2032 by Dan Padbury
In the year 2032, humanity teeters on the brink of total collapse, ravaged by a horrible virus and irreparable environmental damage. The tragedy and loss of life is most pronounced in the vulnerable nations of Africa.
Despite everything, the rich continue to get richer and those in power maintain their absolute domination. A team of ethical computer hackers takes drastic action to level the playing field and bring justice to their dying world.
Humanity’s Bleak Future
In this near-future thriller, 2032 (Nielsen), author Dan Padbury paints a bleak picture of the imminent destruction that scientists have warned of for the last several decades. In addition to global warming, the collapse of the natural world, and a raging viral pandemic, the characters in this chilling story face the threats of rampant drug abuse and terrible violence in their communities. Beneath it all, an even more sinister, distinctly evil force looms in the shadows, devouring individuals one by one.
This apocalyptic landscape serves as a warning of what humanity may face in our near future. The question looms in the mind of the reader: is there anything that can prevent this bleak future from becoming reality?
Resistance is NOT Futile!
Padbury honors the bravery of those resisting destructive world powers by creating a team of young heroes who take up the fight despite the immense odds stacked against them.
Thandiwe is a spirited, brilliant girl who leads a group of talented teenage hackers to hit those in power where they are most vulnerable. They use their skills of infiltration to gain access to multinational banks, pharmaceutical companies and corporations with dubious ethical records. Thandiwe and her team, called the Bangaphandle, weigh the ethics of stealing huge sums of money against the need to punish the rich for their mistreatment of the lower class.
One of the most exciting parts of the book is when the benevolent hackers are successful in an initial attempt to redistribute immense wealth to those who need it the most. They sequester hundreds of millions of dollars from the monstrous Trans Health Pharma and distribute the assets to the poor throughout Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa.
The infusion of cash enables the sick to receive healthcare, buy provisions and provide food for their families. Even those on the edge of succumbing to the deadly virus ravaging the continent suddenly sit up in their beds with renewed energy to fight for their lives.
Action-Packed with In-Depth Characters
In addition to Thandiwe, the novel features several other characters with intriguing backstories and roles that are interlaced throughout the book.
The aging but tenacious Detective Dakarai is determined to bring criminals in his jurisdiction to justice despite increasing corruption in the police force. Another character, Ali, is introduced initially in short but intense sequences throughout the course of the book.
Ali lives among some of the most destitute and desperate people on the planet and survives against all odds. He assumes the name of Bujune, a bully from his village, to give him the strength needed to fight for life in dire circumstances.
Ali, a.k.a. Bujune, escapes kidnapping, cannibalism, mass murder and even spends a half-lucid night in the den of the devil himself. After all this, Ali proves to be one of the most valuable allies to Thandiwe and the team in their fight for justice.
2032 addresses social and economic inequity, environmental threats and political corruption on a global scale, but manages to maintain a cohesive narrative. Propulsive action and well-crafted suspense keep the reader on their toes. Dan Padbury gives us a front seat at the edge of complete destruction as a few brave souls defy the odds in their fight to preserve human life.
About Dan Padbury:
I am a debut author traveling the world as a modern-day Hemingway. My writing is informed by the people I meet and the experiences I have had.
I have led a charmed life and in my 51 years, I have seen things many can only dream of. I had a successful career in banking and technology and am now in a new chapter. I have lived and worked in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. I have traveled to 80+ countries. Currently, I am in Peru having traveled overland from Mexico. Next stops are Bolivia and Argentina.
I started writing in October 2021 and have persisted ever since with 2,000 words a day. I write sci-fi, eco-fiction, and the odd dystopian thriller . . . basically anything that comes to mind and excites me.
My main hobbies are rugby and spontaneous travel. Lover of fine wines, sushi, Szechuan, and Asian food. Ambitious, generous, creative, impatient, impulsive, globetrotter. High-risk, unconventional, and passionate.
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