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Zero Marginal Value
A dystopian cyberpunk thriller that "lingers in the mind long after you've turned the last page." - Epic Indie
In a near-future dystopia where ubiquitous surveillance enables crippling corporate control, Liam Baron is the best at navigating the shadows. A skilled thief of industrial secrets, he's built a career staying one step ahead of the system. But when his sister contracts a devastating new disease, he stumbles onto a conspiracy that pits him against a monopolistic pharmaceutical giant and its ruthless enforcers.
The cure exists - his sister helped create it - but her employer is restricting access to line its pockets. As the clock ticks down, Liam must pull off the most dangerous heist of his life, using cutting-edge tech to infiltrate the company's fortress-like headquarters and steal the medication. In a world where data is the new currency and privacy is extinct, one thief's quest to save the sister he loves could spark a revolution.
Zero Marginal Value is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores a dystopian future that's all too plausible - and the deeply human bonds that hold us together when the world is tearing itself apart.
Blade Runner meets Michael Crichton in this gripping techno-dystopian heist novel
In a near-future dystopia where ubiquitous surveillance enables crippling corporate control, Liam Baron is the best at navigating the shadows. A skilled thief of industrial secrets, he's built a career staying one step ahead of the system. But when his sister contracts a devastating new disease, he stumbles onto a conspiracy that pits him against a monopolistic pharmaceutical giant and its ruthless enforcers.
The cure exists - his sister helped create it - but her employer is restricting access to line its pockets. As the clock ticks down, Liam must pull off the most dangerous heist of his life, using cutting-edge tech to infiltrate the company's fortress-like headquarters and steal the medication. In a world where data is the new currency and privacy is extinct, one thief's quest to save the sister he loves could spark a revolution.
Zero Marginal Value is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores a dystopian future that's all too plausible - and the deeply human bonds that hold us together when the world is tearing itself apart.
Blade Runner meets Michael Crichton in this gripping techno-dystopian heist novel
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 4, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a free copy. The following review represents my honest opinion.
This is a very sci-fi dystopian type novel which is out of my comfort zone but still I enjoyed it. The plot is intriguing and the characters go through significant character development. The motivation that drives all the characters is very clear which really helps me enjoy a story.
This is a very sci-fi dystopian type novel which is out of my comfort zone but still I enjoyed it. The plot is intriguing and the characters go through significant character development. The motivation that drives all the characters is very clear which really helps me enjoy a story.
October 28, 2024
You know how sometimes you pick up a book and think "this feels way too real"? That's Zero Marginal Value in a nutshell. Picture this: two super-skilled corporate spies, Liam and Keema, who can basically walk into any high-tech company and walk out with their secrets like they're grabbing coffee. Cool, right? But here's where it gets intense – Liam's sister gets hit with some mysterious new disease, and suddenly our guy has to go up against a mega-corporation that's basically holding the cure hostage. Talk about family drama!
The Plot is 🔥 Look, I've read my fair share of dystopian books, but this one hits different. The author doesn't waste time – from page one, you're in the action. No boring setup, just straight into the good stuff. And it's not just random action for the sake of it. Every close call, every betrayal pushes the story forward.
You know what's freaky? How much of this "future" tech actually seems like it could exist next year. The author clearly knows their stuff, but they don't shove it in your face with pages of technical jargon. It's just... there, making everything feel legit.
Liam and Keema aren't your typical "perfect" heroes. They're messy, they mess up, they fight, they make bad choices – basically, they're actual people.
The writing just flows, you know? Whether it's a high-stakes break-in or Liam having a moral crisis, you're right there in the moment. No getting bogged down in fancy descriptions or philosophical monologues – just smooth storytelling that keeps you hooked.
Overall, Zero Marginal Value isn't just another "technology bad, corporations evil" story. It's a wild ride that actually has something to say about where we're heading as a society. Plus, it's just really, really fun to read.
And isn't that what we're all looking for?
The Plot is 🔥 Look, I've read my fair share of dystopian books, but this one hits different. The author doesn't waste time – from page one, you're in the action. No boring setup, just straight into the good stuff. And it's not just random action for the sake of it. Every close call, every betrayal pushes the story forward.
You know what's freaky? How much of this "future" tech actually seems like it could exist next year. The author clearly knows their stuff, but they don't shove it in your face with pages of technical jargon. It's just... there, making everything feel legit.
Liam and Keema aren't your typical "perfect" heroes. They're messy, they mess up, they fight, they make bad choices – basically, they're actual people.
