The Revisionists
Reprinted from School Library Journal Teens
This thrilling novel examines trust and truth through the lens of time travel.
In the not-too-distant future, the government controls time-travel technology. Instead of using it to correct past wrongs, they use it to make sure that all of history’s worst events – genocide, war, terrorist attacks – happen without disruption.
These events lead to the Great Conflagration, after which society reaches the Perfect Present, a time when hate, violence, and suffering have seemingly been eradicated.
As a Protector with the Department of Historical Integrity, Zed is responsible for making sure history goes unchanged, ensuring realization of this Perfect Present. He works to counter the efforts of a revolutionary group within the government who sees things differently.
The hags – historical agitators – discover things that make them question who the Perfect Present truly benefits. They refuse to stand by and let millions of people suffer and die to protect these questionable interests, and instead try to reroute history’s path.
Instead of a simple hags vs. protectors plot, Mullen creates a complex, compelling story where right and wrong are for readers to decide. Issues are explored through Zed’s journey, as well as those of two “contemps” he gets involved with during his mission.
Teens are often concerned with trying to bring clarity to gray areas in their own lives; The Revisionists gives them a complex and engaging way to observe others wrestling with finding the truth. — Carla Riemer, Berkeley High School, CA
I found this book to be thought provoking, especially when Zed started to question the validity of what he’s doing – managing the past to ensure the continuation of the future. It’s well written and I truly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended. KayZ Best Books for Teens
Adult/High School
MULLEN, Thomas. The Revisionists. 448p. Mulholland. Sept. 2011.
