Four Stars!
Overall, this novel was a modern, sci-fi take on old westerns. The grit, violence, and raw circumstances make it a bundle of toughness that shines light on the human quality of perseverance. This is a Mad Max take on the ultimate gun fight, with a bit of modern motorcycle racing.
In a decrepit future world, Earth is barren and those left living on its surface are poor and left to struggle for their meager existence. Humans living on Earth are stuck mining (and dying) for the benefit of those lucky enough to have escaped Earth's surface, those living on the Sky Base. One singular hope remains: the winner of a mystical and treacherous byke race wins passage to the Sky Base and a life of better health, better food, and better overall circumstances.
Adam Stone is a product of his environment. He's born witness to terrible ordeals, lived in squalor, and survived horrific environmental assaults. He's dreamed of winning The Race, but it has never been a reality to even compete. Gangs dominate his world and thwart most moves he tries to make to even enter the race. Adam's character struggles to maintain some measure of the humanity that we cherish, all while trying to survive and seek a better future. His is a story of loyalty, family, danger, humility, pain, and perseverance.
This was a powerful novel that pulled no punches. It is gritty, suspenseful, and at times, depressing. However, the drive to compete and survive pulls this novel from a mere retelling of a race story into something with more depth and insight. This is a debut novel for author David Hofmeyr, and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel, although this was enjoyable as a stand alone novel. I definitely recommend this one, my friends!
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