Title: The Regional Office is Under Attack!
Author: Manuel Gonzales
First published April 12, 2016
400 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781594632419 (ISBN10: 1594632413)
Rating: 3.22
Overview
In a world where darkness looms large, the Regional Office stands as a beacon of hope. Led by the enigmatic Oyemi and her team of super-powered female assassins, they are the only line of defense against the forces of evil.
But when a prophecy suggests that someone from within might be plotting the downfall of the organization, the Regional Office finds itself under attack. As Rose, a young and ambitious assassin, leads the charge as part of a defector’s plan, the fate of the organization rests on the shoulders of Sarah, a fiercely devoted member with a mysterious background.
As their paths cross and their stories intertwine, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Will the Regional Office survive this attack, or will their downfall spell the end of everything they stand for?
Editoral Review
In his debut novel, The Regional Office is Under Attack!, Manuel Gonzales brings readers into a world of secret agents, supernatural powers, and epic battles between good and evil. Set in a not-too-distant future, the book blends elements of science fiction and fantasy with a darkly comedic and irreverent tone, making it a delightfully entertaining read.
The story is told from the perspectives of two opposing groups: the Regional Office, a secret organization based in New York City tasked with protecting the world from supernatural threats, and an underground group of assassins hired to take them down. The main characters are a group of women working for the Regional Office, including Sarah, an agent with superhuman strength, and Rose, a hacker who can control machines with her mind.
As the attack unfolds, the women must defend themselves and their organization while also grappling with personal struggles and complicated relationships. Gonzales expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, including flashbacks to the organization’s origins and the upbringing of some of its agents.
The result is a complex yet well-crafted story that keeps readers interested and invested in the characters. While the novel is undeniably fun and action-packed, it also tackles serious themes about power, gender, and agency.
Gonzales’s female characters are complex and fully realized, with agency and depth beyond their supernatural abilities. One potential limitation of the novel is that it requires readers to suspend their disbelief and accept the premise of a world in which supernatural powers exist and are used as elements of political and military power.
For some readers, this might be a difficult leap to make, particularly if they are used to more traditional science fiction or fantasy. Additionally, some of the plotlines are left unresolved, leaving readers to wonder if there might be a sequel in the works.
Overall, The Regional Office is Under Attack! is a fun, fast-paced novel with a unique blend of genres and perspectives. Fans of science fiction, fantasy, and action-driven plots will find much to enjoy here.
The characters are witty, compelling, and interesting, and the themes are thought-provoking and relevant. Gonzales is a talented writer with a knack for blending genres and creating captivating characters.
Highly recommended. Score: 8/10.
While the novel could have provided a more definitive ending and may require some suspension of disbelief, it is overall an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.