Is Novus Dies the Next Big Thing in Dystopian Fiction?
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Is Novus Dies the Dystopian Masterpiece We Needed This Year?
In the world of books, some stories promise to be unforgettable—and Novus Dies by Schalk Holloway seemed like it might be one of them. A dystopian tale that weaves Latin phrases with futuristic technology and humanity’s last flickers of hope. It felt like a book designed to leave an impact. I picked it up with high expectations, eager to dive into Holloway’s imagined world and see why so many have commented on its potential. Yet, as I read, I found myself torn. While there’s no denying the story’s ambition, did it fully deliver? Whether Novus Dies is a must-read or another novel lost in the shuffle of the year’s books, we’ll explore what worked, what didn’t, and if this is the book you truly need on your shelf.
Title: Novus Dies (The Posterity Doctrine, 1)
Author: Schalk Holloway
Publisher: Independent Publishing
Genre: Military, Science Fiction, Dystopian
Release Date: December 1, 2023
Pages: 263
Star Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice Rating: 0
When I first picked up Novus Dies, I wasn’t particularly drawn to it. Something about the story didn’t immediately grab my attention. Like many books that sit on my shelf, I carried it around for nearly two weeks, waiting for the right mood to strike.
Oftentimes (like 99.9% of the time), I go into a book completely blind, letting the cover do all the talking. For me, it’s a way to experience the story as it unfolds. Free from the influence of a blurb or preconceived notions. It’s how I fully immerse myself in the world the author has created. But with Novus Dies by Schalk Holloway, I took a different approach. By the time I reached chapter three, I found myself flipping back to the blurb. Hoping it would give me a sense of where the book was headed.
“Already done. Your armory is fabricating and loading as we speak.”
One element that stood out—and not in the best way—was the “transmission submissions” that preceded each chapter. These pieces of transcription, safety notices, and inceptions seemed like they were designed to bolster the story and immerse readers in the dystopian world. But for me, they had the opposite effect. In the first half of the book, I couldn’t see their relevance, and eventually, I started skipping them altogether. If these “submissions” had been integrated into the chapters themselves instead of standing apart, they might have added more depth instead of creating confusion.
Additionally, it took some time for Novus Dies to grow on me. Not because of a lack of quality, but because not every book connects instantly. As I read further, though, I found myself gradually sinking into its world. The story’s ebb and flow began to feel immersive, like being pulled into a current I hadn’t noticed at first. There were moments of intrigue and subtle tension that crept up on me. Leaving me unexpectedly invested in the fate of the characters and their world.
“So we grab a child bot—is that what we’re calling these things.”
One aspect of Novus Dies that left me wondering was the use of third-person close narration. While the quality of the writing itself doesn’t suffer, I believe the story could have felt grander if it had been told directly from Kate and Monty’s perspectives. By shifting the point of view, we could have gained a deeper emotional connection to the characters as they navigated the slow, terrifying progression of robots becoming sentient. The story had the potential for a sweeping, immersive feel. Something that would have truly captured the enormity of the cyborgs’ takeover. As it stands, though, I found myself lacking a connection to Kate. I couldn’t fully put myself in her shoes, which was something I desperately wanted to experience. Keeping me engaged, reading, and truly enjoying the story.
With all that being said, Novus Dies still has a lot to offer. The writing style itself is sharp and engaging, with Holloway’s world-building creating an immersive backdrop for the story. Despite my initial disconnect, the book picks up momentum as it progresses. By the end, I found myself genuinely enjoying the journey. The pacing, though at times deliberate, allows for moments of tension that truly highlight the stakes of the world’s collapse. The themes of technology, humanity, and survival resonate throughout, making the story thought-provoking and reflective. While the emotional depth I hoped for may have been lacking, the overall experience of Novus Dies left me appreciating its complexity. Holloway’s ability to craft a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar.
“Fuck, Three hurry up!” she shouts.
So, should you read Novus Dies? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward. While the book doesn’t immediately sweep you off your feet, it offers an intriguing world and a thought-provoking take on the progression of technology and humanity. The writing is strong, and Holloway’s storytelling grows more engaging as the book unfolds. Even if it doesn’t fully capture the emotional depth I was hoping for. If you’re someone who enjoys dystopian tales with a slow burn and doesn’t mind a bit of distance from the characters, Novus Dies will likely appeal to you. However, if you’re looking for a more intimate, sweeping narrative that fully pulls you into the characters’ lives, this might not be the book for you. Ultimately, Novus Dies is a worthwhile read for fans of speculative fiction—but it’s not without its flaws.
Thank you to Schalk Holloway for sending me a copy of Novus Dies for review. Novus Dies is currently available on Kindle Unlimited. Or if you would rather own a copy it’s a steal at only $2.99 at the time of this posting.
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