2 out of 4 stars
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What will happen if the entire world experiences a power cut at the same time? The answer to this question forms the background of this novel. The Sensitives by D.O. Thomson is a book in the science fiction genre.
The planet of Zul’s claim to fame was its drug cartel which operated the trade in the universe's most addictive drug, Canapopius. The Zulons colonized several planets for establishing Canapopius farms and the latest planet on their list was Earth. It is the year 2078 and the human population has to risen to nine billion. A single power grid supplies electricity to the whole planet. Zzens, the cartel’s Prime Director for Earth, devises a plan to disrupt the power supply and communication channels on Earth. His plan succeeds and within six months, half the population on Earth perishes. The Zulon farms established on Earth are ready to plant Canapopius seedlings, but there is one thing that Zzens did not account for. A group of humans with special mental abilities, called the Sensitives, are preparing to take on the Zulon forces but can they stand against the might of the Zulon army?
The author has concocted an interesting concept in this book. The futuristic setting of the story, the evolutionary leap made by humans and hostile aliens bent on setting up their drug plantations, are some creative ideas woven together by the author for the book’s plot. The technological jump and scientific development, supplement the background of the story. Along with the scientific element, there are some flashes of philosophy in the story as well. Consider this, “Zzens thought, if this planet possessed some of the weapons available on other planets, they might control the universe, or annihilate themselves. What an aggressive species!” The story looks at how easily the human species devolves into savages when they have to fight for survival. The best part of the story was not the author’s portrayal of the complete chaos the human society descends into (though it was a close second). The best part was how in the darkest of situations, there is still some hope left. The story’s central characters are well sketched and the delightful aspect is a set of adorable kids leading the adults, which is another plus point of the tale.
Despite a good central plotline, the book is still rough around the edges. The main reason behind that, in my opinion, is that the author tries to carry out a lot in a single text. Firstly, the main plot is heavily embellished with various smaller plots overlapping each other and spinning off in different directions. Secondly, there are plenty of unnecessary details in the first half of the book suffocating the reader’s interest. Thirdly, much as I appreciate the author’s scientific thrust to the tale, it makes the tale quite mechanical and monotonous. Fourthly, it is slightly disappointing to find that despite the significant leap made by the human civilization in the scientific department, the political scenario hasn't changed much in 2078. Even after sixty years, the Islamic fundamentalists plague the world while Russia and China continue to worry the American government. I expected the author to show a bit more creativity in the political arena. Finally, the back and forth in timeline gave a disorganized feel to the story, though it was not overly confusing.
The second half of the book is where the story really catches on and makes it worth a read, especially by readers who love science fiction saturated with paranormal abilities. I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars, mainly for the lacklustre first half.
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The Sensitives
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