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Revolution Earth
A sunny London lunchtime is punctuated by a casual act of violence that will ricochet across four continents.
Stephen Connor, trainee Metropolitan Police detective is first on the scene when a cyclist is killed in a seemingly ordinary hit-and-run.
Just another tragedy on a London street?
Nothing seems to trouble the driver, Big Oil PR guru Greg Palmer - who treats the incident as a minor inconvenience. Palmer is confronted by the dead girl's soulmate, Cara who howls at the injustice of a system that allows an unrepentant killer to walk free.
When Cara flees halfway across the world to confront him, Stephen is one step behind.
Can Stephen protect Cara from a group of charismatic eco-terrorists, who try to lure her in?
As a publicity stunt at a major oil refinery goes wrong, who will be there when Cara finds out that the target she cared so passionately about had simply moved?
Against a backdrop of London, New Zealand, Antarctica and Australia, the race begins….
REVOLUTION EARTH is a high octane fast-paced thriller with a gripping finale.
Stephen Connor, trainee Metropolitan Police detective is first on the scene when a cyclist is killed in a seemingly ordinary hit-and-run.
Just another tragedy on a London street?
Nothing seems to trouble the driver, Big Oil PR guru Greg Palmer - who treats the incident as a minor inconvenience. Palmer is confronted by the dead girl's soulmate, Cara who howls at the injustice of a system that allows an unrepentant killer to walk free.
When Cara flees halfway across the world to confront him, Stephen is one step behind.
Can Stephen protect Cara from a group of charismatic eco-terrorists, who try to lure her in?
As a publicity stunt at a major oil refinery goes wrong, who will be there when Cara finds out that the target she cared so passionately about had simply moved?
Against a backdrop of London, New Zealand, Antarctica and Australia, the race begins….
REVOLUTION EARTH is a high octane fast-paced thriller with a gripping finale.
284 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2012
21 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 16, 2015
When I read the synopsis of this book I was excited. It sounded thrilling and exciting. The concept of eco-terrorism is one I've not read a great deal about and I was intrigued.
Sadly, this is where my excitement left. It wasn't because the story is bad - it's not - it's just that there was so many character arcs and sub-plots and changing POVs and new locations that my brain just couldn't keep up. The style and pace would be far better suited to a visual product, and that might be partially because the authors have backgrounds in film and TV production. The frantic pace, changing scenes and POVs are far better suited to a TV serial or a film because the visual cues can help the watcher pick up the meaning without needing paragraphs of backup text to convey the same thing.
The characters (except for Stephen) are brilliant. I felt for Cara, I enjoyed the emotional unheaval, the mental warring and the physical changes to each of the varied cast. I even liked Stephen, but he was far less defined than any of the other characters. I think my favourite was Tariq, even though initially I wasn't sure why. I really liked how he changed in the story. It was a nice touch.
The reasons why this has only got three starts from me are:
1. There are some minor editing issues (the details are at the bottom of my review).
2. The pacing is off - the reader gets way too much information and not enough time to digest it. It's a constant struggle to keep up, which keeps the reader out of the story and essentially means that the reader gets less character emersion, less emotional attachment and far less of a grasp on the complex plot.
3. Stephen's lack of complexity and roundedness. Compared to Tariq and Cara, even Paula and Ken, Stephen is a flat cookie-cutter copper character. He deviates from that marginally, but generally speaking I felt no connection to him at all.
These points are, of course, a huge let down for the book because the writing is, in most parts, fantastic, most of the characters are great, complex and realistic, and the plot is a thoroughly exciting one.
It's a bit sad that too much has been crammed into the story.
Things I noticed:
5% - He was answerable right here and now to to (delete second to)...
...the warden's face.pulling a handkerchief (insert space after full stop)
8% - ...they want us (to) concentrate on their mud...
13% - 'Like I said it"s my day off...
...indifference didn"t...
I"ve got a cousin...
...He"s
(replace " with ')
60% - changes from Cara to Ken to Janine POV in one para.
62% - ' I'm (remove space before I'm) giving you a lift...
Throughout the book, but more so in the latter half, the scene changes need more substance. Is this the 'tabbing' issue the previous Awesome Indies reviewer flagged? (71%, 79%)
85% - Perhaps he was (delete was) just wanted to pull...
93% - ...one sludge tank voiding'Mitch said. (Add space after speech)
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
Sadly, this is where my excitement left. It wasn't because the story is bad - it's not - it's just that there was so many character arcs and sub-plots and changing POVs and new locations that my brain just couldn't keep up. The style and pace would be far better suited to a visual product, and that might be partially because the authors have backgrounds in film and TV production. The frantic pace, changing scenes and POVs are far better suited to a TV serial or a film because the visual cues can help the watcher pick up the meaning without needing paragraphs of backup text to convey the same thing.
The characters (except for Stephen) are brilliant. I felt for Cara, I enjoyed the emotional unheaval, the mental warring and the physical changes to each of the varied cast. I even liked Stephen, but he was far less defined than any of the other characters. I think my favourite was Tariq, even though initially I wasn't sure why. I really liked how he changed in the story. It was a nice touch.
The reasons why this has only got three starts from me are:
1. There are some minor editing issues (the details are at the bottom of my review).
2. The pacing is off - the reader gets way too much information and not enough time to digest it. It's a constant struggle to keep up, which keeps the reader out of the story and essentially means that the reader gets less character emersion, less emotional attachment and far less of a grasp on the complex plot.
3. Stephen's lack of complexity and roundedness. Compared to Tariq and Cara, even Paula and Ken, Stephen is a flat cookie-cutter copper character. He deviates from that marginally, but generally speaking I felt no connection to him at all.
These points are, of course, a huge let down for the book because the writing is, in most parts, fantastic, most of the characters are great, complex and realistic, and the plot is a thoroughly exciting one.
It's a bit sad that too much has been crammed into the story.
Things I noticed:
5% - He was answerable right here and now to to (delete second to)...
...the warden's face.pulling a handkerchief (insert space after full stop)
8% - ...they want us (to) concentrate on their mud...
13% - 'Like I said it"s my day off...
...indifference didn"t...
I"ve got a cousin...
...He"s
(replace " with ')
60% - changes from Cara to Ken to Janine POV in one para.
62% - ' I'm (remove space before I'm) giving you a lift...
Throughout the book, but more so in the latter half, the scene changes need more substance. Is this the 'tabbing' issue the previous Awesome Indies reviewer flagged? (71%, 79%)
85% - Perhaps he was (delete was) just wanted to pull...
93% - ...one sludge tank voiding'Mitch said. (Add space after speech)
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
June 1, 2013
This is brilliantly written with detailed and cinematic action. The plot takes that action from London to New Zealand, Antarctica (with a base named Hotel India), Australia and several points in between. The co-authors describe cyclists riding on a road that “curled and writhed as if in pain.” They note that one character had “such self-belief that he had no room in his life for anyone but himself”; that, en route to Antarctica, another observed so many blues, “eggshell and powder, dove and peacock, sky and indigo.” It does not escape them that, of all-nighters, “there are only so many you can do in one lifetime”; of parallel universes, that they were too sad to contemplate for “one life was hard enough to get right”; that high up above the scene of the final conflict in Australia pelicans “punctuated the sky like a Morse-code message from Mother Nature herself.” They observe wryly that the British class system extended to flowers (pansies are for grannies), but get into somewhat thin air with the arch note “would any junior HR staff have the nous to query” some company directive.