The writing just flows, you know? Whether it's a high-stakes break-in or Liam having a moral crisis, you're right there in the moment. No getting bogged down in fancy descriptions or philosophical monologues – just smooth storytelling that keeps you hooked.
Overall, Zero Marginal Value isn't just another "technology bad, corporations evil" story. It's a wild ride that actually has something to say about where we're heading as a society. Plus, it's just really, really fun to read.
And isn't that what we're all looking for?
October 30, 2024
I love a good sci-fi and dystopian novel. I think it comes from my love of things like Blade Runner/Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and the like. I have to say Zero Marginal Value was a massive hit for me. I loved every second of this novel and could hardly put it down.
The first thing that drew me in, apart from the interesting characters, was the world that Cole has created. I loved how we get to know this world while we read and don’t really get information thrown at us, rather we see how Liam and co interact with their world and what that means for them. This was also fantastic since it didn’t break from the story and you constantly feel connected to the narrative and wanting to know what happens next.
Cole’s characters are also brilliant in that they are complex but human as well. I loved all the action and almost espionage we get in Zero Marginal Value. I loved that Jason and Keema aren’t exactly good or bad but toe the line in this grey area which fits the world they inhabit so well.
If, like me, you enjoy a good thriller packed with action, technology and a dystopian setting you need to get this book today.
As always thank you to Random Things Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
The first thing that drew me in, apart from the interesting characters, was the world that Cole has created. I loved how we get to know this world while we read and don’t really get information thrown at us, rather we see how Liam and co interact with their world and what that means for them. This was also fantastic since it didn’t break from the story and you constantly feel connected to the narrative and wanting to know what happens next.
Cole’s characters are also brilliant in that they are complex but human as well. I loved all the action and almost espionage we get in Zero Marginal Value. I loved that Jason and Keema aren’t exactly good or bad but toe the line in this grey area which fits the world they inhabit so well.
If, like me, you enjoy a good thriller packed with action, technology and a dystopian setting you need to get this book today.
As always thank you to Random Things Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
November 5, 2024
Zero Marginal Value is a dystopian sci-fi thriller, with some nice espionage aspects thrown in, set in the near future United States.
On the surface, it's a story of corporate espionage, as we follow Liam and Keema as they go about ther business of stealing information. That Is until Liam's sister contracts a disease, leaving Liam in a desperate fight against a pharmaceutical company.
But beneath the surface, there's a deeper meaning. Scratching the surface reveals a story of big business and government exploiting healthcare and how materialism is destroying us.
So overall, I enjoyed this read. It's fast paced, with a storyline that at first, might be a little difficult to follow, but it soon calms down to become an exciting, thought-provoking tale with a whole host of great characters.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
On the surface, it's a story of corporate espionage, as we follow Liam and Keema as they go about ther business of stealing information. That Is until Liam's sister contracts a disease, leaving Liam in a desperate fight against a pharmaceutical company.
But beneath the surface, there's a deeper meaning. Scratching the surface reveals a story of big business and government exploiting healthcare and how materialism is destroying us.
So overall, I enjoyed this read. It's fast paced, with a storyline that at first, might be a little difficult to follow, but it soon calms down to become an exciting, thought-provoking tale with a whole host of great characters.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 1, 2025
How do I start on this one?
We jump right into the action with Liam Baron, a spy, with more debt than he cares to admit. He still needs the newest and best for his jobs. Missions.
This takes place in a not that distant future. However, I want the gadgets, I want them now. Does that coat come in Navy?😉
With his sidekick, Keema, there does not seem to be any secrets they can not steal.
Now the stakes are higher than ever, you know, more than jail or his own life.
His sister has contracted the very disease she helps developing a vaccine for.
Guess who has to steal this? Oh yes, is he the only one? Well, you will have to get in on this action and buy the book.
For me, this was a very good read. It drew me in and made me think about the gadgets and events that might happen before long, not to mention that I held my breath with Liam during some of those close calls.
We jump right into the action with Liam Baron, a spy, with more debt than he cares to admit. He still needs the newest and best for his jobs. Missions.
This takes place in a not that distant future. However, I want the gadgets, I want them now. Does that coat come in Navy?😉
With his sidekick, Keema, there does not seem to be any secrets they can not steal.
Now the stakes are higher than ever, you know, more than jail or his own life.
His sister has contracted the very disease she helps developing a vaccine for.
Guess who has to steal this? Oh yes, is he the only one? Well, you will have to get in on this action and buy the book.
For me, this was a very good read. It drew me in and made me think about the gadgets and events that might happen before long, not to mention that I held my breath with Liam during some of those close calls.
