Skleník

by J. Michael Straczynski

Mrazivá vize budoucnosti. Od scénáristy legendárních seriálů Babylon 5 a Osmý smysl

Kniha Skleník od oceňovaného autora J. Michaela Straczynského je nekompromisní, svižný sci–fi román o rozhodnutích, před něž jsme postaveni, a o jejich důsledcích, kterým pak musíme čelit.

Když je Riley Diaz uvězněna na základě nového tajemného zákona o obraně, ocitne se v jednom z rychle přibývajících Amerických středisek obnovy – zařízení po vzoru psychiatrických léčeben –, kde má podstoupit povinnou převýchovu. Program ASO používá ke zlomení disidentů podlé strategie, jako je nucená terapie, nedobrovolná medikace, samovazba, omezené příděly jídla a další. Podvol se, a jsi volný. Vzdoruj a…

Osamocená Riley vyhlašuje válku lžím a manipulacím a snaží se program ASO a jeho pracovníky v bílých pláštích zničit. Přestože je izolovaná a spoluvězni ji nemají zrovna v lásce, nakonec si získá jejich důvěru a vytvoří si pevné pouto s tajemným pacientem známým pouze jako Frankenstein, který je stejně záhadný jako jeho jmenovec. Na počátku zničení nespravedlivého systému někdy stojí pouze jeden člověk, který je ochoten navzdory všemu vstát a říct „ne“ – a to i ve chvíli, kdy má pocit, že vstát nedokáže. A Riley Diaz je připravena rozbít Skleník za každou cenu.

Uznávaný americký spisovatel, scenárista a producent J. Michael Straczynski bere čtenáře na fascinující cestu inspirovanou znepokojivými problémy současnosti, jako je omezování svobody projevu. Skleník je dramatický a procítěný příběh, v němž vystupují autentické a často zvláštní postavy, které si čtenáři zamilují.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Dystopia, Thriller, Horror, Mystery

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2024

About the author

Joseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.

Reviews

[John Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fast-Paced Thrill Ride Through a Dark, Plausible Future.

Book Information

“The Glass Box” by J. Michael Straczynski is a 350-page fiction novel with a publication date of January 9, 2024. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

In a world where dissenters are sent to American Renewal Centers (ARCs) for mandatory reeducation, Riley Diaz refuses to break. She stands alone against the ARC program's manipulation and gaslighting, forging an unshakable alliance with a mysterious inmate known as Frankenstein. Riley's unwavering defiance sparks a rebellion that will test the limits of her strength and determination.

My Thoughts

"The Glass Box" by J. Michael Straczynski is a very engaging read. From the very beginning, the book captured my attention and never let go. Although it's described as a "fast-paced sci-fi novel," I found it to lean more towards the dystopian genre, and it's this dystopian element that kept me hooked throughout. Straczynski's masterful storytelling in 'The Glass Box' is like a rollercoaster for the mind, taking readers on an exhilarating journey through a dystopian future.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is its timely exploration of contemporary issues. It delves into real-time problems that we are currently facing, but it takes a terrifying twist by introducing political structures designed to tackle these issues. This blend of topical relevance and nightmarish plausibility creates a story that feels both familiar and unsettling. It feels like a glimpse into a world we hope never to witness, yet can't seem to turn away from.

The main character, Riley, is someone you can easily connect with. Her strength, determination, and the internal dialogues she engages in make her a character you genuinely care about. She doesn't back down and remains steadfast in her convictions, which is admirable. Riley's unwavering conviction and her inner voice engaging in heated debates will have you cheering for her like a sports fan during the championship game.

Straczynski's masterful storytelling extends to the creation of a truly endearing supporting cast, but it's the character of Frankenstein who steals the show with a heart that outshines them all, making 'The Glass Box' an emotionally resonant journey.

