Genre: Fiction, Sci-fi Realism
What if escaping the cage isn’t the end—but only the beginning of a whole new prison?
That’s the gut-punching question Jude Austin’s Homecoming dares to ask without ever spelling it out for you. Imagine this: you’ve survived a nightmare, clawed your way back to the light with nothing but raw willpower and maybe—just maybe—a friend who doesn’t fit into any known category of human or machine. Now what? Where do you go when your name doesn’t exist anymore, your planet thinks you’re dead, and your best friend is legally classified as government property?
This isn’t just another dystopian sci-fi romp through space with pew-pew lasers and shiny gadgets. Oh, those are here, sure—holograms, interplanetary politics, cultural nuance, and wild planetary ecosystems. But the real voyage? It’s internal. Homecoming, the second entry in Austin’s Projects (now called Five Worlds) series, maps the hidden scars of trauma, betrayal, and what it actually means to rebuild yourself from rubble.
Kalin Taylor, our quietly broken protagonist, once broke into a lab for a thrill. Now he’s running for his life across galaxies with Tau—his best friend, protector, and technically a lab-created “Project.” Their bond? Not the typical “man and AI” trope. It’s real, messy, co-dependent, and so fragile it hurts. And yes, the pain is palpable. You feel it when Kalin flinches at kindness. You feel it when Tau tries to grasp what “freedom” means after a lifetime in captivity. You feel it when Kalin starts calorie-counting—not because he wants abs, but because trauma lingers in twisted rituals.
Austin doesn’t just “touch on” mental health and abuse—she dives in, surfacing with insight so raw it feels lived-in. There are no silver linings here, just slow, hard-earned recovery—helped along by characters like the ever-patient Dr. Alan Morgan, or the mysterious Kurai, who doesn’t so much enter the story as intrude on it like a shadow you’re not sure is a friend or foe.
Let’s talk craft. The worldbuilding? Ridiculously immersive. Every planet feels like it has history, texture, and a Yelp review waiting to happen. Akkhen is military grit. Trandellia is political snakery. Atthiras? Straight-up chaos. But it’s not just backdrop; it’s commentary. Austin slyly mirrors today’s systemic inequities through the lens of tomorrow’s technologies—and the result is sci-fi realism at its most haunting.
And yes, the action sequences are legit. You’ll grip the pages during chases, tense negotiations, and emotional standoffs that feel more dangerous than any blaster fight. But the book’s heartbeat lies in the quiet exchanges, the awkward silences, the attempts at trust that feel as risky as a firefight.
Is this book for everyone? Honestly—no. If you’re looking for clean-cut heroes, rapid plot without reflection, or sterile sci-fi without the sting of real emotions—move along. But if you’re the kind of reader who likes your fiction with bruises, who believes healing is the bravest kind of journey, Homecoming will wreck you in the best way.
Jude Austin doesn’t just write a story. She lays out emotional shrapnel and dares you to walk barefoot across it. And you will. Willingly.
Because even in the darkest corner of space, everyone’s looking for a home. Some just have to build it from the ashes.
About the Author
Exploring the Universe Within and Beyond: An Interview with Jude Austin
What if your deepest struggles shaped not just your life, but entire worlds? Explore Jude Austin’s take on trauma, resilience, and the power of storytelling — the answers are in her words.
Continue reading Exploring the Universe Within and Beyond: An Interview with Jude Austin
Book of Excellence Award
This book is a winner of the Book of Excellence Award.
The Book of Excellence title is a year-round recognition awarded to books that demonstrate exceptional quality, originality, and impact. These works set a high standard in storytelling, creativity, and contribution to culture or thought.
Voting for The World’s Best Book Awards Readers’ Book of the Year title is now closed. The results are below.
Disclaimer: The book reviews on our platform are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The World’s Best Magazine. We do not offer blanket endorsements, as our goal is to provide thoughtful, objective reviews of award-winning books. While we only publish reviews of books recognized for their excellence, we understand that every reader may engage with them differently. Our reviews highlight each book’s unique aspects, acknowledging its strengths while offering an honest perspective to help readers make informed choices based on their individual tastes and preferences. This approach maintains the integrity of our reviews, respects the work of authors, and ensures the best value for our readers. In all cases, reader discretion is advised.
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