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Servitude
In a dystopian future, the corpocracy legalizes Debt Servitude. For a New York cop affected by OCD, time is running out. They framed him for treason and kidnapped his wife. A global manhunt is ongoing but his mission is crystal clear: save his kidnapped pregnant wife, no matter what.
"A disturbingly realistic dystopian future that will get under readers’ skin in all the best ways." (Booklife Editor's Pick Review)
"Costi Gurgu’s multi-perspective narrative structure amps up the stakes and bolsters the world-building in SERVITUDE, a compelling dystopian thriller with an explosive and surprising end." IndieReader Approved)
"A disturbingly realistic dystopian future that will get under readers’ skin in all the best ways." (Booklife Editor's Pick Review)
"Costi Gurgu’s multi-perspective narrative structure amps up the stakes and bolsters the world-building in SERVITUDE, a compelling dystopian thriller with an explosive and surprising end." IndieReader Approved)
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Costi Gurgu
28 books131 followersSpeculative fiction writer with eight books and over forty short stories published in the USA, Canada, England, Denmark, Romania, Poland, and Hungary.
Twenty-seven times awarded for his fiction, including the prestigious "Alexandru Odobescu" award for debut book, two times the "Vladimir Colin" award for novel and short story collection, and the "Romanian National Convention Award" for Best Story of the Year.
Books:
- "Black Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2025
- "Pink Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2024
- "Green Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2023
- "Servitude" - novel, Kult Books, 2022
- "RecipeArium" - novel, White Cat Publications, 2016
-"Chronicles from the End of the Earth" - short story collection, Millennium Books, 2011
-"Retetarium" - novel, Tritonic, 2006
-"The Glass Plague" - short story collection, ProLogos, 2000
Recent sales:
- "Corrosion" - short story, "Water - Optimistic Sci-Fi" Anthology, editor Nina Munteanu, 2017
-"The Glass Plague" - novelette, "Dark Horizons - An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction", editor Charles P. Zaglanis, 2016.
-"Children of God" - short story, "Street Magick - Tales of Urban Fantasy", editor Charles P. Zaglanis, 2016
-"Cosmobotica" - a short story written together with Tony Pi, "The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk", editor Sean Wallace, 2015
-"Secret Recipes" - short story, "Tesseracts Seventeen Anthology", Edge SF & F Publishing, 2013
-"The Black Citadel" - short story, "Steampunk the Second Revolution Anthology", Millennium Books, '11
-"Angels and Moths" - short story, "Third Science Fiction Megapack" Anthology, Wildside Press, 2010
-"Angels and Moths" - short story, "Ages of Wonder" Anthology, Daw Books, 2009
-"The Glass Plague" - novella, "Creatures of Glass and Light Anthology" (New European Stories of the Fantastic), Science Fiction Cirklen, Denmark, 2007
- "Cosmobotica" - a short story written together with Tony Pi, to be published in July 2015 in "The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk", edited by Sean Wallace.
Twenty-seven times awarded for his fiction, including the prestigious "Alexandru Odobescu" award for debut book, two times the "Vladimir Colin" award for novel and short story collection, and the "Romanian National Convention Award" for Best Story of the Year.
Books:
- "Black Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2025
- "Pink Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2024
- "Green Corrosion" - novel, Kult Books, 2023
- "Servitude" - novel, Kult Books, 2022
- "RecipeArium" - novel, White Cat Publications, 2016
-"Chronicles from the End of the Earth" - short story collection, Millennium Books, 2011
-"Retetarium" - novel, Tritonic, 2006
-"The Glass Plague" - short story collection, ProLogos, 2000
Recent sales:
- "Corrosion" - short story, "Water - Optimistic Sci-Fi" Anthology, editor Nina Munteanu, 2017
-"The Glass Plague" - novelette, "Dark Horizons - An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction", editor Charles P. Zaglanis, 2016.
-"Children of God" - short story, "Street Magick - Tales of Urban Fantasy", editor Charles P. Zaglanis, 2016
-"Cosmobotica" - a short story written together with Tony Pi, "The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk", editor Sean Wallace, 2015
-"Secret Recipes" - short story, "Tesseracts Seventeen Anthology", Edge SF & F Publishing, 2013
-"The Black Citadel" - short story, "Steampunk the Second Revolution Anthology", Millennium Books, '11
-"Angels and Moths" - short story, "Third Science Fiction Megapack" Anthology, Wildside Press, 2010
-"Angels and Moths" - short story, "Ages of Wonder" Anthology, Daw Books, 2009
-"The Glass Plague" - novella, "Creatures of Glass and Light Anthology" (New European Stories of the Fantastic), Science Fiction Cirklen, Denmark, 2007
- "Cosmobotica" - a short story written together with Tony Pi, to be published in July 2015 in "The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk", edited by Sean Wallace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 26, 2022
My thanks to the author Costi Gurgu for a review copy of this book via Booktasters
Servitude is a dystopian mystery/thriller set in a future where slavery is legal once again (at least in part of the world), and brings up issues of corporate power, politics, media, and truth. This is, I think a first in a series or at least a duology (for it leaves the door open for further developments). In the world in which the book unfolds, slavery is legal on the continent and in England, and victims are people who owe any kind of debt, often from ethnic and certain racial backgrounds. There’s even a British Servitude Exchange (BSX) where slaves are traded, all permitted under the ironically named Freedom Act. The Freedom Act is also being debated in the United States likely to be passed soon, but an illegal slavery market already thrives, with entire families disappearing, and mass graves being uncovered by the police.
In this background, NYPD detective Blake Frye is on a holiday in London with his wife, former television producer/journalist Isabella ‘Isa’, where the two witness poverty, misery and unrest—protests everywhere against the BSX—no longer the rich, cosmopolitan and cultural centre of before. But unknown to Isa, the holiday is only a cover for Blake is there on a mission. When he meets his contact just after an American family is taken in by the Corp police, he is charged with investigating the illegal slavery market in the States, something he refuses to do. But with the large debt that he and Isa owe, he soon has to rethink his decision and accept. But things begin to go wrong from the moment Blake and Isa set foot back in New York; at first NSA agents arrive to arrest Blake for treason and even before he can deal with them (with help from his boss, Captain Moore), Isa is kidnapped. Now Blake must find out who is responsible and rescue her before it is too late, for Isa is also pregnant with their child. Alongside, our narrative also takes us back in time when Isa had collaborated with a group of people from various backgrounds (a journalist and a senator among them, as well as Blake’s brother Corbin who is also a journalist) to produce a documentary investigating the mysterious disappearances of families, which had turned out to be connected to the illegal slave trade and a powerful businessman William Wilmot. In a third thread, we follow another mysterious character (spy? agent?) Nigel Blakesley in London, who is connected to the slavery business and seems to be taking an interest in what Blake is involved in. Does Blake manage to get to Isa in time? How does her previous investigation relate to present developments? How do the different threads connect up?