Recommendation

"The Glass Box" is a gripping and thought-provoking dystopian narrative with a remarkable main character and a compelling supporting cast. With a finger on the pulse of societal issues, 'The Glass Box' holds up a mirror to our times, daring us to question the future we're hurtling towards. This is a must-read for those who enjoy both the dystopian and sci-fi genres.

Rating

4.5 ARC Stars

[Marianna Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, dystopian thriller, very politically reactionary. Easy to read, well paced, and engaging. Didn't love the main character - she's your pretty standard, rebellious, stubborn dystopian lead, who would get nowhere without the help of others (which is kind of the point). Overall - enjoyable, though by the end you realize that we really haven't made that much progress when it comes to the characters or the big picture, despite the book being pretty action-packed.

[donna backshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced and at times infuriating, this was a slightly dystopian story about a girl who stands her ground and earns the respect of her fellow "inmates" while navigating a corrupt system none of them were supposed to escape.

Young adult thrillers aren't usually my thing, but The Glass Box was a real page-turner, with characters you can't help but get attached to and cheer on.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frightening look into a real possibility of an America that attempts to outlaw one of our most prized freedoms (and one we often take for granted): the freedom of assembly. Riley Diaz and the all of her endearing supporting cast of misfits will have you rooting for them every step of the way as they fight the oppressive ARC program they were involuntarily assigned to. I was able to feel emotionally connected to many of the characters, which always points to great writing.

[Jesse Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became aware of JMS because of Babylon 5. It remains one of my favorite TV series. One of the great things about the show was how interactive he was with fandom during the filming of the series. Since then, he has gone on to produce some amazing TV shows, comic books, an amazing autobiography and a couple of novels. The latest novel is a great follow up to Together We Will Go, an upbeat book about suicide (really, you should read it). In this book JMS takes on a very serious subject in an entertaining way. The government using its power to limit freedom of speech and to control dissidents. Most of the book is spent in a "mental hospital" where our main character Riley is "forced" to go instead of picking jail time. They are an amazing character and you will enjoy her journey. Another great novel from the Mr. Straczynski.

[Joe Karpierz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wikipedia entry for J. Michael Straczynski says that he is a film maker and a comic book writer. While he is certainly a film maker, and a good one at that, I feel that comic book writer is too limiting a term. He has written for a significant amount of television series and movies, as well as the aforementioned comic books. In fact, I would say that he is an "writer", with many credits to his name. JMS, as he is known (and I will refer to him here as that since it's a lot easier than typing out Straczynski), is probably best known for writing *92* of the 110 episodes of the science fiction television show "Babylon 5". But I would suggest that even though he is mainly known for writing genre works, he has a talent for writing books that are not genre, such as the novel TOGETHER WE WILL GO and the autobiography BECOMING SUPERMAN. His latest novel is THE GLASS BOX, and while it may be marketed as science fiction, I don't think it's sf at all. In fact, I'm not convinced that it's completely fiction.

Riley Diaz is a resistance fighter, raised by her parents to question authority and not be quiet about it. You might almost call her a professional protester. She works with an organized group of protesters who know what they're getting into every time they step out on the front line. If they are not careful, they will be arrested even if their protests are lawful. She views the government as something that is not to be trusted, and the government has pretty much earned that lack of trust. The powers that be are cracking down on the freedoms that all citizens have become accustomed to, but especially the freedom to gather peacefully in public. And this rankles Diaz and her colleagues to no end.

At the latest protest, Diaz is arrested and taken to one of the many American Renewal Centers (ARCs) for what amounts to mandatory reeducation. And getting into an ARC was part of the plan, as the idea was to get inside and find out exactly what is going on at the shadowy ARCs. What she didn't count on was not being able to get out once she was in there. The "patients", if you will, are incarcerated for six months, and, based on a points system that no one but the people who run the ARCs knows, could be let out early or detained for a longer period of time. Diaz, the freedom fighter that she is, doesn't give in to the system. She resists the authorities there, and her fellow patients don't trust her very much. In fact, with all of them wishing to get out and at the same time facing a "if one of you does something bad, you're all going to suffer" situation, they shun Diaz at first. Slowly but surely, by her actions, her fellow inmates (lets call them what they really are) begin to trust her and work with her to fight the system and hopefully eventually find a way out. Diaz also finds an unlikely ally in the form of a character nicknamed Frankenstein. She is the only person there able to break through to him, and they form a bond that is touching and heartfelt. As you might expect, Frankenstein becomes important to the plan for breaking out of the ARC Diaz is in.

