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Recommend this book:
The Monsters in our Shadows
Edward J Cembal
2024 Finalist
385 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
The Monsters in our Shadows by Edward J. Cembal is a dystopian tale that opens with a terrifying scene. In the walled city of Atlas, a man named Anthem pays a visit to a woman named Juliet Daniels, and he informs her that it is time. He is going to be her last visitor. She knows what is going to happen next as everyone does. This kind of visit has been Anthem’s way for as long as he can remember. Above the woman’s ceiling, a large, amorphous shadow with many teeth is waiting. Each person’s Shiver is slightly different, but they all consume their prey with precision. Anthem is tasked with trapping and banishing these creatures with their victims to the Deadlands. But Anthem knows that his own Shiver will get to him soon. To save everyone, he will have to travel to the unfriendly Deadlands and find a way to tame these creatures.
With its combination of evocative descriptions, a compelling storyline, and characters that do not necessarily embrace their fate, The Monsters in our Shadows is a work of fiction that blends perfectly with the horror it presents. Edward J. Cembal demonstrates a knack for taking a standard premise, giving it an original twist, and taking it up a notch to exceed genre expectations and capture the reader's attention. The job of an exilist has the visual and dramatic appeal that clearly illustrates the notion of humanity on the brink of extinction, and Cembal keeps it enthralling throughout. The book provides thrilling images ranging from a desolate landscape where a walled city is located to the hellish Deadlands, from which nobody has ever returned. This is dystopian fiction at its finest. Highly recommended.
The Monsters in our Shadows by Edward J. Cembal is a dystopian tale that opens with a terrifying scene. In the walled city of Atlas, a man named Anthem pays a visit to a woman named Juliet Daniels, and he informs her that it is time. He is going to be her last visitor. She knows what is going to happen next as everyone does. This kind of visit has been Anthem’s way for as long as he can remember. Above the woman’s ceiling, a large, amorphous shadow with many teeth is waiting. Each person’s Shiver is slightly different, but they all consume their prey with precision. Anthem is tasked with trapping and banishing these creatures with their victims to the Deadlands. But Anthem knows that his own Shiver will get to him soon. To save everyone, he will have to travel to the unfriendly Deadlands and find a way to tame these creatures.
With its combination of evocative descriptions, a compelling storyline, and characters that do not necessarily embrace their fate, The Monsters in our Shadows is a work of fiction that blends perfectly with the horror it presents. Edward J. Cembal demonstrates a knack for taking a standard premise, giving it an original twist, and taking it up a notch to exceed genre expectations and capture the reader's attention. The job of an exilist has the visual and dramatic appeal that clearly illustrates the notion of humanity on the brink of extinction, and Cembal keeps it enthralling throughout. The book provides thrilling images ranging from a desolate landscape where a walled city is located to the hellish Deadlands, from which nobody has ever returned. This is dystopian fiction at its finest. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Long Haul
Pursuit of Hope
Lena Gibson
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
It is 2195 and the world now consists of large tracts of bare land sparsely riddled with small towns, where only the fittest survive. GreenCorps, a farm products company owned by the McCoy family, has unscrupulously monopolized the food market, making food a rare luxury for thousands. Ever since her deadly encounter with a relative of the McCoys, Elsa has been living on the run. Elsa also has a secret that would free thousands from GreenCorps’ tyranny, which she plans to do soon. But then, with a hefty bounty on her head, can she and her small group of a rebel, a pickpocketer, an ex-rebel medic, and a train hopper outrun GreenCorps’ reach? On the other hand, Ginger, a McCoy, has dodged a marriage her father has arranged for her by hopping a train. All her life, Ginger has been kept prisoner behind the walls of her father’s mansion in Denver. Is she cut out for the wild world awaiting her outside Denver? Find out in Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope.
