CommonBookSense: Book Review: 2022: book one of the Percipience Series (Ken Kroes)

2022

By: Ken Kroes

Genre: Eco-Science Fiction

Using an uncanny ability to harvest information to predict the future, philanthropist Richard foresees
a dark future for the human race. This future is exacerbated by the return of cold-war-like tensions, sophisticated terrorist organizations, and new controls on information flow.

He believes he knows what needs to be done to reverse the trend, but can it be achieved in time, even with the resources at his disposal? Should he turn to terrorism to make it work? And if he’s wrong, and his plan backfires, will it mean the end of most, or all, of the human race?

In addition to espionage and murder, the story lays the foundation for a series of books that explore our social structure and partnership with the planet. The second book in this series, entitled 2222, is available now.

*We were given a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Salutations! It's me, Esther. Welcome to my very first review ever! Please, make yourself comfortable...I'm unsure of what else to say, so let's just go! *celebratory noises*

Something you should know about me is that I'm very easily distracted and really picky. I need a book to pull me in and keep me in its clutches. The writer needs to make me want to read that next sentence and turn to the next page. In the end, a book shouldn't be a bunch of words on stacked paper. It's a journey. Or, at least it's supposed to feel like one. You're supposed to become the characters; see what they see, feel what they feel. By the time that book is finished, you should not be the same person you were when you read the first word. 2022 definitely did not meet that expectation.
The idea of this book is great. It drew me in immediately. I mean, read the blurb! However, as soon as I'd read the first three chapters, I knew it wasn't a book I wanted to continue reading. First of all, there were way too many characters for me to keep track of. New people were being introduced constantly and they were connected in this complicated way that was way too much for my brain. Not just that, though. The characters were so difficult to connect with. 2022 was written almost like a news article. There was no emotion. Therefore, I could not immerse myself in the story, effectively ruining the reading experience. Secondly, the writing wasn't that great. I'm fairly sure I spotted two grammatical errors in the first chapter. Plus, the only time I recall any of the characters expressing an emotion, it was so awkward for me to read. I can't stand reading awkward sentences. I'm an awkward person already. I don't need to be surrounded by more awkwardness! To be honest, I don't think I got past the fifth chapter. I simply couldn't focus anymore. The characters were all jumbled and I was confused by the attempts at humor. However, it all depends on you, dearest reader. If you're the kind of person who can keep track of a bunch of characters at once, it could work. If you can get past the awkward emotions, try it. And if you do read it, can you please tell me the outcome? What?

I'm curious.

Here's Kaileiiiii
*Insert girlish screaming* THE MOMENT HAS FINALLY COME! Esther has made her first appearance (technically like her second, but who's counting?) I'm so excited! This opens up so many doors and stuffs! I'm so excited....Esther.... is amazing...
I'll leave this here for you guys, and the links to everything. Give her some supportive tid-bits in the comments! Blog you later lovelies!

~Kailei