Title: 2025
Author: Carl Berryman
Publisher: Author Reputation Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1951727246
Pages: 356
Genre: Dystopian Fiction/War Fiction/Dystopian Science-Fiction
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Hollywood Book Reviews
In our current society, our world is often focused on the future. We spend so much time worrying about the future or developing new ways of living for the future, that it is often difficult to focus on the present. As Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
In author Carl Berryman’s book, 2025, the novel serves as a sequel of sorts to the author’s novel 2023: World War III. Exploring a dystopian future in which a surprise attack from the International Space Station against the United States would leave 95% of the urban and suburban populations dying as a result of starvation, radiation and violence, the author showcases a world in which China utilizes this attack to invade the United States, while Russia invades Europe. As World War IV begins, the author paints a grim picture of reality should other nations decide to take action against the US.
The author does a fabulous job here of both world building and character growth. The political intrigue is evident early on in the novel, as whispers of those seeking to aid the “New World Order” and movements within our own government lead protagonist Ethan to worry about the future. After an unprecedented attack on prominent political leaders, the US is left vulnerable, leading to China unleashing a devastating attack. The blend of political and military drama with the survival aspect of a dystopian read in the aftermath of an attack that leaves Ethan and many others unable to communicate with the world at large makes this novel truly engaging, and keeps readers invested early on as the story progresses.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy action-driven dystopian thrillers, especially those with a military aspect that reflects much of our own world as it stands today. One thing that will stand out is much like the author’s previous work, this novel is suited best for those who view foreign policy matters from a more conservative viewpoint. I found the author’s world building and ability to capture many of the real-life fears of many in the United States and around the world to be thought-provoking and interesting, making for a powerful read.
A brilliantly written, evenly-paced and character-driven narrative, author Carl Berryman’s 2025 is a must-read dystopian thriller. A grim look at a possible future and a great commentary on how reliant our world has become on technology, the author has crafted a narrative which instantly draws the reader in and creates truly thought-provoking moments which keeps readers on both sides of the political fence engaged.