Title: Lock In
Author: John
Scalzi
Publisher: Tor
Books
Publication Date: August
26, 2014
Genres: Sci-fi,
Mystery, Thriller
Reviewed by: Ellen
Fritz
Ellen’s rating: 5/5
SUMMARY
Fifteen years from now, a new virus sweeps the
globe. 95% of those afflicted experience nothing worse than fever and
headaches. Four percent suffer acute meningitis, creating the largest medical
crisis in history. And one percent find themselves “locked in”—fully awake and
aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus.
One per cent doesn't seem like a lot. But in the United States, that's 1.7 million people “locked in”...including the President's wife and daughter.
Spurred by grief and the sheer magnitude of the suffering, America undertakes a massive scientific initiative. Nothing can restore the ability to control their own bodies to the locked in. But then two new technologies emerge. One is a virtual-reality environment, “The Agora,” in which the locked-in can interact with other humans, both locked-in and not. The other is the discovery that a few rare individuals have brains that are receptive to being controlled by others, meaning that from time to time, those who are locked in can “ride” these people and use their bodies as if they were their own.
This skill is quickly regulated, licensed, bonded, and controlled. Nothing can go wrong. Certainly nobody would be tempted to misuse it, for murder, for political power, or worse....
One per cent doesn't seem like a lot. But in the United States, that's 1.7 million people “locked in”...including the President's wife and daughter.
Spurred by grief and the sheer magnitude of the suffering, America undertakes a massive scientific initiative. Nothing can restore the ability to control their own bodies to the locked in. But then two new technologies emerge. One is a virtual-reality environment, “The Agora,” in which the locked-in can interact with other humans, both locked-in and not. The other is the discovery that a few rare individuals have brains that are receptive to being controlled by others, meaning that from time to time, those who are locked in can “ride” these people and use their bodies as if they were their own.
This skill is quickly regulated, licensed, bonded, and controlled. Nothing can go wrong. Certainly nobody would be tempted to misuse it, for murder, for political power, or worse....
REVIEW
Set in a future in which the result of a terrible
disease has called for extremely advanced technology, Lock In is a gripping and suspense-laden novel. Chris Shane's first
week as an FBI agent is unusually busy. Several murders, a research facility
that is blown up, and a difficult, self-destructive partner are just the start
of what he has to deal with.
Although this book has a wonderfully twisted and
clever plot, the highly imaginative technological world in which it is set, truly
elevates it above your average murder mystery. At first the technology seems
almost incomprehensibly elaborate. Just a few chapters in, however, the author
skillfully explains his world in the actions of the characters and the detail
of the murder investigation.
The characters are realistic and fleshed out. Chris
Shane, the main character, is your typical good guy. Not only is he determined
to be an excellent FBI agent, he also cares about those he is supposed to
protect.
Vann, Chris's drinking, smoking, sex-loving partner,
has a troubled back story and, thus, a slightly twisted personality. Her strict
work ethic combined with Chris's sense of duty, as well as his tolerance of her
bad habits, makes for a good partnership. That both of them have a quirky sense
of humor helps a great deal.
The bad guys in this equation are those who want to exploit
a market that is supposed to help disabled people.
For a book that will appeal to readers of science
fiction as well as to those who love a good, unpredictable, and suspense-laden
murder mystery, I recommend Lock In
as a must read.
ABOUT the AUTHOR
John Scalzi is best
known for writing science fiction, including the New York Times bestseller
"Redshirts," which won the Hugo Award for Best Novel. He also writes
non-fiction, on subjects ranging from personal finance to astronomy to film,
was the Creative Consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. He
enjoys pie, as should all right thinking people. You can get to his blog by
typing the word "Whatever" into Google. No, seriously, try it.
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