If you are looking for a dystopian novel with a post-apocalyptic touch, Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope is just what you should be looking for. Gibson hinges the intriguing plot on a compelling tale of love, betrayal, vengeance, deceit, survival, power, greed, sacrifices, regrets, oppression, drama, wit, thrill, adventure, and so much more. The evocative depictions had me feeling like I was next to every character, helplessly watching the scenes unfold. The edge-of-the-seat suspense and spell-binding plot twists had me hooked. I could not get enough of this character-driven tale. Gibson depicts the cast’s emotions well, juxtaposing their complex traits. This made the cast authentic, allowing me to connect with them. Although the second book in the Train Hoppers series, Pursuit of Hope is an independent read. I loved this ingeniously crafted piece of work.
It is 2195 and the world now consists of large tracts of bare land sparsely riddled with small towns, where only the fittest survive. GreenCorps, a farm products company owned by the McCoy family, has unscrupulously monopolized the food market, making food a rare luxury for thousands. Ever since her deadly encounter with a relative of the McCoys, Elsa has been living on the run. Elsa also has a secret that would free thousands from GreenCorps’ tyranny, which she plans to do soon. But then, with a hefty bounty on her head, can she and her small group of a rebel, a pickpocketer, an ex-rebel medic, and a train hopper outrun GreenCorps’ reach? On the other hand, Ginger, a McCoy, has dodged a marriage her father has arranged for her by hopping a train. All her life, Ginger has been kept prisoner behind the walls of her father’s mansion in Denver. Is she cut out for the wild world awaiting her outside Denver? Find out in Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope.
If you are looking for a dystopian novel with a post-apocalyptic touch, Lena Gibson’s The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope is just what you should be looking for. Gibson hinges the intriguing plot on a compelling tale of love, betrayal, vengeance, deceit, survival, power, greed, sacrifices, regrets, oppression, drama, wit, thrill, adventure, and so much more. The evocative depictions had me feeling like I was next to every character, helplessly watching the scenes unfold. The edge-of-the-seat suspense and spell-binding plot twists had me hooked. I could not get enough of this character-driven tale. Gibson depicts the cast’s emotions well, juxtaposing their complex traits. This made the cast authentic, allowing me to connect with them. Although the second book in the Train Hoppers series, Pursuit of Hope is an independent read. I loved this ingeniously crafted piece of work.
Recommend this book:
Forged Under Fire
The Coalition Trilogy Book 1
Kyra Anderson
2024 Bronze Medal
305 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
She had decided to go north to Canada with Bethany, but things were not that simple for Amelia. She did not want to leave her little sister who looked up to her, her parents, and her engagements with the Coalition. Amelia had known Bethany all her life; now they were friends and lovers, and that's why when Mr. Archer threatened to report Bethany, Amelia went the extra mile to protect her. The meeting doesn't go as planned, and Mr. Archer is killed. How will Amelia deal with this situation, and will the Coalition help her? After the second revolution, when minorities are persecuted, neighbors spy on each other. People live in fear, but a small group of people known as the Coalition are putting up resistance. To find out how things unfold, get a copy of Forged Under Fire: The Coalition Trilogy Book 1 by Kyra Anderson.
One of the questions I found myself contemplating as I was reading Forged Under Fire by Kyra Anderson was: to what extent should the government be involved in the lives of its citizens, and should they have a say in people's private lives? This is a brilliantly written work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. I loved how effective Kyra is at passing on the intended message. The plot also flows seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. I also loved the vivid description of events and emotions of the well-developed characters that captured my imagination from the first chapter to the last. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.
She had decided to go north to Canada with Bethany, but things were not that simple for Amelia. She did not want to leave her little sister who looked up to her, her parents, and her engagements with the Coalition. Amelia had known Bethany all her life; now they were friends and lovers, and that's why when Mr. Archer threatened to report Bethany, Amelia went the extra mile to protect her. The meeting doesn't go as planned, and Mr. Archer is killed. How will Amelia deal with this situation, and will the Coalition help her? After the second revolution, when minorities are persecuted, neighbors spy on each other. People live in fear, but a small group of people known as the Coalition are putting up resistance. To find out how things unfold, get a copy of Forged Under Fire: The Coalition Trilogy Book 1 by Kyra Anderson.
