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Nation of Enemies
It’s all about the genetics. DNA. Black & white.
A decade ago the US government mandated that all citizens be issued biochips containing all of their medical information and an id number indicating a person’s health. Then they made the information public—the implications of which are wide-spread and devastating.
Now on the eve of the 2032 presidential election, the country is deeply divided and on the brink of civil war. But as the two major political parties face off, innocent Americans are dying at the hands of masked terrorists. When the Liberty Party’s presidential nominee is assassinated in a highly-coordinated, masterful attack, it sets off a chain of events that will change the course of history and leave America’s inalienable rights—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—dangling on the precipice of extinction.
A decade ago the US government mandated that all citizens be issued biochips containing all of their medical information and an id number indicating a person’s health. Then they made the information public—the implications of which are wide-spread and devastating.
Now on the eve of the 2032 presidential election, the country is deeply divided and on the brink of civil war. But as the two major political parties face off, innocent Americans are dying at the hands of masked terrorists. When the Liberty Party’s presidential nominee is assassinated in a highly-coordinated, masterful attack, it sets off a chain of events that will change the course of history and leave America’s inalienable rights—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—dangling on the precipice of extinction.
528 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2015
35 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Raynes
1 book26 followersH.A. Raynes was inspired to write NATION OF ENEMIES by a family member who was a Titanic survivor and another who escaped Poland in World War II. Combining lessons from the past with a healthy fear of the modern landscape, this novel was born. A longtime member of Boston’s writing community, H.A. Raynes has a history of trying anything once (acting, diving out of a plane, white water rafting, and parenting). Writing and raising children seem to have stuck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 21, 2015
Full disclosure: I know the author. (Yeah, I'm kind of a big deal.) However, my persistent resistance against the forces of
starflation
(not a word, but should be), combined with the fact that I'm simply not that nice of a person (there's a reason no one shows me baby pictures anymore) should restore some faith in my reviewer-ly credibility.
Social Engineering & (Not-So-Distant-) Future Crimes
I don't know much about the book biz (I assume it takes more than, say, six-weeks to write, edit, and publish a novel), but I do know a thing or two about Moore's Law and exponential growth. So, I'm pretty confident that there are quite a few elements of Nation of Enemies that were much more “futuristic” at the book's inception than they are now. “House, play acoustic channel” is a real thing that real people say, courtesy of various Internet of Things (IoT) contraptions. I'm no technophobe.* However, innovation is almost always accompanied by risk.† That risk, of course, usually comes in the form of other people.
Such is the case in the year 2032– modern day technologies and policies (electronic health records, “embryo profiling,” geolocation etc.) are taken to their extremes, and mixed with a hearty dose of a Brave New World -style caste system, leaving citizens' lives all but dictated by MedID numbers (conveniently implanted into their forearms‡). Oh, and also, it's an election year. So, as you might imagine, the surveillance state is in full swing.
Cast o' Characters
One of my favorite things about this book is that it's not a clear-cut case of good versus evil. The tension between liberty and security doesn't grow out of malice. Don't get me wrong, you've got some decidedly villainous players skulking around, but it's a world of tradeoffs— decisions have consequences, and there's a selfish side to everyone involved. That being said, certain individuals piqued my interest more than others.
Taylor Hensley is a single mother, graffiti artist, and daughter of the Boston Brahmin-esque presidential candidate. Basically, it would be as though Shepard Fairey (of HOPE poster fame) was Mitt Romney's son. Plus, she skedaddles about rooftops using suction cups, which is just so badass.
It's actually incredibly difficult to give my two-cents on almost any character without giving something away. Between the layers of deception (there are a lot of them), and my own fickle nature, I ran hot and cold with almost everyone.
So…
What separates this book from its catch-me-if-you-can kin is its tolerance for moral ambiguity. In a world of limited resources, wicked problems exist, and these problems have no definitive answers. At one point, a character reflects “How could we have brought another child into this world? What have we done?” And I found myself thinking, yeah— what were you thinking?!? (And not just for the same reasons that I found Baby Hater so gosh darn enjoyable). The story ends, but it doesn't feel like the conversation's over—and I like that.
_________________________________
* I'm literally a member of Data Analysts for Social Good . And not just because that makes such great pick-up line.
