The conclusion (?) to the Brilliance trilogy, although Sakey did leave the door open for further books, if he does not find success with another character. Terrorist John Smith wants the persecution of brilliants/twists to stop, and seems to be several steps ahead of everyone by grabbing some scientific research. Meanwhile, a ragtag group of militia are making a move on the New Canaan Holdfast of billionaire Erik Epstein using unorthodox means to combat the defenses. Our hero Nick Cooper has to intercede to stop the escalation into all-out war. I found this last book a little slow at times, caring not a whit about the militia nor about Nick's feelings for his ex-wife and killer girlfriend. I liked the further development of Soren as a character, but felt Millie's role was marginalized.

I liked the afterword where Sakey disclosed that he and Blake Crouch of Wayward Pines trilogy fame developed their stories together during a hike in 2010. ( )

A good wrap up to the series. I still think book one was the best of the trilogy, likely because it was a new world to learn... but this one was nearly as good. Book 2 leaves one wanting to finish the story, and this does deliver. I had thought it might be a bit far fetched, with the militia activities and such, but... given the recent goings-on in the USA, perhaps this isn't as far fetched as it should have been. ( )

I enjoyed this trilogy. Each book was good. The forward motion of the plot was steady and kept me interested. Many ideological and theological themes were present; good vs. evil, survival of the fittest, love vs. lust, birds of a feather, loyalty, family values, trust, why are we here? The characters were so well done. The descriptions of conflicts between two people with extraordinary gifts was terrific. I was on the edge of my seat often in each book. I would read other books from this author. ( )

For thirty years humanity has struggled to survive with Brilliants, the one percent of the population born with remarkable gifts. For thirty years humanity has tried to avoid a civil war. They haven't.
The White House is in ruins and Brilliants are being internmed in camps. For years Nick Cooper has tried to fight for what is right and for his family. Now, with everything he holds dear threatened, he has to fight his greatest enemy with the hope of bringing peace. ( )

Despite advanced technology and innovative scientific discoveries, jealousy, fear, and paranoia threaten to destroy the country as the brilliants and the normals continue to clash. And now the war Nick Cooper has labored long and hard to prevent seems inevitable as those who manipulate events for their own gain set an army against the Holdfast compound in Wyoming.

The building confrontation between brilliants and normals ratchets up the suspense and keeps the pages turning as unfolding events foreshadow the consequences of the actions taken by both groups. Powerful factions behind the scenes work to influence the outcome and the darker, more menacing feel of this third narrative may unsettle some readers. Astute readers will unravel the mostly-predictable elements of the story but unexpected plot twists will keep them guessing until the final reveal.

Readers should note that “A Better World” is the final book in a trilogy; “Brilliance” and “A Better World” are the first and second volumes.

Recommended. ( )