The Wastelanders by Tim Hemlin
The Wastelanders is a Cli-Fi book written by Tim Hemlin. The
story is set in a dystopian future in the Houston area of Texas in the year
2116. The globe is currently suffering from a drought brought about by climate
change predictions from scientist in the mid-twentieth century. The Water Cartel
controls America as a corporate oligarchy run by The President and his
Sub-Czars. in 2089 a global pandemic known as the Yellow Plague originated in
Asia and claimed half of the population of China and India as well as many
Americans. Due to the outbreak, countries have isolated themselves by closing
their borders.
The story begins with Water Cartel Desalination Plant #23
going up in an explosion killing 165 people. Water Cartel Deputy Security
Officer Bernie Hawke is being interrogated by Home Sec about his involvement. The
government labels this a terrorist attack and identifies Bernie Hawke’s son,
Joey Hawke, as the main suspect. Although the story is told through multiple
perspectives Bernie and Joey Hawke are the presumed main protagonists. Bernie desperately
searches for his son to clear his name and find answers and Joey fights against
government conspiracies and the harsh wasteland to keep a boogieman from rising
from the grave.
The story is also told through the perspective of Joey
Hawke, Wasteland resident who “abandoned civilization” and joined the religious
cult Neo-Gnostics, who are suspected of committing terrorist acts and radical
thinking. Si-Ting, Joey’s childhood friend and love interest, whose innocent
emotions cause her to be used as bait in a political struggle to control
society by instilling fear in the hearts of its citizens. Sub-Czar Rex Fielder,
Home Sec officer intent on eradicating any force of opposition living in the
Wastelands. President J. Henry Bishop, current head of state, and figurehead
mostly unaware of the current conspiracy of his administration.
The technology in The
Wastelanders is noted to be futuristic as Hemlin illustrates the populated
communities living in “Bubble Technology” Biomes. They are electromagnetic
solar powered panels locked in a grid with interchangeable parts. In this
dystopian future there are hover cabs and buses, heat guns (electromagnetic
weapons firing thermal rounds), Speeders (futuristic motorcycles), Iron horses,
2-way vid cams and lie detector scanners. There have also been advancements in
Weather Control Implementations and Military Unmanned Bombers and drones. Wastelanders
survive by salvaging or trading in scrap metal or selling information to Home
Sec and the Water Cartel.
Hemlin tells this captivating story of a world on the brink
of survival from a multiple perspectives. Though I wouldn’t quite coin this as
a save the world narrative of a rouge vigilante being opposed by corrupt
corporation it has been very interesting to read. Assisted by a Seer-like
Mystic named the Bear both Hawke’s find their way into the Wasteland seeking
their ultimate truths. Bernie wishes to save his son from becoming the ultimate
martyr and Joey seeks to save the Wasteland from immenent doom from the
invading Home Sec forces.
Quiz Questions
1)What led to countries closing their borders and isolating
themselves? (Hint:2089)
2)Who is the main suspect for the bombing of Plant #23?
3)What religious cult does Joey Hawk belong to?
4)What is the main power source use for Bubble technology?
Discussion Questions
1)Do you believe it is beneficial to live in an isolated
world, if so what governs that decision?
2)IF government conspiracies led to societal developments
could they be justified? Why or Why not?
3)Do you believe that a selected few should be in charge of
delegating resources and power in the event of a global crisis? How should they
be selected?
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