† Pick up a copy of Future Crimes , if you're in the mood to thoroughly terrify yourself with some non-fiction insight into these emerging vulnerabilities.
‡ Though, in this case, said forearms don't seem to feature vanadium bones.
Social Engineering & (Not-So-Distant-) Future Crimes
I don't know much about the book biz (I assume it takes more than, say, six-weeks to write, edit, and publish a novel), but I do know a thing or two about Moore's Law and exponential growth. So, I'm pretty confident that there are quite a few elements of Nation of Enemies that were much more “futuristic” at the book's inception than they are now. “House, play acoustic channel” is a real thing that real people say, courtesy of various Internet of Things (IoT) contraptions. I'm no technophobe.* However, innovation is almost always accompanied by risk.† That risk, of course, usually comes in the form of other people.
Such is the case in the year 2032– modern day technologies and policies (electronic health records, “embryo profiling,” geolocation etc.) are taken to their extremes, and mixed with a hearty dose of a Brave New World -style caste system, leaving citizens' lives all but dictated by MedID numbers (conveniently implanted into their forearms‡). Oh, and also, it's an election year. So, as you might imagine, the surveillance state is in full swing.
Cast o' Characters
One of my favorite things about this book is that it's not a clear-cut case of good versus evil. The tension between liberty and security doesn't grow out of malice. Don't get me wrong, you've got some decidedly villainous players skulking around, but it's a world of tradeoffs— decisions have consequences, and there's a selfish side to everyone involved. That being said, certain individuals piqued my interest more than others.
Taylor Hensley is a single mother, graffiti artist, and daughter of the Boston Brahmin-esque presidential candidate. Basically, it would be as though Shepard Fairey (of HOPE poster fame) was Mitt Romney's son. Plus, she skedaddles about rooftops using suction cups, which is just so badass.
It's actually incredibly difficult to give my two-cents on almost any character without giving something away. Between the layers of deception (there are a lot of them), and my own fickle nature, I ran hot and cold with almost everyone.
So…
What separates this book from its catch-me-if-you-can kin is its tolerance for moral ambiguity. In a world of limited resources, wicked problems exist, and these problems have no definitive answers. At one point, a character reflects “How could we have brought another child into this world? What have we done?” And I found myself thinking, yeah— what were you thinking?!? (And not just for the same reasons that I found Baby Hater so gosh darn enjoyable). The story ends, but it doesn't feel like the conversation's over—and I like that.
_________________________________
* I'm literally a member of Data Analysts for Social Good . And not just because that makes such great pick-up line.
† Pick up a copy of Future Crimes , if you're in the mood to thoroughly terrify yourself with some non-fiction insight into these emerging vulnerabilities.
‡ Though, in this case, said forearms don't seem to feature vanadium bones.
August 25, 2015
What happens when the government steps over the line in the lives of its citizens? This is one of the possibilities. The story line keeps your attention while you grow to really care for the characters. Religious zealots try to put a stop to the government's agenda and put their's in its place, while regular citizens try to right the wrongs even if it's considered an act of terrorism if they're caught. Then you have the undercover FBI agent who tries to stop the zealots while trying to keep his self alive when the government says he's turned.
Lots of action, and a very fresh interesting idea of government taking over control of it's people. 4 fangs.
Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock.
Lots of action, and a very fresh interesting idea of government taking over control of it's people. 4 fangs.
Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock.
March 4, 2016
I really, really enjoyed this book. It had amazing character development, with an excellent plot. As the plot thickens and the story goes on, the reader learns more and more about the characters themselves. This definitely adds to the plot, because the reader finds themselves caring about the characters more as the story gets more dangerous. Because of this, it heightens the tension, as you now care for the characters just as they are going through the hardest parts of the story.
This novel is especially important because it has many parallel's with today's society. The argument of privacy vs safety is prevalent not only in the story, but in the real world as well. With events like Snowden and most recently the debate between Apple and the FBI, it is clear that this is an important problem with our world today, and it is shown beautifully in "Nation of Enemies".
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, but I especially recommend this book to anyone who is interested in politics. Either way, though, it's a great read.
This novel is especially important because it has many parallel's with today's society. The argument of privacy vs safety is prevalent not only in the story, but in the real world as well. With events like Snowden and most recently the debate between Apple and the FBI, it is clear that this is an important problem with our world today, and it is shown beautifully in "Nation of Enemies".
