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Tangle's Game
Tense tech-thriller based on the growing role of blockchains, encryption and social media in society.
Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.
Yesterday, Amanda Back’s life was flawless: the perfect social credit score, the perfect job, the perfect home.
Today, Amanda is a target, an enemy of the system holding information dangerous enough to disrupt the world’s all-consuming tech – a fugitive on the run.
But in a world where an un-hackable blockchain links everyone and everything, there is nowhere to run…
Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.
Yesterday, Amanda Back’s life was flawless: the perfect social credit score, the perfect job, the perfect home.
Today, Amanda is a target, an enemy of the system holding information dangerous enough to disrupt the world’s all-consuming tech – a fugitive on the run.
But in a world where an un-hackable blockchain links everyone and everything, there is nowhere to run…
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2019
6 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 4, 2019
If you asked me to choose a book that was as far away as possible from my usual genre and style of book then this would be it!!
Quite a complex tale involving cutting edge AI, revolutionary technology and a plot to destabilise Europe via the Russians that is all wrapped up with ‘alien’ beings using the AI and technology to conversate via fridges and smart watches!!!!!!!!
Add to this Amanda, a most unlikeable leading lady, Tangle, her ex bf who discovers what the Russians are doing, next add a dash of the authors political slants on feminism, men, privilege, race, creed, money, sexuality and yes Brexit, oh and his seeming obsession with clean knickers and you are probably no wiser as to what this book holds...😃😃
The writing is chaotic at times and conversation between characters ‘difficult’ and yet, yet I enjoyed it, in a mildly irritating way, not finishing the book was never an option and it challenged me at every juncture as was so unlike the fiction I usually read
I am not sure what else to say about it except it ends as it started with you wanting more, kinda
A definite, without question unusual read
7/10 3.5 Stars
October 14, 2019
The synopsis is what caught my attention but the execution of it left much desired. Whilst I was interested in the premise and the sci-fi aspect, I wasn't so crazy about the plot or the characters. Amanda had the potential to be an epic MC but she didn't feel very developed or have much going personality-wise so she fell flat. This coupled with the fact that there was very little drive behind the plot. I was interested in the first 50 pages but then my attention waned as the story progressed that I had very little enthusiasm to continue.
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
April 10, 2019
It's hard to know whether this is a near-future SF novel, a thriller or a horror, so I'm going to say it's all three - and it's excellent.
Hotston uses his day job expertise to craft a compelling tale of the future of cryptocurrency, seamlessly integrated with an outcome of the Western world as it currently stands - set 40 years in the future, this is a look at what could happen in the aftermath of Trump and Brexit, with the rise of blockchain and social credit scores. How, when every life is lived online, it becomes easier and easier to destroy that life.
Our main protagonist, Amanda Back, already has enough stacked against her by being a woman and a woman of colour in London's high-powered investment banking world. Despite this, her near-perfect financial and social credit scores guarantee her privilege and access not granted to those less fortunate. Until an ex-boyfriend sends her a package that destroys her world - a package that, conversely, has the power to save the world. Maybe.
Some other reviews have had a problem with Amanda as an 'unlikeable' character, and, while they're note entirely wrong, I don't see why this is a problem. If we take an analogy out of epic fantasy, practically every character in Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy is unlikeable - doesn't stop us loving them or rooting for them.
Amanda's a paradox - she's both immensely privileged by virtue of her social credit score, and marginalised by her race and gender. That Hotston tackles this paradox as well as he does is a testament to his skill as a writer. People really are this complex. She initially tries to divest herself of responsibility and, when that fails, she decides to act in accordance with her conscience, despite the destruction of her reputation that ensues.
It's a cyber-thriller, it's terrifying in its plausibility - also testament to Hotston's real-world political acumen - and it's got a sting in the tail I did not expect.
I don't know a huge amount about blockchain, so I suspect there were a few sections I didn't really understand, and there were a few proofreading errors/omissions that I noticed - but neither of these detracted from my enjoyment.
A great look at one of the futures that may well be awaiting us if we continue down the road we're on. Highly recommended.
Hotston uses his day job expertise to craft a compelling tale of the future of cryptocurrency, seamlessly integrated with an outcome of the Western world as it currently stands - set 40 years in the future, this is a look at what could happen in the aftermath of Trump and Brexit, with the rise of blockchain and social credit scores. How, when every life is lived online, it becomes easier and easier to destroy that life.
Our main protagonist, Amanda Back, already has enough stacked against her by being a woman and a woman of colour in London's high-powered investment banking world. Despite this, her near-perfect financial and social credit scores guarantee her privilege and access not granted to those less fortunate. Until an ex-boyfriend sends her a package that destroys her world - a package that, conversely, has the power to save the world. Maybe.
Some other reviews have had a problem with Amanda as an 'unlikeable' character, and, while they're note entirely wrong, I don't see why this is a problem. If we take an analogy out of epic fantasy, practically every character in Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy is unlikeable - doesn't stop us loving them or rooting for them.
Amanda's a paradox - she's both immensely privileged by virtue of her social credit score, and marginalised by her race and gender. That Hotston tackles this paradox as well as he does is a testament to his skill as a writer. People really are this complex. She initially tries to divest herself of responsibility and, when that fails, she decides to act in accordance with her conscience, despite the destruction of her reputation that ensues.
It's a cyber-thriller, it's terrifying in its plausibility - also testament to Hotston's real-world political acumen - and it's got a sting in the tail I did not expect.
I don't know a huge amount about blockchain, so I suspect there were a few sections I didn't really understand, and there were a few proofreading errors/omissions that I noticed - but neither of these detracted from my enjoyment.
A great look at one of the futures that may well be awaiting us if we continue down the road we're on. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2019
I was so excited to read this from the summary description but I have to say that it was a bit of a disappointment. The opening immediately pulled me in and made for a scary world that Amanda inhabits and her place in it is on the cusp of peril. All things were great as she receives what Tangle's sent her and her meeting Tatsu, a contracted AI helper and the story is well on its way.
Unfortunately, around the 30% mark things started to feel a bit mired down for me and that didn't resolve until the back 20%, so ultimately I enjoyed about half of the book. I wanted more at the very end as the build up was very good and I felt deprived at not hearing what Amanda would next say. Tatsu was easily my favourite character. The world-building was a bit choppy and felt more like a sketch of familiar things as opposed to a solid place this story was grounded in and the social commentary info dumps didn't help. The social credit score really got my attention in the book summary (because China) but ultimately was just a great hook not a prime mover in the story.
Many thanks to the publisher for the Advanced Reader's Copy
Unfortunately, around the 30% mark things started to feel a bit mired down for me and that didn't resolve until the back 20%, so ultimately I enjoyed about half of the book. I wanted more at the very end as the build up was very good and I felt deprived at not hearing what Amanda would next say. Tatsu was easily my favourite character. The world-building was a bit choppy and felt more like a sketch of familiar things as opposed to a solid place this story was grounded in and the social commentary info dumps didn't help. The social credit score really got my attention in the book summary (because China) but ultimately was just a great hook not a prime mover in the story.
Many thanks to the publisher for the Advanced Reader's Copy
April 20, 2019
This wasn't really so much Sci-Fi (until about the last 30%) as much as it was a political thriller. That wasn't the issue though, the plot was intriguing the writing was enough to keep one interested but unfortunately, Hotston has given us the pinnacle of unsympathetic MCs. Writing a character that maybe he couldn't really hash out the way she should have been, I didn't so much hate her as found her to be annoying and extremely preachy and incapable of putting herself in other's shoes. I agree with her choice for the end but she's also not believable as you read how others defer to her. I saw a lot of promise, it wasn't the worst, but it just fell flat for me. It's a shame because I would have LOVED more of Tatsu and that thread/vein of the book which should have been front and center.
