Description
The new novel from Simon Ings is a story that balances on the knife blade of a new technology. Augmented Reality uses computing power to overlay a digital imagined reality over the real world. Whether it be adverts or imagined buildings and imagined people, with Augmented Reality the world is no longer as it appears to you, it is as it is imagined by someone else.
Two friends are working at the cutting edge of this technology and when they are offered backing to take the idea and make it into the next global entertainment they realise that wolves hunt in this imagined world. And the wolves might be them.
A story about technology becomes a personal quest into a changed world and the pursuit of a secret from the past. A secret about a missing mother, a secret that could hide a murder. This is no dry analysis of how a technology might change us, it is a terrifying thriller, a picture of a dark tomorrow that is just around the corner. Ings takes the satire and mordant satirical view of J.G. Ballard and propels it into the 21st century.
A chilling literary dystopia for those who love Iain Banks and J.G. Ballard.
About the Author
Simon Ings is the author of eight previous novels (some science fiction, some not) and two works of non-fiction, including the Baillie Gifford longlisted STALIN AND THE SCIENTISTS. His debut novel HOT HEAD was widely acclaimed. He is the arts editor of New Scientist magazine and splits his time between a sweltering penthouse in Dubai (not his) and possibly the coldest flat in London.
Reviews
"Ings' return to full-throttle SF is a cause for celebration. His gift for edgy slipstream fiction makes comparisons with both JG Ballard and William Gibson apposite. Bleak, brutal and uncompromising . If there's any justice in the world it'll win awards."4.5 star review -- Jonathan Wright * SFX *
a moving take of the movers and shakers of technology. Overall grade: A -- Patrick Hayes * Sci-fi Pulse.net *
Simon pulls it off to a higher degree, if not quite fully-turning reality into alternative reality through Augmented Reality! -- Mark Watkins * Blast 1386 *
one of the key books of next year...a serious, ambitious and discomforting novel * Christopher Priest *
a murder mystery, with elements of horror, thriller and exploration woven through...Ings creates an incredibly vivid world which leaps out from teh page with shock...I loved this book * Fantasy Book Review *
One of the best books I've read this year...Ings is the sort of stylist who makes other writers touch the peaks of their caps in respect for his technical skill * Sibilant Fricative *
I confidently expect this book to feature on a few best of the year lists this time next year (I certainly expect it to feature on my list) -- Paul Kincaid * BullSpec.com *
Simon Ings' book is worthy of anybody's shelf especially if your humour level is of a wicked variety * Flickering Myth *
Awards
Commended for John W. Campbell Memorial Award 2015.
Book Information
ISBN 9780575119871
Author Simon Ings
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 290g
Dimensions(mm) 130mm * 200mm * 23mm
