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Transference
Nicholas Fiveboroughs is a Sicko, someone that takes on others' illnesses. In a city where diseases can be transferred, the rich buy longer lives without pain, and the poor get a short life of constant sickness. Maybe it was fate, or maybe someone is looking out for him, but after Nicholas barely survives his latest affliction, he gets the chance to try and change things. To finally stop the whole disease transfer network.
Tensions escalate as Nicholas infiltrates a higher society he doesn’t understand, and starts to fall for the very person he needs to manipulate to be successful. And between run-ins with a talking animal and genetically modified humans, the world around him just keeps getting stranger. Can Nicholas tear down the disease transfer architecture? And can he do it without losing his own humanity along the way?
Tensions escalate as Nicholas infiltrates a higher society he doesn’t understand, and starts to fall for the very person he needs to manipulate to be successful. And between run-ins with a talking animal and genetically modified humans, the world around him just keeps getting stranger. Can Nicholas tear down the disease transfer architecture? And can he do it without losing his own humanity along the way?
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
44 people are currently reading
2908 people want to read
About the author
Ian Patterson
2 books36 followersIan Patterson is many things. Importantly here, he’s the author of The Narrator Cycle. He’s also an engineer, cyclist, foodie, coffee lover, cat dad, human father, and reader of books. Preferably, thick books that deal with strange things and big ideas. He’s dreamed of being an author for decades, but finally began the journey with the birth of his first daughter. This is an objectively terrible time to start work that requires quiet concentration, and he knows it, but he loves the chaos nonetheless. He lives in Colorado with his wonderful family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I work with the author and was given an advanced copy of the book to read so I could provide feedback and a review.
As someone who usually does not seek out fiction books to read I found the storytelling and character development very well done. The plot of the story moved along in a smooth manner that made it easy to remember which character was being referenced and I didn't have to go back to relearn who they were.
Since it is a fairly short book I was able to read this in basically two sitting. It kept me wanting to continue reading to find out what was going to happen next.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
As someone who usually does not seek out fiction books to read I found the storytelling and character development very well done. The plot of the story moved along in a smooth manner that made it easy to remember which character was being referenced and I didn't have to go back to relearn who they were.
Since it is a fairly short book I was able to read this in basically two sitting. It kept me wanting to continue reading to find out what was going to happen next.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
September 20, 2024
Wow, this was a real page-turner! I found myself reading it while waiting in line and in between workout sets - I just couldn't put it down!
Transference felt simultaneously familiar and comforting, yet wholly new. I felt myself wondering if this book would follow a specific trope and while it definitely takes elements from well-known stories, Ian came up with something that shoots the gap and leaves you wanting for more. If you like "Red Rising", "Snowpiercer", or "Bioshock Infinite, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
Transference felt simultaneously familiar and comforting, yet wholly new. I felt myself wondering if this book would follow a specific trope and while it definitely takes elements from well-known stories, Ian came up with something that shoots the gap and leaves you wanting for more. If you like "Red Rising", "Snowpiercer", or "Bioshock Infinite, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
October 18, 2024
I don’t really know how to rate this because it was so uneven. Great concepts with mediocre execution. The dialogue is truly painful, characters are paper thin, but the ending intrigued me and I guess I’ll be back for more with the sequels. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2025
Interesting premise. This book tells a story of survival in a dystopian world where health is tied to your bank balance and the rich can live for centuries. Transference is fiction but as with all good Sci fi, it tells a story that could well really occur a not-too-distant future. The stakes are high, and the challenges are ever-changing what with the characters being human (and it's never straightforward when you're human) at the end of the day. Particularly enjoyed the character of Dotty and the comment on how it is so easy to villify what you don't know or understand. Some excellent comments about humanity and how simple it is to lose it, too.
Fans of 'Altered Carbon' and 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep' will enjoy this book!
Fans of 'Altered Carbon' and 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep' will enjoy this book!
September 12, 2025
4.5 rounded up!!
Umm, I love this book! It's has a couple of weird things in the beginning that didn't really click for me, hence the 4.5, but overall this was just so much fun and imagining the world that has been built in this was so cool! I adore the realities written into this, especially in how they're spoken about in such candid ways and also still fit perfectly into this book. This gives me such a strong Matrix vibe and if you knew me then you would know that is high praise! Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a dystopian, political sci-fi type beat.
I absolutely can't wait to get into the next book! I also hope this author has more stories in their lovely brain 😌
Umm, I love this book! It's has a couple of weird things in the beginning that didn't really click for me, hence the 4.5, but overall this was just so much fun and imagining the world that has been built in this was so cool! I adore the realities written into this, especially in how they're spoken about in such candid ways and also still fit perfectly into this book. This gives me such a strong Matrix vibe and if you knew me then you would know that is high praise! Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a dystopian, political sci-fi type beat.
I absolutely can't wait to get into the next book! I also hope this author has more stories in their lovely brain 😌
October 31, 2024
The story takes place in an isolated city divided into social classes. The elite literally live above the less fortunate, and they use these poorer citizens to take their illnesses by the use of a box that transfers maladies like cancer. One “sicko” as they’re called, decides to use the money he made surviving a cancer transfer to bring down the unjust system. To do this, he needs a new body.
