It might have taken some time but, finally, it’s here, book one of my new science-fiction hexalogy Diathesis has hit the shelves (if you are in Ireland that is, otherwise it’s all online ordering through my publisher Temple Dark Books at https://www.templedarkbooks.com/diathesis). Initially available as an eBook or limited edition hardback, the limited edition hardback is strictly limited to 500 copies (I have my publisher’s word in blood and curses on that one), and includes the following features:
- foiled elements on dust-jacket
- designed endpapers
- author signed, stamped and numbered collectible art-card
- space probe schematic (artwork) inside dust-jacket
They’ve gone out of their way to make it look great on the shelf and once the 500 copies are gone, all that will be left are the paperback and eBook editions.
Proud of it? Yes, of course, as all authors are of their work, but I think I’ve really got something special here. If you’ve been keeping up with the posts on my progress you’ll know it started out as a trilogy then, for reasons of commercial production costs, was changed to a six-part series (an hexalogy) – and I had my doubts. As it turns out, it certainly hasn’t detracted from the story and may actually have improved it.
But.
If you plan on buying the hardback you’ll need to get in quick otherwise you could end up with a mix of hardbacks and paperbacks on your shelves, and that never looks good. Remember, this one will cost you (before postage) the equivalent of six large cups of coffee from your favourite multinational or a dozen and a half doughnuts from your other favourite multinational – and it will last longer, look better on your table, and not raise your cholesterol levels.
Why should you read it? I could tell you I’m the best science-fiction writer out there, but everyone else makes the same claim, and we all know that self-praise is no recommendation. So I’ll let three advance reviewers do the talking for me. Temple Dark Books have had excerpts from these reviews on the web for a little while now and, since the novel’s been released, I reproduce them in full for you here. Their unedited reviews are as follows:
Firstly, from Scott Arbuckle.
Soledad, author of “Sha’Kert: End of Night”, is back at work in his field of excellence: a space opera in a future both bleak and hopeful. The unfolding action centers on men and women comprising the spearhead of humanity’s efforts–a leap to the stars, and the potentially habitable planets that represent one last chance for the languishing citizens of this increasingly barren and poisoned world.
Paradox is the order of the day in Soledad’s philosophical regimen: a burgeoning team of young candidates, simultaneously lifted to the pinnacle of human ability and crushed by the dawning responsibilities of their mission. The youths are sequestered, tutored by robots, and barely recognized as human or even alive by their creators, even as they’re groomed to become the saviors of life as we know it.
Paradoxical plots and conspiracies abound in the characters outside the enclave: brilliant scientists who eschew progress by embracing eco-terrorism; a delinquent who grows to excel at hiding his sociopathy in the discipline and structure of the military; shadowy government figures who maneuver and are maneuvered by the complicated blend of idealism, altruism, and lust for power that molds the book’s intriguing plot.
With the intricate and sometimes shifting relationships and motivations, and the changing points of view within the chapters, it’s not so easy to always determine whose side the reader is expected to be on–and I suspect this is intentional. Li Quao’s journey of strength and paternal approval is marred by cruelty and narcissism; Maria’s humble and sympathetic beginning leads her to channel her impressive intellect to ends that are morally gray at best. This is not a traditional story with heroes and villians; it’s a coloring book that presents a series of outlines and then leaves it up to the reader’s perspective to color it in the way they feel is best.
Second, from Kevin Murphy.
Ishmael A. Soledad’s Diathesis: Descent Book 1 is a gripping, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense science fiction novel that immerses readers in a world teetering on the edge of darkness and revelation. With a masterful blend of suspense, character depth, and philosophical undertones, Soledad delivers a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.
Characters are compelling and layered, and their journey of self-discovery is both haunting and inspiring. Soledad crafts characters with a precision that makes their struggles, doubts, and moments of defiance feel incredibly real.
What sets Diathesis apart is its ability to balance action-packed sequences with introspective moments. The pacing is impeccable—each chapter builds tension, unveiling more of the intricate web of secrets that surround Maria’s life. The world-building is detailed yet seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating a setting that feels both vast and claustrophobic, mirroring Maria’s internal conflict.
Soledad’s prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid imagery without overindulgence. His exploration of themes such as identity, fate, and resistance against oppressive systems adds layers of depth that elevate this novel beyond a simple sci-fi thriller. The novel does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, but it does so with purpose and meaning, making every moment resonate with the reader.
For fans of intelligent, character-driven science fiction, Diathesis: Descent Book 1 is an absolute must-read. It challenges, entertains, and enthralls in equal measure. If this first installment is any indication, the Descent series is poised to be a powerhouse in modern speculative fiction. Highly recommended!
And finally, but by no means least, Murray Samuelson.
With DIATHESIS, author Ishmael Soledad has taken a quantum leap forward in science fiction writing. His debut, SHA’KERT, was good, but also hinted at the potential of better to come. With DIATHESIS, that potential has been fulfilled. The book is a phenomenal tale of science and the ethical questions that come with it, used to propel a gripping story. This one should easily be on the shortlist for awards this year, if not the outright winner. If you are looking for a futuristic tale that will keep you pondering over the dilemmas posed for weeks afterwards, don’t miss this one. It’s a must read for sci-fi fans.
DIATHESIS is written in the present tense, told in the first person from multiple character perspectives. It’s a bit similar to SHA’KERT in terms of style, they both have intriguing plotlines that use moral conundrums as one of the foundations of the story. However, the ethics are NOT the overriding reason for the story, they are simply part of it and used to advance the overall narrative, while making the reader think at the same time. In this case, the main question concerns the genetic engineering of humans, deemed necessary to complete Earth’s first interstellar flight. They are a big part of the story, and you’ll follow them as they struggle to deal with the fact that despite all the money and effort poured into making them superior, they are still considered expendable, nothing more than items designed for a purpose. In other words, humans that aren’t considered human. The author weaves their struggles into their training regimen over the years with impeccable skill, making for an enthralling story.
As noted, the engineered humans are not the only part of the story, the other characters are equally as compelling, with problems of their own. The scientist, Maria, creates the cryogenic sleep system needed to allow for interstellar flight, but at the same time she must compromise everything she believes in order to continue her research. For her, the price may eventually become too high, and Maria has to decide whether to sit on the sidelines or do something about it, possibly destroying everything she worked for her entire life. It makes her character compelling, how much is too much?
Li Quao’s plot thread provides a nice counterpoint to the other characters, since he could be politely classified as having an extreme self-interest streak, or, more accurately, a borderline sociopath. His part in the narrative isn’t established by the end of the book, he’s clearly going to play an important role later. His Jekyll/Hyde personality can be terrifying, as he eliminates anything in his way, yet on the surface plays the role of a morally centered person perfectly. He’s the one character that never has any qualms about doing anything wrong, since he believes himself incapable of it.
All the above cover the story arc, from the original planning of the interstellar mission and the obstacles encountered, up through the initial launch. There’s a lot of material here, but it’s not the ‘hard science’ type, the author prefers to concentrate on the characters instead of the technical aspects. That’s where his main skill is, and it’s doubtful there is anyone else out there who does it this well. It’s a character driven story that pulls you in hard and never eases up, while giving you plenty to think about over the course of reading it, and long after. This is sure to be one of the best of 2025.
You know what I think, you know what they think, and you know how my publisher has presented my novel. The rest is up to you.