The Glass Box by J. Michael Straczynski
1/9/24; 350 pages
Blackstone Publishing
The Glass Box by J. Michael Straczynski is a very highly
recommended science fiction dystopian that feels closer to the future
than you'd like to believe is possible in America.
Riley Diaz is arrested for protesting a new law that encroaches on our rights and is subsequently incarcerated
under that same new defense act which limits the freedom of assembly.
She is given the choice of prison or admittance in one of the new Department of Homeland Security American Renewal Centers
(ARCs) for mandatory
reeducation. The program is located in a psychiatric facility and Riley
soon learns that it is not going to be as easy as she thought to escape
from the facility. It also becomes clear that the ARC program is more
insidious than people were led to believe and includes forced therapy,
involuntary medication, solitary
confinement, restricted rations, and more punishments. Riley takes a
stand, endures the punishments, and refuses to submit to the
manipulation.
The writing is outstanding
in this fast-paced, compelling science fiction novel which is riveting
from beginning to end. It is ultimately about the choices you make and
the courage and determination required to stand firm on your principles
while refusing to back down even when under duress. It also skirts close to reality and could portend a near future dystopian world.
Riley is wonderfully realized and realistic character.
Her ability to think for herself and stand up for herself in an unjust
system, even to her own detriment, is an admirable quality in a
protagonist. It also makes her character likeable and trustworthy. She
doesn't buckle under peer pressure or administrative sanctions. The
relationship she forges with the patient known only as
Frankenstein is a touching and important element in the novel.
The Glass Box is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy dystopian science fiction with a timely narrative and memorable characters.
Disclosure:
My complimentary review copy was courtesy
of Blackstone Publishing
via NetGalley.
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