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, but I especially recommend this book to anyone who is interested in politics. Either way, though, it's a great read.
February 17, 2019
As someone who analyzes healthcare data for a living I was instantly drawn in by one of the underlying premises of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author combined the hopes and fears of seemingly disparate groups into a single path in a chaotic, compelling and fast moving story. Well done.
May 7, 2016
It took me a little while to get into, but once I did, man, I raced through to the end. The last third of the book is truly in can't-put-it-down territory. I would definitely recommend this scary, edge-of-your-seat glimpse into an all too plausible future.
October 31, 2017
Intrigue
An interesting story. Requiring a vivid imagination, it does capture ones interest. Held my interest throughout the story, can recommend it.
An interesting story. Requiring a vivid imagination, it does capture ones interest. Held my interest throughout the story, can recommend it.
September 29, 2016
In Nation of Enemies, the mark of the beast has come in the form of a government mandated MedID system. While the initial intention is good, it soon transformed into a means for governments around the world to control and restrict people’s way of life, a new level of discrimination that has resulted in massive unrests and brought about a war that disrupts every fabric of human society. And so begins a thrilling ride of mystery, mayhem and suspense, full scale espionage packed with a maze of plot twists enough to keep you guessing and wondering till the very last page. And then you yearn for more answers (as you will understand why when you read it).
The story is very much dystopian in theme, but is very well written. The author paints a very realistic world, and transports you into each character’s environment, their struggles, thoughts and actions. Fast paced from the get go, every chapter is well written with no dull boring moment at any point in time.
Character writing and development is likewise top notch. Perhaps the one area where I thought more development and buildup could be better is on the romantic aspects of the story. However, this deficiency does not limit the flow of the story in any way.
All in all, a true page turner. The ultimate praise I have is an inner hope that we can see this on the big screen someday. It certainly has the right ingredients for it. Or maybe I should hope for a sequel first.
In Nation of Enemies, the mark of the beast has come in the form of a government mandated MedID system. While the initial intention is good, it soon transformed into a means for governments around the world to control and restrict people’s way of life, a new level of discrimination that has resulted in massive unrests and brought about a war that disrupts every fabric of human society. And so begins a thrilling ride of mystery, mayhem and suspense, full scale espionage packed with a maze of plot twists enough to keep you guessing and wondering till the very last page. And then you yearn for more answers (as you will understand why when you read it).
The story is very much dystopian in theme, but is very well written. The author paints a very realistic world, and transports you into each character’s environment, their struggles, thoughts and actions. Fast paced from the get go, every chapter is well written with no dull boring moment at any point in time.
Character writing and development is likewise top notch. Perhaps the one area where I thought more development and buildup could be better is on the romantic aspects of the story. However, this deficiency does not limit the flow of the story in any way.
All in all, a true page turner. The ultimate praise I have is an inner hope that we can see this on the big screen someday. It certainly has the right ingredients for it. Or maybe I should hope for a sequel first.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review
The story is very much dystopian in theme, but is very well written. The author paints a very realistic world, and transports you into each character’s environment, their struggles, thoughts and actions. Fast paced from the get go, every chapter is well written with no dull boring moment at any point in time.
Character writing and development is likewise top notch. Perhaps the one area where I thought more development and buildup could be better is on the romantic aspects of the story. However, this deficiency does not limit the flow of the story in any way.
All in all, a true page turner. The ultimate praise I have is an inner hope that we can see this on the big screen someday. It certainly has the right ingredients for it. Or maybe I should hope for a sequel first.
In Nation of Enemies, the mark of the beast has come in the form of a government mandated MedID system. While the initial intention is good, it soon transformed into a means for governments around the world to control and restrict people’s way of life, a new level of discrimination that has resulted in massive unrests and brought about a war that disrupts every fabric of human society. And so begins a thrilling ride of mystery, mayhem and suspense, full scale espionage packed with a maze of plot twists enough to keep you guessing and wondering till the very last page. And then you yearn for more answers (as you will understand why when you read it).
The story is very much dystopian in theme, but is very well written. The author paints a very realistic world, and transports you into each character’s environment, their struggles, thoughts and actions. Fast paced from the get go, every chapter is well written with no dull boring moment at any point in time.