One of the questions I found myself contemplating as I was reading Forged Under Fire by Kyra Anderson was: to what extent should the government be involved in the lives of its citizens, and should they have a say in people's private lives? This is a brilliantly written work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. I loved how effective Kyra is at passing on the intended message. The plot also flows seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. I also loved the vivid description of events and emotions of the well-developed characters that captured my imagination from the first chapter to the last. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
Futureproof
A Novel
Stephen Albrecht
2024 Silver Medal
353 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Futureproof by Stephen Albrecht is a science fiction thriller about technology that has gone too far. It takes some of the newest innovations of today and shows how they might affect our society in 30 years. The answer we get in Futureproof is fascinating. The story follows Joe and Evie Watson. They have an ideal life with three kids, a nice home, and fulfilling careers. Supercomputers called ex-brains are involved in literally everything they do. The ex-brains are considered good things that make everything better. Then, out of the blue, their perfect life is drastically interrupted. Joe is forced to undergo a change that makes no sense emotionally. However, according to Joe’s ex-brain, it makes perfect sense. And most everyone agrees that ex-brains know best.
Futureproof somehow manages to be extremely smart and very down-to-earth at the same time, much like one of the ex-brains featured in the story. Stephen Albrecht has a firm grasp of A.I. technology and computers in general. He also has a very natural style of writing that makes all the technical jargon easy to understand and digest. Even though Futureproof is set 30 years in our future, I found the premise to be eerily real. The book is well written, both from a technical standpoint and more importantly from a human standpoint. I also enjoyed the way the tension in Futureproof builds slowly but surely. The plot involves multiple strands that seem almost ordinary at first but then the strands begin to come together and the larger picture starts to become clear. Before we know it, we realize we’re looking at a work of art that is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I highly recommend Futureproof to anyone who enjoys science fiction that is smart, clever, fun, and thrilling.
Futureproof by Stephen Albrecht is a science fiction thriller about technology that has gone too far. It takes some of the newest innovations of today and shows how they might affect our society in 30 years. The answer we get in Futureproof is fascinating. The story follows Joe and Evie Watson. They have an ideal life with three kids, a nice home, and fulfilling careers. Supercomputers called ex-brains are involved in literally everything they do. The ex-brains are considered good things that make everything better. Then, out of the blue, their perfect life is drastically interrupted. Joe is forced to undergo a change that makes no sense emotionally. However, according to Joe’s ex-brain, it makes perfect sense. And most everyone agrees that ex-brains know best.
Futureproof somehow manages to be extremely smart and very down-to-earth at the same time, much like one of the ex-brains featured in the story. Stephen Albrecht has a firm grasp of A.I. technology and computers in general. He also has a very natural style of writing that makes all the technical jargon easy to understand and digest. Even though Futureproof is set 30 years in our future, I found the premise to be eerily real. The book is well written, both from a technical standpoint and more importantly from a human standpoint. I also enjoyed the way the tension in Futureproof builds slowly but surely. The plot involves multiple strands that seem almost ordinary at first but then the strands begin to come together and the larger picture starts to become clear. Before we know it, we realize we’re looking at a work of art that is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I highly recommend Futureproof to anyone who enjoys science fiction that is smart, clever, fun, and thrilling.
Recommend this book:
Loy
In the Forests of the Mind
Todd David Gross
2024 Gold Medal
410 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Loy: In the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross follows the story of the Rehloy, people who have evolved in such a way that they are finely in tune with nature. Born blind, they rely on their other senses until puberty. All is well until a group arrives with weapons and machines, unlike anything the Rehloy have experienced before. They will have to fight change as these intruders begin desecrating the lands to build their cities.
