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Broadcast
The idea behind MindCast is simple. We insert a small chip into your skull and then every thought, every feeling, every memory is streamed live, twenty-four hours a day. Trust me - within a few months you'll be the most talked about person on the planet.
When David Callow is offered the lead role in a revolutionary new online show, he snatches at the opportunity.
Rapidly becoming a viral sensation, David is propelled to stratospheric levels of celebrity. However, he soon realises the downside of sharing every secret with the world.
A prisoner to both his fame and his own thoughts, David seeks to have the chip removed, only to discover the chilling secret lurking at the heart of MindCast, and the terrifying ambition the show's creator has for him.
When David Callow is offered the lead role in a revolutionary new online show, he snatches at the opportunity.
Rapidly becoming a viral sensation, David is propelled to stratospheric levels of celebrity. However, he soon realises the downside of sharing every secret with the world.
A prisoner to both his fame and his own thoughts, David seeks to have the chip removed, only to discover the chilling secret lurking at the heart of MindCast, and the terrifying ambition the show's creator has for him.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2017
123 people are currently reading
1611 people want to read
About the author
Liam Brown
33 books65 followersBrown’s debut novel, Real Monsters, was published in 2015 by Legend Press. Wild Life, which the Guardian called "a compelling, chilling investigation into the dark instincts of masculinity", followed in 2016, while his third novel, Broadcast, was published internationally in 2017. Described by the Daily Mail as "a short, sharp and shocking update of the Faustus myth", the book was also optioned by a major Hollywood Studio.
His new novel Skin, about a viral pandemic that puts the world into lockdown, was released in 2019.
His new novel Skin, about a viral pandemic that puts the world into lockdown, was released in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
December 8, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Broadcast follows David Callow, an internet vlogger who broadcasts his life to his millions of followers. Feeling like his celebrity status may be failing, and desperate to ensure his popularity doesn't wain, David accepts an offer he can't refuse to take the 'next step' in technological advancement by having a microchip inserted into his brain. What follows is the ability to see David's every emotion, thoughts and memories - broadcast live to billions of people, and David's realisation that you shouldn't always get what you wish for.
The plot for this is sort of predictable, in that you can kind of guess where this is going. Technology is bad. However, it's more of the journey that I enjoyed with this. It's a satire of our current generation, snapchatting and instagramming our way through life, with everything revolving around technology. It's the sharp look at what 'celebrity' means in this day and age, when ordinary people can become overnight sensations just by being 'normal'. But is what we see really a reflection of that person's true self or is it merely an online persona of a 'perfect life'? I liked how thought provoking this was for such a short novel. It certainly pokes a hole in the current perceptions of reality.
I also liked the issues raised around the restrictions David faces about freedom of speech and thoughts. It almost seemed to give off a 1984/Big Brother vibe. Everyone is watching David, his every move and thought is scrutinised and he's even blackmailed because of it at one point. As the plot quickened towards the end, this really came into play as we see David struggle internally to control his emotions, so as not to raise suspicions.
My only main problem with this was with David himself. He's deeply unlikable - at first coming across as selfish and self involved. He cares very little for anyone or anything other than gaining more followers and increasing his celebrity. Nobody seems to see the 'real' him, including the reader. This often made it difficult to feel sympathetic towards him, and up until about 60% of the way through his obnoxiousness was really putting me off reading any further.
The ending for this was really good. Nothing is neatly wrapped up, reflecting the imperfect balance of the 'true' world, and I felt the despair. Normally this would drive me mad, but it seemed to fit well with the overall theme of the novel.
A great thought provoking science fiction novel, if you can get past the abhorrent main character.
Broadcast follows David Callow, an internet vlogger who broadcasts his life to his millions of followers. Feeling like his celebrity status may be failing, and desperate to ensure his popularity doesn't wain, David accepts an offer he can't refuse to take the 'next step' in technological advancement by having a microchip inserted into his brain. What follows is the ability to see David's every emotion, thoughts and memories - broadcast live to billions of people, and David's realisation that you shouldn't always get what you wish for.
The plot for this is sort of predictable, in that you can kind of guess where this is going. Technology is bad. However, it's more of the journey that I enjoyed with this. It's a satire of our current generation, snapchatting and instagramming our way through life, with everything revolving around technology. It's the sharp look at what 'celebrity' means in this day and age, when ordinary people can become overnight sensations just by being 'normal'. But is what we see really a reflection of that person's true self or is it merely an online persona of a 'perfect life'? I liked how thought provoking this was for such a short novel. It certainly pokes a hole in the current perceptions of reality.
I also liked the issues raised around the restrictions David faces about freedom of speech and thoughts. It almost seemed to give off a 1984/Big Brother vibe. Everyone is watching David, his every move and thought is scrutinised and he's even blackmailed because of it at one point. As the plot quickened towards the end, this really came into play as we see David struggle internally to control his emotions, so as not to raise suspicions.
My only main problem with this was with David himself. He's deeply unlikable - at first coming across as selfish and self involved. He cares very little for anyone or anything other than gaining more followers and increasing his celebrity. Nobody seems to see the 'real' him, including the reader. This often made it difficult to feel sympathetic towards him, and up until about 60% of the way through his obnoxiousness was really putting me off reading any further.
The ending for this was really good. Nothing is neatly wrapped up, reflecting the imperfect balance of the 'true' world, and I felt the despair. Normally this would drive me mad, but it seemed to fit well with the overall theme of the novel.
A great thought provoking science fiction novel, if you can get past the abhorrent main character.
March 2, 2019
David Callow is an airheaded prick of a vlogger who's amassed millions of fans by filming his every (banal) move. With his popularity waning (even pointedly sticking his head out of a taxi window doesn't get him much attention from teenage girls anymore), his manager pushes him to accept a lucrative opportunity offered by tech mogul Xan Brinkley. The proposal is so extreme that even attention-addicted David has trouble accepting it: a microchip implanted in his brain will essentially broadcast his thoughts and feelings to the world 24/7. One drink-and-drug-fuelled night later, however, David wakes up to find he's uploaded an intoxicated video telling the world about, and agreeing to, the offer. With that, he becomes the first ever star of MindCast, 'the biggest show on Earth'.
It's not difficult to guess where this is going, but Broadcast is fast-paced and exciting, an incredibly quick and fun read. It worked on me like a literary earworm: once I'd started it, the story wriggled under my skin and I couldn't stop thinking about it until I'd finished. More than anything, it reminded me of a particular type of old-fashioned ghost/horror story – the type that delights in delivering a sticky end to an unpleasant protagonist. Loved the gutsy ending. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy of Broadcast from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
It's not difficult to guess where this is going, but Broadcast is fast-paced and exciting, an incredibly quick and fun read. It worked on me like a literary earworm: once I'd started it, the story wriggled under my skin and I couldn't stop thinking about it until I'd finished. More than anything, it reminded me of a particular type of old-fashioned ghost/horror story – the type that delights in delivering a sticky end to an unpleasant protagonist. Loved the gutsy ending. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy of Broadcast from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
June 13, 2018
Broadcast is the third book I’ve read by this author, and was another great read. It’s about a popular vlogger who agrees to have a chip placed in his head, so that his viewers are able to witness his every thought. Gulp! Can you imagine that? I’m sure I’d end up thinking all sorts of shocking things I don’t normally think about, in an almost self-destructive way. Like when someone says don’t think about a pink elephant. You’re all thinking about a pink elephant right now, aren’t you?
This had me feeling quite unnerved throughout. Not knowing how far things would go. Thinking about how I’d cope in that situation. Questioning what is actually real and what is imagined, and in the end does it make any difference if the brain thinks it’s real? I often wonder if my brain thinks I’ve experienced all the things I read about in novels. Does the brain process it differently if it’s just read about rather than physically experienced? I know the answer is yes, in that if you’re beaten up in real life, rather than having experienced it in a book, you’re more likely to be afraid or traumatised by the event. But what about dreams? Does the brain know the difference between waking experience and sleeping experience? I’m not sure mine does, as I have severe insomnia, very weird and vivid dreams, and spend my days walking around like a half asleep zombie. I have been known to question which part of my life is actually the real part on many occasions over the years.
Broadcast is a must for fans of the fabulous TV series Black Mirror and those who enjoyed the 2017 film called The Circle. I watched it recently and loved it.
I borrowed this book through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
This had me feeling quite unnerved throughout. Not knowing how far things would go. Thinking about how I’d cope in that situation. Questioning what is actually real and what is imagined, and in the end does it make any difference if the brain thinks it’s real? I often wonder if my brain thinks I’ve experienced all the things I read about in novels. Does the brain process it differently if it’s just read about rather than physically experienced? I know the answer is yes, in that if you’re beaten up in real life, rather than having experienced it in a book, you’re more likely to be afraid or traumatised by the event. But what about dreams? Does the brain know the difference between waking experience and sleeping experience? I’m not sure mine does, as I have severe insomnia, very weird and vivid dreams, and spend my days walking around like a half asleep zombie. I have been known to question which part of my life is actually the real part on many occasions over the years.
