When I first decided to dip my toes into this reviewing business, I decided to give several other online reviewers a look before I tried it out for myself, see their criteria and what they look for and what have you. That's when I discovered an internet reviewer who specializes in books and movies based on books. Kyle Martin or, as his fans know him, Krimson Rogue (Krimson IS spelled right) is the host of The Book Is Better, a Youtube show where he analyzes books and how Hollywood handles them when making adaptations. In his earlier episodes, he subtly hints that he has a book out there as well. Morbid curiosity got the best of me, and so I decided to review a reviewer with this latest book.
Micro God is the tale of a man named Richard Clarke who, for reasons beyond him and everyone else in the world, has been gifted with extraordinary abilities. Basically, anything is possible so long as you stand within a five foot radius of Clarke. He can stop bullets, bring down entire buildings with a wave of his hand, cure any ailment and heal any injury, the possibilities are endless. But Clarke's abilities are more curse than blessing, leaving him immortal but without cause. It isn't until he meets a strong-willed doctor in a town in desperate need of help, does Clarke find that he might still have something to fight for after all.
Mirco God is very much a character-driven story. It's about Clarke's struggles and his progression throughout the story so it's a very good thing that Clarke is someone you want to follow. The mystery of his past, what exactly he's been through during his absurdly long life, and his search for purpose pull you into the story. Clarke's personality is that of that mysterious brooder in the back of the bar, drinking alone, whom you want to approach because you know he's got some fantastic stories to tell but don't know if you'd dare to ask. You feel the weight that Clarke carries as you walk alongside him in the story, and you find yourself really wanting him to find happiness again.
That being said, it is a dark book. It's full of tension and unpleasant themes including drugs, gangs, and the murder of innocent people. The point of this being that this is just a bad place in a very bad time. It feels like it really would take someone with godlike power to face these trials, otherwise this town and the people in it are a bullet away from total devastation. Clarke's influence in the story actually inspires hope and brightens up the story, shedding light on the otherwise constant darkness.
While the focus is properly on Clarke, there's still plenty of other things in this book that warrant mention. Dr. Chloe Hall, the doctor who recruits Clarke's help, is a fine example of a strong woman who doesn't need to be brandishing a sword (or a bow) to exude her strength. She's tough, but kind and has a sense of leadership that is respectable as well as admirable. She was a delight to read about. There's also the characterization of the city in which the story takes place. The city is described so it's truly deserving of the term "wretched hive of scum and villainy". It's so dark and dirty and you really feel the grime and trashy danger of the place, it's all wonderfully described.
All those things considered, it is a short book and so it didn't take very long to get through. My big gripe would probably be the ending. Not going to spoil anything for anyone, but the ending is a heavy, tense thing that leaves you picking up the pieces of your heart. Bring your tissues, fellas. You're going to need them.
Final Verdict
Micro God is a bleak book, but an enlightening one that has good characters, a gripping story, and heavy themes. It's definitely worth the read and definitely worth your money at your local bookstore. If you wanna check out Martin's web series check the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqyKubmwPrg3ZayK8KE-kA
Next time: Tiger, Tiger, burning bright in the forest of...Oregon?
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