Servitude is a fast-paced and exciting read, the plot of which kept me engaged all through. From the moment Blake and Isa return to America, the action starts off and doesn’t stop, Blake having to escape the NSA agents, and then find out where Isa could have been taken and who is responsible. As we go back and forth between current developments and Isa’s investigative story which led to her losing her job and some in her team even disappearing mysteriously, one wonders what it was that the investigation revealed that is responsible for her and Blake being targeted now, as well as about what happened then which led to things going wrong with their story (which was never aired). At first, I thought this would be more thriller than mystery, but the story gives us plenty of mystery threads as well. There are twists and surprises as we read on, and while part of the plot is resolved, the secret of the illegal slave trade is yet to be fully uncovered.
The world in which the story plays out may be dystopian, but it is a very plausible one, not perhaps too far from reality for the increasing disregard for human rights that we see around us, increasing corporate power and the business–politics nexus, and continuing discrimination and violence against people from different ethnicities and races, make us not all that different from this world (I liked the timeline of events the author wove into the story giving us an idea of how the world the book is set in came about). Likewise, another point which resonated with me is also something we see around us today—people looking for only convenient, bite sized information, and not really being concerned with the truth:
Truth had become debatable. Everyone had their own, personalized version of the facts, easy to access on targeted media outlets. They no longer questioned the facts they consumed. Doubt took too much effort. Everyone was entitled to their own opinions, and considered them the definition of a political truth.
A much-needed warning to avoid easy ways out and to continue to respect and advocate respect for all—however different they might be. There is some violence (though not too much), as well as a small upsetting chapter with one of the slavery victims, but none of it feels gratuitous.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, there were some minor niggles. Isa, for a journalist who’s been working on an important story with a great deal of danger, is a little too naïve (for instance, insisting on giving Blake’s brother credit for his inputs even though she knows he’s working undercover). Likewise, though Blake’s love and concern for her are understandable, he also doesn’t seem to treat her as a responsible journalist as she was supposed to be. Between the two things, Isa’s character doesn’t come across as credible as a journalist who’s fought for the truth or faced the things she’s supposed to have. Also, I found the endearments Blake and Isa used with each other a little annoying.
But these little things aside, Servitude made for an action-packed and entertaining read, though also a rather unsettling one for how close it is to reality.
Servitude is a dystopian mystery/thriller set in a future where slavery is legal once again (at least in part of the world), and brings up issues of corporate power, politics, media, and truth. This is, I think a first in a series or at least a duology (for it leaves the door open for further developments). In the world in which the book unfolds, slavery is legal on the continent and in England, and victims are people who owe any kind of debt, often from ethnic and certain racial backgrounds. There’s even a British Servitude Exchange (BSX) where slaves are traded, all permitted under the ironically named Freedom Act. The Freedom Act is also being debated in the United States likely to be passed soon, but an illegal slavery market already thrives, with entire families disappearing, and mass graves being uncovered by the police.
In this background, NYPD detective Blake Frye is on a holiday in London with his wife, former television producer/journalist Isabella ‘Isa’, where the two witness poverty, misery and unrest—protests everywhere against the BSX—no longer the rich, cosmopolitan and cultural centre of before. But unknown to Isa, the holiday is only a cover for Blake is there on a mission. When he meets his contact just after an American family is taken in by the Corp police, he is charged with investigating the illegal slavery market in the States, something he refuses to do. But with the large debt that he and Isa owe, he soon has to rethink his decision and accept. But things begin to go wrong from the moment Blake and Isa set foot back in New York; at first NSA agents arrive to arrest Blake for treason and even before he can deal with them (with help from his boss, Captain Moore), Isa is kidnapped. Now Blake must find out who is responsible and rescue her before it is too late, for Isa is also pregnant with their child. Alongside, our narrative also takes us back in time when Isa had collaborated with a group of people from various backgrounds (a journalist and a senator among them, as well as Blake’s brother Corbin who is also a journalist) to produce a documentary investigating the mysterious disappearances of families, which had turned out to be connected to the illegal slave trade and a powerful businessman William Wilmot. In a third thread, we follow another mysterious character (spy? agent?) Nigel Blakesley in London, who is connected to the slavery business and seems to be taking an interest in what Blake is involved in. Does Blake manage to get to Isa in time? How does her previous investigation relate to present developments? How do the different threads connect up?
Servitude is a fast-paced and exciting read, the plot of which kept me engaged all through. From the moment Blake and Isa return to America, the action starts off and doesn’t stop, Blake having to escape the NSA agents, and then find out where Isa could have been taken and who is responsible. As we go back and forth between current developments and Isa’s investigative story which led to her losing her job and some in her team even disappearing mysteriously, one wonders what it was that the investigation revealed that is responsible for her and Blake being targeted now, as well as about what happened then which led to things going wrong with their story (which was never aired). At first, I thought this would be more thriller than mystery, but the story gives us plenty of mystery threads as well. There are twists and surprises as we read on, and while part of the plot is resolved, the secret of the illegal slave trade is yet to be fully uncovered.
The world in which the story plays out may be dystopian, but it is a very plausible one, not perhaps too far from reality for the increasing disregard for human rights that we see around us, increasing corporate power and the business–politics nexus, and continuing discrimination and violence against people from different ethnicities and races, make us not all that different from this world (I liked the timeline of events the author wove into the story giving us an idea of how the world the book is set in came about). Likewise, another point which resonated with me is also something we see around us today—people looking for only convenient, bite sized information, and not really being concerned with the truth:
Truth had become debatable. Everyone had their own, personalized version of the facts, easy to access on targeted media outlets. They no longer questioned the facts they consumed. Doubt took too much effort. Everyone was entitled to their own opinions, and considered them the definition of a political truth.
A much-needed warning to avoid easy ways out and to continue to respect and advocate respect for all—however different they might be. There is some violence (though not too much), as well as a small upsetting chapter with one of the slavery victims, but none of it feels gratuitous.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, there were some minor niggles. Isa, for a journalist who’s been working on an important story with a great deal of danger, is a little too naïve (for instance, insisting on giving Blake’s brother credit for his inputs even though she knows he’s working undercover). Likewise, though Blake’s love and concern for her are understandable, he also doesn’t seem to treat her as a responsible journalist as she was supposed to be. Between the two things, Isa’s character doesn’t come across as credible as a journalist who’s fought for the truth or faced the things she’s supposed to have. Also, I found the endearments Blake and Isa used with each other a little annoying.
But these little things aside, Servitude made for an action-packed and entertaining read, though also a rather unsettling one for how close it is to reality.
June 25, 2024
Excellent dystopian thriller that captivates you from the first pages and doesn`t let go until the end.
The pace it`s very alert, with chapters that are split into events from the past and present, going regularly back and forth .
I think that this type of pattern in building your novel is something that does a lot of favour to the book maintaining alive, until the end, that dose of suspense in the air.
There are some disturbing moments and glimpses into what our future could possibly be. The characters are well defined and alive and you could easily feel their pain and frustration throughout the novel
The climax is satisfying, yes, but overall the book has a loose thread that could easily go for a, possibly, second volume.
