maureensbooks89's review
3.0
When I read the book description of ‘Blue Gold’ I was immediately fascinated by this read. Although I don’t read a lot of thrillers, this was a read that just interested me. Who doesn’t want to read more when you read about Climate Change? It’s such a ‘hot’ subject at the moment, I definitely wanted to read what could be written about this subject. Especially in a thriller!
I haven’t been reading a lot of thrillers lately. And it took me a while to get into this story, and not because of any lack of action. Not at all! This book is really action filled, but since I don’t read a lot of thrillers I found I couldn’t concentrate on this book as much as I would have liked. But thankfully, David Barker is a writer that makes his readers want to keep on reading and I kept going.
What I didn’t really expect was the science fiction, futuristic part of this book. I don’t read a lot of sci- fi novels and so it took me a little while to really appreciate the whole ‘set in the future’ part. But in the end I started to enjoy this book more. And the author did a great job with the world building.
The two main characters Jim and Freda where fun to read about. I think they made a fun team and I enjoyed reading about their journey together. Jim was really humoristic at times. And I just enjoyed reading about his character.
Although this book was definitely fun, I just didn’t really love it. And I think it’s mainly because of the genre. I can definitely say I’m not really into the science fiction stories at the moment. And although this book isn’t as sci fi as let’s say ‘Star Wars’, it still just wasn’t something I particularly liked. But the writing in this book was from the beginning very good and interesting and there was some great world building and awesome characterizations.
I haven’t been reading a lot of thrillers lately. And it took me a while to get into this story, and not because of any lack of action. Not at all! This book is really action filled, but since I don’t read a lot of thrillers I found I couldn’t concentrate on this book as much as I would have liked. But thankfully, David Barker is a writer that makes his readers want to keep on reading and I kept going.
What I didn’t really expect was the science fiction, futuristic part of this book. I don’t read a lot of sci- fi novels and so it took me a little while to really appreciate the whole ‘set in the future’ part. But in the end I started to enjoy this book more. And the author did a great job with the world building.
The two main characters Jim and Freda where fun to read about. I think they made a fun team and I enjoyed reading about their journey together. Jim was really humoristic at times. And I just enjoyed reading about his character.
Although this book was definitely fun, I just didn’t really love it. And I think it’s mainly because of the genre. I can definitely say I’m not really into the science fiction stories at the moment. And although this book isn’t as sci fi as let’s say ‘Star Wars’, it still just wasn’t something I particularly liked. But the writing in this book was from the beginning very good and interesting and there was some great world building and awesome characterizations.
amothersmusings1's review
4.0
When I first started reading "Blue Gold" by David Barker it felt like I was venturing into the world of James Bond! Plenty of action, a fast paced plot and a tremendous thought provoking storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this brilliant book.
I don't normally read science fiction or futuristic style stories but I bought this through the monthly Urbane Book Club and I'm glad that it was included in that month's package or I probably would have missed out on a very entertaining book.
"Blue Gold" - in my opinion - requires your full concentration and attention to do the story the justice it deserves. Set in the not too distant future and with the threat of a world war for water there are a few timelines running throughout so you do need to keep track of where you are with the intelligent storyline, but it does however all come together at the end perfectly.
I loved Sim and Freda, I thought they teamed up brilliantly together and were very engaging characters - though all the characters were well portrayed.
There's also some interesting nuggets of information at the start of each chapter referring to some of the details in that chapter and there's also a brilliant author's note at the end of the book too. I will certainly be thinking about our unlimited access to water in a different way from now on and realise just how lucky we are.
"Blue Gold" is very well written, polished and professional that will appeal to many a thriller fan. Once again Urbane Publications have printed another beautifully designed book that makes a change to all the mass market editions flooding the shelves. I highly recommend this book to thriller and sci-fi fans alike and I look forward to the next book in the series "Rose Gold".
I don't normally read science fiction or futuristic style stories but I bought this through the monthly Urbane Book Club and I'm glad that it was included in that month's package or I probably would have missed out on a very entertaining book.
"Blue Gold" - in my opinion - requires your full concentration and attention to do the story the justice it deserves. Set in the not too distant future and with the threat of a world war for water there are a few timelines running throughout so you do need to keep track of where you are with the intelligent storyline, but it does however all come together at the end perfectly.
I loved Sim and Freda, I thought they teamed up brilliantly together and were very engaging characters - though all the characters were well portrayed.
There's also some interesting nuggets of information at the start of each chapter referring to some of the details in that chapter and there's also a brilliant author's note at the end of the book too. I will certainly be thinking about our unlimited access to water in a different way from now on and realise just how lucky we are.
"Blue Gold" is very well written, polished and professional that will appeal to many a thriller fan. Once again Urbane Publications have printed another beautifully designed book that makes a change to all the mass market editions flooding the shelves. I highly recommend this book to thriller and sci-fi fans alike and I look forward to the next book in the series "Rose Gold".
karlou's review
5.0
You'd have to have been in a coma to not realise that climate change is (rightly) at the forefront of our collective social and political consciousness at present. In Blue Gold, David Barker imagines a near future in which the demand for water has meant the international community is on the brink of world war as various countries and terrorists resort to increasingly violent measures in the race to hold control over this 'blue gold'.
