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FINAL ACT
FINAL ACT is a fast-paced sequel to FINAL NOTICE and has been described as simultaneously realistic and surrealistic ... and totally engrossing. It is set in today’s chaotic political climate and gun-crazy culture; and features the “only slightly” sci-fi watch – the VT2 – that monitors blood chemistry so accurately that it can predict the wearer’s death within 10, 20 or 30 days.
But while Final Notice asked the question: “What would you do if you knew – for certain – that you had a couple weeks to live?” ... Final Act asks: “What might others do if they knew that you only had a couple weeks to live?” And when those “others” include Bratva (the Russian Mafia) and the SVR (formerly the KGB), you have a, election year page-turner that turns “what if” into “what is.”
But while Final Notice asked the question: “What would you do if you knew – for certain – that you had a couple weeks to live?” ... Final Act asks: “What might others do if they knew that you only had a couple weeks to live?” And when those “others” include Bratva (the Russian Mafia) and the SVR (formerly the KGB), you have a, election year page-turner that turns “what if” into “what is.”
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2020
About the author
Van Fleisher
8 books200 followersCurrently Van divides his time between California and France. He has spent half his life living and working outside the U.S. as Director of International Marketing with TWA and as an International Management Consultant; and he brings this experience to bear on the plot of Final Notice. His insight into what goes on behind closed boardroom doors gives the slightly “sci-fi” premise of FINAL NOTICE a very realistic feel. Moreover, his two careers have taken him around the world (including a year living in India) and his first-hand experience with – and respect for – other cultures is apparent in this book. Finally, being recently retired, Fleisher included two senior protagonists, which has engaged older readers as well as younger ones. In fact, over 30% of “all readers” in a recent focus group said they would buy the book.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
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May 9, 2020First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Van Fleisher for providing me with a copy of this publication, now released, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After devouring the first book by Van Fleisher, which lays the groundwork for this novel, I knew that I needed to read more, if only to learn how things with the VT2 watch developed and what Dr. Vijay Patel had in store for the world. While the watch has been working effectively to offer its users a ‘final notice’ before their deaths, Patel and others have also come to see a rise in gun violence among those with nothing to lose—the premise of the series debut. After selling the company, Patel chooses to take a leadership role within the wing of the company that is working on these notices and some other software. Teamed up with a Special Agent within the FBI, Patel is trying to work out an added layer to the notice option, tracking levels of aggression and blood chemistry that might help trigger knowledge that could alert to the potential of a violent outburst during this final notice period. When Patel is forced from his job by a vindictive company CEO, he tries to keep the new level of tracking going, only to have all his pathways shut down. Knowing that this is a vital portal, Patel will bend the rules, if only to help stop the continuous spree of killing. However, someone is trying to play their own version of Big Brother, tapping into the Final Notice data to exact revenge on high-ranking officials and yet keeping the blood off their own hands. As high-profile murders begin to take place during an election year, Patel and his FBI counterpart must work from the outside to gain new and covert access to the VT2 data, saving lives and yet tracking those who are most likely to become violent. All of this has major implications, especially with the true puppet master still lurking in the shadows. A decent follow-up piece that seeks to delve a little deeper into the story and keep the reader questioning every plot twist. Van Fleisher does well here, but the story lacked the punch I would have hoped, coming off a successful debut novel.
While I know some panned Fleisher’s opening piece as being too silly or even a novel that seeks to ride on the coattails of current events, I quite enjoyed the banter between characters and how he developed his plot. There was a great deal of potential with this piece, as it sought to look a little deeper into the Final Notice aspect of the VT2 watch and look at those who use this as a means to tie up their personal loose ends and exact some revenge, knowing they will not face the consequences. However, the story got wonky part way in and never really was able to right itself effectively. The thriller aspect of Patel trying to work from the outside propelled the piece forward, but there were countless instances where interactions between characters seemed inserted to fill space rather than develop the story effectively. The premise of the book had much potential, though I think it got bogged down throughout the meandering narrative and over abundance of plot points. The mix of chapter lengths helped balance out some of the less than strong storytelling, as I could push through shorter portions and set the book down until I had a mental reset. Fleisher can tell a story, there is no doubt, and his choice to inject some social commentary throughout is never a bad thing. I do wonder, however, if a reworking to sharpen and strengthen this piece could help create a better duology on the topic. I think Fleisher might want to hire a new editorial team to help him define a stronger story that will sell and perhaps look back to his debut novel, finding its strengths and building on them, rather than trying to toss so much into the book and hope to please everyone with a little something here and there!