Broadcast is a must for fans of the fabulous TV series Black Mirror and those who enjoyed the 2017 film called The Circle. I watched it recently and loved it.
I borrowed this book through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
December 11, 2019
"Everything can be improved. Evolution doesn't just stop. There's always someone waiting in the wings, ready to take the next step."
David Callow is a popular online personality that daily broadcasts his opinions and thoughts to a growing fan base. When offered the chance to take part in the ultimate reality show, David is hesistant. David is given the chance to star in MindCast where, via a chip inserted in the back of his neck, all his thoughts, feelings and opinions would be broadcasted live. For twenty-four hours a day. Non-stop. Ultimately, David agrees and soon is one of the most recognized people in the world as more tune in to "see" what is happening to David each day. But with the fame also comes a much darker side and the consequences are brutal.
"Thoughts don't happen in isolation. They come wrapped in the baggage of a lifetime of personal experiences and history and education and all the rest of it."
This is not the typical book I like to read but the concept is quite intriguing so my interest was piqued. David Callow lives his life online. He shares just about everything about his private and personal life with his followers. Nothing appears to be off-limts. Which is the reason that he is given the opportunitty to star in MindCast, the ultimate reality show. A chip would have to be implanted at the base of his neck and through it all his thoughts would be broadcated live. Non-stop, twenty-four hours a day. Through an app on their cellphone, anyone could see what Davud is thinking. David is hesistant at first but soon the allure of the fame and fortune sway him. He gets the chip surgically implanted and the show begins. Its all fun at first but soon David learns of the lack of privacy is not worth the fame. Regaining his former life, however, is no easy feat. The people behind MindCast have too much at stake to let David go now.
For a fairly short book, it packs a punch. The concept behind this book is out there but not by much. We live in a time were privacy appears to not be a priority for some. Through Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and the countless reality shows (that I admit to have watched at some point or another) out there, were are privy of the personal lifes of many people. It all seems as harmless fun, at least initially. What this narrative highlights is the hidden implications and behind that fame, lies an ugly monster. The prose was straight forward and thought-provocking. I was torn between seeing David as victim or not. What he goes through is a nightmare but he choose to sign up for it to be seen. He was a victim of his own doing. While certain aspects are predictable (allowing access to all your private thougts to everyone could get dicey), this premise is chilling ans unsettling as it shows how infomation can become misinformation in a heartbeat. I can not say I enjoyed reading this book but it was a ride for sure and I will not be forgetting about it any time soon. This is a modern cautionary tale.
David Callow is a popular online personality that daily broadcasts his opinions and thoughts to a growing fan base. When offered the chance to take part in the ultimate reality show, David is hesistant. David is given the chance to star in MindCast where, via a chip inserted in the back of his neck, all his thoughts, feelings and opinions would be broadcasted live. For twenty-four hours a day. Non-stop. Ultimately, David agrees and soon is one of the most recognized people in the world as more tune in to "see" what is happening to David each day. But with the fame also comes a much darker side and the consequences are brutal.
"Thoughts don't happen in isolation. They come wrapped in the baggage of a lifetime of personal experiences and history and education and all the rest of it."
This is not the typical book I like to read but the concept is quite intriguing so my interest was piqued. David Callow lives his life online. He shares just about everything about his private and personal life with his followers. Nothing appears to be off-limts. Which is the reason that he is given the opportunitty to star in MindCast, the ultimate reality show. A chip would have to be implanted at the base of his neck and through it all his thoughts would be broadcated live. Non-stop, twenty-four hours a day. Through an app on their cellphone, anyone could see what Davud is thinking. David is hesistant at first but soon the allure of the fame and fortune sway him. He gets the chip surgically implanted and the show begins. Its all fun at first but soon David learns of the lack of privacy is not worth the fame. Regaining his former life, however, is no easy feat. The people behind MindCast have too much at stake to let David go now.
For a fairly short book, it packs a punch. The concept behind this book is out there but not by much. We live in a time were privacy appears to not be a priority for some. Through Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and the countless reality shows (that I admit to have watched at some point or another) out there, were are privy of the personal lifes of many people. It all seems as harmless fun, at least initially. What this narrative highlights is the hidden implications and behind that fame, lies an ugly monster. The prose was straight forward and thought-provocking. I was torn between seeing David as victim or not. What he goes through is a nightmare but he choose to sign up for it to be seen. He was a victim of his own doing. While certain aspects are predictable (allowing access to all your private thougts to everyone could get dicey), this premise is chilling ans unsettling as it shows how infomation can become misinformation in a heartbeat. I can not say I enjoyed reading this book but it was a ride for sure and I will not be forgetting about it any time soon. This is a modern cautionary tale.
October 1, 2017
If, like me, you believe that reality television and social media are, for the most part, terrible things contributing heavily to the decline of the moral fiber of society, you'll probably really enjoy this book. I think Black Mirror is one of the best and cleverest things to grace television in recent years, any book aspiring to that, nay, touting that on the front cover, is ambitious indeed. And Broadcast actually lives up to its boast. It tackles very important, very timely subjects like privacy, exposure, consent, free will and choices and does so in en entertaining yet thought provoking manner. David Callow is a star in a very modern meaning of the word, he is a pretty face with nonoffensive presence and no concept of privacy, who posts his unimportant vapid life on the internet for all to see, a vlogger extraordinaire. The fact that my spellcheck doesn't recognize vlogger as a word gives a glimmer of...but then again it's probably just a matter of time. David is given an opportunity of a lifetime, to broadcast his actual mind, live, 24/7, stream of consciousness style. Of course, seeking (more) fame and (more) money, he goes for it and sure enough...soon enough the set up turns out entirely more complicated and sinister than it originally seemed. Style wise this reads like a thriller, it's certainly paced like one, and yet at its soul, this book is a scifi story, a theoretically plausible scientific premise taken to an insane degree to shine the light on a socially relevant subject. And it succeeds greatly on both levels, it even works as a social satire, the readers are meant to walk away entertained yet uneasy, contemplating the very nature of our reality in a perception controlled world. Awesome story. Enthusiastically recommended. Thanks Negalley.
August 29, 2017
David is a rather shallow person but has become something of a personality because of his continuous vlogging. He shares just about every experience of everyday with his followers and he is doing very nicely from his inane posts.
Along comes a tech guru that offers him the opportunity to broadcast to his fans, live by direct feed, all he has to do is accept the terms and conditions, have a small implant and he is within days vlogging 24/7.
The journey David then goes on is one that starts off as curiosity, going through realisation that he can hide no thought from anyone to downright despair. Things like credit and debits cards are no longer things he can use because he would instantly tell the word his PIN. Anything needing a password cannot be accessed, again because his password would be broadcast to the world. Obviously there are good things too, like when he is hungry, all he has to do is think about that food and within an hour or so it arrives.
Eventually this all becomes too much for David and he attempts to escape from what has turned into a nightmare.
I really enjoyed this pre-distopia type story. Although it is relatively short it is full of insights into modern society, things like celebrity, fame, Reality TV and so on. The desire to be rich and famous outweighing almost every other desire.
If you like your Science Fiction relevant and with not much tech-talk I think you will really enjoy this one.
Thanks to Legend Press and Netgalley for a free prepublication copy
Along comes a tech guru that offers him the opportunity to broadcast to his fans, live by direct feed, all he has to do is accept the terms and conditions, have a small implant and he is within days vlogging 24/7.
The journey David then goes on is one that starts off as curiosity, going through realisation that he can hide no thought from anyone to downright despair. Things like credit and debits cards are no longer things he can use because he would instantly tell the word his PIN. Anything needing a password cannot be accessed, again because his password would be broadcast to the world. Obviously there are good things too, like when he is hungry, all he has to do is think about that food and within an hour or so it arrives.
Eventually this all becomes too much for David and he attempts to escape from what has turned into a nightmare.
I really enjoyed this pre-distopia type story. Although it is relatively short it is full of insights into modern society, things like celebrity, fame, Reality TV and so on. The desire to be rich and famous outweighing almost every other desire.
If you like your Science Fiction relevant and with not much tech-talk I think you will really enjoy this one.
Thanks to Legend Press and Netgalley for a free prepublication copy
October 25, 2017
Popular YouTube vlogger David Callow spends his entire day broadcasting his daily activities to his adoring fans. One day, tech mogul Xan Brinkley invites David to his offices and offers him the chance of a lifetime. Instead of spending his days creating content, a microchip can be installed into David's skull that will stream his thoughts directly to his subscribers. David is cautious at first, but he accepts after an acquaintance bruises his ego. The chance to gain more followers is seductive, but he soon realizes there are more sinister plans in the works.
