Review: An entertaining tale with serious undertones
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2013
Kaye Wagner creates a fractured futuristic civilization that blends bizarre technology with a unique mystery/detective story. It reads almost like what kind of book might have resulted if Jules Verne and Arthur Conan Doyle had collaborated on a novel at George Orwell’s house.In true Orwellian style, Wagner skillfully extrapolates elements from contemporary society to design a powerful and disturbing world that provides a fresh perspective on problematic social practices that should serve as a warning. Yet, she manages to take on a serious theme in a rich and fantastical setting that delivers on entertainment value as well.Even though the fantastical element may, at times, be a bit robust for some, Wagner does a good job of weaving the storylines together to meet at a common theme. As a result, the end is satisfying even though it leaves the proverbial dangling carrot for the next book in this series. I’ll definitely give the next one a look.