
The Age of Mystics is the first book in a dystopian trilogy, that revolves around the excitingly named, "The Event". At some point, all technology just ceases to work. Nobody is quite sure what has caused the event, but those who survive must find a way to deal with its consequences and to build a new life, post event. No doubt, all over the world, but certainly in Colorado Springs, where the story is set, people are trying desperately to come to terms with their brave, new world.
As you would expect, when civilisation breaks down, the world splits into two camps; those that want to assist their fellow men and those that thirst for power and control, they were denied in the old world.
In Age of Mystics, two groups form in Colorado Springs, both led by ex-military personnel. What ensues is a fascinating look at the different values and motivations of these two groups as they clash and defend their territory. How thin the veil of civilisation can be and how quickly it can be ripped asunder is much of the theme of this series. There is a real celebration, though, of the indomitability of the human spirit and of the inherent goodness of man. This really is the classic Good vs Evil battle.
Rippling through the entire story is a thread that these new civilisers had either gained or discovered some inherent magic powers since "the event". It is these powers and their development that takes up much of the story.
I really enjoyed this tale from Chris Walters and have already purchased book two of the trilogy, so keen was I to see where this new settlement would go and what new problems they would face, from without and within.
An excellent story, with well-developed and well-rounded characters, if perhaps a little too typical and predictable at times. If you like dystopian, you'll like Age of Mystics. I recommend it and happily give it the full five-star treatment.
