Title: The Monarchs
Author: Mark Sabbas
Publisher: Koehler Books
ISBN: 979-8888242681
Pages: 406
Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi
Reviewed by: Subhrajit Saha
Pacific Book Review
If you’re craving an action-packed ride set in a world that’s both exotic and chillingly familiar, Mark Sabbas’s ‘The Monarchs’ is your next read. Samuel, gifted with some super power, is trapped in a facility where he’s nothing more than an experiment for ruthless scientists aiming to control the world. But when an opportunity to escape presents itself, he runs, only to fall for something he should despise. Evelyn, the love of Samuel’s life, too, has spent years in captivity, but when fate finally gives her the chance to live a normal life again, it comes at an enormous cost. Together, they are on their way to start a new life. Amidst this, Evelyn faces a life-threatening accident, sending her to coma. Desperate, Samuel takes her on a journey to heal her and fulfill their shared dreams. Along the way, they meet a mysterious stranger, a complex yet interesting character who offers to help—but danger lurks at every turn. Will they ever reach their goal? Who is the stranger, and can they trust him? How did Samuel gain his powers, and what dark secrets lie behind the experiments that shaped his life? And why is he entangled with the very villains who control his fate? To find out, dive into this fascinating and thought-provoking dystopian quest.
Mark Sabbas’s book packs enough compelling elements to captivate readers from the very first chapter. As the story unfolds, it only grows more engaging. From exquisite futuristic world-building to a deep, intense love story, raw and brutal action sequences, and thought-provoking themes, the book offers a rich narrative tapestry. Alongside these, the author delves into complex human dynamics, highlighting bonds that feel both real and meaningful. Among the many memorable characters, Luna stands out as the most intriguing and layered. Her arc, filled with ambiguity and mystery, makes readers inquisitive, leaving them eager to uncover more about her true motivations. The human relationships within the story are equally captivating, including the intense chemistry between the lovebirds, Samuel and Evelyn, the father-son bond between Walter and Samuel, and the most delightful camaraderie of all: the playful, yet intense, “Tom and Jerry” relationship between Luna and Samuel. These personal connections add a sweet, soulful flavor to the otherwise action-packed narrative, enriching the overall experience and making ‘The Monarchs’ a truly unforgettable read.
The commentary on the eternal relationship between humanity and nature, long standing feud between theist and atheist, coupled with themes of bad parenting and mankind’s insatiable lust for power, often seeking to surpass even nature itself, adds layers of depth to the narrative. These themes make the story not only intense but profoundly intriguing. The amalgamation of action, emotion, and spiritual and philosophical commentary makes The Monarchs a gripping and highly recommended novel.
