The Scoloderus Conspiracy is a very interesting and entertaining speculative fiction story set 300 years into the future. A night attack leads to the disappearance of a colonel, and then his wife is killed as is his daughter. The web of intrigue deepens as the two sides, who have been fighting a war for 30+ years, try to out deceive each other and win the war.

While this book sounds like a thriller (which it is), this novel also has a much deeper message as to what truth really is and how it can be ignored, manipulated, and faced. One character, Prof. Allen Taylor, was very intriguing and the source of many interesting ideas on truth, honestly, and understanding, which would definitely apply to our world.

In general, this novel was a sound piece of writing. The writing was fine -- not too much description, not too much dialogue, few typos, and clear sentences. The characters were interesting and well thought out. The plot moved crisply along and often left the reader trying to guess who was on which side. By the time I was in chapter 3, I was hooked. And the ending...well, I was totally surprised!

My only complaints are (1) I want to know more about this world and the Shadow Warriors and (2) I would like to know more about some of the characters, in particular Prof. Taylor. This is listed as the first in a series, so I'm hoping the future volumes will answer my questions and expand on this world.

A thoroughly good read!!! ( )

When I finished “The Scoloderus Conspiracy”, I set the book aside, thinking, “OK, that was a pretty decent science fiction read.”

Having promised to write a review, however, called for a little more thought. The unbelievable prognostications, repeated coincidences, and simplistic characters make it a good candidate for publication in a pulp science fiction magazine, but not as a stand alone novel. While it is not really necessary to have good guys and bad guys identified, or to have some sort of description of physical landscape provided, or to have characters fleshed out to something beyond what is vital to the story’s plot – one, at least, of the above would have been appreciated.

In brief, the author had one interesting idea, and then wrote a book incorporating it, without ever worrying about any of the other stuff that makes a decent novel. Give it a pass, and pick up a copy of “Asimov’s Science Fiction” instead. ( )

In this futuristic less-than-thrilling thriller, we meet the UATF, and their mortal enemies, the so-called terrorists, the Libre Voyageurs. The plot, wrapped around a conspiracy or two, one of which is the eponymous one.

I found the pseudo-futuristic setting unnecessary, as the events could have conceivably happened in any contemporary or not-too-distant-future thriller. I also found the way certain characters act at times to be only for the purpose of furthering the suspense. That is, when they're not discussing the plot to make sure that the slow reader can follow along with what's happened so far, or, even worse, to explain the mystery through dialogue, instead of revealing it through events. Quite a let down for all the built up suspense.

The Scoloderus Conspiracy could have been a good book. It had the right physiology to be one. However, some literary mutation happened along the way to prevent it from living up to its true potential. I'd say that this book could be improved upon by replacing most of the chatter with more action. Just my opinion, though. ( )

Though this book could be classified as sci-fi, speculative, or post-apocalyptic fiction, readers who are not fans of these genres should NOT avoid this book! The story takes place in North America some 300 years following a cataclysm, but the society portrayed is very similar to our own - and requires little suspension of disbelief for the non-sci-fi reader.

The characters are engaging, and the pace is compelling. I read few books in one sitting, but didn't put this down until the last page was turned. The foreshadowing tips the author's hand on a few points, but the story has enough twists to keep any reader guessing. The conclusion is no exception, and leaves the reader plenty to consider once the book is done.

An entertaining read, and begs for a sequel. ( )

Welcome to the 24th century. More than three hundred years have passed since civilization was destroyed by a week-long global cataclysm, and the United Americas Trade Federation (UATF) has emerged from the wreckage as the most powerful force in North America, armed with superior knowledge and technology recovered from archival vaults. The dominant culture is largely unaltered, and the post-apocalyptic society governed by the UATF is remarkably similar to the one that preceded it. But not all are content.

The Libre Voyageurs do not recognize UATF authority, and are waging a war against those they believe to be tyrants. Passion and ingenuity more than make up for what they lack in numbers and technology.

When Colonel Anthony Hammond, commanding officer of the UATF 7th Shadow Warrior Battalion, mysteriously disappears from camp during a nighttime battle, and his wife and daughter go missing in Icaria, no one knows what the Libre Voyageurs are up to. Will they interrogate Hammond? Torture him and his family? Kill them? Only the brilliant Professor Allen Taylor can unravel the layers of deception in a daring conspiracy being carried out after years of careful planning. Readers won't know who to trust as he and UATF officers rely on deductive reasoning to track down LV infiltrators and find their way to the center of a web of deceit that is more complex than they first imagine.

'The Scoloderus Conspiracy' is an intriguing thriller with a mind-bending plot, believable characters, and plenty of action. Once ensnared by the mystery, readers won't want to put this book down. ( )