Review by FitzgeraldB+D -- Days of Future Found
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FitzgeraldB+D
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- Latest Review: Days of Future Found by M. K. Wark
Review by FitzgeraldB+D -- Days of Future Found
[Following is a volunteer review of "Days of Future Found" by M. K. Wark.]
Days of Future Found by M.K. Wark is a novel founded on a genuine future possibility of the United States, with some fiction sprinkled on top and a dash of dystopian elements. The novel follows the characters Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold living in the year 2039 in a remnant of the United States that has been plagued by intense climate change. Most coastal cities were wiped away by flooding and rebuilt inland. People now have a choice: live in a climate community with public housing, safety, equal education access, and democracy, or try and survive on their own. But life in climate colonies is not all that perfect. Mass infertility plagued citizens, with populations only recovering because of advanced technology and fertility methods. This led to the new generation of children bearing large social responsibilities, and society and media transfixed on seeking truth, always. Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold, all of a different generation, live in the same colony. In a world focused on reconstruction and life advancement, they each go on a journey of personal development.
The novel is somewhat gripping, with the reader being redirected several times in different directions as focus changes from one dystopian element to the next. It bounces through the problems of lack of privacy from invasive technology, medical struggles, truth-seeking, climate destruction, and a conspiracy surrounding elderly citizens. The book’s central dilemma—or so it seemed to be—was, in a way, spoiled by some foreshadowing in the beginning, leaving the reader wondering what there is left to discover. The novel’s society contained many interesting elements that made the reader think and could have made the book a lot stronger if they were discussed more thoroughly.
Disliked most about the book was its lack of direction. Just when one dilemma arose and appeared to take hold, it was quickly abandoned for the initial dilemma discussed at the beginning of the book concerning elderly citizens. This dilemma never really came to fruition as one would have hoped, with internal character development taking the spotlight.
Liked most about the book was its characters. They were exceptionally well written and developed. Ella appeared as the main character but did not overshadow Riley, Alvi, or Harold. They each had their own personalities and looks, making them distinct and intriguing. Their backstories were sprinkled throughout the novel, leaving the reader engaged. They were independent with their personal subplots yet intertwined just enough to pull the book together. Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold all grew as people and had lots of depth.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The characters were extremely engaging and easy to connect to, but the plot was just lacking. There were so many interesting elements thrown into the story that deserved more attention. It was all in all anticlimactic. This book probably appeals most to adults or young adults because dystopian plots are often targeted towards young adults. Yet, Wark’s novel contained several older characters that may appeal to an older audience. Days of Future Found had so much potential to be great; it just seemed to be missing something.
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Days of Future Found
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Days of Future Found by M.K. Wark is a novel founded on a genuine future possibility of the United States, with some fiction sprinkled on top and a dash of dystopian elements. The novel follows the characters Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold living in the year 2039 in a remnant of the United States that has been plagued by intense climate change. Most coastal cities were wiped away by flooding and rebuilt inland. People now have a choice: live in a climate community with public housing, safety, equal education access, and democracy, or try and survive on their own. But life in climate colonies is not all that perfect. Mass infertility plagued citizens, with populations only recovering because of advanced technology and fertility methods. This led to the new generation of children bearing large social responsibilities, and society and media transfixed on seeking truth, always. Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold, all of a different generation, live in the same colony. In a world focused on reconstruction and life advancement, they each go on a journey of personal development.
The novel is somewhat gripping, with the reader being redirected several times in different directions as focus changes from one dystopian element to the next. It bounces through the problems of lack of privacy from invasive technology, medical struggles, truth-seeking, climate destruction, and a conspiracy surrounding elderly citizens. The book’s central dilemma—or so it seemed to be—was, in a way, spoiled by some foreshadowing in the beginning, leaving the reader wondering what there is left to discover. The novel’s society contained many interesting elements that made the reader think and could have made the book a lot stronger if they were discussed more thoroughly.
Disliked most about the book was its lack of direction. Just when one dilemma arose and appeared to take hold, it was quickly abandoned for the initial dilemma discussed at the beginning of the book concerning elderly citizens. This dilemma never really came to fruition as one would have hoped, with internal character development taking the spotlight.
Liked most about the book was its characters. They were exceptionally well written and developed. Ella appeared as the main character but did not overshadow Riley, Alvi, or Harold. They each had their own personalities and looks, making them distinct and intriguing. Their backstories were sprinkled throughout the novel, leaving the reader engaged. They were independent with their personal subplots yet intertwined just enough to pull the book together. Ella, Riley, Alvi, and Harold all grew as people and had lots of depth.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The characters were extremely engaging and easy to connect to, but the plot was just lacking. There were so many interesting elements thrown into the story that deserved more attention. It was all in all anticlimactic. This book probably appeals most to adults or young adults because dystopian plots are often targeted towards young adults. Yet, Wark’s novel contained several older characters that may appeal to an older audience. Days of Future Found had so much potential to be great; it just seemed to be missing something.
******
Days of Future Found
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Days of Future Found by M. K. Wark