The novel’s most sympathetic character is an immigrant from Bangladesh who was good enough to win a stage in the Tour de France but, having lost his legs in an accident and fending off cousins who threaten to come to London “expecting good jobs and a place on his sofa for six months,” becomes an entrepreneur; he runs a courier service with riders on bicycles making deliveries all over London. That was how “Jonie,” the life of his company, is killed by a deliberate hit and run driver (who has his reasons, naturally), leaving her lover and fellow courier Cara so distraught that she empties her bank account and goes to New Zealand to discover the “family” Jonie had left. They are a group of vegan, hippie, part-Maori, environmental activists. They attack a chicken farm, described in adequately gruesome detail. In this as in much of the novel harrowing research is clearly evident.
The next target is an Argentine fishing boat. (It is a great inconvenience that the entire continent of South America should exist between New Zealand and Argentina, but the authors plough ahead referring to the rendezvous of eco-activists and fishing boat in the “Southern Ocean.”) Meanwhile, the bad guys are doing terrible damage to the ecosystem while drilling for oil in Antarctica and the worse guys are pulling all-nighters trying to put a positive spin on the news. (We are really in trouble, someone said, when our best minds go into advertizing or, in this case, PR.) Having survived an epic storm in the Southern Ocean, Cara picks up the tracks of Jonie’s killer and heads for the headquarters of the company. There, she and a replenished group of eco-activists turn eco-terrorists (at least one of them does) make their final statement.
Why she does this or why anyone in this novel does anything is the novel’s weak point, and as was observed of Cara one “couldn’t help feeling that what she said came out like she was reading off an auto-cue.” The narrator notices that “Tariq watched Stephen as Stephen watched Cara, both with a tenderness that Cara hadn’t noticed,” but does not succeed in showing us what motivates each of the characters. For Jonie, George and the Planet—this simply does not have enough heart or “emotional connection.” It seems as if the authors have written about all matters of emotion and motivation with their gloves on. Therefore, I have ranked this with four stars; I so very much wanted to give it five.
The novel’s most sympathetic character is an immigrant from Bangladesh who was good enough to win a stage in the Tour de France but, having lost his legs in an accident and fending off cousins who threaten to come to London “expecting good jobs and a place on his sofa for six months,” becomes an entrepreneur; he runs a courier service with riders on bicycles making deliveries all over London. That was how “Jonie,” the life of his company, is killed by a deliberate hit and run driver (who has his reasons, naturally), leaving her lover and fellow courier Cara so distraught that she empties her bank account and goes to New Zealand to discover the “family” Jonie had left. They are a group of vegan, hippie, part-Maori, environmental activists. They attack a chicken farm, described in adequately gruesome detail. In this as in much of the novel harrowing research is clearly evident.
The next target is an Argentine fishing boat. (It is a great inconvenience that the entire continent of South America should exist between New Zealand and Argentina, but the authors plough ahead referring to the rendezvous of eco-activists and fishing boat in the “Southern Ocean.”) Meanwhile, the bad guys are doing terrible damage to the ecosystem while drilling for oil in Antarctica and the worse guys are pulling all-nighters trying to put a positive spin on the news. (We are really in trouble, someone said, when our best minds go into advertizing or, in this case, PR.) Having survived an epic storm in the Southern Ocean, Cara picks up the tracks of Jonie’s killer and heads for the headquarters of the company. There, she and a replenished group of eco-activists turn eco-terrorists (at least one of them does) make their final statement.
Why she does this or why anyone in this novel does anything is the novel’s weak point, and as was observed of Cara one “couldn’t help feeling that what she said came out like she was reading off an auto-cue.” The narrator notices that “Tariq watched Stephen as Stephen watched Cara, both with a tenderness that Cara hadn’t noticed,” but does not succeed in showing us what motivates each of the characters. For Jonie, George and the Planet—this simply does not have enough heart or “emotional connection.” It seems as if the authors have written about all matters of emotion and motivation with their gloves on. Therefore, I have ranked this with four stars; I so very much wanted to give it five.
December 12, 2019
This was just an okay read for me. i never really got to grips with the disparate settings, characters and storylines - there never really seemed to be a main thread to the story: it seemed to start as Cara's search for revenge against the PR executive who murdered her colleague and best friend in a hit-and-run accident and turned into a story of eco-terrorists (or ecoteurs as they call them in the book) taking on a petroleum giant causing environmental destruction. The ending was also sloppy and unsatisfactory - 6/10.
May 6, 2013
Lambert Nagle was a new name to me in the world of thrillers, so I was happy to dive into the highly-detailed world that Revolution Earth describes, hoping to find a new author to proclaim.
Well, it transpires that Lambert Nagle is an entirely new name ... being the pen name of a married couple, Kiwi/Brit as they describe themselves, who have started a new series of books featuring their hero, Stephen Connor.
Connor is a trainee detective who becomes involved in a case that crosses continents, beginning with the apparently-accidental running down of a cyclist in a London street.
Connor meets the cyclist's friend, Cara, and tracks her as she starts to investigate the driver of the hit-and-run car and, subsequently, the clients of his PR firm. How she joins an anti-capitalist protest group and how Stephen both uses and protects her form the spine of the story, leading to an explosive conclusion in Australia.
The breadth of knowledge and experience that have gone into the writing of this book is stunning. From how to maintain a professional bicycle to how to pilot a deep-sea fishing vessel, from drilling in Antarctica to running a courier firm in Bethnal Green ... there seems to be nothing that this writing duo don't know how to do. The pace is fast and the writing direct and to the point, giving us access to the thought processes of a wide variety of characters.
What works best is the structure of the book. It begins innovatively (no spoilers!) and then races off with lots of short chapters that whisk the reader from one location to another so that we never know what's coming next. We're involved in the lives not only of Stephen and Cara, but of Tariq, Cara's boss, Ginny, a PR woman to whom Stephen becomes romantically attached - and many more, from eco-warriors to security directors to PR gurus and oil company executives. As I said, wide-ranging and detailed.
So put aside a few hours of your time and prepare to be sucked into a maelstrom of plot and counter-plot, ethical dilemmas and sexual passions. You won't regret it.
Well, it transpires that Lambert Nagle is an entirely new name ... being the pen name of a married couple, Kiwi/Brit as they describe themselves, who have started a new series of books featuring their hero, Stephen Connor.
Connor is a trainee detective who becomes involved in a case that crosses continents, beginning with the apparently-accidental running down of a cyclist in a London street.
Connor meets the cyclist's friend, Cara, and tracks her as she starts to investigate the driver of the hit-and-run car and, subsequently, the clients of his PR firm. How she joins an anti-capitalist protest group and how Stephen both uses and protects her form the spine of the story, leading to an explosive conclusion in Australia.
The breadth of knowledge and experience that have gone into the writing of this book is stunning. From how to maintain a professional bicycle to how to pilot a deep-sea fishing vessel, from drilling in Antarctica to running a courier firm in Bethnal Green ... there seems to be nothing that this writing duo don't know how to do. The pace is fast and the writing direct and to the point, giving us access to the thought processes of a wide variety of characters.
What works best is the structure of the book. It begins innovatively (no spoilers!) and then races off with lots of short chapters that whisk the reader from one location to another so that we never know what's coming next. We're involved in the lives not only of Stephen and Cara, but of Tariq, Cara's boss, Ginny, a PR woman to whom Stephen becomes romantically attached - and many more, from eco-warriors to security directors to PR gurus and oil company executives. As I said, wide-ranging and detailed.
So put aside a few hours of your time and prepare to be sucked into a maelstrom of plot and counter-plot, ethical dilemmas and sexual passions. You won't regret it.
June 26, 2013
Revolution Earth does a good job of exploring major economic and environmental issues across multiple continents, all while breathing life into a host of characters required to live between two covers. From page one, I was intrigued. Nagel does a great job of engaging the reader from the very beginning. I wanted to know each character and understand every motivation behind their words, their actions, and their feelings. I must admit I grieved with Cara and when the time came, I rebelled with her. I looked forward to traveling the world with all the characters--be it on a bicycle in London or a private plane to Antarctica.
