In Robert Phillips’s 2100, James Lawson is a Canberra businessman who awakens after sixty-five years in cryosleep as medical micros treat the brain tumor that sent him there. His fortune is largely gone, and Australia has become a communal society that relies on medical micros and emotional regulators. James built Climate Changers, the energy-efficiency company that made him wealthy, so he expects his instincts to secure a place in this century. Historian Ron Bushell welcomes him into Willow Community, where James begins learning how environmental disaster and financial collapse remade the country. Ron’s colleague Imogen Smith has her own interest in his arrival, while the religious influence of the Earth goddess Gaia surrounds his new life. As James enters this society, he must learn why he was revived and whether this cooperative future has room for him.
Robert Phillips’s 2100 follows James into a future remade by climate damage, and, incredibly, every single bit of speculative science has a practical role. The technology is extensive and is part of daily life, which I appreciate. I loved Willow Community as the cooperative home where Ron Bushell helps James adjust. Its garage gives James a place in the society he initially mistrusts, making the setting part of his adaptation. James is a fantastic main character and, in a testament to Phillips’s skill as a writer, his commercial instincts are intact. His plan to turn a Black Friday ceremonial globe into a heat sensitive fitball proves that beautifully. Phillips also writes ancillary characters as complete people. Ron’s wife Lena is an environmental scientist who uses programmed bees to maintain Willow’s food supply. This is intelligent and imaginative fiction at its best. Very highly recommended.
Below you will find ratings (scale of 1-5) with general descriptions for the major parts of your book followed by your Readers' Favorite review. Although this is just a Mini-Critique, we hope it will give you an insight into how readers may view the different components of your book. These are the opinions of your reviewer, and although they are not a literary professional, they are an avid reader of books just like yours.
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books - those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.
Review by Jamie Michele 5/5
2100 grabbed my attention right from the start with its unique premise. The story follows James Lawson, a modern-day businessman who believes the purpose of life is to make money—until a near-fatal illness puts him into hibernation for decades. When he wakes up, the world he once knew has completely changed. Wealth is no longer the goal, communities work together to restore the planet, and climate change isn’t debated—it’s lived with.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying this story. I loved how the author used James to explore the clash between old and new values. Some parts made me think deeply about our current society and the way we treat our planet. The emotional arc—especially James’s struggle to adapt, find love, and come to terms with what he’s lost—was moving and heartfelt.
My favorite thing about this book was how it made me reflect on real-world issues like sustainability and community. The future world was refreshing and hopeful, even with its challenges. That said, a few parts felt a bit straightforward philosophically—but overall, the ideas were engaging and inspiring.
If you like books that mix social commentary with personal growth and speculative worlds, 2100 is definitely worth a read!
Review by Beth Maristel 4/5
This book surprised me in the best way. 2100 isn’t just a futuristic story—it’s a mirror held up to our present. Watching James Lawson wake up in a world that no longer values wealth the way he once did was both fascinating and uncomfortable (in a good way).
I appreciated how the story explored climate responsibility without feeling preachy. The future society felt hopeful rather than dystopian, which was refreshing. Instead of focusing on destruction, it focused on rebuilding and community. James’ journey toward humility and understanding was believable and emotional.
Highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys climate fiction with heart and substance.
Review by Rachel Adams 5/5
The premise of 2100 is incredibly strong. A capitalist entrepreneur waking up in a post-capitalist world? That’s such a great setup. The themes of sustainability and generational accountability were definitely compelling.
However, I sometimes felt the story leaned more into ideas than character depth. I wanted more nuance in the world-building and side characters. James’ transformation was meaningful, but parts of it felt a little rushed.
Still, it’s a solid read if you enjoy books that tackle big societal questions.
Review by Amber Stone 5/5
What I loved most about this book is that the future didn’t feel like fantasy—it felt possible. The collapse of the global economy and the shift toward community-based living felt like a logical progression of where we might be heading.
James’ struggle to let go of his old mindset was relatable, even frustrating at times. The emotional aspects—especially his search for love and meaning—gave the story warmth.
Some moments felt a bit idealistic, but overall it was inspiring and made me think long after I finished it.
Review by Michelle 4/5
I expected a heavy, dystopian novel, but 2100 turned out to be more about redemption than disaster. Yes, climate change is central to the story, but the heart of the book is about whether people can truly change.
James isn’t instantly likable, and I think that’s intentional. Watching him confront the consequences of his generation’s choices—and still try to contribute something meaningful—was powerful.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with social commentary and a hopeful tone, this one is worth checking out.
Review by Andrie Rose 4/5