November 7, 2024
Zero Marginal Value is one of those books that immediately throws you into the thick of the action with Liam and Keema.
It took a few pages to fully get into the flow of the story, but I was soon flying through the pages as the plot held me in its clutches and I was submerged deep into the dystopian dramas that awaited us.
The author's world building is impressive and nods to what the not so distant future may hold for us. Both main characters are flawed, likeable and lifelike.
A pacey and addictive read fueled by adrenalin and edge of your seat suspense.
It took a few pages to fully get into the flow of the story, but I was soon flying through the pages as the plot held me in its clutches and I was submerged deep into the dystopian dramas that awaited us.
The author's world building is impressive and nods to what the not so distant future may hold for us. Both main characters are flawed, likeable and lifelike.
A pacey and addictive read fueled by adrenalin and edge of your seat suspense.
November 8, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It had a lot of good things about it. The plot concept was interesting. The futuristic dystopian that hits a little too close to home was well done. The book would have benefitted from further edits, but overall a solid debut fictional novel.
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Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
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Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
August 18, 2024
A great read, very fast moving from the first chapter! I would recommend!
November 4, 2024
This is a dystopian Sci Fi thriller type read that takes those genres and adds ‘spies’ ( underground V like resistance ) to the story
Liam and Keema are the main characters and as they do what they do, seemingly walking into companies without hinderance and taking secrets it all changes when Liam’s sister is suddenly taken ill and Liam is forced to take on the company that have the cure, of course the company intends to make a ‘sickening’ profit and Liam has big decisions to make
I have to admit to struggling at first as the story briskly starts and you are straight into it and if had not read the blurb would have had no idea what was happening but it soon settled and the story was easier to follow
I liked the nod to the future with appliances and especially the shower which voice controlled maybe not too distant a thing
If the genres are of interest then you will find this book thought provoking and the author obviously has great interest in how technology and humans will develop…..
Liam and Keema are the main characters and as they do what they do, seemingly walking into companies without hinderance and taking secrets it all changes when Liam’s sister is suddenly taken ill and Liam is forced to take on the company that have the cure, of course the company intends to make a ‘sickening’ profit and Liam has big decisions to make
I have to admit to struggling at first as the story briskly starts and you are straight into it and if had not read the blurb would have had no idea what was happening but it soon settled and the story was easier to follow
I liked the nod to the future with appliances and especially the shower which voice controlled maybe not too distant a thing
If the genres are of interest then you will find this book thought provoking and the author obviously has great interest in how technology and humans will develop…..
November 29, 2024
Wow! ...now once again, I'm going to admit that I'm not a huge sci-fi reader - especially in a dystopian world!
For some reason, I just never pick this genre - but every time I give it a go or stretch my reading - I come out eating my words and blooming loving it!!
This is high energy from the off, starting slap bang in the middle of "a job".
We are thrown in at the deep end with our main characters and get to see their working relationship at the height of pressure.
This was brilliant and allowed us to follow the narrative,earning that the pair are not only amazing at work, but also completely relatable too.
I was hooked from that point on.
The short and snappy chapters had me racing ahead - and the brilliant writing had me invested in all the characters and the outcome overall.
Liam was one of those morally grey guys who have you rooting for them, even though what they're doing is questionable - but when his sister is the victim, it's hard not to be willing him along the whole way through.
Although this is set in a not too distant future, it really didn't feel that outlandish at all.
Many of the themes being believable and pretty scary!
Touching on a new pandemic surely tugs on some nerves but honestly, this really had me on the edge of my seat and racing through the pages.
A great read that had my heart racing and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author - maybe even revisiting these characters too?...
For some reason, I just never pick this genre - but every time I give it a go or stretch my reading - I come out eating my words and blooming loving it!!
This is high energy from the off, starting slap bang in the middle of "a job".
We are thrown in at the deep end with our main characters and get to see their working relationship at the height of pressure.
This was brilliant and allowed us to follow the narrative,earning that the pair are not only amazing at work, but also completely relatable too.
I was hooked from that point on.
The short and snappy chapters had me racing ahead - and the brilliant writing had me invested in all the characters and the outcome overall.
Liam was one of those morally grey guys who have you rooting for them, even though what they're doing is questionable - but when his sister is the victim, it's hard not to be willing him along the whole way through.
Although this is set in a not too distant future, it really didn't feel that outlandish at all.
Many of the themes being believable and pretty scary!
Touching on a new pandemic surely tugs on some nerves but honestly, this really had me on the edge of my seat and racing through the pages.
A great read that had my heart racing and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author - maybe even revisiting these characters too?...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews