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Martingale Cycle #2
Lucky Ghost
Early one Monday morning, much like today, journalist Alex Kubelick walks up to a total stranger and slaps him across the face. Hard.
He thanks her.
They've both just earned Emoticoins in a new, all-consuming game that trades real-life emotions for digital currency. Emoticoins are changing the face of the global economy - but someone or something seems to be controlling the game for their own, nefarious purposes.
As Alex begins to pick apart the tangled threads that are holding the virtual game together she finds herself on the run from very real enemies. With the world economy teetering on the brink of collapse, it seems there's only one person who might have the answers she seeks.Someone who hides behind the mysterious name 'Lucky Ghost.'
But who is Lucky Ghost... and can they really be trusted?
And what do they want?
LUCKY GHOST is part of the Martingale cycle, a series of interconnected novels exploring the life of computing pioneer and political radical Elyse Martingale - and her strange afterlife in the 21st century.
He thanks her.
They've both just earned Emoticoins in a new, all-consuming game that trades real-life emotions for digital currency. Emoticoins are changing the face of the global economy - but someone or something seems to be controlling the game for their own, nefarious purposes.
As Alex begins to pick apart the tangled threads that are holding the virtual game together she finds herself on the run from very real enemies. With the world economy teetering on the brink of collapse, it seems there's only one person who might have the answers she seeks.Someone who hides behind the mysterious name 'Lucky Ghost.'
But who is Lucky Ghost... and can they really be trusted?
And what do they want?
LUCKY GHOST is part of the Martingale cycle, a series of interconnected novels exploring the life of computing pioneer and political radical Elyse Martingale - and her strange afterlife in the 21st century.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2017
4 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Blakstad
4 books33 followersMatthew writes pacy, character-driven fiction that explores the impact of technology on how we live and who we are. His first full-length novel, Sockpuppet, came out in May 2016. It is the first book in the Martingale Cycle, a series of stand-alone but interconnected novels that gravitate around a fictional computing pioneer and political radical called Elyse Martingale.
Matthew's first career was as a professional child actor. From the age of ten, he had roles in films and TV dramas including:
Hammer House of Horror
The Lost Boys (no, not the Kiefer Sutherland one!)
Young Sherlock Holmes
...as well as appearing on stage at theatres including London's Royal Court.
After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy, he began a career in online communications. He now works in the public sector, helping people understand and manage money.
You can follow Matthew on Twitter at @mattblak or find out more at matthewblakstad.com.
Author photo: Paul Treacy
Matthew's first career was as a professional child actor. From the age of ten, he had roles in films and TV dramas including:
Hammer House of Horror
The Lost Boys (no, not the Kiefer Sutherland one!)
Young Sherlock Holmes
...as well as appearing on stage at theatres including London's Royal Court.
After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy, he began a career in online communications. He now works in the public sector, helping people understand and manage money.
You can follow Matthew on Twitter at @mattblak or find out more at matthewblakstad.com.
Author photo: Paul Treacy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 3, 2017
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Firstly a confession. I think I probably took about 8 weeks(ish) to read this book. For me, that is an exceptionally long time, especially when you consider that I normally get through at least two books per week. The reason for my slow reading wasn’t anything to do with the author’s writing, nor his expertise, but down to the actual subject matter of the book.
You see, when it comes to technology I’m kind of hit and miss. Give me a computer or an iPhone and I’m fine. The gaming world though is not my forte, so where as the first book in the series was more aimed at my niche, this one wasn’t, but I was determined to finish it.
The book is set in some crazy near-future world when gaming has been taken to a whole new level, thanks to Dani Farr (protagonist from book one). This is a game that is played in the real world, where real emotions are exchanged for Emoticoins, a currency set in the digital world. To play the game you have to wear some sort of mesh that is an augmented reality device, over your face. This allows you to see the digital world.
Alex, the main character loves the game but soon realises that not everything is quite as it should be with it, and not as perfect as it is made out to be. When the game becomes dangerous Alex has only one person she can turn to for help, Lucky Ghost’.
The book is fast-paced (if I can say that!), and Mr. Blakstad has once again proven that his knowledge in this genre is superb, as well as his ability to weave together a great story. There is quite a bit of technical jargon in the book and if like me you are not techie, then this may prove hard to read, but stick with it and you will have read an amazing book.
This is a book that I was thankful for reaching the last page, but in a good way. It was hard work, but definitely enjoyable.
Firstly a confession. I think I probably took about 8 weeks(ish) to read this book. For me, that is an exceptionally long time, especially when you consider that I normally get through at least two books per week. The reason for my slow reading wasn’t anything to do with the author’s writing, nor his expertise, but down to the actual subject matter of the book.
You see, when it comes to technology I’m kind of hit and miss. Give me a computer or an iPhone and I’m fine. The gaming world though is not my forte, so where as the first book in the series was more aimed at my niche, this one wasn’t, but I was determined to finish it.
The book is set in some crazy near-future world when gaming has been taken to a whole new level, thanks to Dani Farr (protagonist from book one). This is a game that is played in the real world, where real emotions are exchanged for Emoticoins, a currency set in the digital world. To play the game you have to wear some sort of mesh that is an augmented reality device, over your face. This allows you to see the digital world.
Alex, the main character loves the game but soon realises that not everything is quite as it should be with it, and not as perfect as it is made out to be. When the game becomes dangerous Alex has only one person she can turn to for help, Lucky Ghost’.
The book is fast-paced (if I can say that!), and Mr. Blakstad has once again proven that his knowledge in this genre is superb, as well as his ability to weave together a great story. There is quite a bit of technical jargon in the book and if like me you are not techie, then this may prove hard to read, but stick with it and you will have read an amazing book.
This is a book that I was thankful for reaching the last page, but in a good way. It was hard work, but definitely enjoyable.
July 30, 2017
Lucky Ghost (the follow up to the amazingly brilliant Sockpuppet ) is a banging speculative novel with yet more geeky gorgeous and some top notch often controversial but always fascinating characters.
Lucky Ghost certainly should not be trusted, nor should you necessarily trust anything in this game, the plotting is brilliantly done, a woven web of tech and trauma, human foibles and group shenanigans all mixed up into a beautiful hotpot of a story where nothing is ever quite as it seems. Alex as a character is both fun to follow along with and very intriguing, we meet some old friends along the way and if you loved Sockpuppet you’ll adore this – which, it must be said, could easily be read as a standalone if necessary however I recommend one after the other.
The writing is sharp and absolutely immersive and the world created here is all too likely – after all we are all practically glued to our phones daily, imagine if the tech was slightly more advanced. Then add in some manipulative forces, nefarious schemes and the often horrible realities of human nature and you are good to go on a rollercoaster ride of a book trip. A literal head trip if you get as involved in it as I did.
Like Sockpuppet, Lucky Ghost has a very thought provoking central theme and a firm eye on social issues all layered into the more action and speculative elements. Always character driven, never dull and with a totally edge of the seat banging finale which made me crazy. Oh ssh ok more crazy. In a good way.
Even geekier shenanigans with an even darker heart – that’s Lucky Ghost. Top top notch.
Highly Recommended.
Lucky Ghost certainly should not be trusted, nor should you necessarily trust anything in this game, the plotting is brilliantly done, a woven web of tech and trauma, human foibles and group shenanigans all mixed up into a beautiful hotpot of a story where nothing is ever quite as it seems. Alex as a character is both fun to follow along with and very intriguing, we meet some old friends along the way and if you loved Sockpuppet you’ll adore this – which, it must be said, could easily be read as a standalone if necessary however I recommend one after the other.
The writing is sharp and absolutely immersive and the world created here is all too likely – after all we are all practically glued to our phones daily, imagine if the tech was slightly more advanced. Then add in some manipulative forces, nefarious schemes and the often horrible realities of human nature and you are good to go on a rollercoaster ride of a book trip. A literal head trip if you get as involved in it as I did.
Like Sockpuppet, Lucky Ghost has a very thought provoking central theme and a firm eye on social issues all layered into the more action and speculative elements. Always character driven, never dull and with a totally edge of the seat banging finale which made me crazy. Oh ssh ok more crazy. In a good way.
