Official Review: Days of Future Found by M. K. Wark

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 27 Feb 2020, 18:41

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Days of Future Found" by M. K. Wark.]

3 out of 4 stars

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By 2039, every natural environment on Earth has been devastated by the slow advance of climate change. In the preceding decades, natural disasters worldwide had become the norm rather than the exception. In order to survive, humanity established colonies in the more livable areas of the world.

Ella should be content. After all, the LIFE Control Center provides everything an Elder could possibly want: a small but comfortable apartment in a government-provided Elder complex, protein-rich ‘meals’ (if you can call powdery gruel a meal), nutrient supplements created specifically for each Elder, and a caretaker to see to their every need. (Even those they don’t know they have.) Still, even as she appreciates the security of the compound, Ella remembers the freedoms of her youth and yearns for an indefinable ‘something more.’

The Longevity Institute has studied elders for years, manipulating their genes to achieve slower aging. Anomalies in Ella’s DNA indicate that she is ‘aging at half speed’ compared to her peers. (Picture a woman in her mid-sixties with the physical and mental attributes and abilities of a thirty to forty-year-old.) The Institute has expressed, with great determination, that they would like her to take part in a ‘special’ study, which would require travel away from the compound. But Elders have been disappearing. Is this ‘invitation’ the diversion from her staid life that Ella needs, or is it something far more sinister?

Days of Future Found by M.K. Wark is a different sort of dystopian novel. There are no heroes or action scenes here, though there is a touch of intrigue. Instead of typical post-apocalyptic fare, the author uses the story to evoke questions that, while particularly relevant to ‘Elders,’ are equally pertinent to many ages. How do you establish an acceptable balance between personal independence and the demands of society? In an increasingly uncertain world, how do you determine what is ‘true’? Wark also explores several themes in the novel. Through Ella’s mental and physical journey, the author explores the ethics and morals of genetic manipulation, pushing the boundaries of comfort zones, possible concepts of a meaningful life, and the value of risk-taking. The book also delves into elder rights and the making of end-of-life decisions.

M.K. Wark excels in descriptions of his created world and its characters. Although the details of the ravaged world and how it came to be are not spelled out explicitly, Wark successfully communicates its desolation, juxtaposed sharply with the comfort and safety the colony offers. The story is written in simple, clear language and told primarily through the thought processes of the characters. Ella is the central character in the book. She is an active, surprisingly spry, and delightfully mischievous Elder. The reader is inevitably drawn to become invested in her life and search for purpose. The principal focus is on Ella’s reasonings and rationalizations as she strives to come to terms with her potential for an unlimited lifespan, the implications for her personal future, and the conceivable impact of the discovery on humanity. At its core, this novel is about a possible future which, in many ways, parallels the direction of our own.

There was little I did not like about this book. What I enjoyed the most was the thread of humor the author had interwoven throughout the story. I also loved the unique twist of having a protagonist who is at once both old and young. Occasionally, I would run across a very oddly worded sentence. “Crossing the room…a few moments ago, to look down at the courtyard, he felt lightheaded and did not possess his legs.” Hmmm, that would be disconcerting! Usually, each instance of oddity gave me a chuckle.

Unfortunately, grammatical errors were more prominent. They consisted mostly of problems with phrasing and missing, misspelled, or misused words. They did not impact my reading overly much, but as there were over ten of them, I was forced to drop the book’s score to 3 out of 4 stars. However, I wish to note that these errors were the only reason that a star was docked. Days of Future Found is a book that makes you take a hard look at the environmental changes taking place in our world today.

Reminiscent of the masterful dystopian works of Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, and Lois Lowry, I would recommend it to readers of any age who are fond of thought-provoking post-apocalyptic or dystopian novels. If you’ve ever found yourself dwelling on what the Earth you’re leaving for your grandchildren will be like, this is a must-read. How far outside the box are you willing to think and venture to secure for them a better, healthier future?

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Days of Future Found
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Nonso Samuelson · Post by **Nonso Samuelson** » 04 Mar 2020, 06:53

I admit, I was taken aback when I read here that there are no heroes or action scenes. That is really, truly unexpected for a post-apocalyptic story. Makes me want to read it.

derialist · Post by **derialist** » 04 Mar 2020, 09:58

Thought-provoking indeed! It does paint a rather grim picture of the effects of climate change. I've been aware of the environmental effects of climate change but I haven't considered the social impact as much. I'm inclined to read it. Thanks for the interesting review!

