Assessment:
Plot: As much mythical as mystery, and as much polemic as thriller, the author's take on America lurching toward a Trumpian theocracy is engaging in itself, though references to the first book in an apparent series are opaque at times.
Prose/Style: The author's prose style, when it comes to action scenes or inter-character dialogue, is for the most part clean and crisp, if occasionally didactic, but the initial descriptions of major players are overly detailed. That being said, the author's litany of how his brave new democratic world would function is breathtakingly long-winded.
Originality: Though barely grounded in reality -- it's unlikely a would-be assassin could perch unseen in a General Assembly translation booth -- Holdsworth's blend of the legend of Camelot, a hidden Nazi village and the world's increasingly illiberal tendencies is compelling.
Character Development: Characters central to the narrative are fully dimensional, despite a couple of back-from-the-dead implausibilities, but too many of the hero's numerous sidekicks are ciphers.
Date Submitted: June 12, 2019
“These are the times that try men’s souls.” – Thomas Paine. Novum Orbis Regium is an engaging thriller by W.A. Holdsworth. In 476 CE, King Arthur’s cavalry fights the Saxons at Mons Badonicus. An unusual fog covers the Saxon army, enabling Arthur to end the war and focus on bringing harmony to the world. Fifteen centuries later, his descendant, William MacCrarey, Deputy Ambassador to the UN, carries on his legacy. MacCrarey’s work and vision to maintain worldwide democracy are undermined by General Secretary Boujeau and General Schoen. They conspire to turn the country into a white supremacy affiliated with the Christian National Fellowship Pact. However, the heir of Arthur stands in their way. Schoen’s dark past also yearns to come to light and claim its revenge.
“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.” – Leonardo da Vinci. Novum Orbis Regium will keep you in a contemplative mood with its historical and contemporary facts and figures, as well as a religious theme. Its politics and some characters were realistic, while certain acts of discrimination displayed are similar to modern times. I felt the impact of W.A. Holdsworth’s strong, imaginative storytelling. The characters were impressive and it was nice seeing a new twist on King Arthur. There was a particular twist that took me off guard and I loved it. This thriller was truly a delight to read and is one that will make an interesting debate discussion with its quotes, scripture verses, and other significant references. This book is highly recommended.