The story spans oceans and takes a seemingly simple event and introduces the webs and layers evident in a good thriller. However in Revolution Earth, those webs and layers created a complexity that resulted in a lack of fluidity at times. During certain parts the motivations behind the actions of the characters weren’t explained enough and I was left feeling a bit confused.
I also struggled with the Brit/Kiwi colloquialisms that cruised high above my American understanding. However, I don’t believe having to skip a few expressions/phrases in any way detracted from the story’s appeal and my understanding of the plot.
Although the novel does have some opportunities, it is wildly and powerfully poetic in a way that tugs at the heart and brings a scene so vividly and recognizably close. I didn’t simply read these words, I felt them: “It wasn’t the getting of wisdom; it was a rendezvous with despair. She seemed to be a spectator of her own life, watching as her childhood died inside her.”
After reading the story, I’m surprised the series will focus on Stephen as he wasn’t the character I most wanted to reconnect with once the story came to an end. It will be interesting to see what these authors have in store for book two because based on this debut, I’m looking forward to their next release.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story spans oceans and takes a seemingly simple event and introduces the webs and layers evident in a good thriller. However in Revolution Earth, those webs and layers created a complexity that resulted in a lack of fluidity at times. During certain parts the motivations behind the actions of the characters weren’t explained enough and I was left feeling a bit confused.
I also struggled with the Brit/Kiwi colloquialisms that cruised high above my American understanding. However, I don’t believe having to skip a few expressions/phrases in any way detracted from the story’s appeal and my understanding of the plot.
Although the novel does have some opportunities, it is wildly and powerfully poetic in a way that tugs at the heart and brings a scene so vividly and recognizably close. I didn’t simply read these words, I felt them: “It wasn’t the getting of wisdom; it was a rendezvous with despair. She seemed to be a spectator of her own life, watching as her childhood died inside her.”
After reading the story, I’m surprised the series will focus on Stephen as he wasn’t the character I most wanted to reconnect with once the story came to an end. It will be interesting to see what these authors have in store for book two because based on this debut, I’m looking forward to their next release.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2013
Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle is an eco-activist thriller populated with memorable and intriguing characters. From the beginning, the book flows with a sense of gritty poetry. Many times, I stopped to reread a particularly clever description or phrase. The settings within the book are richly described with the sort of detail that gives readers unfamiliar with those places a sense of having been there. Some of the dialogue is peppered with local color (or colour). For an American reader, some phrases may seem a little obscure, but they are easily understood.
The plot focuses on an eco-activist subculture that occasionally borders on eco-terrorism. As such, the book feels current, relevant to present day corporate and global politics. Big Oil makes for an easy target, but the focus here is on the PR spin more than simple issues of corporate wealth or greed.
Characters are central in this story. Multiple characters caught me. I felt invested in them. More than the plot, it was the desire to know the characters that drove me to read on.
There were a couple of things that stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. I don’t want to include any spoilers, so I’ll just say that there were a few moments where I had to set aside any objections and just get on with the story. In spite of this, however, I enjoyed the book.
I would recommend Revolution Earth to thriller fans. Not only is it a good debut novel, it’s a good thriller. This is a promising start to a new series.
A complimentary review copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
The plot focuses on an eco-activist subculture that occasionally borders on eco-terrorism. As such, the book feels current, relevant to present day corporate and global politics. Big Oil makes for an easy target, but the focus here is on the PR spin more than simple issues of corporate wealth or greed.
Characters are central in this story. Multiple characters caught me. I felt invested in them. More than the plot, it was the desire to know the characters that drove me to read on.
There were a couple of things that stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. I don’t want to include any spoilers, so I’ll just say that there were a few moments where I had to set aside any objections and just get on with the story. In spite of this, however, I enjoyed the book.
I would recommend Revolution Earth to thriller fans. Not only is it a good debut novel, it’s a good thriller. This is a promising start to a new series.
A complimentary review copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
February 25, 2013
I have enjoyed this fast paced ecological thriller that spans the globe with its countless characters. Told from several viewpoints in short chapters gave the feeling of speed and urgency which kept the pages turning.
I have two criticisms and have a bearing on awarding just four stars..
I didn’t care for the sex scene and felt the inclusion of this was a box ticking exercise – must include sex scene (tick). The romance would have done without the detail for me.
I felt I didn’t get to know Stephen well which, given this is the first in a series about him, disappointed.
Overall I really enjoyed both the story and the writing style. I will be looking out for the next book.
I have two criticisms and have a bearing on awarding just four stars..
I didn’t care for the sex scene and felt the inclusion of this was a box ticking exercise – must include sex scene (tick). The romance would have done without the detail for me.
I felt I didn’t get to know Stephen well which, given this is the first in a series about him, disappointed.
Overall I really enjoyed both the story and the writing style. I will be looking out for the next book.
June 3, 2013
Evolution Earth is the first novel by Debut Author Lambert Nagle.
It's hard to believe What a Brilliantly Crafted and thoughtful cinematic action novel by a Debut Author this is.
This novel is written with beautifully crafted plot that's written with shear perfection and brilliantly detailed action scenes that are exhilarating and profound.
The plot is wide yet kept tighter ranging from all the exotic locations possibly existing on planet earth, viz,
New Zealand, Antarctica , Australia, London and many great places.
A sunny London lunchtime is punctuated by a casual act of violence that has ricocheted across four continents and Stephen Connor, trainee Metropolitan Police detective is first on the scene when a cyclist is killed in a seemingly ordinary hit-and-run.
Well, Is it just another London Street Tragedy?
Well from synopsis, it seems like that, but make no mistake, This is one of the highly detailed and well crafted novel a debut author can bring.
The cast of characters can be proclaimed to be surprisingly detailed and each character has been given equal importance and taste of it's own.
Though the most sympathetic character to us was the Bangladeshi Immigrant who migrates to London and runs a courier service with his delivery boys paddling their cycle across the busy streets of London.
The co-author under the pen name Lambert kicks off the novel with a tragic accident of a cyclist, until later to suspect it's not just a mere accident.
The introduction of the Selfish corporate, Eco-friendly workers and the Police Detective makes sure the reader races through the novel to feed his intriguing mind to discover the unexpected thrill that may chill the bones.
Transporting the story right across the world in New Zealand we follow a intelligent girl Cathy who happens to be the friend and partner of the cyclist who's soul was forced quit his body after the accident.
Cathy is left with grief and sobs over the death of her partner.
Soon she finds herself with a group of Eco-terrorists.
Cathy,wanting to uncover and reveal the truth by initiating the greatest protest ever.
She tries to discover the truth about the hit and run driver.
Then comes our hero Stephen who tries to protect Cara from the despair and danger which leads the a dramatic conclusion right in Australia.
We won't give away much of the plot and story line here as it's such an enjoyable read and we leave it to the readers to unfold the story.
The twists and turns and highly unpredictable element and character to the story line is just so exciting that new truths and scenes arise as the story appears to drop down, which introduce a new dimension very occasionally.
The descriptions of the locations evoked a great imagination to visualize the locations despite I've never been to London, Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia and all the exotic like locations.
Nor was I aware that Coromandel had a drug culture as shown in the book.
My Mind could easily evoke powerful pictures from the descriptions of locations and characters, co-author Lambert have elegantly written.
The story takes place in wide part of earth, ranging from the busy Tar streets of London to the blue oceans of Australia which I can only visualize for the time being.
