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The Price of Safety
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 08:47:25
10 copies available
U.S. only
“Exceptional worldbuilding and non-stop action combined with heart and compelling characters make Bland’s debut a must-read sci-fi book.� —Jennifer Brody, award-winning author of The 13th Continuum
"Ferociously intense, furiously kinetic...The Price Of Safety peers into the future to shed light on the present." —BookViral
"...a story that will leave you completely breathless." —Readers' Favorite
INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST - SCIENCE FICTION (2020)
INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST � THRILLER (2020)
NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALIST - NEW ADULT FICTION (2020)
MILLENIUM BOOK AWARD � LONGLISTED FOR BEST NOVEL OF THE YEAR (2023)
BY 2047, NO CRIME IN AMERICA GOES UNSOLVED. NO WRONGDOING GOES UNSEEN.
Dray Quintero helped build a perfect society: he designed the government's advanced surveillance technology, ensuring everyone is kept safe and obeys the law. But when his nineteen-year-old daughter Raven commits a capital crime, Dray risks everything to cover up her actions and save her life.
To survive, Dray must outwit the surveillance system he created and avoid the ever-watchful scrutiny of citizens with microcomputers implanted in their brains and eyes. This places him in the crosshairs of Kieran, a ruthless federal Agent.
To protect his family, Dray turns to a group of rebels who discovered the government's darkest secret: the Agency has been using his technology to manipulate and control everyone.
Despite the rebels' help, his adversaries are closing in. Their control is absolute. No one escapes.
Hunted and betrayed, with time running out, Dray must choose between saving Raven and risking her life to expose the truth.
Check out the next series installment, The Price of Rebellion.
"Ferociously intense, furiously kinetic...The Price Of Safety peers into the future to shed light on the present." —BookViral
"...a story that will leave you completely breathless." —Readers' Favorite
INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST - SCIENCE FICTION (2020)
INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST � THRILLER (2020)
NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALIST - NEW ADULT FICTION (2020)
MILLENIUM BOOK AWARD � LONGLISTED FOR BEST NOVEL OF THE YEAR (2023)
BY 2047, NO CRIME IN AMERICA GOES UNSOLVED. NO WRONGDOING GOES UNSEEN.
Dray Quintero helped build a perfect society: he designed the government's advanced surveillance technology, ensuring everyone is kept safe and obeys the law. But when his nineteen-year-old daughter Raven commits a capital crime, Dray risks everything to cover up her actions and save her life.
To survive, Dray must outwit the surveillance system he created and avoid the ever-watchful scrutiny of citizens with microcomputers implanted in their brains and eyes. This places him in the crosshairs of Kieran, a ruthless federal Agent.
To protect his family, Dray turns to a group of rebels who discovered the government's darkest secret: the Agency has been using his technology to manipulate and control everyone.
Despite the rebels' help, his adversaries are closing in. Their control is absolute. No one escapes.
Hunted and betrayed, with time running out, Dray must choose between saving Raven and risking her life to expose the truth.
Check out the next series installment, The Price of Rebellion.
335 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2020
62 people are currently reading
6,976 people want to read
About the author
Michael C. Bland
4Ìýbooks50ÌýfollowersMichael C Bland is a founding member and the secretary of BookPod, an invitation-only, online group of professional writers. He pens the monthly BookPod newsletter where he celebrates the success of their members, which include award-winning writers, film makers, journalists, and bestselling authors.
His first novel, The Price of Safety, was chosen as a Finalist of the 2020 Indie Book Awards for both Science Fiction and Thriller and won two other awards. His second novel, The Price of Rebellion, was released in 2023 and won nine awards, including Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year by Indies Today. The third in the trilogy, The Price of Freedom, will be released in April 2025.
Michael currently lives in Denver with his wife Janelle and their dog Pico.
His first novel, The Price of Safety, was chosen as a Finalist of the 2020 Indie Book Awards for both Science Fiction and Thriller and won two other awards. His second novel, The Price of Rebellion, was released in 2023 and won nine awards, including Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year by Indies Today. The third in the trilogy, The Price of Freedom, will be released in April 2025.
Michael currently lives in Denver with his wife Janelle and their dog Pico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 18, 2020
Thank you so much to Books Forward PR for my copy ofÌýThe Price of SafetyÌýby Michael C. Bland.Ìý I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
This is a sci-fi thriller and I can solidly recommend it to fans of either genre. The government has us wired. Neural nets track our data and deceive our minds. There are cameras in our eyes, and crime is practically nonexistent. Or is it? The government is controlling every aspect of life and the engineer who helped create it all is now on the wrong side of the law. How can Dray escape the cameras and keep his family intact after a brutal crime sets them on the run?
The book has everything from futuristic medicine to technologically enhanced Agents to machine gun battles, and many harrowing escapes. The last half was so incredibly hard to put down as the action just never stopped.Ìý It was almost a brain-overload at times as one huge wild scene after another played out.Ìý I can’t wait for the second book!
I liked Dray and the girls too.Ìý He is trying to keep his family together and there is a battle of wills between him and his teenaged daughters that will have parents smiling to themselves at times for sure.Ìý I am not a parent but there is a lot of thought provoking content related to protecting one’s children, and the future of technology, social media, and medicine (yay!) in general.
I would 100% gladly recommendÌýThe Price of SafetyÌýto any fans of sci fi, thrillers, and even family adventures.Ìý Between dark matter powered flying motorbikes and a mother’s torment over losing a ‘perfectâ€� life, there is truly something for everyone here.
This is a sci-fi thriller and I can solidly recommend it to fans of either genre. The government has us wired. Neural nets track our data and deceive our minds. There are cameras in our eyes, and crime is practically nonexistent. Or is it? The government is controlling every aspect of life and the engineer who helped create it all is now on the wrong side of the law. How can Dray escape the cameras and keep his family intact after a brutal crime sets them on the run?
The book has everything from futuristic medicine to technologically enhanced Agents to machine gun battles, and many harrowing escapes. The last half was so incredibly hard to put down as the action just never stopped.Ìý It was almost a brain-overload at times as one huge wild scene after another played out.Ìý I can’t wait for the second book!
