Zain: The Before Time is a powerful and emotionally layered continuation that builds beautifully on the foundation of the 1st book, with Colonel Zain Belhasa emerging as a strong, compelling protagonist. His internal conflict about government directives adds real moral gravity to the narrative. The supporting cast is equally strong: Omar’s loyalty, Amal’s despair, and most strikingly, the evolving presence of Tom, the adaptive RMP whose gradual shift from programmed efficiency to something approaching humanity becomes one of the novel’s most fascinating arcs. Zain’s dynamic with Melyndie, while initially fraught, evolves into deep camaraderie, as they navigate a world neither fully understands, for completely different reasons. The world-building continues to be ambitious and immersive, spanning the global political summit that sets events in motion, the stark deserts of the UAE, the tense vaccination lines enforced by robotic military units, and the windswept Icelandic base camp. The chilling, phased governmental directives, weapon bans, engineered genetics, and creeping authoritarian control in every domain create a dystopian future that feels unsettlingly plausible, and build on the dynamics that were set in book 1. Themes of quiet rebellion, trust, conformity, grief, and what it truly means to be human are woven naturally throughout the book. The plot is tightly structured and emotionally charged, escalating with purpose as Phase Two unfolds and suspicion mounts that something far more sinister is at play. Pacing remains brisk, immersive, and consistently engaging. Like in book 1, a few scenes could have lingered slightly longer to deepen atmosphere, and some dialogue occasionally favors momentum over subtext. Otherwise this is a gripping suite that excels in character depth, moral complexity, and narrative drive. I finished the book feeling both unsettled and eager for what comes next.
I award this book 4,5 stars!
Editing: 4
Characters: 5
Dialogue: 4
Plot: 5
Pacing : 4