Overall this book was a breath of fresh air in the summer heat, and all I can say it`s that if you`ll read it you definitely will not be disappointed.
I dare you to go and give it a try!!!
And then I`m waiting for your comment to see if I was wrong or not!
But Costi Gurgu it`s a writer so versatile and tenacious at his craft that it doesn`t matter if he`s writing a science fiction, a fantasy or a dystopian thriller, so, I just know that you`ll came to the same conclusion as I have!!!
The pace it`s very alert, with chapters that are split into events from the past and present, going regularly back and forth .
I think that this type of pattern in building your novel is something that does a lot of favour to the book maintaining alive, until the end, that dose of suspense in the air.
There are some disturbing moments and glimpses into what our future could possibly be. The characters are well defined and alive and you could easily feel their pain and frustration throughout the novel
The climax is satisfying, yes, but overall the book has a loose thread that could easily go for a, possibly, second volume.
Overall this book was a breath of fresh air in the summer heat, and all I can say it`s that if you`ll read it you definitely will not be disappointed.
I dare you to go and give it a try!!!
And then I`m waiting for your comment to see if I was wrong or not!
But Costi Gurgu it`s a writer so versatile and tenacious at his craft that it doesn`t matter if he`s writing a science fiction, a fantasy or a dystopian thriller, so, I just know that you`ll came to the same conclusion as I have!!!
December 27, 2022
Servitude by Costi Gurgu is a fast-paced and thrilling dystopian novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The premise of the book, in which the corpocracy has legalized Debt Servitude, is a thought-provoking and unsettling one, and the author does a great job of building a fully realized and believable world around it.
The main character, a New York cop with OCD, is a likable and relatable hero, and the addition of his pregnant wife being kidnapped only adds to the tension and stakes of the narrative. Gurgu’s writing is tight and engaging, and he does a great job of keeping the plot moving at a breakneck pace while still taking the time to flesh out his characters and the world they inhabit.
Overall, Servitude is a must-read for fans of science fiction, and is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, action-packed story with a dash of social commentary thrown in for good measure. So, I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates an excellent thriller and is looking for an exciting read.
The main character, a New York cop with OCD, is a likable and relatable hero, and the addition of his pregnant wife being kidnapped only adds to the tension and stakes of the narrative. Gurgu’s writing is tight and engaging, and he does a great job of keeping the plot moving at a breakneck pace while still taking the time to flesh out his characters and the world they inhabit.
Overall, Servitude is a must-read for fans of science fiction, and is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, action-packed story with a dash of social commentary thrown in for good measure. So, I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates an excellent thriller and is looking for an exciting read.
January 20, 2023
Wow! What a thrill ride! I can easily see a movie out of this book.
March 2, 2023
I am back with yet another review! This one took awhile thanks to my super busy life. But once I started reading, I found it difficult to put it down! I received this book from the author Costi Gurgu and I am extremely grateful. Also, a big thanks to Booktasters for presenting me this opportunity to review.
Genre:
Dystopian Fiction, Thriller
Plot:
Set in 2046, a dystopian future where slavery is legal again many parts of the world, Blake Frye, a NYPD Detective goes on a vacation with his wife. A covert mission of sorts goes horribly wrong when he’s accused of treason and is subject to manhunt. As the clock ticks, he must save his kidnapped pregnant wife before he loses her forever.
Review:
The starting few pages had me hooked completely. There is thrill and the author surely builds the suspense and pressure. Shifting between incidents that happened in recent past and present, the book moves in a nice pace.
The author takes cues from the present-day politics and weaves the story well that many a times, I felt scared that is it truly dystopian? Or we have already started living it? Seeing the way technology has become intertwined in the story, it doesn’t feel too far in the future. The governmental control, the corporations ruling over, people suffering due to greed and lack of understanding feels so realistic.
The characters in this story are relatable and real. Blake Frye is likeable, and his character remains consistent throughout the book. The author has written his character so beautifully that Blake’s struggles with OCD don’t become his only identifier. In fact, his analytical brain helps him out in solving cases. Although there are many characters, keeping up with the story isn’t difficult at all.
The twist towards the ending was so surprising that I admit I didn’t guess beforehand. Also, the ending is left on a cliff-hanger indicating that there is going to be a sequel. I truly can’t wait to discover more!
Overall, I totally loved the book and highly recommend it. The author is extremely good! I can’t wait to check out more of his works!
Genre:
Dystopian Fiction, Thriller
Plot:
Set in 2046, a dystopian future where slavery is legal again many parts of the world, Blake Frye, a NYPD Detective goes on a vacation with his wife. A covert mission of sorts goes horribly wrong when he’s accused of treason and is subject to manhunt. As the clock ticks, he must save his kidnapped pregnant wife before he loses her forever.
Review:
The starting few pages had me hooked completely. There is thrill and the author surely builds the suspense and pressure. Shifting between incidents that happened in recent past and present, the book moves in a nice pace.
The author takes cues from the present-day politics and weaves the story well that many a times, I felt scared that is it truly dystopian? Or we have already started living it? Seeing the way technology has become intertwined in the story, it doesn’t feel too far in the future. The governmental control, the corporations ruling over, people suffering due to greed and lack of understanding feels so realistic.
The characters in this story are relatable and real. Blake Frye is likeable, and his character remains consistent throughout the book. The author has written his character so beautifully that Blake’s struggles with OCD don’t become his only identifier. In fact, his analytical brain helps him out in solving cases. Although there are many characters, keeping up with the story isn’t difficult at all.
The twist towards the ending was so surprising that I admit I didn’t guess beforehand. Also, the ending is left on a cliff-hanger indicating that there is going to be a sequel. I truly can’t wait to discover more!
Overall, I totally loved the book and highly recommend it. The author is extremely good! I can’t wait to check out more of his works!
January 5, 2023
What if corporations took back what you owed...however they pleased?
That's the eerie premise in this fascinating political thriller. Seeming to pull from some recent overarching political goings-on, Servitude forces the reader to think about what would happen if businesses were allowed to turn debtors into slaves for repayment.
The turns of phrase and attitudes displayed by those in power who enact and protect the so-called "Freedom Act" not only speak to thoughts on how and when a government should care for its people, but harken back to American slavery ideals...in the present.
A terrifying, but thought provoking, story, Servitude makes you run right along side Detective Blake Frye as we investigate just how far a company might go to reap what they're owed.
Do not miss this eerily possible story in your 2023 pile!
That's the eerie premise in this fascinating political thriller. Seeming to pull from some recent overarching political goings-on, Servitude forces the reader to think about what would happen if businesses were allowed to turn debtors into slaves for repayment.
The turns of phrase and attitudes displayed by those in power who enact and protect the so-called "Freedom Act" not only speak to thoughts on how and when a government should care for its people, but harken back to American slavery ideals...in the present.
A terrifying, but thought provoking, story, Servitude makes you run right along side Detective Blake Frye as we investigate just how far a company might go to reap what they're owed.
