I don’t get a lot of SciFi (real sci fi) authors to read that actually live around here. This Author actually lives pretty darn close to me. While I’m not actually likely to meet her, it’s always cool to think of great talent being nearby.
This book is future based. The premise is about a world that has adopted nerve based induction jewelry to create a literal all-human 24/7 connected network. This means that a virtual telepathy exists. Loneliness haas been eradicated but so has privacy. The world has radically changed from what we know today.
Enter Jaz who is an incredible natural talent. Natural talents are very rare and can use the net in ways others can only imagine. Jaz’s skill centers around data mining.
As the story begins though, Jaz’s “rig” (her jewelry that is highly customized for her) has broken and she has become crippled in this world. While trying to get her rig repaired and taking some time off, she discovers something odd about the world. The people coordinate and watch her and she gets a cryptic message from a “feeb” (an unconnected person) telling her that “The Beast is watching you…”
After doing some research, she tries to tell some friends to help her do some more research. Unfortunately, the governement kidnaps her. The story takes more twists and turns all the way to the end. I found the story fascinating and thought it set itself up well for a sequel if Syne was so inclined.
I’m going to look for more from this author.