Brenna Patrick is a brilliant technologist specializing in neural-cognitive functions and AI. She has cracked the code to solve one of the most troublesome problems in the field, and turned that into the multi-billion dollar NeuralTech Corporation.
Working quietly with the U.S. Department of Defense, NeuralTech is poised to leapfrog the competition with a revolutionary system for tracking people, starting with the world’s most wanted terrorists. But there are only so many terrorists in the world, so who’s next?
When a pair of Columbia graduate students, Jenny and Leo, stumble on the dark secret of NeuralTech’s success, it kicks off a tense game of cat and mouse. As they fight to defeat the powerful forces arrayed against them, nothing less than the fate of humanity hangs in the balance…
NEUROGARDEN is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller, one that will have readers pondering the nature of memory, and of reality, long after they've read the last page.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 6 out of 10
Overall: 7.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: An exciting technothriller, the book features a fairly linear plot within an intricate context of future tech and the military industrial complex.
Prose/Style: The writing moves quickly and builds excitement fitting for a fast-paced thriller. While the prose is not the book’s dominant feature, it can be satisfyingly visceral and quite memorable.
Originality: The conceit is clever and makes for a gripping story. The characters, scenario, and plot appear to be original and prove entertaining from start to end.
Character Development: The characters, while interesting, are lacking in dimension or depth and would benefit from a focus on transformative growth. The villainous antagonist would fit comfortably in a Bond, or other spy, movie.
Date Submitted: August 07, 2020