Character writing and development is likewise top notch. Perhaps the one area where I thought more development and buildup could be better is on the romantic aspects of the story. However, this deficiency does not limit the flow of the story in any way.
All in all, a true page turner. The ultimate praise I have is an inner hope that we can see this on the big screen someday. It certainly has the right ingredients for it. Or maybe I should hope for a sequel first.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2016
Book Review. Nation of Enemies: A Thriller. H.A. Raynes. New York: HarperCollins/ Witness Impulse, 2015.
Set in the fourth decade of the twenty-first century, Nation of Enemies portrays a United States that is divided by an invention called the MedID—a chip that is implanted in almost everyone, from which their chances of developing dangerous diseases can be accurately predicted. Those who have “good” MedID numbers are the haves; those who have low numbers are the have-nots. The latter are unemployable, basically outcasts. Perhaps predictably, this has resulted in a “War at Home” between the two factions. The MedID is a brilliant invention by author Raynes, without which the story just wouldn’t work.
A horrendous event called the “Day the Planes Fell”—fifty hijacked planes—ruins parts of most major cities and sets off anarchy that threatens to tear the nation apart. From agents at the highest levels of the government to churches filled with the discontented, there is more than enough material with which to generate conspiracies and enmities. Raynes makes the most of these facets, constructing an elaborate scheme of plots and counter-plots.
The book is well-written. The author has done her homework on almost every aspect of the technology she describes. But readers know her characters primarily by how and what they think and do, not what they look like; physical descriptions are minimal. In fact, there are so many characters in the story that at times you may feel the need for a scorecard to keep track of them. But the author manages to keep them all well sorted out.
There are more twists and turns to the plots in this story than a snake with a bellyache. Nevertheless, you will be swept along like a raft riding rough rapids, carried willy-nilly toward a conclusion that only the author knows is coming. It quickly becomes one of those books that is hard to put down. Author Raynes promises a thriller, and she delivers.
Nation of Enemies is definitely a good read.
—G. David Thayer
Set in the fourth decade of the twenty-first century, Nation of Enemies portrays a United States that is divided by an invention called the MedID—a chip that is implanted in almost everyone, from which their chances of developing dangerous diseases can be accurately predicted. Those who have “good” MedID numbers are the haves; those who have low numbers are the have-nots. The latter are unemployable, basically outcasts. Perhaps predictably, this has resulted in a “War at Home” between the two factions. The MedID is a brilliant invention by author Raynes, without which the story just wouldn’t work.
A horrendous event called the “Day the Planes Fell”—fifty hijacked planes—ruins parts of most major cities and sets off anarchy that threatens to tear the nation apart. From agents at the highest levels of the government to churches filled with the discontented, there is more than enough material with which to generate conspiracies and enmities. Raynes makes the most of these facets, constructing an elaborate scheme of plots and counter-plots.
The book is well-written. The author has done her homework on almost every aspect of the technology she describes. But readers know her characters primarily by how and what they think and do, not what they look like; physical descriptions are minimal. In fact, there are so many characters in the story that at times you may feel the need for a scorecard to keep track of them. But the author manages to keep them all well sorted out.
There are more twists and turns to the plots in this story than a snake with a bellyache. Nevertheless, you will be swept along like a raft riding rough rapids, carried willy-nilly toward a conclusion that only the author knows is coming. It quickly becomes one of those books that is hard to put down. Author Raynes promises a thriller, and she delivers.
Nation of Enemies is definitely a good read.
—G. David Thayer
June 2, 2019
To be honest, Nation of Enemies by H.A. Raynes is a thriller, which is not one of my favorite genres, That being said, there were aspects of this book that I enjoyed. The book takes place in 2032, the year of the next Presidential election in a divided and troubled United States. Ten years ago, the US government had mandated that all citizens be implanted with biochips which contain all of their medical information and assigns each individual with an ID which indicates that person's health. The information is then used to deny such things as jobs because of the person's health or possible future health issues. The implications of receiving an unacceptable MedID are devastating to the person receiving that rating and there are groups or citizens who are secretly attempting to eliminate this system. Now, as the election nears, the US is on the edge of a civil war as the two major political parties vie for the office and innocent Americans are being killed by masked terrorists. Following the assassination of the nominee of the Liberty Party, a sequence of events begins that will determine the future of the US and perhaps end America's basic democratic rights. The characters in the book are fairly well developed and the story line is intriguing and thought provoking, so lovers of thrillers will probably love this book. As I said, I am not a fan of thrillers, but I did last the entire 512 pages without getting overly bored, so I cannot entirely pan the book Bottom line: It's all a matter of taste.