And this is where I started having trouble suspending my disbelief. There were several inconsistencies in the world-building that nagged me throughout—like the idea that a world with body swaps and advanced genetic sciences had no cure for disease. The other major issue I had was with the dialogue, and unfortunately this reduced my connection to the characters. It left them decidedly one-dimensional and strange.
I felt the story engaged me the most when it involved the factional politics and dramatic action scenes. My favorite part was an unexpected cruelty of the elite after a traumatic moment. The end goes unexpected places. I think this might be a fun read for fans of early Stephen King or similar unusual plot-driven narratives.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
And this is where I started having trouble suspending my disbelief. There were several inconsistencies in the world-building that nagged me throughout—like the idea that a world with body swaps and advanced genetic sciences had no cure for disease. The other major issue I had was with the dialogue, and unfortunately this reduced my connection to the characters. It left them decidedly one-dimensional and strange.
I felt the story engaged me the most when it involved the factional politics and dramatic action scenes. My favorite part was an unexpected cruelty of the elite after a traumatic moment. The end goes unexpected places. I think this might be a fun read for fans of early Stephen King or similar unusual plot-driven narratives.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
Transference is a thought-provoking science fiction story following Nicholas Fivebouroughs as he attempts to change a broken world. In doing so, he alters not only himself and his humanity but also the entire system—raising the question: is a flawed system better than none at all? And once the dust settles, can something better be built in its place?
As I read, I frequently thought, “Ian is clever.” Now that I’ve finished, I can confidently say that Ian is indeed very clever.
For a relatively short story (less than 200 pages), the characters are remarkably complex. No one is entirely good or bad. The story skillfully captures the nuances of humanity, our motivations, and how we justify even the most heinous acts. Nick enters the upper echelons of society with preconceived notions that change as he gets to know and care for those in Cloudspire. Yet, he remains true to himself, and his empathy doesn't blind him to their atrocities.
The class systems in the story are reminiscent of those in novels like "Brave New World" and "The Giver." The lower caste members are dehumanized and stigmatized, kept exhausted and hungry to maintain the upper class's comfort.
"Nicholas Fiveboroughs is a Sicko, someone that takes on others' illnesses. In a city where diseases can be transferred, the rich buy longer lives without pain, and the poor get a short life of constant sickness."
This system mirrors the reality of low-wage, physical labor jobs, where workers trade their health for the comfort of the rich. Growing up in rural Kentucky, I saw men break their bodies planting tobacco and suffer from cancer after a lifetime in coal mines. Meanwhile, companies accepted large government buyouts and reported record-high earnings.
A minor critique is that, while the social caste system is complex, some aspects don't entirely make sense. For instance, it's clear why Allen would want to date Dotty, as it would elevate his social standing. But what does she see in him, someone below her family's status? This confusion may stem from Nick’s perspective, an outsider interpreting social cues from memories that aren't his.
"Transference" leaves a lasting impression, prompting me to ponder various scenarios—such as the psychological impact if the giver and receiver in The Box had to watch each other during a disease transfer. The word that comes to mind is "clever." This is an incredibly clever book that poses big questions while guiding the reader through “lots of heroics, heartbreaking sacrifice, betrayal, some love, some death.”
As I read, I frequently thought, “Ian is clever.” Now that I’ve finished, I can confidently say that Ian is indeed very clever.
For a relatively short story (less than 200 pages), the characters are remarkably complex. No one is entirely good or bad. The story skillfully captures the nuances of humanity, our motivations, and how we justify even the most heinous acts. Nick enters the upper echelons of society with preconceived notions that change as he gets to know and care for those in Cloudspire. Yet, he remains true to himself, and his empathy doesn't blind him to their atrocities.
The class systems in the story are reminiscent of those in novels like "Brave New World" and "The Giver." The lower caste members are dehumanized and stigmatized, kept exhausted and hungry to maintain the upper class's comfort.
"Nicholas Fiveboroughs is a Sicko, someone that takes on others' illnesses. In a city where diseases can be transferred, the rich buy longer lives without pain, and the poor get a short life of constant sickness."
This system mirrors the reality of low-wage, physical labor jobs, where workers trade their health for the comfort of the rich. Growing up in rural Kentucky, I saw men break their bodies planting tobacco and suffer from cancer after a lifetime in coal mines. Meanwhile, companies accepted large government buyouts and reported record-high earnings.
A minor critique is that, while the social caste system is complex, some aspects don't entirely make sense. For instance, it's clear why Allen would want to date Dotty, as it would elevate his social standing. But what does she see in him, someone below her family's status? This confusion may stem from Nick’s perspective, an outsider interpreting social cues from memories that aren't his.
"Transference" leaves a lasting impression, prompting me to ponder various scenarios—such as the psychological impact if the giver and receiver in The Box had to watch each other during a disease transfer. The word that comes to mind is "clever." This is an incredibly clever book that poses big questions while guiding the reader through “lots of heroics, heartbreaking sacrifice, betrayal, some love, some death.”
