Review by lavenderbooks20 -- The Decision

[Justine Ocsebio]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Decision" by Michael D. Komeshak.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When the news about the UFO arrival in New York broke out, the world has shaken. The internet was rife of conspiracy theories and doomsday prophecies. Many expected the world would fall that day. So it was confounding when the aliens said they came in peace; and as a matter of fact, they meant to offer the human civilization help in achieving greatness. But only if the humans would concur. As a result, a mix of thirteen representatives was chosen all from across the globe to make the decision. These “chosen ones” were composed of six UN ambassadors and seven ordinary civilians each with varying ethnicities, religions, sexes, and economic backgrounds. On the first day, they must decide on the most dangerous man-made threat on Earth. They could choose one thing, and the aliens will get rid of it, or they could choose nothing, and the aliens will leave the planet for good. Whatever decision they make determines what happens the next day and its consequences.

The Decision by Michael D. Komeshak is a sci-fi novel that talks about the problems of the modern world in a philosophical lens. It has a raw portrayal of human nature. It shows how human beings, when pushed in a desperate situation, have both the ability to harm and help, to rectify, and as well as be detrimental to the world.

There were so many things I liked about this book. Aside from being something deep and morally serious, I particularly liked the voice of the protagonist—Jason. He was so ordinary, and very much a flawed human being. He’s not so righteous. At times, his opinions were malleable. He had his own beliefs and morals but occasionally finds himself questioning everything he knew as well. The rest of the characters were much nuanced too, and they had realistic dialogues.

The author’s vast knowledge of different religions and belief systems was evident in his work. It had proverbs, verses, and quotes that are fitting to a certain narrative. I found the debates interesting as they were written based on all angles—history, faith, logic, and empirical data.

As the story progressed, it gets more intriguing. I’m almost always at the edge of my seat—even found myself covering the next few lines with my hand just for the thrill of it. Everything was neatly wrapped towards the end. All my questions were answered, and the ending, to me, was justified enough.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There was nothing I dislike about it. It was brilliantly written and well-edited. I only found a couple of minor typographical errors. I heartily recommend this to anyone who might not be much of a sci-fi fan but into stories with thought-provoking premises. It contains profanity—even a handful of racial slurs spewed for the sake of characterization. It has sexual innuendos and minimal erotic scenes so I do not recommend this to children. Also, beware that this book had indications of self-harm and suicide that might not be suitable for those who are sensitive to it.

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The Decision
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[rahilshajahan]

What a book! The storyline sounds thrilling; even though its very unlikely the aliens come to place an ultimatum. Rid anything?! There are so many things to aim at- world hunger, cancer, war. Also I don't know if the aliens are like those tricky genies who come with a double edged sword- they say you'll get so, but with a price. Awesome job on the review! It has been sometime when I have gone on ranting like this. hahah!

[derialist]

When I think about what I would choose to rid off when confronted with such a decision, I just get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of such a decision. What happens after they remove it? What can of worms will they unlock in the process? I'll just have to read it and find out. Very interesting concept and review too!

[kandscreeley]

Wow! That's quite a decision. I'm not sure a group that size would be able to come up with a consensus about what to eliminate. I'm curious what happens and what the group decides. Thanks.

[Justine Ocsebio]

When I think about what I would choose to rid off when confronted with such a decision, I just get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of such a decision. What happens after they remove it? What can of worms will they unlock in the process? I'll just have to read it and find out. Very interesting concept and review too!

I wouldn’t know what to do too! The world has plethora of problems and it would really be difficult to choose the gravest one to eliminate. That’s what makes this book intriguing.

Thanks for coming by! I appreciate your comment

[Justine Ocsebio]

What a book! The storyline sounds thrilling; even though its very unlikely the aliens come to place an ultimatum. Rid anything?! There are so many things to aim at- world hunger, cancer, war. Also I don't know if the aliens are like those tricky genies who come with a double edged sword- they say you'll get so, but with a price. Awesome job on the review! It has been sometime when I have gone on ranting like this. hahah!

I, too, was skeptical of the aliens’ true intentions until the very end. One character in this book said, “Beware the stranger bearing gifts.” That gave me goosebumps!

Thanks for your wonderful comment!

[Justine Ocsebio]

Wow! That's quite a decision. I'm not sure a group that size would be able to come up with a consensus about what to eliminate. I'm curious what happens and what the group decides. Thanks.

It’s indeed the hardest decision to make. Thanks for your comment!

[Mukukamm30]

Wow, thanks for that great review. I haven't read an alien story for quite a while and I think this one may be a good start. The storyline sounds quite intriguing. Who would trust aliens anyway, I think I would not be able to? So those representatives tasked with making the right choice for every human being might have been very brave people and of course which makes the novel even more interesting.

[Justine Ocsebio]

Wow, thanks for that great review. I haven't read an alien story for quite a while and I think this one may be a good start. The storyline sounds quite intriguing. Who would trust aliens anyway, I think I would not be able to? So those representatives tasked with making the right choice for every human being might have been very brave people and of course which makes the novel even more interesting.

That’s another mystery of the story. How were they chosen exactly to represent an entire human race? Thanks for you wonderful words! I hope you have a good read

[Vic Chimezie]

I love the storyline of this book! I also enjoyed reading your detailed and engaging review. Good job and thanks for your recommendation.

[Justine Ocsebio]

I love the storyline of this book! I also enjoyed reading your detailed and engaging review. Good job and thanks for your recommendation.

Thank you for your kind words

[Josep22]

Your review is so captivating and interesting. It makes me want to read that book really bad. Thanks for the great writing

[Justine Ocsebio]

Your review is so captivating and interesting. It makes me want to read that book really bad. Thanks for the great writing

Thank you for your comment!

[kathy2705]

Your review is very detailed, I am not so much interesting in sci-fi but I think I will follow your recommendation. Great review.

[TCG]

A book that talks about a single global decision will make an interesting read. I'll love this one.