The Bubble Society

by Steven J. Clinton

Gavin Owens never meant to be a problem.

Life just sort of happened that way.

And in a utopia like The Bubble Society, where every citizun ought to have the utmost gratitude for the wonderful life provided for them, it was completely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, Gavin never quite got the message, and when his plan to create a new pastime goes haywire, his life is set on a course he never bargained on, one that will lead Gavin Owens to learn the full story of The Bubble Society.

Genres: Fiction, Dystopia

481 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Steven Clinton was born in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1988. He moved to Colorado at the age of six and has spent much of his life in the state. Clinton enjoys all things outdoors, particularly when he can pursue activities alongside his family. Clinton holds a BA in Economics and MS in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University.

Reviews

[Threasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. This is a hard book to review. I really liked it and the story. I have never read anything like this with this plot. Gavin Owens lives in a utopia called Kingston. Everyone should be so grateful that they live in this utopia. But, Gavin wants something else and feels there is something else out there. Is the Bubble Society really a utopia? The only thing I can say is that the book could have been shorter and still got in the whole story. But, it is a very good book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, thank you so much for the ARC!

[Maureen Larrazabal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how The Bubble Society makes you think but still keeps the story entertaining. A really enjoyable read!

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers. Thank you.

Living in Kingston under the mandate of the Director, the people of the bubble society have been brainwashed into believing everything the government tells them and think they live in Utopia.

The status quo is challenged on several levels when Gavin tears his bubble suit breaking the rules. A flight to freedom and a whole new world awaits when he finally flees Kingston.

[Angela Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I especially enjoyed the rebellious characters Tesla and Gavin. Great all-around story of a fictional land, with characters coming to grips with a non trustworthy government. It reminded me of what some people believed during and after the covid epidemic here in the United States.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. It was different that’s for sure. If you like books about evil corporations and deceitful leadership this one is worth a try.

[Megan Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was good and I really liked the concept. It sped up very quickly towards the end, was worried it was going to end on a cliffhanger. It didn’t and I liked the twist. Should have liked a bit more closure though.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read 1984 I loved the narrative but was left a bit uninspired by the technology used by the authoritative overlords.

In ‘The Bubble Society’ Steve Clinton creates a narrative parallel to 1984 but gives his ‘utopian liberators’ the type of control that reflects the technological achievements of the last few decades.

The dystopian trope and its’ message is as potent today as it ever was and Clinton’s book illustrates that with his unique take on a society ensnared by the illusion of control.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bubble Society has a fascinating premise, where a society has been so brainwashed by their government that they voluntarily don full-body suits that provide all of their balance, nourishment, etc. and forgo all human tactile experience, while also submitting in various other ways. The metaphors are powerful, and of course some people can't handle this system, and most of this book follows non-rule-follower Gavin. The book takes quite a while to get going with the world-building, and takes some detours towards the end as well when the plot should be racing to the climax. Considering all of the buildup, the end is a bit rushed, and of course seeing what happens after would be very interesting. However, the perspectives of various Bubble Society folks with varying degrees of knowledge is very eye-opening in terms of how conspiracies function, and big lies perpetuate through conscious and subconscious actions as people deal with or ignore cognitive dissonance, angle for power, etc. Once we get outside the society is when things get very interesting, although it's hard to imagine how people reached the level of civilization and production as quickly as they did. The civilizations and geography are fascinating, as well as the mix of familiar and unfamiliar names relative to our world.
This is a very timely book given the many ways we make ourselves dependent on technology, government, and narratives.

[Francisco Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bubble Society is a masterful, timely dystopian thriller. It explores how digital comfort masks true control, using fear and propaganda masterfully disguised as necessary protection and total knowledge to subdue the population. Deeply thought-provoking and entertaining, the main character, Gavin Owens, lives in each of us, and this book will help to wake him up.

[CKC Enterprises, · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story and premise; thought provoking, engaging, and then captivating.
So many nods to current or recent world unfoldings- but with underlying themes timeless to humans. Excellent book!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the best giveaways I have won. I first and foremost want to thank the author for taking the time to sign this book before sending it out.
A fascinating premise and very interesting read.