Imagine if you will, a place and time where society has barely survived nuclear armageddon (the Last War) and reestablished itself in four (4) distinct, unique, climate-controlled, and self-sustained cities in the Mojave Desert – Callisto, Lysithea, Europa, and Elara. This utopian society was founded by an omnipotent Planner by employing wisdom derived from the lyrics of John Lennon’s most enduring song – Imagine.
CAUTION – Potential spoilers beyond this point.
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RESET presents the reader with a society where war and conflict are non-existent; where a job is set aside for each adult; where food, housing, and other needs are provided; and where there is no need for possessions. The only catch is…your mind must be wiped clean every four (4) years to erase all learned hatred and biases in order to maintain a lasting peace. As a result, you have to start afresh with a new name, new life, new home, and new job pursuant to the Tabula Rasa (blank slate). The only problem is, the Planner may have underestimated the desire and tenacity of the very folks John Lennon is reaching out to in his lyrics – the dreamers:
“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky
Imagine all the people
Livin’ for today
Ah
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one”
Source: LyricFind – Songwriter: John Winston Lennon
This is the premise of RESET, an entertaining first science fiction novel by Sarina Dahlan that was released in May 2021. The story explores life and love after nuclear armageddon and how the citizens reside and react to their lives being reset anew every four (4) years.
To this retired planner, the concept of a post-apocalyptic society being established by some great Planner seems like an fun idea for a novel. For others who prefer less government or oversight, this may send a chill right down the length of their spine. For anyone in love or who has ever been in love, the thought of losing all memory of loved one to a mind wipe can be both devastating and heartbreaking…but is this expected memory wipe devastating enough to overturn an established and peaceful ideology?
Not wanting to give too much away, many planners and science-fiction fans should enjoy reading this exciting new book. While some aspects of the story could be enhanced, the book is thoroughly captivating and the speculative premise is quite intriguing. Personally, I rated it four stars out of five and will definitely be looking forward to reading subsequent sci-fi works by Ms. Dahlan. Peace!
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If you are interested in reading RESET, a text link to its webpage on Amazon.com* is provided below.
*A small commission is earned from purchases that are made using this link to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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