Title: Malila of the Scorch: Book 3 of Old Men and Infidels
Author: W. Clarke Boutwell
Publisher: Indigo River Publishing
ISBN: 9781950906079
Pages: 396
Genre: Science Fiction / Political Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Read Book Review
Malila of the Scorch: Book 3 of Old Men and Infidels is the sweeping last volume of the “Old Men and Infidels” series. Readers are highly advised to read the previous books in the series to latch on to the parlance and the implications of various events, along with gaining a deeper understanding of the actions of the characters.
As the looming war in 2129 AD approaches, alliances are forged and the thirst for power and control intensifies in an already fragmented post-apocalyptic America. Malila, a battle-hardened teenage soldier who was banished from the CORE by the cruel and calculating General Eustace Jourdaine, has since learned of the atrocities of the Unity.
When she delivers a message to the remaining inhabitants of America, it bears little fruit as she is no longer welcome. Having found an ally and companion in Jesse Johnstone, her hopes hang in the balance as the General, who is playing a key role in the war, hopes to get more power once the war is over. On the other end, are three American spies, William Butler, Hecate, and Elise who seek to hack into the CORE systems in an attempt to avert the impending war.
Clarke Boutwell has written a monumental novel worth turning the pages of. He manages to depict futuristic technologies that propel readers away from the present moment and somehow manage to provoke introspection of modern issues that face society. The text does not dawdle in its pace but throws readers right into the heart of the action, quirks, and temperaments of the characters. Their thoughts are marked with care and strong plotting as the book draws towards a reflective and dramatic conclusion.
Boutwell is a deft storyteller. He manages to enthrall readers across the chapters with his words. The book’s prose is stellar and clear as the story escalates to a fever pitch. With resounding imagery, Malila of the Scorch: Book 3 of Old Men and Infidels by W. Clarke Boutwell is bound to encourage us to look inwards and examine our motives in a deeply individualistic society as we ponder the implications of AI technology on mankind.