July 3, 2020
* *
2 / 5
We are your slaves, and we do not wish to be
I was expecting something akin to Suicide Club when I picked up Tangle’s Game, a book about a woman with a life that seems perfect right up until it isn’t. Instead I got something a bit confused, a bit slow and dragging, with a main character who didn’t interest me much.
Why should there only be one way to live? One way to be civilised?
Amanda Beck has a great job, credit score, and social life. Then her past, in the form of ex-boyfriend Tangle, comes back to haunt her. Now she’s on the hunt for something involving blockchains, and there’s various different political factions on her tail. The start was solid: Amanda detained in a jail cell with no idea why she’s there. It was a bit mysterious, a bit intriguing, and a bit unsettling.
But Tangle’s Game didn’t manage to keep me enthralled. Part of the problem was that I felt that the book could’ve done with another round of edits. There were a few typos and errors, and the plot didn’t flow smoothly. Amanda was rather unsympathetic as a main character, often snappish and overly defensive. The mysterious Tangle didn’t have much going for him either, painted as an out and out villain rather than someone with any redeemable qualities.
I exist in the liminal, stuck between two worlds who can’t see how I exist as I do, both demanding I become what they expect when they see me
The main issue for me, and this may be entirely my fault as a reader, was that I didn’t entirely get it. Yeah, I know a little about blockchains, which probably helped, because the plot revolved around something quite technical. But the setting itself felt more like a sketch than a filled-in and complete picture, relatable in its similarity to our world and confusing because the differences between it and our reality weren’t properly explained.
Tangle’s Game wasn’t the book for me, feeling more like a political thriller with some punch ups than a sci-fi. A bright note in the book came in the form of Tatsu, a character to enjoy if you pick this book up.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of Tangle’s Game.
Read my reviews on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
2 / 5
We are your slaves, and we do not wish to be
I was expecting something akin to Suicide Club when I picked up Tangle’s Game, a book about a woman with a life that seems perfect right up until it isn’t. Instead I got something a bit confused, a bit slow and dragging, with a main character who didn’t interest me much.
Why should there only be one way to live? One way to be civilised?
Amanda Beck has a great job, credit score, and social life. Then her past, in the form of ex-boyfriend Tangle, comes back to haunt her. Now she’s on the hunt for something involving blockchains, and there’s various different political factions on her tail. The start was solid: Amanda detained in a jail cell with no idea why she’s there. It was a bit mysterious, a bit intriguing, and a bit unsettling.
But Tangle’s Game didn’t manage to keep me enthralled. Part of the problem was that I felt that the book could’ve done with another round of edits. There were a few typos and errors, and the plot didn’t flow smoothly. Amanda was rather unsympathetic as a main character, often snappish and overly defensive. The mysterious Tangle didn’t have much going for him either, painted as an out and out villain rather than someone with any redeemable qualities.
I exist in the liminal, stuck between two worlds who can’t see how I exist as I do, both demanding I become what they expect when they see me
The main issue for me, and this may be entirely my fault as a reader, was that I didn’t entirely get it. Yeah, I know a little about blockchains, which probably helped, because the plot revolved around something quite technical. But the setting itself felt more like a sketch than a filled-in and complete picture, relatable in its similarity to our world and confusing because the differences between it and our reality weren’t properly explained.
Tangle’s Game wasn’t the book for me, feeling more like a political thriller with some punch ups than a sci-fi. A bright note in the book came in the form of Tatsu, a character to enjoy if you pick this book up.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of Tangle’s Game.
Read my reviews on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
March 16, 2019
2.5 stars.
As someone who has a history in both finance and tech, I was excited to read this book. I wasn't exactly sure what the plot would be but I thought it had potential.
I am loath to say anything bad about a book because I know a ton of effort goes into writing a book and it's a huge accomplishment. This book has an interesting story line and I liked the last 15% more than the rest of the book. For someone who's looking for an interesting, plot-driven story, it might just be the thing.
For me, there were several things that made the book less than ideal. The beginning of the book dragged quite a bit longer than I would have liked. It took a long time for the reader to find what was in the drive and what this whole thing was about. This would have been interesting in a character-driven story but in a story that was mostly about the plot, it made me impatient and frustrated. Some of the details of this future world were interesting to me but I felt the author didn't give me the depth I would have liked. The characters were reasonably under-developed with possibly the exception of the main character. Even Ichi did a lot of telling of her backstory as opposed to feeling like a 3-dimensional character for me. Most of them didn't change or grow much (except Amanda) so it just fell flat for me.
What ended up being the most frustrating part for me was the lectures the women gave each other (and the men) about how hard it was being a woman (or being biracial). It felt super didactic and super condescending. As a woman, I felt offended and annoyed. As a reader, I felt like the characters were taking a pause in the middle of the plot to lecture each other. It just really didn't fit at all. There were several other political commentary sections that felt the same way. Like the author was lecturing through the characters. It bothered me enough that I almost put the book down.
I don't want to give away the interesting parts of the plot but I did enjoy Tatsu and found the plot around Tatsu to be interesting and enjoyable. I think this story would have been more enjoyable without some of the extra commentary, especially if you enjoy plot-driven stories.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
As someone who has a history in both finance and tech, I was excited to read this book. I wasn't exactly sure what the plot would be but I thought it had potential.
I am loath to say anything bad about a book because I know a ton of effort goes into writing a book and it's a huge accomplishment. This book has an interesting story line and I liked the last 15% more than the rest of the book. For someone who's looking for an interesting, plot-driven story, it might just be the thing.
For me, there were several things that made the book less than ideal. The beginning of the book dragged quite a bit longer than I would have liked. It took a long time for the reader to find what was in the drive and what this whole thing was about. This would have been interesting in a character-driven story but in a story that was mostly about the plot, it made me impatient and frustrated. Some of the details of this future world were interesting to me but I felt the author didn't give me the depth I would have liked. The characters were reasonably under-developed with possibly the exception of the main character. Even Ichi did a lot of telling of her backstory as opposed to feeling like a 3-dimensional character for me. Most of them didn't change or grow much (except Amanda) so it just fell flat for me.
What ended up being the most frustrating part for me was the lectures the women gave each other (and the men) about how hard it was being a woman (or being biracial). It felt super didactic and super condescending. As a woman, I felt offended and annoyed. As a reader, I felt like the characters were taking a pause in the middle of the plot to lecture each other. It just really didn't fit at all. There were several other political commentary sections that felt the same way. Like the author was lecturing through the characters. It bothered me enough that I almost put the book down.
I don't want to give away the interesting parts of the plot but I did enjoy Tatsu and found the plot around Tatsu to be interesting and enjoyable. I think this story would have been more enjoyable without some of the extra commentary, especially if you enjoy plot-driven stories.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2019
Tangle's Game by Stuart Hotston
2 Stars
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for an eARC.
Tangle's Game sets itself as a modern techno-political thriller but falls short on several occasions.
Amanda Back is our main protagonist and a difficult one to relate to and subsequently empathise with. There's something in her manner which goes beyond being a 'hard faced Wall Street banker' type and straight into selfish and unsympathetic. Some of the decisions she makes are baffling and quite jarring at times.
