Where Liberty Lies
Nathaniel M. Wrey
Waterman Books (2023)
ISBN: 978-1916370562
Reviewed by Ephantus M for Reader Views (09/2023)
“Where Liberty Lies” excellently continues the dystopian classical adventures of the remarkable Nathaniel M. Wrey’s Liberty Trilogy. This second installment tells of an admiringly heroic step by a family of three, that sees them embark on a journey to a supposed oasis for a better life. Things, however, turn out differently along the way, placing their resilience and hope on a balance.
Finbarl, Aminatra, and Karlmon are facing inhospitable weather and the rugged terrain of uncharted territories after escaping their destroyed home in Athenia. A once noble and civilized people were attacking any Athenian citizen who happened to cross their path. Now in the forest after having successfully escaped the draconian fiends, the trio is in for a rude shock when Finbarl spies something out there in the woods. A careful look sends chills to their already weary selves, as a wild face with piercing eyes and a snarling mouth stares back at them.
In this highly thrilling fantasy, silence is compounded with fear, leaving readers beguiled by Wrey’s inventiveness of a woeful menace. Danger upon danger lies in the path of the main characters, testing their solidity and resilience through the voyage. Private spats and open expressions of inner feelings submit to readers a relatable situation, where many people may have found themselves regretting some huge and risky steps in life, in the hope that life will turn out better.
Wrey skillfully weaves a fantasy that will leave you reflecting on some of our societal standards, convictions, and values that are supposed to lead us. This is characterized most intensely by the feud of the foppish democracy of epicurean Parodis and the Spartan cruelty of power-hungry Adonelis. The quickly-paced action, incidents, twists, and turns certainly declare to the reader why Wrey’s masterpieces are award-winning and why this installment, though voluminous, will leave them hankering for more.
The search for freedom by the three refugees creates a sense of emotional realism that keeps the tale grounded to the end. Overall, “Where Liberty Lies” is a stellar best-seller, that will delight lovers of reflective dystopian fiction globally.
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