The Seeds of Dissolution

The Seeds of Dissolution presents an intriguing premise: Sam, a young man grappling with severe anxiety, is transported from Earth to a strange universe where magic is intertwined with music. The setup is promising, and the novel deserves credit for realistically portraying a protagonist struggling with mental health. Sam’s agoraphobia and social phobia are handled thoughtfully, and his emotional responses effectively ground the reader in his perspective, even if the prose itself lacks polish.

The worldbuilding is ambitious, with a richly imagined multiverse populated by alien species, layered social structures, and a unique magical system tied to the “Grand Symphony.” However, these elements are sometimes introduced too quickly or without enough clarity, making the narrative difficult to follow at times. The density of concepts, combined with inconsistent pacing and heavy exposition, results in a story that can feel confusing rather than immersive.

A notable drawback is the writing quality. A more thorough edit for grammar, sentence structure, and flow would greatly enhance the book. While the ideas are strong, their execution is often undermined by awkward phrasing and structural issues that disrupt the narrative rhythm. Additionally, Sam’s inner monologue can become repetitive, and action scenes are sometimes slowed by excessive introspection.

Overall, this novel shows real potential but is hindered by a lack of polish and an occasionally overly complex delivery. Readers who enjoy character-driven portal fantasy and are willing to overlook rough edges may find it worthwhile, but others might struggle to stay engaged.

The Seeds of Dissolution | Rating: 2 Stars | Genre: Fantasy / Science Fiction | Tags: portal fantasy, adventure, aliens | Author: William C Tracy | Publisher: Space Wizard Science Fantasy | Pages: 415 | ISBN: 9780997299441 | Purchase
Author: William C Tracy
William C. Tracy writes and publishes queer science fiction and fantasy through his indie press, Space Wizard Science Fantasy, which welcomes submissions.

His largest project is the Dissolutionverse, a space opera featuring music-based magic, encompassing ten books and an RPG. He also has a standalone epic fantasy with seasonal fruit-based magic, published through an LGBTQ+ small press. Currently, he is working on a hard sci-fi trilogy about a generational colony ship and a planet covered by a fungal entity.

A native of North Carolina, William has been a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and has experience designing and operating heavy construction machinery. Since 2003, he has trained in Wado-Ryu karate and now runs his own dojo in Raleigh, NC. He is also an avid video and board gamer, beekeeper, reader, and, of course, writer.