Wheatly's War by Ralph Richardson is a beautifully written, goosebumps raising novel that will give you chills. The novel is set in a time when the government has perfected a procedure in which you can be 21 again. The whole time I was reading the novel, I was thinking how it would impact the current state of the world where the $24 billion worth cosmetic industry is mainly focused on stopping the signs of aging, and it’s not only women who are going crazy over these products.

The novel is about a man who discovers the real plan behind this so-called procedure that will stop aging and make you 21 again. Ben Wheatly takes refuge in a sanctuary, hidden from the eyes and ears of the government. His plan is to stop the government’s notorious plan and make sure that people do not suffer from this heinous scheme.

This is definitely a glimpse into the future when the need to stay young will take a much more sinister turn. Everything comes at a price and you need to be aware of that before you jump into it. I have to say, I was not expecting this level of excitement when I started to read this novel. It exceeded my expectations tenfold. The way Ralph Richardson wrote increased my excitement. My interest was sparked from the get-go. Also, I really appreciated the fact that the novel had proper character development. The length of the novel was certainly designed to make that happen!

Wheatly’s War by Ralph Richardson is a captivating piece of fiction. Ben Wheatly is a former Navy Seal with special skill sets. Ben is the type of guy who can’t resist helping someone in trouble. He has no idea what he is getting himself involved in when he rescues a defenseless man in an alley brawl with federal agents. Something is seriously wrong. Ben Wheatly uncovers a research development with the potential to change the world as we know it. It’s “the kind of stuff that gets people killed just for hearing about it.” How would the world of infinite resources deal with the end of death? How would mankind evolve if we lived for hundreds of years, instead of mere decades? All those involved are flooded with many morally based questions. Some are out simply for themselves, believing the government should control such a wondrous discovery! Considering life, liberty and justice for all, Ben Wheatly and a small team of patriots plan for an all out war.

Ralph Richardson’s Wheatly’s War is entertaining and head-spinning. It takes the meaning of the survival of the fittest to a whole new level. The theme of defying age is the backbone of the narrative. The symbolism of remodeling and refurbishing homes complements the ideal of the discovery of the fountain of youth elixir. Conflict runs the plot scheme in various directions. The characters are trapped in an internal and external tug of war. Man against man coupled with man versus destiny poses the question, who decides what is best for mankind - the elite, a higher being, or the average Joe? Greed and control of power drive many into destruction; this is a crucible that the characters must manage, for even those with good intentions fall prey to the power of self preservation. Most of the chapters are long and full of character development; it took several chapters before the main character was introduced. However, each of the supporting characters and their personal fragmented stories are like spokes in a wheel, intersecting at the precise point and making the plot move forward. Richardson gives the reader something to think about. Wheatly’s War opens the door into the idea of a vast and unknown future, ultimately paving the way for a sequel.