2 out of 4 stars
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30th Century: Escape is a science fiction novel written by author Mark Kingston Levin. In this novel, Mark Levin introduces his readers to a futuristic world where there is a war of sorts between the Naturals and those they have enhanced genetically, the Syndos. As what typically happens when attempting to alter human genetics, something went terribly wrong with the original Syndos. This has caused the Syndos to have no sense of morality, thereby explaining why they think nothing of killing off the only natural human beings left on planet earth.
The leader of the Naturals is both heartbroken and emotionally lost. Therefore, she decides it is best to abandon her team when they need her the most. Captain Jennifer Hero sends her team back to the 27th century to save the human race without her, so she can travel back to the 21st century to find herself. (Great leadership skills, right?!)
This is basically where the science fiction ends, unfortunately for the reader. The rest of the novel pretty much covers more of Jennifer's deceptive nature - she pretty much lies to everyone. The author also includes her many sexcapades with practically everyone she meets (how else is she supposed to get over her heartache, right?), as well as some beautiful scenic descriptions (the highlight of the novel, if you ask me).
I'm not sure why this novel fell under the science fiction genre. The author vaguely mentions time travel, and then slaps the label on there. Maybe to attract a bigger audience? I don't know, but the novel is definitely not categorized correctly. A part of me feels like it is a travelogue, while another part feels like it is a terrible erotica. I say terrible, because the numerous sex scenes serve absolutely no purpose. They are completely out of place, and stereotypically offensive. I found myself rolling my eyes each time one appeared.
I feel bad about not liking this novel more. I do not enjoy speaking badly of another's hard work. I just don't understand what the author was doing here. The novel seemed to be going through the same identity crises as its protagonist! I can only give this book 2 out of 4 stars. It is part of a trilogy, and I doubt I'll be able to read either of the other two books. I hope they delve more into the science fiction aspects that the first book alluded to, though. (I also hope there are less explicit and out of place sex scenes)
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30th Century: Escape
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