Planet of the Rapes – Book Review

by Walker Long

I was happy to receive a review copy of this book and to be able to tell you all about it. First off, there is a content warning on this book. Before you look beyond even the cover, it’s easy to see that this book may handle some heavy topics – and indeed it does.

Walker Long’s Planet of the Rapes may initially elicit a variety of responses, primarily because of its controversial title. But readers who look past first impressions will find a surprisingly interesting blend of romance, science fiction, and social commentary that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The title is chosen quite intentionally, and it all makes sense as you work your way through the storyline.

The narrative centers on astronaut Olivia Freeh, a highly skilled and bright Air Force major who is unfairly excluded from her job because of institutionalized misogyny. She joins NASA after being released from the military to fly a revolutionary spaceship. Olivia travels through a wormhole with her crewmates, Duke and Sanjay, to an unexplored world where society is glaringly backwards: women are viewed as property, and technology is at a pre-industrial level. It’s an awful time and place for her to be in, but she finds a way to navigate it.

Olivia establishes herself as a strong and sympathetic heroine right away. The story is driven by her tenacity and will to preserve her independence in the face of a repressive patriarchy. It can be a tough read at these parts – especially for those of us who can relate to her. The new planet’s social structure is disturbing and strangely reminiscent of past and present battles against gender injustice. The main events of Olivia’s adventure are her kidnapping and subsequent sale into slavery, but the narrative goes beyond these incidents to delve further into the riddles of the planet’s past and its relationship to humans.

The book does a fantastic job of contrasting the gloom of its location with humorous, romantic, and action-packed moments. Olivia’s relationship with the son of a wealthy businessman, to whom she is sold, is tense and surprisingly deep. Even though the relationship seems unlikely at first, it is well-developed and serves as a counterpoint to the story’s more serious themes.

Walker Long’s skill at world-building allows him to create a society that is both strange and eerily similar. You will definitely feel some parallels to today’s world as you read through it. The pacing keeps readers interested as Olivia unearths long-kept facts that contradict her understanding of friend and foe, and the dialogue is incisive and frequently humorous, bringing levity to some of the heavier subject matter. The storyline twist gives the story a rewarding level of complexity, even though it could be obvious to others.

The book’s social critique is among its most notable features. The narrative challenges cultural complacency, systemic misogyny, and the power relations that uphold inequity via Olivia’s journey. However, by incorporating these principles into an interesting science fiction adventure, it avoids becoming unduly preachy.

The novel does explore some dark subjects, like slavery and patriarchy, so readers who are sensitive to those subjects should be aware of this. It is accessible to a wider audience, though, because the tone is campier and more exploratory than repressive. Even though the title is startling at first glance, it makes more sense when seen as a reflection of Olivia’s annoyance and the story’s satirical overtones.

The conclusion is heartwarming and motivational, reaffirming that change demands bravery and tenacity. It gives readers hope and serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to struggle for a better society. We must continue to fight every day for social justice in our own lives.

Final Thoughts: A daring and creative science fiction story, Planet of the Rapes blends romance, action, and societal criticism. Olivia Freeh is a compelling heroine whose path is both exciting and thought-provoking. Fans of science fiction and feminist literature will find the story’s captivating and ultimately uplifting tale appealing, despite its contentious title. This book is worth reading if you’re searching for one that defies convention while offering an engrossing journey.

It’s available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle edition and also in Kindle Unlimited.