Evolution Earth is one such novel which has far more content and depth than the synopsis and description speaks about.
It's such a beautifully written and intro-woven story that crosses and covers four continents that readers can travel the whole world just in a matter of few hours (being stationary).
The pace of the novel was a bit of roller coaster ride for me as it was sometimes very fast paced and sometimes considerably dropped in certain sections.
Also, The intimate scene was totally unnecessary and we wish it was left out. That took me off the story for a while.
Overall,
The story revolves around exotic locations, powered by latest technology to provide a backbone and gives equal importance to all the characters but we can proudly say, we got our new hero "Stephen Connor" who hopefully will be featured in the entire series of Evolution Earth (if the co-authors are planning on writing a trilogy).
Really looking forward to read more from these co-authors in future.
All in All, Evolution earth is one such Thriller that the avid readers and thriller lovers won't afford to miss on.
It's sure to hold on the captivating audience to their seats as they discover and travel across the four continents and how dramatically the story unfolds.
Though it's a debut novel, we'll say, Evolution Earth is NOT something to me overlooked and missed.
Amazing and highly intriguing thriller by the debut co-authors.
It's hard to believe What a Brilliantly Crafted and thoughtful cinematic action novel by a Debut Author this is.
This novel is written with beautifully crafted plot that's written with shear perfection and brilliantly detailed action scenes that are exhilarating and profound.
The plot is wide yet kept tighter ranging from all the exotic locations possibly existing on planet earth, viz,
New Zealand, Antarctica , Australia, London and many great places.
A sunny London lunchtime is punctuated by a casual act of violence that has ricocheted across four continents and Stephen Connor, trainee Metropolitan Police detective is first on the scene when a cyclist is killed in a seemingly ordinary hit-and-run.
Well, Is it just another London Street Tragedy?
Well from synopsis, it seems like that, but make no mistake, This is one of the highly detailed and well crafted novel a debut author can bring.
The cast of characters can be proclaimed to be surprisingly detailed and each character has been given equal importance and taste of it's own.
Though the most sympathetic character to us was the Bangladeshi Immigrant who migrates to London and runs a courier service with his delivery boys paddling their cycle across the busy streets of London.
The co-author under the pen name Lambert kicks off the novel with a tragic accident of a cyclist, until later to suspect it's not just a mere accident.
The introduction of the Selfish corporate, Eco-friendly workers and the Police Detective makes sure the reader races through the novel to feed his intriguing mind to discover the unexpected thrill that may chill the bones.
Transporting the story right across the world in New Zealand we follow a intelligent girl Cathy who happens to be the friend and partner of the cyclist who's soul was forced quit his body after the accident.
Cathy is left with grief and sobs over the death of her partner.
Soon she finds herself with a group of Eco-terrorists.
Cathy,wanting to uncover and reveal the truth by initiating the greatest protest ever.
She tries to discover the truth about the hit and run driver.
Then comes our hero Stephen who tries to protect Cara from the despair and danger which leads the a dramatic conclusion right in Australia.
We won't give away much of the plot and story line here as it's such an enjoyable read and we leave it to the readers to unfold the story.
The twists and turns and highly unpredictable element and character to the story line is just so exciting that new truths and scenes arise as the story appears to drop down, which introduce a new dimension very occasionally.
The descriptions of the locations evoked a great imagination to visualize the locations despite I've never been to London, Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia and all the exotic like locations.
Nor was I aware that Coromandel had a drug culture as shown in the book.
My Mind could easily evoke powerful pictures from the descriptions of locations and characters, co-author Lambert have elegantly written.
The story takes place in wide part of earth, ranging from the busy Tar streets of London to the blue oceans of Australia which I can only visualize for the time being.
Evolution Earth is one such novel which has far more content and depth than the synopsis and description speaks about.
It's such a beautifully written and intro-woven story that crosses and covers four continents that readers can travel the whole world just in a matter of few hours (being stationary).
The pace of the novel was a bit of roller coaster ride for me as it was sometimes very fast paced and sometimes considerably dropped in certain sections.
Also, The intimate scene was totally unnecessary and we wish it was left out. That took me off the story for a while.
Overall,
The story revolves around exotic locations, powered by latest technology to provide a backbone and gives equal importance to all the characters but we can proudly say, we got our new hero "Stephen Connor" who hopefully will be featured in the entire series of Evolution Earth (if the co-authors are planning on writing a trilogy).
Really looking forward to read more from these co-authors in future.
All in All, Evolution earth is one such Thriller that the avid readers and thriller lovers won't afford to miss on.
It's sure to hold on the captivating audience to their seats as they discover and travel across the four continents and how dramatically the story unfolds.
Though it's a debut novel, we'll say, Evolution Earth is NOT something to me overlooked and missed.
Amazing and highly intriguing thriller by the debut co-authors.
August 29, 2013
Note: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a non-reciprocal review. Also, this book contained some profanity that would normally have made me put it down right away, and some sexual situations I don't normally read, so please take that into consideration.
--------------------------------
In the beginning of Revolution Earth, the authors describe the effortless nature of riding a bike over familiar territory. The reader is reminded that sometimes the muscles know what to do on their own, flowing into easy movement around a pothole or a bump with almost unconscious grace.
I'd like to relate that idea to this book. I thought it was fast-paced and frenetic, with action -- both narrative and verbal -- throughout. But I could never find a way into the story. The words and clever phrases and descriptions and linguistic twists and turns were like a little fence running between the reader and the world of the story.
Like bike riding, some parts of reading should be akin to breathing. When a reader is forced to be constantly aware of the intricacies of the language in the story, he ceases to be a reader and becomes a critic.
An example:
"Instead of daylight, a dazzlingly bright 100-watt bulb hung from the centre of the ceiling under a plain white shade. Cara’s attempt to green Tariq’s office had fallen flat. The energy-efficient replacement bulb might have been cheaper to run, but what was the point when he couldn’t actually see? Dusty filing cabinets, piles of ring binders, loose files, random sheets of paper, old, discarded computer screens, keyboards and dangling wires, bowed and groaning shelves full of invoices and VAT receipts made the small space seem even tinier."
Now, that being said, the authors are obviously masters of the written word, and they clearly enjoy manipulating language (and do it well). I feel bad pointing fingers, because I am guilty of being overly descriptive myself. But some good advice most of us have been given about fashion can be true of writing: Don't wear all your jewelry at once. So don't use every fun turn of phrase every time -- just pick the best. It's probably hard to do when you're brilliant with words (and the authors, as I said, know language inside and out). But it's better for the reader -- and it makes you a better writer in the end.
Books these days are almost always TOO easy to read. I remember old favorites like Anne of Green Gables that feel almost "chewy" to read compared to more modern novels. But the sweet spot can be found in the middle ground -- those older novels were intricate lace, with room for the reader to worm her way in, and thereby bond with characters and immerse herself in the world created. I did feel like Revolution Earth was almost a solid wall of words in most places. I never felt invested.
I also did think we should have gotten a clearer picture of Stephen if he is the one who will be expected to carry a series.
The writing is less dense in some places and eases up toward the end, which allows the conclusion to ring clearer.
To sum up, Revolution Earth is a good example of intricate language with an action-filled plot and pacing that doesn't let up. If you like a thriller with an eco-terrorism slant, you may enjoy Revolution Earth.
--------------------------------
In the beginning of Revolution Earth, the authors describe the effortless nature of riding a bike over familiar territory. The reader is reminded that sometimes the muscles know what to do on their own, flowing into easy movement around a pothole or a bump with almost unconscious grace.
I'd like to relate that idea to this book. I thought it was fast-paced and frenetic, with action -- both narrative and verbal -- throughout. But I could never find a way into the story. The words and clever phrases and descriptions and linguistic twists and turns were like a little fence running between the reader and the world of the story.