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, for a decent second novel. There are a mix of good and bad things for me, but I hope those who read both novels get the larger themes and points you see to address.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After devouring the first book by Van Fleisher, which lays the groundwork for this novel, I knew that I needed to read more, if only to learn how things with the VT2 watch developed and what Dr. Vijay Patel had in store for the world. While the watch has been working effectively to offer its users a ‘final notice’ before their deaths, Patel and others have also come to see a rise in gun violence among those with nothing to lose—the premise of the series debut. After selling the company, Patel chooses to take a leadership role within the wing of the company that is working on these notices and some other software. Teamed up with a Special Agent within the FBI, Patel is trying to work out an added layer to the notice option, tracking levels of aggression and blood chemistry that might help trigger knowledge that could alert to the potential of a violent outburst during this final notice period. When Patel is forced from his job by a vindictive company CEO, he tries to keep the new level of tracking going, only to have all his pathways shut down. Knowing that this is a vital portal, Patel will bend the rules, if only to help stop the continuous spree of killing. However, someone is trying to play their own version of Big Brother, tapping into the Final Notice data to exact revenge on high-ranking officials and yet keeping the blood off their own hands. As high-profile murders begin to take place during an election year, Patel and his FBI counterpart must work from the outside to gain new and covert access to the VT2 data, saving lives and yet tracking those who are most likely to become violent. All of this has major implications, especially with the true puppet master still lurking in the shadows. A decent follow-up piece that seeks to delve a little deeper into the story and keep the reader questioning every plot twist. Van Fleisher does well here, but the story lacked the punch I would have hoped, coming off a successful debut novel.
While I know some panned Fleisher’s opening piece as being too silly or even a novel that seeks to ride on the coattails of current events, I quite enjoyed the banter between characters and how he developed his plot. There was a great deal of potential with this piece, as it sought to look a little deeper into the Final Notice aspect of the VT2 watch and look at those who use this as a means to tie up their personal loose ends and exact some revenge, knowing they will not face the consequences. However, the story got wonky part way in and never really was able to right itself effectively. The thriller aspect of Patel trying to work from the outside propelled the piece forward, but there were countless instances where interactions between characters seemed inserted to fill space rather than develop the story effectively. The premise of the book had much potential, though I think it got bogged down throughout the meandering narrative and over abundance of plot points. The mix of chapter lengths helped balance out some of the less than strong storytelling, as I could push through shorter portions and set the book down until I had a mental reset. Fleisher can tell a story, there is no doubt, and his choice to inject some social commentary throughout is never a bad thing. I do wonder, however, if a reworking to sharpen and strengthen this piece could help create a better duology on the topic. I think Fleisher might want to hire a new editorial team to help him define a stronger story that will sell and perhaps look back to his debut novel, finding its strengths and building on them, rather than trying to toss so much into the book and hope to please everyone with a little something here and there!
