Dierock 88 by S.A. Oliver
Blurb:
AS DARKNESS DESCENDS, ATLAS MUST RISE.
In the sprawling tapestry of the Aurorion Galaxy, Atlas Viridian dreams of escaping the junk-strewn life of the Salvage Belt. However, his aspirations crumble when his father is arrested under suspicion of being the elusive terrorist, "Typhon." Accused of aiding and abetting, Atlas is thrust into the relentless grip of Horizon Corporation, condemned to toil for resources beneath the surface of a distant moon.
Trapped in the Dome of Dierock 88, Atlas' destiny becomes entwined with the clandestine machinations of "Vanguard," a shadowy Black Operations group. Their motives remain elusive—Atlas is the key, but to what?
Learning to live with a ragtag group of very different people, he’ll navigate the treacherous depths and discover that Horizon's facade of happiness conceals a darker truth: Deadly creatures, remnants of the ancient alien Kosmonautai, haunt the caverns below. Every descent brings not only deadly adversaries but inexplicable mental turmoil.
BENEATH THE SURFACE, SECRETS AWAIT.
In the crucible of survival, he’ll grapple with the tragic lives around him and the harsh truths of the galaxy he inhabits. Dierock 88 becomes a dangerous journey of self-discovery, challenging a young man to unearth the mystery of his own existence, and decide what matters most in an unfair, and cruel society. Will Atlas survive the descent and emerge from the darkness? Or will the battle within himself be his downfall?
TORN ALLEGIANCE. FRACTURED TRUST.
Review:
There is a distinct thrill in discovering a hidden gem within the indie community, and Dierock 88 by S.A. Oliver delivers on that feeling. Before you even turn the first page, the book commands attention with its cover art. It immediately caught my eye, channeling the nostalgic feeling of the sci-fi posters of my childhood. I was delighted to find that the story inside completely lives up to that visual promise.
The story centers on Atlas Veridian, a protagonist forced to navigate the brutal realities of the prison moon, Dierock 88, due to the heavy burden of his father's past choices. While Atlas starts off as a lost boy out of his depth, his growth feels earned. Watching him evolve from a naive, somewhat sheltered youth into a hardened survivor and potential leader was one of the book's highlights for me.
At the beginning, Atlas is understandably overwhelmed by the harsh reality of his incarceration. The author captures his internal despair perfectly, echoing the sentiment: "How do I break these chains when I feel so utterly shattered?" Watching him navigate the brutal hierarchy of the prison system forces him to grow up quickly. I found this progression to be incredibly satisfying; he isn’t an instant hero, but rather a survivor learning to cope. The book emphasizes the importance of resilience even in the mundane, reminding the reader that "How a man handles his most tedious and undesirable tasks speaks volumes about his character."
One of the stronger elements of the book is the web of relationships, particularly the "found family" dynamic that emerges among the inmates, and the looming shadow of Atlas's father, Pyros. The relationship between father and son is a standout feature, filled with unexpected twists and shifting perspectives. Just when you question the father's motives, lines like "I may be many things, Son, but a liar isn't one of them" pull you back in, adding layers to the mystery.
The political intrigue on the prison moon is sharp and cynical, reflecting a world where justice is scarce. As Atlas navigates the corrupt landscape of Dierock 88, the story offers social commentary, noting that “In a society where fools reign, it is often who you know that prevails over what you know.” This environment forces Atlas to decide whether he is a victim or a leader. The narrative drives home the necessity of action with the observation: “Men must strive for great deeds, or else they become subject to the whims of greater men.”
Some of the most memorable scenes are the quieter ones. It is in these moments that the book’s philosophy shines, with lines like, "When you can find a lesson in the simplest of things, you'll know you've truly learned."
Overall, Dierock 88 is an engaging debut that manages to wrap up with a satisfying conclusion while leaving just enough mystery to make you eager for the sequel. If you are looking for a fun, emotional, and well-written entry into the genre, I highly recommend giving this one a read.
