Reviews

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Jamie Michele through Readers’ Favorite

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is an epic science fiction novel and the second book in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series, preceded by book one, Battle for Eklatros. The series begins on Eklatros, a peaceful planet that finds itself facing destruction by the alien Gnusar horde. Their leader corrupts animals and gods, while humans, softened by centuries of peace, are powerless. Ànifa, a memoryless elvish woman, must recover her identity and awaken the fading planet to survive. Now in this installment, in the Volgash Desert on Melridion, Lord Foxaire’s secret compound conceals travelers from Eklatros and dangerous secrets. Professor Navacus Clums uncovers hidden horrors underground but is barred from returning. With help from a test subject and a Light Being, Navacus prepares his team to leave the compound safely.

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is more than just straightforward science fiction; it is also a philosophical exploration of advanced metaphysical concepts. The Light Being, named Sterg, transcends physical limitations and introduces phenomena beyond human experience, like the idea of consciousness being separate from the soul. What I love most is that Galassi drives home the desire of all beings to rebel against the crushing of freedom. The standout to me is the Titans, who are bred specifically to serve Foxaire’s goals and are born into a system that defines them by their utility. When West begins to rebel against the facility, the act of rebellion becomes a personal act of reclaiming humanity. The battle scenes are fast-paced and exciting, particularly in an escape attempt that employs both hand-to-hand tactical combat and supernatural ability, from Navacus’ surprising knife skills, an Ancilsan with spiked metal knuckles, and Kaytrona’s electric energy. Overall, with exceptional world-building, tight writing, and plenty of layers, Galassi delivers a solid series continuation and a brilliant read. Very highly recommended.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: K.C. Finn through Readers’ Favorite

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is a highly engaging tale where readers are thrust into the exhilarating second installment of the Rebalancing the Cosmos series. The story follows our heroes into the treacherous depths of Lord Foxaire’s hidden compound on the planet Melridion, where Ànifa’s companions are held captive. With the enigmatic Professor Navacus Clums discovering layers of concealed horrors, the novel masterfully weaves together elements of intrigue, danger, and cosmic mystery. Galassi’s rich world-building and complex characters create an immersive science fiction epic that probes the price of discovery and the limits of loyalty.

Author Alex Galassi demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a narrative that keeps readers gripped from start to finish. The balance between the grand scope of the universe and the intimate character moments that ground the story has readers turning pages. The intricate plotting and layered suspense create constant tension while revealing thrilling twists that never feel forced. The dialogue propels the story forward with a natural delivery of information and emotion. Galassi’s imaginative world-building expands beyond a mere setting, developing a lived-in universe with its own rules and history. The characters show remarkable emotional depth alongside their high-stakes adventures, making their struggles feel genuine and meaningful. They faced increasingly difficult moral choices in their journeys. The exploration of knowledge versus morality runs subtly but strongly throughout the narrative, raising thought-provoking questions about the cost of scientific advancement. Overall, Escape From Melridion is a compelling addition to the science fiction genre that will leave readers eager for the next installment, and I certainly recommend it.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Rabia Tanveer through Readers’ Favorite

Escape from Melridion is the second novel in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series by Alex Galassi. The story unfolds in the enigmatic Volgash Desert, where a secret compound owned by the cunning Lord Foxaire holds mysteries that intertwine the fates of Ànifa’s companions from the first book—Theodore, Cecil, Dasch, Tyrona, and Druder. Professor Navacus Clums, a pivotal character, uncovers unsettling truths about the compound’s underground facilities. Aided by the cryptic insights of West Kilinder and a mysterious Light Being, Navacus faces an ethical and physical battle to discover secrets, protect his team, and orchestrate an escape. The novel brims with suspense, ethical dilemmas, and moments of profound revelation.

