Global Dawn
Global Dawn starts off a conspiracy thriller series with an engaging hero facing global stakes.
In W. B. Thompson’s frenetic thriller Global Dawn, a warrior grapples with fatherhood as the world races toward annihilation.
In 1960, an expedition to the Pacific seabed discovers an ancient technology with limitless power and adaptability. Flash forward to 2011: two shadowy organizations wage a secret war over that technology, hoping to control the planet. One, the New World Order, seeks to unleash a natural disaster to cleanse the planet for their chosen few; the other, the Ordo Templi Orientis, attempts to stand in their way, and is led by a feared and respected warrior known only as The Asset. The two forces clash as the countdown to the cleansing event ticks away and The Asset fights not only his enemies but his inner demons.
The Asset works well as the narrative’s focus. Despite the strange technology and conspiracy elements, the story hinges on The Asset’s difficulty with balancing his warrior nature with his desire to connect to humanity. This is best highlighted in his attempts to connect with his son, Alexander, on an emotional level. He makes small gestures of affection, but nothing that makes him feel like a good father. In between battles and subterfuge, his thoughts always circle back to his son and his desire to be the best father he can.
Other characters are less developed and dynamic. The masterminds behind the two organizations are cartoonish; they service the plot, but do little to stand out. An exception is Colonel Larry Fisher, the middle man in charge of controlling The Asset’s interactions with public officials and other dignitaries. Fisher has a strong bond with The Asset and Alexander, making him an uncle/brother figure. The Asset and Fisher both keep the outlandish elements of the story in check with their human and emotional touches.
The plot is straightforward, and the shadow war obscures the conflict’s impact on the world at large. There’s an intimate feeling to the thriller that is at odds with the grandiose nature of its schemes. Many of its developments are predictable, and the threat is undermined by the knowledge that the mysterious technology can be leveraged to reverse or counter most of the negative consequences that the good guys face. The cliffhanger ending is unsatisfying.
The awkward rhythm and flow of the prose are glaring distractions. Narrative and dialogue often merge together, making it hard to comprehend what’s happening, while most conversations don’t add much to the story. Little space is given to the characters to develop their own voices and styles, though accents add some variety. The overly long paragraphs also hamper the reading experience.
Global Dawn starts off a conspiracy thriller series with an engaging hero facing global stakes.
Reviewed by
John M. Murray
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