A Rollercoaster Ride in a Dystopian World—“The Price of Rebellion” by Michael C. Bland

Anca here, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on “The Price of Rebellion” by Michael C. Bland. This sci-fi thriller is a gripping tale that delves into the fight for truth in a world riddled with deception. 

From the Back cover

It’s 2047. Secrets have been revealed. And Washington wants revenge.

Dray Quintero learned an ugly truth: the leaders in D.C. are fake. They’ve stolen the identities of those elected to Congress and are determined to stay in power, using his own technology against him and the rest of the population.

After revealing the dangers of their mandated implants to his fellow citizens, and calling on everyone to rise up, Dray joins the already-underway rebellion. But his joining is as much to free the U.S. as it is to avenge his daughter’s death. Before he can strike, The Agency attacks with devastating consequences. Dray and the other survivors are forced to run as Agents hunt them.

Then Dray makes a discovery that could change the nation.

As he and the rebels prepare a bold offensive, his wife, Mina, broadcasts a preposterous claim. He’s forced to choose between the rebellion and a desperate hope. Between family and country.

What he does will change everything.

My Review 

In this chilling future, a nefarious government has seized control, wielding unprecedented power through a forehead implant initially designed for crime prevention but now used to invade the privacy of every citizen. It’s a thought-provoking concept, to say the least.

Now, I should mention that “The Price of Rebellion” is the second book in a series. However, fear not if you haven’t read the first one; Bland has your back. He provides a concise introduction from our ingenious inventor protagonist, Dray Quintero, and a detailed timeline of past events. It’s a considerate touch, ensuring both returning readers and newcomers are on the same page.

The story wastes no time, catapulting us into a whirlwind of high-stakes action and suspense that keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. Dray, once again on the run, finds himself with newfound allies, the stalwart rebellion. Their presence is a comforting bulwark in a world under constant surveillance.

While the theme of invasive surveillance and its consequences is a familiar one in dystopian literature, Bland navigates it with finesse, making it all too relatable in our tech-centric reality.

Beyond the pulse-pounding action, Bland explores profound themes that resonate with our modern world, including the role of technology, the ethics of scientific innovation, and the balance of power between government and corporations. These layers of depth add substance to an already thrilling narrative.

Bland’s writing style is compelling, with a focus on dynamic dialogue and action sequences. He seamlessly weaves in the necessary backstory to ensure readers are well-grounded in the story’s context.

Amidst the chaos and intrigue, interpersonal conflicts simmer, especially with our complex protagonist, Dray, who isn’t known for playing nice with others, including his own daughter. While occasional strong language and violence punctuate the narrative, the heart of the story lies in the intricate relationships between characters and their collective struggle for survival and a better future.

The story’s dark and suspenseful conclusion serves as a tantalizing setup for the next installment in this riveting series. “The Price of Rebellion” is a masterfully crafted narrative that seamlessly blends societal commentary with adrenaline-pumping adventure. Michael C. Bland’s storytelling prowess will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

*This review was first published in Hooked on Books on Medium. I write for a variety of Medium publications on topics like productivity, mindset, books, writing techniques and more. So for content other than fantasy, check out my opinions on Medium.