October 8, 2024
Sometimes a book surprises you by giving you way more than you expected, and Transference by Ian Patterson is definitely one of those reads. From start to finish, it kept me hooked, offering just enough to keep me curious, but then it took the story to a whole new level that I wasn’t ready for.
Early on, I had this feeling that things were going a little too smoothly for the protagonist. Every problem seemed to resolve itself almost effortlessly, and I couldn’t shake the sense that something bigger was coming. That feeling lingered throughout the book, like a quiet itch, making me hope the author had more in store. And trust me, Patterson didn’t disappoint!
The last few chapters were everything I hoped for. Even though the ending wasn’t completely shocking, it was so satisfying. The way the protagonist’s journey unfolded made sense in the end, and the way it all tied together left me impressed.
If you enjoy mind-bending stories like Black Mirror, The Outer Limits, or The Twilight Zone, this book is definitely for you. The plot is engaging, the pacing is smooth, and the ending is absolutely worth the ride. Honestly, this would make a fantastic sci-fi series.
I just finished this book, and I already want to tell everyone about it. The twists, the sense of things being "too easy" that turns out to be part of the story—it all worked so well together. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a smart, satisfying sci-fi read!
Early on, I had this feeling that things were going a little too smoothly for the protagonist. Every problem seemed to resolve itself almost effortlessly, and I couldn’t shake the sense that something bigger was coming. That feeling lingered throughout the book, like a quiet itch, making me hope the author had more in store. And trust me, Patterson didn’t disappoint!
The last few chapters were everything I hoped for. Even though the ending wasn’t completely shocking, it was so satisfying. The way the protagonist’s journey unfolded made sense in the end, and the way it all tied together left me impressed.
If you enjoy mind-bending stories like Black Mirror, The Outer Limits, or The Twilight Zone, this book is definitely for you. The plot is engaging, the pacing is smooth, and the ending is absolutely worth the ride. Honestly, this would make a fantastic sci-fi series.
I just finished this book, and I already want to tell everyone about it. The twists, the sense of things being "too easy" that turns out to be part of the story—it all worked so well together. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a smart, satisfying sci-fi read!
January 2, 2025
Fun read! Engaging right off the bat with an interesting premise. I felt like it moved too quickly, not giving enough time to develop character relationships, which made it harder to connect with them emotionally. It was a lot of story to cover in 220 pages. I liked the dynamic of battling between two minds with two separate memories and was very engaged during the action sequences. I'm excited for the next one.
September 21, 2024
This book was so good! I was captivated and couldn’t put the book down. It’s a book you could read in a full day, especially if you love sci-fi futuristic books. The characters were well laid out and understandable. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t be pulled away.
The only thing I wanted to learn more about was the transformation of the character from Nick to Allen. I would love to be convinced how that process is “possible.”
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book(s)!!!
The only thing I wanted to learn more about was the transformation of the character from Nick to Allen. I would love to be convinced how that process is “possible.”
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book(s)!!!
December 25, 2024
I saw an article about this book in the Independent and decided to give it a try. The premise is intriguing and the pace is relatively fast. It’s a short, quick read, but I wish there was more character development. In the end, 4.5 stars, because of the what-the-hell ending that left me feeling upset and confused and wanting to know more. I hope there’s more backstory to the characters in the next installment.
July 22, 2025
This is one of the most unique books I've ever read. It has a lot of familiar dystopian vibes, but it also veers into territory I haven't seen before. I'm so excited to continue in this series. If you're looking for a fresh dystopian read, check this one out!
November 18, 2024
Thrilling, fun, inventive, and kept me on the edge of my seat! Can't wait for book 2!
September 14, 2025
This is a really great book, interesting and gripping all the way through. Transcendence is even better. It’s a shame that other reviewers have decried some of the plot lines as not making sense, when they actually make perfect sense if you read the whole book and its sequel.
I recommend both this book and the sequel.
I recommend both this book and the sequel.
October 31, 2025
A triumph of philosophical sci-fi that highlights the flaws of humanity's path towards neglecting those in need. I could not have asked for a better medical sci-fi thriller.
October 22, 2024
Enjoyed this one mostly. Could have done without the mashup of old fashioned ways of speaking, it felt out of place here and made the dialogue feel strained. The story moved at a good pace and kept me interested. Some more back story on Nick would have been welcome. The ending didn’t feel forced or staged and it worked out well. Will read the next in this series.
November 27, 2024
"Brave New World", "Uglies", "Ender's Game", and "Ready Player One" thrown into a dystopian blender with characters you can really root for (and really hate). One of my top books of the year so far!
March 28, 2025
Nicholas Fiveboroughs is slowly regaining consciousness while taking in his surroundings and the condition of his body. Once he realizes he’s in a hospital, he starts remembering details and inevitably panics. That’s when Brian comes in, he’s the doctor who nursed him back to health and who is now updating him on his situation. Nicholas is a Sicko, someone who makes a living trading money for other people’s illnesses in “Transference” book one of The Narrator Cycle series by Ian Patterson.
