Augment Nation by Scott Overton
Augment Nation
Synopsis
by Scott Overton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Ratings 4.4/5
Synopsis
Since the age of fourteen Damon Leiter has had a brain-computer interface implanted beneath his skull to correct a neurological disorder. As a teenager, it branded him as an outcast—as an adult it endows him with extraordinary abilities: he may represent the next step in human evolution. When computerized brain augments replace smartphones as the must-have status item, mega-corporations and governments conspire together and marketing becomes mind control. Damon is the only one equipped to lead a global resistance movement. Caught between the fervour of his followers and the tide of rampant consumerism, he can’t be sure he isn’t playing into the hands of the rich and powerful. They may even be in the right. Maybe the real enemy of humankind is Damon Leiter.
My Thoughts
Augment Nation by Scott Overton is a masterclass in how to write a riveting, edge of your seat, page turning work of art. It is a book that will have you calling in sick to work because you can’t bear to put it down… and I may be talking from experience. As per the other recent titles from Mr Scott Overton, this book contains a skilled blend of different genres from science fiction to suspense, technology thriller to fantasy. Our protagonist is likeable but flawed, and the villain is nuanced and to some extent relatable. The world building is meticulous and secondary characters are bought to life with Mr Scott Overton consummate writing. The only reason that I am going to give this a 4.4 out of 5 stars is the moments where the technical writing overwhelms the narrative, as I got a little lost with all the acronyms. After a while I just skimmed over these parts and don’t think I lost anything from the experience.
Ultimately this book is a warning to us all as to how fragile our world is and without change, we will be sentencing our children to the end of the human civilisation as we know it. The gripping narrative has a profound message at its core. That it is time to set up and take accountability for the mistakes of our past to ensure we all have future. It never felt like Mr Scott Overton was lecturing to the reader, instead, the social responsibility threads were skilfully woven throughout the story.
Overall, 'Augment Nation' was simply a masterpiece. The writing is engaging, the characters brilliantly executed, and the world building perfectly realised. Yes, this book does have a message about our likely future if we don’t change our ways, but do not let that detract you. It is still an incredible story, the action is fast paced the plotline is riveting, and it is everything I have come to expect from Scott Overton. Be warned, you will run the length and breadth of emotions reading this book but, in the end, it will give you hope. I need to say that I am in awe of the talent that Mr Scott Overton has and will happily read anything he has written.
Highly Recommended!
Technothriller
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