Reviewed by Sandra Cruz for Reader Views (12/2024)
Earth is a desolate and dark planet filled with unnatural life and hardly any humans in “The Man from Rock Bottom” by Stephen Eric Johnson. After humanity nearly destroys itself an alien society, the Pan-Galactic Empire comes to its rescue. Scintillant Camor, Master of the Ministry of Life, is the only one who believes they are worth saving and creates Sunflower City as a safe haven. It must succeed at all costs because it’s the planet’s last chance for survival.
But the last remnants of humanity, the survivors of the End, are not all content with their current situation. Headed by Preacher Man, they want to be in charge of their own destiny without any outside interference from an alien species. Below the surface, tensions are flaring and there’s only one person who can make a difference.
He’s the Man from Rock Bottom, the lowest level of the city. No one really knows his name. Some call him Human Joe, or Biff, while others call him A1, but he doesn’t mind. By working with Scintillant Camor, they bring back several species of animals and plants from extinction and he takes care of the animals in the Sanctuary. If an animal happens to wander into the city, he gets called in to retrieve it. Fighting underground monsters and saving animals is what he does. Until he is unexpectedly caught up in a brewing revolution.
Despite their flaws, humans tend to be proud and self-reliant. Due to their destructive tendencies, they have decimated the planet, and their only hope comes from an alien society. This is the post-apocalyptic world that Stephen Eric Johnson has created in his novel “The Man from Rock Bottom.” For once they are not the heroes and they are still around only because a lone creature stepped in and decided to give them a second chance. The Man is an empath and his abilities
include telepathy, precognition, and a fast-healing metabolism. He works together with Susan and Trinidad from the Pan-Galactic Empire to help Scintillant Camor when he is taken captive.
I was drawn to this novel because of the concept of different alien races and creatures living and working together in a futuristic society. This novel has so many of them, including dragons, super-rats, foxes, and birds. Some of them are empaths who have the ability to share the feelings and pain of others. When the story begins, a ship from the Pan-Galactic Republic arrives on Earth carrying various human survivors of the End. They are met by Republic soldiers who are aliens.
Providing book by book publicity for Indie Authors since 2005.I was hooked on the second chapter when Scintillant Camor made his first appearance. He is a fox with purple fur and violet eyes, and he is an empath. While interviewing a woman to find out where best to place her, his opinion of her is so poignant:
She’d be more attractive if she wasn’t hiding so much hurt inside, the same way she’s hiding the bruises of recent violence under her neat clothes and slightly too-heavy makeup.
By having a multiple point of view narrative, readers get to experience a unique world through various perspectives. This futuristic action adventure, blended with fantasy and science fiction, follows The Man’s gripping journey from obscure gene pirate to would-be hero. It is well-paced and the writing draws readers into the emotional turmoil and complex layers of the different characters. The author’s character descriptions make them come to life:
From one side of the man came a vast shape, broad wings outstretched like thunderheads, a sharp, wicked hiss of fury filling the night.
Overall, “The Man from Rock Bottom” is an entertaining and thought provoking read that highlights human resilience and the power of second chances while exploring the ultimate desire for a better life, themes of good vs evil, redemption, bravery, and free will. At its center lie empathy and compassion. It is recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction and speculative fiction who enjoy stories of humans interacting with various species of aliens.
There’s a flash of ghost-pale bodies and wide, horrible eyes, but they vanish as I swing my sticky, and I can feel the crunch of bone once, twice, and then I’m through, shouldering my way past the little gang without looking back.
Richter Publishing 