Self-involved David has always shared the mundane details of his life with his fans, but joining the MindCast project takes his oversharing to the next level. There's a whole new set of challenges and pressures when his unfiltered thoughts are constantly streaming to millions of people. He grows suspicious of the technology when the screen reflects something that he's not actually thinking; of course, by the time he sees something on screen it is what he is thinking! The novelty of MindCast quickly wears off and the weight of being constantly watched makes him feel imprisoned. He gets frustrated interacting with people in real life because they focus more on his MindCast stream than him. He wonders if there's any point to his existence if everyone already knows his thoughts before he opens his mouth, but he's also doubtful that he has a purpose if no one's watching. He's addicted to "the warm rush" that likes and comments give him. Even in the direst circumstances, he can't help but strike a pose for the camera or think about how many people are watching. All the attention makes him feel important, but is he just another cog in the machine? Are his followers really that devoted to him or is he just a temporary distraction until the next big thing comes along?
Sometimes things really are too good to be true! This story raises interesting questions about the place of technology in our lives. It has improved many aspects of our lives, but there are also impulses that need to be kept in check. In this day-and-age, how many of us haven't sacrificed privacy in exchange for a free service? It may seem like no big deal now, but having your entire life on public display can have serious implications. The characters were flat and the last three parts felt a little slow, but Broadcast is an entertaining, plot-driven story that I read in one sitting. I loved the ending! Read those terms and conditions, people! ;)
____________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Legend Press. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It's available now!
Self-involved David has always shared the mundane details of his life with his fans, but joining the MindCast project takes his oversharing to the next level. There's a whole new set of challenges and pressures when his unfiltered thoughts are constantly streaming to millions of people. He grows suspicious of the technology when the screen reflects something that he's not actually thinking; of course, by the time he sees something on screen it is what he is thinking! The novelty of MindCast quickly wears off and the weight of being constantly watched makes him feel imprisoned. He gets frustrated interacting with people in real life because they focus more on his MindCast stream than him. He wonders if there's any point to his existence if everyone already knows his thoughts before he opens his mouth, but he's also doubtful that he has a purpose if no one's watching. He's addicted to "the warm rush" that likes and comments give him. Even in the direst circumstances, he can't help but strike a pose for the camera or think about how many people are watching. All the attention makes him feel important, but is he just another cog in the machine? Are his followers really that devoted to him or is he just a temporary distraction until the next big thing comes along?
‘That’s the trade-off, isn’t it? I get the convenience of free email or knowing how many calories I’ve burned at the gym or whatever and they get to know me a bit better so they can show me more relevant advertising. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Besides, I’m not a terrorist or a paedophile. Why should I care ..."
"Why should you fucking care? We’re talking about intelligence gathering on an unprecedented scale. Forget data mining. This is mind rape. The end of privacy as we know it. It’s not about advertising, you idiot. It’s about power. Control. Sure, the marketing men might be the first to come knocking, but sooner or later this information is going to end up in the hands of agencies whose only interest is the total suppression of your freedom. In the whole of history, no system of mass surveillance has ever existed that hasn’t ended up being hijacked by malevolent forces. All it would take is one bad election, and suddenly your populist-fascist government has access to the thoughts of every single citizen in the country."
Sometimes things really are too good to be true! This story raises interesting questions about the place of technology in our lives. It has improved many aspects of our lives, but there are also impulses that need to be kept in check. In this day-and-age, how many of us haven't sacrificed privacy in exchange for a free service? It may seem like no big deal now, but having your entire life on public display can have serious implications. The characters were flat and the last three parts felt a little slow, but Broadcast is an entertaining, plot-driven story that I read in one sitting. I loved the ending! Read those terms and conditions, people! ;)
____________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Legend Press. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It's available now!
January 27, 2018
3.5 Stars
Those who know me know that I am a little bit addicted to YouTube. Every day in short gaps of time that I have (too short to grab a book), I watch short videos on YouTube. I like to think I know who all the biggest YouTube stars are and am subscribed to the biggest channels. Also my absolute FAVOURITE Netflix show is 'Black Mirror'. So when I read the words "YouTube" and "Black Mirror" in the description of this book I had to see what it was all about.
Minor online celebrity David is approached by a massive technology company to participate in an all new social media concept known as "MindCast". Every thought and feeling will be streamed live online. Non stop. Initially slightly reluctant, David decides to go ahead and have the MindCast brain implant. This is when things start getting crazy. He suddenly becomes the worlds biggest celebrity. But there is a price to pay for all the attention, and ZERO privacy with his thoughts.
Fantastic concept for a book! I loved that it was futuristic, but at the same time not too far off some sort of reality. It was interesting to see how the fame and constant lack of any kind of privacy got to David.
David himself is a good character. I would say he is quite dislikeable and vain, but throughout the book and the massive weight that is on his shoulders, you cant help feeling a bit sorry for the poor bugger. By the end of it though I was feeling a bit less sorry for him...
Ok, it was right up my alley, a great concept and I enjoyed the tale of the main character. So why did I not give it a higher rating? Part of the problem for me was the ending. It just didn't do it for me. I saw the twists coming, and when it ended I felt a bit let down.
The story itself flowed, but became a bit dry by the end. I wanted a bit more grit. A bit more oomph. A few things were left unexplained and I was left overall feeling slightly unsatisfied. HOWEVER, still a fun read!
Would I recommend Broadcast?
Yes I really enjoyed the subject matter. Although I didn't give it the highest rating, it was still enjoyable and if you like YouTube and social media, you will most probably enjoy it too!
Thanks to the author Liam Brown via NetGalley for a copy of Broadcast to review.
Those who know me know that I am a little bit addicted to YouTube. Every day in short gaps of time that I have (too short to grab a book), I watch short videos on YouTube. I like to think I know who all the biggest YouTube stars are and am subscribed to the biggest channels. Also my absolute FAVOURITE Netflix show is 'Black Mirror'. So when I read the words "YouTube" and "Black Mirror" in the description of this book I had to see what it was all about.
Minor online celebrity David is approached by a massive technology company to participate in an all new social media concept known as "MindCast". Every thought and feeling will be streamed live online. Non stop. Initially slightly reluctant, David decides to go ahead and have the MindCast brain implant. This is when things start getting crazy. He suddenly becomes the worlds biggest celebrity. But there is a price to pay for all the attention, and ZERO privacy with his thoughts.
Fantastic concept for a book! I loved that it was futuristic, but at the same time not too far off some sort of reality. It was interesting to see how the fame and constant lack of any kind of privacy got to David.
David himself is a good character. I would say he is quite dislikeable and vain, but throughout the book and the massive weight that is on his shoulders, you cant help feeling a bit sorry for the poor bugger. By the end of it though I was feeling a bit less sorry for him...
Ok, it was right up my alley, a great concept and I enjoyed the tale of the main character. So why did I not give it a higher rating? Part of the problem for me was the ending. It just didn't do it for me. I saw the twists coming, and when it ended I felt a bit let down.
The story itself flowed, but became a bit dry by the end. I wanted a bit more grit. A bit more oomph. A few things were left unexplained and I was left overall feeling slightly unsatisfied. HOWEVER, still a fun read!
Would I recommend Broadcast?
Yes I really enjoyed the subject matter. Although I didn't give it the highest rating, it was still enjoyable and if you like YouTube and social media, you will most probably enjoy it too!
Thanks to the author Liam Brown via NetGalley for a copy of Broadcast to review.
September 12, 2017
Pros: terrifying yet plausible premise
Cons: things go predictably badly
Vlogger David Callow meets with the creator of OptimiZer, Xan Brinkley, and is offered the staring role in a new entertainment program. The show is called MindCast and will broadcast what David’s thinking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
David is a fairly apathetic character when the book starts. He doesn’t really care about anything other than the number of views and likes his videos get, barely paying attention during the meeting that changes his life. He’s not particularly satisfied with the way his life is going, though he projects an image for his fans of a life that is fun and glamorous. So it’s interesting seeing him come to a slow realization of what having his thoughts projected to the world means with regards to his privacy, his safety, and his sense of self.
I was shocked by how few questions David had about the program. While he doesn’t seem to care about his privacy in general, he never asks how things like going to the bathroom or having sex would be dealt with. David is oblivious to the potential downfalls of having everyone able to see his thoughts at all times, so the conversations that point out how this technology can be used or abused are interesting. Even more interesting are the early unexpected side-effects, some of which I hadn’t considered.
While the main plot of the book is fairly predictable, the book’s premise, that some people can be so enamoured of themselves that they’ll give up all privacy in return for fame, is believable. And the results of such an act, are as horrific as you can imagine. You feel a real sense of dread as the book progresses, for a variety of reasons.
It’s a fairly short book and is an entertaining cautionary story.
Cons: things go predictably badly
Vlogger David Callow meets with the creator of OptimiZer, Xan Brinkley, and is offered the staring role in a new entertainment program. The show is called MindCast and will broadcast what David’s thinking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
David is a fairly apathetic character when the book starts. He doesn’t really care about anything other than the number of views and likes his videos get, barely paying attention during the meeting that changes his life. He’s not particularly satisfied with the way his life is going, though he projects an image for his fans of a life that is fun and glamorous. So it’s interesting seeing him come to a slow realization of what having his thoughts projected to the world means with regards to his privacy, his safety, and his sense of self.