Do not miss this eerily possible story in your 2023 pile!
January 20, 2023
I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.
This was a detective story/thriller, as well as science fiction, and it held my interest. I was interested in the characters, even if I didn't find them all likeable. Having said that, the protagonist, Blake, was a character that I did like, and the love between him and his wife was something that I really felt. Isabella was a very nice character.
The chapters were quite short, which meant that I kept turning pages, but it also meant that I found the book easy to get through. It was an entertaining story and not too long.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
This was a detective story/thriller, as well as science fiction, and it held my interest. I was interested in the characters, even if I didn't find them all likeable. Having said that, the protagonist, Blake, was a character that I did like, and the love between him and his wife was something that I really felt. Isabella was a very nice character.
The chapters were quite short, which meant that I kept turning pages, but it also meant that I found the book easy to get through. It was an entertaining story and not too long.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
September 28, 2023
This is a dystopian novel.
A cop with an OCD. He is framed. Now he has to save his wife. His pregnant wife. She is kidnapped.
Time is running out.
The setting of the novel is very good.
The near future atmosphere reminded me of seven movie.
Totally a fantastic read.
A cop with an OCD. He is framed. Now he has to save his wife. His pregnant wife. She is kidnapped.
Time is running out.
The setting of the novel is very good.
The near future atmosphere reminded me of seven movie.
Totally a fantastic read.
January 8, 2023
Amazing!
Honestly, I was not sure I’d like this book. I was partially right - I didn’t like it, I loved it! The realistic potential future reality, the dash of spy-dom, the investigative edge, the rooting for the under dog, and that is just for starters! I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It had a mixture of all of my favorite things. I highly recommend it!
Honestly, I was not sure I’d like this book. I was partially right - I didn’t like it, I loved it! The realistic potential future reality, the dash of spy-dom, the investigative edge, the rooting for the under dog, and that is just for starters! I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It had a mixture of all of my favorite things. I highly recommend it!
December 22, 2023
This book was GREAT! In a dystopian future, we go through this rescue with Blake to save his wife from slavery. I was confused at the start, but some things were explained along the way, as well as secrets from family and friends. And the plot twists? Yes, we have a lot!
March 17, 2024
This book is set in the near future when most governments have passed laws similar to those in the past when people in debt would be placed in debtors’ prisons. The rich use this to get cheap labor, to control dissidents, and to vanish the ones they hate. Although the initial idea was to have people work out of their debt and become more productive for the country, it is now used in many troubling and disturbing ways.
Into this backdrop our main characters, a cop and his journalist wife, are traveling abroad for vacation. Blake is a cop who suffers from OCD and is secretly on this trip working as a contact for an interagency investigation probing the illegal slave trade in America. He is to meet a contact in London who has information to pass along, but the contact has an agenda of his own. Blake Frye, our leading man, feels conflicted about working this job and not telling his wife about it, but as he is in a great deal of debt he feels he must to protect his wife. It is also revealed that his wife, after months and much money in the effort, is pregnant with their first child. Isa, his wife, is also struggling because in her investigation as a journalist into one of the largest proponents of the “Freedom Act” in America, she finds that he is buying off congressmen and leaders and is the single biggest holder of slaves in America. Slavery is still illegal in America, but the freedom act will essentially sell debt-ridden Americans into slavery. When Isa builds her case and breaks the biggest story of her career, she loses her job and her motivation to work adding further strain to the marriage.
The rest of the story is typical of the spy genre with Blake and Isa being arrested, rescued, separated, and apparently without help from anyone. The author keeps the pace steady, building tension, and bringing us to a high stakes confrontation. This book is well written and frighteningly close to a future all of us could see and yet fear. Will our heroes survive? Will the world wake up from the power of the corporation big wigs and stop the slavery trade? You will have to read this for yourself!
Into this backdrop our main characters, a cop and his journalist wife, are traveling abroad for vacation. Blake is a cop who suffers from OCD and is secretly on this trip working as a contact for an interagency investigation probing the illegal slave trade in America. He is to meet a contact in London who has information to pass along, but the contact has an agenda of his own. Blake Frye, our leading man, feels conflicted about working this job and not telling his wife about it, but as he is in a great deal of debt he feels he must to protect his wife. It is also revealed that his wife, after months and much money in the effort, is pregnant with their first child. Isa, his wife, is also struggling because in her investigation as a journalist into one of the largest proponents of the “Freedom Act” in America, she finds that he is buying off congressmen and leaders and is the single biggest holder of slaves in America. Slavery is still illegal in America, but the freedom act will essentially sell debt-ridden Americans into slavery. When Isa builds her case and breaks the biggest story of her career, she loses her job and her motivation to work adding further strain to the marriage.
The rest of the story is typical of the spy genre with Blake and Isa being arrested, rescued, separated, and apparently without help from anyone. The author keeps the pace steady, building tension, and bringing us to a high stakes confrontation. This book is well written and frighteningly close to a future all of us could see and yet fear. Will our heroes survive? Will the world wake up from the power of the corporation big wigs and stop the slavery trade? You will have to read this for yourself!
May 14, 2023
Pretty good overall. It probably had more testosterone than I was in the mood for, but I'm sure others will be fine with that aspect. It is a bit of a thriller, after all. A lot of mystery and thriller fans will probably enjoy this one.
Thanks very much for the free copy for review!!
Thanks very much for the free copy for review!!
February 1, 2023
Amazing read. Gurgu doesn’t disappoint. Complex yet accessible storytelling. Fabulous characters. Original idea. “Servitude” is a must-read.
January 1, 2023
I consider myself to be an optimist, but also a realist. So while I believe justice will triumph over injustice in America – even though sometimes it can take quite some time – I’m not naïve enough to think, as Sinclair Lewis’ famous book states, it can’t happen here. The last half-dozen years have shown just how quickly extreme ideas can become mainstream, with seemingly rational people justifying all sorts of terrible things in the name of their cause.
And because of that, “Servitude” by Costi Gurgu hit me hard. The dystopian novel, both a science-fiction and political thriller, is set in the future … but not too far in the future. And though the societal changes chronicled in its plot are horrific, they’re frighteningly easy to imagine.
The book opens in London in the year 2046, a few years after the Last Depression, which saw global markets collapse and billions die due to extreme climate change. The European Union has been replaced by a reborn Eastern Bloc. And a dearth in resources has led to the implementation of legal slavery, through the passage of the ironically titled Freedom Act. Anyone owing a significant amount of money who skips even one payment can be detained and forced to pay their debt through servitude.
The Freedom Act is the law of the land across the Eastern Bloc. Blake, an American detective on an undercover mission, meets with an esoteric figure who informs him that servitude is already happening covertly in the U.S. He is asked to locate the camp and discover who is in charge.
It’s a situation with which Blake is familiar. His wife, Isa, is an investigative reporter who was about to expose the underbelly of American servitude before the powers that be stepped in. And his brother, another investigative reporter, is doing his own clandestine deep dive into the matter.
