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Rating: 5 out of 5.

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Publication Date: May 16, 2023

Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Genre: Science Fiction

ISBN: 978-1-63988-860-3

List Price: 15.99 trade paperback

Page Count: 344

A man confined in a mental institution due to split-brain seizures battles against the authoritarian supercomputer in Bollens’ fascinating dystopian tale. The interconnect supercomputer was supposed to be humanity’s greatest achievement. Instead, it brought chaos in peoples’ lives: the vast majority of the population ended up having chip implants in their brains, with the computer feeding them its own version of reality. A rebel group seeks to combat interconnect’s algorithmic trickery and its mental entrapment of the country’s citizens. Their only hope is investigator Jared Rohde, who is confined in a mental institution due to split-brain seizures. Bollens’ dystopian setting, where society, heavily controlled by computer networks and algorithms offers clues to the dangers of unchecked technological advancements, is a strength: the authentically crafted and frighteningly plausible worldbuilding will suck readers in, and the monumental challenge Jared and the rebels face throughout their dangerous journey will keep them invested. Bollens excels at establishing his crew of diverse characters. Jared’s internal conflicts over his ability to withstand the allure of computer stimuli are grounded and relatable as he endures immense physical and emotional trauma. Throughout, Bollens deftly examines current and consistent hot-button issues of climate change’s devastating effects, warfare, and the today’s generation’s growing dependence on technology. A highly intriguing and compulsively readable story.

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