Neil McMahon - Revolution No. 9 (2005)
A potent story sure to intrigue readers is Revolution No. 9, by Neil McMahon, a thought-provoking thriller about a band of terrorist "Freemen" engaged in a murderous spree against America's most privileged citizens.
Carroll Monks, a doctor is kidnapped by this group and forced to treat the leader's son. Conflicted between his desire to escape and his ethical obligation to treat the young boy, Monks is compelled to risk his own life in order to save that of another.
The doctor is also forced to watch as the group pursues their plans for revolution by engaging in wanton murder and mayhem, all in support of their twisted desire to bring justice and equality to the masses.
Although Monks is an interesting character, it is Freeboot, the megalomaniacal leader of the outlaws, who is the most richly developed figure in Revolution No. 9. In many authors' hands, such a villain would be a howling lunatic or over-the-top caricature. As written by McMahon, however, he is chillingly real and believable, making the story all the stronger and more frightening.
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Book Reviews | Permalink