Even geekier shenanigans with an even darker heart – that’s Lucky Ghost. Top top notch.
Highly Recommended.
October 29, 2017
I’ve been really looking forward to reading Lucky Ghost since winning it in a giveaway a few weeks ago. It’s a little different to my usual reads, but it had me intrigued, so I wanted to give it a try. I’m pleased to say I really enjoyed it.
I think the best way to describe this book is a cyberpunk thriller, but the kind of science fiction that feels like it is already becoming all too real, and not so very fiction at all.
At first I was fascinated by the virtual reality game, known as the Strange, where people placed a mesh on themselves and got to see a slightly different world to the real one. I felt lured in by the excitement of this game, although I’d personally use it to ensure I experienced at least five sunny days a week, especially during the winter months, as I’m sick of dreary Cornish mizzle.
As the story progressed, my excitement at such futuristic and fun technology started to waver, as I started to feel a little uncomfortable about the idea of being able to trade human emotions, as if they had monetary value. I realised the downsides to our obsession with such technology and the intense way much of it can impact on our lives personally, or how it can be used by those with great knowledge of it or those in power to manipulate others.
This book is thought provoking, tense, sometimes violent, and as the story progresses it becomes more and more action-packed.
On the subject of futuristic technology, I’d struggle to live without my Kindle, so I did find it entertaining that I was reading a high-tech novel in traditional hardback format. The hardest part about reading this book was coping with balancing a big book, turning pages, not losing my physical bookmark, and trying not to laugh at myself each time I tapped the bottom right corner of a page, expecting it to automatically switch pages for me. Yes, I did that numerous times while reading this book!
Lucky Ghost really made me think about my online interactions and consider how well I actually know some people. I would often dream of a life of virtual reality as a young girl, but I think for now, when I feel the need to escape reality, I’ll just stick to reading (mostly on my Kindle), as that seems to keep me out of trouble.
Having enjoyed Lucky Ghost, I’m looking forward to reading Sockpuppet, which is the first book in this series.
My review is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
I think the best way to describe this book is a cyberpunk thriller, but the kind of science fiction that feels like it is already becoming all too real, and not so very fiction at all.
At first I was fascinated by the virtual reality game, known as the Strange, where people placed a mesh on themselves and got to see a slightly different world to the real one. I felt lured in by the excitement of this game, although I’d personally use it to ensure I experienced at least five sunny days a week, especially during the winter months, as I’m sick of dreary Cornish mizzle.
As the story progressed, my excitement at such futuristic and fun technology started to waver, as I started to feel a little uncomfortable about the idea of being able to trade human emotions, as if they had monetary value. I realised the downsides to our obsession with such technology and the intense way much of it can impact on our lives personally, or how it can be used by those with great knowledge of it or those in power to manipulate others.
This book is thought provoking, tense, sometimes violent, and as the story progresses it becomes more and more action-packed.
On the subject of futuristic technology, I’d struggle to live without my Kindle, so I did find it entertaining that I was reading a high-tech novel in traditional hardback format. The hardest part about reading this book was coping with balancing a big book, turning pages, not losing my physical bookmark, and trying not to laugh at myself each time I tapped the bottom right corner of a page, expecting it to automatically switch pages for me. Yes, I did that numerous times while reading this book!
Lucky Ghost really made me think about my online interactions and consider how well I actually know some people. I would often dream of a life of virtual reality as a young girl, but I think for now, when I feel the need to escape reality, I’ll just stick to reading (mostly on my Kindle), as that seems to keep me out of trouble.
Having enjoyed Lucky Ghost, I’m looking forward to reading Sockpuppet, which is the first book in this series.
My review is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
June 27, 2017
In The Martingale Cycle the spectre of the past, present and future fictionally predicts the rise of a new brand of economic and social manipulation that is lurking right around the corner. While I don’t object to cyber pioneering I can’t say I’m entirely comfortable with its potential consequences either...
This next instalment (Book 2) sees a generation of technology where ‘feelings’ become a commodity that can be traded online. The philosophy may not allow us to quite sell our souls yet, but Lucky Ghost comes pretty close.
The author has imaginatively offered the population’s changeable mood a safe haven, a place where users can take a time out to heal or feel empowered while earning virtual monetary rewards in a simulated place called “The Strange”.
This initiative of interactive emotional roleplay for "Strangers" was coded by Dani Farr, the original creator of the Parley App (an advanced form of Twitter) in Sockpuppet. As her previous venture proved that even the most fortified system may have an Achilles heel, you’d think any idea for a new online platform would scream “expect the unexpected”. [Cue evil laughter]
Psychologically speaking it’s difficult to determine whether the adverse side effects of this game makes it worth playing – forget how enticing taking an emotional holiday may sound for a moment and consider how extortion, greed, and human fatality can be a bit of a downer when you’re just trying to give yourself a break.
Lucky Ghost is way more visionary than its predecessor, Sockpuppet, yet its thought-provoking prophesy remains both powerful and effective. Tablets are upgraded to hands-free 'Crablets' that hug your limbs, delivery drones provide a solution to the increasing demands of online ordering, and extreme retro cosplay is a deathly serious business. Events are as varied as its cast with a vlogging newshound, a teenage hacker with an animatronic pet, and the elusive counsel of a curious online identity taking one step closer toward the inevitable abyss.
What was that? A tad fanciful, you say? Well no, not really. Take a moment to consider the possibilities that are already within our reach: the evolution of the internet – a search tool to locate your nearest takeaway now presides over our security, finances, knowledge and communication. All aspects of our life can be converted to a data exchange on demand, but at what cost? Sinister stuff – and not an Amityville post code in sight…
(I’m hugely grateful to receive an early copy of this title via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to the publishers for picking my name from the hat - review will appear on the blog in due course...)
This next instalment (Book 2) sees a generation of technology where ‘feelings’ become a commodity that can be traded online. The philosophy may not allow us to quite sell our souls yet, but Lucky Ghost comes pretty close.
The author has imaginatively offered the population’s changeable mood a safe haven, a place where users can take a time out to heal or feel empowered while earning virtual monetary rewards in a simulated place called “The Strange”.
This initiative of interactive emotional roleplay for "Strangers" was coded by Dani Farr, the original creator of the Parley App (an advanced form of Twitter) in Sockpuppet. As her previous venture proved that even the most fortified system may have an Achilles heel, you’d think any idea for a new online platform would scream “expect the unexpected”. [Cue evil laughter]
Psychologically speaking it’s difficult to determine whether the adverse side effects of this game makes it worth playing – forget how enticing taking an emotional holiday may sound for a moment and consider how extortion, greed, and human fatality can be a bit of a downer when you’re just trying to give yourself a break.
Lucky Ghost is way more visionary than its predecessor, Sockpuppet, yet its thought-provoking prophesy remains both powerful and effective. Tablets are upgraded to hands-free 'Crablets' that hug your limbs, delivery drones provide a solution to the increasing demands of online ordering, and extreme retro cosplay is a deathly serious business. Events are as varied as its cast with a vlogging newshound, a teenage hacker with an animatronic pet, and the elusive counsel of a curious online identity taking one step closer toward the inevitable abyss.
What was that? A tad fanciful, you say? Well no, not really. Take a moment to consider the possibilities that are already within our reach: the evolution of the internet – a search tool to locate your nearest takeaway now presides over our security, finances, knowledge and communication. All aspects of our life can be converted to a data exchange on demand, but at what cost? Sinister stuff – and not an Amityville post code in sight…
(I’m hugely grateful to receive an early copy of this title via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to the publishers for picking my name from the hat - review will appear on the blog in due course...)
July 27, 2017
It all starts with a new, innovative and modern idea. As always, the idea is something that is normally based on for the good of the people. Nice one, Dani Farr! Add to this idea a nation-worth of people who want to escape reality, mix it with digital currency and all of a sudden, sinister agendas start to emerge.
Dani Farr (jeap, the same firecracker techy coder from Sockpuppet) has yet again graced the people with one of her creations. This time it’s the Strange. A virtual environment where human emotions are traded for Emoticoin, the digital currency.