Loy: In the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross is a wonderful and enjoyable book that sometimes reminded me of the movie Avatar. However, there were very few similarities. Gross did an amazing job with the world-building for this tale, from the scenery to the history of the Rehloy. Every detail of this story was well thought out and interwoven into a brilliant fantasy epic. The characters were unique, each with their distinct personality and purpose within the story. I particularly found myself drawn to Reena; her perspective always seemed insightful and calm, and she remained strong-willed despite everything. I feel as though she perfectly represented what the Rehloy people were meant to stand for. Overall, this is a beautiful and engaging story with rich lore, captivating themes, and relatable characters wrapped up in an epic tale that will have you hanging off every page. Any fan of fantasy novels would love this book.
Loy: In the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross follows the story of the Rehloy, people who have evolved in such a way that they are finely in tune with nature. Born blind, they rely on their other senses until puberty. All is well until a group arrives with weapons and machines, unlike anything the Rehloy have experienced before. They will have to fight change as these intruders begin desecrating the lands to build their cities.
Loy: In the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross is a wonderful and enjoyable book that sometimes reminded me of the movie Avatar. However, there were very few similarities. Gross did an amazing job with the world-building for this tale, from the scenery to the history of the Rehloy. Every detail of this story was well thought out and interwoven into a brilliant fantasy epic. The characters were unique, each with their distinct personality and purpose within the story. I particularly found myself drawn to Reena; her perspective always seemed insightful and calm, and she remained strong-willed despite everything. I feel as though she perfectly represented what the Rehloy people were meant to stand for. Overall, this is a beautiful and engaging story with rich lore, captivating themes, and relatable characters wrapped up in an epic tale that will have you hanging off every page. Any fan of fantasy novels would love this book.
Recommend this book:
The 45th Parallel
T. S. Simons
2023 Finalist
340 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The 45th Parallel is the 6th book in the Antipode Series by T.S. Simons. In a dystopian future, humans live in closed-off communities after the shocking outbreak of water-borne protozoa ravaged and rendered most of the planet uninhabitable. Caitlin and Sera are sisters living in the small community of Lewis in Scotland. The sisters are two of the few people immune to the protozoa. Circumstances lead them to find a way to reactivate the Nexus, traversing the portal for a trip to Australia, only to end up in an underwater habitation (UH) in Yellowstone. After escaping from unexpected imprisonment, Caitlin and Sera arrive at another UH in Piedmont, Italy, where they meet Gio and Matteo, two brothers stuck in their station. With an unforeseen attack on the place, how will Caitlin and Sera fight back?
I love the worldbuilding in this book. The dystopian world T.S. Simons has created feels lived-in and is rich and diverse, but most of all, the in-universe scientific logic makes sense. It needs a delicate balance to make the science believable yet imaginative in sci-fi novels, and Simons walks the line to a "T" to ensure readers are entirely immersed in the setting. The plot is full of surprises, and the characters are well-developed and layered, with little backstories that give them agency for their actions and motives. The main protagonist suffers from childhood trauma and constantly questions her choices. As a reader, you sympathize with her plight, which makes her relatable and compelling. If you're a fan of dystopian novels with creative worldbuilding, you'll love The 45th Parallel.
The 45th Parallel is the 6th book in the Antipode Series by T.S. Simons. In a dystopian future, humans live in closed-off communities after the shocking outbreak of water-borne protozoa ravaged and rendered most of the planet uninhabitable. Caitlin and Sera are sisters living in the small community of Lewis in Scotland. The sisters are two of the few people immune to the protozoa. Circumstances lead them to find a way to reactivate the Nexus, traversing the portal for a trip to Australia, only to end up in an underwater habitation (UH) in Yellowstone. After escaping from unexpected imprisonment, Caitlin and Sera arrive at another UH in Piedmont, Italy, where they meet Gio and Matteo, two brothers stuck in their station. With an unforeseen attack on the place, how will Caitlin and Sera fight back?
I love the worldbuilding in this book. The dystopian world T.S. Simons has created feels lived-in and is rich and diverse, but most of all, the in-universe scientific logic makes sense. It needs a delicate balance to make the science believable yet imaginative in sci-fi novels, and Simons walks the line to a "T" to ensure readers are entirely immersed in the setting. The plot is full of surprises, and the characters are well-developed and layered, with little backstories that give them agency for their actions and motives. The main protagonist suffers from childhood trauma and constantly questions her choices. As a reader, you sympathize with her plight, which makes her relatable and compelling. If you're a fan of dystopian novels with creative worldbuilding, you'll love The 45th Parallel.
