Review – Heaven 2.0

Title: Heaven 2.0

Author: Scott Haworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Scott Haworth

Publish Date: March 1, 2012

Available at: Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Smashwords 

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Summary:

Mike Kepler is an extractor, bringing back people from the 21st century to the 28th century. There they face judgment in the courts of the Taipei Corporation that will decide if they will spend their immortal lives in an artificial Heaven or Hell.

Mike learns that the system is rigged. Many of the people sentenced to an eternity of Hell do not deserve it.

Review: (There are possible spoilers in this review.)

I thought this book had some innovative ideas. It wasn’t overly wrought in religious dogma. There were some outrageous moments for me though. Such as the moment when it was stated that in the 28th century they had successfully stamped out the “homosexual disease”. It was just another instance of proving what a dystopic society it truly was though.

The trips back in time were enjoyable diversions, but I think they took away from the main character. I think we could have done with less of the diversions and more character development.

This book was only 161 pages and the brevity showed in the character development. Mike was a great character, except he ultimately lacked a certain emotional depth that I would normally have found in a longer novel. I actually got more of a sense of who some of the supporting cast members were rather then who Mike Kepler was.

Another problem I had was when the rebels attacked they were armed with steak knives. Against guns. Obviously they had no chance.  Steak knives against guns? I have an issue with that. Needless to say the rebels got captured. How they thought they’d have a chance I have no idea.

Parts of the climax of the story was interesting. Although it didn’t sound very plausible. It just seemed too neat and pat. It also felt a little rushed. I wasn’t entirely happy with the end either, but that’s just my personal taste.

Overall, I did enjoy this story despite its flaws. I enjoyed the innovative ideas. I enjoyed the characters of Nicole and Paul from the 21st century.  They had a depth to them that I couldn’t find in the 28th century characters.

There were some humorous moments I liked, but they were few and far between. I liked the idea of time traveling. The idea of an artificial Heaven was interesting. I don’t think it was my idea of Heaven, but I suppose it might serve for some.

So this wasn’t a bad novella. It just wasn’t great.

Advertisement