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FINAL CHANCE: SCIENCE FICTION ... OR A HISTORY OF THE FUTURE?
Completing the trilogy, FINAL CHANCE may be science fiction, but it reads like a history of the future ... finding Vijay Patel in a world struggling to survive.
By 2046, climate change has reached a tipping point. After decades of pandemics, increasing devastation by hurricanes and tornados, rising seas and burning forests, freezing winters, and unbearable summers, the “moment of truth” comes as an unprecedented heatwave kills over half a Saudi city. The air was just too hot to breathe.
With food supplies already diminishing around the globe, and disease running rampant, leaders of every nation recognize the need for drastic, do-or-die measures. The solution is a complete, universal ban on fossil fuels and the doming of all human civilization.
Not everyone is willing to go along – at first. But there is no alternative. By 2065, all major cities, farms, factories, and wildlife “revitalization zones” are protected, under glass, in a climate-controlled, solar-energized environment. The health of this domed environment is facilitated by Vijay Patel, his innovative business partner, and their respective children.
This is the story of the building of that brave new world ... and the two remarkable families who played a key role in making this mind-boggling project possible ... despite the odds. And despite a very odd group of villains. It was, indeed, everyone’s “Final Chance” to survive. So why was anyone trying to sabotage these efforts? With humor and satire, Fleisher reveals the truth.
By 2046, climate change has reached a tipping point. After decades of pandemics, increasing devastation by hurricanes and tornados, rising seas and burning forests, freezing winters, and unbearable summers, the “moment of truth” comes as an unprecedented heatwave kills over half a Saudi city. The air was just too hot to breathe.
With food supplies already diminishing around the globe, and disease running rampant, leaders of every nation recognize the need for drastic, do-or-die measures. The solution is a complete, universal ban on fossil fuels and the doming of all human civilization.
Not everyone is willing to go along – at first. But there is no alternative. By 2065, all major cities, farms, factories, and wildlife “revitalization zones” are protected, under glass, in a climate-controlled, solar-energized environment. The health of this domed environment is facilitated by Vijay Patel, his innovative business partner, and their respective children.
This is the story of the building of that brave new world ... and the two remarkable families who played a key role in making this mind-boggling project possible ... despite the odds. And despite a very odd group of villains. It was, indeed, everyone’s “Final Chance” to survive. So why was anyone trying to sabotage these efforts? With humor and satire, Fleisher reveals the truth.
331 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2021
About the author
Van Fleisher
7 books200 followersCurrently Van divides his time between California and France. He has spent half his life living and working outside the U.S. as Director of International Marketing with TWA and as an International Management Consultant; and he brings this experience to bear on the plot of Final Notice. His insight into what goes on behind closed boardroom doors gives the slightly “sci-fi” premise of FINAL NOTICE a very realistic feel. Moreover, his two careers have taken him around the world (including a year living in India) and his first-hand experience with – and respect for – other cultures is apparent in this book. Finally, being recently retired, Fleisher included two senior protagonists, which has engaged older readers as well as younger ones. In fact, over 30% of “all readers” in a recent focus group said they would buy the book.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 18, 2021
Let’s call this 4.5 stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Van Fleisher for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After delivering two impactful novels in a series that mixes politics with forthcoming technological advancements, Van Fleisher presents perhaps the last story in his Final trilogy. Sticking with what works, Fleisher creates a story that will have readers thinking and highly entertained in equal measure. Near future social, political, and technological issues converge into a well-paced narrative that provides a glimpse into what might be and how some will stop at nothing to stymie progress. A great apparent conclusion to the series for Fleisher.
After the impact of both COVID-19 and political unrest in America, it is time to turn over a new page. However, subsequent US Administrations cannot find peace and solace with what awaits them on the horizon, but rather new and difficult problems. One of these is the ongoing issue of climate change, which has shown to be causing issues around the world: rising temperatures, destruction of natural resources, and large-scale deaths of humans, not to mention flora or fauna.
Seeking to curb these issues, a system of domed cities becomes a priority within the White House, using America as a testing ground for other parts of the world. Investing billions into the project, new agricultural domes emerge to serve as testing grounds for enclosed areas where temperatures can be controlled and people can live. This expands to cities, some of which are inter-connected to allow travel with ease.
By the late 2040s and into the 50s, there are other advancements taking place, in hopes of creating a new and sustainable world for all. As with any new advancements, there will be those who profit, as well as a handful whose source of gain is curtailed by change. A small cabal of powerful individuals who seek to eradicate the changes meets regularly, in hopes of hatching a plan to cut the progress off at the knees.