Like bike riding, some parts of reading should be akin to breathing. When a reader is forced to be constantly aware of the intricacies of the language in the story, he ceases to be a reader and becomes a critic.
An example:
"Instead of daylight, a dazzlingly bright 100-watt bulb hung from the centre of the ceiling under a plain white shade. Cara’s attempt to green Tariq’s office had fallen flat. The energy-efficient replacement bulb might have been cheaper to run, but what was the point when he couldn’t actually see? Dusty filing cabinets, piles of ring binders, loose files, random sheets of paper, old, discarded computer screens, keyboards and dangling wires, bowed and groaning shelves full of invoices and VAT receipts made the small space seem even tinier."
Now, that being said, the authors are obviously masters of the written word, and they clearly enjoy manipulating language (and do it well). I feel bad pointing fingers, because I am guilty of being overly descriptive myself. But some good advice most of us have been given about fashion can be true of writing: Don't wear all your jewelry at once. So don't use every fun turn of phrase every time -- just pick the best. It's probably hard to do when you're brilliant with words (and the authors, as I said, know language inside and out). But it's better for the reader -- and it makes you a better writer in the end.
Books these days are almost always TOO easy to read. I remember old favorites like Anne of Green Gables that feel almost "chewy" to read compared to more modern novels. But the sweet spot can be found in the middle ground -- those older novels were intricate lace, with room for the reader to worm her way in, and thereby bond with characters and immerse herself in the world created. I did feel like Revolution Earth was almost a solid wall of words in most places. I never felt invested.
I also did think we should have gotten a clearer picture of Stephen if he is the one who will be expected to carry a series.
The writing is less dense in some places and eases up toward the end, which allows the conclusion to ring clearer.
To sum up, Revolution Earth is a good example of intricate language with an action-filled plot and pacing that doesn't let up. If you like a thriller with an eco-terrorism slant, you may enjoy Revolution Earth.
June 11, 2013
The first chapter of Revolution Earth starts off with a bang; with a pleasant flow and wonderfully rich atmosphere…and then something terrible takes place that cements the reader’s attention. Written so smoothly and unhindered that the prose feels almost like water bubbling happily in a brook, this opening scene sets up the rest of the story brilliantly. It hooked me and I became a very willing passenger in this fast paced literary ride that took me through London, New Zealand, Antarctica and Australia with colorful and fascinating detail.
It was obvious to me while reading this book that the authors are either incredibly knowledgeable about an array of different things from cycling to flying a helicopter and piloting a deep-sea boat, or they are absolutely meticulous about their research. Not only was I immersed in the enthralling atmosphere of different places I have never been, but I was submerged in the telling of events I’ve never taken part in with the wind whipping through my hair and the taste of the salty sea on my lips. This is, in my opinion, the best kind of writing, and Lambert Nagle achieved this beautifully.
Revolution Earth is an eco-thriller full of good guys and bad guys…and some that sit somewhere in between. It is a story that forces its reader to slow down, to pay close attention because as you are reading the prose, each character demands to be listened to. It is written in many different points of view with many players in the story and it’s not clear until the tale rushes to its dramatic close how they all fit in with one another. The cast of characters that have been created here is like the contents of a fine box of gourmet chocolates; each one of them shaped and flavored a bit differently and once you meet one and savor him or her for a short while, you are eager to test out the next in the batch. I am happy to hear that this is the beginning of a series in which Stephen Connor, a police detective and a very likable character in the book, will be returning. I, for one, am ready for the next installment.
To summarize this book, in my way of thinking, would be a mistake. Before I read it, I did not know what the storyline was, except for what the brief synopsis offered. I was happy to see the story as it unfolded before me; in waves of both fast paced drama and slower, emotional passages. There are numerous chapters that take the reader from one location to the next and it is unpredictable in a very pleasing way. The writing is confident, the dialog is intriguing and the pace is good. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I rather preferred it that way. It’s a solid tale from beginning to end.
It is not closed up neatly, this story. The authors, who have throughout the book, given you enough insight and humanity to their characters to make you feel as though you have become friendly with them and care about the outcomes of their lives, leave you hanging in a most frustrating way that is also quite satisfying all at the same time. Well done, Lambert Nagle. I believe you may just have a best seller on your hands.
It was obvious to me while reading this book that the authors are either incredibly knowledgeable about an array of different things from cycling to flying a helicopter and piloting a deep-sea boat, or they are absolutely meticulous about their research. Not only was I immersed in the enthralling atmosphere of different places I have never been, but I was submerged in the telling of events I’ve never taken part in with the wind whipping through my hair and the taste of the salty sea on my lips. This is, in my opinion, the best kind of writing, and Lambert Nagle achieved this beautifully.
Revolution Earth is an eco-thriller full of good guys and bad guys…and some that sit somewhere in between. It is a story that forces its reader to slow down, to pay close attention because as you are reading the prose, each character demands to be listened to. It is written in many different points of view with many players in the story and it’s not clear until the tale rushes to its dramatic close how they all fit in with one another. The cast of characters that have been created here is like the contents of a fine box of gourmet chocolates; each one of them shaped and flavored a bit differently and once you meet one and savor him or her for a short while, you are eager to test out the next in the batch. I am happy to hear that this is the beginning of a series in which Stephen Connor, a police detective and a very likable character in the book, will be returning. I, for one, am ready for the next installment.
To summarize this book, in my way of thinking, would be a mistake. Before I read it, I did not know what the storyline was, except for what the brief synopsis offered. I was happy to see the story as it unfolded before me; in waves of both fast paced drama and slower, emotional passages. There are numerous chapters that take the reader from one location to the next and it is unpredictable in a very pleasing way. The writing is confident, the dialog is intriguing and the pace is good. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I rather preferred it that way. It’s a solid tale from beginning to end.
It is not closed up neatly, this story. The authors, who have throughout the book, given you enough insight and humanity to their characters to make you feel as though you have become friendly with them and care about the outcomes of their lives, leave you hanging in a most frustrating way that is also quite satisfying all at the same time. Well done, Lambert Nagle. I believe you may just have a best seller on your hands.
June 11, 2013
Read for Book Loving Kiwis group read.
Revolution Earth is a fast paced and ambitious ecological thriller. When cycle courier Jonie is killed, it sparks a chain of events across the globe from London, to the Coromandel in New Zealand to Antarctica.
I liked the environmental focus of this novel and some of the events (particularly the PR spin cover ups) were believably sinister. There were also some funny dialogue moments that kiwi readers will appreciate. (Trum milk anyone?)
The plot is suitably twisty and action centred, switching between viewpoints and/or continents with every chapter turn, but sometimes it left me feeling like it was all a little choppy. My main reason for not rating this any higher was that I didn't feel the characterisations were strong enough. I would have liked to have seen more of Cara's motivations - I can understand going off to see Jonie's family as a way of trying to cope but it seemed a big jump from meeting 'the group' to suddenly becoming an ecoteur. Likewise I had trouble distinguishing between the male members of the group as there didnt feel like enough distinguishing between them. The exception being perhaps Ken but then I also didnt really understand his motivations either and it seemed like a huge jump from hating on her to trying to kill her. After his demise the storyline continues to move forward almost as if that event had never happened...Likewise Stephen's motivations for following Cara were a little vague. I get that he thought he loved her but then actions later indicate perhaps he didn't and there wasnt enough interactions between Cara and Stephen for me to feel like this was a genuine connection. In contrast the character of Tariq was memorable and well written. I see that the authors are planning more books with Stephen as a focus and I hope in future novels they are able to get into his head a little deeper and show us a bit more about his past, his hopes and his motivations and round out the character a little more.
