Cassique is a time travelling Fixer in AD 2853. It's his job to nip back into the past and fix problems which threaten to wipe out the world of the twenty-ninth century. But the longer Cassique spends in those past times, the more he comes to wonder if the docile, VR-obsessed people of his present would actually benefit from a reset. It's a dangerous thought, because that would mean taking a stand against Father, the world-running super-computer, and Father takes a very dim view of any form of rebellion.
When Cassique teams up with a couple of relatively famous figures from the past, they start trying to formulate a plan to make time travel work in their favour, and return the reins of control to humanity. But they have to be exceedingly careful, because Father might be listening...
A darkly comic cross between 1984 and Time Bandits, this science fiction work shines a light on the dangers of putting too much power in the hands of a computer, and is more timely than ever when framed against the recent debate concerning the rise of AI.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7.50 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Father of the Future is a fun and thought-provoking time travel caper that manages to traverse such notable periods as 2510BC Egypt, England shortly before the Second World War, and 29th century Earth as "Fixers" jump through time to alter history.
Prose: Dash's effervescent text not only evokes time and place, it also manages to incorporate fascinating figures from history into a coherent narrative. The only downside comes with Cassique's occasional repetitive explanations of the mannerisms prevalent during different points in history.
Originality: Father of the Future is consistently inventive and fun, offering a futuristic world free from crime and punishment, where sex spas are the norm and physical contact is forbidden.
Character/Execution: Cassique dominates the story as the central figure. His amusing relationship with his briefly fostered son Zune lightens the tone, and his newly forged relationships with a reanimated Albert Einstein and Beta D add an oddly satisfying touch to the climax.
Blurb: A fun-filled and provocative time travel adventure.
Date Submitted: August 22, 2023
