Official Review: The End of the Beginning

Kelebogile Mbangi · Post by **Kelebogile Mbangi** » 03 Feb 2018, 06:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The End of the Beginning" by Zachary Eichholz.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The End of the Beginning is an exciting, crisp science fiction book by Zachary Eichholz. Within its 517 pages, mankind tries to find a way to reverse the damage done to our planet. Is it too little, too late?

William Emerson, a retired pararescuer, has led a life of isolation for six long years. After the Korean War, he was hailed as a war hero and nicknamed the "Hope Giver." After all that he has lost though, he feels like an utter failure. During those six years, he has had no peace, tormented by the deaths he was unable to prevent. Just as he decides to end it all, two UNIRO agents drive up to his isolated cabin. They offer him the opportunity to join UNIRO, an organization created to combat the world's environmental problems. With nothing to lose, William takes up the offer. It is a second chance, a chance to make a real difference. He realises he must overcome his troubled past and become the leader that everyone sees him as. Meanwhile, trouble brews in the form of Terra Nova, an environmental terrorist group. William must help to stop this evil force from destroying Earth's last hope, UNIRO.

William Emerson has to be on the list of my favourite protagonists thus far. When he starts out at UNIRO, he is in such bad shape that he has to go for counselling. It is soon discovered that he has PTSD. As a result of this vulnerability, William's future is uncertain. There were times when I feared for him. This uncertainty kept me hooked.

One of the strongest elements present in the book is that of suspense. William is shaped by the traumatic loss of his loved ones during childhood. The author reveals the events surrounding this loss gradually, in snippets. Unlike the rest of the book, which has a third-person narrator, these flashbacks are written from William's perspective. The intense fear and helplessness in those dire moments was overwhelming!

This suspense is also present as William slowly, yet persistently, uncovers the mystery surrounding the violent Terra Nova. Terra Nova is a force to be reckoned with. This group opposes the current system and its leaders. They believe that you must tear down before you can rebuild. I must admit, their arguments were well substantiated! Surprisingly, I found myself swayed by some of their reasoning, leaving me to question which organization was truly the way forward.

The ending of the book left me with unanswered questions. I really hope the author is working on a sequel. Despite its cliffhanger ending, I still believe it deserves to be rated 4 out of 4 stars. Science fiction lovers are sure to enjoy this book!

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The End of the Beginning
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Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 13 Feb 2018, 06:25

There seems to be a growing trend in science fiction books on environmental issues. I think it reflects people's growing awareness of the evil they have done to this planet. Thank you for your review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 13 Feb 2018, 08:27

Oooh! A suspenseful science fiction book? It definitely seems like something I would enjoy. Thanks so much for the review! Very enjoyable as always.

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 13 Feb 2018, 10:28

The plot is new and sounds unique. According to our review I can see it through that you were hang-in-there through out the story like what-is-next. That it self is interesting! Looking forward to it! Thanks!

Llu · Post by **Llu** » 13 Feb 2018, 12:52

This book sounds like something I would read. I'm going to read this book. It souds cool. These are the kind of books I like.....I mean love. I hate boring books, because I always fall asleep. But this.....is my kind of book!

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 13 Feb 2018, 23:06

I like a good suspense book! This will keep me awake through the whole night. Totally worth it! Thanks!

Melchi Asuma · Post by **Melchi Asuma** » 16 Feb 2018, 03:05

Now we are talking. I like the sound of this Terra nova. Seems to be interesting. Also,great review. You managed to peak my interest.

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 16 Feb 2018, 12:50

This sounds really interesting. The author did a great job if he was able to have you question your preconceived notions. I'm happy you enjoyed this novel so much!

EWatson02 · Post by **EWatson02** » 17 Feb 2018, 08:27

Suspense sounds good! I haven't read a whole lot of sci-fi lately, but perhaps I could give this one a shot!

prettysmart · Post by **prettysmart** » 02 Mar 2018, 15:44

Suspense is simply ravishing...I look forward to adding this on my book shelf.....fantastic review!

gali · Post by **gali** » 07 Apr 2018, 05:38

A book that focuses on environmental issues sounds interesting, not to mention very relevant. I am glad you found the book suspenseful. William Emerson does sound like a complex character. A book that manages to sway your mind is powerful. I do not care for cliffhanger ending, but I am glad you enjoyed the book in spite of it. Thank you for the review!

Vonnie403 · Post by **Vonnie403** » 07 Apr 2018, 05:57

Kelebogile MBangi's review of The End of the Beginning by Zachary Eichholz is exceptional! Not only does she give us some background information of Captain William Emerson, she also brings out his emotions due to the life that he has had to live so far. It is apparent that she enjoyed the book for it captures the reading audience with gripping suspense throughout the novel. This is a wonderful review. I have downloaded this book and can't wait to read the entire material as soon as possible.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 07 Apr 2018, 06:24

With Earth Day approaching, today's BOTD couldn't be more fitting! Thank you to the author for making it free to readers.

Unfortunately, Science Fiction is not my genre of choice, but I love the excitement that came through in your helpful review. Regarding the cliffhanger, I've read a few books lately that have cliffhangers. I have yet to decide if I like them or not. It got me thinking about tv shows and how certain ones only come on each week. If I were a writer, I don't think I'd have the skills to do that. It takes talent to be able to hook your reader in the beginning of the book, keep them interested throughout, and leave them begging for more at the very end. That's 100% engagement! Being that you said it's full if suspense, I would say engagement is this writer's forte! Way to go! Thank you for your review!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 07 Apr 2018, 06:31

The storyline - as William deals with PTSD, he must learn to save himself as he struggles to become a leader again. He must help UNIRO to stop the evil force, Terra Nova, and save the environment - sounds like an intense plot! It's great to hear that the suspense worked well here. I also love when authors have strong backgrounds for characters, like the author does here for William. The portrayal of Terra Nova does sound pretty intense! I'm not a Science Fiction fan, so I don't think this is for me, but I'm glad that you enjoyed the book! Thank you for sharing!

Sanyesto · Post by **Sanyesto** » 07 Apr 2018, 06:36

Great review. Now it is my turn to flip the pages of this wonderful science fiction book and see how William Ermerson uses the second chance he's given by the UNIRO to make a difference in the society. Thanks for the enlightening review.