Things aren’t much better in America than in the Eastern Bloc. Republicans are one senator away from taking complete control of the government, and most of the politicians are controlled by a handful of plutocrats – in particular, one with a burgeoning servitude empire. Because of that, it’s only a matter of time before the Freedom Act becomes the law.
Gurgu’s pacing in “Servitude” is stellar, though a bit unorthodox. The novel powers forward on parallel tracks: the present-day chapters, which chronicle 24 nonstop hours of action; and flashback chapters, which parcel out backstory. Cutting away from a breakneck plot can be tricky, but Gurgu does it well, with each flashback adding to the reader’s understanding of the present-day situation. A few major twists near the end add even more intrigue.
Though the climactic events are mostly resolved, the ending is left open. But it doesn’t feel like sequel-bait. It works well on its own, implying that even when evil appears to be vanquished, the work is never done. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant, something we should all heed in these uncertain times.
And because of that, “Servitude” by Costi Gurgu hit me hard. The dystopian novel, both a science-fiction and political thriller, is set in the future … but not too far in the future. And though the societal changes chronicled in its plot are horrific, they’re frighteningly easy to imagine.
The book opens in London in the year 2046, a few years after the Last Depression, which saw global markets collapse and billions die due to extreme climate change. The European Union has been replaced by a reborn Eastern Bloc. And a dearth in resources has led to the implementation of legal slavery, through the passage of the ironically titled Freedom Act. Anyone owing a significant amount of money who skips even one payment can be detained and forced to pay their debt through servitude.
The Freedom Act is the law of the land across the Eastern Bloc. Blake, an American detective on an undercover mission, meets with an esoteric figure who informs him that servitude is already happening covertly in the U.S. He is asked to locate the camp and discover who is in charge.
It’s a situation with which Blake is familiar. His wife, Isa, is an investigative reporter who was about to expose the underbelly of American servitude before the powers that be stepped in. And his brother, another investigative reporter, is doing his own clandestine deep dive into the matter.
Things aren’t much better in America than in the Eastern Bloc. Republicans are one senator away from taking complete control of the government, and most of the politicians are controlled by a handful of plutocrats – in particular, one with a burgeoning servitude empire. Because of that, it’s only a matter of time before the Freedom Act becomes the law.
Gurgu’s pacing in “Servitude” is stellar, though a bit unorthodox. The novel powers forward on parallel tracks: the present-day chapters, which chronicle 24 nonstop hours of action; and flashback chapters, which parcel out backstory. Cutting away from a breakneck plot can be tricky, but Gurgu does it well, with each flashback adding to the reader’s understanding of the present-day situation. A few major twists near the end add even more intrigue.
Though the climactic events are mostly resolved, the ending is left open. But it doesn’t feel like sequel-bait. It works well on its own, implying that even when evil appears to be vanquished, the work is never done. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant, something we should all heed in these uncertain times.
December 13, 2022
Thanks to Booktasters, the author was kind enough to send me a digi-copy of this book to read in exchange for a review:
I think this review is going to be bias because I love dystopian novels.
Right off the bat the book starts off with an ancient Roman Law “If no person releases the condemned debtor by paying the debt, the creditor can either sell him as a slave or put him to death. This is the nexum.” So, right away you could tell it would be a pretty dark dystopian. It. Did. Not. Disappoint.
And you get to the very first CHAPTER and it grips your emotions even more with “The man was visibly in shock. His wife, her head draped in a hijab, tightly gripped her young daughter. Silent sobs shook the girl’s body.”
This book was definitely the type of book to leave you breathless with each chapter.
It also made me want to cook fish and chips.
I really liked Blake’s mind. As the author described it, his mind was “precise, rigorous and logical.” I think it was because of his analytical way of looking at the clues and looking at them from an objective POV was that he was able to find Isa in time. I liked the couple but at the same time I very, very, much appreciated there was no sappy romance in the book. Blake wasn't in terrible and emotional anguish in his search for Isa, which makes sense because he was able to control his emotions.
What can I say about this novel? Well, is it really THAT dystopian, I mean it should be labeled as “current events” with the way this world is being run. I was emotionally invested in Blake and Isa and I really thought for a second that Blake would not save her in time. It was really suspenseful, and it was a fast read, which was great because I really wanted to know if they would have their temporary happily ever after. Because as Blake put it at the end, “I’m afraid this is only the beginning” so with that in mind it could turn into a sequel. Hopefully the author dives into more political conspiracies in later novels.
Themes:
Politics
Slave trade
Conspiracy
Race against time.
I think this review is going to be bias because I love dystopian novels.
Right off the bat the book starts off with an ancient Roman Law “If no person releases the condemned debtor by paying the debt, the creditor can either sell him as a slave or put him to death. This is the nexum.” So, right away you could tell it would be a pretty dark dystopian. It. Did. Not. Disappoint.
And you get to the very first CHAPTER and it grips your emotions even more with “The man was visibly in shock. His wife, her head draped in a hijab, tightly gripped her young daughter. Silent sobs shook the girl’s body.”
This book was definitely the type of book to leave you breathless with each chapter.
It also made me want to cook fish and chips.
I really liked Blake’s mind. As the author described it, his mind was “precise, rigorous and logical.” I think it was because of his analytical way of looking at the clues and looking at them from an objective POV was that he was able to find Isa in time. I liked the couple but at the same time I very, very, much appreciated there was no sappy romance in the book. Blake wasn't in terrible and emotional anguish in his search for Isa, which makes sense because he was able to control his emotions.
What can I say about this novel? Well, is it really THAT dystopian, I mean it should be labeled as “current events” with the way this world is being run. I was emotionally invested in Blake and Isa and I really thought for a second that Blake would not save her in time. It was really suspenseful, and it was a fast read, which was great because I really wanted to know if they would have their temporary happily ever after. Because as Blake put it at the end, “I’m afraid this is only the beginning” so with that in mind it could turn into a sequel. Hopefully the author dives into more political conspiracies in later novels.
Themes:
Politics
Slave trade
Conspiracy
Race against time.
December 17, 2022
The novel start with an NYPD detective Blake and his Wife visit to London, but different than London that we know. A law is being legalized around the world that normalize slavery to anyone who fall in debt, and London turned into slave camps.
While this law was still not passed in the US, families started to go missing which raised questions of what happened to them. Detective Blake of and his partner where assigned to the case, but could not reach anyway in their investigation. He suspected that debt hunters where behind it, and discussed his concern with wife Isa who works as a journalist.
Refusing to let this evil continue, Isa suggesting making a story to investigate and so she assembled her team and started working to expose who is behind the disappearing families. Her search lead to William Wilmot, a rich business man with connections in the government. But before the story could be published, William Wilmot made sure that it was blocked and shut down the news network.
Danger was closing on Isa and everyone who helped her, but Detective Blake was determined to stop the evil and build a bright future with Isa and their unborn son.
I loved how the writer took us between now and past events, how everything buildup to the current situation from different perspectives, and detective Blake kept fighting no matter how gloomy things appeared.