March 24, 2016
"Engaging" is often a word used to describe thrillers, but often as a reader I feel cheated by the word. H.A. Raynes is a rare writer who writes with great intention specifically so that the interactions you're reading are life-like. You think you know someone, and then suddenly, poof, a small mark in their character which was easily read over a chapter ago, suddenly becomes your main focal point (true engagement).
I'm not going to ruin the plot because that's not exactly a "cool thing" to do, but I will say that if you like books such as "Children of Men","Hunger Games"... really any kind of futuristic dystopia, you'll greatly enjoy this work, but be (delightfully) warned that it stand on it's own legs in the genre.
I sincerely hope that there are talks for a second book, because this one left me salivating for more.
I'm not going to ruin the plot because that's not exactly a "cool thing" to do, but I will say that if you like books such as "Children of Men","Hunger Games"... really any kind of futuristic dystopia, you'll greatly enjoy this work, but be (delightfully) warned that it stand on it's own legs in the genre.
I sincerely hope that there are talks for a second book, because this one left me salivating for more.
July 18, 2016
This book kept me turning pages faster than I have in a while! Great characters ... and they turn from good to bad in a blink, never really knowing who to trust until the end. If you love politics and religion, you will devour this book. If, like me, you despise talking about politics and religion, you will DEVOUR this book. It's INCREDIBLE how close the plot mimics what is going on in the world today with politics and betrayal and terrorism. H.A. Raynes adds just the right amount of science fiction to keep it grounded as a plot that could actually happen in 2032, which really makes you think. Can't wait for the sequel ... and the movie!
July 6, 2024
Nation of Enemies" by H.A. Raynes is a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless. 😮 Set in a future where biochips containing citizens' medical information are made public, this novel explores a deeply divided America on the brink of civil war. 🇺🇸 The assassination of a presidential nominee sets off a chain of events that will keep you turning pages faster than you can say "conspiracy." 🎭 While the pacing can be a bit too fast at times, leaving you wanting more backstory, Raynes has crafted a chilling and thought-provoking allegory to our current political landscape. 🗳️ I give "Nation of Enemies" 4 stars for its gripping plot and all-too-realistic premise. 📈
September 9, 2015
H.A. Raynes grabs your attention right from the start, and keeps you engaged throughout the entirety of this wonderfully written, suspenseful novel. I can't believe it's her first! Her character development was detailed but not so much that it took away from the plot. I will leave the details of the plot to the other reviewers who have done a good job with that already. The plot was unpredictable and extremely interesting. I did not want to put the book down!
I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on the next novel from H.A. Raynes.
I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on the next novel from H.A. Raynes.
September 20, 2015
A great, fast-paced thriller about an all-too-plausible future. This is a story about how good people can deal with very bad situations, and you end up really rooting for the protagonists, but it is the technological breakthroughs and the lack of political integrity in how they are used, leading to a societal breakdown, that leaves you really thinking about what might be if we are not careful. If you think electing Donald Trump might be a good idea, I suggest you read this and just imagine how that might possibly end up. My recommendation: buy it, read it, enjoy!
January 13, 2016
For a chilling, near-future thriller, check out Nation of Enemies by Holly Archibald Raynes. It's 2032, everyone has a biochip and is classified by their med score. Cole and Lily are trying to escape the war-torn U.S. with their son. Cole and their son have acceptable med scores, but Lily and their unborn daughter don't, so they return to a land where wealthy families live behind walls in "safe districts" and wear bulletproof "skins." America's inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are in danger. Read and find out what happens!
September 9, 2015
Loved this book! I read it over labor day weekend and it made a perfect beach day- luckily my husband was watching the kids because i was NOT paying attention at all- I was way too into this book. It's so nice to get lost in a good story and not want to put it down. Great characters and very suspenseful.