In a city with rampant poverty, this is one of the ways the poor are able to make a living. Since diseases can be transferred via a Disease Transfer Machine, or ‘the Box,’ the rich are able to live longer, some up to centuries longer, while the poor live shorter lives filled with constant sickness. After miraculously surviving this last job, which happened to be lung cancer, Nicholas decides to risk it all for a chance to change things and finally stop the whole disease transfer network.
His plan is to infiltrate Sun Gate, the city that houses the elite and the disease transfer technology. He successfully blends into the higher society which seems foreign to him, but he begins to second guess himself when he falls for Dorothy Sungate, the person he needs to manipulate to be successful. With the help of friends both old and new, Nicholas is out to change the status quo, but he needs to stay focused and not lose sight of the ultimate goal. Unbeknownst to him, someone out there is looking out for him.
Dystopian fiction usually centers around a desperate populace doing the unthinkable to survive. In Ian Patterson’s “Transference,” this means absorbing other people’s sicknesses for money. These can range from a simple cold to terminal cancer, the last one bringing in more money to provide families with a better life. Surviving the illness is the hard part. The rich even make contracts with their employees as a type of life insurance. Nicholas is tired of seeing good people die young and after nearly dying himself, he is determined to bring the system down for good.
I was drawn to this novel because of the concept of being able to transfer your sickness to someone else. Of course, this always comes with a price and the wealthy get to live longer and more opulent lives while the poor barely scrape by. Everyone hates it and agrees that it’s a terrible existence until they themselves get sick. By the second chapter, when Nicholas is going through the process that will help him blend in, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out if he succeeds. It was the point of no return for him and time to do or die.
This interesting speculative fiction novel follows Nicholas Fiveboroughs as he attempts to change the system that has been exploiting people for years. He is haunted by past traumas yet driven by a sense of justice. The stakes feel dangerously high as he deals with corrupt elites and ruthless Inquisitors and Centurions who will do anything to enforce the system.
The fast-paced narrative examines the ethical and emotional toll of a world where sickness is currency. The plot twists keep the story fresh and imaginative. It is narrated from the first person point of view through Nicholas’ perspective. Patterson’s prose is sharp and immersive, yet easy to follow, and pulls the reader into its pages: “I stared at the burning tip he held between yellowed fingers and imagined the flame growing to consume me.”
Overall, “Transference” is a thought-provoking and exciting read that explores the themes of revenge, friendship, loss and grief, and social justice. Patterson leaves readers questioning just how far society might go to control life and death. It is recommended for fans of dystopian and speculative fiction as well as television series similar to The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone.
‘She may be the best friend I have left in this world, and she doesn’t even really know who I am. I want so badly to tell her the truth then – she’s my greatest betrayal and the shame of it is overwhelming.’
In a city with rampant poverty, this is one of the ways the poor are able to make a living. Since diseases can be transferred via a Disease Transfer Machine, or ‘the Box,’ the rich are able to live longer, some up to centuries longer, while the poor live shorter lives filled with constant sickness. After miraculously surviving this last job, which happened to be lung cancer, Nicholas decides to risk it all for a chance to change things and finally stop the whole disease transfer network.
His plan is to infiltrate Sun Gate, the city that houses the elite and the disease transfer technology. He successfully blends into the higher society which seems foreign to him, but he begins to second guess himself when he falls for Dorothy Sungate, the person he needs to manipulate to be successful. With the help of friends both old and new, Nicholas is out to change the status quo, but he needs to stay focused and not lose sight of the ultimate goal. Unbeknownst to him, someone out there is looking out for him.
Dystopian fiction usually centers around a desperate populace doing the unthinkable to survive. In Ian Patterson’s “Transference,” this means absorbing other people’s sicknesses for money. These can range from a simple cold to terminal cancer, the last one bringing in more money to provide families with a better life. Surviving the illness is the hard part. The rich even make contracts with their employees as a type of life insurance. Nicholas is tired of seeing good people die young and after nearly dying himself, he is determined to bring the system down for good.
I was drawn to this novel because of the concept of being able to transfer your sickness to someone else. Of course, this always comes with a price and the wealthy get to live longer and more opulent lives while the poor barely scrape by. Everyone hates it and agrees that it’s a terrible existence until they themselves get sick. By the second chapter, when Nicholas is going through the process that will help him blend in, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out if he succeeds. It was the point of no return for him and time to do or die.
This interesting speculative fiction novel follows Nicholas Fiveboroughs as he attempts to change the system that has been exploiting people for years. He is haunted by past traumas yet driven by a sense of justice. The stakes feel dangerously high as he deals with corrupt elites and ruthless Inquisitors and Centurions who will do anything to enforce the system.
The fast-paced narrative examines the ethical and emotional toll of a world where sickness is currency. The plot twists keep the story fresh and imaginative. It is narrated from the first person point of view through Nicholas’ perspective. Patterson’s prose is sharp and immersive, yet easy to follow, and pulls the reader into its pages: “I stared at the burning tip he held between yellowed fingers and imagined the flame growing to consume me.”
