We Are the Crisis
Convergence Saga Book 2
What if monsters were real, and everyone knew it? The second book in a series, Cadwell Turnbull’s fantasy novel We Are the Crisis uncovers deep truths concerning human nature.
An invisible space-time traveler narrates, oscillating between realities. They seldom impact the plot; rather, they explore the stories of others, learning about the Order of Zsouvox and the Order of Asha, mysterious monster cults. The Black Hand, a monster-supremacist group, is on the attack against the returning cast, to whose ranks are added a mysterious vampire, a centuries-old shapeshifter, and an ex-CIA agent who infiltrates New Era, a prominent activist group.
The intentional language and deliberate construction of the story propel the plot even as it fractures into inset narratives featuring dozens of characters. Each chapter begins in the middle of the action, with an unknown, looming threat necessitating conflict. Together, they recast monstrosity in a way that exposes the humanity within monsters, villains, and perceived threats to society.
The book’s settings are hopeless and harsh, but they’re tempered by mysticism and magic. In one scene, a social media meme made by a vampire couple dominates; it normalizes a marginalized group and imbues the text with humor. Elsewhere, monsters are portrayed as analogs of issues plaguing people of color and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as taboos including addiction and sexual assault. Here, monsters worry about racism from outsiders; at times, they are compelled to “come out” and expose themselves. Elsewhere, a person pleads her nonconsent before being turned into a vampire. The plot is further politicized by its focus on activist groups and collective actions to protect vulnerable beings.
Horrifying but satisfying, the series fantasy novel We Are the Crisis is replete with secrets.
Reviewed by
George Hajjar
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