This novel is absolutely horrifying turning people into objects with no rights and use them in all sort of things. I pray humanity wont go that low.
Thanks to the writer for taking us in this dystopian future
While this law was still not passed in the US, families started to go missing which raised questions of what happened to them. Detective Blake of and his partner where assigned to the case, but could not reach anyway in their investigation. He suspected that debt hunters where behind it, and discussed his concern with wife Isa who works as a journalist.
Refusing to let this evil continue, Isa suggesting making a story to investigate and so she assembled her team and started working to expose who is behind the disappearing families. Her search lead to William Wilmot, a rich business man with connections in the government. But before the story could be published, William Wilmot made sure that it was blocked and shut down the news network.
Danger was closing on Isa and everyone who helped her, but Detective Blake was determined to stop the evil and build a bright future with Isa and their unborn son.
I loved how the writer took us between now and past events, how everything buildup to the current situation from different perspectives, and detective Blake kept fighting no matter how gloomy things appeared.
This novel is absolutely horrifying turning people into objects with no rights and use them in all sort of things. I pray humanity wont go that low.
Thanks to the writer for taking us in this dystopian future
January 24, 2023
Servitude, by Costi Gurgu, has a lot going for it. The book has a terrific premise. The world has degenerated to the point where people who owe money, in some cases families who miss a single payment, can be captured, taken into servitude, a capture justified by a law called the Freedom Act, and held until they either work off their indebtedness, or, in most cases, they die. The book has a fascinating cascade of characters, including a steadfast and capable police officer and his equally capable producer-wife, the sinister, rich, slave-owning builder of an empire, and a traitorous group of disafilliated NSA. The world has become a place where folks in line for entry into the US Embassy fall victim to a group called the Corp Police, where people can be stamped with and identified by bar codes, and a place inhabited by bounty hunters whose aim is to capture people for the slave market. The action, particularly in the end, is fast, furious and violent. The book is a real page turner.
There are aspects of the book which would be better accepted by those with specific preferences in format - it bounces around chronologically - or in their politics. It's just close enough to reality to be a bit unnerving. Suffice it to say, I thought it was a very solid action thriller, and, if you enjoy that genre, it's certainly worth your while.
There are aspects of the book which would be better accepted by those with specific preferences in format - it bounces around chronologically - or in their politics. It's just close enough to reality to be a bit unnerving. Suffice it to say, I thought it was a very solid action thriller, and, if you enjoy that genre, it's certainly worth your while.
January 5, 2023
Servitude by Costi Gurgu, a futuristic thriller with lots of action. The year is 2046 and going forward one feels that life would be much easier with technology easing things around, but here we have things taking a U turn. London, one of the first world cities taking in slaves and promoting slavery is the last thing one could imagine.
The protagonist Blake Frye, a police officer turned detective from NYPD and his wife Isabella Frye, a journalist against slavery. They come to London to celebrate their anniversary, but are greeted with disturbing scenes of people being taken in as slaves. People defaulting loans and other migrants being taken as slaves and disappearing from the radar completely is shocking for Blake
The story continues at a fast pace where there is a lot of action, and ups and downs where who is friend or who is a foe is difficult to make out.
The pace of the book is good and characterization apt. Holds attention till the end and writing style is also up to the mark. Overall a pacy and interesting read. The end has options open for a sequel so hoping for it to come soon.
The protagonist Blake Frye, a police officer turned detective from NYPD and his wife Isabella Frye, a journalist against slavery. They come to London to celebrate their anniversary, but are greeted with disturbing scenes of people being taken in as slaves. People defaulting loans and other migrants being taken as slaves and disappearing from the radar completely is shocking for Blake
The story continues at a fast pace where there is a lot of action, and ups and downs where who is friend or who is a foe is difficult to make out.
The pace of the book is good and characterization apt. Holds attention till the end and writing style is also up to the mark. Overall a pacy and interesting read. The end has options open for a sequel so hoping for it to come soon.
January 20, 2023
This was a fantastic read!
The pacing was great, the detail was awesome and the perfect hero to root for. I enjoyed that the story had a very interesting spin on what the world might look like and how the history of the characters was woven in nicely with different points of view. Usually as you round the last chapter or so, the story starts to flatten but here, I was excitedly reading every word right to the very last one.
A very fun read!
The pacing was great, the detail was awesome and the perfect hero to root for. I enjoyed that the story had a very interesting spin on what the world might look like and how the history of the characters was woven in nicely with different points of view. Usually as you round the last chapter or so, the story starts to flatten but here, I was excitedly reading every word right to the very last one.
A very fun read!
October 17, 2023
thanks to booktaster and Costi Gurgu for giving me this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Servitude is fast paced read it kept me on my toes the whole book
I really liked that the book isn’t so far from reality with the way people from differieren ethnicity’s and races are treated. For example how people only look for convinient information that fits the way they are thinking.
Isa is way to naiv for my liking , the way Blake treats her annoys me.
The story overall is great the love not so much
Also the novel its written like a screen script which is really hard for me personally to read.
I really liked that the book isn’t so far from reality with the way people from differieren ethnicity’s and races are treated. For example how people only look for convinient information that fits the way they are thinking.
Isa is way to naiv for my liking , the way Blake treats her annoys me.
The story overall is great the love not so much
Also the novel its written like a screen script which is really hard for me personally to read.
December 3, 2022
A very disturbing dystopian political thriller. Great action sequences, an involving plot and strong protagonist. The most disturbing thing about the story is how shockingly plausible it has become.
November 22, 2022
Blake and Isa Frye fight to end illegal slave trade brought on power hungry elitists with their hands in the business of a dystopian government. When Isa researches and reports on the people behind it all those in charge seek to silence her by kidnapping her and selling her. Blake must race against time to try to save her before time runs out. Action packed and heart racing read. A story that could actually become reality.
January 28, 2023
Spoilers: Servitude by Costi Gurgu is another one of those Science Fiction novels that can be labeled under the file marked, "Current Times Taken to Extreme Levels." It depicts a world in which people are taken from the streets for minor offenses and forced into Servitude, in other words taken forcibly and sold into slavery in a process that is perfectly legal and sanctioned by the government.
In this book, frighteningly set in the near future of 2046, Blake Frye, a police detective and his TV producer wife, Isa decide to take a random vacation to London. Unfortunately, this is not a pleasurable holiday. As they see the sights, they are caught in various riots protesting the Servitude program. (The Servitude program is extremely active in Britain and is only being considered in the United States, so far). They see people being taken away such as the parents of two small children, who are arrested for being in debt.
It's enough to disgust the emotional and newly pregnant Isa. Blake however has ulterior means to make this trip. Isa got into some trouble with a documentary that she made which discussed potential trafficking in the U.S. and called some elite billionaires to task for benefiting from it. Blake has to meet an informant to learn whether his wife is in trouble and what could be done to protect her. Unfortunately, all of Blake and Isa's worst fears are confirmed when they return to the U.S. and come face to face with some mysterious people that take Isa away. While Isa tries to survive her captivity and Blake is driven to rescue her, we are given flashbacks to the issues that Isa explored in her documentary and the elites' fury at being caught in taking part and controlling this deplorable institution.
