Title: The Rogue Intruder
Author: Frederick W. Jamison
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 1524562610
Pages: 224
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
A lot can happen in a span of 130 years proven by the rise of scientific endeavors, but as advances occur, so did a war that changed the world with horrendous losses and the creation of a Unigov – a world government. But problems only grew under the control of Unigov. The new government began controlling the masses with cameras, drones, and robot troopers. Going against the laws results in either death or a stint in the re-education camps. Some, like Dr. Timothy Grey, have developed a plan to escape from Unigov’s control with the creation of a spaceship that will take them to a planet similar to Earth called Kepler-452c. Their plans are derailed when a rogue black hole is located on a collision course straight for the planet and the scientists need to work faster before Unigov discovers what they’re doing.
The world is thoroughly established before the story even begins with a brief overview of the advanced technology used throughout such as virtual reality, AI robot assistants, advanced transportation, booster satellites, and bio-printed body parts. This gives a vivid understanding of what to expect and what the characters will be experiencing. It’s a clever way of welcoming the reader to the 22nd century while pinpointing important details that set up the control of Unigov over the global masses. Several science fiction elements are incorporated such as robolifts, robot troopers, and an exoplanet which are written into the world as a natural part of it. This keeps these elements from taking you out of the story and instead successfully draws you further into the world. By having a well-rounded setting, the story is able to come to life and get you to sympathize with their plight, pulling you into the suspense of the Unigov’s control and the black hole.
The Unigov is the primary antagonist, serving as the catalyst for certain events to occur by being the reason they want to leave the planet. Their control and strict laws create suspense as the characters have to sneak around in hopes of not getting caught. This gives the story sense of urgency as the characters face potential death or re-education if they are discovered by Unigov which helps to keep you on the edge of your seat. Dr. Timothy Grey is in the middle as he turns to his closest allies to develop a plan to start life over somewhere safer. The story is primarily structured around Timothy, his wife, and their allies, developing their character arcs based on the events they’re experiencing. Balancing out the journey in front of Timothy is Vladimir who is an amateur astronomer and is the one that discovers the black hole. He feels more idealistic as he still looks up at the stars and gets excited about what he discovers in space. This is a contrast to Timothy who casually travels to the moon to work and feels more hardened.
The rogue black hole is a common science fiction element and creates a sense of impending doom that goes well with the other parts of the story. The first part of the story maintains a steady pace which steadily increases with more action-packed moments taking place. More adventure is woven into the plot and takes the suspense into a more intensity-driven tone while setting up questions about the fate of humanity. Those who enjoy science fiction won’t be able to put down The Rogue Intruder which is a suspenseful thriller set in the future that follows the strive to leave the planet to escape an invasive world government.