The New World: A Step Backward

Post-apocalyptic novels seem to be having even longer than fifteen minutes of fame, and while some will ask why we can’t have a more optimistic view of the future (or at least why we can’t manage to have a different genre emerge as the large favorite), I have no complaints whatsoever about different writers exploring the end of life as we know it and what will come after. The New World: A Step Backward is a fascinating example of this sort of exploration, and I found myself riveted by the entrancing and utterly unique new world that spins out before our eyes.

The novel takes place in Ukkiville, a village created after the disastrous World Annihilation Period. The village has a largely peaceful existence, but its life is under constant threat from Zolokt, a mad scientist who creates dangerous mutants with the intent of pillaging Ukkiville and taking its rich resources. Facing this threat are three people who have been raised to be the next leaders of Ukkiville: Thoruk, Stormulka, and Mercivil. They must find a way to protect their home, even though Zolokt presents a greater threat than he ever has before.

The New World is a fast-paced adventure that follows three compelling protagonists to a powerful climax. I tore right through this book, and could hardly wait to see what would happen next. The future presented may not be the most realistic I’ve ever seen, but it was absolutely fascinating, and I was perfectly able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the story. It wasn’t entirely unbelievable, either, and I found it much closer to reality than many other post-apocalyptic novels I’ve read. If you’ve developed a taste for this sort of fiction, then I would definitely recommend this book. Anyone looking for an action-packed story will not walk away disappointed.