Servitude is a very intense book on how people reinterpret guilt, innocence, and punishment to fit their needs. Gurgu captures what happens when the 1% seize that power and control over the people under them. Well, I mean more so than now.
In Servitude, the multibillionaire who controls the Servitude program in the U.S. is William Wilmot, a tech mogul who uses Servitude to silence his enemies. When Isa's documentary about human trafficking names Wilmot specifically as a beneficiary to this secret organization, Wilmot and his equally conniving daughter, Gabriella definitely have her and her colleagues on their list.
There are a few real-life obvious inspirations for Wilmot, many moguls who use their money and connections to get away with the worst crimes and still have people that will defend them. They are the types who will control a media outlet under the guise of fighting for free speech and then use ruthless hypocritical tactics to silence those who oppose them.
We've seen them all and we know them all. In the United States, nothing speaks louder than money and in Servitude, money controls other people's freedom.
Blake and Isa are the honest courageous people who would speak out against such horrors. The opening chapters show this. Even though it's set in London, the tension and ramifications are pretty clear. This is happening out in the open what is being done in the United States in secret and it's only a matter of time before it's in public in the U.S. It gives the Reader a sense that soon there will be nowhere to hide.
We also peer into Blake and Isa's characters as well. Isa is anguished and protective of the children. It's easy to see why with her pregnancy and documentary. After studying cases of families left in this situation and worrying about bringing another child into a world that allows such things to happen, her maternal instincts are in full overdrive. She would do anything to protect those that she cares about: her husband, two parentless children, and in a later chapter, her colleagues.
Blake too reveals much about himself in this early vacation. Even though he knows what he and Isa might see, they go anyway. He is someone who works hard to get the right information to protect and later find his wife. He also knows how to find that information by asking certain people and researching what is needed. He will sacrifice his own freedom to protect people like Isa.
Besides the story about Isa's captivity and Blake's rescue attempts, we are treated to flashbacks in alternating chapters. They serve to provide much needed explanation for the documentary, the Fryes, and the people for and against them.
The flashbacks are pretty clever in that they reveal some interesting information about the main plot. One character appears to work for one side. Then in the flashbacks, one line reveals that they are a different character from another side and had their name changed and appearance altered.
This is a pretty impressive feat because in the main plot, he's a cypher and lover to one character. Then in the flashbacks, this character appears to be an unlikeable coward who would throw anybody under the bus. Instead that is a front, until it is revealed how deeply involved they really are to the situation at hand, what their true personality is, and where their loyalties lie.
Servitude is one of those terrifying Science Fiction books. Terrifying because we are standing on the edge of what could happen, so we can keep it from happening.
In this book, frighteningly set in the near future of 2046, Blake Frye, a police detective and his TV producer wife, Isa decide to take a random vacation to London. Unfortunately, this is not a pleasurable holiday. As they see the sights, they are caught in various riots protesting the Servitude program. (The Servitude program is extremely active in Britain and is only being considered in the United States, so far). They see people being taken away such as the parents of two small children, who are arrested for being in debt.
It's enough to disgust the emotional and newly pregnant Isa. Blake however has ulterior means to make this trip. Isa got into some trouble with a documentary that she made which discussed potential trafficking in the U.S. and called some elite billionaires to task for benefiting from it. Blake has to meet an informant to learn whether his wife is in trouble and what could be done to protect her. Unfortunately, all of Blake and Isa's worst fears are confirmed when they return to the U.S. and come face to face with some mysterious people that take Isa away. While Isa tries to survive her captivity and Blake is driven to rescue her, we are given flashbacks to the issues that Isa explored in her documentary and the elites' fury at being caught in taking part and controlling this deplorable institution.
Servitude is a very intense book on how people reinterpret guilt, innocence, and punishment to fit their needs. Gurgu captures what happens when the 1% seize that power and control over the people under them. Well, I mean more so than now.
In Servitude, the multibillionaire who controls the Servitude program in the U.S. is William Wilmot, a tech mogul who uses Servitude to silence his enemies. When Isa's documentary about human trafficking names Wilmot specifically as a beneficiary to this secret organization, Wilmot and his equally conniving daughter, Gabriella definitely have her and her colleagues on their list.
There are a few real-life obvious inspirations for Wilmot, many moguls who use their money and connections to get away with the worst crimes and still have people that will defend them. They are the types who will control a media outlet under the guise of fighting for free speech and then use ruthless hypocritical tactics to silence those who oppose them.
We've seen them all and we know them all. In the United States, nothing speaks louder than money and in Servitude, money controls other people's freedom.
Blake and Isa are the honest courageous people who would speak out against such horrors. The opening chapters show this. Even though it's set in London, the tension and ramifications are pretty clear. This is happening out in the open what is being done in the United States in secret and it's only a matter of time before it's in public in the U.S. It gives the Reader a sense that soon there will be nowhere to hide.
We also peer into Blake and Isa's characters as well. Isa is anguished and protective of the children. It's easy to see why with her pregnancy and documentary. After studying cases of families left in this situation and worrying about bringing another child into a world that allows such things to happen, her maternal instincts are in full overdrive. She would do anything to protect those that she cares about: her husband, two parentless children, and in a later chapter, her colleagues.
Blake too reveals much about himself in this early vacation. Even though he knows what he and Isa might see, they go anyway. He is someone who works hard to get the right information to protect and later find his wife. He also knows how to find that information by asking certain people and researching what is needed. He will sacrifice his own freedom to protect people like Isa.
Besides the story about Isa's captivity and Blake's rescue attempts, we are treated to flashbacks in alternating chapters. They serve to provide much needed explanation for the documentary, the Fryes, and the people for and against them.
The flashbacks are pretty clever in that they reveal some interesting information about the main plot. One character appears to work for one side. Then in the flashbacks, one line reveals that they are a different character from another side and had their name changed and appearance altered.
This is a pretty impressive feat because in the main plot, he's a cypher and lover to one character. Then in the flashbacks, this character appears to be an unlikeable coward who would throw anybody under the bus. Instead that is a front, until it is revealed how deeply involved they really are to the situation at hand, what their true personality is, and where their loyalties lie.
Servitude is one of those terrifying Science Fiction books. Terrifying because we are standing on the edge of what could happen, so we can keep it from happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2023
I had trouble understanding the story and what the characters were trying to achieve. Was the hero trying to stop American Servitude? Was he trying to help stop Britain’s system? Why was his wife so wimpy?
October 31, 2023
"Servitude," a riveting dystopian mystery/thriller, transports readers to a future in which the disquieting legality of slavery has reappeared, reflecting themes about corporate power, politics, media manipulation, and the elusive nature of truth. The novel, most likely the first in a trilogy, depicts a future in which slavery is legal in some areas of the world, most notably on the continent and in England, with individuals falling prey owing to various debts and racial origins. A dark market grows, with entire families disappearing and mass graves discovered by authorities.