Recommend this book:
The Zone
A Cyberpunk Thriller
Stu Jones
2023 Honorable Mention
444 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
The Zone by Stu Jones is an action-packed, character-driven science fiction story. The book accurately labels itself a “cyberpunk thriller.” The Zone is “cyber” because it deals with hi-tech weaponry. It’s “punk” because it’s set in a gritty and violent future. And it’s a thriller because the story is fast and dangerous. The Zone in the title refers to a section of a futuristic city that has been walled off and designated as the stage for an elaborate reality TV show. It pits violent criminals against an elite group of men and women, called The Enforcers, armed with high-powered weapons, computers, and armor. The story follows Chance Griffin, an honest street cop chosen to become the newest enforcer. Chance accepts the challenge only because of the promised benefits to his wife and newborn son. Chance initially does well as an enforcer but soon becomes aware that nothing on the TV show is as he expected. He must trust his wits and the loyalty of a few friends to stay alive.
Wow, what a fun ride. The Zone by Stu Jones is one of those rare novels that perfectly balances the two story elements that must be present to be considered a great book: strong characters and an equally strong plot. Both elements are present in The Zone and leap off every page to the reader’s delight. The characters are all so well written that I found myself fully invested in them, cheering for the good guys and gals and booing the bad ones. The plot moves forward fast and furious, but never too fast to show the reader the human side of the story to keep it grounded in a futuristic kind of reality. The story could have easily followed a predictable path and become campy, but that’s never the case in The Zone. The story is unpredictable at every turn, always developing in ways that keep me on the edge of my seat, anxious to see what happens next. Last, I loved how the author allowed some of his heroes, especially Chance Griffin, to be motivated by a strong sense of right and wrong. Some might see that as being old-fashioned, but it made me care about his plight all the more. Well done, Stu Jones. I highly recommend The Zone and can’t wait to read volume #2.
The Zone by Stu Jones is an action-packed, character-driven science fiction story. The book accurately labels itself a “cyberpunk thriller.” The Zone is “cyber” because it deals with hi-tech weaponry. It’s “punk” because it’s set in a gritty and violent future. And it’s a thriller because the story is fast and dangerous. The Zone in the title refers to a section of a futuristic city that has been walled off and designated as the stage for an elaborate reality TV show. It pits violent criminals against an elite group of men and women, called The Enforcers, armed with high-powered weapons, computers, and armor. The story follows Chance Griffin, an honest street cop chosen to become the newest enforcer. Chance accepts the challenge only because of the promised benefits to his wife and newborn son. Chance initially does well as an enforcer but soon becomes aware that nothing on the TV show is as he expected. He must trust his wits and the loyalty of a few friends to stay alive.
Wow, what a fun ride. The Zone by Stu Jones is one of those rare novels that perfectly balances the two story elements that must be present to be considered a great book: strong characters and an equally strong plot. Both elements are present in The Zone and leap off every page to the reader’s delight. The characters are all so well written that I found myself fully invested in them, cheering for the good guys and gals and booing the bad ones. The plot moves forward fast and furious, but never too fast to show the reader the human side of the story to keep it grounded in a futuristic kind of reality. The story could have easily followed a predictable path and become campy, but that’s never the case in The Zone. The story is unpredictable at every turn, always developing in ways that keep me on the edge of my seat, anxious to see what happens next. Last, I loved how the author allowed some of his heroes, especially Chance Griffin, to be motivated by a strong sense of right and wrong. Some might see that as being old-fashioned, but it made me care about his plight all the more. Well done, Stu Jones. I highly recommend The Zone and can’t wait to read volume #2.