I was shocked by how few questions David had about the program. While he doesn’t seem to care about his privacy in general, he never asks how things like going to the bathroom or having sex would be dealt with. David is oblivious to the potential downfalls of having everyone able to see his thoughts at all times, so the conversations that point out how this technology can be used or abused are interesting. Even more interesting are the early unexpected side-effects, some of which I hadn’t considered.
While the main plot of the book is fairly predictable, the book’s premise, that some people can be so enamoured of themselves that they’ll give up all privacy in return for fame, is believable. And the results of such an act, are as horrific as you can imagine. You feel a real sense of dread as the book progresses, for a variety of reasons.
It’s a fairly short book and is an entertaining cautionary story.
December 27, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Touted as a Truman Show-like nightmare for the YouTube generation, this book is pertinent in our social media saturated times. Although I found the main character David unrealistically naive, even within the framework of his exceedingly shallow personality (what 25 year old male - or anyone for that matter - would be deluded enough to think ALL of his thoughts were PG enough for the consumption by the general public?), the story was pacy, the narrative well executed, and the ending oh so just. What's truly frightening about the premise of this novel is that it isn't all that far fetched.
Touted as a Truman Show-like nightmare for the YouTube generation, this book is pertinent in our social media saturated times. Although I found the main character David unrealistically naive, even within the framework of his exceedingly shallow personality (what 25 year old male - or anyone for that matter - would be deluded enough to think ALL of his thoughts were PG enough for the consumption by the general public?), the story was pacy, the narrative well executed, and the ending oh so just. What's truly frightening about the premise of this novel is that it isn't all that far fetched.
Read
September 25, 2017Review to come.
Definitely has a taste of Black Mirror to it, but I can't help but feel that anyone who has seen an episode of Black Mirror will find this highly predictable.
Definitely has a taste of Black Mirror to it, but I can't help but feel that anyone who has seen an episode of Black Mirror will find this highly predictable.
November 1, 2017
A fast paced and thought provoking book, Broadcast explores what would happen if our every thought was transmitted to millions of viewers. David Callow is an egotistical vlogger who takes the chance to expand his fame by appearing in a new online show MindCast. We follow as he has a microchip inserted into his brain which transmits his thoughts, feelings and memories online 24/7 to MindCast’s viewers in a big brother style documentary. As the show goes on David’s wishes to become a major celebrity are fulfilled but he also discovers the dangers and darkside of Mindcast and the shows producers terrifying vision.
Broadcast delves into what it means to be a celebrity. The instant fame of our generation. It holds a mirror to lives in the public eye through facebook, twitter and online media where what we see is an edited online persona of an ideal life not a true reflection of reality. It conveys a “Black Mirror” style social satire on the potential for abuse and evil within social medias future. Freedom of speech, subliminal advertising, online privacy, social responsibility and other moral dilemmas are thrown into the mix, as the plot speeds along adding interesting narration on today’s society. At under 300 pages its a relatively short book which delivers a dark, unsettling vision of the future. Despite having a base in technology there is very little tech talk which adds to the easy read though it might disappoint people who prefer more hard sci-fi. The ending leaves many loose ends hanging which fit well with the style of the novel, echoing real life. Paranoia seeps out of the pages as you realise how plausible the story is with our increasingly digitalised world. Although I did not completely agree with all the commentary the author paints a horrifying vision of an online future.
I found the main character David to be an air-headed celebrity obsessed with getting more followers. It was hard to like him at all with his self-involved and obnoxious character that only seemed to care about fame. However this didn’t distract from the book. It was interesting to see how he reacted to each situation he got into and he does get less selfish towards the end. Even though I did not sympathise with him, the fast pace of the book kept me hooked. There are many plot twists as the book hurtles along through this near future setting. I wanted to see what would happen next as the author explored the pros and cons of Mindcast and fame through David’s eyes.
Overall a thrilling, fast paced, sinister sci-fi which was an quick enjoyable read.
I’d recommend to anyone who likes: Science fiction, fast paced reads, blogging, big-brother dystopia, near-future society.
Broadcast delves into what it means to be a celebrity. The instant fame of our generation. It holds a mirror to lives in the public eye through facebook, twitter and online media where what we see is an edited online persona of an ideal life not a true reflection of reality. It conveys a “Black Mirror” style social satire on the potential for abuse and evil within social medias future. Freedom of speech, subliminal advertising, online privacy, social responsibility and other moral dilemmas are thrown into the mix, as the plot speeds along adding interesting narration on today’s society. At under 300 pages its a relatively short book which delivers a dark, unsettling vision of the future. Despite having a base in technology there is very little tech talk which adds to the easy read though it might disappoint people who prefer more hard sci-fi. The ending leaves many loose ends hanging which fit well with the style of the novel, echoing real life. Paranoia seeps out of the pages as you realise how plausible the story is with our increasingly digitalised world. Although I did not completely agree with all the commentary the author paints a horrifying vision of an online future.
I found the main character David to be an air-headed celebrity obsessed with getting more followers. It was hard to like him at all with his self-involved and obnoxious character that only seemed to care about fame. However this didn’t distract from the book. It was interesting to see how he reacted to each situation he got into and he does get less selfish towards the end. Even though I did not sympathise with him, the fast pace of the book kept me hooked. There are many plot twists as the book hurtles along through this near future setting. I wanted to see what would happen next as the author explored the pros and cons of Mindcast and fame through David’s eyes.
Overall a thrilling, fast paced, sinister sci-fi which was an quick enjoyable read.
I’d recommend to anyone who likes: Science fiction, fast paced reads, blogging, big-brother dystopia, near-future society.
September 24, 2017
Vlogger David Callow cherished fame but he might rue the day he got involved with MindCast.
Wow! What a book. Stunning stuff! I must say something straight away about the overall quality of Liam Brown’s writing. He doesn’t waste a word. He knows exactly what sentence length, syntax and vocabulary to use to ensnare a reader so that they can’t stop reading. Breaks in the text are so perfectly placed and presented with mini cliffhangers and often terrifying brevity so that with a single word Liam Brown conveys absolutely everything he needs his reader to understand. I loved the fact that these breaks were also represented by an image of that irritating cog we all get as our computers buffer incoming information. Sheer genius. So too is the overall structure. I wasn’t initially sure why the narrative moved from the third to first person voice but when I understood I could only admire the technique completely.
I read much of the book with my pulse rate elevated because what Liam Brown presents is an only too realistic, horrifying, view of what we could become if we allow technology to take over our lives much further. I genuinely think this is one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read because it is so plausible. We’re a blink away from the events in Broadcast as we spiral further into the online celebrity culture of the C21st.
The plot races along so that Dave’s life becomes a nightmare spectacle not just for those in the book but for the reader too.
Not only is Broadcast exceptionally well written and utterly entertaining and absorbing, it is a book that strikes fear into the heart and soul of anyone who has ever posted anything online. It has actually made me think carefully about continuing to blog and post to social media or instead just quietly disappearing from this online world.
I think Liam Brown’s Broadcast is utterly phenomenal and everyone should read it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/09/23/...
Wow! What a book. Stunning stuff! I must say something straight away about the overall quality of Liam Brown’s writing. He doesn’t waste a word. He knows exactly what sentence length, syntax and vocabulary to use to ensnare a reader so that they can’t stop reading. Breaks in the text are so perfectly placed and presented with mini cliffhangers and often terrifying brevity so that with a single word Liam Brown conveys absolutely everything he needs his reader to understand. I loved the fact that these breaks were also represented by an image of that irritating cog we all get as our computers buffer incoming information. Sheer genius. So too is the overall structure. I wasn’t initially sure why the narrative moved from the third to first person voice but when I understood I could only admire the technique completely.
I read much of the book with my pulse rate elevated because what Liam Brown presents is an only too realistic, horrifying, view of what we could become if we allow technology to take over our lives much further. I genuinely think this is one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read because it is so plausible. We’re a blink away from the events in Broadcast as we spiral further into the online celebrity culture of the C21st.
The plot races along so that Dave’s life becomes a nightmare spectacle not just for those in the book but for the reader too.
Not only is Broadcast exceptionally well written and utterly entertaining and absorbing, it is a book that strikes fear into the heart and soul of anyone who has ever posted anything online. It has actually made me think carefully about continuing to blog and post to social media or instead just quietly disappearing from this online world.
I think Liam Brown’s Broadcast is utterly phenomenal and everyone should read it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/09/23/...
April 1, 2020
This super little pseudo-dystopian adventure is all about - FPPC - Freedom, Privacy, Power and Control. The way forward: Select one techno-savy, ego-centric, fame-seeking, incredibly naive subject, insert computer chip, download data, upload data, live the dreams - dreams - dreams...surreal-time, direct operations and make pots and pots and pots of lovely money. And hey- presto, guaranteed fame and fortune - the world's your oyster! But maybe, just not quite that simple.