Real life for some of us is hard, whatever the reason. Anxiety, annoying neighbour, irritating pet, nagging wife, work sucks, etc. The Strange allows you to escape it all… put on your mesh, and with the embedded tattoo on your very body your emotions feed into the virtuality. Can you spell DOOM yet? Then, you can choose an Encounter (kind of like a video game) and live out your ‘life’ with other people who have entered the Strange. In exchange for any kind of activity you will be rewarded emotions like LOVE, REMORSE, RAGE, etc. You can keep track of your emotions by the virtually hovering heart icon that hovers in your vision which indicates your emotional state with various colors. Sounds cool, right?
Except when it’s not cool… you see, where any kind of currency is involved, as I said earlier, the corporations will latch onto it like flies to… you get it! And the sinister plot in Lucky Ghost really evolves around the profiteers finding a way in (because megamind Dani Farr created it, much for her own pleasure at first but it blew into a huge thing) for personal gain at the cost of people’s emotions. I’m talking GRAND scale here! It’s not just about jumping around in the virtual world for people, slapping others or whatever, that gives gains to the profiteers. People and their emotions, livelihoods and even sanity and lives will be risked, threatened and taken by making them do things they don’t realize they’re doing. Now, that is scary! Not so cool, anymore, hey, when the line in between reality and virtuality fades, and your innermost self is laid bare within cooled, security surrounded servers in some warehouse and is nothing more than profitable data to some ambitious businessmen.
If you’ve read Sockpuppet, you’ll know by now that Blakstad doesn’t do simple plots. He weaves together people from all walks of life, puts in the game the big corporations and the government. The character set in Lucky Ghost was again diverse.
To name a few:
Alex Kubelick- An educated ex-vlogger and all around truth seeker of a female who ends up in the middle of everything. She’s married to her partner Harmony and together they battle the anxiety and Strange-addiction that Alex seems to have developed after the crash of her vlog.
Jacko– some call him the leader of hackers, crackers and information age freedom rebels; others don’t know if he even exists! The Godfather of Data, Jacko is seen as the leader in.. on? … Seatopia, a landmark from the war time in the North sea now turned into a data/server farm with good connection.
All sorts of suited up and booted up corporation execs- Mr Ox, Mr Honey Badger, Sean Perce… A lot of macho testosterone wedging boots in between doors to have one up over the next businessman. It’s truly quite amusing and scary…
And then there’s Thimblerig… otherwise known as Abul Ala. A young man living in England after fleeing Syria. Good with tech and out for a good cause, but with a troubled past that casts a shadow over his life in England, as well. The thing with personal demons is (even if those demons aren’t your fault)- they follow you wherever you go! Sadly…
In the most exciting and innovative manner, Blakstad pulls out all the stops and embeds so much of society’s current state into a book that mirrors the status quo modern day, connected life but also includes an element of futuristic possibilities. I am talking appearances of people’s holograms (‘ghosts’) in the room to have a discussion because good old smartphones are so ‘yesterday‘. There’s driverless taxis and cars and bikes that appear when you tell your mesh while connected to the Strange to come and pick you up from your location… Like uber Uber (sorry, couldn’t help myself!)
Anyway, the book starts off by throwing you right into the action within the Strange and you’ll hardly get a chance to take a breath from the suspense until the last page. The plot snowballs into epic proportions! Yes, there’s plenty of hacker/cracker action and maybe you don’t know what sysadmin means and there’s some ‘coder’ chat room talk but just enjoy it! You don’t have to be an IT specialist to get the idea. (As a side note I want to mention here that some reviewers have made an issue out of some language used in dialogue, especially in Sockpuppet, and just, please, the dialogues are keeping with the theme, so try not to be so anal about it and thanks! If you don’t like it, you don’t like it, but before you rip the book apart because of this reason, understand that you can hardly make coders/hackers interact with each other in Posh English.)
Lucky Ghost in it’s themes and delivery is brave, bold and dare I say, even, ominous! The whole of society and its good and bad in a single book casting a wide net over past, present and possibly even future. A look at humanity at its best and its worst. When you would have to fight for your life’s worth of work, how far would you go?
With plenty of chases, action, bullets being fired, the question is, who will survive? The ones who are out seeking the truth and keeping information free? Or the already rich who are after even more profit? Who would you say has the most to lose and a better motive to fight at the cost of lives?
Anyway, you have probably guessed at this stage that Blakstad has found a solid fan in me. The Martingale Cycle is a wonderfully thrilling series and remember, you don’t have to have a bromance (or the female equivalent of same) with the IT Lords to be able to enjoy these racy novels. You will find relatable characters with real life issues in both Sockpuppet and Lucky Ghost, the difference is- you may develop paranoid tendencies about your virtual trail!
Dani Farr (jeap, the same firecracker techy coder from Sockpuppet) has yet again graced the people with one of her creations. This time it’s the Strange. A virtual environment where human emotions are traded for Emoticoin, the digital currency.
Real life for some of us is hard, whatever the reason. Anxiety, annoying neighbour, irritating pet, nagging wife, work sucks, etc. The Strange allows you to escape it all… put on your mesh, and with the embedded tattoo on your very body your emotions feed into the virtuality. Can you spell DOOM yet? Then, you can choose an Encounter (kind of like a video game) and live out your ‘life’ with other people who have entered the Strange. In exchange for any kind of activity you will be rewarded emotions like LOVE, REMORSE, RAGE, etc. You can keep track of your emotions by the virtually hovering heart icon that hovers in your vision which indicates your emotional state with various colors. Sounds cool, right?
Except when it’s not cool… you see, where any kind of currency is involved, as I said earlier, the corporations will latch onto it like flies to… you get it! And the sinister plot in Lucky Ghost really evolves around the profiteers finding a way in (because megamind Dani Farr created it, much for her own pleasure at first but it blew into a huge thing) for personal gain at the cost of people’s emotions. I’m talking GRAND scale here! It’s not just about jumping around in the virtual world for people, slapping others or whatever, that gives gains to the profiteers. People and their emotions, livelihoods and even sanity and lives will be risked, threatened and taken by making them do things they don’t realize they’re doing. Now, that is scary! Not so cool, anymore, hey, when the line in between reality and virtuality fades, and your innermost self is laid bare within cooled, security surrounded servers in some warehouse and is nothing more than profitable data to some ambitious businessmen.
If you’ve read Sockpuppet, you’ll know by now that Blakstad doesn’t do simple plots. He weaves together people from all walks of life, puts in the game the big corporations and the government. The character set in Lucky Ghost was again diverse.
To name a few:
Alex Kubelick- An educated ex-vlogger and all around truth seeker of a female who ends up in the middle of everything. She’s married to her partner Harmony and together they battle the anxiety and Strange-addiction that Alex seems to have developed after the crash of her vlog.
Jacko– some call him the leader of hackers, crackers and information age freedom rebels; others don’t know if he even exists! The Godfather of Data, Jacko is seen as the leader in.. on? … Seatopia, a landmark from the war time in the North sea now turned into a data/server farm with good connection.
All sorts of suited up and booted up corporation execs- Mr Ox, Mr Honey Badger, Sean Perce… A lot of macho testosterone wedging boots in between doors to have one up over the next businessman. It’s truly quite amusing and scary…
And then there’s Thimblerig… otherwise known as Abul Ala. A young man living in England after fleeing Syria. Good with tech and out for a good cause, but with a troubled past that casts a shadow over his life in England, as well. The thing with personal demons is (even if those demons aren’t your fault)- they follow you wherever you go! Sadly…
In the most exciting and innovative manner, Blakstad pulls out all the stops and embeds so much of society’s current state into a book that mirrors the status quo modern day, connected life but also includes an element of futuristic possibilities. I am talking appearances of people’s holograms (‘ghosts’) in the room to have a discussion because good old smartphones are so ‘yesterday‘. There’s driverless taxis and cars and bikes that appear when you tell your mesh while connected to the Strange to come and pick you up from your location… Like uber Uber (sorry, couldn’t help myself!)
