Review of 2084-Q
3 posts
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "2084-Q" by David Sidwell.]
“2084-Q” by David Sidwell depicts a possible future if world leaders ignore the scientists’ warnings regarding global warming and overpopulation. The author describes a world where vast areas are uninhabitable and ice caps are melting, causing a rise in sea levels. The billions of people on earth are forced into smaller areas, resulting in lawlessness and nuclear war. The United States, Canada and Mexico form the United American States (UAS) to improve their chances of survival. To protect themselves, they commission the brilliant Albert Brodek and Keegan to create what they term “The Fence,” an impenetrable barrier that would keep the looters out.
Albert has practically unlimited privileges and rights in the changed world. He wants his son, Jordan, to follow in his footsteps. Father and son barely have a relationship, as Albert always prioritizes his work, and Jordan has no interest in living a similar life. When Albert requests that Jordan provide him with a grandchild, with the chosen mother-to-be someone Albert selected for her intellect, Jordan advises that he intends to marry Eva. In this new world, a permit is required to have a baby, and surprisingly, Albert undertakes to help Jordan and Eva obtain the permit. Another inhumane government restriction stipulates that, if a fetus develops any defects that don’t correct themselves during pregnancy, the pregnancy will be terminated. A heart murmur is identified during Eva’s pregnancy scans, and it doesn’t correct itself as the pregnancy progresses. When Eva hears about an organization that can help them save their baby, she and Jordan pursue this option. Mark is born but removed from Eva immediately, and the couple discovers that their baby has been kidnapped. Did Keegan kidnap their child to take revenge on Albert, or is something even more sinister afoot?
The book raises many ethical and moral questions. What is deemed ethical behavior when the survival of the Earth is at stake? Do people compromise their moral standards for the sake of survival? Who decides where to allocate scarce resources, e.g., medical assistance? How much power should the government and other influential people, like Albert, have over other citizens?
The technological advancements are fascinating. “Transports” requiring no human driver, robots for security and other functions, the ability to track people's movements and powerful communication devices are a few worth mentioning. The friendship between Jordan and Greg is exemplary, as is the relationship between Jordan and Eva. Jordan and Eva present, in my opinion, some unworthy moral values later in the book, while other characters exhibit unexpected heroic behavior. The storyline held my attention, with some unexpected intricacies. Something I pondered for a while is the effect of having emotions on a robot, as described by the author.
My only recommendations for improvement are to fix the errors in the book and the spacing from Chapter 15 onwards. It’s an enjoyable read for readers older than 16 who appreciate sci-fi, action thrillers and suspense. I deducted one star because of the errors and spacing, awarding a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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2084-Q
View: on Bookshelves |
“2084-Q” by David Sidwell depicts a possible future if world leaders ignore the scientists’ warnings regarding global warming and overpopulation. The author describes a world where vast areas are uninhabitable and ice caps are melting, causing a rise in sea levels. The billions of people on earth are forced into smaller areas, resulting in lawlessness and nuclear war. The United States, Canada and Mexico form the United American States (UAS) to improve their chances of survival. To protect themselves, they commission the brilliant Albert Brodek and Keegan to create what they term “The Fence,” an impenetrable barrier that would keep the looters out.
Albert has practically unlimited privileges and rights in the changed world. He wants his son, Jordan, to follow in his footsteps. Father and son barely have a relationship, as Albert always prioritizes his work, and Jordan has no interest in living a similar life. When Albert requests that Jordan provide him with a grandchild, with the chosen mother-to-be someone Albert selected for her intellect, Jordan advises that he intends to marry Eva. In this new world, a permit is required to have a baby, and surprisingly, Albert undertakes to help Jordan and Eva obtain the permit. Another inhumane government restriction stipulates that, if a fetus develops any defects that don’t correct themselves during pregnancy, the pregnancy will be terminated. A heart murmur is identified during Eva’s pregnancy scans, and it doesn’t correct itself as the pregnancy progresses. When Eva hears about an organization that can help them save their baby, she and Jordan pursue this option. Mark is born but removed from Eva immediately, and the couple discovers that their baby has been kidnapped. Did Keegan kidnap their child to take revenge on Albert, or is something even more sinister afoot?
The book raises many ethical and moral questions. What is deemed ethical behavior when the survival of the Earth is at stake? Do people compromise their moral standards for the sake of survival? Who decides where to allocate scarce resources, e.g., medical assistance? How much power should the government and other influential people, like Albert, have over other citizens?
The technological advancements are fascinating. “Transports” requiring no human driver, robots for security and other functions, the ability to track people's movements and powerful communication devices are a few worth mentioning. The friendship between Jordan and Greg is exemplary, as is the relationship between Jordan and Eva. Jordan and Eva present, in my opinion, some unworthy moral values later in the book, while other characters exhibit unexpected heroic behavior. The storyline held my attention, with some unexpected intricacies. Something I pondered for a while is the effect of having emotions on a robot, as described by the author.
My only recommendations for improvement are to fix the errors in the book and the spacing from Chapter 15 onwards. It’s an enjoyable read for readers older than 16 who appreciate sci-fi, action thrillers and suspense. I deducted one star because of the errors and spacing, awarding a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
******
2084-Q
View: on Bookshelves |
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