Recommend this book:
The Price of Rebellion
Michael Bland
2023 Bronze Medal
388 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In The Price of Rebellion by Michael Bland, Dray Quintero engineered a surveillance network that linked all the security cameras across the country. This system was meant to keep citizens safe but has been used by the government to manipulate them. Dray’s technology was used to steal the identities of the senators and other representatives in Washington. The government was determined to remain in power and used secret broadcasting nodes to maintain control of everybody by sending out propaganda messages. Dray tried to reveal this and became the most wanted man in America. He joined the Founding Fathers’ rebellion group to overthrow the government. Dray and his team broke into the Agency’s Offices where the government’s secrets are kept. They needed to find the locations of the government’s broadcast nodes to stop the transmissions and take the country back.
The Price of Rebellion is an exciting, fast-paced adventure that uses science fiction to tell a lively story. Michael Bland took me on a rollercoaster ride. This book is jam-packed with action, as well as regret, guilt, love, and pain. This exhilarating tale is exceptionally well-written and innovative. The events were impressively creative with vivid and detailed descriptions. The plot is fantastic and had some major twists. There was always a surprise waiting and it was a real page-turner. The suspense builds as the narrative progresses and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author made every effort to make this fictional account as realistic and believable as possible.
In The Price of Rebellion by Michael Bland, Dray Quintero engineered a surveillance network that linked all the security cameras across the country. This system was meant to keep citizens safe but has been used by the government to manipulate them. Dray’s technology was used to steal the identities of the senators and other representatives in Washington. The government was determined to remain in power and used secret broadcasting nodes to maintain control of everybody by sending out propaganda messages. Dray tried to reveal this and became the most wanted man in America. He joined the Founding Fathers’ rebellion group to overthrow the government. Dray and his team broke into the Agency’s Offices where the government’s secrets are kept. They needed to find the locations of the government’s broadcast nodes to stop the transmissions and take the country back.
The Price of Rebellion is an exciting, fast-paced adventure that uses science fiction to tell a lively story. Michael Bland took me on a rollercoaster ride. This book is jam-packed with action, as well as regret, guilt, love, and pain. This exhilarating tale is exceptionally well-written and innovative. The events were impressively creative with vivid and detailed descriptions. The plot is fantastic and had some major twists. There was always a surprise waiting and it was a real page-turner. The suspense builds as the narrative progresses and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author made every effort to make this fictional account as realistic and believable as possible.
Recommend this book:
The Unvaccinated
Jean Grandbois
2023 Bronze Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite
The Unvaccinated by Jean Grandbois is a post-apocalyptic look at the world as it could become after the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been five years since the Coronavirus pandemic and the unthinkable starts to happen – the vaccine meant to protect is leading to massive occurrences of death worldwide. Only the unvaccinated, including children younger than 5 years, are left to pick up the pieces of the crumbling civilization around them. Deb, a sixty-two-year-old kindergarten teacher starts the search for any orphaned children. With the help of other interesting and unvaccinated characters, Deb and the group build a haven for anyone left behind and try to create a bright future for the children of the new age. Not everyone in this post-apocalyptic world has good intentions. The group must decide if they will fight their way out of the problems this new world presents, or flee.
This is an absolute must-read. The Unvaccinated by Jean Grandbois is a compelling novel about the breakdown of human society, with plenty of suspense at its core. His exploration of human character and personality is exceptional. I was not too fond of many of the characters at first, but as the story progressed, I could see a different side to them, and how important they are as a part of society. Fully-fledged characters like these are hard to find. Jean’s timeline of five years is a bit spine-chilling, so I hope his book stays in the fiction section for all our sakes. If you want a thrilling and captivating novel about humankind’s best and worst – this is definitely for you.
The Unvaccinated by Jean Grandbois is a post-apocalyptic look at the world as it could become after the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been five years since the Coronavirus pandemic and the unthinkable starts to happen – the vaccine meant to protect is leading to massive occurrences of death worldwide. Only the unvaccinated, including children younger than 5 years, are left to pick up the pieces of the crumbling civilization around them. Deb, a sixty-two-year-old kindergarten teacher starts the search for any orphaned children. With the help of other interesting and unvaccinated characters, Deb and the group build a haven for anyone left behind and try to create a bright future for the children of the new age. Not everyone in this post-apocalyptic world has good intentions. The group must decide if they will fight their way out of the problems this new world presents, or flee.
