The Golden City

[leebase]

The Golden City - John Twelve Hawks. I listened to this trilogy (this is the third and final book) via audible.

Take 1984, update to modern technology, throw in some cool ninja like characters (called Harlequins in the book), add a layer of mysticism and "other dimensions" and you get a wonderful sci-fi thriller trilogy that is fresh and surprisingly original (given the common theme).

In the series there is a shadow group called "The Bretheren" with leaders scattered throughout society working to bring all of humanity under their control. Opposing them are "Travelers" -- rare individuals who can leave their bodies and travel through the 6 other realms (one of them is hell) and who arise to cause disruption in the common order from time to time (you know, like Jesus, Ghandi, etc.)

Fighting against the travelers are the mercenary forces of The Bretheren called "the Tablular" -- and fighting to protect the Travelers are ninja/samurai-like "Harlequins".

All three of the books are excellent and the pace of the action keeps you turning the pages. The technology is only a bit past what we really have, so you can get very creeped out about the reality of "Big Brother Government" by reading this series. Actually, the author seems to have a genuine concern about this and the book is more than a bit preachy in this final installment. It's as if they author is worried you haven't picked up on his warnings from the story in general and he wants to make CLEAR to you that he's talking about stuff happening right now in our real world.

Still, that's only a minor part of the book and really doesn't detract from the story. And yes, in this internet age where privacy is quickly becoming a thing of the past, the warnings have merit.

This book is a winner on so many levels. Great characters, great story telling, great action. I found the spy/thriller parts of the series to be very well done. There is excellent character development. I think it's a tad week on the spiritual real side of the equation. The author never really explains why traveling to the other realms imparts any particular wisdom to the travelers....and yet that's supposed to be the key thing that enables the travelers to disrupt the plans of those who want to control folks. And yes, I think the book does a fantastic update on the "Big Brother" theme of 1984.

Lee