Review by Changeandcriticism -- The Decision

[Changeandcriticism]

[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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Close your eyes and imagine an alien spaceship landing here on earth. It is like how the media portrays it? It is silver, conical and disk-like? Is it huge, looming and daunting? Does it hover on the surface? But most importantly, what is its occupants like? Sure, maybe the spaceship is up to the media's expectations, but what's inside-is chillingly not.

A spaceship lands here on earth on just another day, causing ripples through the earth as expected. Other than its mere presence causing a disturbance, the occupants' air, appearance and most importantly, their proposals shocks the world. Looking just like me and you by, ordinary earthlings, they make demands and me and you would find conflicting, morally and emotionally. We read about the thirteen chosen participants that are to make these decisions on the behalf of the rest of the population as to better our species. Thirteen ordinary participants, thirteen voices and thirteen different backgrounds. Will they give into the aliens' demands or risk it all.

On the note of the plus 13 different character backgrounds, I was worried that Micheal would fail to provide sufficient character development for each of them but was left flabbergasted and impressed how he managed to incorporate and develop each of them from the beginning to the end. What impressed me the most is how he managed to attach multiple characteristics in each of them. He made them human by giving them both the good and the bad qualities. Kind of like yin yang. Each character had their vice with some being the most unexpected. You would believe that these were real people. My favourite part was when Micheal regularly incorporated non-english phrases- along with their meanings and pronunciations - into the text. This was essential as it ensured that the different characters and diversity was being represented. It also shows the amount of research and passion that went into the book. Although the book was narrated in third person limited omniscient through the character Jason, it didn't fail to paint out characters mostly objectively, leaving the audience to have their own subjective judgements and thus also feel like they were also part of the thirteen chosen ones.

Although the book is science fiction, at some point it didn't feel like it and that's what I loved about it. The book is set in this very earth with our very real problems making it relatable yet self aware. The plot tied in some current and historical events making the book seem like alternate reality. Micheal also out done himself by the amount of research he poured into the book, from military and science to religions in play in the book. More than often, I had to remind myself that this is fiction and that aliens are probably not real.

The book is wonderfully written from the plot to the grammar. It was easy to follow but also thought provoking, however at first I had some doubts regarding the book especially as it started out slow and to my pleasure, my doubts were quickly overturned when I found myself unable to put the book down. It had my head churning as my morals were being challenged. What is the cost of a human life? Do we judge by the number of sins it has committed? Its righteousness? Or do we judge by economical and social place in society?

Another thing that had me concerned was that the book dabbles with sensitive themes - race and religious affiliations, in relations to the different backgrounds presented. However my concerns were appeased with how Micheal presents and deals with the issues. It was very impressive with how he avoided offending stereotypes especially with such a diverse character list.

I would rate The Decision a 4 out of 4 stars for simply being amazing. There were very few errors I identified that didn't even make any significant damage on the flow of the book. Instead I fell in love with the philosophy and research input of the book. As per my never ending praises about the book, the book was very impactful to myself and I'm sure it will be too to others. However due to some strong language, I would not recommend it to audiences sensitive to crude words.

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The Decision
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[Sandisiwe Amanda]

Your review of 'The decision' has convinced me to read it. Your review is well written. You mentioned that Michael was able to provide character development to all thirteen characters which I find really interesting and would like to find out how he managed to do it.

[John Owen]

A very informative and helpful review you have here! I definitely am curious about the story line after reading your summary... What are aliens like and what will happen if they landed?

[John Owen]

Your review of 'The decision' has convinced me to read it. Your review is well written. You mentioned that Michael was able to provide character development to all thirteen characters which I find really interesting and would like to find out how he managed to do it.

I am also curiously how 13 characters can be developed so well.

[Holly Fleming]

The Decision is definitely going on my reading list after reading your review. The fascinating premise and the fact that all thirteen characters have great character development won me over. Thank you for a detailed review!