Complex and entertaining, Escape from Melridion was everything I hoped it would be and more. Although I haven’t read the previous novel in the series, I had no issues catching up and loving the story. Author Alex Galassi masterfully builds the narrative, blending complex character development arcs with intricate world-building. The pacing is fast, which creates tension as Navacus delves deeper into the compound’s hidden horrors. The moral struggles faced by the characters (particularly Navacus) make the story more entertaining. The descriptions of the vivid settings and emotional turmoil of the characters are fantastic. I loved Navacus’s dilemma and how he fought with his moral obligations! I enjoyed Theodore (his determination and his sarcastic words), and of course, Ànifa was fantastic. Escape from Melridion seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and action. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will now read the first novel in the series and revisit Escape from Melridion once again.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Paul Zietsman through Readers’ Favorite

In Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi, Professor Navacus Clums, a birdlike humanoid, finds himself at the center of chaos and a conspiracy. His work entails refining experimental technology for cyborg enhancements, known as the Titans, but he then learns that all is not as it seems. He starts suspecting that his colleagues Professors Durrist and Randall are not being upfront about the experiments or the Titans and that they will be used as tools for destruction. Professor Clums comes into contact with a Light Being and their souls intertwine – the professor becomes sharper, clearer, and better at everything he undertakes. He becomes allied with the human travelers that appear at the underground compound and together they take on the fight for justice in a cosmos that is on the brink of chaos.

Escape From Melridion is an extremely well-written book with strong characters, authentic dialogue, suspense, intrigue, and powerful themes. These themes include one’s definition of freedom, ethics, balance, and identity. The theme of identity is deeply interwoven in the narrative and explores how characters adapt amid extraordinary circumstances. The Titans, especially, grapple with their identities as they are artificially made beings. The theme of ethics has merit in today’s world of creating artificial intelligence to serve mankind. The presence of strong and meaningful themes sets Alex Galassi’s Escape from Melridion apart from other science fiction titles. It is an intriguing and suspenseful book that also had me questioning or rethinking the values of ethics and identity in today’s technology-driven society.

Review Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed by: Jennifer Reinoehl through Readers’ Favorite

Escape From Melridion by Alex Galassi is the second book in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series. Professor Navacus Clums leads a team of life-saving scientists in a Melridion desert facility run by the elusive Lord Foxaire. His team has created mechanical wonders that allow a man who lost his legs, Norman, to walk again, and even West, a headless alien, to continue living through a portable life support system. The problems start for Navacus’ sense of ethics when one day he is privy to the secret of the facility. Underneath the compound is a laboratory where monstrosities are made, imprisoned, and tortured through experiments. Several characters from the first book are also prisoners in this underground facility. As in the first book, Gnusaramnii continues to be the bad guy, and his followers are trying to bring about his return so he can control sentient beings across the galaxies. Professor Navacus and his team must find a way to escape from the facility and assuage their consciences by bringing some of the captives with them to foil the plans of the Gnusaramnii followers.

Escape from Melridion can be read as a stand-alone, without reading the first book. Alex Galassi does a noteworthy job of weaving together a pantheon of characters and keeping the plot comprehensive for the reader. He has also added a glossary that includes descriptions of all the alien beings readers might encounter in the plot. His characters enticed me enough to start reading the first book in the series. The plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat because one never knows if Navacus and his team will be discovered and imprisoned or if they will escape until the final pages. One of the major themes is loyalty, and it is examined from all sides through new situations many have not considered. Characters must decide if they will do something unethical out of loyalty to their mentor and if disobeying a direct order is unloyal. The characters address these ethical dilemmas and some choose different paths for the same problem. It ends on a cliffhanger so we can look forward to Book 3.

Tyler, 27

I loved how this sequel expanded the universe from the first book while still feeling easy to follow. The underground compound scenes were creepy and tense in the best way, and there was always something happening to keep the story moving. The ending seriously made me want Book 3 immediately.

Emily, 22

Escape from Melridion was a genuine page-turner for me. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly I was halfway through the book. The mix of hidden experiments, alien politics, and escape survival made it hard to put down. Can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Megan, 34

Escape from Melridion totally pulled me in from the first few chapters. The world-building is so detailed without ever feeling overwhelming, and the mystery surrounding the compound kept me hooked. Navacus ended up being one of my favorite characters because his moral struggle felt really real. Definitely a great sci-fi read if you like action mixed with deeper themes.

Rachel, 41

This book has everything I want in a space fantasy adventure—cool alien species, dangerous secrets, strong character dynamics, and nonstop tension.

