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The Realignment Case
Geneva, 2012. Disgraced lawyer Daniel Athley starts a job with a shadowy international organisation that has a secret it will kill to protect – the past can be changed. Working for the enigmatic Counsellor Winter, Dan’s role is to defend the status quo. Discovering a plot that could unleash chaos in a disordered future, he must choose a side in a murky world where the fate of the dead is decided.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2015
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May 27, 2015
Book of the Week – 29 May 2015
THE REALIGNMENT CASE by RJ Dearden
To start us off with our new feature on Book Talk, I’ve chosen to review THE REALIGNMENT CASE by RJ Dearden. Sci-fi buffs in particular will enjoy this – but so will those of you into philosophy and frankly, anyone who likes a great, fast-paced and action-packed read.
THE REALIGNMENT CASE is a pulpy thriller based on the intriguing concept of time travel - hence the sci-fi tag. Set in Geneva in 2012, the novel is the opposite of a whodunit - we know exactly who murdered who, where and how. The question the novel asks is 'should the murder be undone?' Therein lies the philosophy. What RJ Rearden (whose influences include Frank Herbert’s DUNE and Robert Westall's THE DEVIL ON THE ROAD) succeeds in doing is to successfully unite these disparate themes into one cohesive and compelling story.
Having trained as a solicitor, Daniel Athley is in for a surprise when he takes a job as a Realignment Clerk in Le Département de la Dernière Justice. He’s puzzled as to what he’s supposed to be doing – and, as to the purpose of the mysterious piece of equipment known as ‘KASSI’. It seems that a team of scientists in Geneva have come up with a machine that can 'realign' time and events. It’s intended to be used for the good of the human race and to allow someone of value to have time 'rewound' in order to avoid the circumstances of their untimely death. The 'case' for realignment has to be raised and defended in The Court of Final Correction, with counsellors, a judge and jury deciding if the individual is worthy enough to be awarded the dangerous and unpredictable process of realignment. What follows is a courtroom drama a world away from anything Daniel has experienced before. A murderer in manacles is present – but he’s already been convicted and what the court must decide is whether his victim deserves to live again. The consequences of turning back time for one individual clearly have implications for the rest of the humanity and tinkering with timelines can lead to complications. As one character observes: 'Once you start pulling at a thread, you could risk unravelling the whole fabric'.
The book has many well written and descriptive passages and contains plenty of interesting characters – not all of whom will be to your liking. Once the initial premise is out of the way, the pace accelerates and becomes quite fast moving. Don’t worry if the science sometimes gets beyond you – focus on the plot and keep reading to the story's dramatic conclusion, where the loose ends are nicely tied up.
The Court of Final Correction is composed of an eclectic collection of characters - but whether you agree with them or not, they are totally engaging, and particularly those of the two main protagonists, Daniel and Winter.
You’ll need to be on top form and concentrate to ensure that every twist and turn is captured in this clever, absorbing, action-packed tale. It can only be a matter of time before it gets onto the big screen.
THE REALIGNMENT CASE by RJ Dearden
To start us off with our new feature on Book Talk, I’ve chosen to review THE REALIGNMENT CASE by RJ Dearden. Sci-fi buffs in particular will enjoy this – but so will those of you into philosophy and frankly, anyone who likes a great, fast-paced and action-packed read.
THE REALIGNMENT CASE is a pulpy thriller based on the intriguing concept of time travel - hence the sci-fi tag. Set in Geneva in 2012, the novel is the opposite of a whodunit - we know exactly who murdered who, where and how. The question the novel asks is 'should the murder be undone?' Therein lies the philosophy. What RJ Rearden (whose influences include Frank Herbert’s DUNE and Robert Westall's THE DEVIL ON THE ROAD) succeeds in doing is to successfully unite these disparate themes into one cohesive and compelling story.
Having trained as a solicitor, Daniel Athley is in for a surprise when he takes a job as a Realignment Clerk in Le Département de la Dernière Justice. He’s puzzled as to what he’s supposed to be doing – and, as to the purpose of the mysterious piece of equipment known as ‘KASSI’. It seems that a team of scientists in Geneva have come up with a machine that can 'realign' time and events. It’s intended to be used for the good of the human race and to allow someone of value to have time 'rewound' in order to avoid the circumstances of their untimely death. The 'case' for realignment has to be raised and defended in The Court of Final Correction, with counsellors, a judge and jury deciding if the individual is worthy enough to be awarded the dangerous and unpredictable process of realignment. What follows is a courtroom drama a world away from anything Daniel has experienced before. A murderer in manacles is present – but he’s already been convicted and what the court must decide is whether his victim deserves to live again. The consequences of turning back time for one individual clearly have implications for the rest of the humanity and tinkering with timelines can lead to complications. As one character observes: 'Once you start pulling at a thread, you could risk unravelling the whole fabric'.
