Lock In by John Scalzi

Title: Lock In
(Series: Lock In #1)
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Tor Books
Publishing date: August 26th, 2014
ISBN: 9780765375865

Synopsis: A quarter of a century later, in a world shaped by what’s now known as “Haden’s syndrome,” rookie FBI agent Chris Shane is paired with veteran agent Leslie Vann. The two of them are assigned what appears to be a Haden-related murder at the Watergate Hotel, with a suspect who is an “integrator” – someone who can let the locked-in borrow their bodies for a time. If the Integrator was carrying a Haden client, then naming the suspect for the murder becomes that much more complicated.

My Review:

Lock In was the first novel by John Scalzi I read a while back and I recently reread it. I stumbled upon it the first time while browsing Audible. What initially caught my attention was its seamless integration of cutting-edge concepts like virtual reality and telepresence. This gives the story a refreshingly modern twist that sets it apart from traditional science fiction.

Blending elements of crime fiction and police procedural within a futuristic backdrop, Lock In managed to captivate even someone like me, who doesn’t typically enjoy detective novels. Scalzi’s skilful storytelling kept me engrossed, preventing me from prematurely unravelling the plot.

One aspect that impressed me was Scalzi’s deliberate decision to leave the gender of the main character open to interpretation. Throughout the narrative, there are no hints or indications, allowing readers to project their own vision onto the story. The audiobook, featuring separate narrations by Wil Wheaton and Amber Benson, further adds to the personalized experience. This enables listeners to choose between a male or female perspective.

Locked-in syndrome is both fascinating and terrifying to me. In Lock In, Scalzi delves into this haunting concept with remarkable finesse. He crafts a world that feels eerily plausible, where individuals are trapped in their own bodies, conscious but utterly powerless. The helplessness and inability to communicate create a morbid curiosity that transcends the bounds of science fiction, evoking deep contemplation about the nature of human existence.

What sets Lock In apart is Scalzi’s trust in the reader’s intelligence. He doesn’t spoon-feed the intricate details of his world. Scalzi trusts us to figure things out on our own or await explanations, fostering an engaging sense of discovery. The story delivers unexpected twists and turns, leaving me gasping with surprise on more than one occasion.
Although the climax may not have met my initial expectations, the story concludes with a satisfying documentary-style epilogue that brings added depth and vibrancy to the overall experience.

John Scalzi has created an extraordinary world within the pages of Lock In. This book is an absolute delight, seamlessly blending entertainment, humour, and thought-provoking storytelling. Lock In is an enjoyable read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a blend of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling. And don’t forget to savour the added bonus of the mini-novel at the end, which further enriches the already captivating world Scalzi has crafted.

In summary, Lock In is an enthralling and masterfully executed book that combines modernity with timeless themes. Scalzi’s storytelling prowess, coupled with his refusal to shy away from complexity, makes this a must-read for fans of science fiction and intelligent detective fiction alike. So dive into Lock In and let yourself be captivated by its compelling narrative and imaginative world.

About the author:

John Michael Scalzi II (born May 10, 1969) is an American science fiction author and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man’s War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog Whatever, where he has written on a number of topics since 1998. Lock In is a science fiction police procedural novel. The audiobook of the novel was released in two versions, one narrated by Wil Wheaton and one by Amber Benson.
Website | @scalzi

Paradox Bound by Peter Clines

Title: Paradox Bound
Author: Peter Clines
Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Publisher: Crown
Publishing date: September 26th, 2017
ISBN: 9780553418330

Synopsis: Eli’s willing to admit it: he’s a little obsessed with the mysterious woman he met years ago. Okay, maybe a lot obsessed. But come on, how often do you meet someone who’s driving a hundred-year-old car, clad in Revolutionary-War era clothes, wielding an oddly modified flintlock rifle—someone who pauses just long enough to reveal strange things about you and your world before disappearing in a cloud of gunfire and a squeal of tires?

My Review:

Get ready for a wild time-travel ride with Peter Clines’ Paradox Bound—a book that left me torn between admiration and disappointment. As a newcomer to Clines’ work, I had high hopes, but unfortunately, this peculiar tale didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, it does possess a unique charm that may resonate more strongly with its intended American audience.

Time travel narratives are notoriously tricky to execute, but Clines took a fresh approach in Paradox Bound. Instead of hopping across the entire fabric of time and space, our protagonist Eli embarks on a quest through the nooks and crannies of American history, in search of the elusive American dream.