Overall, “Transference” is a thought-provoking and exciting read that explores the themes of revenge, friendship, loss and grief, and social justice. Patterson leaves readers questioning just how far society might go to control life and death. It is recommended for fans of dystopian and speculative fiction as well as television series similar to The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone.
‘She may be the best friend I have left in this world, and she doesn’t even really know who I am. I want so badly to tell her the truth then – she’s my greatest betrayal and the shame of it is overwhelming.’
November 29, 2024
Science Fiction is at its best when the futuristic or other-worldly setting is merely the stage for a story about larger issues and meaningful relationships. Transference is an excellent example. The story is about how one person can make a difference against all odds, the impact of the stratification of society, the immorality of the rich accumulating wealth by walking on the bent backs of the poor, and the philosophical conundrum of whether the end can justify the means. It’s also a story about love and lust and deception and guilt and honor. After buying into the premise, the reader can forget about the setting and the tech and get lost in the narrative. Mr. Patterson achieves that level with a compelling story and solid writing. This first installment of what he’s calling “the Narrator” series, sets the bar high for part two.
Nick, the protagonist, is at the lowest level of society in “the city.” He’s a sicko – someone who sells his body and takes on sickness from another person. This is accomplished through a mysterious “box” that has the power to transfer one person’s maladies into the body of another, leaving the transferor healthy and potentially killing the transferee. If the sicko survives the disease, he has some money, but still exists in the lowest rung of this self-contained civilization. In the lower level, life is hard, food is scarce and manufactured, conditions are challenging, and nobody lives a long life. In the upper levels (a kind of reverse-Inferno where the higher you go, the better your life is), the conditions are progressively easier. At the highest level, it’s a kind of paradise, but populated by spiteful, petty, politicians. (Dante would be proud.) When Nick survives a nasty cancer and finds himself flush with cash, he decides he wants to change the system.
The key to societal change is to destroy the technology behind “the box” and force the rich to bear their own diseases and the consequences of their opulence. To accomplish this, Nick must infiltrate high society and gain access to the halls of medicine. He doesn’t know where the tech resides, or what it will look like, or how to kill it, or how well-guarded it will be. He only knows that this is his quest. (Cervantes would also be proud.) After undergoing a physical make-over (with the help of a doctor whose syphilis Nick had twice handled for him), Nick impersonates Allan, the son of a wealthy family from the second-highest level. To succeed, he must deceive Allan’s former girlfriend, who lives in the top level, which causes Nick/Allan some internal conflict – causing pain in support of a greater good. But he is convinced that the end here justifies any means. (Machiavelli would be laughing his ass off.) And there are other radical forces, including a terrorist organization willing to kill hundreds of aristocrats, also with the same objective as Nick/Allan.
The story unfolds with brilliant detail, full of emotion and intrigue. There is also a fair amount of action, a little romance, and many friendships and acts of kindness. The pacing is terrific and the pages turn easily leading to the twists and betrayals that precede the exciting and unexpected conclusion.
Without spoiling your read, the final assault on the medical citadel feels a bit like the final levels of a video game and somewhat detracts from the more tempered vibe of the first 90 percent of the book. The ultimate reveal and conclusion is not the best part of the book, and although it certainly sets up the sequel(s) (C.S. Lewis appreciates the homage), I would have preferred less explicit exposition and more ambiguity that Nick will need to deal with in the next book. That’s a minor quibble, however, at the end of a book that I very much enjoyed and fully recommend for all readers, whether science fiction fans or not.
Nick, the protagonist, is at the lowest level of society in “the city.” He’s a sicko – someone who sells his body and takes on sickness from another person. This is accomplished through a mysterious “box” that has the power to transfer one person’s maladies into the body of another, leaving the transferor healthy and potentially killing the transferee. If the sicko survives the disease, he has some money, but still exists in the lowest rung of this self-contained civilization. In the lower level, life is hard, food is scarce and manufactured, conditions are challenging, and nobody lives a long life. In the upper levels (a kind of reverse-Inferno where the higher you go, the better your life is), the conditions are progressively easier. At the highest level, it’s a kind of paradise, but populated by spiteful, petty, politicians. (Dante would be proud.) When Nick survives a nasty cancer and finds himself flush with cash, he decides he wants to change the system.
The key to societal change is to destroy the technology behind “the box” and force the rich to bear their own diseases and the consequences of their opulence. To accomplish this, Nick must infiltrate high society and gain access to the halls of medicine. He doesn’t know where the tech resides, or what it will look like, or how to kill it, or how well-guarded it will be. He only knows that this is his quest. (Cervantes would also be proud.) After undergoing a physical make-over (with the help of a doctor whose syphilis Nick had twice handled for him), Nick impersonates Allan, the son of a wealthy family from the second-highest level. To succeed, he must deceive Allan’s former girlfriend, who lives in the top level, which causes Nick/Allan some internal conflict – causing pain in support of a greater good. But he is convinced that the end here justifies any means. (Machiavelli would be laughing his ass off.) And there are other radical forces, including a terrorist organization willing to kill hundreds of aristocrats, also with the same objective as Nick/Allan.
