When you read a
Keppler-novel you get a complex story where it’s downright impossible to guess
the ending. You certainly don’t get a thorough explanation of the plot on the
first page or something. The story is shown, not told.
You have to be both
a curious and aware human being to find out what’s going on and that’s great.
There’s way too little complex storytelling out there.
The reader is pulled
into a world where superhuman powers have become commonplace, and we are shown
the effects of that, both on individuals and society as a whole. We witness the
true ramifications on a society where super-powered individuals and groups are
present, how the real-world dynamics are completely different from what is
shown in comic books. Even though there are similarities, this is something
completely different from other stories featuring costumed and superhuman
vigilantes.
The novel is 175 000
words, far thicker than most books. It needs to be in order to describe in necessary
detail the story as it progresses.
Vigilantes and crime
fighters aren't described as positive forces at all. What we see unfold is
fascism in its most sinister form. It's actually one of the best descriptions
of it I've ever read. We are shown how initially well-meaning people can change
and become pretty much what they initially despised, something politicians and
others starting adult life as idealists certainly should take to heart.
It also shows in
excellent ways how a cruel society crushes the human spirit until almost
nothing is left but ashes.
There are burning
emotions, sizzling passion and hatred here, making me shake in my boots.
The novel contains
themes and angles not covered in most books I’ve read and most certainly not in
comic books.
This is a deeply
troubling book. It starts off fairly modest, but slowly grows darker, as you
flip the pages.
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