Tuesday Book Review: “Dust to Dust”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

dust to dust john hudson

Dust to Dust

by John Hudson

ISBN: 9781478743347

The year is 1826 and Thomas Jefferson has just died. His beloved Monticello bustles with activity as funeral plans are swiftly organized for his burial in the family cemetery. Fast forward to 2026. A group of researchers specializing in regeneration technology have found success after years of work and significant investment. Dr. Pat Alexander, head researcher at BioGen, announces to the assembled group of board members/investors that the regeneration of a circus chimpanzee, which died in a runaway circus wagon accident in 1926, has met with success: The animal is alive and well.

Discussion turns to the final step in the researchers’ plan-to bring back a human being-and after careful elimination, the candidates are whittled down to one name: Thomas Jefferson. So begins this powerful debut novel-a book that examines human ambition gone wrong and chronicles the miraculous “rebirth” of the nation’s third president, his struggles to assimilate, and the world’s collective amazement at the science behind this feat. The American government swiftly becomes part of the oversight of the technology, and the 48th president personally introduces Jefferson to the 21st century. But with a lethal flaw in the researchers’ technology, the world’s unbridled excitement quickly erodes, leading to a destructive conclusion for all involved. Fortunes evaporate, beliefs are challenged, careers are ruined, and lives are lost in Dust to Dust.

* courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review: “Once is Not Enough.”

Slow-starter for me, but I was kept in the novel by the well-written scene descriptions which made me feel like I was there, both in 1826 and in the Bio-Gen Labs of 2026. I was waiting for more character development until I met Thomas Jefferson and discovered the contrast between the “reconstituted” but lively and interested man who had been dead for 200 years and the flatness of the contemporary characters was evidently intentional. None of the “main” characters had relationships or any kind of life except for their jobs and the hope of making money or a name for themselves. The risk-takers weren’t really willing to risk anything for the sake of posterity or the greater good of the world. Their relationships with one another were shallow and they had lost touch with whatever could give them identity, including their religious and family roots. Thomas Jefferson’s vitality was refreshing, but did it change anything? This was a subtle novel that gave me a lot to think about even when the book was finished. Needs a second reading.

– Amazon Reviewer ArtWork

What Other Reviewers Are Saying …

Not your average science fiction novel! In these days of biomedical breakthroughs, this book is based on a breakthrough that hasn’t even been dreamed about yet, so far as I know. If you can buy into a newly developed technology that allows us to regenerate a human being from long-dead remains, this is a great story with a unique plot. The 2 main characters, the research scientist and Thomas Jefferson, behave in predictable ways, but with some good twists thrown in. For me, the ending was particularly thought provoking, on issues involving the characters, and in commentary on present day politics.

– Amazon Reviewer Diane P.S. Shipe

Quickly predictable but engaging until the surprise ending sneaks up on you. After the first couple chapters, you pretty much know where this story is headed, or at least you think you do. John does a good job of telling a believable story, and that keeps you turning the pages until, well, until the surprise ending sneaks up on you. The Jefferson character is believable and makes some cogent observations about America 200 years ago vs today. You’ll enjoy the book.

– Amazon Reviewer David

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical science fiction book. Thought provoking on many levels.

– Amazon Reviewer Amazon Customer

Book Trailer:

tuesday book review

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Self Publishing Advisor