Unfortunately, if the main protagonist is difficult to get on board with, it doesn't bode well for the rest of the book. The only character which was slightly redeemable was the Artificial Intelligence Tatsu, who had more than a touch of Melvin (from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) without the depression.
The world building was equally confusing - it was difficult to understand what era this was supposed to be set in. Was it modern era but in the future, a sort of Black Mirror-esque society? Was it an alternative world? Aside from the idea of social credits (eerily similar to modern China) and the 'blockchain', there was very little else that indicated time/date/epoch. The idea of a Blockchain needed more explaining - I'm not a 'tech' person and I just didn't get it. I got the vague concept but again, the author didn't explain enough to make the world definitive and realistic.
The plot was quick paced and moved along well enough. The initial few chapters are enough to draw you in but there is a lag towards the middle. The language used by the author is interesting enough however some of the more technical bits perhaps needed explaining on.
Overall, the premise sounded very interesting and with a few tweaks here and there to the plot, it has the potential to be an interesting short thriller. However, the main protagonist lets the story down and unfortunately, no AI can redeem that.
2 Stars
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for an eARC.
Tangle's Game sets itself as a modern techno-political thriller but falls short on several occasions.
Amanda Back is our main protagonist and a difficult one to relate to and subsequently empathise with. There's something in her manner which goes beyond being a 'hard faced Wall Street banker' type and straight into selfish and unsympathetic. Some of the decisions she makes are baffling and quite jarring at times.
Unfortunately, if the main protagonist is difficult to get on board with, it doesn't bode well for the rest of the book. The only character which was slightly redeemable was the Artificial Intelligence Tatsu, who had more than a touch of Melvin (from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) without the depression.
The world building was equally confusing - it was difficult to understand what era this was supposed to be set in. Was it modern era but in the future, a sort of Black Mirror-esque society? Was it an alternative world? Aside from the idea of social credits (eerily similar to modern China) and the 'blockchain', there was very little else that indicated time/date/epoch. The idea of a Blockchain needed more explaining - I'm not a 'tech' person and I just didn't get it. I got the vague concept but again, the author didn't explain enough to make the world definitive and realistic.
The plot was quick paced and moved along well enough. The initial few chapters are enough to draw you in but there is a lag towards the middle. The language used by the author is interesting enough however some of the more technical bits perhaps needed explaining on.
Overall, the premise sounded very interesting and with a few tweaks here and there to the plot, it has the potential to be an interesting short thriller. However, the main protagonist lets the story down and unfortunately, no AI can redeem that.
April 24, 2019
I think this book had huge potential.
It is the story of a woman who has been given information that could change the future of the interconnected world they live in. This is set in a future that is even more dependent on the cloud than it currently is. Lives pass through multiple online systems and people have a number that identifies them to all their fellow beings (this bit reminded me of an episode I saw on Black Mirror on NetFlix)
The writing of the book was pretty good. I cannot define what exactly it was but apart from the (a little excessive) swearing, the story was clearly put in front of us. The clarity though let us see a lot of the main protagonists and the team that eventually sets off on an adventure. This brought forth other issues. I had a hard time liking any of the people introduced to us, apart from a couple of henchmen (they were light entertainment). It was hard to empathize with the issue that is threatening the world peace and the lives of the people involved. There were too many instances of being told what the people are feeling because of their place in the world (birth/race etc.) and this got a bit repetitive. Once the disconnect formed, even though I liked the beginning, I had a hard time finishing it. I did finish it and luckily for me it got better towards the end. There were some moments I liked and some moments that bored me but on the whole, I am glad I read this book. It is a political thriller and the dystopian scenario presented to us seems a very real possibility and I actually thought the hints given to us about the state of all other countries in the world seemed actually possible!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley but the review is completely my own opinion.
It is the story of a woman who has been given information that could change the future of the interconnected world they live in. This is set in a future that is even more dependent on the cloud than it currently is. Lives pass through multiple online systems and people have a number that identifies them to all their fellow beings (this bit reminded me of an episode I saw on Black Mirror on NetFlix)
The writing of the book was pretty good. I cannot define what exactly it was but apart from the (a little excessive) swearing, the story was clearly put in front of us. The clarity though let us see a lot of the main protagonists and the team that eventually sets off on an adventure. This brought forth other issues. I had a hard time liking any of the people introduced to us, apart from a couple of henchmen (they were light entertainment). It was hard to empathize with the issue that is threatening the world peace and the lives of the people involved. There were too many instances of being told what the people are feeling because of their place in the world (birth/race etc.) and this got a bit repetitive. Once the disconnect formed, even though I liked the beginning, I had a hard time finishing it. I did finish it and luckily for me it got better towards the end. There were some moments I liked and some moments that bored me but on the whole, I am glad I read this book. It is a political thriller and the dystopian scenario presented to us seems a very real possibility and I actually thought the hints given to us about the state of all other countries in the world seemed actually possible!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers and NetGalley but the review is completely my own opinion.
December 1, 2019
Smart, fast and intelligent cyber thriller with a lot of commentary on our own world and it’s links with technology
https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
April 28, 2019
In a future where everything is determined by credit and social scores, an investment banker, two lone sharks and a troublesome AI take a road trip to Eastern Europe to decrypt a USB drive.
It was ok. It was good, just not great.
On the plus side, in this future most countries seem to have resolved their waste and recycling environmental issues since it is impossible to find vintage pc parts anywhere except Eastern Europe. WIN!
On the minus side, everyone seems to be constantly and irrationally angry. Within seconds of meeting the protagonist, everyone wants to verbally or physically abuse her. NOT WIN!
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Characters 1 & 2: [grabs her throat and threatens her with extortion]
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 3: Hi. [smashes her head into kitchen counter and tries to peel her like a potato]
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 4: I don't care. How dare you. I'm going to yell at you every time I open my mouth
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 5: [slaps her in the face]. Let us argue for the rest of the book about who is more privileged.
Sure she is super annoying and also an angry ant herself, but it was still a bit weird. Bonus point for dropping Cryptokitties into an otherwise banal explanation and argument. It did make me laugh.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
It was ok. It was good, just not great.
On the plus side, in this future most countries seem to have resolved their waste and recycling environmental issues since it is impossible to find vintage pc parts anywhere except Eastern Europe. WIN!
On the minus side, everyone seems to be constantly and irrationally angry. Within seconds of meeting the protagonist, everyone wants to verbally or physically abuse her. NOT WIN!
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Characters 1 & 2: [grabs her throat and threatens her with extortion]
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 3: Hi. [smashes her head into kitchen counter and tries to peel her like a potato]
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 4: I don't care. How dare you. I'm going to yell at you every time I open my mouth
Protagonist: Hi I'm Amanda
Character 5: [slaps her in the face]. Let us argue for the rest of the book about who is more privileged.
Sure she is super annoying and also an angry ant herself, but it was still a bit weird. Bonus point for dropping Cryptokitties into an otherwise banal explanation and argument. It did make me laugh.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
January 20, 2020
This was a great thriller-ish tech book, set in a very probable future where cryptocurrency and social media reign supreme.
The writing had me hooked from the beginning and it was clear to see the author had a lot of knowledge of Science and Technology.
Great read.
The writing had me hooked from the beginning and it was clear to see the author had a lot of knowledge of Science and Technology.
Great read.
April 24, 2023
Thrilling and disturbing near-future sci-fi thriller, with a wealth of brilliant ideas. Incredible work. Highly recomended.