I liked Dray and the girls too.Ìý He is trying to keep his family together and there is a battle of wills between him and his teenaged daughters that will have parents smiling to themselves at times for sure.Ìý I am not a parent but there is a lot of thought provoking content related to protecting one’s children, and the future of technology, social media, and medicine (yay!) in general.
I would 100% gladly recommendÌýThe Price of SafetyÌýto any fans of sci fi, thrillers, and even family adventures.Ìý Between dark matter powered flying motorbikes and a mother’s torment over losing a ‘perfectâ€� life, there is truly something for everyone here.
December 27, 2023
The Price Of Safety by Michael C Bland is anything but…I was quickly swept up in the incredible world he has created.
“Dad, I need help,�: my nineteen year old daughter said.
Dray’s life is going to change in ways he never could have imagined, and he has been instrumental in many of the scientific advancements in the year of 2047. His heroes will become his worst enemies.
Neural implants, drones, genetic engineering, tyranny, conspiracy, and scientific advancements make up Michael Bland’s incredible world of The Price Of Safety, an oxymoron. Imagine, if you will, that every action you take and every word you utter is being observed. And if THEY don’t like it, well…there will be repercussions.
Dray may be the main character, because he has what everyone wants…knowledge, but others stood out to me, too. One of the characters, Kieran is the ultimate villain and one of my favorite characters because of it. On the flip side, Talia, Dray’s youngest daughter, is another of my favorite characters. Her chutzpah is adorable. She is bright and impulsive.
As Dray’s eyes are opened and reality seeps in, the danger rises for him and his family. There is nowhere to hide.
The action ramps up to a frenetic level. Bodies will fall in the streets, buildings destroyed, entire neighborhoods invaded. A war is on, but the ‘herd� has no knowledge of it. They are caught in the middle of those who rule and those who refuse to go down without a fight.
Mina, Dray’s wife�.Good one, Michael. I love that you show no mercy to anyone. Every time I turn around, I find my jaw dropping, my sense of wonder at the depth and creativity of your writing coming alive on every page as the tension takes over, making me rapidly flip the pages, devouring the words, lost in the story. I was filled with anger and rage, sadness and despair, yet hope for those who will not stop to keep us free from tyranny.
I want to share so much more, but I want you, the reader, to have the same emotions running riot as you read The Price Of Safety by Michael C Bland, as I did. So this is all you get.
The Price of Safety is part of a planned trilogy and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.
“Dad, I need help,�: my nineteen year old daughter said.
Dray’s life is going to change in ways he never could have imagined, and he has been instrumental in many of the scientific advancements in the year of 2047. His heroes will become his worst enemies.
Neural implants, drones, genetic engineering, tyranny, conspiracy, and scientific advancements make up Michael Bland’s incredible world of The Price Of Safety, an oxymoron. Imagine, if you will, that every action you take and every word you utter is being observed. And if THEY don’t like it, well…there will be repercussions.
Dray may be the main character, because he has what everyone wants…knowledge, but others stood out to me, too. One of the characters, Kieran is the ultimate villain and one of my favorite characters because of it. On the flip side, Talia, Dray’s youngest daughter, is another of my favorite characters. Her chutzpah is adorable. She is bright and impulsive.
As Dray’s eyes are opened and reality seeps in, the danger rises for him and his family. There is nowhere to hide.
The action ramps up to a frenetic level. Bodies will fall in the streets, buildings destroyed, entire neighborhoods invaded. A war is on, but the ‘herd� has no knowledge of it. They are caught in the middle of those who rule and those who refuse to go down without a fight.
Mina, Dray’s wife�.Good one, Michael. I love that you show no mercy to anyone. Every time I turn around, I find my jaw dropping, my sense of wonder at the depth and creativity of your writing coming alive on every page as the tension takes over, making me rapidly flip the pages, devouring the words, lost in the story. I was filled with anger and rage, sadness and despair, yet hope for those who will not stop to keep us free from tyranny.
I want to share so much more, but I want you, the reader, to have the same emotions running riot as you read The Price Of Safety by Michael C Bland, as I did. So this is all you get.
The Price of Safety is part of a planned trilogy and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.
February 25, 2020
If you like your science fiction dark and edgy like I do (aka The Matrix) check out The Price of Safety. Creepy in a great way (Citizens have tech implants in their skulls and computerized lenses in their eyes) this is a page turner set in futuristic LA. The prose is strong throughout and I’m sure movie studios are already lining up. Highly recommended.
May 2, 2021
This book's premise was incredibly intriguing and the story was fast paced. The detailed descriptions made you feel like you were immersed in the characters' world.
My only criticism is it was so fast paced, the connections with the characters suffered for it sometimes.
My only criticism is it was so fast paced, the connections with the characters suffered for it sometimes.
October 16, 2024
THE PRICE OF SAFETY
Set in 2047 in San Francisco, Drey Quintero is a founding member of an energy company on the verge of a major project breakthrough. During the highly anticipated demonstration of the new dark matter power source, he receives a call from his teenage daughter Raven. She’s involved in a crime and needs his help. What he discovers in his attempt to help her changes his whole concept of himself, his family, and the world.
This book does a terrific job of showing many practical applications of advanced technologies. Medical, surveillance, energy, transportation, physical enhancements, communications, nanotechnology, and dark matter are among the concepts explored in this futuristic vision. Cameras are everywhere, trying to disappear in a surveillance state is near impossible. Nothing is as it appears.
I thought the building of this futuristic world was very good. It was realistic and I could feel the tension and fears of the characters. I felt immersed in the action.
Unfortunately it is also a very busy book. The nonstop action seemed to dominate, and some really fascinating concepts tended to get brushed over too quickly. A little more downtime would be helpful to further explore the dangers of technology advancements on society and the individual. Overall very enjoyable and educational.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Michael C. Bland, and World Castle Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Set in 2047 in San Francisco, Drey Quintero is a founding member of an energy company on the verge of a major project breakthrough. During the highly anticipated demonstration of the new dark matter power source, he receives a call from his teenage daughter Raven. She’s involved in a crime and needs his help. What he discovers in his attempt to help her changes his whole concept of himself, his family, and the world.
This book does a terrific job of showing many practical applications of advanced technologies. Medical, surveillance, energy, transportation, physical enhancements, communications, nanotechnology, and dark matter are among the concepts explored in this futuristic vision. Cameras are everywhere, trying to disappear in a surveillance state is near impossible. Nothing is as it appears.
