Behind the Fire Wall - Anton Eine

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Author: Anton Eine

Series: Programagic, #0.5
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy.
Rating: 4.5 stars.

In a Nutshell: An amazing indie prequel novella that presents an intriguing introduction to the main story, ‘Beyond the Speed Limit’. A great combination of tech and magic and mystery, set in an alternate reality.


Story Synopsis:
Magister Sajar Randhar, a ‘programage’ of the highest talent, is in trouble. Someone has breached the supposedly impenetrable Fire Wall of the Pentagonal Citadel. As Sajar was in-charge of securing the Citadel, he finds himself the main accused. Who is the actual culprit? How will Sajar clear his name? Read this 50-page novella to find out the answer to some of the above questions, knowing that there’s more to come in the next volume.
The story is written mostly in the first person perspective of Sajar.


Where the book worked for me:
  • I love technology-based content. I love magic-based content. This story combines the two into a powerful and mind-blowing experience. It was surreal to see magic wands and spells being spoken of in the same breath as firewalls and programming worms. Loved it! (#GeekAlert!)
  • The story takes many concepts from our world and spoofs/replicates them in this alternate reality. This is done for places (For example, Sajar originates from ‘Hindaha’ but lives in ‘Murica’ – so easy to guess which two countries are being referenced!), people (I give you one guess to tell me the right identity of ‘Norton the Orange’, a dictator with orange tan skin and obsessed with building walls! 😂) and even concepts (For example, a programming language called ‘D-flat’. I hear C# going ”Whaaaatttt?!!??” 😂) All such references are intelligent and cleverly inserted; nothing seems out of place or forced. There are jibes made when deserved, but otherwise, the references are almost like an ode to the original idea/person. Again, loved it! This is such smart writing!
  • Sajar is the creator of what he lovingly calls the “world’s first artificial demon” named ‘Spirit’. Spirit is an interactive AI, but she is written in such an unusual way, not like your typical obsequious AIs. She is just like her name – full of spirit and spunk, and doesn’t hesitate to give one back to Sajar when he takes her for granted. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her character! The repartee between Sajar and Spirit is outstanding.

No negatives for this novella except that it is just a prequel. You will need to read the main story to get the best of this background. Some might find it tech-heavy, but I enjoy such content and relished the imaginative technology of the story. Also, go in with the right expectations. This is just a prequel and serves just as a forerunner to the main story. So it is more conversation-dominated than action-oriented.

In short, this is one amazing novella that introduces two memorable characters and a story with a complicated blend of magic and technology. Eagerly looking forward to Book One: ‘Beyond the Speed Limit.’

This final point shouldn’t make a difference. But if you read this book, you will be supporting an Ukrainian indie author who is a resident of Kyiv. These works are translated to English. Do support if you can!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through ‘StoryOrigin’ and these are my honest thoughts about it.

ETA: Check out my review of Book One: 'Beyond the Speed Limit' HERE.

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