Anyway, the book starts off by throwing you right into the action within the Strange and you’ll hardly get a chance to take a breath from the suspense until the last page. The plot snowballs into epic proportions! Yes, there’s plenty of hacker/cracker action and maybe you don’t know what sysadmin means and there’s some ‘coder’ chat room talk but just enjoy it! You don’t have to be an IT specialist to get the idea. (As a side note I want to mention here that some reviewers have made an issue out of some language used in dialogue, especially in Sockpuppet, and just, please, the dialogues are keeping with the theme, so try not to be so anal about it and thanks! If you don’t like it, you don’t like it, but before you rip the book apart because of this reason, understand that you can hardly make coders/hackers interact with each other in Posh English.)
Lucky Ghost in it’s themes and delivery is brave, bold and dare I say, even, ominous! The whole of society and its good and bad in a single book casting a wide net over past, present and possibly even future. A look at humanity at its best and its worst. When you would have to fight for your life’s worth of work, how far would you go?
With plenty of chases, action, bullets being fired, the question is, who will survive? The ones who are out seeking the truth and keeping information free? Or the already rich who are after even more profit? Who would you say has the most to lose and a better motive to fight at the cost of lives?
Anyway, you have probably guessed at this stage that Blakstad has found a solid fan in me. The Martingale Cycle is a wonderfully thrilling series and remember, you don’t have to have a bromance (or the female equivalent of same) with the IT Lords to be able to enjoy these racy novels. You will find relatable characters with real life issues in both Sockpuppet and Lucky Ghost, the difference is- you may develop paranoid tendencies about your virtual trail!
December 6, 2017
This is a fun post-cyberpunk read, in which a virtual gaming world is not confined to the computer any more. On London streets, players called Strangers walk around wearing hats or masks from which mesh dangles in front of their faces. The mesh is real but it projects an augmented reality for them, called the Strange. In this world people can act out scenarios and interact with Strangers. However, it doesn't end there... Strangers don't pay to be in the Strange, and while there they can gain Emoticoin, like virtual currency called Rage, Shame, Desire etc for spending within the game. Once you've got your head around this aspect the rest is easy to follow.
Lucky Ghost is an online person, but nobody is sure who she is. She turned up in a chatroom for hackers and script kiddies, and a young Middle Eastern hacker known as Thimblerig took to her as his muse. A blogger/ journalist called Alex who is less careful than she should be about tip-offs and is recovering from a breakdown, gets a tip that a politician is being bribed with Emoticoin. Of course Alex wants to rush out with the scoop. But maybe it is a setup? If you don't know who your sources are or how they get information, how can you trust them? And if Alex knew who Thimblerig was she would not trust him either.
Alex is gay, but I didn't find this very meaningful; she argues with and ignores her partner, so it was just a way of ensuring she would not be a romantic figure during the tale. The hackers are all described as male, all not understanding women.
Some great scenes are set on an abandoned platform in the open North Sea. Otherwise most of the tale occurs around London. I had not read the previous book about the pig-masked hacker group but if you have read, say, Snow Crash, you will be fine with Lucky Ghost. Enjoy!
For a truly surreal experience, try reading this alongside McQuail's Mass Communication Theory.
Lucky Ghost is an online person, but nobody is sure who she is. She turned up in a chatroom for hackers and script kiddies, and a young Middle Eastern hacker known as Thimblerig took to her as his muse. A blogger/ journalist called Alex who is less careful than she should be about tip-offs and is recovering from a breakdown, gets a tip that a politician is being bribed with Emoticoin. Of course Alex wants to rush out with the scoop. But maybe it is a setup? If you don't know who your sources are or how they get information, how can you trust them? And if Alex knew who Thimblerig was she would not trust him either.
Alex is gay, but I didn't find this very meaningful; she argues with and ignores her partner, so it was just a way of ensuring she would not be a romantic figure during the tale. The hackers are all described as male, all not understanding women.
Some great scenes are set on an abandoned platform in the open North Sea. Otherwise most of the tale occurs around London. I had not read the previous book about the pig-masked hacker group but if you have read, say, Snow Crash, you will be fine with Lucky Ghost. Enjoy!
For a truly surreal experience, try reading this alongside McQuail's Mass Communication Theory.
Read
June 21, 2017Won in Goodreads Giveaways not read - passed on to another reader
March 7, 2018
Man, oh man, oh man. How do I even begin? Well - first of all you should note that this is book two in the series. Now me being me, I like to do things arse about face and so I have read this without reading the first. Because I haven't read the first book, I'm not sure how much it would or wouldn't have helped me with this one but to be fair, once I have got my head around the language, the characters, the concept of the pig masks and the superheroes, cartoon characters and myriad of other oddities which make this book so unique, I really rather enjoyed it.
Can it be read as a stand alone? I would say yes. Absolutely. Technically I was listening to the audio rather than reading but it still counts ;) This is a story in its own right and it is one which probably taught me more about economics and what-not than I have ever known before. Couple the socio-political instruction, very cleverly interwoven into the story, with a gripping read, tense action and moments where the protagonists are placed in complete jeopardy and what you have is a mighty impressive, if not mind blowing story.
Set in a future where society is divided into those who lead a sort of virtual reality led existence, 'the strange', and those who don't staying entirely in 'the real', this is kind of dystopian-esque thriller which examines a world where the economy, or at least currency as we know it, has imploded and virtual currency, or emoticoins, are of high and indisputable value. As to who wins and who loses in this society, well that is yet to be determined. And yet in spite of the lack of physical pounds, shillings and pence, corruption and abuse of power is still rife. This story itself is a look at whether or not the corruption is still of the same meaning if no money can actually change hands. After all they say money is power but does the same apply if the only true currency is the principal of trade or exchange?
And that's about as deep as I am going to get here or I will confuse myself never mind you, my solitary reader. I will say that this is a book you probably need to concentrate on, if only to keep a track of characters, who is and isn't operating in real life or in virtual reality and who, in the grand truth of it all, is actually the enemy. In a world of true cyber-geekdom, handles are as important as real names and it is possible for both good and bad to hide behind an assumed identity. For example that of the eponymous 'Lucky Ghost' or Elyse Martingale, an undisclosed identity who is steering one of the main players, Thimblerig, a talented hacker with a clear agenda, to try to prevent a 'domino hack'. Beside Thimblerig you have Alex Kubelick, a former vlogger who has her own reasons for searching for the truth behind a potential political corruption story.
While the first half of the book is a gradual build, a setting of the scene to ensure that readers and listeners are fully on board with what is happening, the second half takes a decidedly dark turn. Murder is high on the agenda, not always committed by those with a dark heart or bad intent, and the tension ratchets up the nearer to the conclusion we journey. There are times when all of the key characters are at risk, where the stakes are raised and the possible consequences of taking on the rich and powerful could be catastrophic. The violence is never gratuitous in execution, at least not on the page, but always starkly and vividly clear in the readers mind. It is a near perfect balance in fact.
If you are someone who is a little afraid of techno-babble then this may not be the book for you as it certainly moves way beyond the mere understanding of how to turn on your smart phone. That said, everything is explained so clearly that you don't need a PHD in computer science to understand it. And, regardless of your level of tech-savvy, this should be something which makes you stop and think, perhaps even worry just a little. With the rise of social media, the fact that you can get your own personal virtual reality glasses to play at Star Wars from your local branch of Curry's, and the advent and subsequent rise of Bit-Coin, just how far from fruition or reality is the whole scenario portrayed in this novel? I once spent a few weeks studying the concept of block-chain, the possibility that society and business could exist, trade and manage outside of the constraints of the common place currency that we know and love today. (Made my brain ache.) After all, it is only a few years ago that the act of paying for your coffee via an app on your smart phone would have been unthinkable, and yet I was stood behind one such geek consumer the other day.
Perhaps this story is not so divorced from actual reality after all.
From an audio book perspective, I can highly recommend this version. It had me engrossed from start to finish, with engaging characters, although not always likeable ones, and an intriguing plot that even an old luddite like me could understand. Pacy, fresh, tense and just plain fun, this book is one I heartily recommend. Just ... don't forget to also read Sockpuppet too. I mean it would be rude not to, right, and who wants to be rude?