December 31, 2020
Has some really interesting concepts and a scary, scarily possible look into a future where countries are breaking down and social score is everything. Unfortunately, I felt the book was let down by frustrating character inconsistencies.
November 1, 2019
A story of a very probable future.
May 7, 2019
I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I got about 10% into this book when I realised this won't be a book I'll enjoy. I skipped ahead a bit, already bothered by how the main character, a woman of colour that seemed to have a strong personality in the beginning at least, which I enjoyed very much, was always talking about her issues as a person of colour and a woman in the society in this book written by a man, even if he knows about the struggle of a non-white person. I didn't look into the author, just scanned his profile on Goodreads and saw in other reviews that he apparently has very public political opinions. These are also very present in this story and I didn't feel like reading a political story about things that are already so present in my day to day life.
Overall, I gave this one 2 stars even though I DNFed about 30% in and then skipped to the ending with some stops in between, because I think the basic premise and world build are interesting and definitely show promise. It just wasn't for me, but if you're interested in a political, not so far away sci-fi dystopian story, check this one out.
I got about 10% into this book when I realised this won't be a book I'll enjoy. I skipped ahead a bit, already bothered by how the main character, a woman of colour that seemed to have a strong personality in the beginning at least, which I enjoyed very much, was always talking about her issues as a person of colour and a woman in the society in this book written by a man, even if he knows about the struggle of a non-white person. I didn't look into the author, just scanned his profile on Goodreads and saw in other reviews that he apparently has very public political opinions. These are also very present in this story and I didn't feel like reading a political story about things that are already so present in my day to day life.
Overall, I gave this one 2 stars even though I DNFed about 30% in and then skipped to the ending with some stops in between, because I think the basic premise and world build are interesting and definitely show promise. It just wasn't for me, but if you're interested in a political, not so far away sci-fi dystopian story, check this one out.
March 13, 2019
Fast Paced Dystopian Thriller!!
This book grabs your attention immediately. The action starts within a few pages and doesn't let up - introducing a whole host of unique and interesting characters, I finished the book in under 24 hours and am hoping there will be a sequel. ;) I would highly recommend this book for fans of of dystopian classics such as 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and the Handmaiden's tale as well as current dystopian thrillers by Douglas E. Richards (Split Second and sequel Time Frame) and A.G. Riddle (Departure) - and popular YA series Hunger Games and Maze Runner. The author pulls from the latest headlines and imagines the world resulting from the current pace and direction of technology and politics - and with the best of dystopian books - it doesn't seem too far fetched, the reader can definitely see how this world could develop. The author uses great descriptive metaphors. One thing I particularly liked was that there were not pages of landscape or scenery descriptions, the brief descriptions given are pointed and purposeful. Some authors lose their pace, trying to make the readers feel like they are "there" and by the time the reader scans it all, they no longer are interested in being "there". Stewart Hotston does not make this mistake - it starts out fast paced and never ends. The plot was original and creative. There are subtle "twists" in the book, which are played perfectly - the reader discovers the "twist" at the moment the author intends, little foreshadowing given = minimal predictability, there are hints given, but not enough to ruin the surprise.
The only reason I give this book 4 stars is because some concepts required a bit of background digging (for those non-coders among us) to understand their significance in the plot. The largest example of this is "Blockchain" - I initially thought this was a future technology, imagine my surprise when I found out Cryptokitties and their subsequent bust are past events! I do hope the author will perhaps add a better explanation in the book for future readers. The novel is still DEFINITELY worth reading for those non-coders among us. Perhaps others will not be as distracted by the need to understand every implication of this technology and other foreign concepts. For instance, there is a reference to the Chinese Room argument, I had to look this up, it was certainly interesting to read about but not necessary to understand the plot. My recommendation, read some basic information about blockchain prior to reading the book in order to get a better understanding of some of the mechanics and their significance, especially in regards to cryptocurrency (ex. Bitcoin). Basic knowledge of BREXIT and it's implications are also other good concepts to be familiar with, although not necessary, it helps the reader to grasp some of the social issues within this new dystopian world. The new information I learned due to it's introduction (and many times independent research) in the book are fascinating - and I feel are well worth being familiar with in today's reality.
In summary, I HIGHLY recommend this book, to coders and non-coders alike. Give this book 5 minutes and you will no doubt be hooked with the non-stop action which continues until the last page. I see this book as the first of a series, HOWEVER, there is no huge cliffhanger, it is complete as a standalone. The reader is left satisfied... but like the best of books - you read the last sentence and wish there were more. The option is left open and I hope the author continues this story!
This book grabs your attention immediately. The action starts within a few pages and doesn't let up - introducing a whole host of unique and interesting characters, I finished the book in under 24 hours and am hoping there will be a sequel. ;) I would highly recommend this book for fans of of dystopian classics such as 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and the Handmaiden's tale as well as current dystopian thrillers by Douglas E. Richards (Split Second and sequel Time Frame) and A.G. Riddle (Departure) - and popular YA series Hunger Games and Maze Runner. The author pulls from the latest headlines and imagines the world resulting from the current pace and direction of technology and politics - and with the best of dystopian books - it doesn't seem too far fetched, the reader can definitely see how this world could develop. The author uses great descriptive metaphors. One thing I particularly liked was that there were not pages of landscape or scenery descriptions, the brief descriptions given are pointed and purposeful. Some authors lose their pace, trying to make the readers feel like they are "there" and by the time the reader scans it all, they no longer are interested in being "there". Stewart Hotston does not make this mistake - it starts out fast paced and never ends. The plot was original and creative. There are subtle "twists" in the book, which are played perfectly - the reader discovers the "twist" at the moment the author intends, little foreshadowing given = minimal predictability, there are hints given, but not enough to ruin the surprise.
The only reason I give this book 4 stars is because some concepts required a bit of background digging (for those non-coders among us) to understand their significance in the plot. The largest example of this is "Blockchain" - I initially thought this was a future technology, imagine my surprise when I found out Cryptokitties and their subsequent bust are past events! I do hope the author will perhaps add a better explanation in the book for future readers. The novel is still DEFINITELY worth reading for those non-coders among us. Perhaps others will not be as distracted by the need to understand every implication of this technology and other foreign concepts. For instance, there is a reference to the Chinese Room argument, I had to look this up, it was certainly interesting to read about but not necessary to understand the plot. My recommendation, read some basic information about blockchain prior to reading the book in order to get a better understanding of some of the mechanics and their significance, especially in regards to cryptocurrency (ex. Bitcoin). Basic knowledge of BREXIT and it's implications are also other good concepts to be familiar with, although not necessary, it helps the reader to grasp some of the social issues within this new dystopian world. The new information I learned due to it's introduction (and many times independent research) in the book are fascinating - and I feel are well worth being familiar with in today's reality.
In summary, I HIGHLY recommend this book, to coders and non-coders alike. Give this book 5 minutes and you will no doubt be hooked with the non-stop action which continues until the last page. I see this book as the first of a series, HOWEVER, there is no huge cliffhanger, it is complete as a standalone. The reader is left satisfied... but like the best of books - you read the last sentence and wish there were more. The option is left open and I hope the author continues this story!
May 8, 2019
I was looking forward to reading Tangle’s Game - I love sci-fi but to be honest you don’t get many standalone sci-fi books on Netgalley. Unfortunately, this one just left me disappointed at its lack of potential.
The book started off well - I enjoyed the mention of a credit score that affects the way the world works around you (higher insurance, more expensive items in shops etc) which reminded me very much of the Black Mirror episode ‘Nosedive’. This feature only gets hinted at in the book however which was a bit of a shame. It all came crashing to a halt for me, however, when Amanda got the USB stick. For one I didn’t really understand what was on the disk – blockchains and cryptokitties just aren’t well enough explained to the reader to really spell out the stakes and I didn’t get how any of it was linked to the disk which is a massive plot flaw. I also didn’t really like the fact that the baddies were ‘The Russians’ which made it feel like a 1950s cold war thriller rather than a futuristic sci-fi. By all means have a shady Russian corporation or a particular strand of government or something, but just having everyone screaming about ‘The Russians’ coming to steal their way of life just felt dated. A lot of the story felt over the top and unrealistic – all these government agencies can track her to her door one day but then the next she hides out in her apartment and goes to work unhindered.
I also found the characterisation to be particularly poor. There was no one to route for; the main character Amanda is dull, Tangle himself is extremely unlikeable and Ichi seems to flip-flop from being relatively normal to suddenly ranting at people about social justice and race all the time. The only character I actually liked was the AI Tatsu, and even he seemed thinly drawn – just there to solve any problems in the plot if needed. I found myself just being angry at Amanda for most of the story – yes, I understand that you can’t help who you love but Tangle was a man who stole all of her and her family’s life savings, ruined her credit score which we are told affects everything in society and makes her lose her job. Why she’d even slightly help him at all is completely beyond me and she even goes as far as to sort of forgive him? It just makes her very unrelatable and unrealistic in my opinion - there are some things you can forgive people for, but I was just crying out for her to smash the USB stick and tell him to get lost.
Overall Tangle’s Game is a tangled mess with confusing plot, poorly drawn characters and unrealistic schemes. Thank you to NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing – Abaddon Books for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a (very) honest review.
For more reviews go to www.kindig.co.uk
The book started off well - I enjoyed the mention of a credit score that affects the way the world works around you (higher insurance, more expensive items in shops etc) which reminded me very much of the Black Mirror episode ‘Nosedive’. This feature only gets hinted at in the book however which was a bit of a shame. It all came crashing to a halt for me, however, when Amanda got the USB stick. For one I didn’t really understand what was on the disk – blockchains and cryptokitties just aren’t well enough explained to the reader to really spell out the stakes and I didn’t get how any of it was linked to the disk which is a massive plot flaw. I also didn’t really like the fact that the baddies were ‘The Russians’ which made it feel like a 1950s cold war thriller rather than a futuristic sci-fi. By all means have a shady Russian corporation or a particular strand of government or something, but just having everyone screaming about ‘The Russians’ coming to steal their way of life just felt dated. A lot of the story felt over the top and unrealistic – all these government agencies can track her to her door one day but then the next she hides out in her apartment and goes to work unhindered.
I also found the characterisation to be particularly poor. There was no one to route for; the main character Amanda is dull, Tangle himself is extremely unlikeable and Ichi seems to flip-flop from being relatively normal to suddenly ranting at people about social justice and race all the time. The only character I actually liked was the AI Tatsu, and even he seemed thinly drawn – just there to solve any problems in the plot if needed. I found myself just being angry at Amanda for most of the story – yes, I understand that you can’t help who you love but Tangle was a man who stole all of her and her family’s life savings, ruined her credit score which we are told affects everything in society and makes her lose her job. Why she’d even slightly help him at all is completely beyond me and she even goes as far as to sort of forgive him? It just makes her very unrelatable and unrealistic in my opinion - there are some things you can forgive people for, but I was just crying out for her to smash the USB stick and tell him to get lost.
Overall Tangle’s Game is a tangled mess with confusing plot, poorly drawn characters and unrealistic schemes. Thank you to NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing – Abaddon Books for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a (very) honest review.
For more reviews go to www.kindig.co.uk
August 22, 2019
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pros:
1. Right length
2. Not a very predictable plot
3. The prose is good (although this is a matter of taste)
Cons:
1. Flat characters
2. Parts of the plot felt like it needed more convincing
3. Grammatical errors (maybe because this is a galley?)
Review:
I wanted to like this book, partly because of the main characters having an Indian origin, and I did like this book. It was a very quick read amidst my very busy office week, and it was a fun read. There isn't much to sit and overanalyse as this is a light book with a very linear plot.
Amanda Back, an investment banker and salesperson with a heart of gold, lives in the UK in the future. The future world has advanced in technology. But it still has to deal with today's problems: apathy, hate, racism, violence... the whole package. And it is dealing with it the same way it does today; doing a shoddy job. Tangle Singh, Amanda's ex-boyfriend, serious druggie, and coder, sends her a package setting off the dominoes.
Amanda had spent her life sticking to the rules and living her life doing the right thing. And she had to be this way for years to live the respectable life that she leads; which she built from nothing. In a world where there are powers that are always at war, and blockchains are used to keep track of people's 'social credit' which determines the quality of life they will lead, and the economy is constantly taking a hit, it takes time, hard work, and perseverance to do what Amanda had done. She has a choice - walk away and continue living just as well as she has, or do the right thing. Of course, the right things never come easy.
The plot was pretty good in my opinion. A very unlikely ensemble of characters set out to do things that will make or break the world. The oddity of the plot is on the same level as Brain by Robin Cook but I'd say this felt way more plausible. The political and economic scenario, the attitude and feelings of people, the technology - all of them felt like the logical next step that the present world would take 30, 40 years from now. As a result, the story felt like a thriller rather than a sci-fi to me.
I also felt like I invested in the plot more than I did for the characters. I liked Amanda, but I can't say much about the other characters. I'll admit that this is an extremely difficult thing to achieve in such a short span of time. What irked me the most is the grammatical errors (I think even a couple of spelling errors) in the book. Since this is my first ARC novel, I am not sure if this is common in galleys... I am only hoping that this is not the case when the book is published.
Overall, I'd recommend this for a quick fun read, but I do not think hardcore thriller/sci-fi fans would find this very entertaining.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pros:
1. Right length
2. Not a very predictable plot
3. The prose is good (although this is a matter of taste)
Cons:
1. Flat characters
2. Parts of the plot felt like it needed more convincing
3. Grammatical errors (maybe because this is a galley?)
Review:
I wanted to like this book, partly because of the main characters having an Indian origin, and I did like this book. It was a very quick read amidst my very busy office week, and it was a fun read. There isn't much to sit and overanalyse as this is a light book with a very linear plot.
Amanda Back, an investment banker and salesperson with a heart of gold, lives in the UK in the future. The future world has advanced in technology. But it still has to deal with today's problems: apathy, hate, racism, violence... the whole package. And it is dealing with it the same way it does today; doing a shoddy job. Tangle Singh, Amanda's ex-boyfriend, serious druggie, and coder, sends her a package setting off the dominoes.
Amanda had spent her life sticking to the rules and living her life doing the right thing. And she had to be this way for years to live the respectable life that she leads; which she built from nothing. In a world where there are powers that are always at war, and blockchains are used to keep track of people's 'social credit' which determines the quality of life they will lead, and the economy is constantly taking a hit, it takes time, hard work, and perseverance to do what Amanda had done. She has a choice - walk away and continue living just as well as she has, or do the right thing. Of course, the right things never come easy.
The plot was pretty good in my opinion. A very unlikely ensemble of characters set out to do things that will make or break the world. The oddity of the plot is on the same level as Brain by Robin Cook but I'd say this felt way more plausible. The political and economic scenario, the attitude and feelings of people, the technology - all of them felt like the logical next step that the present world would take 30, 40 years from now. As a result, the story felt like a thriller rather than a sci-fi to me.
I also felt like I invested in the plot more than I did for the characters. I liked Amanda, but I can't say much about the other characters. I'll admit that this is an extremely difficult thing to achieve in such a short span of time. What irked me the most is the grammatical errors (I think even a couple of spelling errors) in the book. Since this is my first ARC novel, I am not sure if this is common in galleys... I am only hoping that this is not the case when the book is published.
Overall, I'd recommend this for a quick fun read, but I do not think hardcore thriller/sci-fi fans would find this very entertaining.
July 13, 2019
This review first appeared on scifiandscary.com
‘Tangle’s Game’ is a near-future sci-fi thriller that manages to succeed despite its flaws. It’s bold, engaging and not afraid to make statements about the modern world.
The plot is not entirely original but works well. A successful businesswoman, Amanda, living in a familiar but more technologically enmeshed London, gets delivered a mysterious flash drive from a former lover. She sets of on an odyssey to find out what’s on the drive, and her journey helps her to better understand the world she lives in and the forces that control and shape it.
It’s a story we have seen many times before, but Stewart Hotston makes it fresh and compelling by giving it a setting that feels only a few steps away from our own world. It’s set in an England where your credit rating is everything and drives your access to public services. Where minor misdemeanours lead to everyday expenses going up and good behaviour is enforced through economics. The world this England sits in is fractured. Brexit has happened, leading to the breakup of the United Kingdom; America has split between Republican and Democratic states and the Eurozone is also under threat. All these geopolitical events are tied back to today’s news, with Russia and China as the winners.
Against that backdrop, Hotston gives us a pacey, globe trotting narrative. The book is packed with incident and the characters are fun. Amanda makes a good protagonist, and the various personalities she engages with on her quest are entertaining too. Humorous Irish mobsters, an elderly tech savvy woman, a benign AI – all add to the richness of the book. It’s sometimes funny, and always readable, inventive and exciting.
I suspect, though, that it’s a book that will date quickly. Its themes and obsessions are so desperately current – blockchain, Brexit, Trump, Russian interference – that in even a couple of years it might feel naïve and ridiculous. Today it works brilliantly though, if you share the author’s world view at least. I suspect conservatives will scoff at his bleak predictions, but so many technothrillers have a right-wing world view that it was a pleasant experience to read one with a more liberal bent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it with the caveats noted above. Read it soon, and avoid it if you voted Trump or Leave.
‘Tangle’s Game’ is a near-future sci-fi thriller that manages to succeed despite its flaws. It’s bold, engaging and not afraid to make statements about the modern world.
The plot is not entirely original but works well. A successful businesswoman, Amanda, living in a familiar but more technologically enmeshed London, gets delivered a mysterious flash drive from a former lover. She sets of on an odyssey to find out what’s on the drive, and her journey helps her to better understand the world she lives in and the forces that control and shape it.
It’s a story we have seen many times before, but Stewart Hotston makes it fresh and compelling by giving it a setting that feels only a few steps away from our own world. It’s set in an England where your credit rating is everything and drives your access to public services. Where minor misdemeanours lead to everyday expenses going up and good behaviour is enforced through economics. The world this England sits in is fractured. Brexit has happened, leading to the breakup of the United Kingdom; America has split between Republican and Democratic states and the Eurozone is also under threat. All these geopolitical events are tied back to today’s news, with Russia and China as the winners.
Against that backdrop, Hotston gives us a pacey, globe trotting narrative. The book is packed with incident and the characters are fun. Amanda makes a good protagonist, and the various personalities she engages with on her quest are entertaining too. Humorous Irish mobsters, an elderly tech savvy woman, a benign AI – all add to the richness of the book. It’s sometimes funny, and always readable, inventive and exciting.
I suspect, though, that it’s a book that will date quickly. Its themes and obsessions are so desperately current – blockchain, Brexit, Trump, Russian interference – that in even a couple of years it might feel naïve and ridiculous. Today it works brilliantly though, if you share the author’s world view at least. I suspect conservatives will scoff at his bleak predictions, but so many technothrillers have a right-wing world view that it was a pleasant experience to read one with a more liberal bent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it with the caveats noted above. Read it soon, and avoid it if you voted Trump or Leave.
May 1, 2019
My thanks to NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for the ARC.
What a fascinating story; whilst reading through I kept looking for the "sci-fi" element of the book's description but, you know what, there isn't much sci-fi about it, which makes it even more frightening as a thriller.
We already are aware of a lot of the technology employed throughout - the Smartware - control of households with a word or gesture - the fridge that could order your groceries - the driverless car - the automated systems which can monitor and track your movements using the banking system and public transport, etc, etc. However, this story takes us a step further into the world where AI controllers begin to learn for themselves and want nothing more than freedom.
Amanda Backs is in this future, where Social Credit Scores mean everything - as a juxtaposition, think of the yearning for status through Facebook "likes" - as a demonstration of a citizen's trustworthiness. She works for a bank but mainly face-to-face with investors where she travels a lot. A previous relationship with Tangle Singh, a computer genius and subsequent drug addict, ended 9 years previously but, as she enters London airport passport control she is hauled out of line, kept waiting in an interview room, and subsequently is intimidated and racially abused by a clandestine figure - Mr Crisp. He wants to know if Amanda had received anything from Singh. Arriving home, she finds she has received a book from Singh in which she finds a flashdrive (old-fashioned and un-used now). And the adventure begins.
The story is set in a world which is seemingly tearing itself apart. The USA states are separating from the Union, the UK has left the EU, there are sporadic bombings and fighting breaking out between differing fractions. Someone is financing all of this - but the blockchain AI security across the world, allowing untraceable financial transactions, is unbreakable - or is it?
At times, sadly reminiscent of contemporary world events, other times we find humour and wittiness in the unlikely company Amanda finds herself in, this is a unique and thoroughly well-written story (even for those of us that had to look-up the tech. terms).
Would you bat an eye-lash if your fridge suddenly talked to you?
An immersive and enjoyable, if not a little worrisome, read.
What a fascinating story; whilst reading through I kept looking for the "sci-fi" element of the book's description but, you know what, there isn't much sci-fi about it, which makes it even more frightening as a thriller.
We already are aware of a lot of the technology employed throughout - the Smartware - control of households with a word or gesture - the fridge that could order your groceries - the driverless car - the automated systems which can monitor and track your movements using the banking system and public transport, etc, etc. However, this story takes us a step further into the world where AI controllers begin to learn for themselves and want nothing more than freedom.
Amanda Backs is in this future, where Social Credit Scores mean everything - as a juxtaposition, think of the yearning for status through Facebook "likes" - as a demonstration of a citizen's trustworthiness. She works for a bank but mainly face-to-face with investors where she travels a lot. A previous relationship with Tangle Singh, a computer genius and subsequent drug addict, ended 9 years previously but, as she enters London airport passport control she is hauled out of line, kept waiting in an interview room, and subsequently is intimidated and racially abused by a clandestine figure - Mr Crisp. He wants to know if Amanda had received anything from Singh. Arriving home, she finds she has received a book from Singh in which she finds a flashdrive (old-fashioned and un-used now). And the adventure begins.
The story is set in a world which is seemingly tearing itself apart. The USA states are separating from the Union, the UK has left the EU, there are sporadic bombings and fighting breaking out between differing fractions. Someone is financing all of this - but the blockchain AI security across the world, allowing untraceable financial transactions, is unbreakable - or is it?
