OCELLICON

"Piaras - Vine Voice - 4 Stars
OCELLICON by A.G. Russo is a multi-genre military science fiction story with elements of legal, detective, mystery, feminist, and noir sci-fi. The book is set in a world where Earth has barely survived nuclear battles and the military has taken over from authoritarians to maintain peace. However, rebellion is stirring from within, and Prosecutor Major Annalisa Farrell, a Military Academy honors graduate, war hero, wounded warrior, and child abuse survivor, is fighting to champion justice.
Annalisa's journey to a position of power is unparalleled as she was a ""wild child of the tunnels"" before her adoption by General Farrell saved her life, and gave her a loving family, and a mission as a daughter to be proud of. However, her suspected genetic engineering caused unfounded prejudice to follow her through the ranks. Annalisa's story is one of overcoming personal trauma, battling prejudice, and fighting for justice against an unexpected adversary, Judge Bennett McCrae, the ""Judge Prince.""
The book is not only action-packed but also explores complex themes like human emotions, passion, and obsession in a world where marriage contracts, casual sexual standards, and the freedom to pursue multiple partners cannot entirely eliminate them. The story also delves into the question of whether humans can save themselves from their self-destruction, given their tumultuous emotions.
The book comes with a content warning as it includes descriptions of child sexual and physical abuse and extreme violence. These scenes are written in a manner that may be triggering for some readers. Nonetheless, this is a unique and compelling read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat with its mix of action, suspense, and complex themes. It's a book that is not afraid to tackle difficult subject matter and provides a strong female protagonist fighting for justice in a world of turmoil. Recommended.
Paul Lappen - Vine Voice - 5 StarsOcellicon: Future Visions, A.G. RussoIn a near-future Earth, the military is now in control. This isn't any specific military, like America or China, but The Military, in general. They said ""No"" to politicians who were about to launch nuclear weapons. The military now spends lots of time rooting out ""bad apples"" in its ranks. The charges can range from anarchist terrorism (not everyone is happy with military rule) to pedophilia (lots of it). That's where Major Annalouise Farrell comes in.
Farrell had a very unpleasant childhood, but rose to become a military lawyer with a perfect record in the courtroom. After winning an ""unwinnable"" case, she and another lawyer are sent to a base in the Middle East to deal with a bunch of very minor cases. The judge that goes with them is Colonel McCrae. Sexual mores have changed by a lot, so he is able to find many women to satisfy his strong libido. He and Farrell simply do not get along. Soon after they arrive, an attack, directed at them, convinces them that something very unpleasant is going on. Can ""it"" be stopped in time? Who is still standing at the end?
This story is surprisingly good. The society-building feels very plausible, and it has lots of good characters and good writing. Will there be a Part 2?
V.E. - Vine Voice - 4 StarsA.G. Russo's Ocellicon is a military sci-fi novel that breaks conventions by incorporating themes of feminism, noir, and legal issues. Along with that, it features an engrossing mystery that will keep you interested until the end. The main character, Major Annalisa Farrell, is a brilliant Military Academy graduate who has survived the trauma of child abuse. Her quest for justice is complicated by an unexpected adversary, the beloved Judge Prince Bennett McCrea. This book is not for the timid, as it includes themes of child abuse, war violence, and harrowing injuries. These elements add depth and authenticity to the story though, and make it a compulsive read.
Mia C. - 5 StarsThe cover of this book reminded me of one of those sci-fi movies that everyone goes to the cinema to watch. I was really captivated at first sight because of this. When I read the description I was totally hooked and wanted to read it all.This is not the typical science fiction story, but one which has to do with the military. How cool is that! In the story we find legal issues, feminism and mystery, just to mention some of the elements that caught my attention.The story is captivating from beginning to end. The author masterfully described the scenes and developed the characters. I am sure most readers will like it but maybe those which are more sensitive will find some parts a bit harsh.
Sanjin - Vine Voice - 4 StarsThis is a sci-fi novel with elements of mystery, thriller, and a lot of action. It seamlessly weaves together elements of legal drama, detective work, mystery, feminist discourse, and noir science fiction, and somehow, it all works well together. The author is skilled enough to make a coherent story with all of those elements featured. However, there are some scenes of gratuitous violence, abuse, and a slightly unnerving attitude toward intimacy that might be too much for some readers. Despite the darker tone and themes, Ocellicon is a novel well worth your time.
Karrie - Vine Voice - 5 StarsSci-Fi novels and movies rank among my favorite genres, and Ocellicon by A.G. Russo is one book that I find very interesting and fun to read. Military Sci-Fi features several elements, from feminism to noir Sci-Fi and legal themes. There is also a touch of mystery to this story. Hence, Ocellicon is exciting and fun to read.The central character is Major Annalisa Farrell, a Military Academy honors graduate with many back records, including surviving child abuse. At the heart of the story, Annalisa fights to uphold justice. However, an adversary was brewing from the person list expected, the Judge Prince—Judge Bennett McCrea.Bennett was not an easy opponent to reckon with since he has managed to win the love of the military and the populace in general while much hatred follows Annalisa around. Ocellicon is not a book for the faint heart since it contains descriptions of child sexual and physical abuse, military war violence, description of injuries, and others, all of which come together to create a vivid description and make the story a complete and compelling one.