I’m sure many people remember the story of the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”. You are likely wondering why I’d bring that up at the start of a review for author Henry Bassett’s book, “Arrival”. As you look at the cover you may get a sense as there is the outline of a bear upon the cover.

The similarity to Goldilocks is not lost there as the readers will find that the story will focus around three bears, named Rocky, his partner River and the primary character Caver. The big difference is their world is not interrupted by a girl, but instead, a large round egg-shaped thing falling to the ground. The problem begins as creatures with two legs and two arms climb out of those things.

I will say that the story takes place with some flashbacks as we first find out what the bears’ new life is like. They are forced to do some heavy labor in the way of cutting trees down. You did not read that wrong, they are forced to cut trees down. In truth, the book opens with Caver explaining his new lot in life, and how the bears are being controlled. They are also made to then carry those trees to a mill of some sort. This is done by a group of bears, not just one, but you get a sense that they are not given any time to socialize as they work.

The Arrival is the first book in, The Black Bear Brotherhood. The book does a good job of opening up the series and introducing the reader to who I see as the main characters. The book also does some foreshadowing as you will learn what happens after those beings arrive.

I do realize the review is short, but it is due to the fact the book in itself is on the shorter side. I never want to give away any of the major plot points, so I am keeping this review short. I will say that the idea of the book has me interested in what comes next. I mean with history, and fiction, there are many stories of someone/something invading other ones home. In this case, the invasion involves human-like creatures invading a land populated by bears. It makes you wonder how will they react? Will their primal natures ever appear? These are answers that will only come through further books, and as an opening, this does just enough to get you wanting more. I’d say its worth a read for those looking to start a potential series and fiction fans in general.