxious yet practical girlfriend), Izzy (the spunky chick), and Clive (the android). C.R. Leverette also does yet another fantastic job with creating a well rounded antagonist. Russell was an old business partner of Riker's, and by the end, it was difficult to say who really wronged who. This elevates the story as we all know that "bad guys" aren't always sitting around ready to take over the world for no reason.

What I appreciated the most about "The Mountain" was the sense of adventure, mystery, and awe the author infuses into his words. From the Yellow Forest to The Chasm, you discover alien artifacts and new creatures. And the end...takes an unusual turn, although it sticks true to its overall theme of adventure.

​I recommend this read- and C.R. Leverette's other novella, "Trouble in Peaceful Haven". While the first book reads more like a science-fiction 'western', you could pick up "The Mountain" just fine alone!

Peace!
J.E. Klimov

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Find it on Amazon!

Read my review of "Trouble in Peaceful Haven"

Blurb below...

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The world of Antridi is full of wonder and secrets...

Grant Stevens, Jace Perkins, and Nora Lake have been best friends since childhood. They came to Antridi seeking adventure and the promise of something new on an alien planet, though their jobs at TerranCorp allow for little adventure apart from the occasional excavation or testing of mining equipment.

When wealthy genius Alan Riker contacts Grant about an illegal yet lucrative excursion to find and bring back Antridian minerals, Grant can't resist asking his friends to join him. They soon meet up with Kent, Izzy, and the android Clive, and set off on an adventure that could change their lives or cost them everything.

However, they are not the only ones who want to get their hands on Antridium. Russell Cambridge also has big plans for the precious mineral and will stop at nothing to prevent Riker's crew from obtaining it first.

Expanding the world of Antridi that was first introduced in his debut novella Trouble in Peaceful Haven, C. R. Leverette delivers an action-packed story that will transport readers deep into an alien world. Strange plants and creatures abound as tempers flare, romance is kindled, and life and death hang in the balance.