The future dystopia depicted in this novel is made so credible by the author, it feels a little too real.
Feature image credit: MidnightSun Publishing
“Happy and content with the life he lived. Ignorant of the life he missed out on living,” (page 114).
Fast paced with no time to predict what happens next, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish. I only wished I had not started reading it on a busy day so I could have enjoyed it as a binge read!
Set 50,000 years in the future, Sarah is the first of a handful of R.E. Generation volunteers to awaken from a chemically induced coma. She wakes up to find herself and her colleagues to be the only humans alive. The world she enters requires a complete restart as climate change has destroyed almost everything they once knew.
In this new dystopian world where survival of the fittest prevails, the story delves into moral dilemmas and the choices people face. It raises questions about whether survival is the only priority or if there are more profound considerations at play. The narrative also reflects on the past world’s destruction, with chapters that provide insight into the minds of people from that era.
These side stories from the past are interspersed throughout and depict events that that show how the remnants of the old world slowly fell apart. Although occasionally they provide backstories for characters in the novel, most of the time they just work to add layers to the thematic content. The actions of people in the past enrich and support Sarah’s leadership style. As the main protagonist, Sarah tackles tough decisions with fairness and diplomacy, never shying away from conflict when necessary. Multiple chapters are told from her perspective allowing us readers to immerse ourselves without overthinking.
By contrast is Declan’s leadership style defined by fear, control, ego, and pride. From the moment he enters the novel, he exudes arrogance, and many of the supporting characters are unable to stand up to him. We never get inside the heads of characters Karim, Smithy, Newton, Meaghan, and Cassidy, who journey with us throughout almost all of the story, however we learn of them through their dialogue with Sarah and by other events that unfold in the narrative.
What stands out in this story is the intricate character development, seamlessly interwoven in the text, and revealed slowly throughout. How do people become monsters? Why do good people do bad things, and all things considered, are bad things actually bad when other things are at stake? What defines moral conduct? Is it befitting to the situation or is it determined as specific acts or an abstinence? There are many philosophical debates embedded throughout this text that will leave you introspective.
This book is suitable for mature audiences — especially those who enjoy philosophy. Please note, however, there are many triggering themes. The novel talks of suicide, rape, death and more. Similar to other science-fiction novels, it focuses on the next generation and, like many in this genre, covers themes such as infertility, climate change, and loss of autonomy.
Overall, this book is a compelling read and an impressive debut novel. Author Michael J. Prewer provides a high level of detailed technicality to the text, perhaps due to his background – he holds a Bachelor of Science and works as a speech pathologist. I look forward to more of his works.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: MidnightSun Publishing
Released: June 2024
RRP: $34.99
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