I thought the building of this futuristic world was very good. It was realistic and I could feel the tension and fears of the characters. I felt immersed in the action.
Unfortunately it is also a very busy book. The nonstop action seemed to dominate, and some really fascinating concepts tended to get brushed over too quickly. A little more downtime would be helpful to further explore the dangers of technology advancements on society and the individual. Overall very enjoyable and educational.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Michael C. Bland, and World Castle Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 3, 2020
The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland
If the current virus crisis hasn’t done enough to freak you out, then read this book. It is a frightening look at a possible future where privacy it truly non-existent. Dray, an engineer, fights to protect his family and discovers secrets about his world that were unexpected.
Bland portrays a reasonably plausible projection of our electronic future. Consider the number of people you see daily (prior to self-quarantining) who are constantly connected to their phone. It isn’t much of a stretch to see implanted phones. Lasik surgery, it isn’t too much of a stretch to see vision improvement with computerized adjustment of biological lenses. There are a substantial number of people who feel that Alexa and Google are always listening and recording.
Consider the last paragraph and Bland’s book isn’t farfetched. That makes it a bit terrifying. Self determination figured prominently in the founding of our nation and yet our personal freedoms are being abridged due to terrorism, crime and now disease.
Bland postulates one future and hopefully the second and third books in his trilogy would provide a positive path out of this dismal projection of our future.
I found this book one of the more thought-provoking books I have read in quite a while.
If the current virus crisis hasn’t done enough to freak you out, then read this book. It is a frightening look at a possible future where privacy it truly non-existent. Dray, an engineer, fights to protect his family and discovers secrets about his world that were unexpected.
Bland portrays a reasonably plausible projection of our electronic future. Consider the number of people you see daily (prior to self-quarantining) who are constantly connected to their phone. It isn’t much of a stretch to see implanted phones. Lasik surgery, it isn’t too much of a stretch to see vision improvement with computerized adjustment of biological lenses. There are a substantial number of people who feel that Alexa and Google are always listening and recording.
Consider the last paragraph and Bland’s book isn’t farfetched. That makes it a bit terrifying. Self determination figured prominently in the founding of our nation and yet our personal freedoms are being abridged due to terrorism, crime and now disease.
Bland postulates one future and hopefully the second and third books in his trilogy would provide a positive path out of this dismal projection of our future.
I found this book one of the more thought-provoking books I have read in quite a while.
May 5, 2020
When it comes to techno thrillers, I thought this book fit the bill nicely. Instantly, I was transported to the year 2047. Everything that was described...the world and the people; I had a vivid image in my mind.
To be honest, I don't feel like the world that this story was built upon is not far off from what could be reality some day. The pacing of the story is fast without any speed bumps. Which is nice as it meant I did not get bogged down with too many details or too little.
I felt for Dray and the situation he found himself in when it came to his daughter, Raven. In fact, I even understood why he did what he did in the beginning of the story. This story also shows how technology can be both a good thing and bad one. Great for the technological improvements we have made but too much gives the government ways to track us. I would recommend this book to readers.
To be honest, I don't feel like the world that this story was built upon is not far off from what could be reality some day. The pacing of the story is fast without any speed bumps. Which is nice as it meant I did not get bogged down with too many details or too little.
I felt for Dray and the situation he found himself in when it came to his daughter, Raven. In fact, I even understood why he did what he did in the beginning of the story. This story also shows how technology can be both a good thing and bad one. Great for the technological improvements we have made but too much gives the government ways to track us. I would recommend this book to readers.
February 21, 2020
This technological thriller is interwoven with familial love, which makes the main plot feel even more urgent. The action is always moving quickly and it makes it hard to put down. Not only is it entertaining, but it also makes you think more deeply about what you would be willing to do to save your family.
May 19, 2020
Hang On, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!!!!
I had to put this book down in the middle of reading it and walk away from it. I was reading it so quickly that I didn’t want it to be over. Enjoyable from start to finish!!! My only comfort is knowing that a sequel is promised.
I had to put this book down in the middle of reading it and walk away from it. I was reading it so quickly that I didn’t want it to be over. Enjoyable from start to finish!!! My only comfort is knowing that a sequel is promised.
May 11, 2020
A real edge of your seat thriller that left me exhausted. I hope to recover for the sequel!
May 6, 2020
Wow. So action-packed I can't imagine this NOT becoming a blockbuster movie. I was all in from the get-go. Twists, turns, spins, scares; man, what a ride! And it's all how I totally envision our future (jeez that's frightening). I'm stoked Bland has this as the first of a trilogy and I can't freakin wait for the next two!
Thank you to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and World Castle for the giveaway. Truly an exciting read!
Thank you to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and World Castle for the giveaway. Truly an exciting read!
April 30, 2020
I've been craving techno-thrillers lately and The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland gave me some of those feelings and emotions Michael Crichton's books used to give me back in the day. Especially with this new virus scare which not only threatens people's lives but also their privacy, the book is quite timely, like a well-disguised warning of things to come if we're too relaxed. A well-worth read.
Full review at
Full review at
April 9, 2020
The book is compelling from the first page, making it hard to put down. You’re instantly thrown into a future world, one that no longer feels that far away and is very relatable. As you follow the plot through the intricate and well written twits and turns, you can feel Dray’s love for his family. His need to protect them no matter the cost. I highly recommend the book.
February 21, 2020
I couldn't tear myself away from this book once I started getting into the thick of the plot! I'm not typically a science fiction reader, but this book had me hooked early on. The author perfectly balances science / tech elements with well-drawn characters. After reading, you'll be left with a different view of the world around us, and you may wonder if we're already headed toward this dystopian future...
February 21, 2020
I always love reading a fast-paced thriller and this book did not disappoint. I love the idea of a man fighting against a technological world that he helped create. It's an interesting look into what a man will do to protect his family. The family dynamics only heighten the stakes and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
September 17, 2020
What sort of book is this? When I started, I thought it was Scifi, then for the next 10% I had no idea what it was. Dray Quintero has just invented nuclear fusion, he is supposed to be a super genius, and he finds his daughter is in trouble. He goes to see where she is, which is a highly unexpected place, but he goes there. This is a world of extreme surveillance, and it turns out later he has invented quite a bit of it, but he does not really take the care expected from his knowledge. What happens next is quite unsatisfactory if you want plot. The rest of the book is a continual chase book, with Dray and family being chased, although there are a lot of twists and turns, not the least of which involves this family not being honest with each other. The surveillance devices are such it is impossible for the authorities not to know what he is doing, because they have implants in their heads that broadcast continually.