October 9, 2015
Author H.A. Raynes creates a near futuristic world that is not only plausible, you can feel, hear and taste. It is a masterful web of complex characters whose stories unfold through brilliant dialogue. Within the first few pages the plot took hold with a gripping force that wouldn’t let go. My only criticism is that I can’t seem to find any other works by H.A Raynes anywhere!
July 3, 2016
Excellent book... As good as I Am Pilgrim!
Written by a friend of a friend, I had low expectations for this book. Boy was I wrong! Very well written, suspenseful, clever, intelligent and scary. The storyline could be true in this crazy world we live in today. I REALLY liked it! Very well done...
Written by a friend of a friend, I had low expectations for this book. Boy was I wrong! Very well written, suspenseful, clever, intelligent and scary. The storyline could be true in this crazy world we live in today. I REALLY liked it! Very well done...
September 5, 2015
Interesting and well thought-out plot, with characters who have depth despite the fast pace, multiple perspective changes, and multitude of players. I was engrossed and a bit scared for the future of America. A thriller that makes you think is always good!
October 12, 2015
I LOVED this book! So many well-developed characters and so many fascinating story lines woven together.
August 9, 2016
I didn't want to put this book down. Full of well developed characters and plot lines. I loved having it set in places that I know too. :)
February 22, 2016
Raynes is a talented author. She presents us with a possible scenario of what the future could be like and it's scary that it could be like that.. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 1, 2016
Interesting read of a somewhat apocalyptic view that is creepy and, hopefully, total fiction.
August 31, 2016
A beautifully wrought page turner! I loved this book. Endearing characters, important global concerns and a fantastic journey. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2016
Nation of Enemies is a futuristic dystopian novel written by author H. A. Haynes. I expected more resolution, the ending seemed rushed. Would read a sequel.
May 23, 2024
finished 23rd may 2024 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner and i think the first from raynes...and yes, it is, do not have a raynes shelf yet. the year is 2032 and the u.s.a. has fallen further from its origins, much of the population has a medical chip embedded in their arm, all are subject to a number, and the magical cut-off of...what was it...74? below that and some characters are denied entry to england. an election is pending. a religious zealot wields power and seeks more. those elected are typical of the breed. much is chaos. there is little that is well and few things that will be well. by conclusion i wondered if there's another story to follow. there is a kind of conclusion, but some answers aren't as clear as i'd like. all in all, a good read.
May 12, 2016
What started out as a smart story built around all of the unforeseen repercussions of the MedID, an implanted medical chip that was meant to modernize medical care but actually extends the government's oversight of the population, devolves into a by-the-numbers thriller. The story was at its high point when it described the ramifications of how a quick DNA scan determines an individual's worth and potential drain on government resources. Particularly novel was an entirely plausible, near-future scene at the London airport where a judge denies entry to American citizens for reasons resulting from a MedID scan. Along those same lines, all of the chapters describing the resulting societal impacts were particularly interesting, including that rampant emigration from the United States, online schooling, cities being abandoned for simpler lives in rural areas and walled communities the only safe places to live. Unfortunately, a more familiar story evolves where a plot to overthrow the government takes shape and concludes with one of the more unsatisfying endings I can remember and I hope doesn't lead to future installments of a story that could have simply been addressed with a more definitive ending. There also seemed to be an inconsistency in technological advancement in the story considering its primary focus was the invention of the technological marvel in the MedID, yet people are still texting one another and guns certainly don't seem to have advanced at all. Overall, it was a decent story that just felt uneven at times, but my primary issue with the story was its inability to maintain the momentum of a promising premise.
September 29, 2015
Sometimes the comfort of reading fiction is knowing that it is not real. Sometimes that comfort comes as escapism from a fantasy story; sometimes it's relief from a horror story; or empathy and compassion from a love story. We take comfort in the pretend. It is what we need to balance out the reality of everyday living.
But when a piece of fiction depicts such a plausible near future — and a dark, dystopian one at that — it is truly chilling. That’s what HA Raynes has done here. The sheer real-world plausibility of the plot of Nation of Enemies is what makes it riveting. And terrifying.
It’s set in the near future but it is a thriller, not a science-fiction story. Even though the setting of N.O.E. is the run up to the Presidential election of 2032, everything about this story feels like it could feasibly happen 17 years from now. The MedID technology. The prevalence of fundamentalist cults. Abhorrent terrorist acts. The power of the healthcare industry. Abuses of digital privacy. Abuses of political power. If those injustices aren't already happening today...
