Book Review: Karakorum, Don McVey
Science Fiction: Karakorum, Don McVey
Blog Tour July 28, 2023
From the description of the book:
In this gripping sci-fi adventure, Sorcha, a youngster from the outer-edge, discovers a hidden anomaly within the deadly game of Scratch, setting off a chain of events that will test her abilities and challenge her very existence.
Scouted by a stranger from a rival faction, Sorcha finds herself pursued by malevolent forces intent on unravelling the secrets she unwittingly uncovers. To find the truth and avert impending catastrophe, Sorcha must embark on a perilous journey to the heart of Karakorum—an expansive shanty town divided by borders formed from interconnected minds—a remnant of a dark era known as The Wipe.
Within this chaotic world, the inhabitants abide by the dictums of the Modor, the founder of Sapienism; a religion based on the sacrosanct human gene. As Sorcha delves deeper into the labyrinthine society, she uncovers an ancient riddle that holds the key to the past and the future of every connected citizen. However, unbeknownst to her, her actions could inadvertently lead to their ultimate downfall.
Enter the dystopian world of Karakorum and immerse yourself in the richly imagined world, where technology, consciousness, and humanity collide. Join Sorcha as she battles formidable foes, unravels enigmatic puzzles, and grapples with the consequences of her choices.
And about the author:
Don McVey has worked for over 20 years in the Film and TV industry.
After winning the H.G. Wells award for his short story ‘Transference’, he decided it was time to get round to writing a novel.
His debut novel Karakorum was released in May 2023.
We do not publish negative reviews and I don’t want to be negative about this book. Perhaps I was just not the right reader for it. It is a debut novel, so there is hope for growth as the author’s career continues. His background certainly gives reason to look for that growth. Still, unless you very specifically wanted to read a dark novel about a cruel world, I would not be able to recommend it.
My favorite character is named Lunn. A genetically engineered gigantic man, he devotes himself to protecting Sorcha. He literally will do anything to keep her safe. Work to death in a slave-labor mine. Confront a dangerous killer who has already proven his ability to kill larger men than Lunn. Leave the comforts of home to try to escape the coming hunters who were searching for Sorcha.
The dystopian world created by author Don McVey puts the world of The Hunger Games to shame. Filled with drug addicts, gamers who can be killed or mentally crushed if they lose their game, factions separated by boundaries which allow no legal movement from one place to another, slavery and meaningless work, this is a dark and oppressive place with even darker and more oppressive leadership (if you can call it that).
Our thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things for our copy of Karakorum, provided so we could give an honest review. The opinions here are solely those of Scintilla. For other perspectives, check out the other bloggers on this tour.
Book Review: Karakorum, Don McVey
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