Review of Energy Dependence Day
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Jaden Tabares
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Review of Energy Dependence Day
[Following is a volunteer review of "Energy Dependence Day" by Christian F. Burton.]
Energy Dependence Day is a political intrigue novel set primarily in the politically volatile region that is the Middle East. In it, we follow the events of an elaborate terrorist plot aiming to destabilize the economy of the United States through bombings and political sabotage. A good chunk of the story is told from the perspectives of our protagonist, Abdul Al-Faruq, an ex-military police officer tasked with investigating suspected terrorists in Saudi Arabia, and our deuteragonist, Husam, a seasoned assassin under the employ of imam Al-Hashim, the radical preacher orchestrating the entire plot.
And, although the story focuses on these two characters, we also often see the story through the perspectives of the "minor" antagonists who, in my opinion, are one of the primary strengths of the story, as their distinct personalities and backstories allow for intriguing character dynamics and development that sets them apart from the regular unthinking brutes common within the genre. These traits also help to communicate their goals and motivations to the reader, as their thoughts and dialogue establish their ideals. And the book also contains substantial amounts of commentary regarding the political and religious situations within the Middle East, rather than being a forced gimmick, this contributes to the story in a meaningful way. This is done to elicit the reader to think and reflect on various topics like the effects of radicalism on the young, the value of human life, and the futility of terrorism. And the best part is that instead of being inserted for the sake of it, the commentary is placed within certain scenes to describe the thoughts of the characters or to provide context for an otherwise peculiar action. And the author makes sure it doesn't interrupt the pacing, instead opting to place it in slower parts of the story so that the faster scenes retain their tension and suspense.
All in all, it's a great book. The only complaint I have is the lack of character development of Husam, one of the two characters toted in the description. While he was well written, I felt that his full potential as the dark reflection of what Al-Faruq could have been was unrealized. It would have helped if he had appeared in more scenes throughout the book and generally impacted the story a bit more. It always bothered how underwhelming he was in some segments. But aside from that, it's pretty good.
I would rate this a solid 4 out of 4 stars. It's one of the only books I've ever read to make me think about its political and social commentary without yawning. Which, it managed to weave into its complex storyline surprisingly well. It's a breath of fresh air from a genre that hasn't produced anything good in the last five years. Something I wish for Christian F. Burton to do in his next title if it ever happens.
I recommend this book to people interested in trying out something new tired of seeing the same canned "American political thriller" novel churned out every couple of months and to anyone who has read Tom Clancy's work. I wouldn't recommend it to people who dislike political discussion in their literature. And to anyone bothered by extensive religious content.
******
Energy Dependence Day
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Energy Dependence Day is a political intrigue novel set primarily in the politically volatile region that is the Middle East. In it, we follow the events of an elaborate terrorist plot aiming to destabilize the economy of the United States through bombings and political sabotage. A good chunk of the story is told from the perspectives of our protagonist, Abdul Al-Faruq, an ex-military police officer tasked with investigating suspected terrorists in Saudi Arabia, and our deuteragonist, Husam, a seasoned assassin under the employ of imam Al-Hashim, the radical preacher orchestrating the entire plot.
And, although the story focuses on these two characters, we also often see the story through the perspectives of the "minor" antagonists who, in my opinion, are one of the primary strengths of the story, as their distinct personalities and backstories allow for intriguing character dynamics and development that sets them apart from the regular unthinking brutes common within the genre. These traits also help to communicate their goals and motivations to the reader, as their thoughts and dialogue establish their ideals. And the book also contains substantial amounts of commentary regarding the political and religious situations within the Middle East, rather than being a forced gimmick, this contributes to the story in a meaningful way. This is done to elicit the reader to think and reflect on various topics like the effects of radicalism on the young, the value of human life, and the futility of terrorism. And the best part is that instead of being inserted for the sake of it, the commentary is placed within certain scenes to describe the thoughts of the characters or to provide context for an otherwise peculiar action. And the author makes sure it doesn't interrupt the pacing, instead opting to place it in slower parts of the story so that the faster scenes retain their tension and suspense.
All in all, it's a great book. The only complaint I have is the lack of character development of Husam, one of the two characters toted in the description. While he was well written, I felt that his full potential as the dark reflection of what Al-Faruq could have been was unrealized. It would have helped if he had appeared in more scenes throughout the book and generally impacted the story a bit more. It always bothered how underwhelming he was in some segments. But aside from that, it's pretty good.
I would rate this a solid 4 out of 4 stars. It's one of the only books I've ever read to make me think about its political and social commentary without yawning. Which, it managed to weave into its complex storyline surprisingly well. It's a breath of fresh air from a genre that hasn't produced anything good in the last five years. Something I wish for Christian F. Burton to do in his next title if it ever happens.
I recommend this book to people interested in trying out something new tired of seeing the same canned "American political thriller" novel churned out every couple of months and to anyone who has read Tom Clancy's work. I wouldn't recommend it to people who dislike political discussion in their literature. And to anyone bothered by extensive religious content.
******
Energy Dependence Day
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