The story unfolds with brilliant detail, full of emotion and intrigue. There is also a fair amount of action, a little romance, and many friendships and acts of kindness. The pacing is terrific and the pages turn easily leading to the twists and betrayals that precede the exciting and unexpected conclusion.
Without spoiling your read, the final assault on the medical citadel feels a bit like the final levels of a video game and somewhat detracts from the more tempered vibe of the first 90 percent of the book. The ultimate reveal and conclusion is not the best part of the book, and although it certainly sets up the sequel(s) (C.S. Lewis appreciates the homage), I would have preferred less explicit exposition and more ambiguity that Nick will need to deal with in the next book. That’s a minor quibble, however, at the end of a book that I very much enjoyed and fully recommend for all readers, whether science fiction fans or not.
November 1, 2024
I’m not a huge sci-fi reader but I was keen to try something different after my latest run of books, and I thought the premise of ‘Transference’ by Ian Patterson sounded intriguing. I really liked the notion of the illness transfer black market and the societal implications of same.
The book throws you right into the action with Nicholas, our protagonist, waking up from his latest brush with death – a Stage 4 cancer that he has taken on and miraculously survived. As a result, he’s found himself rather more well off than his neighbours and vows to tear down the illness transfer system by infiltrating the higher echelons of society.
And so, Nicholas becomes Allen and inserts himself into the latter’s life without much challenge. Therein is one of the problems with the book – with the exception of later chase and combat scenes, ‘Allen’ has no real conflicts: his family accepts him back without any scrutiny; his girlfriend seems to have no reaction to his overnight change of politics (although this is explained later); his talking pet panther and his naysaying friend Darius are dealt with far too easily to ratchet up any kind of tension.
It's all a little too easy for Allen and I don’t know that we get an awful lot of development of any of our characters, other than both of our leads questioning the idea of how far they will go to make their difference.
Another issue, that others have mentioned, is the clunkiness of some of the language, particularly the dialogue. I’m not sure what the writer was going for with the stilted style of speech as it doesn’t seem to be something that changes from the lower neighbourhoods to the upper ones. It didn’t quite turn me off but I found myself reading some sentences multiple times to figure out what exactly the author was trying to say.
There are echoes of everything here from things like The Hunger Games to The Matrix with some Greek mythology thrown in for good measure. I’ll be intrigued to see where it goes, there are enough loose ends to keep the reader engaged and Patterson has created an interesting world in which to let his characters play.
My thanks to the author, via NetGalley, for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book throws you right into the action with Nicholas, our protagonist, waking up from his latest brush with death – a Stage 4 cancer that he has taken on and miraculously survived. As a result, he’s found himself rather more well off than his neighbours and vows to tear down the illness transfer system by infiltrating the higher echelons of society.
And so, Nicholas becomes Allen and inserts himself into the latter’s life without much challenge. Therein is one of the problems with the book – with the exception of later chase and combat scenes, ‘Allen’ has no real conflicts: his family accepts him back without any scrutiny; his girlfriend seems to have no reaction to his overnight change of politics (although this is explained later); his talking pet panther and his naysaying friend Darius are dealt with far too easily to ratchet up any kind of tension.
It's all a little too easy for Allen and I don’t know that we get an awful lot of development of any of our characters, other than both of our leads questioning the idea of how far they will go to make their difference.
Another issue, that others have mentioned, is the clunkiness of some of the language, particularly the dialogue. I’m not sure what the writer was going for with the stilted style of speech as it doesn’t seem to be something that changes from the lower neighbourhoods to the upper ones. It didn’t quite turn me off but I found myself reading some sentences multiple times to figure out what exactly the author was trying to say.
There are echoes of everything here from things like The Hunger Games to The Matrix with some Greek mythology thrown in for good measure. I’ll be intrigued to see where it goes, there are enough loose ends to keep the reader engaged and Patterson has created an interesting world in which to let his characters play.
My thanks to the author, via NetGalley, for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Despite being placed into a grungy sort of dystopian society at the onset of Transference, where everything from the food supply to the weather is abjectly artificial, the whole thing felt eerily familiar. The story mirrors our own world in a very real way, speaking to the current societal conditions where the rich live fruitfully off the backs of the workers, who are holding up the system and reaping very few of the benefits for it. The fact that it dials it up to eleven was, in my opinion, a natural progression. Given the option, there is no doubt in my mind that the wealthy would foist their illnesses upon the poor given the opportunity and the right price. Patterson absolutely nails this imbalance and it serves to make the setting entirely captivating while you’re reading, tangible in a very profound way, and could possibly be one of the more immersive stories I have ever encountered for it.
Nicholas’ idealism is, of course, only the launching point for the story. Once he is reborn as Allen, we really begin to see the gaping holes in his knowledge and logic. The technological advancements of his new societal role are one thing, but the true hurdle for him is the people themselves. While at the bottom, it’s easy to demonize those who stand above you and dictate the life you’re forced to lead, but as he steps into society amongst them it grows harder for him to keep that viewpoint. In short order, he finds humanity, kindness, empathy, and humility amongst his news peers that he had not thought possible.
