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The Truth Effect
Step into a future where truth becomes a weapon and one journalist dares to challenge it all… In the year 2030, the United Kingdom faces an extraordinary time where truth itself becomes a weapon in the hands of the powerful British Government. The Truth Laws have transformed the once-free Internet into a controlled space, making information a dangerous tool. Meet Kelly Blackwell, a journalist entangled in this web of government-defined "truth." False accusations have tarnished her career, leaving her reputation hanging by a thread. Just when everything seems hopeless, she discovers classified information that could clear her name and dismantle the oppressive system. Fuelled by unwavering determination, Kelly sets out on a daring quest to find the person behind the false accusations against her. With the help of skilled hackers, digital rebels, and her only true friend, Kelly pursues a heart-pounding mission to reveal the hidden truth buried under government control. The Truth Effect puts the power of information in the spotlight, showing its impact on individuals and society. As Kelly Blackwell risks everything to uncover the truth, we are captivated by the resilience, courage, and unyielding strength of the human spirit. Don't miss out on this electrifying tale that will leave you questioning the very nature of truth and its profound impact on our lives. Grab your copy today and join the fight for a future where truth remains a beacon of hope. Praise for The Truth “The Truth Effect (Rising World) deserves to be the dystopian novel of the year…” Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite "A true thought-provoking thriller of a ride...a real insight into just what might be loitering around the corner." GoodReads Review
402 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2021
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Anne Mortensen
8 books6 followersAnne Mortensen started her working career with a BA in Communications from Emerson College, Boston. She worked in PR and journalism, among other work experiences. Later, she earned a Masters in Photography from Central Saint Martins and worked as a photographer. Throughout, she did what she loves most: creative writing.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, she now lives in London with her husband and their sweet tabby.
She's working on book 3 of the Rising World series.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, she now lives in London with her husband and their sweet tabby.
She's working on book 3 of the Rising World series.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 10, 2022
And now for something completely different….
This was a slightly dystopian, near future, sci-fi/tech thriller that read like an up-to-date version of Orwell’s 1984! I really enjoy this sort of book occasionally, and I enjoyed this one in particular. I’m not even going to try to summarise the plot, there too many moving parts. I will admit that some of the technical stuff was beyond me and there were an awful lot of characters thrown into the book early on. Despite all that I found the story very engaging and, yes, heartwarming.
We have the ever present surveillance. Now that the Truth Laws have come into effect, journalism can no longer get away with unfounded allegations. But who decides what is the truth? The citizens are being monitored in everything they do and ‘bad actors’ are quickly ‘disappeared’! We also have, unsurprisingly, the Resistance and another shadowy group that lives ‘outside’. But allegiances are very fickle and nobody quite knows who to trust.
Our chief protagonist is a journalist, Kelly Blackwell, whose reputation is somewhat tarnished after allegations she published two years ago against a VIP were proven to be false. But we’re they really? Under the Truth Laws media organisations are too wary of publishing anything provocative and Kelly finds herself covering arts and entertainment. When Kelly enters the INNS (Internet News Network Service) one day to file a story she sees her old mentor, Christopher Mallow, at a terminal but his screen is a nonsensical river of code. The INNS is a place where thoughts can be uploaded directly to some sort of big brother machine. Soon the Elite Squad troopers troop in and drag Mallow away. Yet the video of this arrest is nowhere to be found. In fact there are many things that seem to have fallen into a black hole.
Kelly sets out to find out what Mallow was working on but in her wildest dreams she could not have imagined where this quest would take her. She is on the run and her few allies are dropping by the wayside.
