Kenneth G. Bennett

This review originally appeared on GnomeReviews.ca.

The gnomes received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

Exodus 2022 is a mash up of science fiction and environmental thriller. In the year 2022, Joe Stanton has a breakdown over the death of his young daughter, Lorna Gwin. This would be an understandable reaction if Joe had a daughter, but he doesn’t.

Other men have had similar breakdowns, all mourning the loss of their nonexistent daughter, Lorna Gwin. All of them died shortly after their breakdowns, which means that Joe doesn’t have much time left.

For reasons that weren’t entirely clear, this situation catches the attention of a wealthy weapons contractor, Sheldon Beck. Joe needs to find out what’s happening to him before Beck does, because Beck is a bad guy who wants to do bad guy stuff.

The first third of the book is a gripping page turner, but the middle of the book drags (the gnomes stopped reading at Chapter 60). Once Joe discovers the source of his hallucinations, the story becomes weird and unbelievable (and not in a good way). The focus of the book shifts from science fiction to environmentalism; the gnomes share the author’s views on the matter but don’t enjoy being beaten on the head with themes.

The dragging plot and clumsy theme aren’t the only issues with this book. The characters are one-dimensional: Beck is 100% evil, Joe is 100% good, and Joe’s girlfriend is 100% just a pretty face.

Despite these problems, the gnomes thoroughly enjoyed the first third of this book and would read future books by this author.

Rating: 3 Gnomes out of 5… (mere)

What a surprisingly intriguing book, and well worth the read! A young priest suffering from bizarre hallucinations becomes entangled in a strange situation, which will take him on an incredible, mysterious and frightening journey. The book is very well paced, with clues being given at regular intervals, and making the story even more compulsive. I don't want to give away the plot so I won't say too much about it. The book deals with whales, and other sea creatures and land animals, and their communications, disrupted by human sonar mapping of the sea bed. It is a book that I could not put down! The ending leaves you stunned and breathless, wondering about this phenomenon and wanting to know more. Certainly gets you thinking. If you enjoy sci fi, this is a must read!… (mere)