Dear Author Diana Fedorak,
Origins Progeny, the sequel to Children of Alpheios, a Firebird Book Award-winning novel, delivers an exhilarating blend of emotional depth, political intrigue, and relentless action. Once again, Alina DeHerte takes center stage, and her return to the genetically engineered city of Alpheios is nothing short of gripping.
Having carved out a fragile peace in a remote sanctuary with her son and new fiancé, Alina is thrust back into the labyrinthine power struggles of Alpheios when her mother falls gravely ill. The stakes are intensely personal, yet they ripple outward, threatening the lives of countless citizens as the city’s ruling elite tighten their grasp on power.
The novel brilliantly balances high-stakes action with moments of raw vulnerability, particularly as Alina is forced to confront her past and form an uneasy alliance with the Guardian officer who fathered her son. Their complicated dynamic adds layers of emotional tension, underscoring the human cost of survival in a city teetering on the edge of collapse.
Kronosapiens (a mutated form of humanity), an evil corporation (Genodyne), betrayal, revenge, and medical intrigue made it difficult to stop reading. The setting—a city gripped by deep winter and teeming with rising unrest—becomes almost a character, its icy chill and suffocating political atmosphere mirroring Alina’s internal struggles. Your prose is sharp and evocative, painting a brutal and breathtaking world.
This sequel doesn’t just match the intensity of Children of Alpheios—it surpasses it (and yes, preparing for this review I read CoA)! Fans of character-driven science fiction and intricate world-building will be enthralled from the first page to the last. With its complex relationships, relentless pacing, and heart-wrenching stakes, this book is an unforgettable journey into the heart of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
Origins Progeny is a must-read for fans of dystopian sci-fi and emotionally charged storytelling.
I love a story with so many layers it’s easy to see the sequels that must be written. Origins Progeny is one of those stories that makes me hope that the story will never end.
With kind regards,
James Davison for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio