Author: John Scalzi
Published: 2022
Target audience: Adults (Appropriate 13+)
Adventure, science shenanigans, freaking colossal nuclear monsters, and the possibility of global destruction. If this sounds like your kind of book, then welcome to ‘The Kaiju Preservation Society.’
Meet Jamie Gray. Walking into his six month review at a tech start up, Jamie is prepared to crush the meeting and launch his career to the next level. Instead, Jamie’s reality is a humiliating lay off, then a low-wage delivery job, and all during a pandemic. Things are looking grim, until a serendipitous delivery to an old acquaintance presents an opportunity. Offered the chance to work with 'big animals’ for great pay, it’s an easy choice.
However, this ‘animal rights organisation’ is far more than Jamie could have imagined. These aren’t normal animals, but are incomprehensible, mountain-sized creatures roaming an alternate dimension. While these kaiju are their world’s most dangerous beings, they need support to survive. The Kaiju Preservation Society is there to help, but there are other forces at play with insidious plans. And if Jamie and the KPS can’t stop them in time, millions back home will die…
Review:
Blending sci-fi concepts and pop culture, ‘The Kaiju Preservation Society’ is exactly what you’d hope from such a title. Giant monsters, conservation, and corporate greed collide in a fast-paced, humorous adventure that will delight your inner nerd and have you absolutely hooked as we follow Jamie and the KPS into an alternate dimension that defies all known science. Deviating from previous depictions of kaiju in media, these kaiju are a) organically nuclear-powered, b) both a singular organism and walking ecosystems, and c) covered in ravenous, symbiotic parasites. ‘The Kaiju Preservation Society’ combines classic action with sensational sci-fi spectacle to create a riveting read you won’t want to put down.
Set against a backdrop of pandemic, polarising US elections, and the experience of being a disposable individual in an exploitative capitalist machine, ‘The Kaiju Preservation’ provides a satisfying, feel-good escapist story. This is a book that’s upfront about the inequalities of life, nepotism, and environmental exploitation, but is also one that prioritises the power of hope and collaboration with the high-octane escapades and colourful characters of a Saturday morning cartoon. While the interactions and banter between Jamie and the other members of the KPS are entertaining, the story would benefit from greater insight into their personal motivations and inner worlds to add depth and distinction to each character. Nevertheless, ‘The Kaiju Preservation Society’ is a fantastic, rollicking read and I wholeheartedly recommend this book.