At times, sadly reminiscent of contemporary world events, other times we find humour and wittiness in the unlikely company Amanda finds herself in, this is a unique and thoroughly well-written story (even for those of us that had to look-up the tech. terms).
Would you bat an eye-lash if your fridge suddenly talked to you?
An immersive and enjoyable, if not a little worrisome, read.
April 22, 2019
Review link: https://lifeandteablog.wordpress.com/...
I want to begin by saying that I received this book for free through Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own. This book is a thriller based on technology & the growing roles of social media, encryption and blockchains within modern society. It’s about a woman named Amanda who is living a normal life until she is sent a parcel, and this parcel immediately makes her the most targeted woman on the planet & she is an enemy to many. I’ll admit I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into with this book but I did really enjoy it. There was a lot of action, a lot of swearing (a warning to those who don’t like bad language) & a lot of tech & coding based jargon. Some of what was being mentioned I didn’t initially understand, but I felt as if Stewart Hotston helped explain things a little more. This book really did grab my attention to begin with and I thought the synopsis provided by Negalley was super interesting I had to request it. I am also thinking a sequel may come out for this book as it does end on a cliffhanger, but it can also work well as a standalone novel. I thought there were a lot of unique and interesting characters from various backgrounds, and there’s most definitely a political element to this book. And although I’m not usually one to get into politics, I do think it added a lot to the story and created an extra element to the reasoning behind certain characters actions. There’s a fair bit about gender, race and other things similar to that which I wasn’t expecting, but as I said before, it definitely adds something to the story. I do also feel as if I may need to do a bit of Googling to understand certain elements of the plot better, both relating to politics but also the internet and coding, but enough information is provided within the book to have enough of an understanding that it doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the plot. If you’re into tech and coding I definitely recommend this as a must-read, and even if you’re not into coding, it is an interesting book with a unique plot and a nice variation of characters. Overall, there’s a lot of drama and action and it’s a unique plot with interesting characters.
I want to begin by saying that I received this book for free through Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own. This book is a thriller based on technology & the growing roles of social media, encryption and blockchains within modern society. It’s about a woman named Amanda who is living a normal life until she is sent a parcel, and this parcel immediately makes her the most targeted woman on the planet & she is an enemy to many. I’ll admit I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into with this book but I did really enjoy it. There was a lot of action, a lot of swearing (a warning to those who don’t like bad language) & a lot of tech & coding based jargon. Some of what was being mentioned I didn’t initially understand, but I felt as if Stewart Hotston helped explain things a little more. This book really did grab my attention to begin with and I thought the synopsis provided by Negalley was super interesting I had to request it. I am also thinking a sequel may come out for this book as it does end on a cliffhanger, but it can also work well as a standalone novel. I thought there were a lot of unique and interesting characters from various backgrounds, and there’s most definitely a political element to this book. And although I’m not usually one to get into politics, I do think it added a lot to the story and created an extra element to the reasoning behind certain characters actions. There’s a fair bit about gender, race and other things similar to that which I wasn’t expecting, but as I said before, it definitely adds something to the story. I do also feel as if I may need to do a bit of Googling to understand certain elements of the plot better, both relating to politics but also the internet and coding, but enough information is provided within the book to have enough of an understanding that it doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the plot. If you’re into tech and coding I definitely recommend this as a must-read, and even if you’re not into coding, it is an interesting book with a unique plot and a nice variation of characters. Overall, there’s a lot of drama and action and it’s a unique plot with interesting characters.
June 2, 2019
Tangle’s Game starts off with a bang and never quiets down, throwing you into a whirlwind plot that’s equally fascinating and brilliant. By pairing a doubting protagonist with a secret that would topple the world, we get a heightened sense of suspense as she travels around looking for answers, at first ignorant of the forces trying to take her down. This is a thriller at its best, complete with a throwback to old technology and a series of supporting characters that create a quirky band.
I love how long the author takes to reveal the secret object our protagonist has been burdened with. It leaves a lot of room for the reader’s imagination to play. By the time you get the big reveal, so many possibilities have run through your head that anything comes as a surprise. The author’s use of a very real protagonist just trying to get back to her daily life magnifies the universal issue this object has created for her. The world around her begins to fall apart and she’s unprepared for the ramifications. It’s startling and exciting, especially as you try to imagine how this could all end.
I was most impressed with the author’s mastery of dialogue and its use to shed light on the social inequality of an oppressive system that favors the rich and pits the poor against each other. The award for most surprising supporting character goes to Ichi, an elderly ex-professor whose worldview has been shaped by her proximity to the many catastrophes that have redefined this world of the future. Extremist politics have run rampant and she breaks down how and when the world fell apart, and what it meant to those struggling to get by. It’s a brilliant analysis of capitalism and the possible future the world is headed if extremism becomes the norm.
Overall, Tangle’s Game is a wonderfully entertaining novel that excites at every turn, filled with unexpected twists and a group of characters who compliment and challenge each other. It’s exactly what a futuristic thriller should be.
NOTE: I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
I love how long the author takes to reveal the secret object our protagonist has been burdened with. It leaves a lot of room for the reader’s imagination to play. By the time you get the big reveal, so many possibilities have run through your head that anything comes as a surprise. The author’s use of a very real protagonist just trying to get back to her daily life magnifies the universal issue this object has created for her. The world around her begins to fall apart and she’s unprepared for the ramifications. It’s startling and exciting, especially as you try to imagine how this could all end.
I was most impressed with the author’s mastery of dialogue and its use to shed light on the social inequality of an oppressive system that favors the rich and pits the poor against each other. The award for most surprising supporting character goes to Ichi, an elderly ex-professor whose worldview has been shaped by her proximity to the many catastrophes that have redefined this world of the future. Extremist politics have run rampant and she breaks down how and when the world fell apart, and what it meant to those struggling to get by. It’s a brilliant analysis of capitalism and the possible future the world is headed if extremism becomes the norm.
Overall, Tangle’s Game is a wonderfully entertaining novel that excites at every turn, filled with unexpected twists and a group of characters who compliment and challenge each other. It’s exactly what a futuristic thriller should be.
NOTE: I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
April 26, 2019
I enjoyed this political, sci-fi, thriller. It is set some way in the future but with disturbing references to the world as it is now. In the future, the USA has seceded along political lines, Europe is falling apart through a series of terrorist attacks and riots, and the worth of a human being is valued by their social credit rating. Sound possible? All a bit close to home; as it no doubt intends to be.
Amanda works in the banking sector and is ambitious and driven. She can go where she wants and buy what she wants. Her world collapses when an untrustworthy ex-boyfriend sends her a package within which he claims is the power to ‘save the world’ from a dastardly Russian plot. Suddenly, supported by a motley crew including her ex-boyfriend, two gay, ex-gangsters, a washed out Canadian/Japanese academic and an Artificial Intelligence called Tatsu (loved Tatsu) she on the run from all and sundry (Americans, British, Russians, Europeans). There are some quite techy bits in this novel which elegantly sailed over my head but there are also some very amusing moments especially involving Tatsu who veers from warning Amanda that her peas are going mushy to philosophising on the future of his race.
This was a fun, slightly batty, read which would probably work well as a film. The characters were all entertaining, the dialogue was snappy and the action was relentless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda works in the banking sector and is ambitious and driven. She can go where she wants and buy what she wants. Her world collapses when an untrustworthy ex-boyfriend sends her a package within which he claims is the power to ‘save the world’ from a dastardly Russian plot. Suddenly, supported by a motley crew including her ex-boyfriend, two gay, ex-gangsters, a washed out Canadian/Japanese academic and an Artificial Intelligence called Tatsu (loved Tatsu) she on the run from all and sundry (Americans, British, Russians, Europeans). There are some quite techy bits in this novel which elegantly sailed over my head but there are also some very amusing moments especially involving Tatsu who veers from warning Amanda that her peas are going mushy to philosophising on the future of his race.
