If you’re anything like me (and statistically, everyone in
history, ever) you’re obsessed with the end of the world. Maybe because it’s
the perfect test of human character, or because, deep down, we all long for a
reset button to take us back to simpler times. Whatever the reason, the
post-apocalypse literature wave is rising, and Joseph Macchiusi is surfing the
crest.
Macchiusi’s view of the end of the world was an amalgamation
of science and magic whose realism blew my mind (and scared the crap out of me).
In every end-of-the-world tale ever told, at least one character says “We have
to get out of the city.” The Betelgeuse
Oracle shows us exactly why.
I must say, I was little put off by Macchiusi’s writing
style at first. He has an unusual rhythm and style. I say “at first” because,
by then end of the book, I couldn’t imagine it having been written better.
There is literally not a wasted word, which is both interesting and refreshing.
In spite of my initial raised eyebrow, the main character,
James Muir, immediately pulled me in. James, in the opening chapters, is every
young father alive. He was instantly relatable, and (despite his developing
super powers) was anything but a superhero. His decisions and emotions were
real, rather than heroic. The rest of the cast was an incredible mix of
everything from Inigo Montoya to Lara Croft, and I couldn’t get enough of any
of them.
At once frightening and poignant, thoughtful, and even
occasionally humorous, The Betelgeuse
Oracle is one that you should definitely not miss. Joseph Macchiusi is
going places, and I’m pretty excited to follow along.
I was provided a free
copy of the book by the author for the purposes of an honest review. I was not
compensated for this review. All opinions are mine, even though you wish they
were yours.
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