Four

Book 1 of The Numbers Trilogy

By: A. A. Clifford

Narrated by: Michael Joss

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

Science and Religion are not enemies.

2097 A.D. Religion is no longer the world’s dominant belief system. Cyrenism, a global collection of atheists, agnostics and scientists is now the majority, and our society has become dependent upon artificial intelligence, technology and advanced robotics.

Global Marshal Austin Corrigan is a man produced by this brave new world. He is a tenacious law enforcement officer and a dedicated Cyrenist. Austin is balanced on the job and in life by his best friend, Dean “Deadman” Clarkson, a devout Catholic and a lethal military sniper.

When three of the most dangerous criminals in the world escape Prime Supermax Prisons, Austin and his team go after them. The escapees are tied to a fourth man, a powerful figure whose ambition is fueled by the most terrifying prophecies of religion.

Austin tracks his prey and discovers they possess incredible abilities that logic cannot explain: superhuman strength, speed, agility and a dominant telekinetic power. Are these man-made criminals, scientifically enhanced Apex Humans, or is Austin in pursuit of the unimaginable, the biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Austin confronts his enemy and his belief in a final battle and is forced to make an unspeakable choice, one that will forever change science, religion and the life which binds them together.

©2019 Gary Hardwick (P)2024 Gary Hardwick

Futuristic World

Global Marshal Austin Corrigan is the result of an unwanted pregnancy and a new world being guided by atheists, agnostics, and scientists. Austin is charged by his superiors with capturing three deadly criminals, all with incredible talents and skills. However, there is a fourth more deadly one that is so well-hidden and entrenched calling the shots! There is far more than danger in Austin’s mission!

The author, A. A. Clifford crafts a captivating sci-fi narrative that draws upon religion, human nature, deceit, power, and more. The dialogue was realistic and mixed with stereotypical gender expectations to authenticate it. There were several threads, including religious drama that were solidly fused into the storyline. There were intriguing and unexpected plot twists peppered throughout the narrative. There were a few instances where the flow slowed down, but it was necessary to the narrative. The characters were well-developed, giving them an authentic feel. The epilogue of the book touching on global issues such as famine, deadly viruses, political unrest, and more, gave the book a prophetic feel regarding our future as inhabitants of earth.

The narrator, Michael Joss, slips into the characters completely and uses subtle tonal, pattern, and cadence to differentiate each character. He speaks clearly and with enthusiasm and energy suitable to the scenario. Joss is deliberate in setting his delivery to punctuate the impact and importance of the character and/or situation. He slips into each character easily and fluidly.

I enjoyed this book as it captures and presents different points of view regarding religion, power, and humanity. In addition, rarely, both Detroit, Michigan, and Indiana (where I live and am from) are brought into a narrative.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.