The book has many well written and descriptive passages and contains plenty of interesting characters – not all of whom will be to your liking. Once the initial premise is out of the way, the pace accelerates and becomes quite fast moving. Don’t worry if the science sometimes gets beyond you – focus on the plot and keep reading to the story's dramatic conclusion, where the loose ends are nicely tied up.
The Court of Final Correction is composed of an eclectic collection of characters - but whether you agree with them or not, they are totally engaging, and particularly those of the two main protagonists, Daniel and Winter.
You’ll need to be on top form and concentrate to ensure that every twist and turn is captured in this clever, absorbing, action-packed tale. It can only be a matter of time before it gets onto the big screen.
April 18, 2016
In my experience the best science fiction presents the reader with a modified reality in order to expose and explore aspects of human nature in starker relief than an unmodified, real life setting, would allow. “The Realignment Case” does exactly this.
Imagine that in today’s world people have created a device that, while not allowing time travel, enables people to effect small changes on a molecular level on objects that existed in the not too distant past. Thus, perhaps, a promotional brochure or business card the reading of which set in motion a change of events that led to tragic results could be smudged or damaged so as to remove the first link in that chain. The existence of such a device raises a multitude of questions. Who will have control of it? Who should know about it? Under what circumstances could it be used? Who defends the status quo? What are the rules under which use of the device may be authorized? What are the odds that a change, if effected, would lead to different, perhaps even worse results? Does the fact that the unaltered present, no matter how tragic or flawed, is known outweigh the risks, however small they may be, that a change may create an even worse reality? In more fundamental terms, which should have the greater influence on our actions: Hope for justice or fear for the consequences?
“The Realignment Case” explores these questions at a dizzying pace. The reader finds himself joined with the main character, Dan Athley, in trying to understand an uncertain reality in which virtually every other character knows more about what is going on than he does and does not hesitate to use their superior knowledge to betray, manipulate or compromise him.
The prose is often brilliant. The themes are intelligently explored. The characters are well realized and compelling. Well done. Highly recommended.
Imagine that in today’s world people have created a device that, while not allowing time travel, enables people to effect small changes on a molecular level on objects that existed in the not too distant past. Thus, perhaps, a promotional brochure or business card the reading of which set in motion a change of events that led to tragic results could be smudged or damaged so as to remove the first link in that chain. The existence of such a device raises a multitude of questions. Who will have control of it? Who should know about it? Under what circumstances could it be used? Who defends the status quo? What are the rules under which use of the device may be authorized? What are the odds that a change, if effected, would lead to different, perhaps even worse results? Does the fact that the unaltered present, no matter how tragic or flawed, is known outweigh the risks, however small they may be, that a change may create an even worse reality? In more fundamental terms, which should have the greater influence on our actions: Hope for justice or fear for the consequences?
“The Realignment Case” explores these questions at a dizzying pace. The reader finds himself joined with the main character, Dan Athley, in trying to understand an uncertain reality in which virtually every other character knows more about what is going on than he does and does not hesitate to use their superior knowledge to betray, manipulate or compromise him.
The prose is often brilliant. The themes are intelligently explored. The characters are well realized and compelling. Well done. Highly recommended.
January 19, 2016
Ethical dilemmas, science fiction and a courtroom thriller all in one, thought-provoking novel...
Daniel Athley, while awaiting news of whether his actions at a work party will result in dismissal, gets recruited into the shadowy Le Département de la Dernière Justice in Geneva. And so begins a tale of moral checks and balances, legal imperfections, and ill-advised use of scientific advancements...
The plot was tight, the writing descriptive and suspenseful, the ethical issues raised provided food for thought and the sci-fi element was realistically incorporated into a contemporary legal thriller. A good read.
*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel Athley, while awaiting news of whether his actions at a work party will result in dismissal, gets recruited into the shadowy Le Département de la Dernière Justice in Geneva. And so begins a tale of moral checks and balances, legal imperfections, and ill-advised use of scientific advancements...
