Cover Image: 2032

2032

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

"2032" by Dan Padbury delivers a compelling and thought-provoking journey into a future plagued by societal collapse, environmental devastation, and a deadly virus. Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the edge of chaos, this dystopian thriller captivates with its blend of social commentary, suspenseful action, and moral complexity.

From the opening pages, I was drawn into a world where the divide between the rich and the poor has reached alarming levels. Padbury's vivid descriptions paint a stark picture of a society grappling with inequality and power dynamics, where the privileged few thrive while the marginalized suffer. The plight of vulnerable nations in Africa serves as a poignant reminder of the real-world consequences of unchecked greed and environmental neglect.

At the heart of the story is a team of ethical computer hackers led by the formidable Thandiwe, whose mission to challenge the status quo and fight for justice adds layers of intrigue and moral depth to the narrative. As they navigate a world ravaged by corruption and despair, the characters grapple with difficult choices and moral dilemmas, forcing readers to confront the complexities of power and responsibility.

Padbury's writing is fast-paced and immersive, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn of the plot. The tension builds steadily as the stakes escalate, culminating in a gripping climax that leaves a lasting impact. Alongside the thrilling action, "2032" prompts reflection on timely themes such as environmental stewardship, social justice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

"2032" offers a compelling blend of dystopian intrigue, social commentary, and ethical exploration that will appeal to fans of the genre. Padbury's vivid imagination and thought-provoking storytelling make this a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking literary experience.

Was this review helpful?

Title: "2032" by Dan Padbury: A Gripping Dystopian Thriller with a Message of Hope

"2032" by Dan Padbury is a gripping and thought-provoking dystopian thriller that paints a bleak yet compelling picture of a world on the brink of collapse. Set in a future where humanity is ravaged by a deadly virus and environmental devastation, the novel explores themes of inequality, power dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The story unfolds in a world where the gap between the rich and the poor has reached unprecedented levels. As the vulnerable nations of Africa bear the brunt of the tragedy and loss caused by the virus and environmental damage, the wealthy and powerful continue to thrive, maintaining their absolute domination. It is within this backdrop that a team of ethical computer hackers emerges, determined to level the playing field and bring justice to their dying world.

Padbury's writing is fast-paced and immersive, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The author expertly weaves together elements of suspense, action, and social commentary, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The ethical hackers' mission to challenge the status quo and fight for justice adds an element of intrigue and moral complexity to the story.

One of the strengths of "2032" is its exploration of the consequences of unchecked power and the impact of inequality on society. Padbury shines a spotlight on the stark contrast between the privileged few who continue to prosper and the marginalized many who suffer the most.

Was this review helpful?

I started this book with a thrill, especially as it started on a high note, and with many unanswered questions. A desert path, a family fleeing some sort of conflict, plenty of gunfire, dead bodies and a plague around the corner?
Seems interesting enough, right?
Well, eventually, the author transports the reader to a whole new setting, something about a bank heist carried out by teens, a taste of Young Adult fiction. And that is one of the nice things about this work of fiction. The author isn't afraid to delve into various genres all at once, and with good dexterity.
This book showed a lot of promise all over and I'd even say, as I think would be the case, that its possible sequels would be even better. We see a story building up, growing in different directions, branching about. One thing is sure, tender flowers would blossom soon. As of now, however, I think getting introduced to the characters would interest the reader well enough.

Was this review helpful?

This has an interesting cast of characters that carry the story along a nice pace and create depth to the story. Great plot and I found myself filling an afternoon reading this in one sitting as I found it so enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest , unbiased review. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately a poor quality galley with multiple errors (constant changes of tense, characters changing gender sometimes mid-paragraph, etc), making the story rather hard to follow. Hopefully the final edits fixed these.

Potentially an interesting story, but dnf at 17%.

Was this review helpful?

I read 2032 by Dan Padbury and it's SOOOO GOOD. A book set on the edge of an unexplained disease sweeping a continent? An African YA dystopian novel written well? I LOVED IT ALL.

I really enjoyed how fresh a take this was on the usual dystopian story we've seen around the block.

Was this review helpful?

A solid thriller. This has interesting characters and a compelling plot. I suspect it will sell well. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the free review copy for review!!

Was this review helpful?

I don't think I am the right audience for this book. The blurb sounded promising, - and since this is a bit outside my comfort zone - I decided to give it a go nonetheless.

I found the metaphorical language disruptive. I understand what the author wants to achieve with this but for me it didn't work so well. At times, the images were very graphic.
Overarching themes covered are sand, violence, organ collectors, hunger, poverty, HIV and AIDS, corruption and a failing banking system.
Unfortunately, I did not manage to get well into the story, the writing was sometimes too metaphorical, and sometimes again too detached. As a result, I couldn't get into the book very well.
This book was not for me, but I would like to thank the author and Netgalley for providing me with this arc. This opinion is my own.

Was this review helpful?

The kind of dystopian thriller that'll keep you up, not wanting to put the book down. Page after page of action, gloomy atmosphere, crime investigations, pandemics, conspiracy theories, and clever twists and turns to keep you turning pages.
A breath of fresh air with captivating unique storyline that's both thought provoking and nail bitting. Really enjoyed the ride this book offers.

Was this review helpful?

Dan Padbury excites in his debut dystopian thriller, '2032.' Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the population of Africa is fighting against itself thanks to a crippled infrastructure and lack of resources, fates will determine the course of the world.

If you're a fan of suspenseful dystopian books with an emphasis on government, this debut novel is right for you. A fast-paced read.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 star rating

This book is a dystopian thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s an action-packed and page-turner book that you will enjoy. I personally couldn’t get enough of it. The characters were fascinating because of their capabilities and differences. I never thought i’d enjoy a dystopian thriller, but here we are. The story was really captivating because of the twists and turns; there were a lot of things happening but it wasn’t confusing to me at all. If you love dystopian stories and crime, then you will enjoy this book for sure. It’s like Hunger Games & Divergent meets tv shows like Hawaii Five-0, CSI, NCIS.

Was this review helpful?

Wow what a ride! This mind bending and riveting read kept me on the edge of my seat and did not let go until the very end. With a completely unique storyline and a mix of ruthless and lovable characters, 2023 completely blew me away.

I would highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a unique and thrilling read!

Was this review helpful?

𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟐 is a 𝐃𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥⁣ by Dan Padbury that is a story that brings fear to the surface when Mother Earth is no longer able to provide for its habitants. To make worse, there are those that take advantage of the situation - big corporations still looking for the bottom line. But Padbury writes with hope in that there are characters in this novel that is the last bastion of humanity.

This debut novel is well written - gripping and fast paced with great plotting. Entertaining read!

Was this review helpful?

This was a really unique story, I loved the use of Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic Survival. It was what I was hoping for when I requested and I was so invested in the plot of the book. The characters worked in the atmosphere and it had a great tense atmosphere in it. I enjoyed the way Dan Padbury wrote this and look forward to reading more from him.

"Eric out at the road, then over the road at homes. Most were empty. When the virus broke out some people lost their lives in the hospital. Real estate prices had dropped so drastically that he had considered moving out of his parent's home."

Was this review helpful?