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Influx

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In "Influx" by Daniel Suarez, scientist Jon Grady invents a device that can reflect gravity, a groundbreaking discovery in physics. However, he is captured by a government agency, the Bureau of Technology Control, which aims to keep his invention a secret. As Grady resists their recruitment efforts, he realizes the extent of control the BTC has over mankind, leading to a thrilling and dangerous new world filled with advanced technology and a secretive government agency.

Characters:

The characters are generally archetypal, with a clear division between good and evil, and the protagonist lacks depth compared to previous works by the author.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fast-paced with a conversational tone, heavy on technical detail, and often fluctuating between exciting action and dense explanations.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a scientist whose groundbreaking invention is suppressed by a government agency, leading to his imprisonment and a struggle against the agency’s control over technological advancements.

Setting:

The setting is a near-future world where a secretive government agency suppresses technological advancements, creating a noir-like environment of intrigue and conspiracy.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, initially slow due to heavy exposition but picks up considerably with action and suspense as the story progresses.
“Raccoon bite. They had to put Mr. Chips down. Her kids are still in therapy.” Mashing buttons on his own wireless console, Sloan Johnson sat in the nearby passenger seat. Then he let out a deep “Heh,...

Notes:

The protagonist, John Grady, invents a device that manipulates gravity, a groundbreaking technology.
His lab is attacked by religious fanatics before he can patent his invention.
A secret government agency, the Bureau of Technology Control (BTC), is responsible for suppressing dangerous scientific discoveries.
The BTC was initially created to protect society from disruptive technologies but has now gone rogue.
Grady is imprisoned for refusing to work with the BTC after they fake his death and steal his research.
The book explores themes of technological conspiracy and the ethical implications of suppressing knowledge.
It has been compared to Michael Crichton's work for its blend of science and thriller elements.
The narrative poses the question of whether technology can be too dangerous for general public use.
Characters in the story lack depth, with many portraying either pure good or evil roles.
The dialogue is often criticized for being overly technical and lacking engaging character development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of torture and psychological distress, particularly involving the main character.

From The Publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Daniel Suarez imagines a chilling future where technological advances are held hostage by the government in this thriller that perfectly blends "nail-biting suspense with accessible science" (Publishers Weekly).

Physicist Jon Grady and his team have discovered a device that can reflect gravity-a triumph that will revolutionize the field of physics and change the future. But instead of acclaim, Grady's lab is locked down by a covert organization known as the Bureau of Technology Control.

The bureau's mission: suppress the truth of sudden technological progress and prevent the social upheaval it would trigger. Because the future is already here. And it's rewards are only for a select few.

When Grady refuses to join the BTC, he's thrown into a nightmarish high-tech prison housing other doomed rebel intellects. Now, as the only hope to usher humanity out of its artificial dark age, Grady and his fellow prisoners must try to expose the secrets of an unimaginable enemy-one that wields a technological advantage half a century in the making.

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

2 comment(s)

It Was OK
2 weeks

(3.5 stars)

 
It Was OK
5 months

Super cool concept, but the author failed to stick the landing. Excited to check out the movie being made with Will Smith to see if they pull it off better.

 

About the Author:

Daniel Suarez is the author of the New York Times bestseller Daemon, Freedom(TM), Kill Decision, Influx, and Change Agent. A former systems consultant to Fortune 1000 companies, his high-tech and sci-fi thrillers focus on technology-driven change. He lives in Los…

 
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