Fluke: Langara's Prize

by Cyril Kowaliski

An SUV barrels through a red light. A pedestrian is injured beyond recovery. As Nathan Simon lies dying in his hospital bed, a strange man in a gray suit admits him into a postmortem clinical trial. Nathan signs the form just before losing consciousness. He wakes up to find himself lying, paralyzed, in a beautiful meadow. One hundred years have passed, and Nathan is about to become a living exhibit for one of the world's most powerful biomedical corporations.

Genres: Science Fiction

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2012

Reviews

[Madelyn Rasmussen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been so much more than it was. It had some thought-provoking scenes, but did not dive in much more than surface-level on the main questions the book explores- what makes you YOU, and what does it mean to be human? It did have some interesting world building in its futuristic setting.

[Greg Farnum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sci-fi thriller is a bit odd. I'm not spoiling anything to say it involves transplanting a man from today a century into the future, and from there it unfolds exactly as you'd expect: we hit on all-powerful corporations, institutionalized corruption of governments, and pervasive changes in everyday technology. The main character has a friend taken away, spends time in jail and on the run, and lives on a farm for a while. It all unfolds like we're following a checklist, and though the checkmarks are well-crafted, when I finished the book I wasn't sure what I was supposed to have gotten out of it. The ending, clearly intended to be deeply meaningful, just leaves me wondering what message I failed to receive. The observations about future society unfold too quickly for us to think about what they mean (or even be sure we're supposed to), but the brevity of the novella ensures that we don't care quite enough about the characters for the action to be thrilling or for the tension to really ratchet up.

[Pack66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I frequent a website Cyril writes for and was offered an opportunity (like the rest of those that frequent the site) to pick up the book for free. It stayed in my library for a while before I chanced a glance at it. I had low expectations and I honestly don't recall why. Perhaps I had doubts that a technology journalist could write fiction, which now that I write it, seems all the more idiotic of me.

Anyway, overall I liked the book. There were a couple of expected and unexpected twists and turns. The character development, for me, was good. My only complaint? It's more of a novella/short story then a book. Towards the end of the story, I was left wanting more...and I think that's a good thing. Good job Cyril, looking forward to your next book!

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh-didn't like it. I'm attempting to expand my genre horizons and this is just not one of them that I can see myself becoming a fan of. Can't pinpoint why exactly. The writing was good. The story could be construed as interesting if you're into futuristic, Big Brother type mentality. I couldn't connect with the characters, especially the main one. Felt the writing overall was somewhat halting and quick...no attention to detail.

Had to push myself through the whole book just to finish it. And I kinda wished I hadn't started it in the first place. Thank goodness it was short.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get as involved in the characters as I would have liked. I enjoyed the first quarter of the book hoping the story and characters would evolve and that I would see more of his confusion,being awaken 100years from everything he is used to. it was. freebie, and I thought I was going to like it. I ended up skimming the last several pages just to get through it. could have been.much better. great idea though!!!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is interesting and well presented, the world is painted well, without too many details to get in the way. The final story is wrapped up quite quickly, but allows for more stories to be told in this world if so desired.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. I wish it was longer. Feel like it ended too quick.

[Melyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5