The action is continuous, and if that is what you want, this is your book. The technology is a given, and you may wonder why everyone has these implants. It is by law, and nearly everyone seemingly accepts this, except eventually Dray. For me, the characters are more "cardboard". Dray is supposed to be a genius, but to keep the story moving he does a continual sequence of stupid things and apart from periods where he feels sorry for himself, he continues to make bad choices, and worse, he doesn't have objectives. He has two options to help him; he says no to both, but he has no plan himself. The descriptions are reasonable, but limited to that needed for the action. The world-building is good, but the end has elements of deus ex machina. If you deny that and say it is sensible, then it could have been exercised right near the beginning. However, the book is quite easy to read, and partly saved by the general dishonesty of the family.
The action is continuous, and if that is what you want, this is your book. The technology is a given, and you may wonder why everyone has these implants. It is by law, and nearly everyone seemingly accepts this, except eventually Dray. For me, the characters are more "cardboard". Dray is supposed to be a genius, but to keep the story moving he does a continual sequence of stupid things and apart from periods where he feels sorry for himself, he continues to make bad choices, and worse, he doesn't have objectives. He has two options to help him; he says no to both, but he has no plan himself. The descriptions are reasonable, but limited to that needed for the action. The world-building is good, but the end has elements of deus ex machina. If you deny that and say it is sensible, then it could have been exercised right near the beginning. However, the book is quite easy to read, and partly saved by the general dishonesty of the family.
November 6, 2020
Suspenseful and futuristic
The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland is a suspenseful and thrilling novel. It tells the story of a Father going against all he believed to be right in order to protect his daughter. As the creator of nuclear fusion, Dray Quinteros is a genius who created a technology intricate enough to be able to control the entire population but when his daughter is involved and her life is now in jeopardy, he must let go of everything he knew and created to save his little girl.Ìý
The story is set in the future. Although at times it felt there was a lot happening, there are several twists and turns. It is a capturing and intriguing novel that will have the reader compelled with every page. Futuristic ideas and high level technology are a huge part of this novel, which I personally believe we might face some of those advances in the future. A sci-fi thriller that I highly recommend!
The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland is a suspenseful and thrilling novel. It tells the story of a Father going against all he believed to be right in order to protect his daughter. As the creator of nuclear fusion, Dray Quinteros is a genius who created a technology intricate enough to be able to control the entire population but when his daughter is involved and her life is now in jeopardy, he must let go of everything he knew and created to save his little girl.Ìý
The story is set in the future. Although at times it felt there was a lot happening, there are several twists and turns. It is a capturing and intriguing novel that will have the reader compelled with every page. Futuristic ideas and high level technology are a huge part of this novel, which I personally believe we might face some of those advances in the future. A sci-fi thriller that I highly recommend!
November 2, 2020
The story takes place in Los Angeles in 2042, in a not-so distant future, where nobody gets away with a crime. From the very beginning we know that the daughter’s protagonist has actually committed a crime. So, Dray, her father, will do the impossible to save her. Yet, he has to face the government and sophisticated surveillance systems. You will be absorbed and thrilled throughout this captivating adventure.
Filled with action and suspense scenes, this book has exceeded my expectations. The plot is engaging and absorbing. It has many twists and a thrilling climax that you shouldn’t miss. The protagonist faces a race against the clock that makes the book impossible to put down until you reach its end.
The author, Michael Bland, successfully created a non-stop action thriller that is easy to read and fast-moving. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great sci-fi suspense book.
Filled with action and suspense scenes, this book has exceeded my expectations. The plot is engaging and absorbing. It has many twists and a thrilling climax that you shouldn’t miss. The protagonist faces a race against the clock that makes the book impossible to put down until you reach its end.
The author, Michael Bland, successfully created a non-stop action thriller that is easy to read and fast-moving. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great sci-fi suspense book.
September 11, 2020
4.5/5
The Price of Safety is about a man named Dray Quintero, who covers up his daughters heinous crime to protect her. He fights the police, the government, and his own company to keep his family safe.
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
This book completely caught me by surprise! This is a sci-fi book that takes place in 2047. They have these implants in their skulls that lets them completely check into the internet and everything comes in through the lenses in their eyes. The premise of the book, the storyline, and the characters were all written so well and was quite interesting!
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
This book has a lot of action, paternal love, betrayal, grief, and things that I would never want to happen in my own government! I definitely wasn’t expecting to like it so much, and would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to read something a little different.
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
*Thank you to @booksforwardpr for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion!*
The Price of Safety is about a man named Dray Quintero, who covers up his daughters heinous crime to protect her. He fights the police, the government, and his own company to keep his family safe.
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
This book completely caught me by surprise! This is a sci-fi book that takes place in 2047. They have these implants in their skulls that lets them completely check into the internet and everything comes in through the lenses in their eyes. The premise of the book, the storyline, and the characters were all written so well and was quite interesting!
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
This book has a lot of action, paternal love, betrayal, grief, and things that I would never want to happen in my own government! I definitely wasn’t expecting to like it so much, and would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to read something a little different.
â ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Äâ ¶Ä
*Thank you to @booksforwardpr for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion!*
October 27, 2020
It has been a while since I picked up a science fiction book and I was happy to be able to read Michael C. Bland's The Price of Safety. This is the kind of sci-fi book that really enthralls me. Story-wise, I found everything in this book interesting and creative. A story set in the year 2047, it centered on the main character Dray Quintero whose life took an unexpected turn after her nineteen-year-old daughter Raven did a thing that put her into trouble.
I loved the things that happened all throughout the book. My attention was glued from start to finish as I was wondering what will happen to Dray. It was full of thrill, especially when the character has to make some very tough choices to survive. To top it all, it was unpredictable. I love stories like this. It was excellently done!
I loved the things that happened all throughout the book. My attention was glued from start to finish as I was wondering what will happen to Dray. It was full of thrill, especially when the character has to make some very tough choices to survive. To top it all, it was unpredictable. I love stories like this. It was excellently done!
