Review Detail

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

This is another kind of futuristic society. Entertainment comes in the form of mindprobe needles: just stick one in and its like youre inside a movie. But Spaz doesnt know that, because he has reactions to the needles. Books are the stuff of legend; theyre from the backtimes, before the Big Shake. Spaz lives in the Crypts under the protection of Billy. But he has to steal from other people to maintain his position there. One day he is sent to rob a man named Ryter, an old gummy who lives in the Stackbox with some very crazy ideas. Spaz brushes this man off as crazy.

But Spaz soon receives a message from a runner that his sister Bean is sick. He desperately wants to see her again before she dies, and since Billy doesnt offer any help, he sets off with Ryter and a five-year-old kid they call Little Face. Together, they travel to Bean and her family, only to discover that Bean cannot be cured. They seek aid from a proov names Lanaya. She takes them into Eden, where doctors are able to cure Bean of her leukemia. However, conflict arises and all of them are eventually thrown out with the exception of Little Face, who is hidden by Lanayas parents.

I would hate to live in the society presented in this novel, because, well, I love books. And I immensely enjoyed this one. It is very thought-provoking, as are many futuristic novels. The ending was mostly happy but more hopeful than anything else. I think there is a great message in this book: that we should always hope for a better future and strive to make it better. I highly recommend this book to all thoughtful readers.