Jordan, 30

Even though it’s the second book in the series, I think Escape from Melridion stands really well on its own. Alex Galassi does a great job giving readers enough context without slowing the story down. I especially liked the mix of sci-fi action and the ethical questions surrounding the experiments in the compound.

Danielle, 25

The pacing in this book was fantastic. Every chapter seemed to reveal another layer of mystery, and I was constantly curious about what was hidden beneath the compound. The characters felt believable, especially Navacus trying to decide what was right versus what was safe. Really fun read overall.

Chris, 38

I had such a good time with this one. The setting on Melridion felt vivid and dangerous, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the lore of the Vortex Solar System. There’s a great balance between adventure, suspense, and character development. Fans of sci-fi/fantasy crossovers should definitely check it out.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Vincent Dublado through Readers’ Favorite

Battle for Eklatros is the first book in the promising Rebalancing the Cosmos Series by Alex Galassi. Eklatros is a peaceful planet, but horrific tragedies occur, and the planet has seen its share of back-to-back conflicts, notably the War for Equality and the Dark War. As the planet had already been ravaged, humans, for the most part, have lost their ability to use magic. The arrival of the Gnusar is something no one expected. They come in a variety of forms, with the most common being that of a gelatinous mass. Others are covered in scales, while some have wings. They are all controlled by an omnipotent entity called Gnusaramnii that feeds by invading and taking over species and their planets. An elvish woman is the only hope of freeing Eklatros from the Gnusaramnii’s grasp, now that it has learned to mask its presence. But this fated heroine has no memory of who she is.

As the first installment in a new fantasy series, Battle for Eklatros has all the trimmings of a visionary fantasy adventure. It is a rousing tale, with skillful prose that blends world-building and characterization with enough detail that doesn’t slow the plot’s pace. Ànifa’s journey to discover her identity and her forging of new alliances become the crux of the storyline – an introduction to who is who and what is what for you to understand what makes the major players tick. As you become familiar with the general outline, you begin to admire Alex Galassi’s word painting, as he has created a compelling world and a unique work of high fantasy with a contemporary mainstream appeal. What he has done in this novel is awesomely difficult, and he deserves to be read.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Stephanie Chapman through Readers’ Favorite

Battle For Eklatros by Alex Galassi is a magic-infused journey featuring Ànifa, who was rescued by Charlotte when she washed ashore from the sea. Suffering from amnesia, Ànifa decides to repay Charlotte’s kindness by crossing the mountains to obtain herbs from Sage Mason. Along the way, she meets a wandering sorcerer, Theodore, who has lost his knight, Cecil. He joins her, hoping to find Cecil. The discovery of Ànifa’s ability to communicate with animals reveals that she is an elf. Ànifa’s ability allows her to fight against the possessed monsters during her travels. During the night, Ànifa keeps hearing a dark voice telling her to give in and die. She also has dreams of advanced technology that is creating cyborgs. When Ànifa discovers Charlotte has been abducted, she sets out to find the Ekataramn. The quest involves Ànifa gaining enlightenment, finding her purpose, battling powerful adversaries, and building loyal friendships.

Eklatros is diverse and depicted in vivid detail. I could feel the extreme heat in the desert areas, the cool mistiness of the riverbank, and the wind near the great barriers. Alex Galassi gave distinct personalities to all of the characters. I found the cursing of Vesten in keeping with the nature of a pirate. The description of the characters’ attire was just as varied as Eklatros. The story was easy to read and the amount of detail was not burdensome, allowing for the timeline and pace of the story to hold my full attention. There was not a moment in the entire story when I could pull myself away from the book. The incorporation of the animal gods and their appearances were some of my favorite aspects of the story. There is tragedy, humor, and determination involved throughout, and, of course, magic. The backstories provided me with insight into the motivation for the paths chosen, including that of the main villain. The conclusion of the story leaves an opening for an intense sequel, which made me eager to keep reading the series. I recommend Battle for Eklatros to readers who enjoy magic, adventure, fantasy, and intriguing characters who grow together.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: Emma Megan through Readers’ Favorite