At the same time, the characters are still humans. Not just humans, but human. They are relatable with ample flaws to accompany their strengths. The future setting doesn’t break the chain of their relate-ability.
It’s a quick engrossing read that ends up being a think piece about politics, privacy, family and fear and the role technology can (and will) play in all of these topics. Especially poignant in light of the 2016 elections.
I breezed through it and am left wanting more. And soon.
But when a piece of fiction depicts such a plausible near future — and a dark, dystopian one at that — it is truly chilling. That’s what HA Raynes has done here. The sheer real-world plausibility of the plot of Nation of Enemies is what makes it riveting. And terrifying.
It’s set in the near future but it is a thriller, not a science-fiction story. Even though the setting of N.O.E. is the run up to the Presidential election of 2032, everything about this story feels like it could feasibly happen 17 years from now. The MedID technology. The prevalence of fundamentalist cults. Abhorrent terrorist acts. The power of the healthcare industry. Abuses of digital privacy. Abuses of political power. If those injustices aren't already happening today...
At the same time, the characters are still humans. Not just humans, but human. They are relatable with ample flaws to accompany their strengths. The future setting doesn’t break the chain of their relate-ability.
It’s a quick engrossing read that ends up being a think piece about politics, privacy, family and fear and the role technology can (and will) play in all of these topics. Especially poignant in light of the 2016 elections.
I breezed through it and am left wanting more. And soon.
September 30, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Nation of Enemies is set in a futuristic environment both hostile and terrifying. The U.S. government mandated all citizens to implant biochips containing their medical information and an ID number…and then they made the information public. Set in 2032 with the country deeply divided, on the brink of a civil war, and with new presidential elections looming, the murder of the Liberty Party’s presidential nominee sets forward a chain of events no one could’ve foreseen.
The concept of citizens whose lives are dictated by their MedID numbers, basically a new kind off caste system, was original and unique and provided an interesting backdrop for this futuristic thriller. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional, and not everything is black and white. On the one hand stands liberty and on the other security, and unfortunately society can’t live without either of these. The books offers a few different main characters, but Taylor was my favorite. The cast is diverse, and allows the problems to be looked at from different angles.
Highly entertaining with solid writing and an interesting ambiguous view on certain matters, this was an enjoyable book.
Nation of Enemies is set in a futuristic environment both hostile and terrifying. The U.S. government mandated all citizens to implant biochips containing their medical information and an ID number…and then they made the information public. Set in 2032 with the country deeply divided, on the brink of a civil war, and with new presidential elections looming, the murder of the Liberty Party’s presidential nominee sets forward a chain of events no one could’ve foreseen.
The concept of citizens whose lives are dictated by their MedID numbers, basically a new kind off caste system, was original and unique and provided an interesting backdrop for this futuristic thriller. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional, and not everything is black and white. On the one hand stands liberty and on the other security, and unfortunately society can’t live without either of these. The books offers a few different main characters, but Taylor was my favorite. The cast is diverse, and allows the problems to be looked at from different angles.
Highly entertaining with solid writing and an interesting ambiguous view on certain matters, this was an enjoyable book.
January 29, 2017
I won an autographed copy of Nation of Enemies by H.A. Raynes in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the book. It had plenty of action and suspense as well as believable characters and inter-personal relationships. It covered some key philosophical questions such as what is or isn't acceptable in a "war", corruption on both sides of a power struggle, how difficult it is to sort out right vs. wrong or good vs. bad in real life, and what things like fanaticism and discrimination do to society. It does end on a bit of a cliff hanger as to what is going to happen to these characters and to the country after the climatic event at the end. I also wonder what happens to Harry the dog. As someone who has a neurological difference the ableism against those with "sub par MEDIDs" in the book was a personal one for me. Normally, I'd recommend this book to my dad so we could discuss it as I think he'd enjoy it. However, since he witnessed 9/11 with his own eyes I'm not sure if recommending a book where the given starting point of the "civil war" was the crashing or blowing up of fifty planes is ok or not. I would recommend the book for those who like action thrillers and/or suspenseful crime mysteries. If you do have a medical condition for which you are discriminated against or have witnessed a terrorist attack just be prepared for some possibly uncomfortable plot points.
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