The plot was tight, the writing descriptive and suspenseful, the ethical issues raised provided food for thought and the sci-fi element was realistically incorporated into a contemporary legal thriller. A good read.
*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
Spoilers:
Being an avid fantasy reader, this was a little out of my comfort zone, however, the idea is just brilliant and really caught my attention: A machine which can alter time to save a life as long as their case falls within the KASSI principles; and to be judged through a court system.
This book is set in first person from non other than the view point of Daniel Athley, the defence clerk! Battling his personal troubles and trying to work with a remarkably clever yet, mysterious mentor. Daniel certainly has his work cut out.
The book did start a little slow and I found some scenes confusing when Daniel was thinking back into the past; but it wasn't immediately clear. These parts I thought could have been in italic to reference imaginative thought or a past tense.
I was surprised with the way the book had ended as well, with a pretty gritty court case throughout, the book then turns into a Kingsman (film) style ending which was a completely different tone to what I had read. Although, the end chapters were fantastically written and really caught my attention!
I feel the book would also benefit from a glossary as there were several sayings in other languages which I did not know.
And the very end of the book (RJD, well done, can't say I was expecting that!).
Being at the launch for this book I know allot of research went into this novel. The author visited Geneva and it was the perfect setting point for the KASSI machine and RJD really made sure that the storyline was perfect (couldn't think of anything it was missing). This is one of those ideas which is just out of this world and I can see this story going places (film, maybe TV show ;-))
I'm glad I read this book and I'd encourage others to read it as well.
Being an avid fantasy reader, this was a little out of my comfort zone, however, the idea is just brilliant and really caught my attention: A machine which can alter time to save a life as long as their case falls within the KASSI principles; and to be judged through a court system.
This book is set in first person from non other than the view point of Daniel Athley, the defence clerk! Battling his personal troubles and trying to work with a remarkably clever yet, mysterious mentor. Daniel certainly has his work cut out.
The book did start a little slow and I found some scenes confusing when Daniel was thinking back into the past; but it wasn't immediately clear. These parts I thought could have been in italic to reference imaginative thought or a past tense.
I was surprised with the way the book had ended as well, with a pretty gritty court case throughout, the book then turns into a Kingsman (film) style ending which was a completely different tone to what I had read. Although, the end chapters were fantastically written and really caught my attention!
I feel the book would also benefit from a glossary as there were several sayings in other languages which I did not know.
And the very end of the book (RJD, well done, can't say I was expecting that!).
Being at the launch for this book I know allot of research went into this novel. The author visited Geneva and it was the perfect setting point for the KASSI machine and RJD really made sure that the storyline was perfect (couldn't think of anything it was missing). This is one of those ideas which is just out of this world and I can see this story going places (film, maybe TV show ;-))
I'm glad I read this book and I'd encourage others to read it as well.
May 30, 2015
This book is told from the perspective of Daniel, a disgraced lawyer, who takes a job as a Realignment Clerk in Le Département de la Dernière Justice. Along with his employer and mentor Winter, it is Dan's job to defend the status quo.
The first half of the book develops the characters and the premise of the book. It moves fairly slowly, but is necessary for the reader to understand the complexities of the story. The second half is a fast paced thriller/ courtroom drama, full of intrigue and twists. Each character has their own reason for wanting realignment and will, it seems, stop at nothing to fulfill their wish.
This book falls into so many genres - as mentioned above most of the second half takes place in a courtroom; this is no ordinary courtroom. The murderer has already been convicted and there is no doubt to his guilt. It is the victim who is on trial. Is she worthy of Realignment? Is she a Great Personage who deserves to have time manipulated so that she is not murdered and can carry on her work. There is much philosophysing as to who is a great person, should the principle of realignment be allowed to take place ever? If one changes the fate of one person, how will that affect the rest of humanity? The book poses so many questions it has left my head reeling and in places my heart racing.
This book is not a quick, easy book to read but it has a very clever plot and is for any one who enjoys sci-fi, philosophy or just a good book with plenty of intrigue.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book develops the characters and the premise of the book. It moves fairly slowly, but is necessary for the reader to understand the complexities of the story. The second half is a fast paced thriller/ courtroom drama, full of intrigue and twists. Each character has their own reason for wanting realignment and will, it seems, stop at nothing to fulfill their wish.
