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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
What we have here lands somewhere between SF and a short-timeframe political thriller (e.g., SEVEN DAYS IN MAY), with many rather pointed parallels to current political events. The premise: a society that protects itself behind walls from a highly evolved splinter version of the human race is shaken one day when one of the segments of the wall is transformed into a young man -- apparently an emissary from that other society, although at first he remembers nothing. Sahaan, a highly placed figure in the government of the walled-in, tries to find out what he can about "Charles", who may just be the first of many, on the eve of an election whose outcome could nullify all their work.
Most of the book focuses on the kind of quietly tense struggle that happens between people of large ideas and broad convictions. Sahaan is no ideologue -- it's wise making him the protagonist because, as we find in flashbacks throughout, his whole life has been a process of developing both the political savvy and the compassion he's going to need. We also find out, in the third and final segment of the book, about Charles and the choices he made that ended up with him (well, sort of) on the other side of the wall his civilization thought impenetrable.
The best points in the book are made metaphorically: the very things we think will keep us safe from "outsiders" only make us all into outsiders of one kind or another. This is not to say that aggression between societies doesn't exist, only that we put too much of the wrong kind of energy into doing something about it. I don't know if our situation is going to be anywhere nearly as workable as what Sahaan and the Pinnacle eventually broker, and there is no guarantee in the story that what they both aspire to work towards will unfold as hoped, but at least they both recognize it's better to try than not.
Disclaimer: I know the author personally and admire his work in general. You should, too.
Most of the book focuses on the kind of quietly tense struggle that happens between people of large ideas and broad convictions. Sahaan is no ideologue -- it's wise making him the protagonist because, as we find in flashbacks throughout, his whole life has been a process of developing both the political savvy and the compassion he's going to need. We also find out, in the third and final segment of the book, about Charles and the choices he made that ended up with him (well, sort of) on the other side of the wall his civilization thought impenetrable.
The best points in the book are made metaphorically: the very things we think will keep us safe from "outsiders" only make us all into outsiders of one kind or another. This is not to say that aggression between societies doesn't exist, only that we put too much of the wrong kind of energy into doing something about it. I don't know if our situation is going to be anywhere nearly as workable as what Sahaan and the Pinnacle eventually broker, and there is no guarantee in the story that what they both aspire to work towards will unfold as hoped, but at least they both recognize it's better to try than not.
Disclaimer: I know the author personally and admire his work in general. You should, too.
The Other by Matthew Buscemi
Summary
This novel appears to take place in a civilization that is politically organized similar to our own. They are gearing up for a ground-breaking presidential election when a force from outside their comfort zone uses technology to turn a barrier wall into what appears to be a human.
Thoughts
Big picture: this book made my brain hurt in some of the best ways.
First of all, I didn’t know there was a map involved until I got to the end of the book! It’s not included in the ARC, but it is available on the author’s website. The geography conversations make a lot more sense when you take the map into consideration.
The characters in this novel were very intriguing to me because they were both complicated and flat at the same time. Flat isn’t a bad thing in this case. It makes every character the every man. I think it’s very important because this gives readers a chance to relate with every character in this book.
Politically speaking, this book is brazen and on point. This book takes place during political turmoil. Yes, there is some action, but mostly? Just conversation. It’s a book of people have intelligent conversations in order to solve problems. What a novel concept, America!
Target Audience
This book would definitely appeal to science fiction readers, but I encourage all who enjoy political commentary to take a gander at it as well.
Conclusion
The main reason I can’t give this book five stars is because I can’t recommend this book to everyone which in reality is their own fault and not the book’s.
Stars: 4
Summary
This novel appears to take place in a civilization that is politically organized similar to our own. They are gearing up for a ground-breaking presidential election when a force from outside their comfort zone uses technology to turn a barrier wall into what appears to be a human.
Thoughts
Big picture: this book made my brain hurt in some of the best ways.
First of all, I didn’t know there was a map involved until I got to the end of the book! It’s not included in the ARC, but it is available on the author’s website. The geography conversations make a lot more sense when you take the map into consideration.
The characters in this novel were very intriguing to me because they were both complicated and flat at the same time. Flat isn’t a bad thing in this case. It makes every character the every man. I think it’s very important because this gives readers a chance to relate with every character in this book.
Politically speaking, this book is brazen and on point. This book takes place during political turmoil. Yes, there is some action, but mostly? Just conversation. It’s a book of people have intelligent conversations in order to solve problems. What a novel concept, America!
Target Audience
This book would definitely appeal to science fiction readers, but I encourage all who enjoy political commentary to take a gander at it as well.
Conclusion
The main reason I can’t give this book five stars is because I can’t recommend this book to everyone which in reality is their own fault and not the book’s.
Stars: 4
This book was much better than I expected! To qualify that statement, I had issues with the first 3rd of the book because the beginning felt like I was literally dumped into this world in the middle of the inciting incident but I wasn’t ready for it. It was disorienting and I was confused. BUT once I adjusted, I was delighted to discover an excellent sci-fi story. I loved the characters, the plot had lots of great action and suspense. And I was happy with the ending. It was REALLY good! But that first 3rd needs work on the world building. Ease the reader into the story by doing more development on the set-up instead of throwing us into the deep end hoping we can swim. A well written prologue could work wonders. Plus a little minor editing needs to be done to the main text.
Overall, a great read! And I hope there’s a sequel because I’d definitely pick it up. I look forward to more from this author.
I was given this ARC by Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, a great read! And I hope there’s a sequel because I’d definitely pick it up. I look forward to more from this author.
I was given this ARC by Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.