The Lion and The Unicorn

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Tom Ward’s Lion and the Unicorn is equal parts sci-fi, political thriller and murder mystery. Set in 2054 Britain following a global pandemic and a revolution that results in the formation of a dystopian society where the rights to freedom of expression and speech as we know it, doesn’t exist anymore.

Following a period of “Reformation”, the government of the United Kingdom has created “Good and Bad Taste Laws” that clamp down on the culture that its citizens consume. This includes music, film, fashion, books, alcohol etc. They say it is to ensure that the best possible citizens are forged.

H, a police officer whose department is charged with enforcing these laws, over the course of the narrative, goes through a journey of self-discovery that finds himself questioning the motives of the government.

The book follows detective H as he tries to solve the murder of Caleb Jennings, a former singer whose craft is deemed illegal under the new Bad Taste Laws. H’s investigation into Caleb’s death, initially thought to be a Vigilante Hit, leads him to uncover mysteries that are directly connected to the British Government.

Ward manages to implement interesting sci-fi elements as well as weaving a delicate political commentary that feels nuanced and isn’t on the nose. The political commentary just like the world this book is set in is dystopian and yet feels ever so prescient.

The main mystery had me engrossed right from the first chapter and I was even more engaged as more of the narrative was revealed.

The protagonist feels like a fully realised three-dimensional character and is surrounded by a litany of incredibly colourful supporting characters. Ward’s world-building here is done in a way that doesn’t feel exposition-heavy and is instead written in a way that makes for a compelling narrative.

The action is vividly described and Ward paints various tense filled action set pieces that left me breathless a number of times.

The final chapters especially will have you on the edge of your seat as it is filled with expertly woven twists and turns. The book ends on a hopeful note that definitely leaves room for a sequel that I would be excited to read should the author choose to write it.