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Friday, February 28, 2014

Sky1 Foundation (The Sky Series) by William Amerman Book Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received a copy of the e-book complimentary in order to provide an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own. 


In a post-apocalyptic world, Nick Burke has been allotted 389 square feet of living space by the government. Disease spreads quickly when people are packed together so tightly. Quarantines have been imposed in an effort to contain the spread of infection.

When a quarantine is imposed on Nick's Ground, he and his family are trapped. The only way out is to break laws that carry a penalty of death.
Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, Nick joins forces with a local group to move to another Ground. But can he trust his new friends?

If you like dystopian books or post-apocolyptic books, here is a new one for you. The story is a gripping tale of a layered world on Earth where most citizens live in minimal space.  Just imagine the world set up like a giant skyscraper that is built vertically AND horizontally. People live in the different horizontal worlds and never leave their level.  Each level has a simulated sky and sun.  The Ground or lowest levels only have a vertical height of a few yards just so you get a feeling for the squeeze of life down there.  All the levels are numbered. 

The lowest levels on the very bottom of the skyscraper (the Ground) are squeezed the most severely and people allotted just enough space to breathe. As you move up, the higher levels contain the more elite citizens who live a more spacious and privileged life. The problem is, you can't just move up, legally that is. 

Historically, disease spreads quickly in poor communities where people live in close quarters.  This dystopian world is no different.  When Nick and his family are trapped on the ground during a quarantine due to the proliferation of deadly disease he decides he has to escape. That is a challenge since this is a high tech world with cameras watching every move.  His young son Simon and his wife Jane motivate him to take severe risks.  They obtain illegal immigration visa and join forces with others in an effort to move up, literally to a better and more spacious life. 

The book takes a while to sort out the characters and story but once I did I enjoyed it a lot.  The characters were consistently developed and you got a good sense of the different personalities.  As I got to know Nick and his family, I really was drawn more into the book. 

I was kind of surprised to see the terminology PDA used to refer to electronic communication devices that are frequently used in the book.  I thought the terminology made the book seem dated.  Perhaps the author would consider coming up with a more imaginative or futuristic term that might be more fitting for updated editions. 

Though the novel is post-apocolypse, it is refreshing how the author places an emphasis on classic morals and family structure.  It adds a positive element to this upside down world.  Nick is very much the caretaker for Jane and Simon and the risks he takes are all to provide a better life for his family and  to share an important secret with the world.  You really want to keep reading to see and learn more about Nick and the underground group and what eventually takes place.  You have to read it to find out more.  

You can buy this book on Amazon or Smashwords.  

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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