HEROPLOT: The Spear of Destiny: 1 Paperback – 15 Aug. 2021

Author Scott Harvey skillfully toys with our tech anxieties in this enthralling tale as it follows the machinations and power plays between a fascinating anti-hero and his adversaries, creating its own rich dystopian mythology along the way. Full of twists and surprises, I'm stoked for book 2!

It's taken me a while to review The Spear of Destiny, mainly because I wasn't sure if there was coming any more books and this would be a series. It was certainly set up to kick start a thrilling set of work, but for whatever reason, it took a long time for the sequel which i also bought and recently reviewed.So, back to The Spear if Destiny. There are so many YA Dystopian stand alones and series that it really is hard to think it possible to create a new and original twist in this genre. That is until you read this amazing first instalment in the HeroPlot universe.There are several aspects to this book that make it an instant classic and I will try to outline a few.Unlike a great number of YA or teen dystopian thrillers, The Spear of Destiny starts off not in some post-apocalyptic future but in present day. For me this is such an advantage and adds volumes to the realism because what Harvey does so brilliantly is lead us from today to this dark future world, and does so in a totally believable manner. I'm surprised anyone still uses social media after the grim picture he paints of its potential to be abused.The protaganist, Edgar, couldn't be any further from your expectant typical hero, in fact, without giving away any spoilers, I think it's fair to say that he has the potential to become one of the most hated lead characters in modern fiction. Again, Harvey does this so brilliantly well, by making you feel empathy for him. In much the same way one might feel empathy for the Joker due to the abuse that Arthur was forced to endure. In The Spear of Destiny, Edgar has his fair share of abuse to deal with and overcome, and it really is a testament to Harvey's world-building that you start to imagine all this could really be happening.In no uncertain terms, Harvey is a genius with dialogue. He creates these very visual characters and gives them amazing verse. Their interaction is also first class. You find yourself willing on some while genuinely detesting others. For me that's the mark between a good writer and a brilliant one. Believing in the characters. It's obvious that Harvey spends a great deal of time creating and refining them with such precision to detail.The world-building itself is enough to warrant a five star review. Granted, it's a little slow to start but it quickly finds pace.With regards to structure, I really like the way Harvey seems to have this 1st, 2nd, then final act approach - where we first get to know the main characters and motivations before we move onto conflict, and then resolution.Because there is so much to it, you really will need to read it twice. There are so many details, small things, that you don't really pick up on, but when you read it again, you're like, "Aha!!!"Harvey writes like he sees I think. He's very visual and you can easily imagine this on film. It's almost written for itSo, to summarize, there's no question that this is good. And by good, I mean GOOD!I read some reviews that called it a masterpiece and well, while i wouldn't necessarily go that far, it absolutely is one for the bookshelf, especually if you love YA and science fiction. My only gripe is that it's not hardcore sci-fi. I mean it starts off almost like a high school drama, then turns into a medical thriller, then a political thriller, before becoming a dystopian thriller. At the same time, I understand this is all part of world-building and taking us from the present to the future, so don't expect to just jump straight into a technological dystopian nightmare or you will be disappointed.It's a solid 5 star read and well deserving of all the good reviews. If you like Ready Player One, dare i even say Hunger Games and the like, then HeroPlot is for you.Of course, the big question is where Harvey takes this now, because the ending (which is an absolute cliff-hanger by the way) opens the door to a million possibilities. If Harvey manages to replicate this in the books that follow then HeroPlot, honestly is a winner.

All I can say is I can not wait for book 2 in this series. Harvey is great at character development and attention to detail. The book starts out as a medical thriller that morphs into a distopian universe with the transformation of a medical surgeon in present day Boston to that of a true villain. Fantastic!

Well written, immersive, layered dystopia with toroughly depicted characters and touching upon several bitterly current themes (neurobiology, SoMe, deep state...). I'm so much looking forward to the second book.

The writer is giving us a story that is building up a good and suspenseful journey.Can’t wait for more.

Great storytelling. Can't wait to read the next book! :)