Review by Monkeyhammer81 -- Voice of the Elders

[Monkeyhammer81]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Voice of the Elders" by Greg Ripley.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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This is a story about interplanetary cooperation and international subterfuge. The crisis of global climate change has reached a climax. Many of the heads of state are aware of the situation, but not of how to proceed. A benevolent humanoid race of aliens with extra-sensory abilities offers to teach Earth’s inhabitants how to reverse the damage that has been done and live harmoniously with the planet. That concept does not sit well with those who have made fortunes on Earth-damaging industries: coal, oil, nuclear, etc. They have made it their mission to stop diplomatic relations with the visitors and continue on with the status quo. A small band of Earthlings, who were chosen as ambassadors, now have targets on their backs.

Who will succeed?

Greg Ripley’s Voice of the Elders has all the elements of a powerful science-fiction novel. The premise is solid, not terribly clichéd, and told with a unique voice. The main character, Rohini, is strong, willful, smart, and multi-dimensional. There is a beautiful mythology that is simultaneously inventive and deeply rooted in existing human cultures. The author has a distinct point of view, giving the story a purpose.

…and of course, there is space travel.

Unfortunately, all of those great elements are muddled into a book that spends far more time lecturing the reader on the history of Daoism, the topography of Western China, Psychology 201, and multiple How To Meditate sessions. The most egregious of these is an almost 40 page retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Ripley’s agenda is incredibly heavy-handed, taking every opportunity to extol the evils of over-consumption and greed. Even if the reader agrees with the author’s viewpoint, it becomes redundant. It also leads to monochromatic characters, like the primary antagonist (greedy oil magnate) and a thinly veiled Donald Trump parody.

On a more positive note, there are Pop Culture references strewn throughout the book. Some of them are obvious and stated outright (How To Train Your Dragon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and some are like hidden gems for the discerning eye (This reader found The Big Lebowski and Big Trouble In Little China).

I give this book 2 out of 4 stars. It was well edited, having little to no grammatical issues or typos. It could have been great. It was well thought out and had some unique ideas about linking space travel with feeling connected to Earth’s energy. The issue is that the actual plot of the story played Second Fiddle to the excruciating historical and geographical details that pervaded the writing. Editing for content recommended.

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Voice of the Elders
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Like Monkeyhammer81's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kristin Ransome]

This book sounds like it has a great premise, but it was bogged down by the authors knowledge of specifics. Still, this is a book that I would like to read! Thanks for your review

[Mbrooks2518]

A very interesting premise. It sounds like the author focused too much on her message and not enough on the story. Great review!