Can it be read as a stand alone? I would say yes. Absolutely. Technically I was listening to the audio rather than reading but it still counts ;) This is a story in its own right and it is one which probably taught me more about economics and what-not than I have ever known before. Couple the socio-political instruction, very cleverly interwoven into the story, with a gripping read, tense action and moments where the protagonists are placed in complete jeopardy and what you have is a mighty impressive, if not mind blowing story.
Set in a future where society is divided into those who lead a sort of virtual reality led existence, 'the strange', and those who don't staying entirely in 'the real', this is kind of dystopian-esque thriller which examines a world where the economy, or at least currency as we know it, has imploded and virtual currency, or emoticoins, are of high and indisputable value. As to who wins and who loses in this society, well that is yet to be determined. And yet in spite of the lack of physical pounds, shillings and pence, corruption and abuse of power is still rife. This story itself is a look at whether or not the corruption is still of the same meaning if no money can actually change hands. After all they say money is power but does the same apply if the only true currency is the principal of trade or exchange?
And that's about as deep as I am going to get here or I will confuse myself never mind you, my solitary reader. I will say that this is a book you probably need to concentrate on, if only to keep a track of characters, who is and isn't operating in real life or in virtual reality and who, in the grand truth of it all, is actually the enemy. In a world of true cyber-geekdom, handles are as important as real names and it is possible for both good and bad to hide behind an assumed identity. For example that of the eponymous 'Lucky Ghost' or Elyse Martingale, an undisclosed identity who is steering one of the main players, Thimblerig, a talented hacker with a clear agenda, to try to prevent a 'domino hack'. Beside Thimblerig you have Alex Kubelick, a former vlogger who has her own reasons for searching for the truth behind a potential political corruption story.
While the first half of the book is a gradual build, a setting of the scene to ensure that readers and listeners are fully on board with what is happening, the second half takes a decidedly dark turn. Murder is high on the agenda, not always committed by those with a dark heart or bad intent, and the tension ratchets up the nearer to the conclusion we journey. There are times when all of the key characters are at risk, where the stakes are raised and the possible consequences of taking on the rich and powerful could be catastrophic. The violence is never gratuitous in execution, at least not on the page, but always starkly and vividly clear in the readers mind. It is a near perfect balance in fact.
If you are someone who is a little afraid of techno-babble then this may not be the book for you as it certainly moves way beyond the mere understanding of how to turn on your smart phone. That said, everything is explained so clearly that you don't need a PHD in computer science to understand it. And, regardless of your level of tech-savvy, this should be something which makes you stop and think, perhaps even worry just a little. With the rise of social media, the fact that you can get your own personal virtual reality glasses to play at Star Wars from your local branch of Curry's, and the advent and subsequent rise of Bit-Coin, just how far from fruition or reality is the whole scenario portrayed in this novel? I once spent a few weeks studying the concept of block-chain, the possibility that society and business could exist, trade and manage outside of the constraints of the common place currency that we know and love today. (Made my brain ache.) After all, it is only a few years ago that the act of paying for your coffee via an app on your smart phone would have been unthinkable, and yet I was stood behind one such geek consumer the other day.
Perhaps this story is not so divorced from actual reality after all.
From an audio book perspective, I can highly recommend this version. It had me engrossed from start to finish, with engaging characters, although not always likeable ones, and an intriguing plot that even an old luddite like me could understand. Pacy, fresh, tense and just plain fun, this book is one I heartily recommend. Just ... don't forget to also read Sockpuppet too. I mean it would be rude not to, right, and who wants to be rude?
August 10, 2017
Like Sockpuppet, Matthew's first novel, Lucky Ghost is scarily prescient. Fake news, manipulation of public emotion through social media, augmented reality, the gamification of life, the commoditisation of our relationships, refugees, hacktivism, political corruption... all the big themes of our times come to vivid life in this super-smart near-future book.
But it's not just smart - it's fun (and funny). In Lucky Ghost, the exuberant early promise of Sockpuppet sharpens into a tight, taut thriller, packed with memorable characters, exhilarating set pieces and unexpected double-crosses. It's packed with fascinating subcultures - but it also shows the real, complex, hurting humans behind the labels migrant, hacker, politician, geek.
This novel should be on the curriculum. Not just for how it makes you ask the biggest and most important questions about the world we live in, not just for how (if you're anything like me) it teaches you a hell of a lot about how money works, but because it might just persuade a new generation that long-form, beautifully-written fiction is utterly relevant to their concerns and cultures, not to mention a more heart-pounding and immersive ride than any MMOG.
Full disclosure: I'm a friend of Matt's, who's lucky enough to be one of the first readers of his books. So yeah, he's preaching to the converted here. But I do not evangelise this novel to everyone I know, whatever their backgrounds and reading tastes, out of loyalty. I do so because Lucky Ghost is a brilliant, timely, horizon-widening book... and right now we need those sort of books more than ever before.
But it's not just smart - it's fun (and funny). In Lucky Ghost, the exuberant early promise of Sockpuppet sharpens into a tight, taut thriller, packed with memorable characters, exhilarating set pieces and unexpected double-crosses. It's packed with fascinating subcultures - but it also shows the real, complex, hurting humans behind the labels migrant, hacker, politician, geek.
This novel should be on the curriculum. Not just for how it makes you ask the biggest and most important questions about the world we live in, not just for how (if you're anything like me) it teaches you a hell of a lot about how money works, but because it might just persuade a new generation that long-form, beautifully-written fiction is utterly relevant to their concerns and cultures, not to mention a more heart-pounding and immersive ride than any MMOG.
Full disclosure: I'm a friend of Matt's, who's lucky enough to be one of the first readers of his books. So yeah, he's preaching to the converted here. But I do not evangelise this novel to everyone I know, whatever their backgrounds and reading tastes, out of loyalty. I do so because Lucky Ghost is a brilliant, timely, horizon-widening book... and right now we need those sort of books more than ever before.
October 27, 2017
An interesting (and terrifying) glimpse at where tech is taking us as a society. Lucky Ghost has a language of it's own which took a little while for me to get my head around but once I had I really started enjoying the story.
Focusing on a world where most people are literally plugged into a virtual world 24/7, it isn't hard to imagine a time when this will be feasible. Using The Strange interface as an escape from the mundane reality of life, people trade using Emoticoins. This concept struck a nerve, how often do you check your social media to see if you've had a like/heart/approval? That little addictive fizz is being used to manipulate the players and if you have a tendency towards paranoia you will begin to see how much of this book is already happening on some level.
A story of corruption, crime and tech. I will definitely be reading more form this author.
Focusing on a world where most people are literally plugged into a virtual world 24/7, it isn't hard to imagine a time when this will be feasible. Using The Strange interface as an escape from the mundane reality of life, people trade using Emoticoins. This concept struck a nerve, how often do you check your social media to see if you've had a like/heart/approval? That little addictive fizz is being used to manipulate the players and if you have a tendency towards paranoia you will begin to see how much of this book is already happening on some level.
A story of corruption, crime and tech. I will definitely be reading more form this author.
November 10, 2017
Lucky ghost by Mathew blakstad.
Early one Monday morning, much like today, journalist Alex Kubelick walks up to a total stranger and slaps him across the face. Hard.
He thanks her.
They've both just earned Emoticoins in a new, all-consuming game that trades real-life emotions for digital currency. Emoticoins are changing the face of the global economy - but someone or something seems to be controlling the game for their own, nefarious purposes.
A very enjoyable read. Strange and unusual. I liked alex. 4*. Netgalley and hodder and stoughton.
Early one Monday morning, much like today, journalist Alex Kubelick walks up to a total stranger and slaps him across the face. Hard.
He thanks her.
They've both just earned Emoticoins in a new, all-consuming game that trades real-life emotions for digital currency. Emoticoins are changing the face of the global economy - but someone or something seems to be controlling the game for their own, nefarious purposes.
A very enjoyable read. Strange and unusual. I liked alex. 4*. Netgalley and hodder and stoughton.
July 27, 2017
This review originally appeared on Pop Verse.
Cyberpunk has, understandably, been enjoying a resurgence of late. Our lives are practically a cyberpunk reality, with net neutrality issues and augmented reality devices growing in popularity. Not only is the technology of cyberpunk becoming ubiquitous in the real-world, the thriller conspiracies no longer seem farfetched. In the age of Trump and Brexit, we can easily believe that big corporations are manipulating us for their own monetary gains.