Transference is such an adventure. Danger, excitement, heartbreak, violence, political intrigue, terrorism, science gone awry, and an emotional rollercoaster that hits all the tenderest spots... This is one you won't want to miss out on.
Full review on my Substack: The Word Dump!
Nicholas’ idealism is, of course, only the launching point for the story. Once he is reborn as Allen, we really begin to see the gaping holes in his knowledge and logic. The technological advancements of his new societal role are one thing, but the true hurdle for him is the people themselves. While at the bottom, it’s easy to demonize those who stand above you and dictate the life you’re forced to lead, but as he steps into society amongst them it grows harder for him to keep that viewpoint. In short order, he finds humanity, kindness, empathy, and humility amongst his news peers that he had not thought possible.
Transference is such an adventure. Danger, excitement, heartbreak, violence, political intrigue, terrorism, science gone awry, and an emotional rollercoaster that hits all the tenderest spots... This is one you won't want to miss out on.
Full review on my Substack: The Word Dump!
September 27, 2024
In a future where the caste system is alive and well, where the rich pay the poor to free them of illness and disease, where the human race has achieved their annihilation of the planet, Transference follows Nicholas Fiveboroughs as he seeks to overturn it all. Willing to risk everything he has known and leave his old, “Sicko” life behind, Nicholas undergoes a drastic transformation in his daring plan to infiltrate the uppermost echelon of the city to dismantle the Disease Transfer Machine, or The Box. Along his upward journey, we meet an interesting and imaginative range of characters of the human, animal, machine, and monster variety. Can we trust any of them? Will Nicholas dodge the many obstacles placed in his path? And what will he find inside the city’s highest towers? Can compassion and empathy, now long gone, be restored or is it a lost cause? No matter what, Nicholas won’t go down without a fight.
Ian Patterson’s first book of the Narrator’s Cycle is dark, thoughtful, and entertaining - both fantastical and realistic. For a relatively short novel, Transference takes on big themes: social justice, love, power, and courage. It’s a complex world that is easily envisioned, thanks to Patterson’s vivid descriptions. Bits of humor throughout provide respite from the dystopia, and cheering on Nicholas (and Charon!) comes naturally, especially as the plot intensifies. Lastly, the artist in me must acknowledge how perfect the cover art is, truly well done.
Even for those new to sci-fi (like me), the last page will come too soon. Looking forward to Book Two!
Ian Patterson’s first book of the Narrator’s Cycle is dark, thoughtful, and entertaining - both fantastical and realistic. For a relatively short novel, Transference takes on big themes: social justice, love, power, and courage. It’s a complex world that is easily envisioned, thanks to Patterson’s vivid descriptions. Bits of humor throughout provide respite from the dystopia, and cheering on Nicholas (and Charon!) comes naturally, especially as the plot intensifies. Lastly, the artist in me must acknowledge how perfect the cover art is, truly well done.
Even for those new to sci-fi (like me), the last page will come too soon. Looking forward to Book Two!
November 2, 2024
After reading this, I'm very much sitting on the fence between admiring this story for all the old SFnal ideas it pulls forward to today's evils and being a tiny bit annoyed with the same.
The core SFnal detail reminds me a lot of old classics, be it Niven's body harvesting ghoulishness or Harrison's Make Room, Make Room (Soylent Green), or even a bit of B5 or Voyager, where illnesses can be transacted. You know, where the rich stay rich and the poor go ploop, only it's sickness transference.
In this respect, I guess I simply don't mind. The ideas are fun -- but they DO feel a bit heavy handed. Those who are wealthy in this world get away with everything. It's literally the call of Eat the Rich -- because they're absolutely doing it to all the rest.
Never mind the final point made in this book. Population pressures, et al., are old hat, even as they're ever more prevalent for us now than they've ever been before.
So, I'll just say that this is fun for what it is. I'd love to see readers appreciating these old ideas with fresh eyes again.
As for the real end of this -- I'm looking forward to seeing just how big this can really get.
Worth the read.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Arctunn.com
The core SFnal detail reminds me a lot of old classics, be it Niven's body harvesting ghoulishness or Harrison's Make Room, Make Room (Soylent Green), or even a bit of B5 or Voyager, where illnesses can be transacted. You know, where the rich stay rich and the poor go ploop, only it's sickness transference.
In this respect, I guess I simply don't mind. The ideas are fun -- but they DO feel a bit heavy handed. Those who are wealthy in this world get away with everything. It's literally the call of Eat the Rich -- because they're absolutely doing it to all the rest.
Never mind the final point made in this book. Population pressures, et al., are old hat, even as they're ever more prevalent for us now than they've ever been before.
So, I'll just say that this is fun for what it is. I'd love to see readers appreciating these old ideas with fresh eyes again.
As for the real end of this -- I'm looking forward to seeing just how big this can really get.
Worth the read.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Arctunn.com
February 24, 2025
I read this as it's a fellow contestant in the SPSFC4 competition, as well as my own book. This was actually the first book I read from the Peripheral Prospectors Team based on the cover and the premise. Just look at that cover!
