Sean Deville is back with another novel based on global domination, and ultimately, destruction. However, the source of the chaos is not something you really see coming. In fact, there are several curve balls waiting to get thrown your way thanks to the writing skills of Mr. Deville. Just like with his previous work, he turns over every stone and brings together a colorful cast to play out a very different apocalypse.
The world is torn. On one end of the spectrum, major governments want to implement surgeries, which will see every human get a chip implant at some point or another. On the other end, there are people and governments that oppose the surgery. Religions are clashing, politics are getting out of control, and technology has taken over. Or has it?
Charles Grader is a professor who has just gained consciousness after a three-year coma. And the visions that haunted him through the coma continue to haunt him at night, bringing with them messages of the end. More specifically, they warn of the 7 Seals being opened, much like the Bible predicts. This begs the question, is there a more mysterious entity behind the chaos on earth? Or is it just a matter of humans becoming too technologically advanced for their own good?
There is no question that Deville builds on a winning recipe for his epic stories. He starts with a professional and tangible introduction to creating a sense of realism, before hitting you with elements that would normally seem far-fetched. However, due to his dedication and detail to research, even the far-fetched elements carry real substance.
Another thing I have noticed about Deville’s work is the semi-detachment in the tone of his style. Because even though the characters are skillfully projected and they convincingly sell the drama, the style Deville uses always comes with that degree of coldness. And it works. Given the broad plot spectrum and the attempt to realistically help the reader envision this possible reality in the near future, his choice of style is spot on. Essentially, you are looking at a serious read that demands your full attention – just like his previous trilogy.
In terms of pacing, Deville is not a hasty writer. And while I typically prefer novels in this genre to have a little more urgency, it is the way Deville delivers the story that ultimately got me hooked. His choices for when and where to divulge specific information flows with the slower pace and it definitely provides more opportunity to get invested.
Finally, the plot might not be the most original, but then again, Deville wants to keep things close to home. At least, that is the impression you get when reading. In his fictional take on the apocalypse, you get a combination of religion, technology, politics, and the human condition, all rolled into one. And once they clash, you will not be able to predict the outcome. Yes, the ending is not something you see coming and Deville deserves extra credits here.
Like I have noted in my other reviews about Deville’s work, this is not easy reading. Instead, prepare yourself for a network of different stories that connect to a very dark climax. And, as I have come to expect from Deville, the quality of writing remains superb.
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
Also by Sean Deville:
[…] The Defiled (Book Review) […]