Using various methods, this group covertly seeks to erase progress by the current US Administration. Assassination attempts prove fruitful, as does the release of a new bio-weapon, all while technological progress continues into the 2060s. A few key figures seek to ensure that these few will not succeed, while trying to reveal their identities in short order. It will take a great deal of effort, but it might be the final chance to ensure the world is safe.
The Final series caught my eye a few years ago and I have kept up with them whenever Van Fleisher publishes a new novel. While the ideas may seem a tad tech-lite, when the reader gets into the novels, there is a substantial narrative and strong themes. Fleisher offers opinions throughout, but they are substantiated effectively and this turned into quite the political thriller, while also being entertaining for those who invest the needed time.
The central characters change throughout the piece, but Fleisher makes sure to provide strong ties between them. Political, scientific, and social actors intermingle effectively to support the story and provide something that is easily processed by the reader. Characters and themes may bear a striking similarity to current times, which is likely no mistake on Fleisher’s part.
While there is a slight hokiness to begin the novel, this is soon replaced by some strong themes throughout the narrative. The story takes on some wonderful perspectives and the reader is taking on quite a ride as they learn about what could literally be on the horizon in the next while. With strong plots emerging, Fleisher permits the reader some time to think about what they are reading, while also getting lost in the ongoing action and developments. Short chapters keep the piece moving and the reader can only wonder what awaits them, as they forge ahead with ease. Even though it’s all in the future, Fleisher remains grounded and does not ‘robotocise’ the story, or instil anything too outlandish as it relates to daily life. If this is to be the final novel in the series, it will be missed, but what a great way to tie things off. Van Fleisher is to be commended.
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, on a great novel and entertaining series. I could not ask for anything better. I wonder what you have in store for us next.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Van Fleisher for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After delivering two impactful novels in a series that mixes politics with forthcoming technological advancements, Van Fleisher presents perhaps the last story in his Final trilogy. Sticking with what works, Fleisher creates a story that will have readers thinking and highly entertained in equal measure. Near future social, political, and technological issues converge into a well-paced narrative that provides a glimpse into what might be and how some will stop at nothing to stymie progress. A great apparent conclusion to the series for Fleisher.
After the impact of both COVID-19 and political unrest in America, it is time to turn over a new page. However, subsequent US Administrations cannot find peace and solace with what awaits them on the horizon, but rather new and difficult problems. One of these is the ongoing issue of climate change, which has shown to be causing issues around the world: rising temperatures, destruction of natural resources, and large-scale deaths of humans, not to mention flora or fauna.
Seeking to curb these issues, a system of domed cities becomes a priority within the White House, using America as a testing ground for other parts of the world. Investing billions into the project, new agricultural domes emerge to serve as testing grounds for enclosed areas where temperatures can be controlled and people can live. This expands to cities, some of which are inter-connected to allow travel with ease.
By the late 2040s and into the 50s, there are other advancements taking place, in hopes of creating a new and sustainable world for all. As with any new advancements, there will be those who profit, as well as a handful whose source of gain is curtailed by change. A small cabal of powerful individuals who seek to eradicate the changes meets regularly, in hopes of hatching a plan to cut the progress off at the knees.
Using various methods, this group covertly seeks to erase progress by the current US Administration. Assassination attempts prove fruitful, as does the release of a new bio-weapon, all while technological progress continues into the 2060s. A few key figures seek to ensure that these few will not succeed, while trying to reveal their identities in short order. It will take a great deal of effort, but it might be the final chance to ensure the world is safe.
The Final series caught my eye a few years ago and I have kept up with them whenever Van Fleisher publishes a new novel. While the ideas may seem a tad tech-lite, when the reader gets into the novels, there is a substantial narrative and strong themes. Fleisher offers opinions throughout, but they are substantiated effectively and this turned into quite the political thriller, while also being entertaining for those who invest the needed time.
The central characters change throughout the piece, but Fleisher makes sure to provide strong ties between them. Political, scientific, and social actors intermingle effectively to support the story and provide something that is easily processed by the reader. Characters and themes may bear a striking similarity to current times, which is likely no mistake on Fleisher’s part.
While there is a slight hokiness to begin the novel, this is soon replaced by some strong themes throughout the narrative. The story takes on some wonderful perspectives and the reader is taking on quite a ride as they learn about what could literally be on the horizon in the next while. With strong plots emerging, Fleisher permits the reader some time to think about what they are reading, while also getting lost in the ongoing action and developments. Short chapters keep the piece moving and the reader can only wonder what awaits them, as they forge ahead with ease. Even though it’s all in the future, Fleisher remains grounded and does not ‘robotocise’ the story, or instil anything too outlandish as it relates to daily life. If this is to be the final novel in the series, it will be missed, but what a great way to tie things off. Van Fleisher is to be commended.
