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Recommend this book:
The 45th Parallel
T. S. Simons
2023 Finalist
300 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
Kindle Edition
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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
1076 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.
Recommend this book:
Blackout Trail
A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
Linda Naughton
2023 Gold Medal
592 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Blackout Trail by Linda Naughton is a dystopian novel set in the future where the world as we know it is lost. Doctor Anna Hastings was used to treating people in the thick of disaster and chaos, but nothing could have prepared her for what was happening right now. A complete blackout had led to a technology crash and the whole world was plunged into darkness. While society was on the brink of collapse, Anna came face to face with Mark Ryan and his little daughter Lily. Somehow, he convinced Anna to join them in their quest to get to Maine and look for safety away from civilization. But the way forward was tougher than either of them had anticipated. With a child accompanying them, it would take everything in Mark's and Anna’s power to reach Maine safely. But was that possible?
I loved the tension and the intensity of the story. Author Linda Naughton did a grand job of creating a believable plot with strong characters that drove the story forward. I love how determined Anna was and how resolved she was to deliver Lily and Mark safely to Maine. While the main theme of the story wasn’t new per se, it was executed perfectly. The narrative style was simple yet strong. I was hooked on the story, I felt what the characters were feeling, and I enjoyed the bumpy ride till the end. The descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there in the thick of things with Anna and Mark. The story was dark at some points but it was so good that I couldn’t stop reading. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves fast-paced thrillers with dark twists.
Blackout Trail by Linda Naughton is a dystopian novel set in the future where the world as we know it is lost. Doctor Anna Hastings was used to treating people in the thick of disaster and chaos, but nothing could have prepared her for what was happening right now. A complete blackout had led to a technology crash and the whole world was plunged into darkness. While society was on the brink of collapse, Anna came face to face with Mark Ryan and his little daughter Lily. Somehow, he convinced Anna to join them in their quest to get to Maine and look for safety away from civilization. But the way forward was tougher than either of them had anticipated. With a child accompanying them, it would take everything in Mark's and Anna’s power to reach Maine safely. But was that possible?
I loved the tension and the intensity of the story. Author Linda Naughton did a grand job of creating a believable plot with strong characters that drove the story forward. I love how determined Anna was and how resolved she was to deliver Lily and Mark safely to Maine. While the main theme of the story wasn’t new per se, it was executed perfectly. The narrative style was simple yet strong. I was hooked on the story, I felt what the characters were feeling, and I enjoyed the bumpy ride till the end. The descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there in the thick of things with Anna and Mark. The story was dark at some points but it was so good that I couldn’t stop reading. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves fast-paced thrillers with dark twists.
Recommend this book:
Core Melt
A Coruscant Novel (The Coruscant Series Book 3)
FX Holden
2022 Finalist
238 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Core Melt is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and serves as the third installment in the Coruscant series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author FX Holden. The book follows a machine named Emin Wei, a hunter who has been designed to pass for a human and given the singular purpose of hunting down terror suspect Kristen Newgard. His mission is deadly as the three hunters sent before him didn’t survive the attempt to eliminate Newgard, but the last attack by the suspect claimed over two thousand lives, so Emin knows he must do whatever it takes to find her.
This was an excellent demonstration of complex and nuanced lore that has been designed from the ground up to serve as a perfect backdrop for thrilling science fiction adventures. Author FX Holden’s world-building skills are matched by his gift for prose which brought the mosaic of cultures and social ideas to life in a way that made them feel as real as the chair I was sitting in whilst reading. The narrative that has been woven against this wonderful backdrop was a pleasure to read, asking important questions about the world of Coruscant, which paralleled important questions about our own world – a hallmark of excellent and thought-provoking science fiction. One of the greatest strengths of Core Melt, however, was the evolving characterization of its lead character Emin as his experiences throughout the investigation prompted him to develop and grow in interesting and exciting ways that constantly kept the story fresh.
Core Melt is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and serves as the third installment in the Coruscant series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author FX Holden. The book follows a machine named Emin Wei, a hunter who has been designed to pass for a human and given the singular purpose of hunting down terror suspect Kristen Newgard. His mission is deadly as the three hunters sent before him didn’t survive the attempt to eliminate Newgard, but the last attack by the suspect claimed over two thousand lives, so Emin knows he must do whatever it takes to find her.
This was an excellent demonstration of complex and nuanced lore that has been designed from the ground up to serve as a perfect backdrop for thrilling science fiction adventures. Author FX Holden’s world-building skills are matched by his gift for prose which brought the mosaic of cultures and social ideas to life in a way that made them feel as real as the chair I was sitting in whilst reading. The narrative that has been woven against this wonderful backdrop was a pleasure to read, asking important questions about the world of Coruscant, which paralleled important questions about our own world – a hallmark of excellent and thought-provoking science fiction. One of the greatest strengths of Core Melt, however, was the evolving characterization of its lead character Emin as his experiences throughout the investigation prompted him to develop and grow in interesting and exciting ways that constantly kept the story fresh.
Recommend this book:
Friendship City
Hanging by a Thread
Carl H. Mitchell
2022 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Carl H. Mitchell's Friendship City: Hanging by a Thread is a well-written science fiction novel set 36 years into the future. There, we find a murderous World Council group reuniting, this time led by Ishmael. After unleashing a deadly plague that threatens half the world's population, the evil council's leader then demands that the justice forces relinquish their power. Lenora Allison, the president of the United States of America, recognizes that she cannot win this war alone. She summons Nicholas Garvey, a remarkable NYPD agent with a well-deserved reputation as a tough, resilient guy who consistently succeeds in neutralizing the bad guys. Will Nick and President Lenora be able to put an end to the evil that threatens to undermine democracy and world peace? How will Nick show he is the best hitman in the world?
I believe that the best stories always introduce the reader to a new setting and characters and leave them with the impression that they have known them their entire lives. Carl H. Mitchell exceeds this standard, ensuring that the reader comprehends the underlying conditions in this futuristic world, the characters, and their inner motivations. It was clear from the start that Nick and President Lenora were competent and confident characters who were not afraid to put themselves in danger to get the job done. I enjoyed following their thought processes as they deciphered the clues and worked to stop the vicious acts sponsored by organized hate and evil. I particularly enjoyed how Nick's resoluteness assured me he would find a solution to any problem that arose, although I never knew how he'd do it or how each mission or event would play out. Reading each section was exciting. Mitchell's approach to storytelling is another aspect that I believe is worth mentioning. He remained in command of the flow, unfolding events at precise times. It worked well to resolve one problem at a time. There is nothing about Friendship City that I did not like. Although it is the second book in a series, Mitchell did an excellent job of making it a stand-alone novel. His talent is admirable, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Carl H. Mitchell's Friendship City: Hanging by a Thread is a well-written science fiction novel set 36 years into the future. There, we find a murderous World Council group reuniting, this time led by Ishmael. After unleashing a deadly plague that threatens half the world's population, the evil council's leader then demands that the justice forces relinquish their power. Lenora Allison, the president of the United States of America, recognizes that she cannot win this war alone. She summons Nicholas Garvey, a remarkable NYPD agent with a well-deserved reputation as a tough, resilient guy who consistently succeeds in neutralizing the bad guys. Will Nick and President Lenora be able to put an end to the evil that threatens to undermine democracy and world peace? How will Nick show he is the best hitman in the world?
I believe that the best stories always introduce the reader to a new setting and characters and leave them with the impression that they have known them their entire lives. Carl H. Mitchell exceeds this standard, ensuring that the reader comprehends the underlying conditions in this futuristic world, the characters, and their inner motivations. It was clear from the start that Nick and President Lenora were competent and confident characters who were not afraid to put themselves in danger to get the job done. I enjoyed following their thought processes as they deciphered the clues and worked to stop the vicious acts sponsored by organized hate and evil. I particularly enjoyed how Nick's resoluteness assured me he would find a solution to any problem that arose, although I never knew how he'd do it or how each mission or event would play out. Reading each section was exciting. Mitchell's approach to storytelling is another aspect that I believe is worth mentioning. He remained in command of the flow, unfolding events at precise times. It worked well to resolve one problem at a time. There is nothing about Friendship City that I did not like. Although it is the second book in a series, Mitchell did an excellent job of making it a stand-alone novel. His talent is admirable, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Recommend this book:
Soul Seeker, Gehenna Series, Book 1
Kaylin McFarren
2022 Bronze Medal
393 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren is a paranormal thriller with a nod in the direction of new adult and is the first book in the acclaimed Gehenna series, followed by book two, Annihilation. The book begins in a sleepy Illinois suburb with the family of Benjamin Poe. Secrets between him and his wife are exploited by the book's main character, a demon named Crighton Daemonium. This demon, who goes by the much simpler “Crighton,” is in the business of filling hell with what it needs: good souls gone bad. Poe is ensnared when trying to save his son, and Crighton ticks him off the list alongside another. But it is ultimately Crighton who gets ensnared when he is trapped with an angel named Ariel. Do you know what happens when a demon starts to get the warm fuzzies for an angel? All hell breaks loose.
Soul Seeker might be centered around the concept and actual culture Kaylin McFarren has crafted out of hell, but the storytelling is absolutely heavenly. I have read the Gehenna series in reverse order because the second book came to me first. Having now read the story that started it all, I feel like I'm better filled in. That said, the writing is so good that McFarren does not leave a reader who jumps in elsewhere confused. She is exceptionally skilled in both narrative and dialogue and it was amazing to dive back in. Crighton is a character that a reader would think they could never possibly root for...until we do, and it's pure mastery to be part of that evolution. The distinction between good and bad is not so clear-cut. Crighton is bad; Lucifer is worse. I liked Ariel but not more than Crighton. Given the choice between the two, the poor little angel would be roadkill. This is an adult book with adult themes and plenty of heated sex scenes. It's fun and scary and entertaining and sexy. Enjoy!
Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren is a paranormal thriller with a nod in the direction of new adult and is the first book in the acclaimed Gehenna series, followed by book two, Annihilation. The book begins in a sleepy Illinois suburb with the family of Benjamin Poe. Secrets between him and his wife are exploited by the book's main character, a demon named Crighton Daemonium. This demon, who goes by the much simpler “Crighton,” is in the business of filling hell with what it needs: good souls gone bad. Poe is ensnared when trying to save his son, and Crighton ticks him off the list alongside another. But it is ultimately Crighton who gets ensnared when he is trapped with an angel named Ariel. Do you know what happens when a demon starts to get the warm fuzzies for an angel? All hell breaks loose.
Soul Seeker might be centered around the concept and actual culture Kaylin McFarren has crafted out of hell, but the storytelling is absolutely heavenly. I have read the Gehenna series in reverse order because the second book came to me first. Having now read the story that started it all, I feel like I'm better filled in. That said, the writing is so good that McFarren does not leave a reader who jumps in elsewhere confused. She is exceptionally skilled in both narrative and dialogue and it was amazing to dive back in. Crighton is a character that a reader would think they could never possibly root for...until we do, and it's pure mastery to be part of that evolution. The distinction between good and bad is not so clear-cut. Crighton is bad; Lucifer is worse. I liked Ariel but not more than Crighton. Given the choice between the two, the poor little angel would be roadkill. This is an adult book with adult themes and plenty of heated sex scenes. It's fun and scary and entertaining and sexy. Enjoy!
Recommend this book:
Animal Lab
Bob Zeidman
2022 Silver Medal
133 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Animal Lab, by Bob Zeidman, is the kind of compelling dystopian novel that classic 'what-if' sociopolitical fiction is made of. Imagine one day humans are gone, and only lab animals remain, waking up knowing how to reason and communicate. Left without human guidance or interference, the animals know they need to create structure and order in some way, where everyone knows the rules, rights, and responsibilities. When they learn of a failed socialist farm in England, they decide to avoid the same fate by making a constitutional democratic republic, complete with elections, symbols, a flag, leaders, a system of checks and balances, and a name: Animerica. The question is, how long will it last? Will their animal nature let it succeed?
Zeidman has crafted an award-winning, engrossing novel full of symbolism and meaning relevant for today. This cautionary tale sounds alarm bells of a possible, eventual failure of American society, culture, and freedoms, but does anyone care to connect the dots? Where is the future headed? Is humanity headed on a collision course, and, if so, how can a crash be prevented? Even if you don't agree with all the concepts in the book, the author offers powerful ideas to think about. You may be reminded of a George Orwell novel, but Zeidman puts his own stamp on this strong, important story. His insight and attitude are laser-sharp; delivered with talent and precision. The scenario presented is unsettling and provocative, designed to lead readers to think about what could be, what should be, and what is. No matter which side of the woke-culture fence you fall, Animal Lab by Bob Zeidman is a sobering blast of fresh air that needs to be read and shared--this generation's Animal Farm.
Animal Lab, by Bob Zeidman, is the kind of compelling dystopian novel that classic 'what-if' sociopolitical fiction is made of. Imagine one day humans are gone, and only lab animals remain, waking up knowing how to reason and communicate. Left without human guidance or interference, the animals know they need to create structure and order in some way, where everyone knows the rules, rights, and responsibilities. When they learn of a failed socialist farm in England, they decide to avoid the same fate by making a constitutional democratic republic, complete with elections, symbols, a flag, leaders, a system of checks and balances, and a name: Animerica. The question is, how long will it last? Will their animal nature let it succeed?
Zeidman has crafted an award-winning, engrossing novel full of symbolism and meaning relevant for today. This cautionary tale sounds alarm bells of a possible, eventual failure of American society, culture, and freedoms, but does anyone care to connect the dots? Where is the future headed? Is humanity headed on a collision course, and, if so, how can a crash be prevented? Even if you don't agree with all the concepts in the book, the author offers powerful ideas to think about. You may be reminded of a George Orwell novel, but Zeidman puts his own stamp on this strong, important story. His insight and attitude are laser-sharp; delivered with talent and precision. The scenario presented is unsettling and provocative, designed to lead readers to think about what could be, what should be, and what is. No matter which side of the woke-culture fence you fall, Animal Lab by Bob Zeidman is a sobering blast of fresh air that needs to be read and shared--this generation's Animal Farm.
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