Book Review 144
"Seven Days till Megiddo" by Sergej Lukianenko (first book from "Changed" cycle, in Russian)
You may be a solid professional, but not a very nice person. This well known fact relates to the most commercially successful Russian Sci-Fi writers, Sergei Lukianenko. Now he is big supporter of Russian aggression to Ukraine, so it is unlikely that his books will be translated and officially published in English.
About his books and his style you can read in my reviews 119, 106 and earlier ones.
This book is one of his experiments with a new forms, aimed to a younger generation. In his blog, he spoke very proudly of himself, as of a writer, who can adapt to ever changing audience (unlike the most of his rivals).
This book was published first online, on subscription. He also tried to implement some references, which (by his opinion) will make this book closer to youngsters: more sex, computer games, mobile phones, Marvel universe references and so one.
Despite all of that, his protagonist (of twenty-something years) mainly speaks and acts like an old grumpy geezer (I guess, it is an author's reflection).
This novel is set in the near alternative future. Right in the middle of COVID, there was a world scale nuclear conflict. Which was stopped by the aliens (all the nuclear warheads were disabled in flight, and did not explode). Ant-like aliens with god like incomprehensible technologies revealed themselves to humanity, saying that they don't want to interfere, but will establish some rules for humans, in their best interests.
For example, they've turned our moon into an asteroid belt (with a huge negative impact to Earth's biosphere). Also, they've disabled internet. And cured all the virus based diseases.
Also, they've offered a mutagen for incurable children, which will transform them into a new, non-human life form. Transformed, or changed, children are living in "hives", occupying some random buildings in big cities. And many people are spending most of their time to look for the colorful crystals, visible on streets with the special glasses. Crystals may be trade for many things (mostly, food) with the help of another alien race, "Traders", which established their shops across our planet.
The plot is simple, linear and smooth. Author was writing this book chapter by chapter, on schedule, so don't wait for the complex twists here. But it is written by a master, the narrative is good, everything is on place, there is a resolution at the end, and at the same time it is clear that there is more of this world, and a new story will follow.
Author was planning a trilogy, but it happened to be a 4 books cycle. By his words, it is a complete piece, no other sequels are planned. I was waiting until its completion to read the first book.
Even though some author's comments are irritating, it is a nice book. Nothing special, but really well crafted, so I will eventually continue with this cycle.