See what had happened was...
After downloading Ronald's book on my iPad millions of light years ago I started reading when suddenly life got in the way. Changing jobs, moving into a new house and a death in the family set a brotha back a minute before I could resume a new routine.
Since then I was able to complete the book and this is my review. For those who don't already know I have known Mr. Jones aka "The Vindicator" for about twenty years when we first met on the editorial floor of The Chicago Tribune as coworkers. We have always had a great understanding as Star Wars fans (He is also a Trekkie... Not me) that we will uphold an open and honest critique of any works of art be it from a stranger or from one of us.
Our cross country phone conversations are like Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert back in the day where sometimes we both give it a thumbs up, both of us a thumbs down or one us a thumbs up and the other a thumbs down. Neither of us balk on the opportunity even as friends to give an uncompromising critique where we feel it is warranted. Me and Ronald don't do the "Yes" Man with each other... If it sucks it sucks!
For years me and Ronald had always talked about a "Black Star Wars" but not in the sense of changing the current cast of Star Wars into an African American family reunion space opera but something separate on it's own that holds it's own.
Although this book is not an actual African American space fantasy for it does include the diversity of the whole human species the key characters are black. This is important as it could as a movie just as easily star Will Smith and knock the box office off it's collective feet.
With that said I think this book is a must read for not only black folks but any sci-fi reader out there. The plot twists are reminiscent of the mega hit video game series Halo where humans are not exactly the dominate war machine and Battlestar Galactica where the situation is not only bleak but just plain sad.
If you thought that Burke's role of sell out in the movie Aliens was the worse case of own species backstabbing then you need to read Ronald's book cover to cover. I mean... Man!
I won't reveal too many spoilers here but this is vintage Ronald T. Jones at his best.
When I first started reading it I told him it would make a great video game in this first person shooter era... Having finished now I am convinced that it would make a great animated movie if not a great live action movie.
My only complaint would be his choice of names because some of them don't roll off the tongue well enough to pronounce in a fast paced action movie or would necessarily make for good toys (See... Already putting the merchandise on the shelves just in time for the holiday season)
Once the money is right I insist on playing the lead character's role unless Will Smith petitions and I have to step aside for revenue's sake (That's Ronald's call to make) but I'm much more affordable and less demanding as far as script rewrites go.
Once Ronald "Finally" makes it out to Los Angeles (Hint Hint) we need to work on creature designs, ship designs and special effects along with a screenplay because the ending of this reminds me of that dark and empty but highly anticipatory feeling I got after the credits begin rolling at the end of Empire Strikes Back!
I don't want to judge a book by it's cover but this needs a Mshindo blessed advertising on the front... Just putting that out there!
One thing I am debating internally is whether the title should be Warriors of The Four Worlds or just The Four Worlds because this story is not just about war but about survival and reclaiming what was lost with war as the backdrop. Either that or it is easier to fill a movie billboard or theater heading with the shorter version before you run out of lettering space. That's the Hollywood way.
This has ongoing series potential with many directions and other possible members of the cast having backstories too if Ronald went for the George Lucas Star Wars money grab angles of comics, animation and multiple sequel/prequels.
At least there are no Ewoks or Jar Jar Binks characters to make you gag and convulse in remorse... In space no one can hear you scream or cringe.
I like this one better than Chronicle of The Liberator because it has a weightier epic feel to it.
That's my review now go get this book!
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