"This is a good read for anyone looking for a pacey and plot driven sci-fi novel with a satisfying conclusion that tackles broader societal concepts."
A coup by the warmongering General Paund catapults the city of Utopia into civil unrest. Academic Advisor Parsiff is thrown into the midst of the upheaval, dragged away from his love interest Princess Licht so they can both play their part in finding allies and taking back Utopia for a democracy. But will they be able to get back to one another and will Utopia be saved from despotic rule. Saving Utopia is a plot focused, fast-paced sci-fi narrative. Told in third person we get glimpses into a number of different characters at key moments to drive the plot forward and key information is explained as we go without too much exposition. While we get enough information about the world and the characters I wouldn’t say it’s particularly in depth. The story is imaginative and the world is brought to life in a way that is believable, it isn’t particularly immersive or demanding for the reader in terms of understanding the world building. It will be suited to readers looking for a quick escape into an action packed sci-fi story. We’re thrown right into the story as we’re introduced to Parsiff and Licht, then slowly fed information about the regimented life of Utopia and the caste structure that uses the boiler suit uniform to identify people and their rank. Equality is a key theme throughout the story, with the push for a more democratic standing is the catalyst for General Paund to rally his supporters and take control, in the name of making Utopia great again and turning away from open mindedness to protect “tradition”, a political idealisation that is familiar off the page. It’s a classic Sci-fi and dystopian fiction concept to take issues prevalent to today and explore them in a futuristic scope and I think that Saving Utopia does this well and in a way that is clearly recognisable. Societal norms are also explored in the relationship between the Utopian Parsif and the Maulwurfe Princess Licht. Their relationship is an example that gives hope, but also provides interpersonal obstacles for them to overcome, with the couple separated in their roles to help the resistance and Licht expected to marry a chosen suitor. The futuristic aspect of the story is brought to life with the technology described. In the foundation of the story there’s mention of encouraging allies to use more sustainable energy sources and the development of a diet and lifestyle that is optimal for health. As the storyline becomes more action-packed there’s brief mentions of the weaponry available and its effects with intriguing but more vague references to newly developed weapons as the plot reaches its climax. This is a good read for anyone looking for a pacey and plot driven sci-fi novel with a satisfying conclusion that tackles broader societal concepts.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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