An excellent read that resonates with the current global climate, this book emphasizes the importance of taking issues seriously and instigating change before it's too late. Despite its cringeworthy aspects, its relevance is undeniable. Written two years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 10:59 prompts readers to contemplate the 'What If?' scenarios. Overall, I found the book enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital copy.

I found this one slow to get into and then a bit uncomfortable, considering how things have gone with covid. Overwhelmed hospitals and morgue just hit close to home.

10:59 – by N.R. Baker – ‘A deadly virus. An over-populated world. An impossible decision.’

‘If you held the lives of those around you in your hands, who would you save? And could you live with sentencing others to certain death?’

‘I already knew how to change the world. What I didn’t know was how soon the world as everyone knew it would come to an end. I didn’t know that the countdown to disaster had begun long before I was even born. I didn’t know I’d find myself in the middle of it all.’

Cringy as it is relevant—10:59 is a book written two years before the COVID-19 pandemic, which certainly makes you think, What If?

Recommend

Thank you, NetGalley and Burning Chair Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of 10:59 at the request of an honest review.

10:59 by N.R. Baker isn't just a book. It's a journey, a thrilling rollercoaster that you wish had no end. Imagine diving into a story so immersive, every page crackles with the energy of the last piece of a puzzle clicking into place. That's "10:59." It's not often that a book grabs me by the soul and refuses to let go, but Baker has managed to do just that, weaving environmental concerns with a narrative so gripping, you'll forget to breathe.

[so, what's 10:59 about?]
The premise is simple but profound: What if you had the power to prevent the planet from tipping over the edge into environmental catastrophe, but the cost was unimaginably high? "10:59" explores this with characters so real, they bleed off the page. Baker's skill in crafting a narrative that's as enlightening as it is entertaining is unparalleled. This isn't just fiction; it's a wake-up call—a beautifully penned love letter to the planet and its inhabitants, urging us to open our eyes to the world around us.

[N R Baker's well-executed pacing]
The pacing is perfect, with twists that are as unpredictable as they are satisfying. Baker masterfully balances on the thin line between hope and despair, leaving readers teetering on the edge of their seats. The prose is lush, vivid, painting a world that's at once familiar and eerily possible. It's a world you're desperate to save, alongside characters who feel like old friends by the book's end.

[what sets this book apart]
10:59 is a masterclass in how to write a book that's both important and engaging. It's one of those rare gems that you'll want to shove into the hands of friends, strangers, anyone who will listen, because it's not just a story- it's a message. A message that's delivered with such passion, such urgency, it's impossible to ignore.

[it calls for action]
As the final page turns, you're left with more than just the echo of the words; you're left with a sense of purpose, a desire to look at the world differently, to be better. N.R. Baker hasn't just written one of the best books I've ever read; she's penned a manifesto for change, wrapped in a tale that's as heart-stopping as it is heartwarming.

[conclusion]
In short, "10:59" is a revelation—a book that dances on the line between fiction and reality, leaving a footprint that's indelibly etched into the fabric of your being. Don't just read it; let it transform you!

This book touched me so much, not only did I post a review (https://www.pagesofperfiction.com/2024/03/1059-by-n-r-baker-review-why-this-is.html), I also wrote a love letter to the book (https://www.pagesofperfiction.com/2024/03/a-love-letter-to-1059-by-n-r-baker.html), something I like to do when I really enjoyed a book! Both were posted on March 20, 2024.

I had a great time reading this book, it had a great overall feel to this story and that the characters belonged in the world that was set. I enjoyed the overall concept and how well everything was written. N R Baker writes a great story and left me wanting to read more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Burning Chair for this ARC of ‘10:59’ by N R Baker

It’s hard to believe that this is the authors debut book. I love a good sci-fi book and am amazed at how much this compares to current and past issues we are facing in the real world. The book starts a little slow but once you get into it youll fly through it. Definitely can’t wait to read more from this author!

I highly recommend this thought-provoking sci-fi book by indie author N.R. Baker. Despite being written before the pandemic, the story is remarkably relevant to current times, exploring important ethical questions in a cautionary tale. Although it starts slow, the book quickly picks up pace and is a strong debut for the author. It's a fascinating read that will leave you wanting more.

This book was fabulous! It was a very interesting take on the issues of the world, with a scarily realistic solution. I was surprised to find that it was written before the covid pandemic, because there are some similarities! I really enjoyed seeing how people who caused problems were sneakily eliminated, and I really enjoyed the ending!

A brilliant novel that poses a lot of ethical questions. The premise is both unique and scary. Could this be something that happens? From the enegineered attacks on specific places from the Horsemen to the unique idea to solve the world's overpopulation problem.

I found it difficult to put this book down. I was fascinated the entire time and kept wanting to read more. Most books have a lull at some point, but I did not find that to be true with 10:59!

Interesting premise and shows the flip side of the “good gun with a gun” theory; the greater good taken to the opposite extreme. The book is overly preachy and I still can’t decide if this was a cautionary tale or a big jab at those who feel this way. It starts out slow but when it picks up, it feels rushed. For as long as it was, I thought it could have been paced better.

A really good read for the way the world is now going. Makes one think about what the future holds with the world population going the way it going. With COVID still in our minds this is not too far off the mark. Over population is a big problem in the world today and the book sure makes one think. I enjoyed this book. Thanks Net Galley for the read.

I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I really loved the story, the pace and the writing style. It raises more questions than you can answer. Fab read!

This book is a did not finish for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the premise and almost apocalyptic vibes ,but I couldn't get into the book. I tried so hard, but ultimately, the book itself is boring(and kinda confusing). In my opinion, the chapters were entirely too long, which is why I couldn't get past the first couple.
I really wish I felt differently about this title. I mean, I had such high hopes...it's just the execution failed.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. It was a well written book. It was full of action and adventure. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author. I like the authors style of writing each chapter in this book. I liked the way the book ended. It keeps the reader for wanting to know more..

I was enthralled with this world and the main character. The fast-pace, tension, and nefarious forces throughout make this an unputdownable read. It's more pre-apocalyptic than post- so it's completely relatable. I had so much empathy for the characters who had to make the difficult choices. Their inner lives and the entire story are very well written.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This definitely raised questions for me about the importance of a single person, it also has the surface of being relatable to living through a pandemic.