June 15, 2020
The Price of Safety is a thrilling science fiction debut that hits a little too close to home in an age when our dependence on technology is becoming alarmingly evident.Ìý Bland has created a terrifying world with potential to become reality in the not-so-distant future, making this novel all the more compelling.
I could easily see this book being developed for film.Ìý The graphic descriptions and non-stop momentum, would make for an excellent action movie.Ìý From the first page, we are plunged into this strange reality of high technology and low privacy.Ìý Bland wastes no time getting the ball rolling.Ìý Every moment is steeped in tension.Ìý With a general feeling of mistrust blanketing every action, each character is called into question.Ìý Some of the twists and betrayals were so unexpected, I had to stop and reread several sections to make sure I understood them correctly.
To say this book is a rollercoaster is an understatement.Ìý I was excited to learn that this is a planned trilogy and look forward to more of Bland’s work.
Thank you to Books Forward for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I could easily see this book being developed for film.Ìý The graphic descriptions and non-stop momentum, would make for an excellent action movie.Ìý From the first page, we are plunged into this strange reality of high technology and low privacy.Ìý Bland wastes no time getting the ball rolling.Ìý Every moment is steeped in tension.Ìý With a general feeling of mistrust blanketing every action, each character is called into question.Ìý Some of the twists and betrayals were so unexpected, I had to stop and reread several sections to make sure I understood them correctly.
To say this book is a rollercoaster is an understatement.Ìý I was excited to learn that this is a planned trilogy and look forward to more of Bland’s work.
Thank you to Books Forward for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
The author's invention of so many interesting, futuristic gadgets made this book particularly fun to read! It was definitely a page-turner and action-packed. I do not read a lot of futuristic books, but I am so glad I got a glimpse of this world(and I guess I appreciate what we have currently!). So much fun to read!!
January 6, 2021
Our future
Great book. Lots of action. Ended abruptly I wonder? Is there a sequel? I will be watching this author. I need more! Great job.
Great book. Lots of action. Ended abruptly I wonder? Is there a sequel? I will be watching this author. I need more! Great job.
March 22, 2020
While this book was an interesting read and definitely kept me turning the page, it was also much more violent and sadder than I expected. Dray is a good man, a BRILLIANT man, and other than create machines to make the world a better place the only thing he cares about is keeping his wife and two daughters safe. However, as the book starts and he is helping his company reveal their newest invention, he gets a phone call that will change everything. His daughter, Raven, is in trouble and instead of calling the police she calls her Dad.
I honestly considered not finishing this book because of the violent intensity and even hopelessness of the running, but I will say this...I really did have to know how the conclusion was and one other reason. For Talia.
There is also some profanity in the story that I could have done without, that deducted another star for me. It's like a sprinkled in topping you only notice every ten pages or so but it's enough that it was a distraction for me.
I could NOT make sense of the technology in this book and it is explained with gusto throughout, however, I kept up with Dray and the craziness he has to go through with his family. They are not just running from bad guys, they are running from EVERYONE. I wish he and Raven could have had a real heart to heart in this book, but I guess it's building up for the sequel. I won't be reading it, but I'm sure it will be another well written scene.
One twist in the story happens because of Mina, Dray's wife, I just couldn't believe what she pulled and then learned her reasons for it. She means well, but she never quite has her sanity with her. And oh my, that cover, it really got my attention and the scene it represents was crazy! Very well written and suspenseful, totally reminded me of a tense scene in Minority Report!
I really wanted to like Kieran at first but he becomes a really good psycho, for some reason he acts like he wants Dray to live while obsessively chasing him... that intention changes later on.
I liked the story, just didn't connect with it like I hoped to. Bland has a real talent for creating impossible situations for his characters to get out of and having the reader root for them the entire time no matter how unrealistic the crisis has become. Despite the violence and even cruelty in some of these chapters, I do believe he gives heart to the main characters and I believe that's why his storytelling is so well done.
I received an ecopy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I honestly considered not finishing this book because of the violent intensity and even hopelessness of the running, but I will say this...I really did have to know how the conclusion was and one other reason. For Talia.
There is also some profanity in the story that I could have done without, that deducted another star for me. It's like a sprinkled in topping you only notice every ten pages or so but it's enough that it was a distraction for me.
I could NOT make sense of the technology in this book and it is explained with gusto throughout, however, I kept up with Dray and the craziness he has to go through with his family. They are not just running from bad guys, they are running from EVERYONE. I wish he and Raven could have had a real heart to heart in this book, but I guess it's building up for the sequel. I won't be reading it, but I'm sure it will be another well written scene.
One twist in the story happens because of Mina, Dray's wife, I just couldn't believe what she pulled and then learned her reasons for it. She means well, but she never quite has her sanity with her. And oh my, that cover, it really got my attention and the scene it represents was crazy! Very well written and suspenseful, totally reminded me of a tense scene in Minority Report!
I really wanted to like Kieran at first but he becomes a really good psycho, for some reason he acts like he wants Dray to live while obsessively chasing him... that intention changes later on.
I liked the story, just didn't connect with it like I hoped to. Bland has a real talent for creating impossible situations for his characters to get out of and having the reader root for them the entire time no matter how unrealistic the crisis has become. Despite the violence and even cruelty in some of these chapters, I do believe he gives heart to the main characters and I believe that's why his storytelling is so well done.
I received an ecopy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
April 7, 2020
I reviewed this for High Fever Books, but want to give you a sneak peak...
The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland would fit in perfectly with those 90’s techno thrillers that put an everyday person into the middle of some cyber conspiracy. It has all of the trappings that made them cool: neat tech, a race against the clock, tons of action, and one man facing off against a tyrannical government trying to control everyone. Then there are the fears of technology and what happens when we give up too much for the conveniences they offered. Bland takes all of this, updated it for today, and delivers a fast-paced book that leans a little heavy on the action and less on the messages that it tries to send.
Dray Quintero is your typical computer engineer working on creating an unlimited power supply using dark matter. His wife works for the mayor, his youngest daughter is quick witted and a hacker, and her oldest daughter has a great boyfriend. Life is good until he gets a call from his oldest that she killed her boyfriend. From there we discover that she was planning on joining rebels fighting against the super surveillance of the government, there’s a group of augmented Agents that want the plans for Dray’s jetbike (yep, a motorcycle type of thing that flies), and the implants everyone has in their heads is tracking and recording everything. Through it all we watch as Dray tries to do what is right by his family while not wanting to believe what he is seeing despite tons and tons of evidence to the contrary.
