A.C. 2084 Ismail Ersevim

A.C. 2084

First Published 2006
307 Pages

ISBN: 1-905226-22-5
Reviewer:
Lesley
November 2006

It is AC2084 and a second ice age has practically destroyed and Earth and its inhabitants. The only survivors live in isolated communities across the ravaged planet. One such community is New Atlantis where a near Utopia has been established. Every one is equal. Every one is given exactly what then NEED, no more, no less. People work for the greater good.

Ismailov is President of New Atlantis and strives to maintain the status quo. So when he overhears a group of Mormons discussing the Moroni Angel and Moroni Plates he is curious as to what they are discussing. Despite his expert knowledge of religions he has never heard either phrase before. He begins to suspect they are plotting against the government and society he has vowed to protect. Remembering a number of diaries written by his grandfather he looks to them for clues behind the Moroni Angel and Plates but will he find out the truth before a revolution occurs?

This is an extremely unusual book. Set in the not too distant future it follows the life of President Ismailov as he tries to determine if there is a plot to overthrow the system being formulated within the Mormon church.

The structure of New Atlantis is fascinating. The concept of a Utopian existence where no one wants for anything is very appealing – on the surface. Ersevim goes further than this; considering what could happen if a section of that society became unhappy with their situation and decided to try and change things.

If the whole book had simply explored this concept then I think I would have enjoyed it more. However, there was one aspect of the writing style that didn't quite gel for me. As the main character carried out his responsibilities as President, he was called upon to make a number of lectures on aspects of different religions. To reflect this Ersevim has decided to include the entirety of the lectures. Unfortunately this made me feel as though I was periodically delving into a Religious Studies text book.

There is no doubting that this was an excellent concept – may be a little too hard core SF for my taste.







6
 

Synopsis
The second ice age destroyed the Earth as we know it. In New Atlantis, a territory that emerged from the transformation of the Earth's structure, a Utopian vision has been fulfilled. Everyone is equally important. No monetary system or personal property exists. Clean and efficient transport systems reach every part of the territory. Weapons are banned and war is unconstitutional. All are entitled to excellent medical facilities and have the right to retire to idyllic sea-front locations.

Residents from the other few habitable countries are given the opportunity to apply for full citizenship after a 6-month trial. They assemble at the Personnel Department for psychometric testing and medical check ups and are assigned careers and housing for their citizenship trial. President Ismailov the 3rd is intrigued to learn that many are from the Mormon Church, as was his own grandfather.

Ismailov follows a busy schedule, visiting various government departments and diverse religious institutions. He overhears a group of Mormons discussing the Moroni Angel and the Moroni Plates, phrases he has never come across before, despite his seemingly comprehensive knowledge of religion. But it soon becomes apparent that they are embroiled in a plot against his government and that the Utopian society is in grave danger. He remembers his grandfather's diaries – will they provide clues that could uncover the mystery behind these objects and ultimately prevent a revolution?

Ersevim has a deep level of understanding of the world's faiths and has the imagination and descriptive powers to excite and entertain in a most remarkable manner. AC 2084 is a compelling and profound creation that provides a fresh, optimistic vision of a Utopian future, unlike other literature in this genre.