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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Like [a:Michael Crichton|5194|Michael Crichton|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1359042651p2/5194.jpg], the author he is compared to on the cover, Daniel Suarez has his sights on the forefront of society and technology. He takes cutting edge ideas and wonders "what if?", "how exactly?", and "then what would happen?", and writes down the fictionalized results. Suarez isn't trying to be "literary," he is writing thought experiments on current hot-button issues. In his previous book, [b:Kill Decision|13542606|Kill Decision|Daniel Suarez|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332376530s/13542606.jpg|19106895], it was about drones, in this one, it's anti-gravity -- among other technology the black ops Bureau of Technology Control hides away, such as fusion.
The writing in this book could best be described as workmanlike. It is sparse on description and to the point, which I enjoy, with the minor exception of some techno-babble, mostly in two specific scenes -- the gravity mirror exposition in the first chapter and the scene where Jon learns how to use the gravity mirror boots later in the book.
The characterization is a bit of a shortcoming, especially with protagonist Jon Grady, who showed little signs of personal development considering what he experienced, and antagonist Hedrick, who made the villainy of Avatar's Colonel Quaritch look subtle by comparison. However, perhaps oddly, some of the supporting characters, specifically Alexa, Cotton and the A.I. Varuna, had more depth and nuance. But Suarez is at his best when technology is in the forefront -- such as a chilling torture scene where Grady is being interrogated by an A.I., which thankfully did not linger overlong otherwise this book may have had to been labelled as a Horror.
One nagging question I had reading this is why weren't the two splinter-BTC groups more in focus at any point? That plot-line seemed very underdeveloped, and I wonder if it was left open for a potential sequel.
All in all, this is a great approach to near-future sci-fi -- and without any aliens or spaceships -- and it makes for an impressive techno-thriller, even when things start to spin further and further beyond the realm of plausibility as the book draws to its climax.
The writing in this book could best be described as workmanlike. It is sparse on description and to the point, which I enjoy, with the minor exception of some techno-babble, mostly in two specific scenes -- the gravity mirror exposition in the first chapter and the scene where Jon learns how to use the gravity mirror boots later in the book.
The characterization is a bit of a shortcoming, especially with protagonist Jon Grady, who showed little signs of personal development considering what he experienced, and antagonist Hedrick, who made the villainy of Avatar's Colonel Quaritch look subtle by comparison. However, perhaps oddly, some of the supporting characters, specifically Alexa, Cotton and the A.I. Varuna, had more depth and nuance. But Suarez is at his best when technology is in the forefront -- such as a chilling torture scene where Grady is being interrogated by an A.I., which thankfully did not linger overlong otherwise this book may have had to been labelled as a Horror.
One nagging question I had reading this is why weren't the two splinter-BTC groups more in focus at any point? That plot-line seemed very underdeveloped, and I wonder if it was left open for a potential sequel.
All in all, this is a great approach to near-future sci-fi -- and without any aliens or spaceships -- and it makes for an impressive techno-thriller, even when things start to spin further and further beyond the realm of plausibility as the book draws to its climax.
Hard Sci-Fi/Techno-Thriller that is not encumbered by real-world science. Grounded in speculative but plausible physics and technology (gravity manipulation, advanced biotech, AI). Dystopian / Conspiracy Fiction – centered on the hidden Bureau of Technology Control attempting to suppress human progress, and whether progress should be controlled or unleashed. I gave it four stars.
A little cheesy in parts, but, overall, fascinating, dark, and fun to read
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A bit uneven but still interesting read. The gaps in the logic how BTC has handled things trough its existence were a bit disturbing, so were the some slow paced chapters in the second half. Still warmly recommended!
Really enjoyable. Loved his first 2 books daemon and freedom and have heard mixed reviews about kill decision but this book was a return to form.
Loved the 'science', government conspiracy and the story flowed well in my opinion. 1 down side is half the book is a bit torture porn ish.
Other than that I loved it!
Loved the 'science', government conspiracy and the story flowed well in my opinion. 1 down side is half the book is a bit torture porn ish.
Other than that I loved it!
You know when people say the book is so much better than the movie?
Not in this case.
"Influx" will translate much better to screen.
Disappointing read after buying into the raves and reviews. Tedious - way too much scientific detail - and yet trite - AI's with emotions? Appreciate the concept but execution is poor.
Not in this case.
"Influx" will translate much better to screen.
Disappointing read after buying into the raves and reviews. Tedious - way too much scientific detail - and yet trite - AI's with emotions? Appreciate the concept but execution is poor.
Fun sci-fi thriller. It was ok but I was hoping for something more somehow. For me this fell somewhere between Ok and Like so a 2.5.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No