Lots of creativity, fine detail, futuristic imagination and great ideas in this very enjoyable little fantasy tale. I particularly loved the start (20%) and the ending (20%) as the narrative was both centred upon the corporation whilst also being about the corporation but felt it was not quite as strong when the main character was left to his own devices when in the real world constantly striving to be 'top online celebrity - cool dude, No.1' - bar none! 'Does every cloud actually have a silver lining (?)' - Top top: Green light - proceed, read and discover. Overall - Lots to enjoy in this great little story. Rating: 4.4 stars.
Lots of creativity, fine detail, futuristic imagination and great ideas in this very enjoyable little fantasy tale. I particularly loved the start (20%) and the ending (20%) as the narrative was both centred upon the corporation whilst also being about the corporation but felt it was not quite as strong when the main character was left to his own devices when in the real world constantly striving to be 'top online celebrity - cool dude, No.1' - bar none! 'Does every cloud actually have a silver lining (?)' - Top top: Green light - proceed, read and discover. Overall - Lots to enjoy in this great little story. Rating: 4.4 stars.
August 23, 2017
Las peores pesadillas digitales se hacen realidad con este libro de Liam Brown. Como ya lo han dicho, es muy por el corte de la serie de TV Black Mirror. En él vemos la historia del joven David Callow, un Youtuber británico que acepta ser parte de un experimento llamado MindCast: un implante cerebral que transmite y reconoce las ondas cerebrales, convirtiéndolo en un reality show de 24 horas los 365 días de la semana.
El experimento que la comienzo es excitante y curioso, pasa a convertirse en una pesadilla cuando Callow empieza a perder su privacidad, amistades y familia. La lectura, así como la escritura de esta novela es intensa y llena de detalles. Brown logra transmitir las emociones del personaje de manera clara y atrapar al lector. Sin duda, un libro apropiado para estos tiempos de sobreconexión digital.
Gracias a NetGalley por la copia adelantada de este libro :D
El experimento que la comienzo es excitante y curioso, pasa a convertirse en una pesadilla cuando Callow empieza a perder su privacidad, amistades y familia. La lectura, así como la escritura de esta novela es intensa y llena de detalles. Brown logra transmitir las emociones del personaje de manera clara y atrapar al lector. Sin duda, un libro apropiado para estos tiempos de sobreconexión digital.
Gracias a NetGalley por la copia adelantada de este libro :D
November 23, 2017
“Why should I care ? He shouts. Why should you fucking care ? We’re talking about intelligence gathering on an unprecedented scale. Forget data mining. This is mind rape. The end of privacy as we know it. It’s not about advertising, you idiot. Its about power. Control. ...sooner or later this information is going to end up in the hands of agencies whose only interest os the total suppression of your freedom. “
Very good book that shows how a futuristic reality show could be, the consequences and what cost to get your freedom back.
5 🌟
Very good book that shows how a futuristic reality show could be, the consequences and what cost to get your freedom back.
5 🌟
October 5, 2017
TV shows/books such as Black Mirror or The Circle are immensely popular for our internet based modern society. They plays on our fears, concerns and attitude concerning many different elements of ourselves, how we act as individuals and as a civilisation. Broadcast takes some of the ideas explored by programs such as BM takes it to another level. Broadcast is a technological vision of the future of sharing, interaction, socialising and uploading. I was instantly caught up in this mesmerising tale of a YouTuber who sells his soul (and his brain) for unlimited fame. I highly recommend for fans of surreal technology themed tales like those explored in programs such as Black Mirror or The Truman Show.
David Callow is a YouTube star. He draws fans in with his relatable personality and his quirky nature. David is about to attend the biggest meeting of his career. Technology superstar Xan Brinkley wants to make David famous beyond his wildest dreams.
“You’re a commentator. A critic. You live your life and then you talk about it. Simple as that. And people go crazy for it. They know you. They like you. They value your opinion.”
Xan has developed a device called MindCast that will allow David to turn his life, and himself, into an entirely new social media platform. All he would need to do is have a ‘minor surgery’ to have a chip inserted in his brain stem; then David will be able to stream his life in its entirety. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. David knows that Xan is a visionary, and excepts this offer. All he has to do is sign on the dotted line and he will become the most famous person ever to have lived.
“Imagine a show where instead of droning on endlessly to the camera about what you thought of a film, or what you ate for breakfast, or what you did at the weekend, we actually get to see it, right then and there. No lag. No delay. No clumsy description. Just a direct feed, straight from your brain to the screen.”
I had a lot of fun with Broadcast. The technology explored within its pages was my favourite element of the novel. I can’t go into it too much as this is a short novel and the spoilers are in the details, but David’s brain chip does some amazing things. I loved the inclusion Plutchik’s wheel of emotions, I found it truly fascinating to learn about all the colour definitions of our emotions. Liam Brown has written this novel at the perfect time. The internet is at a pivotal stage in its evolution and Xan’s MindCast is one of the many visions of the next stage of online presences that are created everyday.
Brown’s writing was balanced perfectly, combining the youthful exhilaration of content creation and cynical avoidance of anything internet related. I was glad that Brown acknowledged all the common opinions of technology, otherwise this novel could have turned out quite irritating. The element I most appreciated about LB was the way he created two versions of David. The juxtaposition of Online David and Real-Life David creates a fascinating narrative and all of David true thoughts are made public, every second of everyday, despite his protests.
“At least when I was making videos, I had some control over what was going out. I could edit them, you know? But with this, there’s no filter. I’m just vomiting up the undigested contents of my brain. It’s exhausting.”
I enjoyed the way that Brown took something extremely un-human like the internet and made it human, feeding it through David’s mind. Of course this wouldn’t be a great novel with lots of risk and drama, and there is plenty to sink your teeth into here. MindCast takes the world by storm and David is suddenly the most important person in the world. A technological wonder. More importantly, the most effective advertising method for huge audiences, 500,000,000+ followers and counting. Soon David is suffocating in his own fame and wants out. But the contract states that David is obliged to continue broadcasting. This novel is a huge warning, saying READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WHATEVER YOU ARE SIGNING ON THE INTERNET!
Overall I really enjoyed Broadcast. Brown’s writing is sleek, modern and shocking. He writes with a wider understanding of the world’s fixation on technology. I appreciated his brevity with this story. Short and punchy was definitely the right choice, I think if this was to be any longer it would have been too much. Themes like pride, selfishness and self-absorption combined with panic, fearing the unknown and shady dealings makes for an interesting read. Check it out and let me know what you thought.
David Callow is a YouTube star. He draws fans in with his relatable personality and his quirky nature. David is about to attend the biggest meeting of his career. Technology superstar Xan Brinkley wants to make David famous beyond his wildest dreams.
“You’re a commentator. A critic. You live your life and then you talk about it. Simple as that. And people go crazy for it. They know you. They like you. They value your opinion.”
Xan has developed a device called MindCast that will allow David to turn his life, and himself, into an entirely new social media platform. All he would need to do is have a ‘minor surgery’ to have a chip inserted in his brain stem; then David will be able to stream his life in its entirety. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. David knows that Xan is a visionary, and excepts this offer. All he has to do is sign on the dotted line and he will become the most famous person ever to have lived.
“Imagine a show where instead of droning on endlessly to the camera about what you thought of a film, or what you ate for breakfast, or what you did at the weekend, we actually get to see it, right then and there. No lag. No delay. No clumsy description. Just a direct feed, straight from your brain to the screen.”
I had a lot of fun with Broadcast. The technology explored within its pages was my favourite element of the novel. I can’t go into it too much as this is a short novel and the spoilers are in the details, but David’s brain chip does some amazing things. I loved the inclusion Plutchik’s wheel of emotions, I found it truly fascinating to learn about all the colour definitions of our emotions. Liam Brown has written this novel at the perfect time. The internet is at a pivotal stage in its evolution and Xan’s MindCast is one of the many visions of the next stage of online presences that are created everyday.
Brown’s writing was balanced perfectly, combining the youthful exhilaration of content creation and cynical avoidance of anything internet related. I was glad that Brown acknowledged all the common opinions of technology, otherwise this novel could have turned out quite irritating. The element I most appreciated about LB was the way he created two versions of David. The juxtaposition of Online David and Real-Life David creates a fascinating narrative and all of David true thoughts are made public, every second of everyday, despite his protests.
“At least when I was making videos, I had some control over what was going out. I could edit them, you know? But with this, there’s no filter. I’m just vomiting up the undigested contents of my brain. It’s exhausting.”
I enjoyed the way that Brown took something extremely un-human like the internet and made it human, feeding it through David’s mind. Of course this wouldn’t be a great novel with lots of risk and drama, and there is plenty to sink your teeth into here. MindCast takes the world by storm and David is suddenly the most important person in the world. A technological wonder. More importantly, the most effective advertising method for huge audiences, 500,000,000+ followers and counting. Soon David is suffocating in his own fame and wants out. But the contract states that David is obliged to continue broadcasting. This novel is a huge warning, saying READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WHATEVER YOU ARE SIGNING ON THE INTERNET!
