The Dig

by Emma Wong

Set in the beginning of the 22nd Century, at a remote archaeological dig site bombarded by unsafe levels of radiation, an aging Jack Harrison must race against time and his own personal demons to make the discovery of a lifetime (known as the Revelation) and gain the recognition he feels he's been denied for decades. Together with Long Shot, an AI unit stationed at the site to help him analyze the materials he finds, Jack recalls the events that lead him to this place in his life. All the while, a religious cult, the Svechi, are determined to stop Jack (and the Revelation) at any cost.

365 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2017

Reviews

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75* The concept of this book was so interesting and the story was captivating most of the time.
This would’ve been a full four stars if it wasn’t so hard to follow at times.
If you like Sci Fi and philosophy, this is a great read.

[Davismcdavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can't tell too much of the plot without giving anything away, but what I can say is that it's about a man on an archeological dig in a dystopian future. The main character is quite multifaceted and there are some really interesting descriptions of the future world he lives in. It felt like the book was set in its own fully fleshed-out reality. The rest you'll have to read to find out. It reminded me of Hugh Howey's "Beacon 23" and "The Book Of Strange New Things"by Michael Faber, so if you've read either of those you will probably like this.

[Tally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll read it again and again

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great (and timely) read

Slightly reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite books, the Martian, this book is a fascinating fictional peek into the future, but less about space travel (although there is a wee bit of that too) and more about genetic exploration and manipulation and the societal effects that such science might bring about. As I was reading it, there were actual headlines hitting the evening news about doctors in the US having edited the genes of embryos for the first time ever in order to correct genetic defects. Had I not been reading this new book, I likely would not have paid as much attention to that bit of scientific development. It's a fast paced read with a good bit of twist at the very end that I did not see coming. Kudos to this first time author. Looking forward to the next novel from Emma Wong!

[Addison Braendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first book, this is five stars; for a professional writer with several books out, three and a half. so I'm going four. It's totally worth a read, and has more provocative elements and discursions (think Ann Rice), than your typical sci-fi book.

This book is of the hard science variety, like The Martian, but with less physics and more genetics, and a liberal dose of sociology and archaeology thrown in. The protagonist is not your usual "EVERYONE WANTS TO BE LIKE YOU" guy. In fact, you probably don't want to be like him at all. Him neither, for that matter. It blends back story and present-day well, moving the story along and providing context as you go.

Highlights include the gene-splicing lecture, the University of Chicago scenes, the Russia-China antics and the layered reveal (Reveal?) at the end.

[Charity Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dig is a captivating, futuristic, science fiction themed novel. I found it very interesting and I have recommended this book to my friends and family.