Gavril’s Plan: Life and Death – Book Review

I was so excited to receive a review copy of this book because it sounded so good! And now I get to tell you all about it (no spoilers!). With its intricate plot and well-rounded cast of characters, Anastasia V. Fedkin’s engrossing post-apocalyptic novel Gavril’s Plan: Life and Death is a real winner!
The first book in the series, “Life and Death”, deftly lays the groundwork for an epic story that delves into themes of power, morality, and survival.
As for some early content warnings: The book contains religious content that seeks to explore ideas rather than advocate any dogma. It has strong adult themes and language, including dark and hard-to-discuss issues about harm and death, and the use of sexually triggering events.
Now, let’s get into it!
Thirteen years after the catastrophic World War III, the novel opens, presenting us with a world radically different from our own. Mutants like Rohan struggle to fit in in this new universe of shifting allegiances and emerging new powers. Fedkin’s world-building is remarkable; it creates a vivid image of a civilization on the verge of collapse, struggling to reconcile the ghosts of its past and create a new one.
The protagonists of the novel are the heads of the new global order, Erika, Donovan, and Gianna. Gavril is a powerful opponent whose grandiose scheme jeopardizes the tenuous peace they have laboriously tended to. The moral and ethical predicaments of these individuals provide the story a deeper level of complexity by transforming their journey from a physical conflict into a psychological one as well.
Rohan’s journey is also really interesting. He represents the difficulties of adjusting to a society that fears and misunderstands him as a new mutation. In their fight against the resistance, his collaboration with Anastasia and her group offers a moving look at loyalty, trust, and the search for identity in a chaotic world. Anastasia herself experiences a great deal of growth, discovering fresh meaning and purpose that contradict her preconceived notions and prompt her to reconsider her place in Gavril’s scheme.
One of my favorite parts of this unique story is how relatable the characters were. I could see parts of myself, as well as my friends and loved ones in them. It makes you ask yourself what you would do if you were in a similar situation. And it poses scenarios that you will continue thinking about after you’ve put the book down.
A fascinating element of suspense and mystery is added by the resistance movement, which has a strong and mysterious commander. With each new revelation about Gavril’s true motivations, Anastasia and her allies gain compelling momentum in the story. The blurring of moral boundaries prompts readers to consider the true cost of development and the nature of leadership.
Fedkin writes in an expressive and captivating style that transports readers to her characters’ physical and emotional worlds. The timing is perfect, keeping the tension high while allowing for character development and reflective pauses. The stakes feel very real and immediate because of how intensely and graphically the action sequences are described.
All in all, the book was a fantastic read. Anastasia V. Fedkin has crafted a thought-provoking and action-packed novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. It’s a tale of resilience, power, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian fiction or simply looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to deliver.
Gavril’s Plan: Life and Death is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle edition. It’s also available in Kindle Unlimited.