Overall I really enjoyed Broadcast. Brown’s writing is sleek, modern and shocking. He writes with a wider understanding of the world’s fixation on technology. I appreciated his brevity with this story. Short and punchy was definitely the right choice, I think if this was to be any longer it would have been too much. Themes like pride, selfishness and self-absorption combined with panic, fearing the unknown and shady dealings makes for an interesting read. Check it out and let me know what you thought.
September 15, 2017
Broadcast moves at an incredibly fast-pace and takes the reader on a whirlwind of ride! As a sci-fi novel, Brown chose the perfect writing style for this novel, it’s simple and to the point, just like social media, you use the least words to say what you have to say – Broadcast does just that, it’s to the point, both exciting and chilling at the same time.
David isn’t a particularly likeable character, not a first anyway, caught up in his YouTube fame, he’s young and full of himself. As the plot progresses, and MindCast becomes his life, the realisation of what he’s signed up for hits him, and as he struggles to handle his new-found levels of fame, you grow to feel sympathetic towards him. And see how what he is facing must be truly terrifying.
Brown did a great job using technological advances in this novel, yes, they are far-fetched at the moment but in fifteen, twenty years’ time, will novels like this still be classed as science-fiction? And that’s where the chill factor enters this novel, it opens your mind to the possibilities advances in technology can and will bring. At first, it’s great, you just think about wanting a cup of tea and the kettle begins to boil, but when people begin to advance this technology to take away your control, it’s suddenly not so great anymore.
I don’t want any spoilers so I’ll be vague in this next sentence. Brown creates some amazing scenes in this novel, they are so clever and display an ability to manipulate reality and, dare I say it, manipulate the readers mind! There were also some characters in this novel that really surprised me in their actions, some in a good way, some in a bad way. But there’s no denying, Broadcast, takes ‘Big Brother’ to a whole new and frightening level!
I’m so glad I discovered this novel, because it was truly enjoyable from cover to cover, it can be devoured in one-sitting and I have no reservations recommending it.
*My thanks to the publisher (Legend Press) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
David isn’t a particularly likeable character, not a first anyway, caught up in his YouTube fame, he’s young and full of himself. As the plot progresses, and MindCast becomes his life, the realisation of what he’s signed up for hits him, and as he struggles to handle his new-found levels of fame, you grow to feel sympathetic towards him. And see how what he is facing must be truly terrifying.
Brown did a great job using technological advances in this novel, yes, they are far-fetched at the moment but in fifteen, twenty years’ time, will novels like this still be classed as science-fiction? And that’s where the chill factor enters this novel, it opens your mind to the possibilities advances in technology can and will bring. At first, it’s great, you just think about wanting a cup of tea and the kettle begins to boil, but when people begin to advance this technology to take away your control, it’s suddenly not so great anymore.
I don’t want any spoilers so I’ll be vague in this next sentence. Brown creates some amazing scenes in this novel, they are so clever and display an ability to manipulate reality and, dare I say it, manipulate the readers mind! There were also some characters in this novel that really surprised me in their actions, some in a good way, some in a bad way. But there’s no denying, Broadcast, takes ‘Big Brother’ to a whole new and frightening level!
I’m so glad I discovered this novel, because it was truly enjoyable from cover to cover, it can be devoured in one-sitting and I have no reservations recommending it.
*My thanks to the publisher (Legend Press) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
August 9, 2021
Most people, if approached by a corporation and asked for permission to plant a microchip in their brainstem, would say “Nope” and back away from the crazy man. But David Callow isn’t most people: he’s a famous for being famous YouTuber whose main asset is a pretty face, and his time in the spotlight is beginning to fade. Becoming the star of a revolutionary new show and broadcasting Himself, Unfiltered! seems just the ticket for reigniting his career and avoiding the pitfalls of has-beendom. Lost on David in his anxiety to stay hip are the terms and conditions he eagerly signs on to, and by the time he realizes there’s more to the experiment than enhancing his stardom, he’s absolutely lost.Broadcast is a chilling look into the possible future of neurotechnology, and a not-too-subtle critique of social media’s effects on our mind.
David is easily the shallowest, most self-absorbed character I’ve ever endured in fiction — and I’m fairly certain that this is done on purpose. A youtuber and ‘influencer’, he spends most of his time snapping shots of himself and offering insipid thoughts about the meaning of life. His decision to take part in the experiment is not the result of a careful examination, or a purposeful interest in advancing neurotechnology; it is instead the reaction of a weak, vain main who fills his nights with booze and MDMA and shudders at the thought of losing his status as a celebrity. Were it not for for the sheer interest in the story itself — the possibilities of the Mindcast technology, and the knowing reader’s speculation that something horrible is going to happen, we just don’t know what it is yet — he would not be worth reading about. As the story progresses, however, as David begins to realize the awfulness of having his every thought exposed to the world, when people avoid him for fear of what he’ll think about him, when he becomes a total victim of his own solipsism — one can’t help but feel sorry for him. The vanity falls away, replaced by fear, isolation, panic. The technology can do far more than was told to him, and he is powerless to remove it — he is nothing but the unwitting prisoner of his own mind and the corporation that effectively controls it.
Broadcast is short, but effective in drawing the reader into this story that begins with an obnoxious dolt, and ends in existential dread, rendered especially salient by the reader being just as anxious as the subject.
David is easily the shallowest, most self-absorbed character I’ve ever endured in fiction — and I’m fairly certain that this is done on purpose. A youtuber and ‘influencer’, he spends most of his time snapping shots of himself and offering insipid thoughts about the meaning of life. His decision to take part in the experiment is not the result of a careful examination, or a purposeful interest in advancing neurotechnology; it is instead the reaction of a weak, vain main who fills his nights with booze and MDMA and shudders at the thought of losing his status as a celebrity. Were it not for for the sheer interest in the story itself — the possibilities of the Mindcast technology, and the knowing reader’s speculation that something horrible is going to happen, we just don’t know what it is yet — he would not be worth reading about. As the story progresses, however, as David begins to realize the awfulness of having his every thought exposed to the world, when people avoid him for fear of what he’ll think about him, when he becomes a total victim of his own solipsism — one can’t help but feel sorry for him. The vanity falls away, replaced by fear, isolation, panic. The technology can do far more than was told to him, and he is powerless to remove it — he is nothing but the unwitting prisoner of his own mind and the corporation that effectively controls it.
Broadcast is short, but effective in drawing the reader into this story that begins with an obnoxious dolt, and ends in existential dread, rendered especially salient by the reader being just as anxious as the subject.
September 10, 2017
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, all-consuming piece of modern science fiction then Liam Brown’s third book, Broadcast, is a good place to start. It’s a well written and thrilling which is more than what you can expect from a lot of science fiction.
Following the life of social media star, David Callow, we watch as he agrees to take part in a new type of Big Brother documentary set make him a worldwide sensation. The pretence is interesting. Will the world ever start implanting chips into individuals to read their mind? I wouldn’t doubt it, but, for now - thank goodness - it’s an extreme alternative reality to ours.
I like David’s character. Deep enough to like, but with just enough glossy, selfie-shallowness you feel like he would decide to have his thoughts broadcast for fame (seriously, would you?).
Xan, the evil version of Elon Musk, is the personal embodiment of the power-hungry, tech entrepreneur we all like to imagine occupy the halls of Silicon Valley (sorry guys!). Stalking around trying to make the next giant tech leap forward.
It’s Sarah's, David’s manager's, character I’m disappointed in. She’s under-developed considering she could be a more instrumental in the ending.
Now, you aren’t going to hear me say this often, but this book SHOULD be a film. There are so many authors today who write a book with the silver screen in their head. Molding the words to suit the film rather than the page. This book does have a lot of imagery perfect for the screen (I challenge any property developer to build a giant glass orb building), but it doesn’t feel like it is forcefully written for film. Saying that I could see a Hollywood script as I ploughed through (in less than 24-hours - I said it was gripping).
So why four stars, not five? After writing the review I’m reconsidering myself, but, and here is the but, I can’t work out if I’m a fan of the ending. It felt sudden and inconclusive. I prefer my fiction wrapped up neater and one character in the twist is so shocking it verges on unbelievable. That said, the book lingered with me as I milled around the ending attempting to come back to the real world, so, maybe, it deserves those five stars.
Following the life of social media star, David Callow, we watch as he agrees to take part in a new type of Big Brother documentary set make him a worldwide sensation. The pretence is interesting. Will the world ever start implanting chips into individuals to read their mind? I wouldn’t doubt it, but, for now - thank goodness - it’s an extreme alternative reality to ours.
I like David’s character. Deep enough to like, but with just enough glossy, selfie-shallowness you feel like he would decide to have his thoughts broadcast for fame (seriously, would you?).
Xan, the evil version of Elon Musk, is the personal embodiment of the power-hungry, tech entrepreneur we all like to imagine occupy the halls of Silicon Valley (sorry guys!). Stalking around trying to make the next giant tech leap forward.
It’s Sarah's, David’s manager's, character I’m disappointed in. She’s under-developed considering she could be a more instrumental in the ending.
