Review of 30th Century: Escape (General Audience Edition)

[Himanshu K Yadav]

[Following is a volunteer review of "30th Century: Escape (General Audience Edition)" by Mark Kingston Levin PhD.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Mark Kingston Levin's "30th Century: Escape" strikes the frame both in a concordant and a discordant way. This is a sci-fi symphony that equally combines action, the admonition of society, and a little romance, but not all instruments play at the same pitch. 

The novel starts with a bang, dropping us straight into a dystopian future. Humanity is divided. The Syndos, the genetically engineered beings, have an iron hand, whereas the Naturals are struggling to live. Captain Jennifer Hero, the epitome of heroism, takes a courageous journey back in time to correct the course of history. The first act is a dramatic climax that catches the reader's attention and introduces us to a heroine's thrilling journey. Nevertheless, the story ends with a moment of silence. At the point where Jennifer crashes in the 21st century, the story loses its momentum. The first world-building intrigue, which was centered on Syndos, disappears. Instead, a long adaptation period begins. Although Jennifer's ingeniousness is highlighted, this may come across as repetitive by focusing on her everyday tribulations, like a monotonous musical phrase that does not evolve. 

The romance plot is developed, and thus a new layer is added to the action. Nevertheless, the pairing sounds somehow artificial and emotionally shallow, unlike the duet itself, which is spirited and heartfelt. The predictable nature of some plot points thus chips in to erode the emotional impact. The narrative then picks up pace as Jennifer explores the consequences of her actions and the dangerous threats from the synods. 

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, as I liked the fact that "30th Century: Escape" is a thrilling book in its conception and the excellent female lead. The editing is great; no error can be found. Nevertheless, the disproportionate tempo and the inadequately designed parts do not let it take off. This is a good book, and I don't have anything to criticize about it. 

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30th Century: Escape (General Audience Edition)
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