Blakstad follows his successful novel Sockpuppet with Lucky Ghost, a cyberpunk thriller set in the not too distant future. The novel is unsettling given the technology remains in the realm of the possible. The thriller aspect of the novel focuses more on a political and economic angle than a personal one, which I found engaging (especially as I had not long since read Laura Lam’s more personal cyberpunk thriller, Shattered Minds, so this was a nice change).
For the most part, the novel works well. It moves at a good pace, the prose is enjoyable, and the characters easily recognisable. My major gripe with the novel is, in itself, a little of a two edged sword. Blakstad was clearly attempting to address the misogyny women encounter online where trolls can use anonymity to let rip without fear of repercussions. This is an admirable issue to tackle and I appreciate the effort, but I’m not sure Blakstad pulls it off.
‘Radio news. A dinosaur that only keeps lumbering on because its nervous system’s so slow, its brain doesn’t yet know it died five years ago.’
Lucky Ghost follows Alex Kubelick, radio host in a brand new job. When a juicy story lands on her lap, she forgets herself, taking an interviewee down on-air before she has confirmed the evidence. But that is just the beginning. In her search for the evidence to support her actions, she is pulled into a far more dangerous and wide-reaching conspiracy.
In Alex’s world, people wear a ‘mesh’ over their faces, letting them interact with a virtual world overlay at all times. They live and breathe the game-world of the Strange. Within their world, they trade a virtual currency – the currency of emotions, known as Emoticoin. When Emoticoin starts being used as a bribe for government officials, Alex is put on the trail of an old adversary. How far does the conspiracy go? And will she be able to solve it before a man in a Spider-Man costume shoots her for real?
‘This triple-shot arsehole is getting high on his own private TED talk.’
It is clear that Blakstad knows what he’s doing. He understands the tech and the ins and outs of the virtual world he has created. It is crucial that readers feel the author is writing from a place of specialist knowledge, we feel safe and can let ourselves get lost in the world. Also, thankfully, Blakstad treats the readers with respect. He never talks down to us about the technology or the ideas he is exploring (a problem Ready Player One suffered from). And while the technology is ultimately the reason the conspiracy is able to exist, the novel doesn’t turn into a diatribe against the use of technology. Instead, it evaluates both sides of the coin, presenting the reader with a range of perspectives.
The writing style is unobtrusive. The author chooses to implement some stylistic accoutrements to highlight the use of instant messenger-like conversations. Usually, these kinds of stylistic gimmicks irritate me, but Blakstad is spot on. He even uses sentence fragments, misses out punctuation, and doesn’t bother with capitals in these passages. As such, it perfectly mimics my own lazy use of internet chats.
‘And that’s my choice? A bullet or an abusive man?’
Alex is an interesting protagonist, but not without her flaws. She is strong and resilient, but not to the point of invincibility – she has plenty of demons. Her reliance on the Strange to quiet her mind is eminently relatable. But she ultimately doesn’t have much active involvement in the outcome of the conspiracy plot. Perhaps her role being limited to journalism is a good choice, keeping her actions within the realm of her character’s skillset, but it makes the ending feel a little hollow.
It is also through Alex that Blakstad explores issues surrounding internet trolls. For the past year, Alex has been the subject of anonymous harassment via the internet. She later discovers that this behaviour is perpetrated by someone she turns to for help. While I understand the author/character’s decision to not address the behaviour at the time, given they are in the middle of a dangerous situation and have shit to be getting on with, when it is finally tackled, Blakstad does a poor job of it. In the end, it feels like an afterthought – as though he suddenly remembered he raised this plot point and has realised he needs to tie a neat bow on it before signing off. It just rings hollow.
Verdict: Solid cyberpunk thriller full of political and economic conspiracies. There are some cool tech ideas embedded in the worldbuilding and some interesting takes on a world dominated by technology, but thankfully it remains firmly within the realms of entertainment rather than soap-box philosophising.
Cyberpunk has, understandably, been enjoying a resurgence of late. Our lives are practically a cyberpunk reality, with net neutrality issues and augmented reality devices growing in popularity. Not only is the technology of cyberpunk becoming ubiquitous in the real-world, the thriller conspiracies no longer seem farfetched. In the age of Trump and Brexit, we can easily believe that big corporations are manipulating us for their own monetary gains.
Blakstad follows his successful novel Sockpuppet with Lucky Ghost, a cyberpunk thriller set in the not too distant future. The novel is unsettling given the technology remains in the realm of the possible. The thriller aspect of the novel focuses more on a political and economic angle than a personal one, which I found engaging (especially as I had not long since read Laura Lam’s more personal cyberpunk thriller, Shattered Minds, so this was a nice change).
For the most part, the novel works well. It moves at a good pace, the prose is enjoyable, and the characters easily recognisable. My major gripe with the novel is, in itself, a little of a two edged sword. Blakstad was clearly attempting to address the misogyny women encounter online where trolls can use anonymity to let rip without fear of repercussions. This is an admirable issue to tackle and I appreciate the effort, but I’m not sure Blakstad pulls it off.
‘Radio news. A dinosaur that only keeps lumbering on because its nervous system’s so slow, its brain doesn’t yet know it died five years ago.’
Lucky Ghost follows Alex Kubelick, radio host in a brand new job. When a juicy story lands on her lap, she forgets herself, taking an interviewee down on-air before she has confirmed the evidence. But that is just the beginning. In her search for the evidence to support her actions, she is pulled into a far more dangerous and wide-reaching conspiracy.
In Alex’s world, people wear a ‘mesh’ over their faces, letting them interact with a virtual world overlay at all times. They live and breathe the game-world of the Strange. Within their world, they trade a virtual currency – the currency of emotions, known as Emoticoin. When Emoticoin starts being used as a bribe for government officials, Alex is put on the trail of an old adversary. How far does the conspiracy go? And will she be able to solve it before a man in a Spider-Man costume shoots her for real?
‘This triple-shot arsehole is getting high on his own private TED talk.’
It is clear that Blakstad knows what he’s doing. He understands the tech and the ins and outs of the virtual world he has created. It is crucial that readers feel the author is writing from a place of specialist knowledge, we feel safe and can let ourselves get lost in the world. Also, thankfully, Blakstad treats the readers with respect. He never talks down to us about the technology or the ideas he is exploring (a problem Ready Player One suffered from). And while the technology is ultimately the reason the conspiracy is able to exist, the novel doesn’t turn into a diatribe against the use of technology. Instead, it evaluates both sides of the coin, presenting the reader with a range of perspectives.
The writing style is unobtrusive. The author chooses to implement some stylistic accoutrements to highlight the use of instant messenger-like conversations. Usually, these kinds of stylistic gimmicks irritate me, but Blakstad is spot on. He even uses sentence fragments, misses out punctuation, and doesn’t bother with capitals in these passages. As such, it perfectly mimics my own lazy use of internet chats.
‘And that’s my choice? A bullet or an abusive man?’
Alex is an interesting protagonist, but not without her flaws. She is strong and resilient, but not to the point of invincibility – she has plenty of demons. Her reliance on the Strange to quiet her mind is eminently relatable. But she ultimately doesn’t have much active involvement in the outcome of the conspiracy plot. Perhaps her role being limited to journalism is a good choice, keeping her actions within the realm of her character’s skillset, but it makes the ending feel a little hollow.
It is also through Alex that Blakstad explores issues surrounding internet trolls. For the past year, Alex has been the subject of anonymous harassment via the internet. She later discovers that this behaviour is perpetrated by someone she turns to for help. While I understand the author/character’s decision to not address the behaviour at the time, given they are in the middle of a dangerous situation and have shit to be getting on with, when it is finally tackled, Blakstad does a poor job of it. In the end, it feels like an afterthought – as though he suddenly remembered he raised this plot point and has realised he needs to tie a neat bow on it before signing off. It just rings hollow.
Verdict: Solid cyberpunk thriller full of political and economic conspiracies. There are some cool tech ideas embedded in the worldbuilding and some interesting takes on a world dominated by technology, but thankfully it remains firmly within the realms of entertainment rather than soap-box philosophising.
