In the book Saving Paludis, author Clayton Graham writes about the planet Paludis and the unique “sleeper” pill that will change the universe. But is earth jealous of the backward planet of Paludis becoming the power and economic center of the universe? Are they trying to start a war? Or are the indigenous people of Paludis more advanced and smarter than people think?
This was a good science fiction read. I would recommend this book! I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t like Saving Paludis, I loved it!

The book is about an intelligent reptilian indigenous species on a trade route planet that is conquered, interned, and discriminated against. Humans kill mass numbers of the native population when first arriving on the planet 300 years in the past and moved the survivors to a preserve in order to exploit the planet’s natural resources and to make way for human habitation. The plight of the American Indians came to mind as I read.

Later, with Paludis growing in economic importance, Earth attacks based on trumped-up charges and devastates the Paludis human population and their cities. Driving this attack was Earth’s fear of losing control over human Paludins. The war is ultimately won thanks to native reptilian Paludin ingenuity. The way to recovery from the planet’s scorched-earth damage now require the native Paludins and the human Paludins to work together.

While the storyline as basic as described, the book is not basic. It is filled with breathless suspense, puzzling mystery, and human emotion. One night, the suspense prevented me from putting the book down. Looking at the 1:30 am reading on the bedside clock display and reminding myself of upcoming next business day obligations, I closed the book. Putting ‘Saving Paludis’ down felt like giving up a race with the goal in sight.

Saving Paludis is not a quick read, but the pace of the writing belies its length. On finishing the book, I found myself wishing it were longer as I’m curious as to the struggles ahead when the natives and humans try to put aside their differences in order to build a more inclusive society. Hopefully, the author, Clayton Graham, has a sequel in the works.