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In the near future and in the remnants of the United States, Theo Smith, a computer scientist, works on a project called Sundance, a system based on his father’s solar panel that captures the sun’s energy through artificial photosynthesis. Theo’s father, Augustus, died under mysterious circumstances a month after presenting his discoveries. Years later as Theo struggles to recover his father’s legacy, the situation gets out of hand with a dramatic, high-tech kidnapping scenario and industrial espionage.
The familiar dystopian scenario is made fresh in this well-researched debut novel. The impending catastrophe of dwindling fossil fuels, energy insecurity, and climate change in a society polarized by wealth and poverty mirrors our planet’s current dilemma as science debates how to harness a satisfactory energy replacement for petroleum. Art and life also mirror one another in Nedeljkovic’s world as political controversies rage, and artificial intelligence makes life easier or more complicated, depending upon one’s station in life. However, despite the nearly insurmountable difficulties presented in the narrative, the novel is ultimately hopeful. As Nedeljkovic writes through his character Augustus Smith, “The truth is, we have already been given everything we’d ever need to… exist on this planet. We just have to attune ourselves to the divine harmony of nature and reap the benefits.”
The opening drags a bit before the story kicks into full action mode, as do some intermittent passages that serve as explanatory backstories or scientific background information. Overall, though, the novel primarily contains fast-paced scenes consistent with the sci-fi thriller genre. The author’s background in the entertainment industry helps with this as he brings a high-concept, script-like polish to many scenes. Nedeljkovic’s cerebral ecothriller will satisfy the taste of discerning readers who demand authenticity and scientific accuracy.