The Price of Safety by Michael C. Bland would fit in perfectly with those 90’s techno thrillers that put an everyday person into the middle of some cyber conspiracy. It has all of the trappings that made them cool: neat tech, a race against the clock, tons of action, and one man facing off against a tyrannical government trying to control everyone. Then there are the fears of technology and what happens when we give up too much for the conveniences they offered. Bland takes all of this, updated it for today, and delivers a fast-paced book that leans a little heavy on the action and less on the messages that it tries to send.
Dray Quintero is your typical computer engineer working on creating an unlimited power supply using dark matter. His wife works for the mayor, his youngest daughter is quick witted and a hacker, and her oldest daughter has a great boyfriend. Life is good until he gets a call from his oldest that she killed her boyfriend. From there we discover that she was planning on joining rebels fighting against the super surveillance of the government, there’s a group of augmented Agents that want the plans for Dray’s jetbike (yep, a motorcycle type of thing that flies), and the implants everyone has in their heads is tracking and recording everything. Through it all we watch as Dray tries to do what is right by his family while not wanting to believe what he is seeing despite tons and tons of evidence to the contrary.
May 1, 2020
What if, in the near future, we are unable to keep a secret anymore? Where privacy is a word that no longer exists? The Price Of Safety by Michael C. Bland explores this premise through Dray, an engineer who is fiercely protective of his family and uncovers layers of secrets he didn’t expect to see.
The pacing of this book was very well written, not one dull moment. However for someone who likes to read a good world building and character establishment, I personally felt like it was too fast. The other characters in the book felt a little flat. The story did feel like Taken, with Liam Neeson trying to help his most beloved daughter and save her.
Bland also did a great job in writing surprising plot lines, that even I did not expect and see coming. The author did a fantastic job of creating impossible scenarios for characters to come out alive of. And although there is heavy emphasis on violence, Bland has written a good main character that gives the reader a want to root for him.
Bland wrote a very fastpaced pageturner that will get you wondering if we’ll be living in a Black Mirror kind of world. It begs to ask the question what exactly is the price of safety when the prerequisite is losing all sense of self?
The pacing of this book was very well written, not one dull moment. However for someone who likes to read a good world building and character establishment, I personally felt like it was too fast. The other characters in the book felt a little flat. The story did feel like Taken, with Liam Neeson trying to help his most beloved daughter and save her.
Bland also did a great job in writing surprising plot lines, that even I did not expect and see coming. The author did a fantastic job of creating impossible scenarios for characters to come out alive of. And although there is heavy emphasis on violence, Bland has written a good main character that gives the reader a want to root for him.
Bland wrote a very fastpaced pageturner that will get you wondering if we’ll be living in a Black Mirror kind of world. It begs to ask the question what exactly is the price of safety when the prerequisite is losing all sense of self?
March 29, 2022
In this suspenseful 1st novel set a quarter-century in Earth's future, a genius engineer is led to uncover a political coup by his rebellious teenage daughter. Fighting technological robber barons, corrupt politicians & vicious undercover operatives, he exposes the plot, tho he loses his wife & younger daughter in the process. Volume 1 of a trilogy covering the Rebellion. Finalist, 2020 Indie Book Awards for both Science Fiction and Thriller. I received this book as part of a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway; I gave it 3 stars because the characters needed more development.
June 7, 2023
Cross posted from my blog, , where you can find more reviews!
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author and Books Forward PR for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
==========
I’ve been using the phrase “cover to cover� adrenaline rush the last few days and it all stemmed from this book. From the very first line “Igniting a miniature sun�, I knew it was going to be a wild ride. I just didn’t know it was going to be non-stop action, non-stop thrills, and non-stop running. If you want a short answer to “what’s this book about� there you go. Those three just described the whole book. If I wasn’t so busy in May, I could’ve easily read this whole book in two or three days. There were days I sat down to catch up on a little reading and in just a blink, I’m suddenly a 100 pages in and I still can’t just put it down because I need to know if the characters are alive or not.
The story starts off with Dray Quintero standing before an audience as his business partner is addressing them. They’re about to ignite a miniature sun and it’ll be a game changer in terms of producing cheap and reliable energy. Suddenly, in the middle of the presentation, Dray’s daughter, Raven calls in a panic. She’s done something horrible resulting in a death, but that’s not the worst crime. Everyone has an implant in their brain that links them to everything they’ve ever known: the internet, their work, and other digital sources. It’s a federal requirement to have them implanted in you and tampering with them, no matter the reason, even in self-defence, is punishable by death. And Raven…had just accidentally dislodged her attacker's implant while defending herself. Knowing this, Dray now must protect her daughter at all costs. But here, in 2047 America, nobody gets away with crime. Nobody.
This was an interesting world to explore and deeply disturbing. The government says that it’s for your protection, but surveillance is everywhere. There are cameras where you would never guess. There’s the typical cameras for surveillance outside buildings, and then there’s the hidden cameras in just about every digital device there is including televisions. You’ll never know where there’s a camera, and not even your own home is spared of this. Dray and his family not only can’t just up and run, but no matter where they go, they end up bringing hell and fire with them because the government is after them. With all of the cameras and live feeds, they’ll always know where the Quintero family are. Raven’s attacker's family is been wealthy and very politically connected. The police aren’t going to stop just because they can't find the Quinteros anymore. Then, on the side, there’s The Agency who has their own person placed in the road chasing down Dray and he’s even bigger of a threat to them than the police!Ìý
This was an impressive read. While I really enjoyed the dynamic between the family (Mina and Drey, and their daughter Raven and Talia), I will say that I didn’t feel particularly tied or connected to any of them besides Drey and maybe Raven. Talia, I enjoyed her on a surface level, she was a computer genius despite being a kid, and even her genius scientist father (I mean creating a mini sun??) admits she’s on a whole other level that even he can’t touch when it comes to computers and hacking. The first few chapters I knew her, I honestly thought she was the most unhinged with how she reacts so upbeat and cheery to everything, but I do enjoy that there are moments that even she’s scared for her life. Everything was an adventure until it suddenly wasn’t. She grew on me and so the twists in this book (in which there’s a good handful) really stung.
