The Call of Abaddon (The Abaddon Cycle Book 1) by Colin Searle is a gripping psychological science fiction novel set approximately 200 years into the future. In this dystopian world, humanity has adapted to living in arcologies—densely populated, self-sustaining urban environments designed to minimize environmental impact. One such arcology is New Toronto, a sprawling city that serves as the backdrop for the story.
At the core of the story is Jason, known also as Subject 107, a resourceful salvager navigating the crumbling ruins of a once-prosperous civilization. Jason is an escapee from the notorious Abhamancer Program, a secretive project dedicated to unlocking the powers of the mysterious Abaddon obelisk. This ancient alien artifact has bestowed humanity with advanced technologies, but its true potential—and the cost of harnessing it—remains shrouded in mystery.
Jason’s life is a fragile balance, shared with his brother David and their close friend Sam, as he navigates a daily routine of salvaging and survival. But Jason’s reality begins to fracture when his mind is consumed by an alien voice. Is he losing his grip on sanity? No—the source of his torment is the Abaddon Beacon, from the alien obelisk hidden deep within a classified UEF facility.
The Abaddon Obelisk has awakened extraordinary psychic abilities in Jason, abilities he struggles to control. Across the cosmos, Emperor Hadrian Mariko has also been touched by the Obelisk's enigmatic power. Cunning and ruthless, Mariko schemes to harness the Beacon's immense cosmic energy to subjugate Earth and cement his dominion. Jason holds the means to challenge Mariko, but does he possess the strength and resolve to confront such a formidable adversary? At the center of this conflict lies the Abaddon Obelisk, a force that could either secure humanity's salvation or doom it to ultimate destruction. Together, Jason, his brother David, and friend Sam must find the Obelisk before its power falls into the wrong hands—and is turned into a weapon of destruction.
More than just a sci-fi adventure, The Abaddon Obelisk delves into profound themes like power dynamics, morality, and the perilous consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension. One of the novel's most fascinating elements is its portrayal of advanced technology and the ripple effects it has on society. Will our unchecked way of life ultimately lead us to exist within massive arcologies? Will we continue to exploit our planet's resources and create more dystopian scenarios like the one in which The Abaddon Obelisk takes place?
The Abaddon Obelisk delivers more than just thought-provoking themes—it takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world brimming with intrigue, adventure, and danger. With compelling characters and expertly crafted plot twists, this story promises to captivate readers and keep them hooked until the final page.
Reviewed by: James B.
|