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, for a decent second novel. There are a mix of good and bad things for me, but I hope those who read both novels get the larger themes and points you see to address.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 13, 2023
The story in Final Act by Van Fleisher revolves mainly around the havoc caused by VT2 watches which were developed by the main character Dr. Vijay Patel's startup - VitalTech. Zoe Brouet, an FBI agent recruits Vijay to find a way to stop the killings/murders by Final Notice recipients. The protagonists are challenged by the likes of Vik Vasin and Yuri Chernyshevsky who work together as the story progresses to plan deadly assassination attempts on important political figures of the United States leveraging the inevitable death of Final Notice recipients. Vijay and Zoe, recruit Alek and Ninad from their related organizations respectively to assist them in their common goal of putting an end to the mayhem caused by VT killings. Together their journey takes on a tumultuous road almost putting Vijay behind bars and losing the confidence of his loving wife Jennifer who takes their daughter Karima away to her parent's house while Zoe comes close to losing her job in the bureau. The involvement of Russian Foreign agents in their attempt to disrupt or somewhat control the presidential election in the United States of America reflects the contemporary scene although this book is a work of fiction as stated by Fleisher on the last page.
Fleisher does a good job keeping the readers' interest glued to the text with various suspense moments in his book. The book introduces many sub-stories or instances of people with traumatic experiences. My favorite would be that of Marianne Abbott who had been wronged by her father and brother who she later punishes. Moki Joe Hunter, the half-black half-Indian celebrity had an interesting story too.
While the book has a decent storyline, it feels repetitive as it included mostly incidents of the imminent killing or murder of highly powerful people and Zoe/Vijay trying to stop it but failing ultimately. I would say that not all character backgrounds were developed fairly, most notably Yuri Chernyshevsky who is just positioned as a final powerful Russian boss but the reader couldn't imagine the personality of this person( apart from the hint about being a Russian foreign agent at the end of the book). Additionally, the writing style seemed a bit plain and felt lacking.
I rate this book 3 out of 5, as it's a decent book that keeps you interested in what's about to happen although at places we could predict what would inevitably happen. The rating is not higher as the story could use more "spicing-up". The book also lacked depth in the environment setting. All in all, I would recommend that readers read this book to enjoy an original story of courage, righteousness, love, and revenge.
Final Act - which is the second addition to the Final Series can be treated as a standalone( I hadn't read the first book - Final Notice but could still comprehend it). It can be read and enjoyed by people of all demographics. Politically inclined people or "political junkies" can enjoy this book even better.
Fleisher does a good job keeping the readers' interest glued to the text with various suspense moments in his book. The book introduces many sub-stories or instances of people with traumatic experiences. My favorite would be that of Marianne Abbott who had been wronged by her father and brother who she later punishes. Moki Joe Hunter, the half-black half-Indian celebrity had an interesting story too.
While the book has a decent storyline, it feels repetitive as it included mostly incidents of the imminent killing or murder of highly powerful people and Zoe/Vijay trying to stop it but failing ultimately. I would say that not all character backgrounds were developed fairly, most notably Yuri Chernyshevsky who is just positioned as a final powerful Russian boss but the reader couldn't imagine the personality of this person( apart from the hint about being a Russian foreign agent at the end of the book). Additionally, the writing style seemed a bit plain and felt lacking.
I rate this book 3 out of 5, as it's a decent book that keeps you interested in what's about to happen although at places we could predict what would inevitably happen. The rating is not higher as the story could use more "spicing-up". The book also lacked depth in the environment setting. All in all, I would recommend that readers read this book to enjoy an original story of courage, righteousness, love, and revenge.
Final Act - which is the second addition to the Final Series can be treated as a standalone( I hadn't read the first book - Final Notice but could still comprehend it). It can be read and enjoyed by people of all demographics. Politically inclined people or "political junkies" can enjoy this book even better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
FINAL ACT: Perfect recipe for a thriller. Mix together: is the second edition of the trilogy written by Van Fleisher. This book is a balanced blend of fantasy and real life scenarios which are not talk of a distant future. The story is about Vijay Patel, a scientist who has invented an advanced VT-2 watch. This watch can predict its wearers death and give them a sort of final notice. The real question is addressed here : what would you do if you knew what time you'd die?
During the election times in the United States, the political turmoil and rivalry brings everything down to the wire. And surely, those who are wicked and hold grudges against someone can use this VT-2 watch to settle their revenge and this causes nationwide bedlam. The contrasting picture of contemporary America finds its way into the scene as the gun sales and murders are increasing in a suspenseful manner.
The story is well paced and it is easy to understand the characters and their roles. The story picked my attention instantly as there is no roundabout attempt by the writer to enlarge the story. Everything is on point posing some very pertinent questions of our own time. One more thing to add here is that there is a suspenseful story at the helm of this book and there are subsequent stories running throughout the book that are well connected to the actual event.
There are characters who remain centre figures throughout the book and there are some who are only there for a chapter or two. So, the building up isn't as consistent as it should be, because characters are always changing. Also at times, the political and institutional involvement seems to overthrow the importance of the character's original nature. There is no background story about creation of the watch and build up of Protagonist vs Antagonist plot.
Overall, the book impressed me for its concept and I would like to give it 3 out of 4 stars. Van Fleischer did a good job laying out the characters and defining their roles. The concept is well moulded out in words. But at the same time, there is no connection with the general notion of what the writer is trying to depict.
A fiction by nature, this book revolves around politics, crime and technology. Anyone who's up to reading fiction and interested in a fresh addition to that section, will enjoy this book. It is thrilling read and in a like manner, young adults will find this book a good blend of real events and fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2021
Final Act picks up two years after the original Final Notice ended. Testing has come to a successful conclusion allowing the VT2 to take the market by storm. VitalTech was sold to J. Edward Konig's firm KKL as planned once the VT2 launch concluded. Granting Vijay the opportunity to step back from the stresses of building a business to focus on his babies, biological and technical. His relationship with Jennifer blossomed in those two years, and they now have a child. Unfortunately, the tranquility Vijay found in stepping back to become a mere member of the board does not last forever. For new murderous issues arise from the villainous misuse of his VT2 watch.
The story is written to ensure that any reader can follow along, even if they have not read Final Notice. Van Fleisher does phenomenal in giving new readers a sufficient back story, at appropriate times, to ensure the reader understands the connections between the characters without overdoing it to the point readers familiar with Final Notice will be bored. I enjoyed the added depth and dimension he gave to some of the main characters. Alek's dark and painful past is very relatable. Vik's remorse over betraying the lifelong bond he shared with Alek did not make me want to punch him any less for doing it. I suppose that just proves how emotionally invested Van Fleisher's writing talents draw you into becoming. I love the way he softened Zoe's character from this no nonsense, tough as steel FBI agent to a soft hearted, affectionate girlfriend who is just as capable of doting on a loved one as she is in kicking someone's ass.
I commend the way Vijay Patel chose to shift the platform of how his VT2 watch is used in the end to avoid continued contribution to murders across the nation. It is disappointing Vijay didn't think to make this shift after all the negative publicity post BETA testing in Final Notice resulted in the VT2 being nicknamed the 'death watch', but we wouldn't have this phenomenal book if he had.
My one warning to readers is the potential trigger some scenes could cause for sexual assault victims. The scenes were written with delicate care and respectably lacking enough detail to be bearable. However, some may still need to skip those moments.
The story is written to ensure that any reader can follow along, even if they have not read Final Notice. Van Fleisher does phenomenal in giving new readers a sufficient back story, at appropriate times, to ensure the reader understands the connections between the characters without overdoing it to the point readers familiar with Final Notice will be bored. I enjoyed the added depth and dimension he gave to some of the main characters. Alek's dark and painful past is very relatable. Vik's remorse over betraying the lifelong bond he shared with Alek did not make me want to punch him any less for doing it. I suppose that just proves how emotionally invested Van Fleisher's writing talents draw you into becoming. I love the way he softened Zoe's character from this no nonsense, tough as steel FBI agent to a soft hearted, affectionate girlfriend who is just as capable of doting on a loved one as she is in kicking someone's ass.
I commend the way Vijay Patel chose to shift the platform of how his VT2 watch is used in the end to avoid continued contribution to murders across the nation. It is disappointing Vijay didn't think to make this shift after all the negative publicity post BETA testing in Final Notice resulted in the VT2 being nicknamed the 'death watch', but we wouldn't have this phenomenal book if he had.
My one warning to readers is the potential trigger some scenes could cause for sexual assault victims. The scenes were written with delicate care and respectably lacking enough detail to be bearable. However, some may still need to skip those moments.
January 17, 2022
Final Act by Van Fleisher is book 2 of Final Notice that can be treated as a stand-alone. But it is recommended that one reads book 1 for a better background understanding of some characters featured in book 2. The story follows a dilemma Vijay Patel found himself in. Vijay is the founder of VitalTech company. He created a VT2 watch that determined the number of days a person has to live. Those who wore the VT2 watch were referred to as Final Notice recipients. The technology posed a threat to the lives of many. Numerous murder cases reported were caused by Final Notice recipients. These cases alarmed the FBI.
Zoe Brouet, an FBI agent, made a deal with Vijay. The deal would help mitigate Final Notice recipients' killings in the future. Having sold the company and the appointment of the new CEO at VitalTech placed the deal between Vijay and Zoe in jeopardy. Will Vijay opt-out from the deal? Or will he have other options to push through the deal? Grab a copy of the book to find out.
The book portray an exceptional crime and investigative tale. The story contain brief political concepts as viewed by the protagonists. I noticed a few profane expressions, both borderline and non-borderline. There are no grammatical mistakes in the story, which is impressive. I also discovered a tiny formatting error. The only thing I didn't care for was the plot's overabundance of characters. It was a little stressful for me to try to load all of the details for all of the characters. However, this did not deter me from finishing the book. The lesson I took up from the narrative is that technology can be beneficial, but it can also be dangerous to many everyday choices.
Readers who appreciate reading intriguing stories with a variety of genres will enjoy this book. This is the book for you if you appreciate investigative and criminal fiction. As it contains sensitive episodes that will not impress minors, this book is not appropriate for them.
Zoe Brouet, an FBI agent, made a deal with Vijay. The deal would help mitigate Final Notice recipients' killings in the future. Having sold the company and the appointment of the new CEO at VitalTech placed the deal between Vijay and Zoe in jeopardy. Will Vijay opt-out from the deal? Or will he have other options to push through the deal? Grab a copy of the book to find out.
The book portray an exceptional crime and investigative tale. The story contain brief political concepts as viewed by the protagonists. I noticed a few profane expressions, both borderline and non-borderline. There are no grammatical mistakes in the story, which is impressive. I also discovered a tiny formatting error. The only thing I didn't care for was the plot's overabundance of characters. It was a little stressful for me to try to load all of the details for all of the characters. However, this did not deter me from finishing the book. The lesson I took up from the narrative is that technology can be beneficial, but it can also be dangerous to many everyday choices.
Readers who appreciate reading intriguing stories with a variety of genres will enjoy this book. This is the book for you if you appreciate investigative and criminal fiction. As it contains sensitive episodes that will not impress minors, this book is not appropriate for them.
November 29, 2023
The Final Act written by the author Van Fleisher is a perfect thriller. This book starts two years after the events of Final Notice. One of the main characters of the story is Vijay Patel - a VT2 watch inventor that alerts its users 10, 20 or 30 days before their death. The users receive their Final Notice to get their affairs in order, say goodbyes, complete a bucket list. However, some users used it to take revenge or commit murders.
Mildred Pierce was one of the VT2 watch users in Rome. She received the Final Notice and was a gun owner. She killed two men using her gun and the inventor Vijay Patel was watching everything. When Mildred's friend entered her apartment, she found her dead and called 911.
Vijay received two alerts from VT2 users in Rome, Georgia. From his system data, he made an assumption that Mildred Pierce was the VT2 user who killed Harlan Snell. Read this story to know what happens next.
Those who enjoy reading Crime stories, thrillers and mystery should get their hands on this book. It is a nail-biting thriller and an unputdownable book. The title of the story is suitable and the cover photo of the book is nice. I had a great time reading this thriller. Van's story writing skills are amazing.
Mildred Pierce was one of the VT2 watch users in Rome. She received the Final Notice and was a gun owner. She killed two men using her gun and the inventor Vijay Patel was watching everything. When Mildred's friend entered her apartment, she found her dead and called 911.
Vijay received two alerts from VT2 users in Rome, Georgia. From his system data, he made an assumption that Mildred Pierce was the VT2 user who killed Harlan Snell. Read this story to know what happens next.
Those who enjoy reading Crime stories, thrillers and mystery should get their hands on this book. It is a nail-biting thriller and an unputdownable book. The title of the story is suitable and the cover photo of the book is nice. I had a great time reading this thriller. Van's story writing skills are amazing.
January 20, 2025
Chapter One starts off by sucking you right into the storyline. Picking up where the previous book left off, you’re off to the races with Vijay & Zoe hoping to prevent any wrongdoings tied to VitalTech.
Jennifer & Vijay have a great life, and it is obvious that he made great connections with his employees. Though his role at VitalTech is very different now, he never stopped working on his dream of making the VT2 better and it continuing to help the population. The Final Notice killings are bothering him now more than ever as someone is Turing the recipients into murderers.
Getting to know Alex more and his dedication, not only to VitalTech but also to Vijay, shows that tech doesn't need to be as cutthroat as it is made out to be at times. It shows that people working together for the great good does more than working individually. They each have talents and balance each other very well, making them a great team.
This book continues to get you to ask yourself questions. Instead of simply what would you do if you got your Final Notice, now it adds in how far would you go to ensure your family is taken care of of after you pass? This also brings to light many political questions as well as protection agency communications and goals.
There is enough of the backstory that you could read this as a standalone, but it builds so nicely on the information from the first book that reading them in order is also wonderful.
There are a lot of moving parts and characters, but it is fairly easy to keep them all in line.
I truly enjoyed this book and would give it 5 out of 5 stars. It kept me entertained and intrigued.
Jennifer & Vijay have a great life, and it is obvious that he made great connections with his employees. Though his role at VitalTech is very different now, he never stopped working on his dream of making the VT2 better and it continuing to help the population. The Final Notice killings are bothering him now more than ever as someone is Turing the recipients into murderers.
Getting to know Alex more and his dedication, not only to VitalTech but also to Vijay, shows that tech doesn't need to be as cutthroat as it is made out to be at times. It shows that people working together for the great good does more than working individually. They each have talents and balance each other very well, making them a great team.
This book continues to get you to ask yourself questions. Instead of simply what would you do if you got your Final Notice, now it adds in how far would you go to ensure your family is taken care of of after you pass? This also brings to light many political questions as well as protection agency communications and goals.
There is enough of the backstory that you could read this as a standalone, but it builds so nicely on the information from the first book that reading them in order is also wonderful.
There are a lot of moving parts and characters, but it is fairly easy to keep them all in line.
I truly enjoyed this book and would give it 5 out of 5 stars. It kept me entertained and intrigued.
March 10, 2021
Wow, I was completed unprepared for Mildred to shoot 2 men in the truck. As Deadshot said, “that’s gangsta”. Only to find out that she had gotten her final notice and only had a short time to live. So I imagine in her mind, why not?
VT2 watch will notify the individual when their death is approaching, within a few days; the Final Notice it is called. However, it appears that someone is using this information to use the Final Notice Recipients as assassins. Vijay Patel notices this pattern of assasination in accordance with the Final Notices and starts using a tracking system that uses an individual's blood chemistry and state of mind to assist in determining what is causing them to kill.
Patel and teams up with the FBI, against his companies wishes, to try and stop the ongoing assassinations and killings. Even after his company finds out and has him arrested, Vijay continues to do all he can to help and find out who is behind this.
VT2 watch will notify the individual when their death is approaching, within a few days; the Final Notice it is called. However, it appears that someone is using this information to use the Final Notice Recipients as assassins. Vijay Patel notices this pattern of assasination in accordance with the Final Notices and starts using a tracking system that uses an individual's blood chemistry and state of mind to assist in determining what is causing them to kill.
Patel and teams up with the FBI, against his companies wishes, to try and stop the ongoing assassinations and killings. Even after his company finds out and has him arrested, Vijay continues to do all he can to help and find out who is behind this.
August 22, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"No man would ever do that to her again."
The invention of the VT2, a watch which could accurately predict the reader's death to within a few hours, had unexpected consequences. This is the fast paced and exciting follow on to Final Notice and, although not essential, a reading of the earlier book prior to this one is recommended.
Written at a faster more journalistic style than it's predecessor, Final Act goes more international as attacks are made on the company systems.
Narration was again by Chris Koprowski, who did a good job of creating an atmospheric reading. Always clear and with good intonation, his is a nice, steady performance
Pacy, fanciful, yet somehow plausible (and terrifying), this is a much better book to read than book 1. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy.
"No man would ever do that to her again."
The invention of the VT2, a watch which could accurately predict the reader's death to within a few hours, had unexpected consequences. This is the fast paced and exciting follow on to Final Notice and, although not essential, a reading of the earlier book prior to this one is recommended.
Written at a faster more journalistic style than it's predecessor, Final Act goes more international as attacks are made on the company systems.
Narration was again by Chris Koprowski, who did a good job of creating an atmospheric reading. Always clear and with good intonation, his is a nice, steady performance
Pacy, fanciful, yet somehow plausible (and terrifying), this is a much better book to read than book 1. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy.
July 27, 2021
It has been a while since I read a good thriller book. Thank heavens, Final Act by Van Fleisher has broken the streak of reading uninteresting novel after another. Vijay Patel, an Indian-origin techie owns Vital Tech. His recent innovation, a futuristic fitness band VT2 has been the talk of the town. Why do you ask? It can predict the actual date when you will die, based on your blood work and whatnot. Shudders! Now the real motive behind this advanced capability was to give the person some time to get their affairs in order. But, according to the recent reports, the Final Notice recipients have been using their time to settle the scores. And since acquiring a gun is not a problem in the country, people have become trigger happy, without any remorse.
To read the review further, follow the link: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
To read the review further, follow the link: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
February 27, 2021
Final Act is the sequel to the author's previous book, Final Notice. I wish I could see an improvement from the first book, but this one suffers from the same flaws. The political message and author's personal beliefs hit the reader over the head so hard, one cannot enjoy the book.
But even worse is the poor quality of the writing. The author uses the weak verb "was" in almost every sentence. That causes the prose to lack action. Also, the book is primarily written in the weak and passive past perfect tense, which is a turn off. Like Final Notice, this book appears to be self-published and self-edited. It is sorely in need of a professional editing.
Don't waste your time or money.
But even worse is the poor quality of the writing. The author uses the weak verb "was" in almost every sentence. That causes the prose to lack action. Also, the book is primarily written in the weak and passive past perfect tense, which is a turn off. Like Final Notice, this book appears to be self-published and self-edited. It is sorely in need of a professional editing.
Don't waste your time or money.
April 23, 2022
A heavily loaded question. What would you, or others do as their last act if they knew the date of their death? Besides, why would the inventor of the sci fi watch sell off his company as soon as he creates the invention? Those are the questions one is compelled to ask as they read this book. Suddenly deaths and other strange things begin to happen. Are they connected to the invention? Dr Vijay is forced to act quickly. He teams up with law enforcement and others to solve the mystery. A suspenseful mystery thriller during an election year and many social, political and economic changes. Thank you.
January 5, 2022
I thought the concept of people knowing their "expiration date" was interesting. I'm not sure I would want to know when my final day on earth was going to be. Beyond that it was just too many things all thrown together for me. I like complex plots, but could have enjoyed this more with less complexity. Knowing when you're going to die, guns, Russians, and an election...too much. I found the audiobook to be just way to much verbiage vs plot/action for my tastes. But for others, they may really enjoy the story.
