Nocturnal Book Reviews

Egalley thanks to Hachette Book group

This is as different from Equilibrium as it could have been.

A very interesting idea which really if you think about it is believable.

After the last World War which nearly destroyed the planet and pretty much wiped out Asia and Middle East, the scientists managed to separate the genes responsible for human emotions in our bodies. A radical from The Order, a religious structure which preached world peace and non-violence, sponsored further research which developed the virus that could potentially destroy the genes responsible for all our emotions apart from fear. The virus was unleashed.

5 centures later, people live in somewhat archaic society with very few luxuries, strict diets and regulations. The Order rules it all. There are certain ruling casts, among which The Order selects a Sovereign according to the date and hour of their birth. Only the richest casts have few cars, planes or computers. You can see cold weapons or firearms only in museums. Deformities be that a birth defect or broken in an accident bones are not allowed. People are reported, taken to wellness centres and never seen again. The funerals are done with empty caskets.

Among all this is Rom Sebastian, a poet (as much as you can be a poet when the only emotion you feel is fear) who believes in every teaching of The Order until an old stranger running from The Royal Guard stumbles upon him and tells him that his father was a Keeper, and it's now up to Rom to take a mysterious package, bring it to the man called Book and listen to his directions. The faith of the world depends on him.

Overwhelmed by fear, the young man runs and since that moment his destiny changes. The package has a vial of blood which restores his emotions and shows him that until this very moment he was dead and now he is alive...

The book is a rollercoaster, a very interesting ride with somewhat naive, sometimes stupid but utterly charming characters. There is plenty of blind faith. There are prophecies, evil alchemists, sacrifices, desperation and love. There is a bit of Dune in this book but it's a tiny bit.

Overall, a weird but enjoyable book. I will definitely read book #2 - Mortal, which comes out on 5/06/2012.