raetracer's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really quality effort from Scalzi, in the classic sci fi tradition of exploring the consequences of a change in the world as well as telling a story in that world. What if 1% of the world's population found themselves "locked in" - awake and aware but unable to move or communicate - how would that change society? The main character got to be sarcastic and witty, which Scalzi does so well. I hope there will be more stories in this world!
glitterbomb47's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one so much I already checked out the next in the series from the library.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
Smart, inventive, and entertaining. A fascinating premise of post-pandemic society, rights and accommodations for the differently-abled, identity and ability, and the intriguing choice of incorporating elements of the Navajo Nation. The world-building is deftly handled; it offers a grounded approach that feels relatable and contemporary. Characters verge on being stock, but Scalzi somehow imbues hints of complexity even as they serve primarily as vehicles for action and ideas. While not strictly a humorous book, the writing balances lightness and tension, underscoring commentary with occasional wink or wit.
kirsteny's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
chaikeeks's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I really loved this concept unfortunately the execution just didn't meet my expectations. I didn't find the characters relatable at all and didn't care to get to know more of their past/ what drives them. Maybe because I listened to the audiobook, I understand why the narration is a bit flat and robotic but to me it made the story even less interesting.
At some points the story felt very slow and it was a chore for me to continue on.
This book feels like one episode of CSI or something like that. Unique for sure but not over the top fantastic, I'll probably forget this book by tomorrow.
At some points the story felt very slow and it was a chore for me to continue on.
This book feels like one episode of CSI or something like that. Unique for sure but not over the top fantastic, I'll probably forget this book by tomorrow.
bbboeken's review against another edition
3.0
***1/2
Reluctantly started this book, because it mentioned a 'feed' in the beginning (i.e. an information stream projected into people's minds), but that was the extent of my irritation. The rest of the novel is very much a thriller/detective with a technological aspect of science-fiction, so if you're into detective/thriller fiction, don't let the science fiction denominator hold you back.
Reluctantly started this book, because it mentioned a 'feed' in the beginning (i.e. an information stream projected into people's minds), but that was the extent of my irritation. The rest of the novel is very much a thriller/detective with a technological aspect of science-fiction, so if you're into detective/thriller fiction, don't let the science fiction denominator hold you back.
cdeane61's review against another edition
5.0
Had I not read Children of Time this year, this would have been the best book I read.
It's damn good, completely plausible (to me), and reads like a police procedural (ok, FBI - blah, blah, blah) just set in a changed world. Takes some superior writing to pull off the rookie and flawed veteran partner scenario, and this book does it well.
This occupied my Sunday afternoon, in spite of NFL football and Golf's Presidents Cup.
Will be looking for the follow-up - I see this is #1 - and hope he writes a few in this setting.
It's damn good, completely plausible (to me), and reads like a police procedural (ok, FBI - blah, blah, blah) just set in a changed world. Takes some superior writing to pull off the rookie and flawed veteran partner scenario, and this book does it well.
This occupied my Sunday afternoon, in spite of NFL football and Golf's Presidents Cup.
Will be looking for the follow-up - I see this is #1 - and hope he writes a few in this setting.
andreeavis's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
peopleschamp305's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Lock In
3.5 Stars
In the near future, humanity has been decimated by a deadly contagion. Of those who survive, some are left unscathed while others suffer the horrific symptoms of "Lock In" - being fully conscious and aware without being able to move or respond. 25 years after the outbreak, the world has adapted to accommodate those with "Haden's Syndrome" with the invention of neural networks, personal transports and "Integrators" - humans capable of "lending" their bodies to Hadens for a short period of time. Law enforcement has also changed, and the FBI now investigates crimes connected with the Haden community. Thus, agents Chris Shane and Leslie Vann are called in when an Integrator is suspected of murder. However, as the agents begin to unravel the threads of the mystery, they expose a terrifying conspiracy that will have far-reaching consequences for both Hadens and humanity as a whole.
Note:A prequel to the novel entitled Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome is available free from Tor.com. It is highly recommended as it provides the necessary backstory on Haden's as well as explanations for the terminology, which is quite confusing in the first few chapters.
The world that Scalzi has created is truly fascinating and the idea of the "Locked In" is both terribly sad, but also exceedingly creepy, especially the notion that another person's mind could have control over one's body.
While the mystery starts out well with some compelling twists and turns, it ends up being rather predictable as human nature, i.e., greed and selfishness, remains the same regardless of disease or technology. Nevertheless, the climax is exciting and the resolution cleverly plotted.
The most problematic issue with the book is actually the writing, which is dialogue heavy and Scalzi has a habit of ending almost every line of dialogue with "he said", "she said", "I said". This is very distracting, especially when listening to the audiobook. There is also a great deal of cyber-speak and concepts related to computer programming that all begin to run together after a while.
Speaking of the audio, Wil Wheaton's narration is superb and his voice and inflection make it easy to become immersed in Scalzi's cyberpunk world.
All in all, an intriguing if somewhat scary look into one possible future for the human race.
3.5 Stars
In the near future, humanity has been decimated by a deadly contagion. Of those who survive, some are left unscathed while others suffer the horrific symptoms of "Lock In" - being fully conscious and aware without being able to move or respond. 25 years after the outbreak, the world has adapted to accommodate those with "Haden's Syndrome" with the invention of neural networks, personal transports and "Integrators" - humans capable of "lending" their bodies to Hadens for a short period of time. Law enforcement has also changed, and the FBI now investigates crimes connected with the Haden community. Thus, agents Chris Shane and Leslie Vann are called in when an Integrator is suspected of murder. However, as the agents begin to unravel the threads of the mystery, they expose a terrifying conspiracy that will have far-reaching consequences for both Hadens and humanity as a whole.
Note:A prequel to the novel entitled Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome is available free from Tor.com. It is highly recommended as it provides the necessary backstory on Haden's as well as explanations for the terminology, which is quite confusing in the first few chapters.
The world that Scalzi has created is truly fascinating and the idea of the "Locked In" is both terribly sad, but also exceedingly creepy, especially the notion that another person's mind could have control over one's body.
While the mystery starts out well with some compelling twists and turns, it ends up being rather predictable as human nature, i.e., greed and selfishness, remains the same regardless of disease or technology. Nevertheless, the climax is exciting and the resolution cleverly plotted.
The most problematic issue with the book is actually the writing, which is dialogue heavy and Scalzi has a habit of ending almost every line of dialogue with "he said", "she said", "I said". This is very distracting, especially when listening to the audiobook. There is also a great deal of cyber-speak and concepts related to computer programming that all begin to run together after a while.
Speaking of the audio, Wil Wheaton's narration is superb and his voice and inflection make it easy to become immersed in Scalzi's cyberpunk world.
All in all, an intriguing if somewhat scary look into one possible future for the human race.