Saturday, April 29, 2023

What I'm Reading: MID-FLIGHT by Lisa Wilkes

Dystopian fiction. I have to admit to a few preconceived notions about the genre, mostly garnered from films. But Lisa Wilkes' latest novel MID-FLIGHT has broadened my mind. 

Tagline:

She failed to save her brother and her best friend from destructive forces. Could she topple the most sinister villain of all time?

Blurb/Book Description:

2037 was a really bad year.

Lexi Brennan’s best friend was killed in a plane crash. Two weeks later, an intergalactic crisis threatened the fate of humanity. Authorities responded by launching a genocide.

Lexi opposed this vicious attack. Then again, what could she do? An eccentric flight attendant drawn to glamorous trysts, she felt powerless to incite change. 

Until tragedy struck close to home. Suddenly, Lexi was forced to acknowledge the widespread atrocities. She uncovered a network of lies along with an opportunity to restore basic human rights. To protect others, Lexi would have to launch a movement that could destroy everything important to her, including her promising new romance.

My review: 

The year 2037 in Lisa Wilkes’ dystopian novel Mid-Flight feels an awful lot like the current era, Pandemic and all. There’s been a meteor disaster followed by a pathogen that together have caused general panic among citizens and governments already leaning into authoritarianism. Flight attendant Lexi Brennen, still reeling from the loss of her best friend, fortunately works for the airline most successfully surviving the calamity. It’s the one thing holding her wounded soul together. When she meets fellow survivor Jason at a training week in Orlando, sparks fly for the first time in ages.

While there are strong connections to current events and situations, and plenty of character commentary on such, the main driver of the novel is Lexi’s emotional journey as she pieces herself back together and finds a way to fight the injustices she sees. Although she takes on serious risk, it’s not the kind of dangerous subterfuge and death-defying stunts often associated with dystopian literature. Rather, this is a story built on relationships. In addition, the author’s experience as a flight attendant brings great authenticity to her portrayal of the inner workings of an airline and its staff.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in the hopes I would review it. 

Condensed Author Bio:

Lisa Wilkes has spent 13 years as a flight attendant, jetting across the globe and collecting inspiration for her writings.

In her second novel, Mid-Flight, Lisa transports readers to the year 2038. A flight attendant begins to unravel after her best friend is killed in a plane crash. In the throes of unspeakable grief, she uncovers a political ploy to decimate one-fifth of the population. To combat this sinister plan, she must risk everything. Including her breathtaking new romance.

Lisa’s writing is provocative and timely, with a focus on societal issues and powerful internal conflict.

Contact links:

lisamichellewrites@gmail.com

Website: Https://www.lisamichellewilkes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Travelisa1984/

Amazon author page: https://amazon.com/author/lisawilkes


Saturday, April 1, 2023

April Fool's in the Northwoods

 In the last 24 hours we have been treated to heavy rain, strong wind, thunder and lightning, freezing rain, and snow. Welcome to April! 

Wild weather is the norm for this time of year up here. Last week we received a lovely coating of ice. 

Fortunately, no tree limbs came down like they did last summer, completely hiding this car. 

Hope your April Fool's Day is not quite so challenging!