The Interim Generation: Book 3 of the Infinity Series

by Charles Martin Cosgriff

The Interim Generation is a direct sequel to Michael's Story, the second book of the Infinity series. After the dispersal of Michael's original community by the Superior Council, his friend Kim Green attempts to maintain a rebuilt colony hidden far away from the general society. Doctor Green as she is called, having become a medical specialist, fights to keep the independence and dignity of her people despite the pressures from both within and without. The old world is fondly recalled through Daniel, an aged member of Kim's society, and events from Michael's Story which are recapped through the eyes of those who experienced it. The new world order this time attempts to destroy Kim's world through more subtle means, though they are no less menacing. Read about Dr. Green and see how her courage strengthens her and her friends against those who hate them.

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2023

Reviews

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes!

This series has been quite the adventure. It continues just as the other ones took place, with lots of edge of your seat action and fantastic writing. This is a very talented author and now he just needs to update his covers to be as awesome as the stories inside!

[Elizabeth's Besties · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where control and resistance clash in a quiet yet relentless battle, The Interim Generation unfolds as a tense, introspective journey of survival and defiance.

This third installment of the Infinity Series by Charles Martin Cosgriff plunges readers into a dystopian future where society is tightly controlled by an elite group known as the Superiors. The story follows Dr. Kimberley Green, a strong-willed medical doctor, as she navigates the oppressive system while secretly working to protect and sustain a hidden community of rebels. The novel deftly balances action and suspense with deep psychological exploration, making it both a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

The narrative opens with Dr. Green on a mission to secure vital medical supplies from a city controlled by the Superiors. Tension mounts as she narrowly avoids detection, showcasing her skill in blending into this cold, controlled world. Her journey back to the rebel camp is fraught with danger, yet she remains focused on her mission, driven by the need to protect her people. As the story progresses, the stakes rise as Dr. Green's abilities, both medical and telepathic, become crucial to the survival of her community. Her relationship with Matthew, a fellow rebel, adds emotional depth, highlighting themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice.

Dr. Kimberley Green is a compelling protagonist, characterized by her determination, intelligence, and resilience. Her internal struggles—balancing her sense of duty with personal loss—make her a deeply relatable character. Matthew, her stalwart companion, provides a grounding presence, embodying the rough yet caring nature of the rebel group. The Superiors, though less individually developed, represent the faceless, dehumanizing force of oppression, against which Dr. Green and her allies must fight.

Cosgriff’s writing is precise and descriptive, effectively creating a stark contrast between the sterile, controlled environments of the Superior cities and the earthy, rough-edged world of the rebels. The narrative is rich in tension, with a steady pace that keeps readers engaged. The dialogue is natural and helps to reveal the complex relationships between characters, particularly the evolving dynamics within the rebel community.

The plot of "The Interim Generation" is well-structured, blending moments of high tension with quieter, more introspective scenes. This balance allows for both character development and the unfolding of the larger narrative arc. The pacing is deliberate, with action scenes interspersed with reflective moments that explore the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

At its core, The Interim Generation is a story about resistance and the human spirit’s capacity to endure under oppressive regimes. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom are woven throughout the narrative. The book also touches on the dangers of dehumanization in a controlled society and the importance of community and trust in the face of such forces.

Fans of dystopian novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or 1984 by George Orwell will find The Interim Generation a compelling addition to the genre. It shares with these works a focus on resistance against an all-powerful state and the exploration of individual agency in a tightly controlled world.

While the novel is engaging, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the middle chapters where the action slows down considerably. Some readers might find these sections a bit drawn out, although they do serve to deepen character development. Additionally, the world-building, while intriguing, could benefit from more detailed exploration to fully immerse the reader in this dystopian reality.

The Interim Generation is a gripping, character-driven story that will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful, dystopian narratives. While it has its pacing challenges, the strong characters and rich themes make it a rewarding read. It’s a well-crafted tale of resistance and survival that keeps you rooting for the underdogs every step of the way.

Elizabeth’s Besties Rating: 4 out of 5

👭👭👭👭 (4 Besties): "Shared it with a few close friends—highly recommend."

[James Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Interim Generation" by Charles Martin Cosgriff is an engaging addition to the Infinity series, skillfully blending science fiction with rich character-driven narratives. As someone who has yet to read the first two books, I found this third installment enjoyable yet occasionally challenging because of the many references to past events. However, the story stands well on its own, allowing new readers to dive into its intricate world without feeling too lost.

The book starts with action and intriguing mental concepts, immediately pulling me in. Cosgriff's knack for crafting vivid, relatable characters with exciting motivations is apparent. The heart of the narrative, Dr. Kim Green, leads a hidden colony striving for independence in a world marred by control and surveillance. Her journey, marked by resilience and hope, is inspiring and captivating.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its unique narrative technique, seamlessly switching between past and present. This not only adds depth to the story but also keeps the reader's interest piqued, although at times I found myself wishing for less backstory and more immediate action. The plot, though complex, unfolds with a satisfying blend of tension and resolution, culminating in an unexpected yet fitting conclusion.