What's frightening about THE GLASS BOX is that it's easy to see that this sort of thing could happen today. A government that is interested in staying in power, invoking a decades old law, and doing everything it can to put down and silence protesters, is something that should terrify everyone, whether here in the U.S. or anywhere around the world. THE GLASS BOX portrays a very real and scary scenario, where it takes courage, persistence, and valor to fight back and beat the system. I found myself rooting for Diaz as the novel went on, as it became clear that there were very sinister things going on all the way up to the top.

THE GLASS BOX is a thriller, a great read, and a frightening and thought provoking look at what a government could become if it is not held in check. I feel as if JMS was writing with some insider's knowledge, and he does a terrific job from beginning to end in the novel. While he may have made his name in other areas of entertainment, such as television, movies, and comic books, I believe that he is growing stronger as a novel writer. I eagerly look forward to his next novel.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ad I received a gifted copy of this book. Many thanks @blackstonepublishing

Riley is sent to an ARC detention center - new centers set up to jail those who are protesting the government. As she tries to escape, she doesn’t realize that her only way out might not be from an escape route or a finding a weak part of the fortress but she might have to go through the facility instead of around it.

Gripping from the first page I was glued to this book. What’s more scary is that the Emergency Detention Act of 1950 is real. Although this story is “fiction” there’s a real chance of something like this happening. I think we all know the history of this world and know that history repeats itself but it just adds another layer to it.

Love this story! Coming Jan 9, 2024 !! The Glass Box demonstrates the connection you need with others, and the friends you make along the way are what save you in the end.

Sometimes you have to be on the inside to stop terrible things from happening. Never give up your convictions for anybody.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.35 stars

This was terrific! I couldn’t put it down.

It is incredibly poignant and had a similar reading experience as The Handmaids Tale. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys dystopian reads.

I will immediately look for other books by this author.

The cover and title don't really convey the story at all. It's far too subtle. READ IT and ignore the vibes the cover is giving off.

Thanks netgalley for my ALC!!!

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically a less-good version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

This time around, there's a female protagonist/Mary Sue who's the rabble-rouser within the psych ward, and a villainous, lecherous psychiatrist who serves as the Nurse Ratchet (although there's also a mean nurse, for icing on the cake). Much of the plot centers around the protagonist's plight--a woman who was unfairly sent to the psych ward for protesting against an authoritarian government (basically a near-future version of the U.S., although we get very little discussion of what's happening beyond Goverment=Evil Empire, Protesters=The Rebels).

I don't take issue with the premise as much as some of the plot elements and the writing. All the characters are very two-dimensional. The protagonist is meant to be likeable because she's an orphan (can we stop orphaning people for pathos, please?), but that's pretty much the only defining characteristic she has, beyond her resistance to authority. The other characters she meets tell her their Tragic Backstories within minutes of meeting her, which made it difficult to get emotionally invested in them. The huge amounts of exposition uttered by the characters completely took me out of the story on many occasions.

The villain is one of those mustache-twirling baddies who Enjoys Hurting People. Spoilery thought about one particular scene: The sexual assault scene was particularly problematic to me, because it's used to show How Evil the bad guy is, and then of course How Plucky our protagonist is for punching him in the manly bits. I'm not keen on attempted rape used as a plot device like that, especially when it's so unrealistic to women's real lived experiences of SA. .

