Sektor 47
By N.N. Jehangir
The Book Guild Publishing
ISBN: 978-1916668676
320pp.

N. Jehangir’s debut novel, Sektor 47 delves into an imaginary world full of science fiction elements. The book swings between two different times: the troubled past in Sektor 47, where Saida and her guardian, Uncle Abbas, face constant attacks from invaders, and the exciting present, where Saida and her robot Rodok set out on a thrilling mission to save Abbas.

The historical parts are filled with serious themes such as injustice, with the Grand Design, a dictator, managing the exploitative mining of illuminite — known locally as Roshun, and which has unique properties — with the help of his enforcers, the Redcloaks. And then there are the modern adventures, full of promise and excitement.

Young Saida finds herself in one difficult situation after another with the Redcloaks. One night, a tragic event separates her from Uncle Abbas, forcing her to leave the planet for her safety. Her only option for escape comes from an unlikely ally she met underground — a robot/android named Rodok.

In the galaxy under the iron grip of the malevolent Grand Design, Saida emerges as a resilient bounty hunter, her sole purpose intertwined with a decade-long pursuit: liberating her cherished uncle from the clutches of their colonised homeworld, Sektor 47. Alongside her stalwart android companion, Rodok, whose aid was indispensable in her own escape from Sektor 47, Saida embarks on a difficult journey.

A debut science fiction novel from Pakistan deals with heavy issues of colonialism and imperialism but is a rollicking adventure escapade as well

Their mission hinges on securing a fabled medallion, the elusive key to unlocking safe passage back to Sektor 47. The mission serves a dual purpose: first, to seek justice for her incarcerated uncle and, second, to find people who possess items and critical information that could lead to his release.

Yet, as they navigate through this high-stakes pursuit, they must face treacherous adversaries and daunting challenges, foremost among them the omnipresent Grand Design. The enemies are not solely the external forces; Saida grapples with the weight of her oath to her uncle and, as they push onward, the question persists: does Saida’s unwavering pledge to her uncle warrant a showdown against the galaxy’s most formidable power?

In the face of these overwhelming odds, Saida and Rodok press on, their resolve unyielding, their determination unwavering. For them, the journey isn’t merely about reclaiming what was lost; it’s about confronting the very forces that seek to control their destinies and forging a path to freedom, no matter the cost.

The story has a clear science fiction vibe, with a fast pace and lively interactions between Saida and Rodok that remind the reader of favourites such as Firefly and Serenity. The mix of humour and action adds a certain charm, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Saida and Rodok stand out as strong characters, well-developed within a detailed, imaginative world.

Saida embodies heroism, peppered with shades of complexity rather than simple righteousness. At its core, her journey is fuelled by love, propelling her through encounters with allies, miscreants and adversaries alike across the cosmos. Meanwhile, her android accomplice, Rodok, exudes genuine concern with charm, wit and warmth, bringing life into every scene. This showcases N.N. Jehangir’s talent for crafting fascinating characters.

In the realm of science fiction, creating believable characters and worlds can be a rare feat. However, Jehangir achieves this with his work. He crafts a compelling universe that feels real and complete, with a relentless enemy, various oppressed groups, and a hero that everyone can empathise with.

However, amid its strengths, there are areas deserving of scrutiny. Despite its insightful examination of colonialism, the narrative occasionally falters in its portrayal of nuance, by sometimes oversimplifying the characters, dividing them too clearly into heroes and villains, which takes away some of the story’s complexity. Additionally, while the tale brims with charm and humour, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, detracting slightly from its overall impact.

Having said that, Sektor 47 remains a highly commendable read, brimming with excitement and full of space stations, spaceships and even a space battle. It’s a scathing critique of settler colonialism and imperialism, with racism, family sacrifice, and disability laying bare their appalling repercussions.

All of this makes it a relevant read, especially with what’s happening currently in global politics. Yet, it is also refreshingly punctuated with doses of humour. Beyond its socio-political commentary, the novel morphs into a rollicking escapade, seasoned with a dry wit, and emerging as a quest within a galaxy prepared for disorder.

N.N. Jehangir’s debut in the realm of science fiction and fantasy is a remarkable achievement, standing out as one of the best. With a distinctive flair and a prose honed to precision, Jehangir crafts an immersive narrative that captivates and provokes thought. It heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the SFF (Science Fiction, Fantasy) landscape.

The reviewer is a content lead at a communications agency

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, September 29th, 2024