This story is frighteningly believable. Mass surveillance is already a reality as is the increasing use of facial recognition software, government censorship of news and the rest. I won’t name names but we all know what I’m talking about. Yet this potentially dark story was also, in a way, aspirational and full of optimism that the truth will come out and is worth fighting for. Kelly and her allies were delightful, fierce and staunchly loyal. It was a really fun read. Many thanks to BookSirens who provided a free copy of the book which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
This was a slightly dystopian, near future, sci-fi/tech thriller that read like an up-to-date version of Orwell’s 1984! I really enjoy this sort of book occasionally, and I enjoyed this one in particular. I’m not even going to try to summarise the plot, there too many moving parts. I will admit that some of the technical stuff was beyond me and there were an awful lot of characters thrown into the book early on. Despite all that I found the story very engaging and, yes, heartwarming.
We have the ever present surveillance. Now that the Truth Laws have come into effect, journalism can no longer get away with unfounded allegations. But who decides what is the truth? The citizens are being monitored in everything they do and ‘bad actors’ are quickly ‘disappeared’! We also have, unsurprisingly, the Resistance and another shadowy group that lives ‘outside’. But allegiances are very fickle and nobody quite knows who to trust.
Our chief protagonist is a journalist, Kelly Blackwell, whose reputation is somewhat tarnished after allegations she published two years ago against a VIP were proven to be false. But we’re they really? Under the Truth Laws media organisations are too wary of publishing anything provocative and Kelly finds herself covering arts and entertainment. When Kelly enters the INNS (Internet News Network Service) one day to file a story she sees her old mentor, Christopher Mallow, at a terminal but his screen is a nonsensical river of code. The INNS is a place where thoughts can be uploaded directly to some sort of big brother machine. Soon the Elite Squad troopers troop in and drag Mallow away. Yet the video of this arrest is nowhere to be found. In fact there are many things that seem to have fallen into a black hole.
Kelly sets out to find out what Mallow was working on but in her wildest dreams she could not have imagined where this quest would take her. She is on the run and her few allies are dropping by the wayside.
This story is frighteningly believable. Mass surveillance is already a reality as is the increasing use of facial recognition software, government censorship of news and the rest. I won’t name names but we all know what I’m talking about. Yet this potentially dark story was also, in a way, aspirational and full of optimism that the truth will come out and is worth fighting for. Kelly and her allies were delightful, fierce and staunchly loyal. It was a really fun read. Many thanks to BookSirens who provided a free copy of the book which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
December 5, 2021
I received an advanced review coy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Truth Effect is a dystopian sci-fi novel set in the year 2030 where some drastic changes are taking place, especially concerning information technology and journalism.
I had a little trouble getting into this story at first, but I stayed with it and enjoyed it to the end. My chief trouble was keeping track of who the characters are, but that's probably just me. I also felt the pacing was a little slow, with too much detail in the setup.
The characters are good, solid, and well written. I got little background on them, but I found I cared a lot about a couple of them enough to keep me in the story.
As a thriller, this is a great story. The principal character is in danger from the beginning and every corner she turns is full of more and more jeopardy.
Set in England, in the not too distant future, the government passes Truth Laws that regulate how information is sent to the population. The laws are to regulate all online activity and is enforced by an intricate network of surveillance and a group of thugs that arrest truth breakers. The government defines what is truth, and as one might guess, if it makes them look bad, it isn't to be reported.
Kelly Blackwell is the first victim of these Truth Laws when she accused of libeling a prominent government official. As she investigates more deeply, she gets into more and more trouble. Not only is her livelihood threatened, but so is her very life. When it is discovered that there is also a plot to control people's thoughts under the Truth Laws, Kelly and her friends decide they need to expose the sinister nature of what is happening and shut it down.
Kelly is a hard-charging reporter who loves her job. She is relentless in finding the truth and even when in personal danger, she will not give up. She and her network of hackers figure out what is happening and work to get to the actual truth, but it is her tenacity that puts her in the most dangerous position of being hunted by the government, who is in control of vast technology.
While I like Kelly, I really didn't become wholly invested in her character. She seemed somewhat one-dimensional to me. At the same time, I found her to be a heroic figure who is willing to put herself in harm’s way to fight against injustice.
This story reads like Orwell's 1984 on steroids. In the world created by the author, the government seems bent on controlling every aspect of everyone's life. It serves to be a thought provoking to heighten awareness to readers at a time when distrust of the government seems to be a growing concern.
