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Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 30 Oct 2017, 11:19
by Sarah_Khan
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Final Notice" by Van Fleisher.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Final Notice by Van Fleisher is a fiction novel that is not that far from reality. This book is set in the United States of America and follows the consequences of a new device that can predict the final days of a human's life. In this novel, a group of doctors have created a watch that, by monitoring your health and vital signs 24/7, is able to predict the end of life as long as it is connected to old age or sickness. This watch is based on science and not magic, therefore it can not predict sudden death as in a car accident or murder. With this new watch, people are able to get a “final notice” anywhere from a month to a few days before their time is up. Originally this sounds like a great idea, a device that will allow people to know exactly when they should start preparing themselves for the end. Citizens are now able to fix up their wills, tie any loose ends, and say their goodbyes before it is too late. Unfortunately, when guns are mixed into the equation, we soon find out that not everyone leaves life on a good note. While some people use this notice to give to charity and spend time with their loved ones, others decide to settle scores and take revenge because they know they will not be alive to deal with the consequences.

This novel follows the doctors who invented the device, the people who get their final notice, and in the middle of all that, an elderly couple who, in this increasingly hostile world, are faced with the decision of whether they need a gun for their own safety.

The plot of this book immediately caught my attention because it involved the much disputed topic of gun ownership. I am happy to say that my attention never wavered while reading this novel. The characters are likable and multidimensional. Initially, I was a bit worried about the number of characters with final notices that were being introduced, but that was all for naught since the author kept the character count low so I was able to remember each and every character. The plot was perfectly paced and I appreciated that the author was able to tie up everything quite nicely without making the ending feel rushed. This book also has an element of thrill to it. I kept on turning the pages because I was impatient to see how each character who received a final notice would react. I have to congratulate the author on the ability to surprise me multiple times throughout the story. This novel proves that we never really know people as well as we think we do.

The best thing about this novel is that it leaves you with a lot to think about. I think it is a story that will stay with readers. The debate about gun ownership is ongoing, and this book asks a lot of important questions that we should all be thinking about in our daily lives. Personally, I kept on going back and forth when it came to who should be blamed for the violent reactions of some of the people who receive the final notices. Is it the doctors’ fault for giving the person a reason to harm others? Is it the person’s own responsibility for what they do when they know they are about to die? Or is it the government's fault for making it easier for the average citizen to weaponize themselves? There are many answers to that question, but you have to read the book to see what the author thinks.

I gave this book 4 out of 4 stars. Overall, Final Notice by Van Fleisher was an enjoyable and well-edited read that explores a controversial subject. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is on the fence about owning a gun. If you are pro-gun ownership, I suggest you steer clear of this novel since it is mostly biased towards anti-gun ownership for the average citizen. I also feel that I have to mention that this book does include school shootings, so if you are sensitive to this topic I would recommend you pass on reading this novel.

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Final Notice
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Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 30 Oct 2017, 15:31
by MsTri
Wow! This sounds like an excellent book. Aside from questions of gun ownership, I'd have to seriously ask myself if I'd eve want to know when my time's coming up; on the one hand, it'd be good to have time to prepare, but on the other hand, I think I'd probably spend every moment I have left crying, soooooo...Idk... But thanks for the introduction; I'll def have to get a copy.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 30 Oct 2017, 21:48
by Kalin Adi
A device that tells me how long I have to live sounds really intriguing. I'm not sure if I want to know, though. But it may be handy at times. What a dilemma! On the other hand, I'm not interested in owning a gun at all, but I'm curious to know how people react when finding out how much time they have left. I'll have to check this book out. Thanks for this interesting review!

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 03:02
by Manang Muyang
This is entirely possible. I think one of Robin Cook's books has the same premise, but the horror element is from a different angle. Would I want to know when my number is coming up? What would I do then? Pray? Cry? Kill?

Thanks for the thoughtful review, Sarah_Khan!

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 04:44
by Arushi Singh
What a beautiful review. Thank you for writing this. This book is going on my shelf. :D

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 06:20
by Njengnjoro
I like this science fiction story with something different to offer. Good job analysing it.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 07:30
by kandscreeley
Wow! That definitely is more like science fact than science fiction. I could see that coming with all the fit bits and everything that are out there. I'm interested in seeing where the author takes this! Thanks!

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 08:10
by Pknjo
I've always loved sci-fi genre, good work with the review.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 11:17
by Mercelle
I'm intrigued. I didn't see that coming. It is mind-blowing what people will do with their time if they knew that they only had a few hours to live.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 16:22
by Javier Campos
I wasn't expecting what I just read. it was very interesting. thank you for the review I'm sure to read this book soon.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 31 Oct 2017, 21:34
by Kat Berg
The premise of this books seems quite interesting. The idea of revenge when you know your time is going to be up...Unintended consequences of scientific advancement has been an issue ever since humans began inventing, and this is an intriguing angle to that topic.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 01 Nov 2017, 21:58
by Quinto
Quite intriguing gadget. However, I think the worry it will bring will outweigh its usefulness. I enjoyed reading your review.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 03 Nov 2017, 14:56
by Mtsweni Nelsy
Wow. that is a must-read book for me! It sounds suspenseful... I am sure if I were to watch the film version of it, I would keep to the edge of my sit. Thanks for the review.

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 05 Nov 2017, 02:52
by Supa
Nice book

Re: Official Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher

Posted: 07 Nov 2017, 04:47
by The Researcher
The death foretelling device is a really intriguing topic. Nice review! Definitely going to read this one.