The plot revolves around NYPD officer Blake Frye and his wife, former TV producer/journalist Isabella 'Isa,' who are on an apparently harmless vacation in London. This journey, however, masks Blake's covert objective to investigate the illicit slave trade in the United States. When Isa is abducted, Blake is forced to race against time to recover her, all while dealing with NSA operatives hard on his tail. As the novel progresses, we are taken back to Isa's previous participation in researching inexplicable family disappearances and the fascinating tycoon William Wilmot. Simultaneously, we follow another intriguing man, Nigel Blakesley, who is involved in the slave trade and whose interests intersect with Blake's. "Servitude" moves at a blazing pace while unravelling interesting secrets.
The novel offers a thought-provoking depiction of a dystopian world that feels uncomfortably close to our reality. It reflects concerns about diminishing human rights, the rise of corporate influence in politics, racial discrimination, and the growing disregard for truth in today's information landscape. The story conveys the unsettling notion that personal beliefs often overshadow facts, and individuals quickly embrace their versions of the truth through targeted media outlets.
"Servitude" is a cautionary tale, urging readers to resist taking the easy way out and continue advocating for respect and equality, even in a world marred by convenience and misinformation. While the book contains some violence, it avoids gratuitous elements, making it a compelling and resonant read. However, the characters' behaviours and interactions, particularly Isa's naiveté and the endearments shared by Blake and Isa, may raise minor credibility issues. Nevertheless, "Servitude" is a riveting and troubling journey, presenting a disturbing reflection of our world.
The plot revolves around NYPD officer Blake Frye and his wife, former TV producer/journalist Isabella 'Isa,' who are on an apparently harmless vacation in London. This journey, however, masks Blake's covert objective to investigate the illicit slave trade in the United States. When Isa is abducted, Blake is forced to race against time to recover her, all while dealing with NSA operatives hard on his tail. As the novel progresses, we are taken back to Isa's previous participation in researching inexplicable family disappearances and the fascinating tycoon William Wilmot. Simultaneously, we follow another intriguing man, Nigel Blakesley, who is involved in the slave trade and whose interests intersect with Blake's. "Servitude" moves at a blazing pace while unravelling interesting secrets.
The novel offers a thought-provoking depiction of a dystopian world that feels uncomfortably close to our reality. It reflects concerns about diminishing human rights, the rise of corporate influence in politics, racial discrimination, and the growing disregard for truth in today's information landscape. The story conveys the unsettling notion that personal beliefs often overshadow facts, and individuals quickly embrace their versions of the truth through targeted media outlets.
"Servitude" is a cautionary tale, urging readers to resist taking the easy way out and continue advocating for respect and equality, even in a world marred by convenience and misinformation. While the book contains some violence, it avoids gratuitous elements, making it a compelling and resonant read. However, the characters' behaviours and interactions, particularly Isa's naiveté and the endearments shared by Blake and Isa, may raise minor credibility issues. Nevertheless, "Servitude" is a riveting and troubling journey, presenting a disturbing reflection of our world.
April 17, 2023
I honestly didn't want to put this book down.
Set in a not so far off future where corporations hold great power and servitude for debt is slowly being normalized across the globe, a bill has been proposed in congress, one that will allow servitude in the United States. Seeing first hand how this is playing out in Europe, reporter Isabella Frye is determined not to let slavery, disguised as servitude, happen in the country she calls home. Unfortunately she is up against powerful players and after her story is shut down, her friends and teammates begin to disappear.
Determined not to let that happen to his own wife, Detective Blake Frye struggles to protect her, but his OCD hampers him, allies are few and time is not on his side. With limited options he accepts an undercover assignment, one that ups the stakes and increases the danger.
With well timed flashbacks the reader is given just enough information to keep them guessing without interrupting the momentum of the story and the raw fear and emotional turmoil is genuine and palatable. Truly a good read and I highly recommend to anyone who loves a thriller.
Set in a not so far off future where corporations hold great power and servitude for debt is slowly being normalized across the globe, a bill has been proposed in congress, one that will allow servitude in the United States. Seeing first hand how this is playing out in Europe, reporter Isabella Frye is determined not to let slavery, disguised as servitude, happen in the country she calls home. Unfortunately she is up against powerful players and after her story is shut down, her friends and teammates begin to disappear.
Determined not to let that happen to his own wife, Detective Blake Frye struggles to protect her, but his OCD hampers him, allies are few and time is not on his side. With limited options he accepts an undercover assignment, one that ups the stakes and increases the danger.
With well timed flashbacks the reader is given just enough information to keep them guessing without interrupting the momentum of the story and the raw fear and emotional turmoil is genuine and palatable. Truly a good read and I highly recommend to anyone who loves a thriller.
February 22, 2024
I really enjoyed Servitude. In a dystopian world where debt servitude is legal in some countries and spreading, the protagonist plays a game of incredibly high stakes, especially after his wife is kidnapped. I loved the twists and turns, and the way Gurgu's writing hid future events. The jumping between present and past was also well done. At times the ideas hit pretty close to home, and that this wasn't too off from our current world made the stakes that much higher.
The novel's fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged, while the well-crafted characters and thought-provoking themes add depth and substance to the story. In conclusion, Servitude by Costi Gurgu is an exceptional dystopian thriller that captivates readers with its intense action, intricate plot, and profound themes. The novel explores the complex relationship between power, rebellion, and the fight for freedom, leaving readers with a lasting impression long after they finish the final page. I would recommend to anyone looking for a good dystopian thriller.
The novel's fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged, while the well-crafted characters and thought-provoking themes add depth and substance to the story. In conclusion, Servitude by Costi Gurgu is an exceptional dystopian thriller that captivates readers with its intense action, intricate plot, and profound themes. The novel explores the complex relationship between power, rebellion, and the fight for freedom, leaving readers with a lasting impression long after they finish the final page. I would recommend to anyone looking for a good dystopian thriller.
March 9, 2023
Recently I read "Servitude" from Costi Curgu. I must say, the book really got
me from the beginning till the end. I was very keen to know the complete
story. It has a great main character and a fantastic plot.
Servitude is a must read for everyone who likes a story full of action.
Without any doubt I give a five star rating for this exciting read.
me from the beginning till the end. I was very keen to know the complete
story. It has a great main character and a fantastic plot.
Servitude is a must read for everyone who likes a story full of action.
Without any doubt I give a five star rating for this exciting read.
August 1, 2025
Servitude is as much a psychological study as it is a political thriller. Costi Gurgu explores power, betrayal, and loyalty in an unflinching and sophisticated narrative. The prose is sharp and purposeful every scene counts.
July 29, 2025
This book shook me. Gurgu doesn’t just tell a story, he exposes a system. The corporate-slavery complex in Servitude feels horrifyingly plausible. It’s not just fiction, it’s a warning.
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