Now, you aren’t going to hear me say this often, but this book SHOULD be a film. There are so many authors today who write a book with the silver screen in their head. Molding the words to suit the film rather than the page. This book does have a lot of imagery perfect for the screen (I challenge any property developer to build a giant glass orb building), but it doesn’t feel like it is forcefully written for film. Saying that I could see a Hollywood script as I ploughed through (in less than 24-hours - I said it was gripping).
So why four stars, not five? After writing the review I’m reconsidering myself, but, and here is the but, I can’t work out if I’m a fan of the ending. It felt sudden and inconclusive. I prefer my fiction wrapped up neater and one character in the twist is so shocking it verges on unbelievable. That said, the book lingered with me as I milled around the ending attempting to come back to the real world, so, maybe, it deserves those five stars.
June 28, 2023
I really, really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't.
Its an easy read with a lot of potential, even if the idea behind the story isn't especially original.
Not only is the main character (David Callow) deeply dislikeable, but so is almost every single character in this book. They're all deeply selfish and vain and whilst I accept that might be making a point about today's society, its all a bit heavy-handed and means the reader has no sympathy whatsoever with any of the characters involved (with the exception of the minor character dressed as a sheep).
I also really struggled with how far-fetched some of the technological ideas are in this book, as well as the idea that anybody, let alone millions of people, would want to watch some arrogant nobody's thoughts 24 hours a day.
I quite liked the ending; it is Kafkaesque, fun and pretty dark. It goes some way to redeeming the story, but it took far too long to get there. In what is a pretty short book, we spend far too long (almost half of it), being subjected to the utter banality of David's tediously arrogant existence without much of anything else happening at all.
Broadcast has a pretty nice cover and a half-decent ending, but ultimately it just felt clumsily executed and somewhat rushed, even if trying to make some relevant statements about today's society.
Its an easy read with a lot of potential, even if the idea behind the story isn't especially original.
Not only is the main character (David Callow) deeply dislikeable, but so is almost every single character in this book. They're all deeply selfish and vain and whilst I accept that might be making a point about today's society, its all a bit heavy-handed and means the reader has no sympathy whatsoever with any of the characters involved (with the exception of the minor character dressed as a sheep).
I also really struggled with how far-fetched some of the technological ideas are in this book, as well as the idea that anybody, let alone millions of people, would want to watch some arrogant nobody's thoughts 24 hours a day.
I quite liked the ending; it is Kafkaesque, fun and pretty dark. It goes some way to redeeming the story, but it took far too long to get there. In what is a pretty short book, we spend far too long (almost half of it), being subjected to the utter banality of David's tediously arrogant existence without much of anything else happening at all.
Broadcast has a pretty nice cover and a half-decent ending, but ultimately it just felt clumsily executed and somewhat rushed, even if trying to make some relevant statements about today's society.
September 12, 2017
I finished this book minutes ago, and I keep flicking through to make sure I didn't skip an epilogue or extra chapter because I want to know MORE. Broadcast by Liam Brown was absolutely addicting. It's been described as "Inception meets Black Mirror for the YouTube generation", and its rapid pace kept me immersed in this thrilling story.
A major question in this book is what lengths would you take to earn global fame and more money than you could imagine? It's an appealing offer that popular vlogger and video content creator David Callow received by a controversial tech company. All he would have to do is undergo a minor surgery that would insert a small chip through his skull, which would enable every one of his thoughts to be instantly streamed to anyone in the world.
Things go well at first - his videos were never more widely viewed, and people recognize him much more. But things take a turn quickly. He's lectured by a restaurant chef for thinking unfavorable thoughts about his meal (and therefore broadcasted to millions), he's bombarded by people that want ad space, he even finds himself held hostage. He questions who's on his side, and he promptly learns his new super-stardom wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for the free digital copy!
A major question in this book is what lengths would you take to earn global fame and more money than you could imagine? It's an appealing offer that popular vlogger and video content creator David Callow received by a controversial tech company. All he would have to do is undergo a minor surgery that would insert a small chip through his skull, which would enable every one of his thoughts to be instantly streamed to anyone in the world.
Things go well at first - his videos were never more widely viewed, and people recognize him much more. But things take a turn quickly. He's lectured by a restaurant chef for thinking unfavorable thoughts about his meal (and therefore broadcasted to millions), he's bombarded by people that want ad space, he even finds himself held hostage. He questions who's on his side, and he promptly learns his new super-stardom wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for the free digital copy!
July 19, 2017
Broadcast is a riotous victory for speculative live entertainment, delivering a sleek, alternative diversion for our appreciation. A streaming theatre of thought, without the prospect of an intermission, becomes mind-cabaret for the masses, an innovation giving new meaning to the phrase 'airing' your thoughts.
Little by little our daily habits are already scrutinised, analysed and harvested until often they no longer feel like our own. With the rise of social media, You Tube, and Reality TV, the brave among us embrace this prospect when they volunteer to publicise moments of their daily routine in the name of recreation for a devoted audience. Staged bed hair and carefully placed brand placement is perfectly edited to present a censored version of their personality before any footage is Broadcast .
You’d think this kind of attention alone would feel intrusive. Yet the stars of these channels are the custodians of their own content and commercial destiny. They perform for their viewers, their ratings soar, along with potential advertising prospects.
I would imagine that maintaining that level of admiration would be exhausting, as YouTube star David Callow discovers. So when he is offered the opportunity that exceeds all others he jumps at the chance, as his current wavering success is no match for the possibilities of MindCast. Now anyone can tune in to see, hear and share the constant traffic of his thoughts 24/7, experiencing the unedited essence of David Callow, every silent judgement, aspiration, and caffeine craving now amplified.
Surely our minds should be the last frontier, even if the only protection that stands between social etiquette and oblivion is our mouth. But what if that were bypassed? Every reckless thought could escape into the wild – just think of all that uninhibited chaos your celebrity brain could cause!
This unhealthy brainchild is triggered by six rapid bursts of narration. The first is narrated in the third person until David steps into the spotlight to bare his soul for the remainder, and quite rightly so as he is the unique host after all. The story develops convincingly as the inclusion of 'Plutchik’s Wheel' (a scientific colour-code that classifies our primary emotions - yep, it’s an actual thing) shows how David’s initial thoughts were born as an embarrassing assortment of publicly identifiable hues before MindCast's vision takes hold.
Not only is this book imaginative and curious, it’s also one of my favourite reads this year. Terrific stuff!
(My thanks to Tom Chalmers and Imogen Harris of Legend Press who kindly sent the advanced copy of this title. It is my absolute pleasure and delight to provide an unbiased review.)
Little by little our daily habits are already scrutinised, analysed and harvested until often they no longer feel like our own. With the rise of social media, You Tube, and Reality TV, the brave among us embrace this prospect when they volunteer to publicise moments of their daily routine in the name of recreation for a devoted audience. Staged bed hair and carefully placed brand placement is perfectly edited to present a censored version of their personality before any footage is Broadcast .
You’d think this kind of attention alone would feel intrusive. Yet the stars of these channels are the custodians of their own content and commercial destiny. They perform for their viewers, their ratings soar, along with potential advertising prospects.
I would imagine that maintaining that level of admiration would be exhausting, as YouTube star David Callow discovers. So when he is offered the opportunity that exceeds all others he jumps at the chance, as his current wavering success is no match for the possibilities of MindCast. Now anyone can tune in to see, hear and share the constant traffic of his thoughts 24/7, experiencing the unedited essence of David Callow, every silent judgement, aspiration, and caffeine craving now amplified.
Surely our minds should be the last frontier, even if the only protection that stands between social etiquette and oblivion is our mouth. But what if that were bypassed? Every reckless thought could escape into the wild – just think of all that uninhibited chaos your celebrity brain could cause!
This unhealthy brainchild is triggered by six rapid bursts of narration. The first is narrated in the third person until David steps into the spotlight to bare his soul for the remainder, and quite rightly so as he is the unique host after all. The story develops convincingly as the inclusion of 'Plutchik’s Wheel' (a scientific colour-code that classifies our primary emotions - yep, it’s an actual thing) shows how David’s initial thoughts were born as an embarrassing assortment of publicly identifiable hues before MindCast's vision takes hold.
Not only is this book imaginative and curious, it’s also one of my favourite reads this year. Terrific stuff!
(My thanks to Tom Chalmers and Imogen Harris of Legend Press who kindly sent the advanced copy of this title. It is my absolute pleasure and delight to provide an unbiased review.)
September 14, 2017
Spider Robinson explored the idea of what it really would mean to hear other people's thoughts in his Callahan books and how agonizing the cacophony of unbidden thoughts could become, how are there things no one would want to know - not really. Broadcast, a fun short novel, is the flip side: what happens when you broadcast all of your thoughts and dreams 24/7 and can never turn it off. Broadcast like a live feed continuously running. Sure you might be the most famous person on earth, but what would it be like for the whole world to hear all your innermost thoughts? What about privacy? Could you really have friendships when your true thoughts are constantly broadcast? Could you have a date? A relationship? Could you function in public? This is a terrific easy-to-read novel that seems pedestrian at first but really sneaks up on you. Thank you to Legend Press for an advance copy.