This is an absolute must-read. The Unvaccinated by Jean Grandbois is a compelling novel about the breakdown of human society, with plenty of suspense at its core. His exploration of human character and personality is exceptional. I was not too fond of many of the characters at first, but as the story progressed, I could see a different side to them, and how important they are as a part of society. Fully-fledged characters like these are hard to find. Jean’s timeline of five years is a bit spine-chilling, so I hope his book stays in the fiction section for all our sakes. If you want a thrilling and captivating novel about humankind’s best and worst – this is definitely for you.
Recommend this book:
Battlefield Earth
A Saga of the Year 3000
L. Ron Hubbard
2023 Silver Medal
1052 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
L. Ron Hubbard’s Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 releases its 21st-century edition. This timeless science fiction classic has earned its rightful place in the ranks along with Dune, Hyperion, and Martian Chronicles. For the uninitiated and for those who are merely familiar with its lackluster film adaptation, this story takes place in the year 3000, when a dystopian Earth is ruled by the Psychlos, an alien race whose deep space probe technology led them to Earth. The Psychlos stand a towering nine feet tall, weigh up to a thousand pounds, and are impressively strong. Earthlings have become an endangered species. Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, a man who lives in an isolated tribe, is captured and forced to submit to a learning machine by a Psychlo named Terl, who captures man-animal workers to mine gold for him. Jonnie, on the other hand, has found a way to leverage his endeavors in the mines, as he discovers a way to defeat the Psychlos with the help of his newfound allies.
L. Ron Hubbard made a brilliant choice of delivering his narrative from two opposite perspectives - that of Jonnie and Terl. Similarly, other characters make a strong presence felt as certain chapters are told from their respective points of view. The story is pretty straightforward - alien invasion and humanity’s long struggle for freedom. It’s a theme that you have read in other science fiction novels. What makes Battlefield Earth interesting is Hubbard’s propensity to create his very own world that he believes in as if he were there to witness it all. You may or may not go along with his fantasy, but this is what Hubbard intended his story to be. He makes no excuses for the drastic measures that Jonnie will take for the sake of freedom, or how Terl is evil for the sake of being evil. The book provides a more in-depth look at the imagination of Hubbard, popularly known as the founder of Scientology. Forget the movie. Just read the book.
L. Ron Hubbard’s Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 releases its 21st-century edition. This timeless science fiction classic has earned its rightful place in the ranks along with Dune, Hyperion, and Martian Chronicles. For the uninitiated and for those who are merely familiar with its lackluster film adaptation, this story takes place in the year 3000, when a dystopian Earth is ruled by the Psychlos, an alien race whose deep space probe technology led them to Earth. The Psychlos stand a towering nine feet tall, weigh up to a thousand pounds, and are impressively strong. Earthlings have become an endangered species. Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, a man who lives in an isolated tribe, is captured and forced to submit to a learning machine by a Psychlo named Terl, who captures man-animal workers to mine gold for him. Jonnie, on the other hand, has found a way to leverage his endeavors in the mines, as he discovers a way to defeat the Psychlos with the help of his newfound allies.
L. Ron Hubbard made a brilliant choice of delivering his narrative from two opposite perspectives - that of Jonnie and Terl. Similarly, other characters make a strong presence felt as certain chapters are told from their respective points of view. The story is pretty straightforward - alien invasion and humanity’s long struggle for freedom. It’s a theme that you have read in other science fiction novels. What makes Battlefield Earth interesting is Hubbard’s propensity to create his very own world that he believes in as if he were there to witness it all. You may or may not go along with his fantasy, but this is what Hubbard intended his story to be. He makes no excuses for the drastic measures that Jonnie will take for the sake of freedom, or how Terl is evil for the sake of being evil. The book provides a more in-depth look at the imagination of Hubbard, popularly known as the founder of Scientology. Forget the movie. Just read the book.
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