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The Hyperboreans: A Subversive Sci-Fi Thriller by Burton Harvey
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Burton Harvey Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Published) Published: 2008-05-25 ISBN: 1438224168 Number of pages: 316 Publisher: CreateSpace
Book Reviews of The Hyperboreans: A Subversive Sci-Fi ThrillerBook Review: The next cult hit for the times.. Summary: 5 Stars
For starters, let me state that i'm a working class fellow that generally doesn't get much time on his hands to pick up a good book as he would like. That said, when I spend my time on something, I am particularly picky about what I am doing..and in particularly what I am watching or reading.
Moving on, while a good book does have its language put together fairly well, the things that make a book really worth investing time and cash into generally involve characters, imagery..and plot. If you can pick up a book and be lost within the first two chapters..you know its going to be a great book. In this case, the Hyperboreans exceeds expectations. I have to be careful in what I say here, mainly because I do not want to spoil it for you, the readers. What I will say is that
right off the bat you are swept away into an entirely different world that could be..given the right circumstances..a future that we could well wind up sucked into.
The characters are easy to relate with, and their are approached with an air of realism. There is generally either something regarding a character, or the hint at something which tends to be delved upon as you continue reading. Progression of this sort is really well done..almost to the point where you could literally imagine yourself sitting across the table with any one of the characters and having a realistic conversation. Good guys..bad guys..the story relates well their thoughts and feelings in a way generally not seen very often unless you've read the works of Orson Scott Card or Heinlein.
The imagery is as real as if you were watching it in a movie. I noticed all sorts of hidden gems from cultural icons to religious symbolism to even celebrity corporations. I was amused to even see a talk-show reference in there or two..with the entire entire of painting a landscape of a possible future in this interesting new Sci-Fi world. You could more than likely see yourself walking the streets of this world, interacting with the inhabitants on a level as if you were one yourself.
Plot. Now, subversive styling has been done before..and in some cases people might even say done to death. However, this is a fresh face in the crowd. One not overhamped by bias but rather taking a realistic look on the possibility of this sort of world being created. While there are political views..they are the climate of *that* reality..and we are simply enjoying and pondering over them within our own. This is different from many types of subversive literature which all too often tend to try to force something down a fellow's throat..even more often with little tact and less respect. The Hyperboreans has none of that jazz, merely composing its own melody for the enjoyment of all. Pacing is done really well, again, almost as if it were a movie. You could translate it from book to movie rather seemlessly..in a way that i'm sure would even make George Lucas blink and blush.
To wrap it up and not bore you to tears, this book is more than definately a must-read. From its mysteries on Mars..to its characters..human, alien..and even robot..to the enigma that is The Stranger..it leaves you wanting..no, craving more.
I noticed that the author is apparently planning at least two more books. If they are half as good as the Hyperboreans, the authors of Harry Potter and the Twilight novels had better run for their money as they'll be having some serious competition on the market.
I give it a full five stars, and I look forward to future works by an upcoming and very talented author.
Sincerely,
~Phillip Schlicher
PS: One final note. Rather than calling it a Subversive Sci Fi Thriller..I would call it a Breathtaking Sci Fi Concerto. It fits more appropriately..sweeping you off your feet and carrying you for a ride you'll never forget.
Summary of The Hyperboreans: A Subversive Sci-Fi ThrillerHailed by critics as "a stunning debut of beauty, radicalism, and revolutionary force," THE HYPERBOREANS chronicles the exploits of David Isenberg, a vicious young computer criminal hell-bent on bringing down the global police state designed to destroy him. Armed with his technical genius and accompanied by two teenaged Xanadu junkies, David goes toe-to-toe with the New World Order on a rampage ranging from the wastelands of Mars across America in open rebellion to the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Initially released as a podcast on burtonharvey.com, THE HYPERBOREANS was downloaded 6,000 times by subscribers in 14 countries in its first three months online. Due to popular demand, the novel behind the podcast is now available here. If you liked V FOR VENDETTA or THE MATRIX, you'll love this brisk and blood-soaked Sci-Fi adventure by America's favorite programmer/writer/subversive, Burton Harvey. THE HYPERBOREANS: Buy it before it is banned.
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