Despite my gripes re the characterisations there were some lovely metaphors and imagery in this book and it felt like it was well researched. An ambitious first novel that is an enjoyable and quick read.
Revolution Earth is a fast paced and ambitious ecological thriller. When cycle courier Jonie is killed, it sparks a chain of events across the globe from London, to the Coromandel in New Zealand to Antarctica.
I liked the environmental focus of this novel and some of the events (particularly the PR spin cover ups) were believably sinister. There were also some funny dialogue moments that kiwi readers will appreciate. (Trum milk anyone?)
The plot is suitably twisty and action centred, switching between viewpoints and/or continents with every chapter turn, but sometimes it left me feeling like it was all a little choppy. My main reason for not rating this any higher was that I didn't feel the characterisations were strong enough. I would have liked to have seen more of Cara's motivations - I can understand going off to see Jonie's family as a way of trying to cope but it seemed a big jump from meeting 'the group' to suddenly becoming an ecoteur. Likewise I had trouble distinguishing between the male members of the group as there didnt feel like enough distinguishing between them. The exception being perhaps Ken but then I also didnt really understand his motivations either and it seemed like a huge jump from hating on her to trying to kill her. After his demise the storyline continues to move forward almost as if that event had never happened...Likewise Stephen's motivations for following Cara were a little vague. I get that he thought he loved her but then actions later indicate perhaps he didn't and there wasnt enough interactions between Cara and Stephen for me to feel like this was a genuine connection. In contrast the character of Tariq was memorable and well written. I see that the authors are planning more books with Stephen as a focus and I hope in future novels they are able to get into his head a little deeper and show us a bit more about his past, his hopes and his motivations and round out the character a little more.
Despite my gripes re the characterisations there were some lovely metaphors and imagery in this book and it felt like it was well researched. An ambitious first novel that is an enjoyable and quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2013
The only opportunity I will ever have to see the world is through media, so I thoroughly appreciate a book which can effortlessly transport me abroad through vivid descriptions and flavorful dialogue. I truly felt as if I was in London, Melbourne, and the islands of New Zealand.
The action and intrigue of Revolution Earth drew me in immediately in this suspense-filled drama of corporate greed and exploitation versus eco-terrorism when Big Oil invades Antarctica with an unforeseen catastrophic consequence. An excellent job was done in presenting the story from the perceptions of all sides involved. The characters seemed real, the tension tight, and I was easily moved from place to place, from character to character, never once feeling like I'd lost my footing.
Altogether, an outstanding, engrossing journey to take. Well done!
The action and intrigue of Revolution Earth drew me in immediately in this suspense-filled drama of corporate greed and exploitation versus eco-terrorism when Big Oil invades Antarctica with an unforeseen catastrophic consequence. An excellent job was done in presenting the story from the perceptions of all sides involved. The characters seemed real, the tension tight, and I was easily moved from place to place, from character to character, never once feeling like I'd lost my footing.
Altogether, an outstanding, engrossing journey to take. Well done!
May 10, 2013
Revolution Earth is a captivating and relevant story pitting a selfish corporate steamroller against eco-friendly self-sustainers working hard to make a difference, turn international face off. This is a "world isn't flat" story. Here it's slanted, and both for those of wealth and means, but most of all towards the powerful. That is, unless eco-warriors, and an ex beat cop with heart and unflappable persistence, won't let the unjust prevail. This story is timely, a great balance of grab and gear, and has all the exotic locations, romance and today's tech to give it ample backbone and make it fun and thought provoking. Lambert Nagle has again demonstrated excellent trade craft with this great summer read!
September 15, 2012
Revolution Earth is a fast-paced ecological literary thriller full of wonderful imagery.
The story starts in a reflective mode in Australia’s Northern Territory and instantly leaves an impression on the reader, who is than thrust into the hussle and bustle of London.
Told from multiple points of view the writer has skilfully interwoven a story that crosses four continents. From the outset, we are left wondering how the scenes interconnect, but are brought to a gripping conclusion. A brilliant début novel and a writing team I am very interested in seeing what they develop next.
The story starts in a reflective mode in Australia’s Northern Territory and instantly leaves an impression on the reader, who is than thrust into the hussle and bustle of London.
Told from multiple points of view the writer has skilfully interwoven a story that crosses four continents. From the outset, we are left wondering how the scenes interconnect, but are brought to a gripping conclusion. A brilliant début novel and a writing team I am very interested in seeing what they develop next.
November 13, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Living in NZ meant the places and culture were familiar. The story is not what you might imagine from the title and I won't spill all the twists and turns the story line takes. I would like to read more of the author's books with Detective Connor.
December 12, 2014
We are proud to announce that REVOLUTION EARTH by Lambert Nagle is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this book the writting was very nice and detailed and the pace was quite fast which kept me interested. I would really recommened.
May 17, 2025
Ridiculous 😧
Horrible Pretentious Propaganda. This is way over the Top it is NOT Credible. An Example the Revolutionaries go to a Chicken Farm and plan to release All the Chickens. A Rational Intelligent person would realize that would just kill all the Chickens. People who actually do Similar things they are Irrational.
The Story is Not worth reading. It is about "Revolutionaries" who are the most Ignorant people who do Real Crimes without accomplishing anything but Domestic Terrorism, Destruction. They are Huge Hypocrites.
Horrible Pretentious Propaganda. This is way over the Top it is NOT Credible. An Example the Revolutionaries go to a Chicken Farm and plan to release All the Chickens. A Rational Intelligent person would realize that would just kill all the Chickens. People who actually do Similar things they are Irrational.
The Story is Not worth reading. It is about "Revolutionaries" who are the most Ignorant people who do Real Crimes without accomplishing anything but Domestic Terrorism, Destruction. They are Huge Hypocrites.
May 18, 2021
this book suffered from too many disparate elements and a complete failure to tie them together. I was simply confused by it all. Mostly i could not understand how a newly qualified copper is suddenyl allowed to travel all across the southern hemisphere chasing all and sundry.
I only read it because i have #2 in the series as an ARC from netgalley I sincerely hope that is better
I only read it because i have #2 in the series as an ARC from netgalley I sincerely hope that is better
January 7, 2019
An improbable story with some remarkable coincidences to facilitate the plot, made fascinating by a great collection of characters.
April 18, 2019
Hard work
July 14, 2012
*Disclaimer: I have been given a free copy by the author for review*
*Another disclaimer: I don't usually read thrillers*
Revolution Earth is a fast paced thriller that spans across the globe and tackles some of the most current subjects: greed, corruption, environmental justice to name a few. To say this is an ambitious undertaking by the two authors writing under the pan name Lambert Nagle would be an understatement. The story is carried by a cast of colorful characters; There is the empathetic protagonist, a number of unlikely heroes and an arch villain you'll just love to hate.
The book kicks off with a vivid description of a tragic cycling accident in downtown London--only that this is not an accident. A series of unfortunate and fortunate encounters preceding the event is then unraveled and before you know it, you are transported halfway across the world to scenic mountains of New Zealand as we follow Cara, a petite yet incredibly strong-willed and intelligent woman and partner of the said cyclist, tracing the history and roots of her dead lover, trying to sooth her grief.
Very soon Cara will find herself joining a band of eco terrorists, charting her path to staging greatest act of protest the world will ever witness. Following closely behind is Stephen, a cop with charming Irish looks and schoolboy devotion and earnestness, who initially set out to save Cara and bring her back, only to stumble across one of the biggest eco-political conspiracy and the oil industry dirtiest secrets in the depths of the unexplored wilderness of Antartica.
