Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsInteresting premise, mediocre execution. Warning: Minor spoilers
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2018
First the good:
The premises that this book is built on, a universe run by scary Things Under the Bed while their client species both uplifted and conquered trade a certain amount of horror movie chasing for prosperity and long lives isn't bad. It's not new, but it's well-constructed with moderately-sized and well-spaced expository lumps. The presence of a privileged caste of servants who choose the victims and tell themselves they are committing atrocities to prevent greater ones is logical and handled well so far. A viewpoint character from the past (our present) allows our Fish Out of Water a nice amount of surprise as he adjusts to the new world and stumbles over his assumptions. The Crucible is an interesting idea which I will not elaborate on for fear of giving too much away.
The plot is workmanlike, and the structure is at least as good as most other works in its class.
The bad:
The characters, oh the characters. The good ones are Good. The bad ones are Bad. Depth and nuance are not part of the equation. The Rulers are Monsters, so whatever they do is Terrible. The 20th century woman is possessive and condescending. The Jerk is venal and abrasive. The Love Interest is beautiful and sweet and a perfect complement to the Hero. The Hero is brave but not terribly bright, and this is where I fear the author falls into the a classic trap. The plot gets moved along by him acting thoughtlessly or at least very impulsively at every critical juncture motivated by equal parts denial and anger. Yes, that's a pet peeve of mine. A plot which moves by shoveling stupid and thoughtless into the firebox is not a train I usually care to ride.
Another bit which bothers me is that almost every important character is a fighter pilot. Why fighter pilots other than the obvious Star Wars imagery (yes, the Hero is also one of the Chosen Ones)? Why all of them? I don't know, and neither, I think, does the author?
Overall:
There are some interesting ideas, but poor execution leaves me cold on this one. Hence the middle-of-the-road three stars.