THE BOOK OF FATE

review by

Larry Shallenberger

THE BOOK OF FATE

by Brad Meltzer

(Warner Books)

Reader Appeal: Adult

Genre: Fiction / Political Thriller

New York Times Bestselling author, Brad Meltzer, is back with a new thriller, filled with Free Masons and secret codes. But not so fast; if you’re expecting more of The Da Vinci Code’s puzzles, secret societies, and civilization-shaking revelations, you’re reaching for the wrong book. No, Meltzer doesn’t pile on Dan Brown’s bandwagon. The Book of Fate is a political page-turner with more in common with John Grisham than Dan Brown.

Meltzer’s protagonist, Wes Holloway, has found himself emotionally and professionally stuck. Once upon an ambition, Wes was President Manning’s personal aide; that is, until a botched assassination attempt left presidential staffer, Boyle, dead, and Wes permanently disfigured. Eight years later, Wes is imprisoned by guilt for placing Boyle in the president’s limousine. Wes continues to serve as (the now) ex-President Manning’s aide, even though the power and prestige of the position have long since faded. Wes has spent those eight years cemented in self-pity until he sees a ghost. While traveling with the ex-President on a speaking tour in Malaysia, Wes spots the once-dead Boyle – now very much alive —and Wes has to uncover the truth of what happened on the fateful day of the assassination attempt.

The Book of Fate unfolds in a very linear and predictable manner for the first several hundred pages. Meltzer has saved all the plot twists for the final 100 pages of the novel. I found myself lulled to sleep at first, only to be dizzied by Meltzer’s masterful twists, plot shifts, and revelations. The wait is worth it. You’ll want to grab a pencil and pad to keep track of labyrinth of surprises that Meltzer will rush you through.

The central theme of The Book of Fate is that each of is responsible for the outcomes of our lives. Meltzer created an ensemble of allies for Wes, each of whom find themselves “stuck” in their own way. Lisabeth is a gossip columnist who surrendered her Pulitzer dreams. Rogo is a fast talking lawyer who is languishing as a traffic cop. Boyle’s reappearance gives each character the impetus for personal redemption.

Nico, the crazed assassin who attacked the presidential motorcade, is also given a second chance after escaping from a mental health facility. Nico’s character is intended to serve as a foil for Wes. Nico is also stuck—he learns he failed to kill Boyle thus not actualizing his fate. Nico is driven by the mysterious “Book of Fate” that he believes determines every step of his life. Unfortunately, Nico’s character isn’t particularly convincing, someone more reminiscent of Dan Brown’s Silas. However, Nico’s back-story feels contrived and he never feels like much more than a two-dimensional cartoon character.

Speaking of cartoons, Meltzer achieved a publishing first by topping both the NYT and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists while releasing the #1 bestselling comic book, JLA, during the same month.

Overall, The Book of Fate is a satisfying, autumn read that deserves to be ranked with the likes Grisham and Ludlum. This isn’t perfect novel, but if you’re looking for a light and breezy thriller, The Book of Fate is for you. Parents should be aware that there is occasional vulgarity in the book before handing The Book of Fate off to a teen.

FAMILYFANS RATING: B

--LS