I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule Published by Harper Perennial on April 3 2018
Genres: Adult, Thriller
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A fast-paced thriller with a sci-fi sensibility, this debut is not to be missed!
Veteran comic book writer Charles Soule asks some thought-provoking questions in his debut novel, The Oracle Year, but he makes sure his readers are having a blast while pondering those questions. I had so much fun reading this book, and l can’t believe I nearly passed it up, because it wasn’t even on my radar at the time. Soule’s story was just what I needed, a perfect combination of heart-pounding action, relatable characters and plenty of heartfelt moments.
Will Dando lives in New York City, an ordinary twenty-something guy simple trying to make a living as a musician. But one day he wakes up from a vivid dream with precisely 108 predictions of the future in his head, each one accompanied by a date. As Will ponders what do with this new information, he begins to notice that the predictions are actually coming true. He joins forces with his best friend Hamza, who convinces him to create a website where he can anonymously post the predictions. As word of the website spreads like wildfire, the world begins to call him the Oracle, and his website becomes known simply as “the Site.”
Suddenly Will is the most popular guy in the world, even though no one actually knows who he is, and in order to keep his identity hidden, he and Hamza use the expertise of several computer experts and hackers to make sure it stays that way. Hamza, an investment banker by trade, suggests they cash in on Will’s good fortune, and soon the two are setting up secure phone calls and making deals for millions of dollars in exchange for exclusive rights to certain predictions.
But not everyone is happy about the Oracle’s predictions, understandably, and Will makes some enemies as well, including a famous televangelist who believes the Oracle is the devil, and even the President of the United States, who tries to use his power to go after Will and discover his true identity. With his secret identity in danger and a mob of dangerous men and women on his trail, it’s all Will can do to keep himself and his friends safe. As each prediction comes true, the world seems to spin more and more out of control, and Will begins to wonder how he can turn the tables and use the predictions to do good. But the date of the final prediction is growing closer and Will has no idea what it means.
One of my favorite things about The Oracle Year was the characters. I absolutely loved Will, even though he doesn’t always do the right thing, he’s earnestly trying to figure out why he was given the predictions and what he should do with them. He’s normal and flawed and he seems to be doing the best he can, given the circumstances. Will changes over the course of the book as he slowly gains wisdom from the results of the predictions, which plays out wonderfully with his final, master stroke at the end. All the other characters are vividly rendered as well, and I wonder if it’s Soule’s experience with writing comic books that’s given him such a deft touch with characterizations. Hamza and his wife Miko are drawn into the drama of the Oracle, but they are so devoted to Will that they march right into danger just to support and protect their friend. One of the scariest characters is a middle-aged woman known simply as the Coach, a “mystical black-ops fix-it person” as one of the other characters describes her. In the guise of a kindly grandmother, the Coach will use any means possible to find Will and get every last bit of relevant information out of his head. She was truly terrifying, and I was never sure exactly how her chapters were going to end.
Which brings me to the thriller aspect of this story. Soule is a master at keeping the reader guessing, dangling possible outcomes in front of us and then switching things up. Part of the excitement of The Oracle Year was never really knowing what was going to happen, which made for a fast and exhilarating read. Add in the fact that I grew to love Will and his friends, and I was constantly worried for their safety.
The Oracle Year could certainly stand on its own as a really good thriller, but Soule goes one step further and presents the reader with some philosophical questions. Namely, can the future be changed, or is it already set? Are our choices important, creating ripples through the universe like a stone thrown into a lake, or are they meaningless in the grand scheme of things? More importantly, can good overcome evil and save the world? Will faces all these questions and more as he tries to make the right decisions along the way.
The last, frantic chapters went a little bit over the top for my tastes, as Soule puts his characters in some ridiculously outrageous situations. But as far as thrillers go, the action certainly wasn’t out of place. The ending wraps up most of the loose ends, including one of the funnier predictions finally coming to pass, and while it didn’t quite go where I expected it to go, I had a huge smile on my face when I finished the book. What more can you ask for than that? Highly recommended.
Big thanks to Wunderkind PR and the publisher for supplying a review copy.
I’ve read some of Soule’s comic book stuff, which was above average, so this one sounds really interesting.
I will definitely check out his comics after this experience:-)
I’ve seen quite a few people raving about this one. I’ll admit, it hasn’t been on my radar either but after reading this, I’m thinking I should give it a try. That would be some scary information to possess and I don’t think I’d want to be stuck in that position.
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…An Exciting Buddy Read Announcement
It’s so much fun, so when you’re in the mood for something fast and totally readable, give this a try:-)
Ooooh, I want want WANT this so much! I think it might be even better than I first thought!
You would love it, I hope you can find time to read it:-)
Very much looking forward to cracking open my copy. I love his Curse Words comics!
I haven’t read his comics but now I want to!
This sounds like a fun read. I don’t know if I’d want to want to wake up with 108 predictions myself. It would probably terrify me!
I don’t think I would either, especially after what happened to the main character!
What a marvellous review, Tammy! It sounds a cracking read – and right up my alley, but then that’s not a suprise as we generally like the same type of reads… Thank you for sharing this one:)
You would love it Sarah!
I like the idea of a story that would keep me on the edge of the seat from start to finish, always guessing and always being surprised by the outcome. And the fact that the story compels its readers to *think* is indeed a huge bonus…
Thank you so much for this intriguing review 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Short Story Review: WISE CHILD, by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
It’s an all around fantastic read for sure:-)
I hadn’t heard of this one either until I saw Bibliosanctum’s review. It does seem to be something I’d enjoy. I will keep this one on my list.
Lynn 😀
I think you’d love it, Lynn:-)
This sounds really good! And a thriller might be a nice change of pace 🙂
Lisa @TenaciousReader recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
It was a nice change of pace, sometimes I get so wrapped up in SF and fantasy that I forget how good other genres are:-)
Not real sure if this one would be for me but it does sound interesting and I am glad you really enjoyed it.
It definitely won’t be for everyone, but it sure was fun to read:-)
I agree, this was a great read! It’ll probably make some kind of “most surprising book” list for me at the end of the year. I also enjoyed the ending, and I suppose for a story with a premise like this, “over the top” fits well 😀
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Review: Noir by Christopher Moore
I was worried how he was going to end this, but I’m glad it worked out:-)
I’m not familiar with Charles Soule, but this sounds like a really interesting story. I may have to keep my eyes open for this one.
I love a great scifi thriller. This wasn’t on my radar either so I’m glad you took a chance!