Review of The Protectors by Larry Botkins
When I first picked up The Protectors by Larry Botkins, I was curious about how a tale of alien invasion could uniquely capture the human spirit. The premise of a calm, practical resistance amidst chaos intrigued me, as I often find that fiction leans towards emotional turmoil in crisis situations. Botkins’ approach promised a refreshing take, and I was eager to see if it delivered.
Set against a backdrop where aliens have laid siege to Earth, the story begins with a surprisingly clear-eyed perspective. The authors don’t plunge us into panic; instead, the characters navigate the aftermath with a kind of level-headedness that feels both fascinating and a bit unreal. Major cities fall in devastating attacks, and yet resources like food and water become points of rational strategizing rather than despair. I appreciated how this composure portrayed resilience, although I found myself questioning the authenticity of their calm responses—would real people really operate this smoothly amid such catastrophic upheaval?
The plot unfolds in two parts, with Part One introducing us to Tom and his significant other, Sheila. Their dynamic felt familiar yet slightly off, particularly in how Tom often took charge in a way that seemed reminiscent of old tropes. When Tom is killed, we transition to Burl as our new narrator, and while I was intrigued by this shift, I hoped for a deeper exploration of character development. Both narrators shared almost identical qualities: strategic thinkers, dexterous with firearms, yet emotionally resilient to the point of seeming unrealistic.
Burl’s ruthless demeanor, especially his cold-blooded decisions to eliminate perceived threats, felt heavy-handed. In a world teeming with shades of gray, I craved moments of moral ambiguity that would lend depth to his character. Why not show more humanity or reflection? As he moved through the narrative, there was little evolution to his worldview, which left some emotional stakes absent.
The underlying themes of societal critique by the aliens—who view humanity’s environmental and political missteps as justifications for their takeover—were particularly engaging. This clever twist added a layer of complexity, prompting me to reflect on our own world. However, I couldn’t help but feel that these deeper themes often got lost in the straightforward prose. The dialogue struggled at times, sounding a bit clunky, and I hungered for more vivid descriptions that could have enriched the narrative and connected more deeply with the characters’ experiences.
Despite its flaws, The Protectors is an easy read, driven by a fast pace that kept me engaged. It flirts with profound insights about community and survival, although it stumbles in character representation—particularly regarding gender roles. The story largely sidelines women to traditional, gendered classes, which felt outdated in an otherwise modern context.
In conclusion, I believe The Protectors will resonate with readers who enjoy a straightforward, action-packed sci-fi narrative without the emotional turmoil often typical of the genre. While I left wanting deeper exploration and character growth, I appreciated its compelling premise and urge to reflect on our societal choices. For me, it was a thought-provoking read that prompts dialogue about resilience in extraordinary times, even if it fell short in some aspects. If you’re in the mood for a quick escapade that teases some thoughtful reflections on humanity, this book might just be for you!