Book review of DK Halling’s Pendulum of Justice…
[Reminder: No Amber Waves of Grain and Pasodobles in a Quantum Stringscape are freebies on Amazon, Oct. 17-Oct. 21. Download and enjoy!]
(DK Halling, Pendulum of Justice, Quantum Dot Publishing, ISBN 978-1491264225)
Like some real roller coasters, this book starts slowly but soon becomes a thrill ride. As a writer of sci-fi thrillers, I was immediately attracted to the concept. Hank Rangar, entrepreneur and engineering genius, and friends try to file a patent and begin a start-up. The apparatus will solve a problem with stents, namely that some arteries are just too small for stents. This problem occurs around the heart as well as in leg stents.
I’m not sure I completely understand the science and engineering behind the device, but a stent company wants to torpedo it to avoid losing business (why wouldn’t the two technologies complement each other?). Added to the mix are a crooked senator and a sleazy patent office head. Hank’s personal stake in the patent appears when, after successful animal trials, his sister Janine is a first candidate for human trials. Events soon get out of hand, and Hank learns that the patent office head has hired a shadowy organization to eliminate him after he talks to the reporter Christine.
More than a thriller, this book is about revenge. Readers will hate the forces stacked up against Hank, but they also might find his method of revenge a bit over the top and not very creative, considering that he’s a smart guy. However, one can hardly blame the man. But I found both Janine and Christine more likable than Hank—I’m a sucker for smart women.
The book is timely. Questionable corporate practices, greedy men, and a dysfunctional Washington all play a role. I couldn’t help rooting for Hank even though I disapproved of his methods. He only achieves part of his revenge, though, and doesn’t know it, so maybe the rest is coming in a sequel.
One nit to pick: The racy scenes between Hank and Christine seemed unnecessary. Is the intention to show that both entrepreneur and reporter are just using each other? That puts the two almost on the same level as the sleazy patent office head and the female lobbyist, but maybe not by their own choice.
Like all good thrillers, this one leaves you breathless but also makes you think, “Could this really happen?” After you remember things that go on in the real world, your answer will probably be a resounding “Yes!” And that’s the scary part. As I was reading, my mind kept going back to The Fugitive—the movie, not the TV series. There Harrison’s Ford character probably generates more sympathy than Hank, but the latter protagonist is perhaps more realistic. However, for all lovers of a good thriller revolving around a nefarious conspiracy, this book is required reading.
[This review was originally written for Bookpleasures.]
In libris libertas….
[If you enjoyed this review, please support this blog: buy, read, and review some of my books.]
