Review: More Than a Fantasy -- A Real Adventure
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 3, 2012
I've never read anything quite like AGF: The Gathering, so it's difficult to compare it to other works. It's actually more a fantasy than science fiction, but without the magic and puffery that usually turns me off. The story takes place on some other world that is vaguely Earth-like but unique in its own way. The people are living in tyranny but respond with anarchy, so it's pretty much every man for himself. There are police but they're more hindrance than help.Mick Rhoda is a street kid, barely 13 years old, but a skilled survivor. He spends most of his life dodging bullies and looking for an angle. When he finds himself surrounded by hooligans who want to inspect his inward parts, he thinks it's all over, but suddenly there's Ollie, a gentle, not too bright giant whose sense of fair play won't let him walk away when the little guy needs his help. A friendship is born and Mick, always thinking ahead, spots the angle.Mick sets up a prize fight--Ollie will take on all comers, and the purse will keep them both eating for a very long time. The fight is a success, and Mick envisions a bright future. His life has never been so promising.Then things get better (before they get worse). They meet Greg, also a fighter, but with a different set of skills. They decide to go on tour--too long in one place may bring the cops down on them. On the road they continue to add to their entourage, each individual bringing a different, unique set of skills to the troupe. Pretty soon their reputation spreads...and trouble soon follows.Sam White, in what I understand is his very first novel, has penned a brilliant adventure worthy of Dreamworks. As others have stated, Sam dares to tackle many "taboo" issues, such as homosexuality, male chauvinism, racism, and the prejudice faced by the handicapped. This novel isn't only packed with action, it also warms the heart and uplifts the spirit. Who could ask for more?