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, on a great novel and entertaining series. I could not ask for anything better. I wonder what you have in store for us next.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 9, 2023
FINAL CHANCE: Sci-Fi ... or History of the Future? written by the author Van Fleisher is The FINAL Political Thriller Trilogy. In the early 2020s, Vijay Patel, a brilliant scientist, invented VT2. VT2 was a hi-tech health and fitness watch that could accurately predict the wearer's date of death as well as tell time. Later, Vijay and his business partner, Alek Belikov had tweaked the VT2’s capabilities to include psychological markers to help the FBI fight election interference.
Later, VT3 and VT4 versions were released that included Coronavirus detection capability. The 2040 administration of the new President Angela Parkson was focused on fighting climate change. In the summer of 2045 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: The heatwave killed almost half the city. The temperature climbed to 139 degrees Fahrenheit that week.
With many climate changes, the solution was quickly needed. Read the story to find out if there would be a complete ban on fossil fuel. What would Vijay and his business partner's family do to come up with a solution.
The story is gripping and unputdownable. The sci-fi world building is done nicely by the author. I appreciate his vivid imagination in creating this world. The backdrop setting is done well. The story is well paced and pulled me totally into it.
Later, VT3 and VT4 versions were released that included Coronavirus detection capability. The 2040 administration of the new President Angela Parkson was focused on fighting climate change. In the summer of 2045 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: The heatwave killed almost half the city. The temperature climbed to 139 degrees Fahrenheit that week.
With many climate changes, the solution was quickly needed. Read the story to find out if there would be a complete ban on fossil fuel. What would Vijay and his business partner's family do to come up with a solution.
The story is gripping and unputdownable. The sci-fi world building is done nicely by the author. I appreciate his vivid imagination in creating this world. The backdrop setting is done well. The story is well paced and pulled me totally into it.
January 20, 2025
A much slower start than the previous 2 books as this is set much more in the future, and there is a lot to cover between where the last book left off and this one is starting. It takes you to present time, back 40 years to give you some history, and then starts heading forward through the events. For that reason, this is set up to easily be a standalone, but I wouldn’t suggest skipping the first two.
The explanation over what has happened since the last book is intriguing, though at times confusing as it jumps around a lot.
The challenge that is put out from the government to Alek and Vijay is both exciting and intimidating. Their kids are now at an age and equipped with the education and determination to also help once again, Alek and Vijay, get to work together to develop something to help the population as a whole. With the best of intentions, as they always have had.
Kari is a force to be reckoned with and has grown into an amazing woman. Jason and Nadia are great and so much like their fathers. Jennifer is beaming with pride in her whole family and all that her and Vijay accomplished together.
The explanation over what has happened since the last book is intriguing, though at times confusing as it jumps around a lot.
The challenge that is put out from the government to Alek and Vijay is both exciting and intimidating. Their kids are now at an age and equipped with the education and determination to also help once again, Alek and Vijay, get to work together to develop something to help the population as a whole. With the best of intentions, as they always have had.
Kari is a force to be reckoned with and has grown into an amazing woman. Jason and Nadia are great and so much like their fathers. Jennifer is beaming with pride in her whole family and all that her and Vijay accomplished together.
March 2, 2022
While I was reading Van Fleisher's Final Chance I got chills down my spine every now and then - it sounds both like a work of science fiction (which is the main intent) and as a prophecy of what's to come. I urge everyone, not just sci-fi fans, to pick this book and see for themselves how our near future may look like.
March 5, 2022
A interesting story with it involving the issue of climate change.
I received this audio book for free and wanted to leave an honest review
I received this audio book for free and wanted to leave an honest review
February 18, 2026
Final book of the Final Series.
October 29, 2022
FINAL CHANCE
Van Fleisher
Thanks to Mr. Fleisher for creating this third story of his thought provoking trilogy.
FINAL CHANCE, the third book in this series, is a compelling story that addresses pressing global issues such as the climate crisis, as well as deeply personal questions such as what would you do if you knew that the date of your death was near?
Drawing from the disciplines of politics science and technology, this memorable reading experience is as entertaining as it is a pressing call to action. My thanks to the author for bringing awareness to the absolute urgency of this call.
Kudos, with high recommendations, for this creative, valuable and eye opening reading experience .
Ginny Conway
Van Fleisher
Thanks to Mr. Fleisher for creating this third story of his thought provoking trilogy.
FINAL CHANCE, the third book in this series, is a compelling story that addresses pressing global issues such as the climate crisis, as well as deeply personal questions such as what would you do if you knew that the date of your death was near?
Drawing from the disciplines of politics science and technology, this memorable reading experience is as entertaining as it is a pressing call to action. My thanks to the author for bringing awareness to the absolute urgency of this call.
Kudos, with high recommendations, for this creative, valuable and eye opening reading experience .
Ginny Conway
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews