The Fossilarchy: It's a WAR for the WORLD

by Tom Clark

Wealthy Swiss businessman, Wolfgang Dreiser, hatches a drastic plot to save the world from climate meltdown. He recruits a crack team of retired Special Forces for a secret mission to Australia, all willing and able to blow what needs to be blown.
A man vows revenge on the coal industry and takes on the mantle of Ned Coaly, anti-fossil outlaw. In doing so, he unleashes a dark past and a killer out to get him.
A young woman, an Extinction Rebel, decides that blocking traffic is not enough and forms a new group, the Climate Commandos. Together, they take direct action to the next level.
Their fortunes converge as their enemies' fortunes explode.
All of them have the same target, a powerful and ruthless enemy—The Fossilarchy, the fossil fuel industry and its political cronies. Its power must be broken if the world and the young are to have a future.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2022

Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fossilarchy by Tom Clark is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and intensely relevant novel that plunges headfirst into the intersection of political power, environmental destruction, and activism. Tom Clark crafts a narrative that reads like a high-stakes thriller, yet beneath the surface, it is a scathing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the systems that sustain it.

What stands out most is how Clark brings his themes to life through an electrifying, multi-layered plot. The story unfolds in a near-future world where climate activism has escalated into sabotage and direct attacks on fossil fuel infrastructure. As industries and governments scramble to suppress the resistance, tensions rise to the boiling point. The novel doesn’t shy away from the moral dilemmas at the heart of this struggle: How far should people go to stop an industry that is actively destroying the planet? Can sabotage ever be justified, or does it simply fuel the oppressive mechanisms of the powerful?

The characters, while sometimes more symbolic than deeply nuanced, are engaging in their own ways. Activists, politicians, and corporate titans collide in a game of high-stakes chess, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Clark does a great job of highlighting the contradictions within both the movement and the industry, showing how power and corruption seep into every facet of society.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its pacing. The story moves quickly, with tension building in each chapter. The writing is clear, and while the exposition can sometimes feel heavy-handed, it’s clear that author Clark is deeply passionate about the subject. The book is not just a call to action, it’s a wake-up call, delivered with all the urgency of a world teetering on the edge.

That being said, The Fossilarchy can sometimes feel more like a manifesto than a novel. While its message is important, some sections are dense with political and economic discourse that might slow the momentum for some readers. The book shines brightest when it lets the narrative drive home its themes rather than spelling them out in long stretches of dialogue or exposition.

Overall, this is a gripping and eye-opening read, perfect for anyone interested in climate activism, political thrillers, or stories that challenge the status quo. It’s bold, urgent, and not afraid to ask the big questions. While the balance between storytelling and message could be fine-tuned, The Fossilarchy is undeniably compelling and leaves a lasting impression.

[L Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fossilarchy is a modern day take on the classic, action-packed Thriller, and I can highly recommend it! Tom Clark seamlessly blends elements of suspense and action like Lee Child, the pace, witty dialog and character-likability of Ken Follett, along with the contemporary themes and smooth prose of Emily St. John Mandel.
An important work that takes you across the globe from Australia to Switzerland and America, and outlines our dependence upon, and utter greed when it comes to fossil fuels. So much more than just a clever satire, this fun read will have you rooting for carnage and chaos as our antihero stakes his claim on the gas industry, and will stop at nothing in his attempt to save the planet!
5 stars!

[Robert A McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sterling book - I read it while travelling to Melbourne and back by train - the excitement it brought made the five hours of the return journey vanish.
I was overjoyed to see the "Fossilarcy" demolished as Tom's ragtag team of unlikely heroes drove a stake deep into the heart of the fossil fuel industry.
A fun read for those of us who care about what shape the future will take for our children and grandchildren.
I recommend the book - rush out and buy a copy!

[Helen Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Full of wondeful characters and breathtaking action. Well written and witty. A thrilling plot to save the world from climate doom brought on by the evil fossil fuel industry and self serving politians. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves the planet and a good read.

[Bob Chee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom writes a novel that is riveting and full of wit, and, at the same time, has serious undertones.
It's the war for the world, clear battle lines are drawn, diplomacy and protest marches no longer work.
You will enjoy the caricatures, more so if you know the underlying Australian political scene.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the way the world is going, this was impactful. It almost felt more like a true story instead of a fiction thriller. Very interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.