Today's Spotlight is on the work of Stella Atrium, author of speculative fiction—including the three books of The Tribal Wars Series, a space colonization story about seeking independence and home rule in the face of corporate greed.
"An emotionally intimate narrative for sci-fi fans, with broad themes that appeal to a mainstream audience, too." ~Kirkus Review
The Bush Clinic
The Tribal Wars Book 14.2 stars, 40 ratings
Price: From $1.99
Tribal women bind together in a war zone where they are discounted as not important enough to save or keep safe.
On Dolvia, Lt. Mike Shaw demands Dr. Greensboro’s doctoring skills at the hospital, forcing the closure of her bush clinic. She witnesses forced labor, forced migration, and the threat of an epidemic from bad water. She sees how tribal women—often wearing burkas—find solutions for saving the children in a conflict zone, and she commits to their cause for Home Rule.
Brianna Miller is an isolated girl—a mixed-blood orphan—among the Dolviet tribes. With the lessons from Dr. Greensboro, the abuse from soldiers, and the sisterhood among victims, Brianna prepares for a future she will choose for herself. But first, she must travel offworld.
Recognition and Praise for The Bush Clinic
- Distinguished Favorite from the 2023 Independent Press Award
- Winner of the Artisan Book Reviews 2022 Book Excellence Award
- BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 10/31/22)
- "An honest examination of human character and creates realistic characters and powerful organizations that depict real human conflict." ~ArtisanReads
- "Far more than standard sci-fi; it is a femme-led examination of our societal ills, and a celebration of the strength found through open-mindedness and sisterhood." ~Self-Publishing Review
- "An imaginative and deeply thoughtful space opera." ~Literary Titan
- "Vivid world-building at its best, as gripping as it is poignant." ~Books Go Social
The Body Politic
The Tribal Wars Book 24.4 stars, 31 ratings
Price: From $1.99
Brianna Miller returns to Dolvia where tribal women protest the oppressive rule of Rabbenu Ely by self-torchings in the Cylay Square. Brianna re-establishes her tribal schools and takes on assistant Kelly Osborn who is mixed blood and also a poet.
Kelly visits the neighboring planet of Cicero where her aunt Carline Bryant takes over her education. While returning to Dolvia, Kelly meets Australian adventurer Hershel Henry who has signed on for a tour of Dolvia as a photojournalist. Henry takes an opportunity to interview the khalif on the opposing side of the tribal wars.
Recognition and Praise for The Body Politic
- "The striking second installment in Atrium's Tribal Wars series tackles exploitation and culture clashes on a newly discovered planet, with the rich intelligence, invention, and characterization that are the hallmarks of Atrium's work." ~BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 1/30/23)
- "A thoroughly gripping, poignant sci-fi saga." ~Artisan Book Reviews
- "Deftly weaves together themes of war, adventure, love, politics, and unwavering determination, lending depth and resonance to the narrative." ~Literary Titan, 5-star review
- "An intelligent, powerful work of science fiction." ~Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Home Rule
The Tribal Wars Book 34.6 stars, 22 ratings
Price: From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Photojournalist Hershel Henry witnesses the self-torchings of tribal women protesting the oppressive rule of Rabbenu Ely. While Brianna Miller seeks peace among the tribes, Kelly sets the bride price for a wedding at Stargate Junction.
Recognition & Praise for Home Rule
- "First-rate SF novel of revolution, oppression, and the urgent textures of life." ~BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 7/3/23)
- First place: 2023 Artisan Reads Book Excellence Awards, Science Fiction and Fantasy: "A masterpiece of science fiction world-building and plotting."
- "Dramatic, passionate, and rich in detail at every turn." ~Self-Publishing Review
- "Richly detailed world-building and compelling storytelling." ~Literary Titan 5-Star Review
- "An accomplished work that will impress fans of the existing series, and I would certainly recommend the series in general for literary sci-fi fans everywhere." ~Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
About the Author
Stella Atrium is an award-winning fantasy writer who presents otherworld stories about female protagonists. Although set in a fantasy world, the obstacles encountered are relatable to our lives today. How do women respond to the kinds of obstacles women encounter using the tools available to women? Says Stella: "I was a great reader of science fiction as a young person, but I began to wonder why the protagonist in a sci-fi or fantasy story was always a man, even when the writer was female. Where were the stories that presented a woman as the problem solver?
"A real heroine cannot call on armies to follow her, or pay assassins for special work. She may have children already, so adventure is out of the question, and her family must be secure before she can enter the public square where she has no voice.
"So how does a story shape if the young hero must solve problems that girls experience in ways that females address problems? I could find no books that started with this premise, so I had to write some."
Stella teaches at university in addition to online writing courses. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.
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