Currently there are only 10 parts of “Battle of Amsterdam” posted in .pdf’s, but the story looks like it will be interesting.  It takes place in a future where humans have colonized other planets and some cities have become autonomous.  The narration follows five separate plot lines which will presumably interweave as the story progresses.

Otis Wilmington is an experienced courier carrying valuable data.  He knows he’s being followed but he also knows he’s protected by his own people and will be well paid.  Ennis Pryce wants to get back to Amsterdam, a separate city-state, but there’s a death sentence waiting for him there.  He has a plan to get back and contacts he hopes will help him.  Imogen Harper is very ill and tired.  She’s thinking about the after life and how to manage her condition.  Umberto Daily is the pilot of a medevac helo which lands on Mars to search for a downed vehicle on the surface.  He finds more than he bargained for.  Apple Zenith is a restless college student and child of wealthy parents.  Her mother is a prominent artist who lives in Amsterdam.  The story moves between these five characters.

The writing is sparse, with short paragraphs, short sentences and short snatches of dialog.  Descriptions are brief if given at all.  The first two chapters are broken up into short parts, which often include a black and white sketch of a character or a place.  So far the switch between plotlines is handled smoothly, with just enough information to keep the reader wanting more.  However, the writing is rather cryptic as the reader doesn’t get much information about the history of this world or the characters.  Hopefully the characters will be fleshed out as the story develops.  There are a lot of questions which will need to be answered in future installments.

If you like stories about a dystopian future and can handle multiple plots lines, you may enjoy “Battle of Amsterdam”.  The writing in the 10 parts posted so far is sparse, almost terse, but the characters and stories are intriguing so far.  It will be interesting to see how the author brings the five plot lines along and how they will meet up.

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