OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century" by Jason R. Richter.]

Set in a futuristic world where even the smallest mistake or misunderstanding can lead to a person receiving the label of terrorist, L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century by Jason R. Richter tells a tale of American culture in extremes. The story follows P. McGewan-X04, whose life is progressing normally in a very consumer-driven and patriotism centric world when suddenly an engineering mistake accidentally causes a forty-ton container to fall from an airship onto his car as he is driving home. The event is quickly determined to be an act of terror and the man in charge of loading the airship is promptly executed. Upon awakening, P. McGewan's life quickly changes as he slowly becomes aware of what is truly happening in the world around him.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century was intriguing from the start. The dystopian and futuristic setting in which the main character resides is an impressive imagining of consumerism in an extreme that eerily captures the dangers of the very similar preoccupation that exists in America today. The Government uses patriotism to control the masses, pushing the idea that it is linked irreversibly with the constant purchasing of goods. The population is regularly brainwashed into compliance with threats of terrorist attacks and the idea that anyone making mistakes or showing a lack of support for the country is a terrorist themselves.

There was a lot to like about Richter's novel. I was pulled right into the story and the premise brilliantly managed to make me truly think about the message the author was trying to send. I found myself enjoying every aspect of the novel as I read it, eagerly devouring each page. The plot was very imaginative and well executed which only made me love it all the more. Richter built a beautifully terrifying world for his readers that I even felt myself missing once I'd finished reading.

Best of all, Richter's characters were clever and interesting. Not only did they seem very real, but I felt genuinely invested in their lives and futures. They were all quite unique and I adored the main character, P. McGewan-X04, who was often portrayed as honorable and intelligent. He was abrasive on occasion, but I found the brashness had an endearing quality to it when paired with the rest of his personality.

The only disappointment I experienced while reading this book came when I read the epilogue. While I found it entertaining at first as it gave me an opportunity to see where the characters were after all they'd been through, the epilogue felt extremely out of place. It didn't seem to match the rest of the book at all and there was nothing to lead readers into the odd plot twist. It ultimately felt unnecessary, out of the blue, and confusing. I truly believe Richter's book would be much better without it.

At the end of the day, I really loved L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century. Despite the strange epilogue, I found Richter to be a masterful writer and storyteller, which is why I rated his book 4 out of 4 stars. I think L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century could appeal to a great number of people, particularly adults who enjoy dystopian and science fiction novels. I'm glad that I had the chance to read it.

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L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century
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You know, I've read epilogues like that before. They just seem to come out of nowhere and leave you saying what? Still, the book sounds interesting, and I do love a good dystopian read. It looks like one I'll have to put on my list! Thanks!

I always try to keep away from the futuristic and dystopian kind of books. This one sounds promising but I would be lying to myself if I picked it up.

I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels and this one sounds very interesting. I think I will give it a try. Great review, I really enjoyed it.

Your review makes me want to read this book. From your description I think it unfortunately bears resemblance to things happening in many countries in the world these days. Thank you.

I am posting this to encourage the would hidden identity personally to make sure that they spend much of their time reading this book as they can learn great deal of hidden identity.

I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels and this one sounds very interesting. I think I will give it a try. Great review, I really enjoyed it.

I am not a major fan of dystopian novels but for some reason this seems to call out to me. Great review.

This is a great review for a book that sounds really interesting. Perhaps any future reader should just stop reading before they get to the epilogue!

I'm not really into dystopian novels (I have no interest in the Hunger Games series, for instance), but this could be interesting. Perhaps I'll add it to my list. Thanks for a good review!

Ah, the epilogue. I have a love/hate relationship with that part of the novel. They seem to be a hit or miss for many of the books I've read. Anyway, great review! You make this sound so intriguing. I'm a little fed up with dystopian stories at the moment though, but I'd be sure to pick this up some time in the future.

SPasciuti's Review of L.I.F.E. in the 23rd Century" by Jason R. Richter" depicts an interesting view point of the 23rd century. It could be a book for people who enjoy 1984 by George Orwell.

The epilogue has attracted a lot of attention here. I have loved your review. I wouldn't wish to make mistakes as one earns the label terrorist with little effort.
From the book, it seems that executioners were in high demand.

Oh yes please! Dystopia? Future world order? Consumerism? Patrotism as propoganda? Yes. Yes. Yes and yes please! The title grabbed me as sci-fi lover but this excelllent review has reaffirmed that instinctive choice and I am dying to get into this world, it's politics and to see what the end reveals. Thank you SPascuiti!!!