August 2, 2024
August 2024
Kindle edition
Dude. That was chilling. Dave wasn't really a memorable character from the get go. His actions seemed to scream please love me and why he thought the chip was a good idea baffled me. What starts off as a clever mood ring situation spirals into real thoughts and memories, mostly alienating everyone around him. Add in the adverts and 'accidental' deaths and things get creepy fast. Strangely I didn't see Alice coming, he should've gone with his initial gut instinct. Likewise Xan seemed to play the guilt ridden party with a last message at the glass, hinted at being a maybe helper and then just outed himself. The ending was freaky, one of those awake or dreaming ones. The cover stuck out to me, the blurb sounded interesting and the story delivered as promised. Short but engaging. I'm just imagining everyone getting Rick rolled at some point.
Kindle edition
Dude. That was chilling. Dave wasn't really a memorable character from the get go. His actions seemed to scream please love me and why he thought the chip was a good idea baffled me. What starts off as a clever mood ring situation spirals into real thoughts and memories, mostly alienating everyone around him. Add in the adverts and 'accidental' deaths and things get creepy fast. Strangely I didn't see Alice coming, he should've gone with his initial gut instinct. Likewise Xan seemed to play the guilt ridden party with a last message at the glass, hinted at being a maybe helper and then just outed himself. The ending was freaky, one of those awake or dreaming ones. The cover stuck out to me, the blurb sounded interesting and the story delivered as promised. Short but engaging. I'm just imagining everyone getting Rick rolled at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2020
WHAT THE ACTUAL?! I honestly really enjoyed this book because it really makes you think about a lot of things. It's very Black Mirror as far as futuristic technology and social media being harmful to society. David foolishly doesn't read the Terms and Conditions and now he is stuck in a life that he can't even tell is real or not. I find it very fascinating that Alice is still the one who writes the book in a way but I can't tell if she actually switched sides or if at that point he was creating all of the conversations he was having on his own. It also makes you think about what in your life is and isn't real and what parts are altered based on your perceptions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
Take our deepest fears about our dependence on digital and stretch them. Likewise our suspicions of the social media and tech companies for which we work as willing slaves. Add a taste of accessible philosophy (what’s reality anyway?) and neuropsychology (how can we trust our memories when they are subject to distortion?). Now send a naive and narcissistic vacuous life-style vlogger on a pilgrim’s progress through the landscape and you’ve got a sense of Liam Brown’s highly entertaining third novel.
Full review
A pilgrim’s progress through the dark side of digital: Broadcast #blogtour http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/...
Full review
A pilgrim’s progress through the dark side of digital: Broadcast #blogtour http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/...
July 13, 2023
interesting concept but i just didn’t really vibe w the way it was written. i wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style or the characters. it honestly felt like the author has never actually used youtube before and has a very limited understanding of youtuber audiences and creators. however, i did absolutely love the ending. i think it was perfect for the novel.
December 28, 2017
Read this in a day! It reads like an episode of The Twilight Zone or like an episode of the newer series on Netflix, Black Mirror. Futuristic, yet current. Techy sci-fi. It’s like The Truman Show on steroids but updated to account for our now social media obsessed population. It magnifies our search for the newest and increasingly intense online videos to top the ones we just saw yesterday. It’s actually a quite terrifying look at a very real possible future in which our every thought is literally on display for all to see.
I think this book was a lot of fun to read. It seems like an all too possible future for all of us. From the beginning of the book when we first enter Xan Brinkley's futuristic office building to the surprise twist ending, this book puts in the work to show us how insane the future of the internet and social media could become. When I first finished this book I gave it a 3. But as the days went on I found myself re-assessing and re-evaluating my thoughts on this book. It really sat with me and made me think, so my review has been upgraded to a 4. It was interesting, thought provoking, and thoroughly creepy. I loved the twists and turns and especially loved a certain part of the book when it briefly turns into a survivalist story. One gripe I did have was that a couple of the characters took some VERY unrealistic left turns. I really don't think that a person can shift so suddenly and go from good guy/girl to bad so quickly when they never displayed any of the selfish characteristics that we wind up seeing from them. Another character is murdered and it seems out of the blue and unwarranted. One of my favorite characters in the book is Xan Brinkley. If you have seen the movie Ex Machina with Oscar Issac, you will understand why I liked him so much. Xan reminded me so much of Nathan in that movie. He is so wrapped up in his creations that he essentially loses his mind and his sense of humanity. It was so wonderful to see his character slowly fall further and further down the rabbit hole. I haven't mentioned the main character David very much. He was the main character, but basically he was our eye into Mindcast. He started as a successful video blogger and his quest for fame helped him make the decision to be the first Mindcast test subject. His selfish motivations led to many interesting consequences and while I did wind up feeling sorry for him, he was your typical bratty self absorbed fame hungry kid. So it took a while for me to actually like him and be concerned about where this book would take him. In a nutshell, I liked this book. It was a fun ride that was an easy read. Check it out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book was a lot of fun to read. It seems like an all too possible future for all of us. From the beginning of the book when we first enter Xan Brinkley's futuristic office building to the surprise twist ending, this book puts in the work to show us how insane the future of the internet and social media could become. When I first finished this book I gave it a 3. But as the days went on I found myself re-assessing and re-evaluating my thoughts on this book. It really sat with me and made me think, so my review has been upgraded to a 4. It was interesting, thought provoking, and thoroughly creepy. I loved the twists and turns and especially loved a certain part of the book when it briefly turns into a survivalist story. One gripe I did have was that a couple of the characters took some VERY unrealistic left turns. I really don't think that a person can shift so suddenly and go from good guy/girl to bad so quickly when they never displayed any of the selfish characteristics that we wind up seeing from them. Another character is murdered and it seems out of the blue and unwarranted. One of my favorite characters in the book is Xan Brinkley. If you have seen the movie Ex Machina with Oscar Issac, you will understand why I liked him so much. Xan reminded me so much of Nathan in that movie. He is so wrapped up in his creations that he essentially loses his mind and his sense of humanity. It was so wonderful to see his character slowly fall further and further down the rabbit hole. I haven't mentioned the main character David very much. He was the main character, but basically he was our eye into Mindcast. He started as a successful video blogger and his quest for fame helped him make the decision to be the first Mindcast test subject. His selfish motivations led to many interesting consequences and while I did wind up feeling sorry for him, he was your typical bratty self absorbed fame hungry kid. So it took a while for me to actually like him and be concerned about where this book would take him. In a nutshell, I liked this book. It was a fun ride that was an easy read. Check it out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2017
Sci-fi about social media that's reminiscent of The Truman Show? Count me in! I'm an avid user of pretty much every social network there is, and I follow a couple internet personalities. Which is why, just a few pages in, I found myself starting to say, "That's not how this works," and I didn't ever really stop saying that.
The main character is implanted with a chip that starts broadcast all of his thoughts and experiences across the internet, immediately and constantly. He gets a boatload of subscribers, because of course he would, as the first person in the world to have this technology. But then pretty much all he ends up doing for the next (I don't know how long, because to be honest, this book is real wishy-washy on the timelines of every segment here) is sitting around his apartment being mopey. Let's be real: no one is going to stay tuned for that, are they? If I could watch the emotions/thoughts/memories/experiences of someone whose personality I already liked, and if I could watch them go on beautiful vacations, shop on Portobello Road, or be backstage at a red carpet event, those sorts of things? Sure, I would keep tuning in! But just sitting around the same apartment by yourself, not doing anything? No thank you.
And mild spoilers, but: the end was so much darker than I expected it to be! I was not mentally prepared for the lack of resolution. I kept expecting things to turn around and they...didn't.
Anyway, long story short: this felt like a story about the social media generation written by someone who doesn't get social media, and it turns out the author is only four years older than I am. It was fast-paced and engaging, but it doesn't quite ring true to me as a member of the world he's skewering.
**I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The main character is implanted with a chip that starts broadcast all of his thoughts and experiences across the internet, immediately and constantly. He gets a boatload of subscribers, because of course he would, as the first person in the world to have this technology. But then pretty much all he ends up doing for the next (I don't know how long, because to be honest, this book is real wishy-washy on the timelines of every segment here) is sitting around his apartment being mopey. Let's be real: no one is going to stay tuned for that, are they? If I could watch the emotions/thoughts/memories/experiences of someone whose personality I already liked, and if I could watch them go on beautiful vacations, shop on Portobello Road, or be backstage at a red carpet event, those sorts of things? Sure, I would keep tuning in! But just sitting around the same apartment by yourself, not doing anything? No thank you.
And mild spoilers, but: the end was so much darker than I expected it to be! I was not mentally prepared for the lack of resolution. I kept expecting things to turn around and they...didn't.
Anyway, long story short: this felt like a story about the social media generation written by someone who doesn't get social media, and it turns out the author is only four years older than I am. It was fast-paced and engaging, but it doesn't quite ring true to me as a member of the world he's skewering.
**I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
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