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About 2059 by Naif Makmi
2059 Review
I was compensated by the author for writing this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the author in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.
2059 is an apocalyptic fiction novel that introduces humanity’s first contact with advanced extraterrestrial beings known as the Terrans. Led by the enigmatic Elk, these visitors seek refuge on Earth from an unknown force. Humanity benefits from their advanced technology, propelling the world into an era of prosperity. However, the global landscape is marred by escalating tensions, leading to the deployment of orbital weapons platforms by various nations. Amid this backdrop, a second group of interstellar visitors, led by the menacing Ork, arrives seeking a powerful artifact known as The Treasure.
Our Astrobiologist protagonist Olivia reminded me of one of those workaholic scientists who are literally intelligent, but not very socially intelligent (looking at how she can be a bit awkward with others). Oftentimes like this, you see how the scientists despite making critical discoveries, can fail to successfully convey it due to their lack of ability to communicate most effectively. A good example of what I’m referring to is the movie Don’t Look Up. I’m not sure if this is the author’s intention, but to me, this portrayal serves as a reminder of the broader scientific community’s hurdle in making their discoveries comprehensible to the public and non-scientists. And how this can directly impact the effectiveness of the changes they are trying to initiate.
Speaking of which, I also really liked the portrayal of the toxicity in the scientific community, seen from the backlash Olivia received from her initial scientific discoveries. Anyone whose is familiar with the field of science knows very well just how arrogant and stubborn scientists can be, especially when it comes to their research work and discoveries. Ironically, for a field known for its innovative breakthroughs it can also be simultaneously very against it. So this aspect of the book stood out to me for its realism.
Notably, Olivia’s scientific dedication is intertwined with a deeply personal motivation too – her brother’s coma. This emotional underpinning adds a layer of relatability, inviting readers to empathize with her journey. Her character evolution is a testament to the significance of not just intellectual brilliance but also the ability to foster understanding and bridge gaps, resonating with the broader message that progress is as much about collaboration between different perspectives as it is about breakthroughs.
When reading the book, the story to me is often in-between feeling realistic and feeling more fictional. Sometimes it will feel quite realistic (specifically when the book is playing out the incompetence of those in power), but other times it feels a bit too far and just a bit unrealistic in terms of how it played out. Oftentimes this is due to the dialogues that feel too expeditional. In those cases, I noticed them because this factor takes me out of my immersion when reading.
Overall, as I always say, if the premise seems interesting to you, please check it out! Especially if you are interested in an apocalpytic futuristic world with viruses, scientific alien discoveries, and more!
About the Author of 2059
