Reviews

Head On by John Scalzi

Only show reviews with written explanations

kminor86's review against another edition

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funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

cutenanya's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed the world Scalzi created with his Lock In series. In the first book, we were introduced to a world infested with the Haden disease, which caused millions to the paralyzed, but also united humans and motivated huge leaps in technological advancement. Thanks to the invention of "threeps", free minds are no longer confined to their immobile bodies and can roam around the world and proceed with their daily lives. Becoming a Haden might be unthinkable for those of us who had the luxury of a functioning body, but for the poster child of the Haden syndrome, a threep comes natural to FBI agent Chris Shane (though s/he has a habit of wrecking them).

In the second installment, we follow the investigations of Agents Shane and his/her partner Vann as they try to find the deaths of Hilketa atheles are accidental or intentional. Just like in Harry Potter where Rowling invented Quidditch, the sport Scalzi invented here resembles one loved by the ancient Romans, a.k.a. fighting each other till the head rolls off (literally). Hilketa is a violent sport, but one that is usually mastered by Haden (though a majority of the spectators are non-Hadens).

I really liked how Sclazi created a new sport and explored the darkness behind commercializing sports. Where there is money, there is evil and in the world of sports, problems like performance enhancement drugs, betting, etc. are bound to exist. What's better to plot a mystery then on these topics. The plot itself is solid albeit a bit predictable, but with lovable leads like Shane and Vann, it's definitely enjoyable and entertaining.

Still, I think there are some problems I'd like to be answered in the next installment(s):

Spoiler

1. I don't understand why they have to limit the technology to Hadens only. Isn't that a bit illogical, especially when non Hadens can also become paralyzed and need the technology. I just think the initial concept of Haden-only is a bit absurb.

2. The gender of Chris Shane. My gut tells me Scalzi is not going to reveal it (ever) but I hope I'm wrong. Audible is so kind as to have two versions of this book (male and female narration) just so that we can choose the gender of Chris. It really doesn't matter if Chris is male or female because frankly, s/he kicks ass either way, still, an OCD like myself likes to know the answer and don't want to be left in suspense forever.

jesschaney's review against another edition

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mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jenwacasey's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

francosteen's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

laurajaylive's review against another edition

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4.0

Interesting concept. Quite the mystery. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, but even with it getting a bit muddled for me in the middle, I thought the ending was fitting.