Genre

Science Fiction, Young Adult

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

Themes

Fear, good and evil, conscience, coercion, guilt, freedom, the price of doing the right thing, illusion, deception, power, slavery

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

In a future America, wars are fought and populations controlled by incredibly realistic holograms. The holograms confuse on the battlefield, and keep civilians endlessly entertained—and passive—at home. No one can see through them—no one, except eighteen-year-old Aaron, who cannot see them at all. After his village is destroyed and his family enslaved, Aaron is taken captive by Votura and coerced into serving in their military, identifying which enemy forces are real and which are not. Showered with rank and privilege, can Aaron hold on to himself? What will it cost him to survive and find his family? And is he truly willing to pay that price?

This YA thriller invites the reader to join Aaron in an adventure as much about ethics as about action—although it has plenty of both. The novel has an ambitious arc, both in plot and in character development. Aaron’s slow journey to wisdom is, for the most part, realistically shown.  

Aaron’s character development does remain static at times. This, combined with not getting to know Aaron quite as deeply as we ideally needed to, may sometimes leave the reader feeling frustrated with him. In all honesty, I would have quite liked to read this book in first person, not third (although that is partly a preference issue). But, overall, Aaron is a realistically flawed character, not above bullying his slaves and behaving arrogantly even when he has only just arrived in Votura and still regards himself as a mere village boy—a realistic portrayal of a rather normal teenage boy thrust suddenly into a position of power.

One interesting aspect of the story is that Aaron at one point embarks on something that, with different motivations, might have been a good, or at least acceptable, course of action—but he does so for the wrong reasons. The novel doesn’t shy away from the consequences of this.

The future America (a futuristic combination of the Aztec and Ancient Roman empires) is chillingly portrayed and makes an effective backdrop for Aaron’s scheming and for his moral dilemmas.

There is nothing explicitly Christian about the book, except for a brief, barely-plot-relevant mention of ‘the ancient religion’ at the end, and this book could be enjoyed equally by secular and Christian readers. Readers interested in themes of morality and freedom will find it especially of interest.

The book has a few flaws. Aaron’s brother Cole was a disappointing character. He starts the book as a truth speaker, as a hugely positive influence on Aaron, but rather than having a role in helping Aaron later on, he simply becomes lost along his way.

The idea that everyone was truly being satisfied and taken in by the holograms did feel more like a metaphor than something truly realistic, but it was easy to suspend disbelief, so it had little impact on the enjoyment of the book. 

This book would suit fans of science fiction and of Young Adult and New Adult fiction. There is a minor romantic plotline, but politics and character development drive the book most of all.

Although there are some elements of this ambitious tale that could have been done better, I am still thinking about it a week after finishing it—and that means it got something very right indeed.

Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Keefe hides his call to the priesthood and no matter how much Jarrett tries he still gets into trouble. Can the brothers find their courage?

The People’s Choice- Top 10 Genres in Catholic Literature

The book-geeks have spoken! Top favorite genres in Catholic literature July 2018- July 2019

The Joining by J. H. Dierking

The aliens will surprise you and lead you into greater insight into how our own bodily design determines much of what is considered right and wrong.

August Books To Pray With: For Political Leaders

A book list to fuel your prayers for the world’s political leaders and grow your Catholic empathetic imagination.

Through the Ashes by Jacqueline Brown

Fans of The 100 and Runaway’s and The Gifted will find this YA story riveting.

Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley

Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!

October Books to Pray With: For a Shared Mission

A list of books exploring the theme of solidarity between clergy and laity.

Trapped in Time by Jerry J. Weis

Can a team of misfit teens save the day in this wholesome time-traveling romp?

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna Turner 

A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture. 

I am Margaret by Corinna Turner

A dystopian nightmare that asks what you really believe and how far will you go to defend it.

Books to Deepen Your Lent

Whatever your needs or tastes these books explore the Lenten themes of repentance, confession and renewal.

A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner

Christmas with Jurassic dinosaurs is often wild!

Heaven’s Hunter By Marie C. Keiser

A man-hunt across space that forever changes both the criminal and the detective.

The Pre Persons by Phillip K. Dick

The pro-life Phillip K. Dick story so prophetic it was buried.

Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn

Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

A dark fantasy along the lines of Revelation itself.

Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush

The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?

A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.