Lock In / John Scalzi

Lock In
by John Scalzi

science fiction, young adult

copyright 2014
read in December 2015

rated 9/10: really, really good

Sometimes I finish reading a book and immediately think, I'd like to read that again ! This is one of those books. And the second reading was even more enjoyable than the first.

The introductory explanation to "Haden's Syndrome". (That's the cause of the book's "lock in" situation.) It's an article from HighSchoolCheatSheet.com... Brilliant !

There are the occasional lines like that, that generate a spontaneous chuckle. There are clever lines, poking gentle fun at some clichéd foibles of our world. In general, though, this is a book of action and adventure. A not-so-standard police story.

It's near-future science fiction. And a major part of my enjoyment is, it's a very positive view of the near future. Well, okay, millions of people have been paralysed by an epidemic, now endemic, of Haden's syndrome. But they are getting on with life, developing supporting technology, working towards a better life for all...

Except, of course, for the villains. For them it's business as usual: ruthless. Now extending their predatory business practices into murder and social mayhem. Yet the villains are rather amateurish at this criminal extension to their business... Which makes it a bit easier for the hero to turn the tables.

Overall, the plot is straightforward. Plenty of clever discovery but no sudden changes of direction. Thank goodness... The excitement is more real than contrived.

The characters are also very likeable -- friendly, supportive, cheerful. Except for the villains, of course. Though even they are realistically amoral... I've worked with several managers who would support the same general concept that, "business is business" and personal ethics are irrelevant.

In fact, the characters are so nice, the technology so clever, the good heroes so very good and the clever heroes so very clever -- it's a bit of a utopia. The future through rose-tinted glasses. The cynic in me says, yeah, right, as if :-( The reader in me says, yeah, great, love it !

Which brings me to the "young adult" categorisation...

This book is for the young adult reader. Those who still believe that good will defeat evil, that good friends will be loyal and helpful and kind. That the police will bring all perps to a balanced and fair justice. That murder will happen but let's not dwell on the pain and suffering and blood.

Better yet: the heroes care because it's murder.

Inspector Rex is like that: the police solve crimes because they believe that crime is wrong. American cop shows -- and plenty of crime novels -- seem to believe that a murder is only serious if a relative (of the crime fighter) is involved. The Lock In hero (and associates) solve crimes simply because crime is wrong. Good on them !

And...

This book is also good for the older cynic, who simply hopes that the world will be that positive. And who likes to read a book which reflects the possibility that all will turn out okay in the end.

Oh, Lock In is also an exciting, clever and occasionally funny book. Which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. And then thoroughly enjoyed -- and better understood -- when I immediately read it a second time.

Good fun, good science fiction, a very enjoyable novel.

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Einstein's Theory of Intelligence: "It's very easy to be smart. Just think of something really dumb to say, then say the exact opposite." … per Pardon my Planet