May 30, 2020
Politics
This novel is based on a watch that predicts when a person will die. What would you do if you how long you had to live. This novel reflects the current political atmosphere. There are persons who remain throughout the book and persons who might be in only one chapter. It is a political mystery. I’d like to read the first in the series as it probably explains how the futuristic watch was made.
This novel is based on a watch that predicts when a person will die. What would you do if you how long you had to live. This novel reflects the current political atmosphere. There are persons who remain throughout the book and persons who might be in only one chapter. It is a political mystery. I’d like to read the first in the series as it probably explains how the futuristic watch was made.
September 29, 2020
audible:This was a really good sequel.It was not as good as book 1,but the author told us it wouldn't be.lol We live in a wrold where a watch tells us when we will die.Others want to know how to use that to their advantage.It is open ended with an election coming up...how timely! Chris Koprowski was the perfect narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
May 22, 2020
Van Fleisher’s latest read is a powerful, page turner set in today’s political climate. It’s thought provoking issues touch squarely on the compelling issues of the day. This fast paced story, laced with intrigue and fascinating characters, asks intelligent questions while keeping the reader on the “edge of his seat.” Final Act is an exceptional read written by a masterful story teller.
August 7, 2020
This was good book, however not my usual choice. Had it been I’d probably given 5 stars but though well though out and written well it just wasn’t for me. However others would find this a good read. Worth your time figuring out if it’s your style despite the enigmatic description the author gave as a back of the book blurb. Give it a chance.
November 24, 2022
A curious piece
I liked the consistency in the book. The main character Vijay acts in good faith. He helps the FBI, stands with his family, and cares about how his invention can be misused by criminal organizations.
The schemes by criminals were on the high notch and heartless.
If you enjoy sci-fi, crime, and political books this book is for you.
I liked the consistency in the book. The main character Vijay acts in good faith. He helps the FBI, stands with his family, and cares about how his invention can be misused by criminal organizations.
The schemes by criminals were on the high notch and heartless.
If you enjoy sci-fi, crime, and political books this book is for you.
August 29, 2023
outstanding and gripping
This book was fantastic and I loved how the author tied up all the loose ends, making it a great stand alone even if it’s part of a series. There were a few things I found intriguing as they are part of a different political view but I loved how it was neatly and thoroughly explored and illustrated in the storyline. I enjoyed the book and recommend it for political thrill seekers.
This book was fantastic and I loved how the author tied up all the loose ends, making it a great stand alone even if it’s part of a series. There were a few things I found intriguing as they are part of a different political view but I loved how it was neatly and thoroughly explored and illustrated in the storyline. I enjoyed the book and recommend it for political thrill seekers.
January 6, 2023
Compelling
It was a good read for sure. The main characters are really well fleshed out and relatable as is the story line. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to book three in the trilogy.
It was a good read for sure. The main characters are really well fleshed out and relatable as is the story line. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to book three in the trilogy.
May 25, 2023
An Excellent Book
An amazing science and technology based crime and suspense book that also features social and political issues in the American society. A must read book. Highly recommended.
An amazing science and technology based crime and suspense book that also features social and political issues in the American society. A must read book. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2021
I love the idea of the story. A watch that states 98 percent accuracy life span of a person depending on its health. It is a sequel to Van Fleisher's Final Act. I will read the Final Notice too.
August 28, 2023
Better than Final Notice
Van Fleisher’s ability to incorporate medical, business, social, political and technological elements in a suspenseful work of fiction exceeds his own successes in book one. The depths and breadth of character development and the genuine deliberations of judgment between right and wrong, or acting selfishly or selflessly play out in a rewarding way.
Van Fleisher’s ability to incorporate medical, business, social, political and technological elements in a suspenseful work of fiction exceeds his own successes in book one. The depths and breadth of character development and the genuine deliberations of judgment between right and wrong, or acting selfishly or selflessly play out in a rewarding way.
September 28, 2022
What would you do if you knew the exact time of your death? A scientific creation that brought great evil to mankind instead of good: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
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