Ànifa wakes up in a woman’s tent without any memory of her past. To express her gratitude to her savior, Ànifa agrees to travel way across the Watthana Mountain Range to purchase some special herbs. On her way, Ànifa comes across a lost traveler named Theodore Henry Caldwell. They both decide to travel together to find the herbs and also Theodore’s lost companion Sir Cecil Kloud. On their journey, they both fight ugly jelly monsters, learn about each other’s powers and the Great Barriers, and that they hold the answer to Ànifa’s origins. Battle for Eklatros by Alex Galassi is the first book in the Rebalancing the Cosmos series. In this first installment, Ànifa fights the evil voice that haunts her dreams and forges new alliances that could help her awaken the Ekataramn, the entities that dwell within the Great Barriers and save Eklatros from the invasion of Gnusaramnii and its monstrous minions.

Battle for Eklatros by Alex Galassi is an extraordinary science-fiction fantasy novel that strikes a perfect balance between conflict, mystery, and character development. The intense series of events and battles and adventures throughout this novel is highly suspenseful, memorable, fun, and heartfelt. Alex Galassi crafted an incredibly immersive world filled with awesome and complex characters, such as elves, half-elves, angels, sorcerers, knights, sailors, and more. I am so invested in the world-building and the characters that I can’t wait for the next installment. Anyone interested in a gripping novel that follows a mysterious elvish woman as she discovers her identity while fighting an enemy that slowly corrupts the animals, humans, and gods must read this book.

Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed by: K.C. Finn through Readers’ Favorite

Battle for Eklatros is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy subgenre and is the first part of the Rebalancing the Cosmos series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Alex Galassi. The book follows the efforts of elvish hero Ànifa as she fights for the future of her home world of Eklatros after the corruption of the land by the mighty Gnusar. With the survival of the world at stake, and humans softened by millennia of peace, Ànifa must travel across the world reviving the planet with the help of new allies, each with a stake in saving the world from corruption.

The lore and worldbuilding on show in this work from the very first page are outstanding, with a complex and nuanced world that is highlighted beautifully by the narrative within it. Even more importantly, author Alex Galassi’s narrative voice does a sublime job of bringing us into this new world at just the right pace, making the world of Eklatros not just vivid and imaginative but also highly accessible to readers. Ànifa is an excellent protagonist for a fantasy epic, at once both a small figure when standing against the threat presented by the Gnusar and also a powerful figure in her determination and resilience. Her evolution throughout the story as she meets new people and overcomes the various challenges is so engaging to watch. Overall, Battle for Eklatros finds plenty of opportunities for all of its characters to shine whether that be through exciting action or deep reflection on their world.

Review Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed by: Foluso Falaye through Readers’ Favorite

As a result of a cruel battle that took place thousands of years ago on planet Eklatros, the elves who were previously abundant are said to have vanished from the world. Ànifa, who seems to be an elf but has no recollection of her past, is discovered among humans at a time when Eklatros is being attacked by monsters and the planet appears to be on the verge of destruction. Subsequently, Ànifa sets out on an improbable journey to save the world with a bunch of new allies, using her talent for archery and her magical gift. They must look for the Great Barriers and overcome the difficult obstacles along the path, including pirates, monsters, gods, magical creatures, and more formidable phenomena. Battle for Eklatros by Alex Galassi is a fast-paced, magic-packed quest to save a world teeming with fearsome, wicked monsters and discouraging odds.

If you like frightening stories, be ready to be blown away by the book’s spine-chilling creatures, including the ugly monster covered in boils and warts. The world’s complexities, such as the fact that seeing a unicorn is always a warning of something horrible, make Battle for Eklatros feel more genuine and compelling. The friendship between the main characters, who joke about and try to always be there for one another despite the enormous obstacles they face, is truly admirable. Expect a fast-paced tale with several points of view, lively conversations, and nonstop action. The book’s numerous engaging aspects, ranging from communicating with animals to manipulating the weather, encountering wolf spiders, and hearing voices, will appeal to fantasy aficionados and adventure seekers who also appreciate dark themes. Alex Galassi’s novel is simply a terrific story to keep readers turning the pages!