Book Review for The Arena: Omnibus by D. Michael Withrow
The Arena: Omnibus, by D. Michael Withrow, is a beautiful epic that illustrates the importance of family, and that no matter what, they would do anything to protect one another, even if it meant following them to hell.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part introduces Colston, the fifteen year old heir to the Carlson Empire. He befriends two debtors, Cole and Anna, both of whom show him that there was more to reality than the arena, and that human life was precious. As such, he resolves to do anything to protect them. The second part shows Colston as an adult, who decides to leave the estate with Cole and Anna, only to be stopped by a tragedy he knew he could have prevented. The final part depicts Colston trying to atone for that tragedy, despite the fact no one believes he deserved the life he’d been handed. However, he manages to move on from this despair and continue living, thus leaving his past behind.
It was heartbreaking when I read about Colston. He doesn’t realize just how wonderful he is, even though he loved Anna and Cole. He even locks himself away in jail, convinced that he played a part in Anna’s death, though his friends say it wasn’t his fault. It’s because of this kindness that forces him to play other’s wellbeing over his own. The servants that served beneath him, the warriors he helped train, and even his father, if only for a brief moment, couldn’t help but love him. It makes the ending all the more satisfying when he finally decides to pick himself up and carry on living.
The world Withrow paints is also wonderful. He introduces a dystopian society that reflects what would happen if our own country was ruled by greed and corruption. The system of debtors was just another way to continue the age-old evil of slavery, and rather than the death penalty, convicted killers are sent to fight for their lives in the area, if only for the sick amusement of complete strangers. It’s corruption like this that’s forced me to see that the book really was a battlefield, whether it be in the arena, or at home. It’s hard to escape the world, especially since there are enemies everywhere.
Another thing to note was how the book kept me guessing, kept me thinking, kept me wondering about whether or not there would actually be a silver lining in the end. It made me ask myself if what would’ve happened had Colston decided to take over for his father, if Anna had survived her suicide attempt. Then of course, this could all just be my own wishful thoughts. When you’re young, after all, you tend to value escapism. You don’t want to risk being absorbed into a world you rejected, even if it is the safer choice.
The stunning character development and moral cruelties intertwined perfectly within the dystopian world Withrow elegantly weaves. The questions in the book challenged me, and added unique perspective to an already bittersweet ending. Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.6 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy The Lesser of Evils and The Hunger Games.
