His world was dying. His people were on the brink of extinction. Reclamation was the answer. About to embark upon his first mission, Ra was honored to be saving lives while serving his people. Then he saw her and everything changed. In her emerald eyes, he saw an unflattering and unexpected reflection of himself. The weight of responsibility almost unbearable, he searched his soul for the answer. He had no idea that his decision might destroy the world he served.
Her town was being devastated by a natural disaster of biblical proportions. Banning together to weather the storm was their only hope for survival. In forging a good life out of the ashes of abandonment, heartache, and betrayal, Holly had shown exceptional strength. When the blizzard swallowed the quaint mountain town she’d chosen to call home, her son lost and alone in its icy grasp, the limits of her strength were once again tested. She had no idea that surviving the storm would be the least of their worries.
THE DRIFT, complete at 107,000 words, explores the inherent duality of good and evil where evolutionary decline and technological advancement collides with social justice and the innate desire for self-preservation. In his 5-star Readers’ Favorite review, author Lex Allen wrote, “If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s The Drift by David Maxwell.” One Goodreads reviewer described it as “Science fiction at its best!” In style, this story will resonate with the readers of Stephen King, A.G. Riddle, and Veronica Roth.
“Science fiction at its best!
I really enjoyed David Maxwell’s first novel, Rebirth, and now he’s truly hit it out of the park with The Drift! There are futuristic technologies, relatable characters, apocalyptic circumstances, and emotional surprises. The writing pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt every minute of the fear, hope, anguish, and joy the characters experienced as the story unfolded. The settings were vivid and the personalities colorful.
One of the more interesting aspects to me was the notion that good and evil can be a part of the same person and that situational challenges can create a very fine line between the two, at least in their own eyes. Stories within the story were compelling, particularly Holly’s and Jenny’s. I appreciated that this male author really captured the strength, intelligence, unique trials, and undeniable resilience of his female characters. Maddie’s “spit and vinegar” reminded me of my own grandmother and felt very real.
Beyond the gripping action, suspenseful turns, and intense emotional journey, this is a fascinating and complex story with undertones and overtones of societal challenges we grapple with today. Enveloped in this exciting technological thriller, there are messages of tolerance, loyalty, equality, personal responsibility, and the common threads that bind us to our communities and our world.
I’d love to see this one on the movie screen!”
"I’ve been fortunate to have read for review a string of top-notch novels for Reader’s Favorite the past several weeks and The Drift by David Maxwell earned its way to the top of that list. In this stunning science-fiction thriller, the town of Crystal Falls is hit by a winter storm of unbelievable proportions and intensity. The townsfolk struggle to survive and assemble in the local clinic. Following a series of hair-raising events, characterized by great acts of bravery and determination, it looks like almost everyone has survived the worst ... and that’s when the shite really hits the fan.
The Drift is a strong, character driven, magnificent story that touches on several emotional themes and personal discoveries as the actors struggle within a dystopian world in which an advanced society's strategies for survival and rejuvenation of their dying world infringes upon and enslaves another. Mr. Maxwell is expert in building and defining his characters. Regardless of their place in the story - major or minor actor, protagonist or antagonist - he brings them to life with an unparalleled sense of verisimilitude. These actors are true to life and unforgettable.
The Drift is a refreshing view of a familiar (for sci-fi fans) theme, told in compelling fashion, perfectly paced with each scene meshing and setting the stage for the next. You’ll find little to no “tell” in this story; it’s almost entirely “show.” I easily visualized every scene. As applicable, I felt love, empathy, sympathy, dislike, and/or hatred for every character. If I could reduce this review to a single sentence, it would be this: If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s The Drift by David Maxwell."
