The Biblio Blogazine

Unholy Domain by Dan Ronco (2008)
Science Fiction Thriller, 352 pages
Published by Kunati Inc.

Review copy provided by author

Advisory: Language and violence. There are also scenes of a sexual nature including rape, although none of these features put me off or made me feel uncomfortable.

I haven’t read much science fiction since my twenties. Even then, I was attracted to what is now called “social science fiction”. According to releases regarding this book, it is described as a sci-fi thriller, and that it is. However I would add that there are elements that clearly delve into the “sociological speculation about human society”.

The thriller characteristic is where this writer shines. But there were times I kept thinking to myself how much “meatier” in content the book could have been if some of those ‘sociological speculations’ were given more attention . Then again, if it had, how much of this would have affected the pace of the novel, which kept me turning page after page?

This is the second of three novels Mr. Ronco will be writing. I asked him to share some background about the trilogy so I could better understand his goals. Here is an excerpt from his reply:

Some years earlier, I scoped out a series of novels to expose three oncoming challenges; computer viruses enhanced with artificial intelligence (Peacemaker, set in 2012), the oncoming clash between religion and technology concerning what it means to be human (Unholy Domain, set in 2022), and the beginnings of the integration of human and artificial intelligence into a network entity [tentatively titled Tomorrow’s Children, set in 2031). Each novel is written as a thriller – packed with adventure, sex, greed, and romance – as well as realistic science and technology. The three leading characters: Dianne Morgan, a female mega-billionaire obsessed with power; Ray Brown, her onetime lover and a brilliant software architect; and David Brown, Ray’s genetically gifted son – are developed over the timeframe of the three novels into real people with their own unique values and characteristics.

Although part of trilogy, each book is written to stand on its own. My only issue with this then is the lack of character I found in two of the main ones listed above. Part of this has to come from the fact I have not read the first book. The only standout to me in this novel was Dianne Morgan, yet it was supposed to be an introduction to David and what happens when he discovers his father may have been framed.

There is a lot of potential for not simply a sequel, but off-shoots exploring the ramifications to society from the melding of technology and humanity. I couldn’t help but be reminded of I ROBOT, BICENTENNIAL MAN, and THE MATRIX while reading Unholy Domain.

I won’t mislead you, this is no work of great literary measure, but it is an enjoyable read despite its flaws.

I don’t often read other reviews until after I’ve written mine as I don’t want to be unduly influenced. I did find this one though that I feel gives a wonderful in-depth and fair review of Unholy Domain by Harry Markov.

I am giving this book 3 out of 5 Stars. If you like science fiction with a believable premise, and a frightening one at that, then you will like this book. Just be forewarned that you should read Peacemaker first, it will help in understanding the plot and characters much better than I did.

Dan Ronco’s expertise in engineering and computer science infuses each of his books with a sense of authenticity that will keep you reading, and wondering.