Title: Gone Wrong: A Paladins Novel (Volume 1)
Author: Bill Garwin
ISBN: 9781530776757
Publisher: Createspace
Pages: 326
Genre: Thriller
Reviewed by: John Murray
Buy on AmazonPacific Book Review
Nearly anything is possible in a federally funded city-state that spans from San Jose to California’s northern border in author Bill Garwin’s novel Gone Wrong. All of the residents have access to the newest, the greatest, best technology and medicine. It comes at a cost; a microchip that prevents them from leaving. It is within these walls that Gone Wrong takes place and sets the stage for hopefully a new series.
Norcal, or The Northern California Trial Program, functions as a political heatsink that allows both sides to push issues aside until the controversial issues can be “tested” fully. However, this utopia is anything but perfect. Strange occurrences begin to mount, but the main catalyst is the absence of common decency toward fellow Norcal citizens.
A group of people decide to enforce morality and become known as the Paladins. While the Paladins sound like superheroes, they really aren’t. They endure shinobi—ninja-like training—to operate stealthily and ensure everyone’s safety. Ultimately, a GAO auditor infiltrates Norcal and cons the Paladins into escalation. Before long, these everyday heroes face violence, shocking revelations, and death.
Gone Wrong is an interesting novel with a fascinating concept. The idea of a government funded test site sounds a bit far-fetched, but it works well as a plot device for this story. Characterization is pretty strong for Bill Garwin’s debut novel, especially with the character of Cabman. As the name might imply, Cabman rose to fame by simply ensuring everyone behaves when taking a cab home for the night. He only stepped up because no one else would; the Norcal police basically are paid only to keep everyone within Norcal. Cabman draws the attention of other like-minded citizens and they unwittingly form the Paladins. While the characterization tends to rely more on telling of incidents instead of showing the action first hand, it is strong enough to ensnare readers. Shifting POV between characters and perspectives helps round out the proceedings.
Gone Wrong: A Paladins Novel stands as a unique adventure in the political thriller genre. The climax of the story bodes well for future Paladins novels. The stage is set nicely with a colorful and well-rounded cast, an unusual location, and plenty of room to blossom. Overall, the story is fun and fast paced with action, romance, thrilling car chases, and sinister reveals.
