JATORA

Wexler’s SF novel tells the story of Gray Allen, a man who transcends death and recounts his journey from the American Civil War to an alien world.

The narrative begins with Gray’s time as a Confederate soldier, during which he becomes deeply ashamed of the cause for which he’s fighting and forms a bond with Victoria James, a Confederate nurse who shares his disillusionment with the war. Betrayed by Dr. Warren Kantrel, who saves his life at a terrible cost, Gray begins a journey that leads him beyond Earth’s boundaries. Specifically, he awakens on Jatora, a planet of breathtaking beauty and horrific danger. He aligns with T’lu—a noble warrior fighting to liberate his enslaved people, the podar, from the tyrannical rule of Ksanj—and his monstrous Hisl enforcers. Together, they face deadly creatures, harsh landscapes, and the oppressive Bujan overlords. The discovery of Amata, a lost city that once symbolized hope, becomes the center of their mission. T’lu seeks to rescue Dulara Olana, who can unite and inspire the podar as their leader by birthright. The novel culminates in intense battles and sacrifices as the resistance attempts to overthrow Ksanj. Overall, Wexler excels at providing rich worldbuilding, vividly bringing Jatora to life: “the forest began to glow—every leaf and blade of grass, every clump of moss or looping liana radiating deep incandescent hues.” His descriptions of the menacing Hisl also blend beauty and danger. The story’s themes of resilience resonate in compelling action sequences, and Gray emerges as a well-developed protagonist; his transformation into a pivotal figure in an alien rebellion is engaging throughout. However, the story leans on familiar tropes, pitting a chosen hero against a tyrannical ruler, and many readers may find the outcome predictable. Also, some themes, such as the fact that Gray becomes immortal after the doctor saves his life, remain underexplored. Nonetheless, fans of classic SF stories, such as those by Edgar Rice Burroughs, will enjoy this tale.

An often-compelling blend of action, romance, and hope for a better future.