This book falls into so many genres - as mentioned above most of the second half takes place in a courtroom; this is no ordinary courtroom. The murderer has already been convicted and there is no doubt to his guilt. It is the victim who is on trial. Is she worthy of Realignment? Is she a Great Personage who deserves to have time manipulated so that she is not murdered and can carry on her work. There is much philosophysing as to who is a great person, should the principle of realignment be allowed to take place ever? If one changes the fate of one person, how will that affect the rest of humanity? The book poses so many questions it has left my head reeling and in places my heart racing.
This book is not a quick, easy book to read but it has a very clever plot and is for any one who enjoys sci-fi, philosophy or just a good book with plenty of intrigue.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
The Realignment Case by R J Dearden is a thought provoking book. It is a novel built around the concept of time travel and even though all the while you are aware that this is pure fiction it doesn’t stop you thinking ‘what if that really could happen’
I have to say that this is not really the type of fiction I would ordinarily read. However, that said, it certainly held my interest from beginning to end. The main character is Daniel Athley who is a solicitor who has managed to upset one of the partners where he worked and finds himself without a job. Almost immediately he is contacted by the mysterious man named Winter who works for the equally mysterious Le Departement de la Derniere Justice in Geneva. Whilst Daniel has no idea what the job entail he decides to go ahead and take it. What follows is his introduction to the top secret KASSI machine and its capabilities, and a bizarre courtroom drama where the accused has already been convicted of murder. What is under judgement is whether the victim deserves to live again which is where the KASSI machine comes into play.
This is an action packed book which held my interest from start to finish.
I have to say that this is not really the type of fiction I would ordinarily read. However, that said, it certainly held my interest from beginning to end. The main character is Daniel Athley who is a solicitor who has managed to upset one of the partners where he worked and finds himself without a job. Almost immediately he is contacted by the mysterious man named Winter who works for the equally mysterious Le Departement de la Derniere Justice in Geneva. Whilst Daniel has no idea what the job entail he decides to go ahead and take it. What follows is his introduction to the top secret KASSI machine and its capabilities, and a bizarre courtroom drama where the accused has already been convicted of murder. What is under judgement is whether the victim deserves to live again which is where the KASSI machine comes into play.
This is an action packed book which held my interest from start to finish.
April 16, 2015
Solicitor Daniel Athley doesn't know what he's letting himself in for when he takes a job as a Realignment Clerk in Le Département de la Dernière Justice, Geneva, offered by a man named Winter. Having just been suspended from his job in London for attacking the boss's son, Daniel feels he has little choice, even though he has no idea what the job entails and what the mysterious KASSI machine, which Winter keeps referring to, is really all about. What follows is a courtroom drama a world away from any he's experienced before. Even though a murderer in manacles is present in court, he has already been convicted of the murder: what the court is trying to decide is whether his victim deserves to live again. But tinkering with timelines can lead to complications. As one character observes: 'Once you start pulling at a thread, you could risk unravelling the whole fabric'. This clever, absorbing, action-packed tale repays the reader's close attention, to ensure that every twist and turn is captured, in all its vivid detail.
June 22, 2015
Geneva 2012. Disgraced lawyer Daniel Athley starts a job with a shadowy international organisation that has a secret it will kill to protect - the past can be changed. working for the enigmatic counsellor winter, Dan's role is to defend the status quo. Discovering a plot that could unleash chaos in a disordered future, he must choose a side in a murkey world where the fate of the dead is decided.
i love sci-fi and thrillers. this book keeps you wanting to turn the page until the end. i also love the time travelling as well. well done rj. fantastic read.
i love sci-fi and thrillers. this book keeps you wanting to turn the page until the end. i also love the time travelling as well. well done rj. fantastic read.
October 21, 2015
More of a thriller than science fiction, although it's definitely both. All in all, it reads quickly and keeps the reader wondering where it's all going. This same feature also makes it seems to feel redundant at times
I do believe there are many readers that will enjoy the story, and I'm curious to see what else the author has written or will write.
I do believe there are many readers that will enjoy the story, and I'm curious to see what else the author has written or will write.
November 11, 2015
Sci-fi is not the usual genre I choose to read but the description of the storyline and the idea of time-travel made me want to read The Realignment case anyway. I have to say I'm glad I did so! It’s a well written, thought provoking story with lots of twists and turns. It’s a great read and I definitely recommend it!
August 22, 2016
The story is brilliant however for me i found that the story flitted around too much and i was never sure if we were in the past, present or viewing future events.
A film would be fantastic and i would recommend this book to others but for me it was a bit hard going in parts.
A film would be fantastic and i would recommend this book to others but for me it was a bit hard going in parts.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews