The List Keepers: An AOI Thriller (The Justar Journal) – Suspense Novel for Mystery Lovers, Perfect for Late-Night Reading & Book Club Discussions

I wrote a review for The Last Librarian. If I had to say in one sentence what that book was about it would be that it was a book about books, the importance of reading and the wonderful diversity of our languages. I didn't write a review about The Tree Runners because I might have spoiled it, so if you haven't already finished it do not read this! The Tree Runners was about the wonderful environment and purpose of the forests of the world. It was also about stories, how they are told, how they change and evolve and why this is necessary. It reminds me of counting tree rings in the Redwoods. You can see the history of the forest, the fires, and the droughts for thousands of years. It's a language: slow, sedate and utterly amazing. There are not enough of them left on this earth!The List Keepers continues this theme with the help of every sci-fi and mystical, surreal advantage at Brandt Legg's disposal. Did he leave anything out? For my part, I imagine a time before written language when memorizing stories and passing them down by means of oral tradition was all that we had. So many survived the centuries, albeit slightly changed with each telling, but essentially the same. The story of some version of THE FLOOD, for example, has been around for a few thousand years.While I was reading The Tree Runners I was impatiently waiting for the REVOLUTION to start. That seemed to be where the story was going anyway. I was even more impatient to find out which BOOKS would be chosen for their secret code (love secret codes) and how one might justify choosing so few books. I was pleasantly surprised when Don Quixote by Cervantes was one of them. I felt that the author did a great job (entirely fictitious) of justifying his choices as well. However, he could have done more with them, especially with Cervantes. His character, the elderly Don Quixote, was driven to madness by reading too many BOOKS about knights errant who never really existed. During his quest for chivalry he was able to dupe several people into following him. However noble his intentions, Don Quixote's bumbling, comedic adventures got him and his friends into all kinds of trouble and it did not end well for him or for them. You see he tried to start a revolution of sorts...one of dreams and ideas...but reality interceded and defeated him. "Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water," said Cervantes. It just wasn't the "truth" poor Don Quixote wished for.The List Keepers is all about the "truth" of revolution and war and a too brutal reality! Brandt Legg gives us some hope. He does remind us of the beauty humanity has created. I highly recommend it as an exciting, alternate reality which is very pertinent to the problems we face today. The characters are interesting and compelling. There are quite a few tortuous moments. I can't say more without giving it away!