My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A long but very worthwhile read. The novel is the first in a planned trilogy, and I think it helps to know this going into the story, so as not expect a certain finality to the end of the book. Presumably, the novel begins in the near future right before a apocalyptic event occurs. This event is really brought upon mankind by itself - think of the great ethical point made in Jurassic Park, scientists were so preoccupied with whether the could do something they never stopped to think if they should. Anyway, they did, the experiment went awry, chaos broke out, and humanity seems to be clinging to life on a thread, scraping an existence that fear is a constant part of. (I am purposely avoiding too many details as to avoid any spoiler information).
I was impressed with the writing. While some of the characters or a bit archetypal, there are so many that are very interesting, and because Cronin wasn't afraid to develop them (hello 750 pages), they continue to evolve throughout the novel in their own way. As a reader I became concerned when one of the characters would break off from the main plot line of the story, but Cronin kept their story part of the novel, and continued to increase the depth of the particular character. As enjoyable as it was to learn more and more about these characters, the expansive scope of the plot is really something else. It truly feels epic, and, despite the novel's length that I mentioned earlier, and that it is only the first of three books, I never felt bogged down. It continued to be a page turner right to the end, and left me wanting not to wait to read the following books (the second is not even out until 2012).
Cronin creates a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic world that makes one think about our current uses of our planet's resources and the importance of a reflective and thoughtful approach to ethics in the scientific community, but also highlights the beauty that remains in such a world through the bond of human relationships.
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