While the book reads more like a road trip adventure than a conventional time travel saga, it boasts several commendable aspects. I particularly enjoyed the enigmatic faceless men — these mysterious federal agents guard the American dream until it mysteriously disappears into the depths of history. This added an intriguing layer of mystery. With countless individuals scouring the past in search of power and the ability to shape the nation, Eli and his companion Harry navigate their journey in a Model A, braving perilous encounters along the way.

Despite my initial reservations, Clines succeeds in crafting a narrative filled with intricate time paradoxes that manage to stay logical amidst the craziness. The characters, particularly Eli and his interactions with Harry, eventually won me over… It is a shame, however, that it took quite a while for me to genuinely care about their plight. By the time I became invested, the story was reaching its conclusion.

One of Paradox Bound’s strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of an America-centric tale, complete with historical references that may not fully resonate with international readers. This inherent limitation might hinder some readers’ ability to engage with the story. Nevertheless, Clines’ imaginative take on time travel deserves admiration, even if it didn’t completely captivate me.

In conclusion, Paradox Bound offers a refreshing blend of history and time travel, with its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. While it may not have been the perfect match for me, it possesses an undeniable charm that will appeal to fans of quirky adventures.

About the author:

Peter Clines, born in Cape Neddick, Maine is an American author and novelist best known for his zombies-vs-superheroes series, Ex-Heroes, and Lovecraftian-inspired Threshold novels 14 and The Fold. While Clines worked as a props master, his writing turned from prose to focus on scripts. In 2006, after the end of a film project, he dedicated himself to writing full-time. He worked for Creative Screenwriting Magazine, writing interviews, reviews, and articles. Clines made his first fiction sale, The Hatbox, to online journal The Harrow.
Website | @PeterClines

Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson

Title: Aurora
Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Orbit
Publishing date: 7th of July 7, 2015
ISBN: 9780316098106

Synopsis:Our voyage from Earth began generations ago. Now, we approach our new home. AURORA.

My Review:

“Aurora” is a science fiction novel that defies romanticized notions of deep space exploration. In this story, you journey with the characters on a generational ark. The Author’s unwavering commitment to crafting a “hard” science fiction work is commendable. In a genre where scientific accuracy often takes a backseat, Robinson diligently incorporates scientific principles. This results in a thought-provoking narrative.

The story revolves around a community of space farers aboard a generational ark. A generational ark is a spacecraft engineered to traverse the cosmos and reach a distant solar system over generations. Throughout the novel, Robison incorporates scientific concepts into the fabric of the story, which adds a layer of authenticity to the plot.

Narrated through the perspectives of select individuals, each offering a unique viewpoint. The most captivating personality in the novel is Ship, the ship’s quantum computer. Ship’s distinct voice injects vitality into the narrative, overshadowing the relatively flat portrayal of the human characters. The scientific aspects maintain their allure throughout the story. While the plot and character development could have been more robust. This leads to occasional stumbles in an otherwise very engaging read.

As the story unfolds, Robinson introduces mysterious events set centuries in the future. Humanity’s struggle to make sense of these occurrences reflects Robinson’s underlying ecological and philosophical arguments. This is occasionally diverting attention from the overarching narrative. At times, the characters’ decisions appear moulded to serve Robinson’s intentions, rather than arising for the story’s natural progression.

In its scientific depth and musings, “Aurora” excels, but it falls a bit short when it comes to storytelling. Despite its imperfections, the novel provides an absorbing reading experience. And I can only say that Robinson’s unwavering dedication to scientific accuracy is admirable. Yet, readers seeking a more balanced fusion of science and narrative might find the story lacking.

“Aurora” engages both the intellect and imagination, but it sacrifices storytelling for scientific rigour. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating read, showcasing Robinson’s prowess as a writer. Whether you’re a fan of hard science fiction or curious about humanity’s journey into the cosmos, “Aurora” offers a compelling exploration of our limitless quest for discovery.

About the author:

Kim Stanley Robinson is an acclaimed American science fiction writer renowned for his Mars trilogy, which reflects his extensive research and fascination with the Red Planet. His novels often explore ecological and sociological themes, earning him a reputation for “literary science fiction.” Additionally, Robinson’s passion for Mars has led him to become a member of the Mars Society.