Without revealing too much of the plot, let me just add that there are a host of fascinating characters such as Tariq, whose unrivaled resourcefulness and loyalty to his friends is unrestrained except by his wheel-chair bound physique; Ginny, a beautiful and witty PR associate who constantly battles her conscience as she climbs up the ladder in the industry, Jean-Louis, a Canadian gun for hire with a deeply unsettling past and, of course, the arch villain, Greg Palmer, a flamboyant master of spin with top political and business connections, a taste for extravagance and drama, zero conscience and of course, the malicious mind to match his tongue.
The characters were not the only draw of the book; all the scenic settings across the world that readers are transported to with every turn of the page are described in great detail. This book took me to some familiar places and I must say that the authors have captured the local flavor with such precision that has left me wondering if they had gone and acted out the action and conversations themselves.
However, what supposed to be a book's greatest strength appeared to me the part with most of the flaws. The plot felt staggered at times. There were lots of speed bumps as the pace of the story goes up and down. At one point it would hasten only to abruptly take a break and leap from one view to another, one space and time to another. There were more than a couple times where I had to re-read entire sections, feeling that I had missed out on entire story lines.
In the first half of the book, the plot dragged and became so incoherent that I almost gave up. But for the sake of this review I continued and I must say the book picked up right after I crossed 50% on my Kindle. What seemed at first like disparate plot lines and viewpoints started to converge and the entire story started to gain some sort of coherence. Some sub plots gelled together better than other, the romance between Stephen and another character lent the story a much needed spark and excitement and we are finally getting some nerve racking action.
As I mentioned above, this is not my kind of book. Although I would probably picked this out of a discount bookshelf for the strong environmental themes. It was hard to chew at first but I must say the ending almost made the whole effort worth it. Among the things that I liked from the book was the clever insight into environmental movement, greenwashing, corporate practices and environmental governance of the mighty nations of the world. Overall, I enjoyed this book better than I thought I would.
*Another disclaimer: I don't usually read thrillers*
Revolution Earth is a fast paced thriller that spans across the globe and tackles some of the most current subjects: greed, corruption, environmental justice to name a few. To say this is an ambitious undertaking by the two authors writing under the pan name Lambert Nagle would be an understatement. The story is carried by a cast of colorful characters; There is the empathetic protagonist, a number of unlikely heroes and an arch villain you'll just love to hate.
The book kicks off with a vivid description of a tragic cycling accident in downtown London--only that this is not an accident. A series of unfortunate and fortunate encounters preceding the event is then unraveled and before you know it, you are transported halfway across the world to scenic mountains of New Zealand as we follow Cara, a petite yet incredibly strong-willed and intelligent woman and partner of the said cyclist, tracing the history and roots of her dead lover, trying to sooth her grief.
Very soon Cara will find herself joining a band of eco terrorists, charting her path to staging greatest act of protest the world will ever witness. Following closely behind is Stephen, a cop with charming Irish looks and schoolboy devotion and earnestness, who initially set out to save Cara and bring her back, only to stumble across one of the biggest eco-political conspiracy and the oil industry dirtiest secrets in the depths of the unexplored wilderness of Antartica.
Without revealing too much of the plot, let me just add that there are a host of fascinating characters such as Tariq, whose unrivaled resourcefulness and loyalty to his friends is unrestrained except by his wheel-chair bound physique; Ginny, a beautiful and witty PR associate who constantly battles her conscience as she climbs up the ladder in the industry, Jean-Louis, a Canadian gun for hire with a deeply unsettling past and, of course, the arch villain, Greg Palmer, a flamboyant master of spin with top political and business connections, a taste for extravagance and drama, zero conscience and of course, the malicious mind to match his tongue.
The characters were not the only draw of the book; all the scenic settings across the world that readers are transported to with every turn of the page are described in great detail. This book took me to some familiar places and I must say that the authors have captured the local flavor with such precision that has left me wondering if they had gone and acted out the action and conversations themselves.
However, what supposed to be a book's greatest strength appeared to me the part with most of the flaws. The plot felt staggered at times. There were lots of speed bumps as the pace of the story goes up and down. At one point it would hasten only to abruptly take a break and leap from one view to another, one space and time to another. There were more than a couple times where I had to re-read entire sections, feeling that I had missed out on entire story lines.
In the first half of the book, the plot dragged and became so incoherent that I almost gave up. But for the sake of this review I continued and I must say the book picked up right after I crossed 50% on my Kindle. What seemed at first like disparate plot lines and viewpoints started to converge and the entire story started to gain some sort of coherence. Some sub plots gelled together better than other, the romance between Stephen and another character lent the story a much needed spark and excitement and we are finally getting some nerve racking action.
As I mentioned above, this is not my kind of book. Although I would probably picked this out of a discount bookshelf for the strong environmental themes. It was hard to chew at first but I must say the ending almost made the whole effort worth it. Among the things that I liked from the book was the clever insight into environmental movement, greenwashing, corporate practices and environmental governance of the mighty nations of the world. Overall, I enjoyed this book better than I thought I would.
August 22, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include REVOLUTION EARTH by LAMBERT NAGLE in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
When bike messenger Jonie Larson is killed by a hit and run driver, a jury decides it was an accident and the driver is only charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Her friend and lover, Cara Robertson, feels different, and is determined to prove that the arrogant PR boss, Greg Palmer, is a killer. Jonie was an anti-pollution activist, and the fact that Palmer represents some of the largest corporate polluters, makes for a potentially explosive confrontation. Added to the mix is soon-to-be counterintelligence agent, Police Constable Stephen Conner, who develops an emotional attachment to Cara and her paraplegic boss.
When Cara travel from the UK to New Zealand to meet Jonie’s family she encounters a group of committed eco-activists who are prepared to do anything to stop the rape of the planet by the oil companies. Worried about her safety, Stephen follows her, only to find that Palmer and his clients are also active in the southern Pacific and Antarctica, with plans that could spell ecological disaster. Moreover, they’re willing to do anything to protect their business interests.
Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle is a riveting tale of people committed to their side of contentious issues, and willing to go to extremes to express that commitment. A tale that addresses profound issues, and the excesses on both side of the environmental debate, it also takes the reader into the inner recesses of individuals trying to survive against incredible odds. We see the story from many points of view, which only serves to increase the tension and mystery, as Stephen tries to protect Cara, and deal with his growing attraction to Ginny, a beautiful woman who works for Palmer and is caught between her loyalty to her boss and her sense of right and wrong.
Questions of right and wrong—and whether the means to reach even a justifiable end are in fact acceptable—are dealt with in a hard hitting manner that will make you think. Even the good guys in this story have stains, while the bad guys, though rotten to the core, have some logic on their side. Once you start reading, it becomes impossible to put this book down until you reach an end that will leave you breathless.
There were a few formatting issues, but they weren’t significant enough to detract from what was a fascinating read, so I’m giving it five stars.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
When bike messenger Jonie Larson is killed by a hit and run driver, a jury decides it was an accident and the driver is only charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Her friend and lover, Cara Robertson, feels different, and is determined to prove that the arrogant PR boss, Greg Palmer, is a killer. Jonie was an anti-pollution activist, and the fact that Palmer represents some of the largest corporate polluters, makes for a potentially explosive confrontation. Added to the mix is soon-to-be counterintelligence agent, Police Constable Stephen Conner, who develops an emotional attachment to Cara and her paraplegic boss.
When Cara travel from the UK to New Zealand to meet Jonie’s family she encounters a group of committed eco-activists who are prepared to do anything to stop the rape of the planet by the oil companies. Worried about her safety, Stephen follows her, only to find that Palmer and his clients are also active in the southern Pacific and Antarctica, with plans that could spell ecological disaster. Moreover, they’re willing to do anything to protect their business interests.
Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle is a riveting tale of people committed to their side of contentious issues, and willing to go to extremes to express that commitment. A tale that addresses profound issues, and the excesses on both side of the environmental debate, it also takes the reader into the inner recesses of individuals trying to survive against incredible odds. We see the story from many points of view, which only serves to increase the tension and mystery, as Stephen tries to protect Cara, and deal with his growing attraction to Ginny, a beautiful woman who works for Palmer and is caught between her loyalty to her boss and her sense of right and wrong.
Questions of right and wrong—and whether the means to reach even a justifiable end are in fact acceptable—are dealt with in a hard hitting manner that will make you think. Even the good guys in this story have stains, while the bad guys, though rotten to the core, have some logic on their side. Once you start reading, it becomes impossible to put this book down until you reach an end that will leave you breathless.
There were a few formatting issues, but they weren’t significant enough to detract from what was a fascinating read, so I’m giving it five stars.
July 29, 2016
So... What did I think of this book... Well, if you like a story that meanders, then this is your book. The problem with books that meander is, well, they just never really get to any sort of point where you can say THIS is what the story is about. Unfortunately with this book, while the characters (and there were far too many that were given semi-important roles, but none of them really stepped up to be important enough for the book to revolve around) did stuff, there was nothing of any resemblance of substance to make us care one way or the other whether they succeeded.
Overall the book fell flat on all the things that matter. While some characters had the potential to be considered a main character, none of them were. As I said, the characters all do stuff, but NONE of them have a defining moment where everything is on the line for them. None of them really have anything on the line at all. Plus, there there is absolutely zero motivation for any of them actually doing the things they are doing.
First lets talk about Cara. Ok, fine, Jonie dies in the first chapter of the book, but how does this turn Cara into an eco-terrorist? Simply, it doesn't. There needed to be more reason. Maybe it's just simply because the book didn't start in the correct place, or her motivations were not fleshed out enough. If she is supposed to be the main character of the book, there is absolutely nothing in the book that makes is care about her or her cause or her fate. NOTHING.
Then there's Palmer. Sure, he's painted pretty well as a complete sleazeball, but other than being the token bad guy, again, there is NOTHING about him that makes him an interesting nemesis. Not to mention you have a sleazeball who doesn't get his just desserts by the end of the book. This is a fatal flaw.
So to sum up my feelings about the book, I can do it in 4 words... Ho hum, who cares...
Overall the book fell flat on all the things that matter. While some characters had the potential to be considered a main character, none of them were. As I said, the characters all do stuff, but NONE of them have a defining moment where everything is on the line for them. None of them really have anything on the line at all. Plus, there there is absolutely zero motivation for any of them actually doing the things they are doing.
First lets talk about Cara. Ok, fine, Jonie dies in the first chapter of the book, but how does this turn Cara into an eco-terrorist? Simply, it doesn't. There needed to be more reason. Maybe it's just simply because the book didn't start in the correct place, or her motivations were not fleshed out enough. If she is supposed to be the main character of the book, there is absolutely nothing in the book that makes is care about her or her cause or her fate. NOTHING.
Then there's Palmer. Sure, he's painted pretty well as a complete sleazeball, but other than being the token bad guy, again, there is NOTHING about him that makes him an interesting nemesis. Not to mention you have a sleazeball who doesn't get his just desserts by the end of the book. This is a fatal flaw.
So to sum up my feelings about the book, I can do it in 4 words... Ho hum, who cares...
February 3, 2017
I received Revolution Earth, by Lambert Nagle through Library Thing’s Member Giveaways. I’ll be honest; I probably would not have purchased this novel had I come across it in a bookstore as I would have dismissed it as a ‘left-leaning’ take on the world’s energy sector, and that would have been my loss. The novel’s description on Library Thing seemed to indicate that it was more than that however, and taking a chance, I requested a copy.
The storyline is great, the action is exciting and believable as well, but what will stand out in most reader’s minds, is the character development. I dare you not to find yourself alternately in love with, admiring, and loathing the various people you meet within the pages of Revolution Earth.
The plot, which includes everything from murder to eco-terrorism to cheating on one’s mate, takes us from the streets of London all the way down to the frozen Antarctic, with most of the action taking place amongst Australia and New Zealand. The action is not terribly fast-paced, which takes nothing from the book, as the sub-plots are complex. The story flows along nicely, without the usual ‘wait, what did I just miss feeling’ that a complex plot like this usually throws at you. Although I was forced to read it over a longer period of time than I would have liked due to previous commitments, I never felt lost.
As someone else has pointed out, it would have been nice to know what drives the characters in the story. Although I was left with the feeling that I know them well now, I can’t help but feel there is something (perhaps a lot?) in their pasts, which having been shared in the story, would have given me a little more insight into their motivation.
Or...maybe that was saved for a prequel? Please?
I thoroughly enjoyed Revolution Earth and I’m grateful for the opportunity this novel gave me to leave my ‘literary’ comfort zone.
The storyline is great, the action is exciting and believable as well, but what will stand out in most reader’s minds, is the character development. I dare you not to find yourself alternately in love with, admiring, and loathing the various people you meet within the pages of Revolution Earth.
The plot, which includes everything from murder to eco-terrorism to cheating on one’s mate, takes us from the streets of London all the way down to the frozen Antarctic, with most of the action taking place amongst Australia and New Zealand. The action is not terribly fast-paced, which takes nothing from the book, as the sub-plots are complex. The story flows along nicely, without the usual ‘wait, what did I just miss feeling’ that a complex plot like this usually throws at you. Although I was forced to read it over a longer period of time than I would have liked due to previous commitments, I never felt lost.
As someone else has pointed out, it would have been nice to know what drives the characters in the story. Although I was left with the feeling that I know them well now, I can’t help but feel there is something (perhaps a lot?) in their pasts, which having been shared in the story, would have given me a little more insight into their motivation.
Or...maybe that was saved for a prequel? Please?
I thoroughly enjoyed Revolution Earth and I’m grateful for the opportunity this novel gave me to leave my ‘literary’ comfort zone.
April 14, 2016
It starts in London with a cyclist being killed, and one soon finds oneself involved in an account of collusion and ecology that whizzes you round to world to New Zealand, Argentina, the Antarctic and Australia, as the plot develops into an eco-warriors versus fat-cats.
It is extremely well written. The dialogue is skillfully handled, the strength of some of the writing is impressive, and many of the passages are simply exquisite. The characters, too, are well crafted, and with a high level of psychological intrigue, quite early on in the narrative, the reader feels an empathy with the main players (even some of the baddies).
There are many threads in the first section of the book, and sometimes it is difficult to remember who is doing what, or what the motivations of the various figures are, but in all, it’s an exciting story that is highly involving and highlights some of the ecological problems of our day.
It is extremely well written. The dialogue is skillfully handled, the strength of some of the writing is impressive, and many of the passages are simply exquisite. The characters, too, are well crafted, and with a high level of psychological intrigue, quite early on in the narrative, the reader feels an empathy with the main players (even some of the baddies).
There are many threads in the first section of the book, and sometimes it is difficult to remember who is doing what, or what the motivations of the various figures are, but in all, it’s an exciting story that is highly involving and highlights some of the ecological problems of our day.
July 8, 2016
Should have cared, but didn't.
Chose this rating because the book is interesting, but long, and I never came to care about the characters. Ecoterrorism is a subject that doesn't make for a good novel.
Chose this rating because the book is interesting, but long, and I never came to care about the characters. Ecoterrorism is a subject that doesn't make for a good novel.
July 22, 2016
Good story, but a bit too intertwined to be realistic, but exciting enough story and plot.
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