Netted

by S.J. Higbee

In post-apocalyptic Maine, safety is the highest priority. Every citizen is Netted, their thoughts monitored for homicidal, lawless impulses. But being Netted can cause as many problems as it solves.

Years after everyone thought they'd died, a young family are discovered, safe and sound, living in the wilderness. As their delighted relations race to pick them up, Boyce is overwhelmed with relief that the daily battle to keep their small son, Hardy, safe has been lifted from his shoulders.

His wife, Kris, dreads returning to the settlement where she was born and raised. Her mental powers make living among others difficult, even dangerous, but even she is unprepared for the catastrophic events that follows.

Safety comes at a price.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

About the author

Born the same year as the Russians launched Sputnik, I confidently expected that by the time I reached adulthood, the human race would have a pioneer colony on the Moon and be heading off towards Mars. So I was at a loss to know what to do once I realised the Final Frontier wasn’t an option and rather lost my head - I tried a lot of jobs I didn’t like and married a totally unsuitable man.

Now I've finally come to terms with the fact that I’ll never leave Earth, I have a lovely time writing science fiction novels and teaching Creative Writing. I live in Littlehampton on the English south coast with a wonderful husband and a ridiculous number of books.

Reviews

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this world, everyone is neurally connected to protect society against bad elements. But every solution has its downside and can be exploited by those in power.

This is a dystopian story which explores several aspects of society like privacy and the good of the masses vs the good of the one. The story is well written and populated with well developed characters, both good and bad. Of course, even good and bad a gray areas to be explored. I found the story to be rather intense and thought provoking, not the type of story I want to read every day (I usually read for escapism), but that makes the occasional such read really stand out. This was a good one and I am glad that I read it. Now it is time for a fluff break.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting futuristic science fiction, where all law-abiding citizens are neurally connected (hence, "Netted") and the minority not so are considered outlaws and outliers. Human nature hasn't changed much: greed, cupidity, and conspiracy still exist. Life among the Netted isn't necessarily secure, especially not for the gifted.


S. J. Higbee has a true talent both for suspension of disbelief (her settings seem so real and possible) and of drawing empathetic characters.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured me from the very beginning and continued to captivate me throughout the story. I cannot imagine emotions being out there for anyone to pick up on. Such an invasion of privacy but more importantly, the difficulty it would entail. Such wonderful characters, I just loved the main group of Boyce, Kris, and little Hardy. I also adored Boyce's parents. Awesome story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.