My takeaway from Truth Effect is that people in a democratic society must be ever vigilant and realize stories such as these, touted as fiction, can become reality when power is left unchecked.
There was a time when I would have said we would never let things like the events in this story happen. Unfortunately, that time has passed and stories such as Truth Effect seem all too plausible. The current media aims their reporting at one end of the political spectrum or other and are inviting governments to intervene on behalf of the public to ensure the truth bubbles to the top. Of course, if this happens, there is more than enough corruption to be sure to put those working in the government in the best light.
Truth effect is a disturbing story for a society that needs to be disturbed.
Truth Effect is a dystopian sci-fi novel set in the year 2030 where some drastic changes are taking place, especially concerning information technology and journalism.
I had a little trouble getting into this story at first, but I stayed with it and enjoyed it to the end. My chief trouble was keeping track of who the characters are, but that's probably just me. I also felt the pacing was a little slow, with too much detail in the setup.
The characters are good, solid, and well written. I got little background on them, but I found I cared a lot about a couple of them enough to keep me in the story.
As a thriller, this is a great story. The principal character is in danger from the beginning and every corner she turns is full of more and more jeopardy.
Set in England, in the not too distant future, the government passes Truth Laws that regulate how information is sent to the population. The laws are to regulate all online activity and is enforced by an intricate network of surveillance and a group of thugs that arrest truth breakers. The government defines what is truth, and as one might guess, if it makes them look bad, it isn't to be reported.
Kelly Blackwell is the first victim of these Truth Laws when she accused of libeling a prominent government official. As she investigates more deeply, she gets into more and more trouble. Not only is her livelihood threatened, but so is her very life. When it is discovered that there is also a plot to control people's thoughts under the Truth Laws, Kelly and her friends decide they need to expose the sinister nature of what is happening and shut it down.
Kelly is a hard-charging reporter who loves her job. She is relentless in finding the truth and even when in personal danger, she will not give up. She and her network of hackers figure out what is happening and work to get to the actual truth, but it is her tenacity that puts her in the most dangerous position of being hunted by the government, who is in control of vast technology.
While I like Kelly, I really didn't become wholly invested in her character. She seemed somewhat one-dimensional to me. At the same time, I found her to be a heroic figure who is willing to put herself in harm’s way to fight against injustice.
This story reads like Orwell's 1984 on steroids. In the world created by the author, the government seems bent on controlling every aspect of everyone's life. It serves to be a thought provoking to heighten awareness to readers at a time when distrust of the government seems to be a growing concern.
My takeaway from Truth Effect is that people in a democratic society must be ever vigilant and realize stories such as these, touted as fiction, can become reality when power is left unchecked.
There was a time when I would have said we would never let things like the events in this story happen. Unfortunately, that time has passed and stories such as Truth Effect seem all too plausible. The current media aims their reporting at one end of the political spectrum or other and are inviting governments to intervene on behalf of the public to ensure the truth bubbles to the top. Of course, if this happens, there is more than enough corruption to be sure to put those working in the government in the best light.
Truth effect is a disturbing story for a society that needs to be disturbed.
January 28, 2022
“The Truth Effect” is the story of a fearless woman journalist, Kelly, who’s trying to warn England of the government’s plan to impose an artificially intelligent-powered thought control regime in 2030. Set in London, it extrapolates about the advances of IT-biometric technology, particularly the potential connections between human consciousness and the digital information systems that are sure to be developed.
The story focuses on the overall technological underpinnings of how a Western government could become a techno-fascist dictatorship. Kelly’s journey, which occurs over a couple of months, is a continual unveiling of mechanisms used to control her and, by extension, the rest of society. Her trouble begins with Kelly’s research and production of a breaking news story about the corruption and drug trafficking of a big shot with government connections, only to find that her story is later spiked and another story is substituted that praises the horrid man. She had collected hard evidence, but it disappears from the digital record, and from there the chase begins.
