Killswitch Review, The

by Steven-Elliot Altman, Diane DeKelb-Rittenhouse

In the spirit of Blade Runnerand Brave New World comes aterrifying postmodern vision...By the year 2156, stem cell therapy has triumphed overaging and disease, extending the human lifespan indefinitely.But only for those who have achieved Conscientious CitizenStatus. To combat overpopulation, the U.S. has sealed herborders, instituted compulsory contraception, and made technology-assisted suicide readily available. Yet in a world wherethe old can remain vital forever, America’s youth have littlehope of prosperityJason Haggerty is an investigator for the governmentagency responsible for dispensing personal handheld devicesthat record a citizen’s final moments. When three teens stagean illegal public suicide, Haggerty suspects their deaths mayhave been murders. Now he must uncover proof and preventa nationwide epidemic of copycat suicides. Trouble is,for the first time in history, an entire generation might justdecide they’re better off dead.“I’ve always considered Steven-Elliot Altman one of themost provocative voices in modern fiction, and KILLSWITCH,his collaboration with Diane DeKelb-Rittenhouse, once againconfirms this conviction.” —Stephen Susco, screenwriter ofThe Grudge“In the tradition of Philip K. Dick, Altman and DeKelb-Rittenhouse keep the action coming even as they measurethe psychosocial toll of tomorrow’s technology.” —WinstonEngle, Editor & Publisher, Thrilling Wonder Stories

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Steven-Elliot Altman is a bestselling author, screenwriter, graphic novelist and video game designer. His games include Acclaim's multiple award-winning title 9DRAGONS and Wooga's PEARL'S PERIL. Steve's novels include CAPTAIN AMERICA IS DEAD, ZEN IN THE ART OF SLAYING VAMPIRES, BATMAN: FEAR ITSELF, THE KILLSWITCH REVIEW, THE IRREGULARS and DEPRIVERS. He's also the editor of the critically-acclaimed anthology THE TOUCH and a contributor to SHADOWS OVER BAKER STREET, a Hugo Award Winning anthology of Sherlock Holmes Stories.

Reviews

[T.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it had a tendency to break into some "preaching" from time to time, this was an excellent tale of a future that I hope we never have to experience for ourselves.

[Tim Koves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in the future where genetic manipulations have greatly lengthened lifespan and people can choose to die when then want using government issued personal death discs. Overpopulation is becoming a problem and with older people now keeping all jobs, teen rebellions are becoming a real problem. Jason Haggerty is a government agent whose job is to review "presses" to ensure they were voluntary. He is contemplating ending his own life when he takes on a case in which teens start pressing and committing apparent suicides. The author has produced another thought-provoking novel which intertwines science fiction and social issue.

[Carolyn Chriss]

it's a good yarn and homage to Phillip K.Dick, taking current social trends to a logical, if extreme, conclusion. in this case, its the trend of the life expectancy of the 1% coupled with the ability to keep one's health and youthful looks well into a second century and the consequences on society. The classic murder mystery plot line attached to the concept is stretched to the limits but its still a good, smart read.