May 5, 2018
Brilliant although didnt realise it was the 2nd in a trilogy,, will have to order the first one now lols :)
January 29, 2018
I’m surprised there isn’t more hype over this book - it’s superb, a level up from it’s predecessor Sockpuppet, which I’d advise reading first to get the full effect.
Full review to follow...
Full review to follow...
October 27, 2017
This is book 3 in Matthew’s Martingale Cycle series, but you don’t have to have read either of the other books to understand this one as it is technically a stand alone book but with some people from the first books appearing in this one.
The book starts off with a woman, Alex, being told to slap a man she has never met, and act in a Virtual Reality game where you gain points for doing various acts.
It then switches to a man/boy who goes by the name Thimblerig as he instigates a group of people with pig masks to trespass and protest against a building so he can hack into their servers for some information.
The story jumps straight into the action and it is a very fast moving book, with lots of action and intrigue throughout.
It is a very clever and thought-provoking book, which potentially could not be too far in the future with everyone’s fascination with technology and people currently walking around with so much technology in their hands to go into alternative worlds whilst they are out and about.
Overall this is a very unique and brilliant book which I give 5 stars to.
The book starts off with a woman, Alex, being told to slap a man she has never met, and act in a Virtual Reality game where you gain points for doing various acts.
It then switches to a man/boy who goes by the name Thimblerig as he instigates a group of people with pig masks to trespass and protest against a building so he can hack into their servers for some information.
The story jumps straight into the action and it is a very fast moving book, with lots of action and intrigue throughout.
It is a very clever and thought-provoking book, which potentially could not be too far in the future with everyone’s fascination with technology and people currently walking around with so much technology in their hands to go into alternative worlds whilst they are out and about.
Overall this is a very unique and brilliant book which I give 5 stars to.
Read
November 25, 2018DNF I found this book difficult to get into and after 100 pages had no link with any of the characters. This book was not for me.
January 24, 2024
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. While it had an intriguing premise, I found it very confusing and hard to grasp the story. 1 star.
October 6, 2017
I won't pretend I understood all the IT references because I didn't and it did take me longer to read than my normal reads. I’m not a computer wiz at all and I tend to shy away from the fact computers are a lot more advanced in our society than I would like. Did this all impact on my enjoyment of this book? certainly not in anyway. I really enjoyed it, I did have to work harder as the reader because I choose to Google words I was unsure about, and again this was purely because I'm oblivious to the world of computers.
The author is clearly very clever and knows his stuff in the virtual reality world, his writing is engaging and very real as we head into a future where technology is taking over most things we already do. I would love to see this book made into a film; I think it would appeal to so many people.
The main part of this book I loved was the thriller and conspiracy aspect. The strange is a virtual world where currency is Emoticoin; human emotions are used to trade Emoticions. In the strange you can be whomever you want and the characters use this world as a means to escape from their own reality. As with all good things, people find ways to abuse and take advantage for their own personal gain, this happens with the Emoticoin currency when the government take bribes for payments.
The female lead, Alex, is a radio host who decides to take someone down on air at her new job, she has no idea if what she is saying is true or not and for this reasons it opens up a whole can of worms that Alex feels she needs to get to the bottom of. Along the away we meet characters like Thimblerig, who in the real world is a young man living in England after fleeing Syria. He's not has an easy life and has many demons haunting him. He's been trolling Alex online; this upsets her however she has no options but to call upon him for help.
If you love fast paced futuristic thrillers, then this is definitely the book for you. Right from the start you are thrown into the action and it doesn't let go until the very last page.
I feel I may have benefit more from reading Sockpuppet first; this is purely because I am new to this genre and want to know a little more. I will definitely be adding Sockpuppet to my TBR list.
Thank you to the author Matthew Blakstad for giving me the chance to read his book.
The author is clearly very clever and knows his stuff in the virtual reality world, his writing is engaging and very real as we head into a future where technology is taking over most things we already do. I would love to see this book made into a film; I think it would appeal to so many people.
The main part of this book I loved was the thriller and conspiracy aspect. The strange is a virtual world where currency is Emoticoin; human emotions are used to trade Emoticions. In the strange you can be whomever you want and the characters use this world as a means to escape from their own reality. As with all good things, people find ways to abuse and take advantage for their own personal gain, this happens with the Emoticoin currency when the government take bribes for payments.
The female lead, Alex, is a radio host who decides to take someone down on air at her new job, she has no idea if what she is saying is true or not and for this reasons it opens up a whole can of worms that Alex feels she needs to get to the bottom of. Along the away we meet characters like Thimblerig, who in the real world is a young man living in England after fleeing Syria. He's not has an easy life and has many demons haunting him. He's been trolling Alex online; this upsets her however she has no options but to call upon him for help.
If you love fast paced futuristic thrillers, then this is definitely the book for you. Right from the start you are thrown into the action and it doesn't let go until the very last page.
I feel I may have benefit more from reading Sockpuppet first; this is purely because I am new to this genre and want to know a little more. I will definitely be adding Sockpuppet to my TBR list.
Thank you to the author Matthew Blakstad for giving me the chance to read his book.
September 10, 2017
Wow. Blakstad has seized the zeitgeist and run with it. From his clearly gargantuan brain spins a future-tech conspiracy thriller that is terrifyingly apposite for our times.
What I love most about this book is the brilliantly original and spot-on ideas. Set in the near future of the 'Sharing Twenties', players on a virtual reality network called The Strange wear a face-covering mesh to game with other Strangers. They wander round the streets in an alternate world, becoming like zombies if disconnected. Only a slight (but brilliantly imaginative) escalation from our obsession with smart devices. The most impressive concept, though, is the Emoticoin - like Bitcoin, but trading on gamers emotions, the positive validation they get when they have a good interaction. An ingenious twist on not just digital currencies, but the endorphins we get from likes on social media. Oh, and he even manages to work in some topical pieces on trolling. But all is not well in this world, and Blakstad paints a dystopian view of how digital power can corrupt - unless people unite to harness it for the good.
This isn't just an ideas book, though - it is a finely plotted and excellently paced thriller, filling with Blakstad's trademark zinging prose. His debut, Sockpuppet, was good, but as a follow-up Lucky Ghost is even better. Blakstad has really nailed getting readers engrossed in a book, desperate to turn onto the next page. And I just love his wordplay.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you want a clever, thought-provoking piece of fiction, that makes you think the author ought to be creating the next zillion dollar start up rather than just books, this is one for you. It deserves to do spectacularly well.
What I love most about this book is the brilliantly original and spot-on ideas. Set in the near future of the 'Sharing Twenties', players on a virtual reality network called The Strange wear a face-covering mesh to game with other Strangers. They wander round the streets in an alternate world, becoming like zombies if disconnected. Only a slight (but brilliantly imaginative) escalation from our obsession with smart devices. The most impressive concept, though, is the Emoticoin - like Bitcoin, but trading on gamers emotions, the positive validation they get when they have a good interaction. An ingenious twist on not just digital currencies, but the endorphins we get from likes on social media. Oh, and he even manages to work in some topical pieces on trolling. But all is not well in this world, and Blakstad paints a dystopian view of how digital power can corrupt - unless people unite to harness it for the good.
This isn't just an ideas book, though - it is a finely plotted and excellently paced thriller, filling with Blakstad's trademark zinging prose. His debut, Sockpuppet, was good, but as a follow-up Lucky Ghost is even better. Blakstad has really nailed getting readers engrossed in a book, desperate to turn onto the next page. And I just love his wordplay.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you want a clever, thought-provoking piece of fiction, that makes you think the author ought to be creating the next zillion dollar start up rather than just books, this is one for you. It deserves to do spectacularly well.