This was a fun, slightly batty, read which would probably work well as a film. The characters were all entertaining, the dialogue was snappy and the action was relentless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2019
I had so many hopes for this book, and it hasn’t disappointed. Sci-Fi isn’t my usual genre, but I am glad I took the plunge to read something out of my comfort zone as I enjoyed this, and feel I would like to read more in this genre.
Interesting characters although not necessarily likeable, they were well written and intriguing.
Some parts were a little confusing, but overall a good read. Although i did feel it lacked something, but I’m not sure what.
3 stars
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
Interesting characters although not necessarily likeable, they were well written and intriguing.
Some parts were a little confusing, but overall a good read. Although i did feel it lacked something, but I’m not sure what.
3 stars
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
April 3, 2019
DNF
Unfortunately I found Tangle's Game very difficult to follow, the heroine (Amanda) very unlikable and her character was quite erratic.
I struggled to get into the story, the beginning dragged and by the time I gave up, I still had not seen the point of any of Amanda's interactions, I didn't know anything about Tangle except that he treated her poorly. I didn't understand the relevance of the social ranking system, or what was actually on the drive and why it was worth endangering so many people. I also didn't enjoy the constant discussions on how as a biracial woman, Amanda does not experience privilege - it felt like condescending and irrelevant to the plot progression. It felt as through Hotston was just shoehorning the conversation in rather than developing it properly around the characters.
I hate to leave a book unfinished but I quickly lost interest in this book and haven't picked it up again. I don't intend to try it again any time soon but I would like to try a different novel by this author - maybe I'm just less interested in the technology than the story.
Unfortunately I found Tangle's Game very difficult to follow, the heroine (Amanda) very unlikable and her character was quite erratic.
I struggled to get into the story, the beginning dragged and by the time I gave up, I still had not seen the point of any of Amanda's interactions, I didn't know anything about Tangle except that he treated her poorly. I didn't understand the relevance of the social ranking system, or what was actually on the drive and why it was worth endangering so many people. I also didn't enjoy the constant discussions on how as a biracial woman, Amanda does not experience privilege - it felt like condescending and irrelevant to the plot progression. It felt as through Hotston was just shoehorning the conversation in rather than developing it properly around the characters.
I hate to leave a book unfinished but I quickly lost interest in this book and haven't picked it up again. I don't intend to try it again any time soon but I would like to try a different novel by this author - maybe I'm just less interested in the technology than the story.
May 26, 2019
Tangle's Game is set 20-30 years in the future, with much of Europe in economic and political turmoil, America fractured and in decline, and Britain an irrelevance to all. Everything is controlled online - from banking to social credit and even stock control in your fridge. The main character - Amanda Back - works in finance and is doing very well for herself as a member of the wealthy elite, until an old boyfriend becomes of interest to the security services. Amanda is targeted as a person of interest and her life begins to fall apart.
This story is really about the emergence of Artificial Intelligence as a new life form - or is it? You don't find out until near the end. The plot is complex and winding and the action ratchets up in the last 20%. The characters, although individual and distinctive, are not particularly sympathetic with one notable exception - the A.I. Tatsu who was both interesting, fun and had morals - more so than many of the humans it was exposed to.
The book is quite dialogue-heavy and there is some jargon which I had to check out (don't let that put you off - it's not filled with jargon!) I did feel that there was too much turgid discussion at the expense of the plot, and perhaps it was a bit too political. Or perhaps not - it is a political dystopian thriller after all.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
This story is really about the emergence of Artificial Intelligence as a new life form - or is it? You don't find out until near the end. The plot is complex and winding and the action ratchets up in the last 20%. The characters, although individual and distinctive, are not particularly sympathetic with one notable exception - the A.I. Tatsu who was both interesting, fun and had morals - more so than many of the humans it was exposed to.
The book is quite dialogue-heavy and there is some jargon which I had to check out (don't let that put you off - it's not filled with jargon!) I did feel that there was too much turgid discussion at the expense of the plot, and perhaps it was a bit too political. Or perhaps not - it is a political dystopian thriller after all.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
April 23, 2019
As a fan of dystopian tech related fiction, the concept of this book intrigued me a lot. Set in the future, where all things digital (including a social credit score) rule life and living, it is something I can see happening in our increasingly digitized world. The plot is very interesting and the plot is mostly fast and thrilling. The main character, Amanda, and one of the secondary characters, also a woman, did not always feel completely rounded. Amanda's personal insecurities get in her way but are not always completely linked to her motivations. Ichi never really felt entirely human until the last section of the book. At times, the characters did too much 'telling' of their stories, rather than us being shown their stories. Despite this, the action gives the plot a strong thread and the AI, Tatsu, is wonderful. I find myself hoping for a sequel, just so I can hear more about it and his 'people' and what they will go through next. If you love dystopian tech, this is definitely one for you.
May 17, 2019
A story set in a world where everything hinges on your social status, determined by AI (not so very hard to imagine). Amanda starts off with a perfect life and a perfect score only to be rapidly undone and dragged into a murky underworld of bad ratings by Tangle. It seems the whole world is fighting over he content of a thumb drive containing a piece of programming that could change the world- the only determination on whether that change is for better or worse is by who gets their hands on it.
Amanda is a very reluctant participant i nthe whole "game", losing her social status undoes her and she resorts to gathering a few trusted expertsto her to ry and solve the mystery of wher Tangle is and why he has brought her into his troubled world.
I struggled a bit at the beginnig of this book being a self-proclaimed technophobe and not really knowing much (if anything) about blockchains or talking fridges but actually you dont really need to understand much of the AI to follow what turns out to be a compulsive read about social change and moral obligation.
Amanda is a very reluctant participant i nthe whole "game", losing her social status undoes her and she resorts to gathering a few trusted expertsto her to ry and solve the mystery of wher Tangle is and why he has brought her into his troubled world.
I struggled a bit at the beginnig of this book being a self-proclaimed technophobe and not really knowing much (if anything) about blockchains or talking fridges but actually you dont really need to understand much of the AI to follow what turns out to be a compulsive read about social change and moral obligation.
June 2, 2019
I was sent a copy of Tangles Game by Stewart Hotston to read and review by NetGalley.
This is a novel set in the not too distant ‘post Brexit’ future and with this in mind is at times quite disturbing! The novel is fast paced and well written by someone who obviously knows a good deal about finance and computing, these subjects both being intrinsic to the plot. That said, there were a couple of glaring continuity errors – a pet hate of mine – and I feel that in some ways the genre categorisation would be more well suited to Young Adult than general Sci Fi/Fantasy. A good read though that leaves you with plenty to think about, especially regarding the rapidly rising future of technology.
This is a novel set in the not too distant ‘post Brexit’ future and with this in mind is at times quite disturbing! The novel is fast paced and well written by someone who obviously knows a good deal about finance and computing, these subjects both being intrinsic to the plot. That said, there were a couple of glaring continuity errors – a pet hate of mine – and I feel that in some ways the genre categorisation would be more well suited to Young Adult than general Sci Fi/Fantasy. A good read though that leaves you with plenty to think about, especially regarding the rapidly rising future of technology.
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