Review
Title: A Printer’s Choice
Author: W. L. Patenaude
Publisher: Izzard Ink
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Year Published: 2018
Number of Pages: 325
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9781642280067
Price (from Amazon): $27.95, hardback; $22.95 paperback
Reviewed by Trudy Thompson for the Association For Mormon Letters
The year is 2088, and earth has been ravaged by decades of wars, social unrest, and numerous natural disasters. This massive upheaval on earth leads the “great minds” of the time to build a new world in what they call “upside,” or in outer space.
This new world was created with a strict code of conduct that was meant to ensure a life devoid of crime or religion. However, despite their supposedly well meaning intentions, crime and religion does follow them to this New World community called New Athens.
New Athens begins the new year with its very first ever homicide. The victim is a Dominican Priest by the name of Father Raphael Tanglao, and no one knows why he was in New Athens. He had gone missing the summer before, and was presumed dead. No one knew he had traveled to New Athens under an assumed name, and had been living and working there as a common laborer. The intentions of the priest are a mystery, and why, and by whom, he was killed are questions no one in the new world can answer.
With public order threatened in this new community, and the reputation of the rulers there at stake, along with the criminal elements attempting to gain control, authorities seek help from Earth. With assistance from the Vatican, they recruit Father John Francis McClellan, a parish priest from Boston, and a retired Marine Corps expert in “high defs”-the artificially intelligent three-dimensional printers that have actually built the new world.
As Father McClellan is transported in a new age, state of the art shuttle to New Athens to uncover the mystery surrounding the death of Father Tanglao; the mystery, intrigue, drama and surprising twists and turns of this debut science fiction novel by author W.L. Patenaude begin.
In this engaging new novel, we learn why Father McClellan’s experience in the Marines and his knowledge of the “high defs” is so important on this mission. We discover the place that the “printers” have in the New World, how they were programmed, and what they were, and were not, programmed to do. Readers will see why Father Tanglao had traveled to New Athens with an alias, and why he did not want his true identity known.
I must say this is unlike any book I have ever read before. I was immediately struck by the depth of detail that Mr. Patenaude skillfully utilizes in this amazing work. His education in both engineering and theology, coupled with his career in environmental regulation, explains his ability to expertly weave the technical details of computers, printers and programming, with the chaos on earth, and the importance of the eternal gift of free will. The author masterfully builds the story slowly, and uses a flashback technique to allow the reader to get up to speed on the backgrounds and personalities of the characters in this book. Their interaction with each other and the drama is fascinating.
But, as intriguing as this well written work of fantasy and Science fiction is, there are also references to passages of scripture and the much needed constant search for the truth in all things.
As the book reaches its conclusion-the “who done it,” and the crime is solved, we can’t help but ponder even deeper mysteries-what makes us human, what has caused the struggles of our world, and what effect do the choices we make have on others and the world in general?
Mr. Patenaude is a highly skilled and masterful storyteller. He crafts a story that is unique and absorbing. The ability to weave elements of science fiction, faith, and purpose into one book is truly inspiring. The outcome of the crime mystery is one I did not see coming. The why and how of this mystery comes into focus. When the book ends with the council of New Athens asking Father McClellan to “stay on with us just a little longer,” you know the author has a sequel in mind! And with such a masterpiece as his first book-rightfully so!
This is a perfect selection for teens and adults who are science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, and all who enjoy an in-depth, technical and futuristic book that teaches the eternal message of using free agency wisely.