Tania Khan · Post by **Tania Khan** » 04 Mar 2020, 11:36

I usually avoid books that go into climate change, simply because it’s too close for comfort. Although I am an almost obsessive ‘recycler’ and ‘water saver’, I don’t usually like to read about climate change but your review was excellent and I believe I would enjoy it. Thank you.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Mar 2020, 13:23

The thought of a world like that is really scary; however, it seems to be increasingly possible. From the review, I think I would really enjoy this book. I hope the author gets the errors fixed. Thanks for your informative and well-written review!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 04 Mar 2020, 15:12

Jachike Samuelson wrote: ↑04 Mar 2020, 06:53 I admit, I was taken aback when I read here that there are no heroes or action scenes. That is really, truly unexpected for a post-apocalyptic story. Makes me want to read it.

This is definitely a different type of post-apocalyptic story, indeed. I think the scene that had the most action in the entire book was when Ella and Riley were trying to escape their 'guardians!' I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 04 Mar 2020, 15:18

derialist wrote: ↑04 Mar 2020, 09:58 Thought-provoking indeed! It does paint a rather grim picture of the effects of climate change. I’ve been aware of the environmental effects of climate change but I haven’t considered the social impact as much. I’m inclined to read it. Thanks for the interesting review!

Tania Khan wrote: ↑04 Mar 2020, 11:36 I usually avoid books that go into climate change, simply because it’s too close for comfort. Although I am an almost obsessive ‘recycler’ and ‘water saver’, I don’t usually like to read about climate change but your review was excellent and I believe I would enjoy it. Thank you.

Unfortunately, the dystopia paints a reasonably realistic picture of a worst-case scenario if we don’t start looking at climate change and aggressively trying to find alternatives for what’s happening. I too am an avid recycler...I’m not so good on the water part...I’ll have to try harder. I’m glad you enjoyed my review! The compliment is appreciated. Thanks to you both for dropping by and commenting!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 04 Mar 2020, 15:27

Prisallen wrote: ↑04 Mar 2020, 13:23 The thought of a world like that is really scary; however, it seems to be increasingly possible. From the review, I think I would really enjoy this book. I hope the author gets the errors fixed. Thanks for your informative and well-written review!

Unfortunately, that is all too true. I had a slight problem with the errors as well, but some of those oddly worded sentences were really funny! (I know they weren't meant that way.) Thanks for stopping by and commenting! It's always good to 'see' you!

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 05 Mar 2020, 20:32

I can't seem to get enough of dystopian books lately. This one sounds really intriguing, I might have to check it out! Great review!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 05 Mar 2020, 23:37

unamilagra wrote: ↑05 Mar 2020, 20:32 I can't seem to get enough of dystopian books lately. This one sounds really intriguing, I might have to check it out! Great review!

Thank you! As you can probably tell from my reviews, post-apocalyptic and dystopian worlds are my favorites to read about. Hmm...I wonder if that says anything about my personality.

I hope you like the book as much as I did! Thanks for dropping by and commenting!

Ogoskino · Post by **Ogoskino** » 10 Mar 2020, 05:16

I'll really like to see how the anomalies in Ella's DNA help them the institute to slow down aging. Great story. Thanks for the review.

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 10 Mar 2020, 07:18

Ahhh, but the question is...will it? You'll have to read the book to find out the answer! Thanks for dropping in and commenting!

Roger Glasgow · Post by **Julius_** » 11 Mar 2020, 03:09

I like time travel novel. This seems to accurately predict the future. Thanks for the review.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 11 Mar 2020, 21:55

Natural disasters, powdery gruel, and potentially unlimited lifespans?! Now this one seems to offer a little bit of everything. Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful review!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 13 Mar 2020, 00:15

Julius_ wrote: ↑11 Mar 2020, 03:09 I like time travel novel. This seems to accurately predict the future. Thanks for the review.

Unfortunately, I think you may be entirely too right on that one. The book presents a very real possibility of what our world could become if we don't start paying attention. Thanks for stopping in and commenting!