Real Powers: Part One (Volume 1) by Wright, Colin (2013) Paperback

by Colin Wright

It's 2027, and as the global economy shifts from unprecedented prosperity into harsh decline, the world's experts struggle to understand why.A young blogger discovers a device with a hidden purpose, an idealistic journalist upends her career by targeting the people who own the news, a master media manipulator questions his work and takes on a challenging new client, an energy tycoon bristles as her powerful position is challenged, and a technologist-turned-cult leader questions his own faith.The hacktivist group Opus makes headlines around the world — their intentions unclear — and spurred by events he doesn't fully understand, an unaccomplished young man born into a political dynasty decides to shatter conventions and expectations to take his rightful place in the world.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published October 7, 2012

Reviews

[James Schipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of futuristic sci-fi, but I've read a bunch of Colin's other stuff, so I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. I even went in with the attitude that I wouldn't like it, but it was a relatively short read, so what the hell (real nice, huh? It was the end of a long day. I'm not usually that negative)

I was glad I jumped in. It isn't the kind of sci-fi that involves spaceships and alien worlds (and as of now actual fiction), but uses a tremendous amount of actual real-world tech and various actual things going on in the world now to build onto the story. It makes the story not only seem like it's not really that far into the future, but is entirely plausible in a very intelligent way.

In conversations with the author, I know he is a very forward thinker, and it shows in the storyline in this book. It ended up headed in a wonderful direction, and I'm looking forward now to more.

And if you're listening (and you know who you are): I badly would like a tile of my own, so hook me up!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technology as Freedom

I remember back in the days before the Internet was public, and it was a bunch of interconnected research networks for global Universities and the Defense Department, we used to sit around the think tank and have discussions that reminded me of this book. Everything was bleeding edge, and full of possibilities for changing the world.

That's what this book is about, using technology to completely reform the infrastructure of the globe. It is a fascinating concept and a very entertaining novel. The characters are a bit flat for my taste, it is the technology that is really the star here. No character goes through any significant emotional development. What changes is the technology and that allows for a wholly new world.

Very provocative!

[Jake McCrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read set in the year 2027. In this world technology has advanced but is still recognizable and doesn't seem too far-fetched. Book rotates between a handful of characters who are all slightly intertwined.

Book moves at a quick pace, alternating between character driven story lines and news pieces that help develop the world by show technological advances. I finished this book and wanted to continue reading. It isn't a challenging book but I found the story compelling.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not hard to imagine our world becoming the one in Colin's book, seems like it's the one we're walking towards. Although it's a quick read, the story keeps you turning electronic pages. Very enjoyable and recommended.

[Thibault Lemaitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good anticipation novel by Colin! Some of the fictional facts are things bound to happen soon, and it gives a lot of space for the mind to reflect upon!

[Vally Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

For entrepreneurs, this book is an awesome read AND a way to boost your entrepreneurial mindset.

[Fredrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

scifi

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you like technology this is the book for you - very creative. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.