Book Review: The Alarmists

The Alarmists by Don Hoesel

Publisher: Bethany House 

Paperback (other formats available: Kindle, Nook)

314 pages

Retail: $14.99

Some people believe that according to the Mayan calendar, the world will end on 12/21/12. There have been subtle disturbances around the world that most people don't notice...and very few are aware there is a link between these occurrences. A special team, part of the US Government, has hired Brent Michaels's as a consultant. Michaels is a sociologist that is one of the top in his field. The team, along with Michaels discovers that the events that appear to most to be coincidental and unrelated, are in fact the work of person.

Without giving away too much- the main character, Michaels's is assigned a 'partner' (actually more a person that is there to give him information he needs and keep him from information he doesn't have clearance)- Amy Madigan, aka Maddy. Colonel Richards is the head of the team that investigates odd happenings. Almost like Fringe division ;) Then there is Mr. Van Camp, the owner/CEO of Van Camp Enterprises. Huge, almost untouchable corporation with it's hand in a lot of different markets, but as I can tell, the purpose is for an insane amount of money (to rival King Solomon). Next, and important, is Standish- or Canfield- who orchestrates the subtle, little events that really have quite impressive effects. Then there is Dabir. He worked with Standish/Canfield but realized that he became a liability after a job was somewhat botched. He turns on Standish/Canfield and ultimately Van Camp... and I really don't think I can say much more without giving things away.

It took me a bit to get into the book. It's difficult to say exactly why. It isn't slow but there is a lack of descriptions to pull you into the story and feel that you are 'there'. Throughout the book I kept feeling like I was experiencing deja vu because the author repeats himself, in ever so slightly different ways. Each time it is presented like it is some new thought that the character has just discovered but if you think you've read it before, it's because you did- maybe just a few pages back, maybe a chapter back. But that is generally up until the middle of the book. Hoesel does it occasionally later on but not as often.

Interesting book, though. I did enjoy how Hoesel was able to impart knowledge about sociology in this. From the author information I don't see that he has a background in sociology but feel that he did well enough to give an accurate basic portrayal of a sociologist. Although I am by no means an expert, sociology is something I do know a little bit about. Also, I enjoyed the way Hoesel seemed to capture the characters moods. That helped the book quite a bit.

I thought this was an alright book. There is violence, after all this is a book about military and rogue individuals creating chaos and panic- although not too gory and there wasn't cussing nor inappropriate behavior.

**Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House Publishers.