You can also tell this is written by a male author, because some of the dialogue for the female characters definitely reads like something a man would think women talk about. One character is primarily defined by being a mother-- so when her son dies she kills herself. Sigh. . Another female character tells a diarrhea story that sounds like the kind of thing a 12-year-old boy would find hilaaaaarious.

You also have the "Chief Bromden" character from One Flew Over--this time reimagined as "Frankenstein," a similarly taciturn and traumatized character. And just like OFOTCN, the protagonist is the only one who can communicate with that character, as a way to show their inherent "goodness."

Look. I love Babylon 5 and it hurts my heart to say this, but this book is a pale copy of OFOTCN. Just do yourself a favor and read that book, and not this one.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but it didn’t really stand out. About a near future where the government has gone completely off the rails and is secretly reenacting old laws to let them detain folks with no ramifications, and of sick doctors who love to torment. I’ve been a fan of some of the author’s previous works but this one felt somewhat predictable and not as fresh as I’d hoped. It makes sense we see this sort of story given the state of US politics and society.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this alternate America, people who protest are not just arrested but demonized, touted as almost un American, and sent to “American Renewal Centers” which our protagonist Riley Diaz finds herself committed to. She thought that opting for a 6 month stint in a “psych ward” would beat prison time, until she gets there to find that her wing of the hospital is run completely separate from the rest of the rules and regulations of the institution, and that a sadistic psychologist is given ultimate control over their release and everything up to their release.
In this alternate America, people have no rights to free speech nor freedom of assembly and fear overrides our rights. This regime also intends to move the psych wards to internment military camps similar to what we actually had during WW2 with Japanese American citizens! Riley’s family reared her in the art of protest, her mother an Irish ☘️ nationalist and her father a Hispanic American - both very politically active. Riley was taken to protests at a young age and taught the rules of engagement. She learns mostly to never give up, never back down, and never make the first move. Never give them anything to point at as illegal action, but to never back down and let me tell you, Riley’s character is #Badass !! I loved her defiance and refusal to cower when threatened. I loved her fighting the good fight. She was a natural born leader and the others take courage in her defiance and learn to stand up for themselves as well.
This book was fantastic and would be a great companion book to #ProphetSong which just won the Booker. In that book it was militarization of Ireland turning it towards dictatorship. In this book it was America and swung towards #communistic bullshit like “reeducation camps”. Both books are a look at where government can slip to when it gets out of control of the people. I highly recommend this book and the audiobook was fantastically done by @stacygonzalezbooks !! I highly recommend the book and the audiobook. Many thanks to @blackstonepublishing for allowing me an audio arc of this story in exchange for my honest thoughts and feelings! I’m so glad that I loved it. Check it out!! See cmts ⬇️

[Amy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 5 stars because it's well written. The story is great. At some points it almost comes across as prophetic. And yet... (yes, there's an "and yet")...

The US Constitution gives citizens of this nation the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of their grievances. I think the day that anyone in government honestly tries to take that away... well, let's just say it wouldn't lead to anything good. If this book is attempting to be a canary in the coal mine, it fails, because regardless of what you think you may know, outside of those who participated in January 6th, there are very few protesters locked in a psych facility or a prison. Nor are there any plans to do those things. Heck, most of the protesters who do turn violent are out the next day, with few consequences to show. My point, I guess is, that if the book was looking to be a canary in a coal mine, protesting was the least effective subject to use.

[TessaMcbessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in a future where protesting or any peaceful defiance of the government can get you landed in a mental health facility known as the ARCs,
The Glass Box tells the story of our MC Riley as she's placed in the program.

If you enjoy asylum novels, this may be for you as that's essentially what this "program" is. Although the ARC patients are sharing the facility with others with actual mental illness, the ARC members are on a much different treatment plan consisting of forced medications, partial starvation, and sick games.

Overall, I loved it. Was immediately sucked in with the future concept of the government silencing anyone who outwardly opposed them. Our MC was the fiesty type of stubborn that always thrives in these situations while also making meaningful and heartwarming friendships in the most unlikely of situations.