The book opens with a brief but exciting scene which introduces international OFWAT agents, Sim and Freda. As Sim finds himself in a perilous position, he reflects on how much his life has changed in a such a short space of time, having received a phone call just two months ago which changed everything for him. The storyline then switches back to this moment, when Sim is called in to work after a monitoring satellite over Iceland suddenly disappears. He quickly suspects it has been purposely brought down as an act of either war or terrorism and it is his report to OFWAT's HQ which results in him being paired with seasoned agent, Freda.
As the book progresses it soon becomes obvious that this is not a novel written with a linear timeline and alongside the main storyline featuring Sim and Freda's danger-fraught international trail, there are scenes set at various key moments in this world's history, from 2018 onwards. It makes for a complex read and for those readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative, I suspect the introduction of numerous characters and scenes which aren't obviously linked to the main story, may be a little too complicated. However, I really enjoyed what is an immersive and really quite unnerving exploration of how the world might react to the ever-growing need for water. It's impossible not to compare this potential future scenario with the wars and terrorist acts which have arisen due to the demand for oil. I thought the little excerpts from the O.D. (Overseas Division) Training Manual were a lovely extra touch and an indication as to the level of detail David Barker has used to create this entirely believable world. Likewise, right at the end of the book, after the author's notes, there is another treat for readers; 'Extracts From: "A Potable History of W³, The World War for Water" by A Wardle.' and though it's not necessary to read this part, I would urge you to do so.
Blue Gold is a novel which demands attention but rewards its readers with a fast-paced, riveting plot set in a well-crafted and only too realistic future. The main characters, Sim and Freda are both intriguing protagonists and I enjoyed the dynamic between the pair. During the course of the novel, the meandering narrative gives us vital glimpses into their pasts and it's fascinating to discover what brought them to this point and what effect it has had on them. Although both are highly resourceful and capable agents, they are troubled by what they encounter and are rather reluctant heroes who don't seek adventure but are motivated by a desire to prevent war.
In the author's notes at the end, David Barker includes some important facts about the global demand for water which means the possibility of conflict over water resources is only too plausible - by 2030, over half the word's population will live in areas of high water stress. Blue Gold is a compelling speculative action thriller but it is also a heartfelt call for more awareness of this crucial issue. I highly recommend you take the time to read on after the story concludes for more information including links to various charities and organisations who are endeavouring to address the ongoing challenge. Blue Gold is a disturbing look at what may lie ahead for us but it is also an exciting, thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging eco-thriller. I'm looking forward to discovering what happens next in the sequel, Rose Gold. Highly recommended.
The book opens with a brief but exciting scene which introduces international OFWAT agents, Sim and Freda. As Sim finds himself in a perilous position, he reflects on how much his life has changed in a such a short space of time, having received a phone call just two months ago which changed everything for him. The storyline then switches back to this moment, when Sim is called in to work after a monitoring satellite over Iceland suddenly disappears. He quickly suspects it has been purposely brought down as an act of either war or terrorism and it is his report to OFWAT's HQ which results in him being paired with seasoned agent, Freda.
As the book progresses it soon becomes obvious that this is not a novel written with a linear timeline and alongside the main storyline featuring Sim and Freda's danger-fraught international trail, there are scenes set at various key moments in this world's history, from 2018 onwards. It makes for a complex read and for those readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative, I suspect the introduction of numerous characters and scenes which aren't obviously linked to the main story, may be a little too complicated. However, I really enjoyed what is an immersive and really quite unnerving exploration of how the world might react to the ever-growing need for water. It's impossible not to compare this potential future scenario with the wars and terrorist acts which have arisen due to the demand for oil. I thought the little excerpts from the O.D. (Overseas Division) Training Manual were a lovely extra touch and an indication as to the level of detail David Barker has used to create this entirely believable world. Likewise, right at the end of the book, after the author's notes, there is another treat for readers; 'Extracts From: "A Potable History of W³, The World War for Water" by A Wardle.' and though it's not necessary to read this part, I would urge you to do so.
Blue Gold is a novel which demands attention but rewards its readers with a fast-paced, riveting plot set in a well-crafted and only too realistic future. The main characters, Sim and Freda are both intriguing protagonists and I enjoyed the dynamic between the pair. During the course of the novel, the meandering narrative gives us vital glimpses into their pasts and it's fascinating to discover what brought them to this point and what effect it has had on them. Although both are highly resourceful and capable agents, they are troubled by what they encounter and are rather reluctant heroes who don't seek adventure but are motivated by a desire to prevent war.
In the author's notes at the end, David Barker includes some important facts about the global demand for water which means the possibility of conflict over water resources is only too plausible - by 2030, over half the word's population will live in areas of high water stress. Blue Gold is a compelling speculative action thriller but it is also a heartfelt call for more awareness of this crucial issue. I highly recommend you take the time to read on after the story concludes for more information including links to various charities and organisations who are endeavouring to address the ongoing challenge. Blue Gold is a disturbing look at what may lie ahead for us but it is also an exciting, thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging eco-thriller. I'm looking forward to discovering what happens next in the sequel, Rose Gold. Highly recommended.
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