Kelly is forced to undergo an examination in the “echo chamber” where wires are attached to her head in order to perform brain scanning. Journalists must undergo these sessions in order for the higher-ups to read their true intentions. It is here Kelly witnesses her colleague and mentor tortured and taken away for what some say was an attempt to insert a virus into the Zone Computers to prevent thought crimes from being introduced. Kelly is released, but kept on a very short leash; her supervisors, while saying they are trying to protect her, pull her off the political-criminal beat. Of course, she’s secretly continuing her investigation even though she knows she’s being watched.
The story stays tightly focused on Kelly, with only occasional scenes presented of others plotting outside her earshot. The author seldom pulls back the POV “camera” to give us a wide-angle view of the situation. Kelly’s search is for the real “human” power behind it all, but each encounter leads relentlessly to another piece of the puzzle. There is a shadowy “resistance.” There are fighters who have their own territory called, “Freedom Camp,” and it is not clear if they are rebels or a paramilitary arm of the government, itself. There are “Malstroms” who are genetically engineered creatures that function as the muscle for the “fighters,” and there’s an “Elite Squad” which works directly for the government.
The story is about and driven by technology. Jerko is the Big Brother “Alexa-like” eye on all the walls. Cicada is the messaging app used by insiders. The INNS system, the AI system in the echo chamber, DreamMaker software that can scan the dermis, a biofeedback mechanism that owns AI-biological telepathy, and the list goes on. Physical security is lax, and people are able to escape from custody. Kelly is constantly being captured, bound, thrown into a heap, and traumatically interrogated, but then seems to easily escape with the help of others who then re-incarcerate her themselves. She always eventually finds freedom, or sometimes is allowed to go with threats on her head.
Ms. Mortensen has her own style and verve. The pieces all fit together at the end, and she writes with clear prose and a solid voice. The story is long and complicated, but the author drives it seamlessly with seventy-five short chapters and an epilogue. Her message is important, and her warning that we are about to lose a “free press” is one of the most critical issues (other than climate change) facing us today.
The eventual arch-villain of the story sums up the reason behind his or her behavior: “There is no stopping the technological transformation of society…everything the mind can think up is natural.” This is the warning. However, the story could and should have been told with more variety in its pacing, and more emphasis should’ve been placed on character development rather than the overabundance of technology details.
The story focuses on the overall technological underpinnings of how a Western government could become a techno-fascist dictatorship. Kelly’s journey, which occurs over a couple of months, is a continual unveiling of mechanisms used to control her and, by extension, the rest of society. Her trouble begins with Kelly’s research and production of a breaking news story about the corruption and drug trafficking of a big shot with government connections, only to find that her story is later spiked and another story is substituted that praises the horrid man. She had collected hard evidence, but it disappears from the digital record, and from there the chase begins.
Kelly is forced to undergo an examination in the “echo chamber” where wires are attached to her head in order to perform brain scanning. Journalists must undergo these sessions in order for the higher-ups to read their true intentions. It is here Kelly witnesses her colleague and mentor tortured and taken away for what some say was an attempt to insert a virus into the Zone Computers to prevent thought crimes from being introduced. Kelly is released, but kept on a very short leash; her supervisors, while saying they are trying to protect her, pull her off the political-criminal beat. Of course, she’s secretly continuing her investigation even though she knows she’s being watched.
The story stays tightly focused on Kelly, with only occasional scenes presented of others plotting outside her earshot. The author seldom pulls back the POV “camera” to give us a wide-angle view of the situation. Kelly’s search is for the real “human” power behind it all, but each encounter leads relentlessly to another piece of the puzzle. There is a shadowy “resistance.” There are fighters who have their own territory called, “Freedom Camp,” and it is not clear if they are rebels or a paramilitary arm of the government, itself. There are “Malstroms” who are genetically engineered creatures that function as the muscle for the “fighters,” and there’s an “Elite Squad” which works directly for the government.