April 2, 2018
“‘free’ inevitably means that someone else will be deciding how you live.”
i’ve been lucky to have had a streak of four and five star books for the whole of march, and this book was no exception. it was an excellent, exciting sci-fi thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
the plot was very exciting, if a little confusing - there were also lots of perspectives. the main two were alex (the main character) and thimblerig (the hacker) but there are also a lot of other povs so if you don’t like that, this may not be the book for you.
the main plot was about the control of the strange and emoticoin which started with simply some emails being read about by alex on the radio and ended up with the bail out of a high street store, bringing down a corporation and a hacker mole.
the world was also very interesting. it was 10 ish years in the future and one of the most popular currencies was emoticoin - a digital currency similar to bitcoin. you can spend it in the strange, a virtual reality world where you can play out stories called “encounters” with strangers.
overall it was a very enjoyable read with a high-stakes plot, and i really enjoyed it. if you like hacking and computers in any way, you’ll enjoy it.
i’ve been lucky to have had a streak of four and five star books for the whole of march, and this book was no exception. it was an excellent, exciting sci-fi thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
the plot was very exciting, if a little confusing - there were also lots of perspectives. the main two were alex (the main character) and thimblerig (the hacker) but there are also a lot of other povs so if you don’t like that, this may not be the book for you.
the main plot was about the control of the strange and emoticoin which started with simply some emails being read about by alex on the radio and ended up with the bail out of a high street store, bringing down a corporation and a hacker mole.
the world was also very interesting. it was 10 ish years in the future and one of the most popular currencies was emoticoin - a digital currency similar to bitcoin. you can spend it in the strange, a virtual reality world where you can play out stories called “encounters” with strangers.
overall it was a very enjoyable read with a high-stakes plot, and i really enjoyed it. if you like hacking and computers in any way, you’ll enjoy it.
January 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this pacey, intelligent, futuristic whodunnit, with a unique technological spin. The main character Alex is a traumatised but still ballsy reporter, digging into corruption in a near-future alternate reality. We find her on the trail of a bribe which takes her through lots of twisty, tech-bro and coder geek realms, with a dose of classic British gangster and economic theory thrown in for good measure. I thoroughly enjoyed the wry, self-aware nods to 'our' present / reality (such as The IT Crowd). The concept of the Strange was intriguing and felt highly pertinent to virtual reality / metaverse discussions happening today (although I spent the entire reading of this book with People Are Strange by The Doors stuck in my head...). And the book poses interesting questions about morality, society and technology - such as the role of Thimblerig in showing how internet anonymity sometimes unlocks the worst in us. The mystery unravels at a thrilling pace - I feel this would make a great movie and I'd be first in line to watch! Highly recommended, such a fun read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publishers for the opportunity to read.
March 3, 2019
I thought I would enjoy this book. I almost did. The story was quite gripping, if formulaic, but the characters were cartoon stereotypes, probably because the author (from whose bio I was hoping for better) must have listened to his agent's whisperings that his target market would double if he made the protagonist female. It was the more overt proposition of this theme that put me off reading Sockpuppet. Sorry, Matthew, I have news for you: your "female" persona is not only lacking in credibility, but her supposedly feminine characteristics are sufficiently unconvincing to put off readers of both principal sexes. You might find a market among the transitioning I suppose.
You're not alone. My erstwhile literary heroes Charlie Stross and Hannu Rajaniemi have both succumbed to the lure of demographic inclusionism.
Ah well, I shall return to reading Wendy Cope; not only is she a woman who obviously understands women, and appears (from my admittedly limited heterosexual male viewpoint) to write convincingly about the way women think, she also appears to have sense of proportion.
You're not alone. My erstwhile literary heroes Charlie Stross and Hannu Rajaniemi have both succumbed to the lure of demographic inclusionism.
Ah well, I shall return to reading Wendy Cope; not only is she a woman who obviously understands women, and appears (from my admittedly limited heterosexual male viewpoint) to write convincingly about the way women think, she also appears to have sense of proportion.
October 24, 2018
Lucky Ghost is a fast-paced and tightly plotted techno-thriller set in the near future. It follows on from the superb Sockpuppet and while it works as a stand alone I'd highly recommend reading both. A few years have elapsed since the final events of the previous novel and the latest craze is an immersive augmented reality game called The Strange where players earn and trade in emotions. Needless to say, once something attains a value and becomes currency, whether in the real world or a virtual one (or a hybrid of the two), corruption and criminality soon follows. Add an unruly gang of hacktivists and an investigative journalist intent on following the money and you have another of Matthew Blakstad's trademark intelligent, exciting and all-too-believable page-turners. He truly is the king of geeklit.
May 31, 2020
It took me much longer to finish this book then anticipated, mostly because it was difficult to read and I kept finding other things that I would rather be doing (the sure sign that a book has failed to grab my attention).
Much of the content was tedious and long-winded and at times the temptation to skim through large sections was impossible to resist. The plot was overly complicated and I found it extremely difficult to follow / figure out who was who (even before I started to 'skim').
The original premise was intriguing but there was too much going on in this story and it was often not clear whether something was happening 'for real'. Whilst this was most likely intentional, it also make it difficult to make sense of the events.
The ending was satisfying which is why the rating is a low 3 rather than a 2.
Much of the content was tedious and long-winded and at times the temptation to skim through large sections was impossible to resist. The plot was overly complicated and I found it extremely difficult to follow / figure out who was who (even before I started to 'skim').
The original premise was intriguing but there was too much going on in this story and it was often not clear whether something was happening 'for real'. Whilst this was most likely intentional, it also make it difficult to make sense of the events.
The ending was satisfying which is why the rating is a low 3 rather than a 2.
dnf
July 9, 2024Lucky Ghost ended up being my third DNF of the year. I love Black Mirror and I can definitely see where the comparison comes from, but when I picked this book up, I didn't know it was connected to a previous book. Nothing inside the book says it's a sequel, but the Goodreads page suggests it's in the same world as Sockpuppet (which I've not read).
I thought I could progress with it as a standalone but about halfway through the book, I realised I wasn't feeling any connection to the characters and there was a new POV added which added to the disconnection.
There's a scene where a man records a woman in the shower without her knowledge or consent which put me off even more as there was no immediate recognition of guilt or wrongdoing. A little too close to home for me, I'd mentally checked out, and I don't feel any desire to know the ending, which speaks volumes.
I thought I could progress with it as a standalone but about halfway through the book, I realised I wasn't feeling any connection to the characters and there was a new POV added which added to the disconnection.
There's a scene where a man records a woman in the shower without her knowledge or consent which put me off even more as there was no immediate recognition of guilt or wrongdoing. A little too close to home for me, I'd mentally checked out, and I don't feel any desire to know the ending, which speaks volumes.
October 27, 2017
As someone who would definitely own a ‘mesh’ (Augmented reality device) and have probably gone fully ‘strange’ I found this book both insightful and exciting.
The story revolves around a future blogger come old school journalist called Alex and her gradual realisation that things might not be as utopian in her augmented reality coping mechanism as she would have hoped
I found the near future vision of the world not that hard to imagine given where we are today and the future crimes involved were very plausible and perhaps made me think about how technology can skew our view of the world in the birth of fake news.
A great, fast paced story and I’m looking forward to more
The story revolves around a future blogger come old school journalist called Alex and her gradual realisation that things might not be as utopian in her augmented reality coping mechanism as she would have hoped
I found the near future vision of the world not that hard to imagine given where we are today and the future crimes involved were very plausible and perhaps made me think about how technology can skew our view of the world in the birth of fake news.
A great, fast paced story and I’m looking forward to more
July 28, 2017
Well written with a brilliantly imaginative world & technology and genuinely unnerving. You may get more out of it, however, if you've read Sockpuppet first. A Good book, just didn't do it for me. But I would definitely recommend it if you like well written/ inventive Cyberpunk Sci-Fi.
(I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review in a Goodreads giveaway.)
(I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review in a Goodreads giveaway.)
December 4, 2017
This book was pretty techie and it took me a bit longer to get into and read because of this. However, once I got into it I really enjoyed it. The whole concept of 'living' in a different world as well as in the 'real' world is fascinating as so true to life in the techie world we now live in. I will definitely be giving more of this author's books a go.
August 2, 2017
I won this advance copy through Goodreads. I believe I may have enjoyed it more had I read Sockpuppet first and, to be honest, it was well written but perhaps a little too geeky for me.
December 6, 2017
Too much jumping around of tone, etc.
Tried to finish but couldn't.
Tried to finish but couldn't.
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