In Costi Gurgu’s dystopian thriller SERVITUDE, American detective Blake Frye goes on a work trip to London, bringing his pregnant wife, Isa, who is a recently unemployed journalist with a history of researching secret government operations. This is a corporate/totalitarian future, however, where the UK has legalized slavery and people who owe thousands of dollars are sent into indentured servitude. Blake and Isa discover during their travels that the US, too, is dipping their toes into morally muddy waters by kidnapping American citizens with heavy debt and secretly selling them into slavery. This international conspiracy grows more dramatic when, upon his return to the US, Blake is arrested for speaking to a British Servitude Exchange agent, then learns when he is released a few hours later that Isa has been kidnapped and taken to a slave camp. A search for his wife, before it’s too late, ensues.
Gurgu’s narrative cycles through various characters’ perspectives on a chapter-by-chapter basis, showing the compelling points of view of players including Blake, Isa, a determined investigator, an antagonist and slave-trader, Blake’s brother, and others. Apt attention is given to each subplot, depending on their importance to the main story. This adds dimension and intrigue to the plot overall and to the worldbuilding, as when Blake’s gay brother struggles with relationship issues under this new, particularly homophobic government. These scenes, though, sometimes distract from the story that readers may care about more—Blake’s hunt for his wife and attempt at a takedown of an oppressive regime.
Flashback chapters that offer redundant information slow the pace of plot development, though they remain interesting as they work to develop character and elevate emotional connection with their plight. Because the book takes the time to boost empathy for the characters, the emotional stakes are high throughout. Blake is attentive to detail, cares deeply for his wife and other people, including strangers, and does not shy away from being vulnerable when overcome with sadness or frustration. These traits make him a sympathetic main character whose journey is enjoyable to experience, even when he faces traumatic or controversial situations. Isa is also a strong, engaging hero, and minor characters evoke similarly poignant personalities that add up to a dynamic and diverse cast. Tension-filled language mirrors the high-octane plot and character-driven dialogue uses propulsive language to draw readers into the immersive, suspenseful scenes.
Costi Gurgu’s multi-perspective narrative structure amps up the stakes and bolsters the world-building in SERVITUDE, a compelling dystopian thriller with an explosive and surprising end.
~Aimee Jodoin for IndieReader