OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gates of Fire: The Moonracer Chronicles" by T. August Green.]

We are in the 24th century. Human beings, despite the advancement of technology, are still passionate about the world of motors. A sport called Moonracing fascinates thousands of people. The love of speed, of risk, of adrenaline, despite the passage of centuries, remains in the hearts of men. A sport that, in fact, coincides with a small world: many people work in it, and many destinies intertwine. Lives are constantly in danger, affecting not only the drivers but also all the people around them. A passion that unites so many, yet challenges the lives of so many others. What will happen? Who will win the most important race in Moonracing?

I’m a Formula 1 and MotoGP fan. Reading this book reminded me of these two worlds, these two sports that fascinate so many people. The book succeeds in giving the reader a complete view of those worlds, not only in terms of organisation, but also in terms of the emotions, the traumas, the scares that those worlds bring. We often don’t realise how fragile our lives can be, how many dangers we can encounter, or brush against, without even noticing. What I liked is that the book highlights how fragile we can become. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but we can also break down, crushed by emotions. It gives concrete examples, such as a car accident, and talks about rehabilitation, memory loss, and how all this can be received by family members. It shows the reader how a world that looks fantastic from the outside can hide deep dramas and challenges that are not easy to overcome. This, I particularly appreciated.

The stories of many characters are intertwined, so, especially at the beginning, I had difficulty remembering everything and following the narrative. After a few chapters, everything became clearer, but it wasn’t easy. The reader has to pay close attention to everything, because many characters are presented, each with their own characteristics and backstories. Consequently, some information I would have preferred to receive straight away, or I would have liked a character to be presented more completely, rather than in such a fragmented way. For example, there are Jean-Claude’s, Angus’s, Lancer’s, and Tug’s stories, nice and interesting characters, but at the beginning, I had trouble remembering who was who. This, if you like, is the only negative aspect I found.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I would have given more, but in the first part, I had a hard time following the story of all the characters. That said, I found no errors of any kind and the editing was really well done. I recommend the book to all motorsport lovers and also to those who want to find out more about what happens behind the scenes.

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Gates of Fire: The Moonracer Chronicles
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Set in the 24th century, Gates of Fire: The Moonracer Chronicles is a science fiction novel that delves into the high-stakes world of Moonracing—a perilous motorsport where speed and bravery are paramount. The story follows a Scottish highlander known as “Rocket,” born of royal lineage, who defies expectations to pursue his passion for racing. As competitors vie for glory at the Thermopylae Raceway on Mars, personal trials and emotional challenges unfold, highlighting the human cost of ambition and the pursuit of excellence.

Indeed, our lives are fragile and fleeting. It is interesting to see that even three centuries into the future, the adrenaline rush still exists in the heart of humankind. I wonder what the prize for such a risky adventure is. Kudos on the informative review, @Elisabetta Galati.

As someone who enjoys motorsports too, your mention of the emotional depth behind the thrill really drew me in. I appreciate your honesty about the initial confusion with the many characters; it helps set expectations. It sounds like a fascinating glimpse into the hidden costs of a high-adrenaline world, and your review made me curious to check it out!