Contrivance By Jeffrey Wilkins
"Contrivance" is a captivating tale of global and personal conflict, interweaving the lives of its characters against a backdrop of societal upheaval, environmental disasters, and mysterious phenomena. At its core, the novel examines humanity's resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
The story begins with David and Jennifer, a couple struggling to reconnect during a sailing trip intended to revive their strained relationship. Their personal discord is mirrored by the larger chaos unfolding worldwide—riots erupting in cities over controversial construction projects, violent protests escalating into societal disarray, and media broadcasting reports of mysterious aircraft and unexplained environmental phenomena.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to other characters scattered across the globe. In Congo, Dafari grapples with his role as an investigator amid growing societal and ecological instability. He becomes entangled in conspiracies tied to an energy crisis and the sudden emergence of powerful organizations vying for control over dwindling resources. Meanwhile, Khristina in Russia finds herself at the center of unraveling political corruption and mounting civil unrest fueled by government overreach and media censorship. Her connection to events transcends her professional focus as a social media influencer, pulling her into a whirlwind of resistance and survival.
One of the novel’s most intriguing threads is the revelation of the Martian Ascension Society, a secretive organization dedicated to colonizing Mars. This clandestine group’s activities bring questions of human ambition, secrecy, and the ethical implications of extraterrestrial settlement into sharp focus. As their plans are leaked, the Society is forced to confront global scrutiny while accelerating their efforts to establish human life on the Red Planet.
Running parallel to these larger global events are intimate moments of survival and reflection. From a lone man trapped near an erupting volcano to families facing food and water shortages brought on by extreme climate change, the novel paints a vivid picture of humanity's vulnerability in the face of nature’s wrath. The narrative explores the stark consequences of environmental degradation, political corruption, and reliance on finite resources, warning of a fragile future that may be closer than imagined.
"Contrivance" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and science fiction to tell a multifaceted story of survival, discovery, and human connection. Its characters, though separated by geography and circumstance, share a common thread of resilience and determination. As they navigate their respective challenges, the novel raises profound questions about humanity’s collective responsibility to one another and the planet. How far will individuals go to save themselves, their loved ones, or the very future of their species?
With its rich tapestry of interconnected narratives, "Contrivance" offers a sobering yet hopeful exploration of humanity's capacity to adapt and endure. It is a timely reminder of the importance of cooperation and ingenuity in a world teetering on the brink of collapse.