Ok, let’s get right into today’s review!
The Final Correction by Alec Birri is the third and final part of the dystopian Condition trilogy. I am finding it hard to describe the book in my own words so, for your sanity, I am going to allow Goodreads do the talking:
What if all brain disorders were treatable? No one would lament the passing of dementia or autism, but what if the twisted mind of a sex-offender or murderer could be cured too? Or how about a terrorist or maybe a political extremist? What if we could all be ‘corrected’?
So, Professor Savage has been unmasked as the monster Alex Salib always knew he was. But what was their agreement and why is she still determined to see it through? The war on terror appears to be back on track but why does President Kalten seem hell bent on ramping it up – are the Americans seriously intent on starting World War Three?
And what of the treatment itself? Despite Savage’s arrest, the ‘corrections’ go on but to what end? The laws of unintended consequences are about to cause a seismic shift in the very nature of our existence. But then our new masters know that and won’t let it happen until we’re ready…
I guess the fact that I couldn’t summarise the story myself automatically tells you that I didn’t get along too well with this book. It wasn’t that I necessarily hated it, I read every page, it was just that I found myself confused half of the time. When I finally thought I was grasping what was happening, I was thrown back into the dark again. I think there are two reasons for this: this was really scientific based and without a doubt, that is not my strong point. What might have been easy for others to understand went right over my head. Secondly, although I can’t say this for sure, The Final Condition is not to be read as a standalone book.
But, if you feel that this type of book would be very much up your street, there are some good points I need to mention. For one, Birri creates an amazing new world. His imagination is top notch and my hat goes off to him for producing something so great. However, not everything is entirely new. Throughout the book, there are references toward America as a superpower and saving Europe, the fight against terrorism and genetic cleansing. I think these nods to the past help the reader to engage more and they also serve as a warning that such horrid events could happen again, making The Final Condition a creepy and chilling read.
What I found really interesting, though, is that Alec Birri – who was a commander of a top secret unit in the Military – so actually he’s a real life ‘M’ from the James Bond films. Therefore, while I didn’t exactly understand everything going on, trying to guess what could be based on real life made me curious enough to enjoy the story on some level. I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in technology conspiracy theories, psychological warfare and phones controlling humans?
So, yeah, this book wasn’t for me, unfortunately, as I was really drawn in by the idea of it. Nevertheless, it is not a lost cause. I would love to chat in the comments with anyone who has read the entire trilogy.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Joyful Antidotes 