By S.C. Eston
© 2020
446 Pages
ASIN: B08LYHVFNK
Citizens in Prominence City have everything they could possibly want. Plenty of food and entertainment, comfortable living spaces, health care (as if they need it, since they are almost self-healing), and lots of access to virtual reality through marvelous devices implanted at birth. But when Artenz’s sister goes missing, then drops out of the Sphere (the virtual space) entirely, he and Keidi, his wife, know something is very wrong. Their questions stir the corporations, who do not like anyone rocking the boat.
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book, which was recommended by a friend quite some time ago. What I found in the pages caught me off-guard. It might have been written about today. About our contemporary world, especially in the U.S. I’m not talking about the tech; I’m referring to the politics, the corporate power over so much of our lives, and the “all is well” illusion that seems so prevalent among far too many people. But I am not going to turn this review into a political rant. Read it yourself. See what I mean.
The characters are well-crafted, and there is plenty of drama and tension almost to the very last page. The Big Secret behind the whole plot is believable, horrifying, and totally plausible, which makes the storyline hit even closer. Deficiency paints the costs of privilege with a vivid brush and shines a spotlight on the disconnect between corporate rulers and the “little people” who exist outside their notice or care. It’s dark, but there is a mote of hope near the end.
As a side note, I didn’t care for this author’s writing style overall. But that is a personal preference. Your mileage may vary. Regardless, it did not stop me from reading the story. Nor does it detract from the relevance of the tale and its stark, important message. If you like books that make a political statement, you’ll enjoy this one. Recommended.