Review by rayzda1 -- Ark of the Apocalypse by Tobin Marks

Racine Lashley · Post by **Racine Lashley** » 22 May 2021, 19:25

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ark of the Apocalypse" by Tobin Marks.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Anatoly Yanbeyev could not have foreseen the extent to which his one-act, one creation, one sacrifice would set into motion a chain of events that would shake the very foundations of the world. On the heels of his untimely demise, Tatyana Yanbeyev and her children find themselves exiled, ridiculed, and then relocated to Siberia. Generations later, the Yanbeyev family has not forgiven or forgotten.

Ark of the Apocalypse by Torbin Marks is a sci-fi fantasy following the construction of a craft called 'The Ark'. It is a sinister plot that took centuries to come to fruition. Spellbinding, captivating, and intriguing, the story is full of excellent graphic and detailed world-building. With concise, deft, and intricate yet subtle elements, the book bloomed like a beautiful flower. Expertly proofread and edited, the story was craftily written and eloquently executed with few errors that did not deter the reader from the realistic supernatural and scientific premies which dominated the book.

Marks did not disappoint. When it comes to formulating and manipulating a complex series of events, he delivers in spades. The story begins amid Hitler and the Nazi rise to power in Germany. It follows a cult-like family steeped in tradition and unnatural abilities. What I liked most was the fact that the protagonist was not the sole focus of the novel. The events unfolded fluidly, gripping the reader from the start. I could not find anything that I disliked about this novel. It was engaging, well-balanced on a razor's edge between action, mystery, and intrigue. I liked the fact that the state of the earth was not the whole scope of the novel. Yes, the main aspects of the story may have been what led up to certain destructive events that had catastrophic consequences. But at the core of this book Marks depicts a dark journey that will have you questioning your morals and ethics despite the severity of what is at stake.

The political influences were cutthroat, edgy, and tense at times. The reader gets a front-row seat to the inner workings of political entities and dictators who make decisions. There's a host of supporting characters, yet each one has a part to play in the ultimate plot. It was like an intricate treasure map. Every unique piece of the puzzle eventually fits, even though Marks starts the novel decades before the actual event. The protagonist's trials and tribulations are so intertwined with so many lives it makes her interactions downright combative with some of the key players in this story.

In conclusion, Marks has set a steady pace, which is good for a relaxing and unhurried environment. There is no rush, and everything unfolds in due time. Questions brought to the forefront will be answered late in the story but at the right moment. The revelations revealed will not only please the reader but will create a sense of completion and fulfillment. The history balances well with the supernatural and futuristic aspects of the novel that it was a pleasure to give this 3 out of 4 stars. I would have given it a perfect score if it wasn't for some minor errors. Despite this, the reader would not be disappointed. In some instances, the novel uses coarse language, as a result, I suggest adults eighteen years and over. Still, this is an excellent and gratifying read. Perfect for avid science fiction, supernatural and post-apocalyptic readers of the genre.

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Ark of the Apocalypse
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