From the mind of Michael Bunker and the political excellence of Chris Awalt comes this nice piece of dystopian fiction. It is not often evident what an author is all about simply by reading their art, but Wick is a pleasant exception. Not only do you get to know the characters and world being build, but also are afforded a unique opportunity to enter the mind of the author(s). Science fiction with Amish and political leanings makes this a wonderful piece of art that is hard to compare with. If you are the type of reader that likes lots of action and little thought, this may not be your thing, but if you like to think, there is no better piece of art. Throughout Wick there a wonderful amount of matter-of-fact life philosophising build into the prose which make for a delightful ride that feels dense. No, not dense because it is hard to get through, but like a pit of tar: once entered, it will suck your mind right in, and you may have trouble getting out. Because of this, the point of view taken feels reserved, almost making the narrator/author a character of their own, allowing for wonderfully crafted observatory world building.There is a sense of separation between the protagonist and his world that makes for great characterisation. Much of the book is a lone traveller tale, which doesn't allow for a lot of dialogue or action, but getting inside the traveller's head and watching him survive is a treat of its own. The book has a few pacing issues near the beginning even for me who enjoys slower books. Perhaps more foreshadowing into future event would have built the story better in the slower parts, while still keeping that reserved POV that is artfully employed.Now that the plot has been well introduced and the reader has more of a handle on the world, I can see the rest of this series mounting from four stars to five. This first instalment just gets things going, and I hope to see how things turn out (for better or worse) as the story progresses. I had to think long and hard for something to say about this book. Frightening comes to mind. As a history buff, a sci-fi buff, and a speculative fiction author myself, W1ck is a page from what I believed was happening when the USSR fell. It explains clearly the slow and deliberate migration away from freedom as both political dominant parties in the United States work toward the same ends: more control over us and consolidating more power for themselves. I've asked myself "to what end" more times than I can recall. What happens after the power mongers obtain all their power? While my novel is a look at could occur in decades to come, W1ck could happen next week, next month, or later this year. Frightening.
What do You think about Wick (2012)?
Completely unexpected turn of event. Can't wait what Charm School will have to offer....
—Ayu
A strong beginning for a potentially epic series.
—abire