Thanks to Libro.Fm for the ALC

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this dystopian scifi novel. It's set in the future, and the main character Riley Diaz is sent to an American Renewal Center (ARC) for reprogramming. She resists the gaslighting and fights to keep her convictions and her own mind. I loved that her friend in the ARC was named Frankenstein, who in another book was a monster. I recommend this story to anyone who likes rebellion, mental health, sci-fi, government conspiracy, etc. I listened to the story in audible format and really enjoyed the narrator as well. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me a copy of the audiobook, in return for an honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads First Reads for the opportunity to read this book

“Girl Interrupted” goes political. It is delightfully, sadistically messed up and ruthless. I loved it!

[BiblioPeeks]

I was a huge fan of the Babylon 5 science fiction series which J. Michael Straczynski wrote and so immediately wanted to read/listen to THE GLASS BOX. The main character Riley is a force to be reckoned with and has a strong sense of justice with a snarky wit. I also loved all the pop culture references.

Unfortunately although I love the concept and premise of THE GLASS BOX, I'm disappointed with the amount of f-words used by multiple characters MANY times throughout each chapter. I've given it until 30%, but I'm unable to finish it due to excessive language. Perhaps it would be different if I was reading the physical book and could skip over the offensive words, rather than listening to the audio and hearing the foul language repeated so often.

The narrator Stacy Gonzalez gave a great performance, and I had no trouble distinguishing between voices. She deftly conveyed emotion and did a great Irish accent!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a fast-paced , well-told story. Character development is amazing and I loved the ensemble cast. I also found the story thoughtful and realistic. This book is well worth the read. Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance reader copy.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is thought provoking and it gives a dystopian vibe. What started as protest that brings Riley’s Rebellion side soon begin to turn into dystopian reality as the dreadful truth unveils, secrets hauls off and the insight into human psyche shocked me.

Riley Diaz is half Irish and half cuban. She has a strong political opinion and for expressing that and attending a protest, she has been sent to American Renewal Center and there she is receiving a psychiatric treatment. While it’s all messed up, the political scheme and new legislation seems to be a deceiving web to eradicate people who are against them or powerful political people are determined to not loose access of the power they have been granted.

The author has not only portrayed the reality but also unveiled the truth behind the minds of psychologists. Riley is courageous and someone who genuinely cares about them. Riley follow moral values set by her mother. The author has given the glimpse of nightmarish future if political people will take the full control. Love how the author wrapped it up.

Many Thanks to Titan books and Netgalley

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley to one of the new detention centers know as an ARC. These are specialized centers set up for those who protest what the government is doing. Riley tries to escape. She he can not find a weak area in the perimeter and even the fortress has no weak areas. Riley realizes her only way out may be right through the middle of the building, Riley was a protestor and the government is taking away the right to free speech and the right to assemble. Because of her involvement, she is in what most of us would call today a mental institution. This is her story to get out if it and fight for the rights of the people and never give up your beliefs.

First off I have been a fan of J. Michael Stracynski’s for years and this new book does not disappoint. It had me from the first chapter to the end of the book. This was a fantastic books and a bit scary at the thought of some freedoms being taken away.
.

[Rachel Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

It's not groundbreaking, but it was a really fun, quick read! I read it in basically two sittings. I liked the story, I liked the characters, I liked the ending.

Someone else mentioned that it was a less good One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest...and I have to say that I kinda agree. One Flew Over is a masterpiece, absolutely incredible and anything that resembles it pales in comparison.

But the main point I wanna get across is that my eyes were glued to the pages of this book and since I'm in a bit of a reading slump, I'm happy to say this helped greatly.

[David Booy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read. I hesitate to describe it as "fun", as the subject matter is definitely food for thought in today's political climate, but the wit and humour JMS is known for in his comics writing is definitely here in full force.

