READING MATERIAL IDEA:
Living in Flames is UK writer David J Rodger’s 6th novel. Set before the cataclysmic Yellow Dawn event, we see a near future world where science, the supernatural and mammalian dog-eat-dog politics combine to create a rich, frightening and thrilling world.
The latest novel is a compact grenade of sharp tech ideas, (in)human fury, revenge, ancient bloodlines and chilling supernatural horror, all set to explode in your mind as it builds to its gruesome climax.
The tale rips forward at a frenetic pace, barely lets up. The overall flavor feels like a Guy Ritchie movie as inspired by H.P. Lovecraft by way of early Gibson. This is not to say it’s derivative in any way. The universe he has built is his own and with each book the lore gets rich, deeper and more compelling.
It’s shorter than his other novels, the tight cast of characters play off each other well, strong dialogue and surprising twists with the interpersonal dynamics keeps the reader turning the pages. I devoured this book in two days, staying way past my bed time in my eagerness to uncover the dark secrets and how it would all play out.
A thrilling read and recommended to anyone, even readers new to DJR’s world.