There are two main antagonists in this book. Well…okay maybe there’s more and at times, it feels like the whole world is against the Quintero family, especially towards Drey. There’s the police of course (when the very rich and very connected family tells you that you MUST catch their son’s killer/s, you better do it, especially in such a corrupted and dystopian world) that hounds them at every step. They’ve got drones in the skies, they have advanced technology, and they have nearly every advantage against the family. There's even one scene where they were able to recover evidence thrown into deep waters! In fact, this entire book feels like one big rollercoaster for the family. There’s no resting place they could stay in long enough for even wounds to close and heal before they’re forced to run again. The amount of times the police or the Agency just descends on them feels nearly impossible. It’s actually insane.Ìý
I really enjoyed this read. There were some characters that I didn’t feel as connected too, although some did grow on me (a lot). There were also some science stuff being discussed or explained that honestly flew over my head, but this was pretty minimal. From the beginning to the end, it was one crazy action filled and very fast-paced adventure with barely any moment for the readers (or the Quinteros) to breath. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m eager to get into the next book as soon as I can. Bland created an immense and worrying world along with a main character who is determined to tear it down, and I’ll be there to watch it.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author and Books Forward PR for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
==========
I’ve been using the phrase “cover to cover� adrenaline rush the last few days and it all stemmed from this book. From the very first line “Igniting a miniature sun�, I knew it was going to be a wild ride. I just didn’t know it was going to be non-stop action, non-stop thrills, and non-stop running. If you want a short answer to “what’s this book about� there you go. Those three just described the whole book. If I wasn’t so busy in May, I could’ve easily read this whole book in two or three days. There were days I sat down to catch up on a little reading and in just a blink, I’m suddenly a 100 pages in and I still can’t just put it down because I need to know if the characters are alive or not.
The story starts off with Dray Quintero standing before an audience as his business partner is addressing them. They’re about to ignite a miniature sun and it’ll be a game changer in terms of producing cheap and reliable energy. Suddenly, in the middle of the presentation, Dray’s daughter, Raven calls in a panic. She’s done something horrible resulting in a death, but that’s not the worst crime. Everyone has an implant in their brain that links them to everything they’ve ever known: the internet, their work, and other digital sources. It’s a federal requirement to have them implanted in you and tampering with them, no matter the reason, even in self-defence, is punishable by death. And Raven…had just accidentally dislodged her attacker's implant while defending herself. Knowing this, Dray now must protect her daughter at all costs. But here, in 2047 America, nobody gets away with crime. Nobody.
This was an interesting world to explore and deeply disturbing. The government says that it’s for your protection, but surveillance is everywhere. There are cameras where you would never guess. There’s the typical cameras for surveillance outside buildings, and then there’s the hidden cameras in just about every digital device there is including televisions. You’ll never know where there’s a camera, and not even your own home is spared of this. Dray and his family not only can’t just up and run, but no matter where they go, they end up bringing hell and fire with them because the government is after them. With all of the cameras and live feeds, they’ll always know where the Quintero family are. Raven’s attacker's family is been wealthy and very politically connected. The police aren’t going to stop just because they can't find the Quinteros anymore. Then, on the side, there’s The Agency who has their own person placed in the road chasing down Dray and he’s even bigger of a threat to them than the police!Ìý
This was an impressive read. While I really enjoyed the dynamic between the family (Mina and Drey, and their daughter Raven and Talia), I will say that I didn’t feel particularly tied or connected to any of them besides Drey and maybe Raven. Talia, I enjoyed her on a surface level, she was a computer genius despite being a kid, and even her genius scientist father (I mean creating a mini sun??) admits she’s on a whole other level that even he can’t touch when it comes to computers and hacking. The first few chapters I knew her, I honestly thought she was the most unhinged with how she reacts so upbeat and cheery to everything, but I do enjoy that there are moments that even she’s scared for her life. Everything was an adventure until it suddenly wasn’t. She grew on me and so the twists in this book (in which there’s a good handful) really stung.
There are two main antagonists in this book. Well…okay maybe there’s more and at times, it feels like the whole world is against the Quintero family, especially towards Drey. There’s the police of course (when the very rich and very connected family tells you that you MUST catch their son’s killer/s, you better do it, especially in such a corrupted and dystopian world) that hounds them at every step. They’ve got drones in the skies, they have advanced technology, and they have nearly every advantage against the family. There's even one scene where they were able to recover evidence thrown into deep waters! In fact, this entire book feels like one big rollercoaster for the family. There’s no resting place they could stay in long enough for even wounds to close and heal before they’re forced to run again. The amount of times the police or the Agency just descends on them feels nearly impossible. It’s actually insane.Ìý
I really enjoyed this read. There were some characters that I didn’t feel as connected too, although some did grow on me (a lot). There were also some science stuff being discussed or explained that honestly flew over my head, but this was pretty minimal. From the beginning to the end, it was one crazy action filled and very fast-paced adventure with barely any moment for the readers (or the Quinteros) to breath. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m eager to get into the next book as soon as I can. Bland created an immense and worrying world along with a main character who is determined to tear it down, and I’ll be there to watch it.
October 21, 2023
"The Price of Safety" by Michael C. Bland is an electrifying and thought-provoking debut in The Price of Series. Set in a meticulously crafted dystopian future, the novel offers a gripping and unsettling vision of a world where surveillance is all-encompassing, and technology has penetrated the very core of humanity.
In the year 2047, Bland introduces readers to Dray Quintero, a father who finds himself in an unimaginable moral quagmire when he discovers that his daughter, Raven, has committed a heinous act. Driven by love and desperation, he makes the fateful decision to cover up her crime, plunging himself into a high-stakes battle against both the law enforcement system he once respected and the ruthless federal Agent, Kieran.
What sets "The Price of Safety" apart is the intricacy and ingenuity of the world Bland has constructed. In this near-futuristic society, the omnipresence of surveillance technology, with microcomputers implanted in people's brains and computer-screen lenses in their eyes, creates an atmosphere of constant scrutiny and vulnerability. Bland's narrative becomes an alarming cautionary tale about the consequences of technology's unchecked advancement and the cost of sacrificing privacy for safety.
