This is an unconventional book. It’s a very different book. It’s a book that could be easily offensive and maybe above a few people’s heads. It’s also AMAZING. In fact, it’s one of my favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy reads.
Fort Rewind is a brilliantly developed satire that touches on things like moral relativism, Social Justice, religion, and anger. The author sites Terry Pratchett as an inspiration. I’ve never read any Pratchett, but I kinda want to now.
The world presented is one where fossil fuel has run out and technology everywhere is useless. To solve this issue, Canada has made a deal with demons. Not only do they now have demon-powered technology, they also got something else out of the deal: the ability to go back in time.
Our Protagonist, Lt. Blunt, is sent back to head up the security of a Fort being built in 1776 and finds himself in over his head when people start getting murdered.
I think what I love so much about this book is the details. The overall plot is a bit, like I said, unconventional, though it’s surprisingly easy to follow and enjoyable. But the details that the author, Sarah K.L. Wilson, comes up with are just incredible. She finds the perfect little pieces to fit into the book and compliment the humor and the dark tone.
For instance, the protagonist has a quick temper, the perfect foil for the theme. He also has a gum chewing habit that he found hard to give up, and we are regularly filled in, throughout the novel, on how stressed he is by how close he gets to chewing that last piece in the pack he carries around with him.
Or we can talk about the character named Hashtag Mags, who spends all day staring at a wooden block and typing invisible messages on invisible social media. Oh, and she only speaks in hashtags.
Despite the fact that this book had me laughing out loud through the entirety it didn’t make the mistake of being too light. The characters were genuinely relatable, not just vehicles of the humor. I actually cared about what happened to them and got tense when they were in danger. When things heated up for the climax, they heated up fast (and yes, this is a subtle nod to the demon aspect). And the twists and turns the book made were not only exciting to read, but deeply impactful. In the end the story was both entertaining and funny, and it also leaves you with a powerful warning. One about what happens when you refuse to be accountable to anything and anyone but your own desires.
If you are looking for a read that will make you laugh and keep you happy, but that doesn’t shy away from deeper issues, Fort Rewind is perfect for you. It’s by no means a light read, but because of the excellent humorous writing it’s also not going to leave you feeling down or depressed. It might sound odd, but if you pick it up and give it a try, you might just find yourself loving something you never thought you could.
Sounds like an awesome book!! I’ve never heard of it, but after this review I’m putting it on my TBR. The concept and characters seem really intriguing.
I’m so glad you are adding it. Sarah was one of the first authors I connected with on my writing journey and she is an incredible author and person. I’d recommend all her books, but this is by far my favorite.