The recent hype around dystopian fiction proves its popularity among readers. But why is that so? Because dystopian fiction mirrors humanity's deepest fears and anxieties about the future. Its unusual setting and larger-than-life characters transport the audience to bleak and oppressive worlds governed by totalitarian regimes, environmental collapse, or technological tyranny.
Wednesday's Child by J.A. Carlton is no different. It's a story that takes readers to the same worlds but with different antagonists, and it isn't about the future but the present. It is familiar, haunting, and sometimes blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
But what exactly makes “Wednesday's Child” a flawless example of dystopian fiction? Something that would force you to sit back and journey through the worlds left unexplored.
Imagination Is Where It Wins
Carlton crafts a hauntingly familiar and disturbingly alien world where societal norms have been warped beyond recognition. A sense of urgency keeps you hooked throughout the premise. There's suspense, a need for a quick rescue, and secrets that can change the world forever.
Complex Characters
The chaos and oppression of the story don't keep Carlton from introducing characters who are as flawed as they are compelling. Secrets, uneasiness, and responsibility burden protagonists.
For instance, Stone Rivers, a new commander of the Delta Squad, is tasked to retrieve Jade McKay, the group leader, from the enemy lines. There's a quick need for action to protect the team and the information that Jade might possess.
Jade's sense of honor shines as she spends her time in captivity. Despite the torture and manipulation, she refuses to give in or lose herself to fear. Her ability to maintain her mental strength and resist the psychological tactics used against her is a testament to her resilience.
Themes That Resonate
Living up to the expectations often associated with the genre, Wednesday's Child ticks all the boxes. Uncertainty, panic, and conviction offer a cautionary tale of what might come to pass if we do not heed the warnings.
The story tackles themes of power, control, resistance, and identity, sparking conversations that stay with the readers long after the final page is turned. It pushes the audience to question the status quo and consider the consequences of their actions.
Despite facing unimaginable horrors, Jade remains determined to survive and fight back against her captors. Jade's thoughts of her parents and the debt she feels she owes them show her motivations are rooted in a sense of duty and honor.
Does It Give It All?
J.A. Carlton's masterpiece is a puzzle that plays with you without you knowing. For example, when you think you have caught up with the plot, Carlton throws a twist, which deepens the intrigue and propels the story forward, ensuring that you are kept on the edge of your seat until the end. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations that must be experienced firsthand.
A Message of Hope
Despite the darkness that floods its pages, “Wednesday's Child” offers a ray of hope. The conviction and resilience of the characters remind us that even after the darkest nights, there is always hope of a new dawn.
Do you want to learn more about J.A. Carlton's Wednesday's Child? Read the book now.