The story is about and driven by technology. Jerko is the Big Brother “Alexa-like” eye on all the walls. Cicada is the messaging app used by insiders. The INNS system, the AI system in the echo chamber, DreamMaker software that can scan the dermis, a biofeedback mechanism that owns AI-biological telepathy, and the list goes on. Physical security is lax, and people are able to escape from custody. Kelly is constantly being captured, bound, thrown into a heap, and traumatically interrogated, but then seems to easily escape with the help of others who then re-incarcerate her themselves. She always eventually finds freedom, or sometimes is allowed to go with threats on her head.
Ms. Mortensen has her own style and verve. The pieces all fit together at the end, and she writes with clear prose and a solid voice. The story is long and complicated, but the author drives it seamlessly with seventy-five short chapters and an epilogue. Her message is important, and her warning that we are about to lose a “free press” is one of the most critical issues (other than climate change) facing us today.
The eventual arch-villain of the story sums up the reason behind his or her behavior: “There is no stopping the technological transformation of society…everything the mind can think up is natural.” This is the warning. However, the story could and should have been told with more variety in its pacing, and more emphasis should’ve been placed on character development rather than the overabundance of technology details.
January 1, 2022
The two main plot threads of the introduction of Truth Laws and Kelly being an AI human hybrid were very good, as were many of the technological details such as neutraliser, text transfer by thought, Dream Maker, Pharma-bot, advanced watch monitors and sparse coding.
I felt, however, that there were too many factions and characters in the book. Global Wires / Daily Times has 16 characters; the Underground Freedom Fighters have 13; The State + Zone have 7; various other characters bring the total to around 40. Although this whittles down to 11 primary characters, the fact that almost all of them have allegiances or relationships with at least two factions made it difficult for me to keep track of what was going on. In my opinion, the Underground Freedom Fighters faction should have been left out and replaced with a beefed up Resistance.
A few errors should have been picked up during proofreading: "Abbot" (Abbott) in chapter 20; "whiskey" (whisky) in chapters 21 and 63; "local" (locale) in chapter 23; "togue" (rogue) in chapter 23. There is also a reference to "strides" in chapter 58. This is only used in this context by Australians and/or in Australia - never in the UK.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I felt, however, that there were too many factions and characters in the book. Global Wires / Daily Times has 16 characters; the Underground Freedom Fighters have 13; The State + Zone have 7; various other characters bring the total to around 40. Although this whittles down to 11 primary characters, the fact that almost all of them have allegiances or relationships with at least two factions made it difficult for me to keep track of what was going on. In my opinion, the Underground Freedom Fighters faction should have been left out and replaced with a beefed up Resistance.
A few errors should have been picked up during proofreading: "Abbot" (Abbott) in chapter 20; "whiskey" (whisky) in chapters 21 and 63; "local" (locale) in chapter 23; "togue" (rogue) in chapter 23. There is also a reference to "strides" in chapter 58. This is only used in this context by Australians and/or in Australia - never in the UK.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 6, 2023
This book takes you on a wild ride to the year 2030, where the UK is grappling with a powerful government wielding truth as a dangerous weapon. Enter Kelly Blackwell, a fierce journalist fighting to clear her name from false accusations in this gripping dystopian world.
As you join Kelly on her daring quest, you'll be hooked by the electrifying suspense and heart-pounding twists. With skilled hackers, digital rebels, and her only true friend by her side, Kelly shows us what it means to stand up against oppression and fight for the truth. This is more than just a thriller; it's a powerful exploration of the impact of information on individuals and society.
As you join Kelly on her daring quest, you'll be hooked by the electrifying suspense and heart-pounding twists. With skilled hackers, digital rebels, and her only true friend by her side, Kelly shows us what it means to stand up against oppression and fight for the truth. This is more than just a thriller; it's a powerful exploration of the impact of information on individuals and society.