As Dray's journey unfolds, the tension in the narrative steadily rises, and readers are immersed in a world where personal choices have seismic implications. The novel presents an unsettling reflection on the ever-present struggle between personal freedom and the collective good. Dray's choice to align with a domestic terrorist group, the only ones willing to challenge the government's control, adds a layer of moral complexity to the story. Readers will be captivated by the ethical dilemmas Dray faces and the harrowing consequences of his decisions.
Bland's storytelling prowess is on full display, as he weaves a complex and multilayered narrative, combining elements of a thrilling dystopian adventure with a poignant exploration of family, ethics, and the price of safety. The book challenges readers to consider what they would do in a world where freedom and safety are continually at odds.
Overall, "The Price of Safety" is an outstanding debut that introduces readers to a dystopian world that feels both eerily plausible and viscerally unsettling. Michael C. Bland's storytelling is immersive, challenging, and impossible to forget. This book is not only an exciting addition to the dystopian genre but also a powerful examination of the human condition and the choices we make when confronted with moral dilemmas. "The Price of Safety" is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, and it establishes Michael C. Bland as a remarkable talent in the genre.
In the year 2047, Bland introduces readers to Dray Quintero, a father who finds himself in an unimaginable moral quagmire when he discovers that his daughter, Raven, has committed a heinous act. Driven by love and desperation, he makes the fateful decision to cover up her crime, plunging himself into a high-stakes battle against both the law enforcement system he once respected and the ruthless federal Agent, Kieran.
What sets "The Price of Safety" apart is the intricacy and ingenuity of the world Bland has constructed. In this near-futuristic society, the omnipresence of surveillance technology, with microcomputers implanted in people's brains and computer-screen lenses in their eyes, creates an atmosphere of constant scrutiny and vulnerability. Bland's narrative becomes an alarming cautionary tale about the consequences of technology's unchecked advancement and the cost of sacrificing privacy for safety.
As Dray's journey unfolds, the tension in the narrative steadily rises, and readers are immersed in a world where personal choices have seismic implications. The novel presents an unsettling reflection on the ever-present struggle between personal freedom and the collective good. Dray's choice to align with a domestic terrorist group, the only ones willing to challenge the government's control, adds a layer of moral complexity to the story. Readers will be captivated by the ethical dilemmas Dray faces and the harrowing consequences of his decisions.
Bland's storytelling prowess is on full display, as he weaves a complex and multilayered narrative, combining elements of a thrilling dystopian adventure with a poignant exploration of family, ethics, and the price of safety. The book challenges readers to consider what they would do in a world where freedom and safety are continually at odds.
Overall, "The Price of Safety" is an outstanding debut that introduces readers to a dystopian world that feels both eerily plausible and viscerally unsettling. Michael C. Bland's storytelling is immersive, challenging, and impossible to forget. This book is not only an exciting addition to the dystopian genre but also a powerful examination of the human condition and the choices we make when confronted with moral dilemmas. "The Price of Safety" is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, and it establishes Michael C. Bland as a remarkable talent in the genre.
August 1, 2020
In a world in which our technology is a very real part of us it becomes difficult to separate from it. However, with this much monitorization and entanglement of computers and humans it is not difficult to see that our media sources and the stories, augmented or real, that are put out quite literally control the way we think.
The Founding Fathers is a group of people ready to remake the government to prevent this invasion of privacy from becoming even worse than it already is. They are idealist radicals who will stop at nothing to regain the original balance of privacy and protection that the United States has fought for and sought after since its birth. Dray and his family get caught up in the mix when an unfortunate accidence causes them to question all they thought they knew about technology.
This futuristic world is not so far from our own and it serves as a warning to what might happen if people begin to use technology to control us instead of the common people using technology to better their lives. This novel asks the question: Where should we stop in our pursuit of human and technological integration?
Opinion:
The Price of Safety is far from a Star Wars or Star Trek futuristic out-of-this-world novel, it serves as a very real and relevant example of how technology continues to influence every part of our lives. This book is so much better than a novel that is set a few millenia into the future because the issues discussed will be prominent in upcoming decades. The arguments that are being brought to life in the book through one family are the same questions that all developed nations are asking themselves and will continue to ask themselves. This novel illustrates the importance of government transparency and the ability to think for oneself.
While the integration of technology and human anatomy is incredibly realistic, the action sequences are a little confusing. There are three groups of people mentioned in the book: the government, the rebels, and a floating town. The distinction between all of these is chaotic and not easily understandable when the latter two are revealed. This does lead to an understanding that there are spies everywhere and in real life people are messy, but it would be better to have made the differences more distinct.
Overall, the plot is understandable and makes clear sense, the reader finishes the book ready for a sequel, and the intense practicality of the novel make it a wonderful and interesting read.
The Founding Fathers is a group of people ready to remake the government to prevent this invasion of privacy from becoming even worse than it already is. They are idealist radicals who will stop at nothing to regain the original balance of privacy and protection that the United States has fought for and sought after since its birth. Dray and his family get caught up in the mix when an unfortunate accidence causes them to question all they thought they knew about technology.
This futuristic world is not so far from our own and it serves as a warning to what might happen if people begin to use technology to control us instead of the common people using technology to better their lives. This novel asks the question: Where should we stop in our pursuit of human and technological integration?
Opinion:
The Price of Safety is far from a Star Wars or Star Trek futuristic out-of-this-world novel, it serves as a very real and relevant example of how technology continues to influence every part of our lives. This book is so much better than a novel that is set a few millenia into the future because the issues discussed will be prominent in upcoming decades. The arguments that are being brought to life in the book through one family are the same questions that all developed nations are asking themselves and will continue to ask themselves. This novel illustrates the importance of government transparency and the ability to think for oneself.
While the integration of technology and human anatomy is incredibly realistic, the action sequences are a little confusing. There are three groups of people mentioned in the book: the government, the rebels, and a floating town. The distinction between all of these is chaotic and not easily understandable when the latter two are revealed. This does lead to an understanding that there are spies everywhere and in real life people are messy, but it would be better to have made the differences more distinct.
Overall, the plot is understandable and makes clear sense, the reader finishes the book ready for a sequel, and the intense practicality of the novel make it a wonderful and interesting read.
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