Heather’s Bookshelf: Descendants of Power
Author: PN Shafa
Released: 01/31/21
Genre: Dystopian Scifi
“Baptista isn’t sure what to make of that last comment, though she can’t say she hates it. She can ruminate on compliments later, right now she has work to do. She turns to face the bedridden Martian, who shrinks noticeably into his pillows upon her approach. She sits down at the end of the bed, crosses her legs, and pats his knee.”
“Descendants of Power” follows two main timespans of several characters before and after humans manage to destroy the Earth. The super rich and privileged escape to Mars while the rest of the “normal” people try to survive in the new “dark ages”.
Finbar’s foolhardy and blind trust almost gets her killed, but she is lucky enough to cross paths with Bo and ***. The young girl and her caregiver escape from a gang of killers with the help of Finbar. When the Earth is thrown into chaos, those left behind try to figure out how to live in their new “normal”. Groups of people emerge in small communities where barter, trade, and knowledge or skill become all important. Finbar, Bo, and *** join one such community, contributing their knowledge about technology and hydrology.
Jemima’s one of the lucky ones to make it off of Earth and to the new colony. But on Mars, things are not much better. A new class system has emerged with even the super rich no longer able to acquire things like food or shelter. Factions form each with their own motives and leaders- all fighting for their place in the pecking order.
These are the beginnings of the stories that lead to the repercussions found throughout the generations found within the rest of the book.
Trigger Warning: adult language, reference to rape, murder, racism
Overall, I enjoyed this story. There are A LOT of characters as the tale spans generations. There is often a jump in time from one major event to the next. The effect is a fast moving tale structured in a way that is interesting and different from others that I have read from the same genre. The way that the storylines lead into each other while also intertwining with the opposing point of view appeared seamless. Unfortunately, the same jumping through time led to a small amount of exposure with the main characters. Just as I felt I had a hold or wanted to know more about a character, it was time to flip to the next generation. This kind of felt like a miniseries that the director decided would be better as a single movie. Having said that, this would be such an interesting miniseries (something in the same family as the 4400 or Taken)! The early and late generations were intriguing with great characters, social dilemmas, and establishment or destruction of community. However, I felt a little lost by the middle generations. The ending was great, though, wrapping up the entire story and ending with really strong characters and imagery.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A dystopian tale spanning generations with interesting consequences and story structure. Unfortunately the effect is a lack of connection with the majority of the characters.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with PN Shafa
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited
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