I really wanted this to be terrible but alas, it was nowhere close to being terrible. Other reviews have detailed the plot so I'm not going to go into detail about it. The writing is solid, especially the opening few chapters. As someone who spent a decent amount of time in hospital a few years ago recovering from a very painful surgery, it was like reading my memories of that experience. I was hooked.
I had a few nitpicks with this book, but I have nitpicks with every book I read. The dialogue for the upper classes seems a little off and the story flounders a tad in the middle. But when I say these are nitpicks, they really are minor. This is a really good book and that ending was wild! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and for what the author comes out with in the future.
I really wanted this to be terrible but alas, it was nowhere close to being terrible. Other reviews have detailed the plot so I'm not going to go into detail about it. The writing is solid, especially the opening few chapters. As someone who spent a decent amount of time in hospital a few years ago recovering from a very painful surgery, it was like reading my memories of that experience. I was hooked.
I had a few nitpicks with this book, but I have nitpicks with every book I read. The dialogue for the upper classes seems a little off and the story flounders a tad in the middle. But when I say these are nitpicks, they really are minor. This is a really good book and that ending was wild! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and for what the author comes out with in the future.
February 26, 2025
The book "Transference" by Ian Patterson is a wonderful and greatest book about disease transfer network. Ian is very clever in arranging the best plot of story and choosing the best characters as the best reference for guide the readers to dive in this amazing story about medical story especially about disease transfer network.
Ian With his magical minds and ideas shows how is the poor get the short life of constant sickness and the rich can get the best service to have a health with their much money.
Nicholas Fiveboroughs is a sicko, where takes on others' illnesses. Nicholas barely survives his latest affliction. He gets the chance from God to try and change things. To finally stop the whole disease transfer network.
Nicholas starts to fall for the very person he reeds to manipulate to be success. He runs ins with a taking animal and genetically modified humans, All he sees around, keeps getting stranger.
He can tear down the disease transfer architecture without loosing his own humanity alongside
Ian With his magical minds and ideas shows how is the poor get the short life of constant sickness and the rich can get the best service to have a health with their much money.
Nicholas Fiveboroughs is a sicko, where takes on others' illnesses. Nicholas barely survives his latest affliction. He gets the chance from God to try and change things. To finally stop the whole disease transfer network.
Nicholas starts to fall for the very person he reeds to manipulate to be success. He runs ins with a taking animal and genetically modified humans, All he sees around, keeps getting stranger.
He can tear down the disease transfer architecture without loosing his own humanity alongside
September 30, 2024
This book had me hooked from the start. The story was thrilling and fun and continued to surprise me with every twist.
Although it is a relatively short novel, the plot and characters were well developed, and I felt myself connecting to them as I read. I've never considered myself to be much of a sci-fi reader, but this novel may have changed that.
To offer a small critique, the beginning of the story felt slightly too convenient. It seems that Nick had a lot of luck to get him going at the start, and it's hard to imagine how those relationships were formed so deeply. Despite this, I was invested in the plot and couldn't put it down.
I'm excited to keep reading as the series unfolds!
Although it is a relatively short novel, the plot and characters were well developed, and I felt myself connecting to them as I read. I've never considered myself to be much of a sci-fi reader, but this novel may have changed that.
To offer a small critique, the beginning of the story felt slightly too convenient. It seems that Nick had a lot of luck to get him going at the start, and it's hard to imagine how those relationships were formed so deeply. Despite this, I was invested in the plot and couldn't put it down.
I'm excited to keep reading as the series unfolds!
November 16, 2024
Engaging, original, and fun to read. I was really impressed by this debut novel. I normally don’t get too into sci-fi, since I find it somewhat inaccessible / unapproachable as a person with not much of a science brain. But this was easy to follow, particularly the visual descriptions of things that don’t exist in the real world. I was engaged with the story the whole time, especially as the plot picked up in the second half. There were original ideas in the story, and lots of fun details of imagined things. I think the cover art is so beautiful and fitting, too. I’m looking forward to the next book!
October 8, 2024
Great Gatsby Meet Sci-Fi
The opulence of the wealthy upper classes and the burn-it-to-the-ground philosophy of the rebellious take center stage in Tranference. The sicko stigma and the technological capabilities that only the rich benefited from was well thought out. The characters were believable and it was easy to get lost in a domed, sci-fi world that read Art Deco for me. Such an action packed novel, there was never a slow moment and the end had me reeling.
The opulence of the wealthy upper classes and the burn-it-to-the-ground philosophy of the rebellious take center stage in Tranference. The sicko stigma and the technological capabilities that only the rich benefited from was well thought out. The characters were believable and it was easy to get lost in a domed, sci-fi world that read Art Deco for me. Such an action packed novel, there was never a slow moment and the end had me reeling.
September 13, 2024
Thought-provoking and imaginative writing. I became engrossed in wandering the worlds Ian created along with the characters and contemplating the what-ifs the story presents. It has its dark and painful places that have you looking for the nearest anti-capitalism rally while also rooting for the protagonist. Super excited for the next in the series to come out!
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