Review: Utopia or Rigid Control?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 14, 2013
The Known Afterlife is a speculative fiction that combines fantasy and science fiction. There is an underlying religious theme to the story. The inhabitants of the two distinct worlds created by Trey Copeland have different approaches to this concept. Antium is a modern, technologically advanced world but one that is in a state of decay. The Church of Salvation and its authoritarian and controlling ways stifle the growth of its citizens.The Provider on the other hand is a world that is spiritually attuned to nature and has love and loyalty as its religion. This world is governed by magical elements that manifest in the population with Steffor, the Guardian, as the one with the greatest spiritual link to the Tree.The guardian is fighting against an ancient evil while Stalling, the businessman from Antuim, is fighting to save his world from organized religion. Do the worlds collide? What is the strange connection between them? Who is Muzar? You have to read the book to find out more.The author does a good job of keeping us on our feet with a narrative that goes back and forth between the two worlds. The narrative transition could have been smoother and the language complexity can be distracting for the average reader. The clear thought process is reflected in the smooth writing. It is long winding at places but this is a necessary aspect of world building.Take time to read this book. It will make you think. You have to immerse yourself in the pages to enjoy and understand this book. This one is definitely not for the casual reader.