Official Review: The Hidden Agenda

[Amy Murdoch Coleman]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Hidden Agenda" by Ajinkya Satish Dharane.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has thrown the world into a panic like no other. With everyone still seeking answers, Ajinkya Satish Dharane has created a fictional 'what-if' situation that addresses the pandemic's possible origins. Spearheading a new type of fiction, The Hidden Agenda provides a glimpse into international affairs that most of us can only dream of.

The book begins when the pandemic is just gaining traction in Canada, and people are starting to die. Rumors are spreading that China has developed a vaccine for the virus, and Canada needs the formula desperately. Dr. Emily Rogers, a scientific expert on viral diseases, and Jack Wilson, a demoted police officer, are sent on a mission to China to confront a doctor who may be able to help the Canadians develop a vaccine of their own. However, the mission was never going to be easy. The mysterious Dr. Chung is murdered in his hotel room the very day that Jack and Emily meet with him. Jack is positive that someone with dark intentions for the virus is behind the gruesome act, but can he prove it?

Because fiction featuring the coronavirus outbreak is new, the subject matter is inherently interesting. This novel looks at the pandemic from the perspective of a potentially criminal source, and the author certainly keeps the reader guessing until the end. The characters are superficially realistic, but they could have used some deeper development. The conversations feel very surface-level, so it is tough to really understand the justifications for Jack and Emily's actions.

Unfortunately, the entire book could have used another read-through before being released to the public. There are quite a few typos, but most of them are very minor. It felt almost as if the author may have been thinking faster than they were typing. I also had trouble buying into the ending of the book. Though the first three-quarters of the book is fast-paced and believable, the ending felt recklessly rushed, and the conclusion came too easily.

Due to the number of careless errors and the awkward ending, I give The Hidden Agenda a rating of 2 out of 4 stars. An editor's touch would be very beneficial to this story. There is some sparse profanity scattered about, and the only sexual undertones come from the mention of visits from a prostitute. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the coronavirus pandemic, but only if they are able to read the story as a work of absolute fiction.

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The Hidden Agenda
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[Gabrielle Sigaki]

This book has an unique and an interesting plot. It's sad that the characters didn't have deeper development and that it has so many errors. But the idea is great, a fiction based on some current events. I'd like to read this book after it is edited again I think. Thanks for your honest review! Great job.

[Elvis Best]

Because fiction featuring the coronavirus outbreak is new, the subject matter is inherently interesting.

Indeeed, I find the subject matter very intriguing. The author may have rushed the book though, and I hope they can work on a better revised version. Thanks for your insightful review. Good job!

[Mark woods]

The book has a very great subject but was rushed through if the writer took time on the book I believe it would have been one of the best books for the year

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

This book brings a whole new marvelous twist to the pandemic. I really hope that it ages well and goes down in history as a transformative, revealing piece of this era.

[Letora]

I think this one hits too close to home for me. I work in the medical device industry and seeing the pandemic from a professional view, I just can't see myself reading fiction based on it.

[NetMassimo]

Honestly, I can't help wondering if this novel was written quickly to take advantage of the interest in the current situation with the pandemic. Thank you for your honest review!

[Priyanka2304]

With this book, we would be able to learn a lot about the current situation. Thanks for the insightful review.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

Could it be that they were trying to benefit from the current situation and therefore had to get the book to bookstores as fast as possible... ?

Anyway, the idea is interesting but for me it comes too close. Maybe I can read the book some ten or so years after the pandemic is over. Maybe I would even enjoy it over the time...

Thanks for a thorough review!

[Lisbeth Neverland]

Honestly, I can't help wondering if this novel was written quickly to take advantage of the interest in the current situation with the pandemic. Thank you for your honest review!

It might have been, but as the virus spreads, people might have a problem reading the book because it hits too close to home.

Amazing Review!

[Anna_TB]

The premise sounds interesting but, as some of the other members, I feel like the author may have rushed the publication of the book in order to be in line with current affairs. Fiction dealing with the pandemic is necessary in order to better comprehend the global situation and to gather experiencies for future generations, but maybe authors should give more thought to their writing before releasing their books to the world.
In any case, congratulations for your review!

[Wy_Bertram]

I'll admit to having my own musings about the origins of the outbreak, and a novel about this was bound to pop up at some point, but a bit too soon perhaps?

The plot still sounds quite interesting and maybe the inherent controversy is further motivation to give this a read.

Great review.

[gatuguta2030]

The book has a very great subject but was rushed through if the writer took time on the book I believe it would have been one of the best books for the year

I agree with you.A little more time could have made the book rank high.

[jollyangel81]

The writer could have done a great work. Could have taken time to perfect it and give it the justice it deserves. Overall not too bad

[funmilayo_h]

How someone could make a story about a new and novel virus intrigues me...I'll love to read it...great review by the way