There's pop culture references aplenty, which are nice to see as someone familiar with the franchises mentioned, but I do feel they make the novel somewhat less serious, and will prevent it from being held on the same pedestal as 1984/Fahrenheit 451/A Handmaid's Tale in the future, despite the similarities.

[Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic and very scary novel by JMS. It felt like a natural extension of one of the best Babylon 5 episodes "Intersections in Real Time" (in which the hero is also captured and imprisoned under inhuman circumstances) as it tacles the same themes of torture, freedom and resistance. Also, his two books before this one have also been bangers - and very different. I just love this guy ever since first watching B5.

[Sarah Gay (lifeandbookswithme) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riley is arrested after being present at a protest, something which is sweeping the nation after the American government starts to try and control its citizens more and more. She can choose between a prison sentence or being committed to a psychiatric facility for treatment by the government in hopes of”rehabilitation”. She meets many different patients and an archnemesis in the man who is her doctor.

This is my first book from this author and I just wanted a little bit more! I wanted more of a full picture of the dystopian world the author created as I didn’t feel like it was fully described. I liked Riley and the cast of characters, I thought “Frankenstein” was quite interesting. However, I just found it a bit anticlimatic. Still entertaining in parts, just didn’t totally hit home for me.

[Lindsey crazypretty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis said if you like Dark Matter you’ll love this … uhhhhh no. They aren’t even similar. This book wasn’t for me. Well told just boring.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 but not enough to round it up to 4 stars. Enjoyable though!

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read/watch anything J. Michael Straczynski writes. Together We Will Go was good, so I was happy to see he had another novel coming out, and I had to snag it on Netgalley.

As a warning: things are going to get political in this review. But things got political in the book that the review is about. Things never went explicitly in line with one party or another, and Riley herself says that she’d protest either side if what they were doing was wrong, but let’s be real – we all know who the authoritarian government in this book is standing in for. If you don’t like the politics in this review, take it as a sign that this book will not be for you and move on.

The basic premise – protesters being jailed and sent to “American Renewal Centers” for re-education to make them fall in line – seems terrifyingly plausible in the immediate context of the 2020 protests and the Trump administration’s response. This book would have felt more relevant then - here and now, in 2023, it seems less possible, but I think it’s important to cast our minds back to that time period and remember that at that time, things once considered "too far” were happening with frightening regularity – and to realize just how easily those fractious times could return.

As usual, the author’s greatest strength is in creating vivid, relatable, interesting characters. I loved Riley and her unbreakable spirit, and the fascinating cast of side characters who populated the mental hospital. The book was fast-paced, for all that it takes place mostly in a mental institution, and it kept my interest all the way through. Solid four stars.

Representation: POC characters (including main character)

CW: suicide, sexual harassment and assault, abuse of power, gaslighting, psychological torture, food restriction as torture

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[JHM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, terrifying, and inspiring.

[Festina Lente · Rating 2 out of 5]

Young woman is sent to a reform/mental institution after participating in protest against government.

Well paced dystopian tale of warning, with nods to One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest. However it is obvious and heavy handed in its warning and characters are somewhat flat.

[John Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this fiction or a pointed warning? Considering how "near future" it is, it feels like something that could happen tomorrow. Or that JMS is warning us is already in motion. A book about resistance and what the system will do to silence it. If anything, I feel like I wanted a bit more depth at times. The story moves pretty quickly and every detail comes together in the end.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 overall (Goodreads for the love of all that is good in this world please give us half star ratings)

The Glass Box is a Sci F/dystopian take on a not so distant future where protest and descent are not tolerated at all.

Together We Will Go is my all time favorite book, so my expectations, hopes, and wishes for this book were sky high. Overall, I really liked it. The main character was sassy, snarky, and sarcastic. Her kick ass and take names approach to life was so fun. I inhaled this book and read it so fast. JMS has a way of writing characters and stories that I cannot put down. The ending felt a bit rushed for me, and I would have loved to see more of that part of the story come out.