December 8, 2023
"The Truth Effect" by Anne Mortensen is a compelling look at a dystopian 2030 UK where the government uses truth. Kelly Blackwell, a brave journalist, fights false allegations and leads readers on a thrilling search for justice. Featuring talented hackers, digital rebels, and unbreakable friendships, the story is thrilling. Mortensen successfully captures the tremendous effects of knowledge on people and society beyond the thriller components. The story is compelling and thought-provoking, exploring perseverance and heroism in the face of oppression. A fascinating Rising World series opener that makes you anxious for the following part.
August 7, 2023
A gripping dystopian thriller that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a future where truth is a weapon wielded by the British Government. In the year 2030, Kelly Blackwell, a brave journalist, finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of government-defined "truth" that tarnishes her career and reputation. But when she stumbles upon classified information that could clear her name and expose the oppressive system, she embarks on a daring quest to reveal the hidden truth. This book is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and unyielding determination.
November 27, 2023
Gosh, this feels prescient. The Government trying to control its citizens through the use of technology? Whilst this is a fictional novel that follows a reporter whose story is shelved due to its negative connections for a politician and delves into futuristic AI technology, it just feels so now. This is a techno-thriller and a good one at that. If you’re a fan of Michael Crichton’s tech-thrillers from the 90’s then you may have just found a new favourite.
November 25, 2021
The Truth Effect by Anne Mortensen
This book was sent to me as an Advance Reader Copy against an honest and fair review.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Anne Mortensen.
I have first to admit that I am an eager Sci-fi Reader and as always when starting with a new book one never knows what we are going to experience, although I always expect the best….
With this novel I have not been disappointed, even if the world and the society described are not of my liking, black, heavy oppressive, I have enjoyed reading it. I have been engrossed with the story from the beginning because there is a definite atmosphere to it, it is gripping, dark.
1984, from George Orwell, revisited. From the beginning I was taken with Kelly Blackwell, the main character, working as a journalist in England in 2028, a country where all kind of freedoms have been perverted.
In a world of constant and ubiquitous surveillance, Kelly had lost her job, since she had been fired after one of her inquiries turned unexpectedly into a fake news…. She knows that what we had found and written was the truth, but since the information and proofs were manipulated, she lost her reputation and status.
The state keeps increasing its power, with a new hyper restrictive information law coming into force, next step being the ability to punish thoughts, Kelly craves at restoring her reputation, exposing the culprits and reinstate freedom.
The book is well written, the characters of Josh, Omar, Geneva and others are alive and catching. It has been for me easy to delve in the story of their lives and even fall for some of them.
I would definitely advise reading it because of its interesting perspectives over the future, challenges which might become ours if not already current, challenges to mankind interacting or even integrating AI, a new variable which could affect human development and its survival as a real living specie.
This book was sent to me as an Advance Reader Copy against an honest and fair review.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Anne Mortensen.
I have first to admit that I am an eager Sci-fi Reader and as always when starting with a new book one never knows what we are going to experience, although I always expect the best….
With this novel I have not been disappointed, even if the world and the society described are not of my liking, black, heavy oppressive, I have enjoyed reading it. I have been engrossed with the story from the beginning because there is a definite atmosphere to it, it is gripping, dark.
1984, from George Orwell, revisited. From the beginning I was taken with Kelly Blackwell, the main character, working as a journalist in England in 2028, a country where all kind of freedoms have been perverted.
In a world of constant and ubiquitous surveillance, Kelly had lost her job, since she had been fired after one of her inquiries turned unexpectedly into a fake news…. She knows that what we had found and written was the truth, but since the information and proofs were manipulated, she lost her reputation and status.
The state keeps increasing its power, with a new hyper restrictive information law coming into force, next step being the ability to punish thoughts, Kelly craves at restoring her reputation, exposing the culprits and reinstate freedom.
The book is well written, the characters of Josh, Omar, Geneva and others are alive and catching. It has been for me easy to delve in the story of their lives and even fall for some of them.
I would definitely advise reading it because of its interesting perspectives over the future, challenges which might become ours if not already current, challenges to mankind interacting or even integrating AI, a new variable which could affect human development and its survival as a real living specie.
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