Despite its strengths, the book sometimes drags, particularly during the detailed descriptions of life in the camps. I longed for a quicker pace and more focus on the central conflict. The sanitized tone, reminiscent of a young adult novel, made the characters feel too polished, lacking the gritty realism I usually prefer in dystopian settings.

"The Interim Generation" is a book that offers a profound exploration of human resilience and societal struggles. While it may not be flawless, it's a solid, enjoyable read that left me intrigued about the earlier books in the series. For those who appreciate dystopian fiction with a touch of sci-fi, this novel is a must-read!

[Debbie Hightower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven’t yet read Charles Martin Cosgriff’s previous installments, the author of The Interim Generation: Book 3 of the Infinity Series provided enough clues that I could relate. It starts off dramatically with Dr. Kim Green sneaking into a pharmacy to steal medical supplies. By instituting thought control, the Superiors have accidentally given Kim the telepathic ability to shield her mind from theirs. At some point in the past, when she had enough of that society’s manipulation, she left the city and sought out a primitive society living outside the Superiors’ radar. The periodic public reading of Michael’s history serves to remind them of who they are and what they have gained. An elderly inhabitant named Daniel recounted memories that extend back to the time when the Superiors legislated uniform dress with caste-indicating collars. Black represented non-compliant ones with corresponding fewer benefits. When one of the Superiors shows up, it signals an end to their sequestered existence. In the end, the colonists must make their own choice whether to return to the white buildings that represent superior food, technology and medical care or remain in the wilderness where there is free will but survival that comes at the price of hard labor. The characters and world-building in the novel were intense and enjoyable; however the amount of writing errors detracted from the reading experience.

[T.N. Traynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

short tale of a different type of dystopian world

A small group of people want to escape the system they find themselves in and build a hidden village deep in the forest.
Yet the powers that be can’t risk them multiplying more quickly than them and set about bringing them back.
Easy, quick read.
Unfortunately filled with lots of errors, eg on page 1 where the word suspicions is put twice, and later where ‘next to the first’ is on one page but the rest of the sentence starts on the next page.

[Elise Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline

The storyline was a thought provoking commentary on the effects of absolute power and change. The main character is responsible for a village of people hidden from a powerful governing body with a history of about. I especially liked the way they wove in the back story so if you missed the first two books it was easy to follow what was happening in the story.

[Syd Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Fans of science fiction will enjoy the "Interim Generation." Excellent work on both plot and character development keeps the reader engaged. Although this is the first book that I've read in this series, I felt like I was fully immersed in the story because the author gives enough backstory from the first two novels that I was able to follow the plot. A good read all around.

[Jim Hardison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Sci-Fi

A well-conceived and written dystopian future where outsiders struggle to survive and thrive on the fringes of a technologically advanced but intellectually backwards society.

This is a worthy continuation of the Infinity Series.

The book could have benefitted from one more polish edit, as there were a few minor typos. Didn’t detract enough from the story to damage the enjoyment for me.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilience in a fragile world

The Interim Generation picks up right where Michael’s Story left off, but stands strong on its own too. I liked the mix of action and reflection, especially with Daniel’s perspective tying the past into the present. The story balances survival, loyalty, and the pull between freedom and control in a way that feels both tense and hopeful. Thoughtful, fast-moving, and easy to get into.

[Chad O Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi adventure unfolds

I think this is a good sci-fi book that details the adventures of Dr. Green and the challenges she faces. This is part 3 of the series, so if you want a deeper background into this story would recommend the other 2 books. This to me was a fast paced action adventure. Thanks for a fun read.

[Brett Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that will hook you!

I wasn’t sure about this book but I really liked it! It’s the 3rd book in a bigger series, but this book is a stand alone story that you can read cold. If you are looking for a sci fi story this book is a fun read.

[Andrew Heister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

I enjoyed reading through all three of the books in this series. It has a strange vibe to the wiring that I really like. Unfortunately, all of the books need a professional editor to clean things up.

[Lin Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I like the dystopian plot of the tale, and it is really gripping. Unfortunately I didn't know it had a prequel and I hope I have begun with the first one instead. In summary, this book is good for a quick read.

[Matthew Scigousky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Sci-fi

If you like sci-fi I would give this book a try. I thought it was well written and the story is engaging. Has some rem-nits of the story in GG3

[Paul Leverell · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice sci-fi

This book is the 3rd in a series It may help to have read Michael's Story, but Interim does work as a stand alone novel. I enjoyed it.