Release: May 4th, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Flame Tree Press
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo
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Fans of stories centered on the conflict between the virtual and the real will find plenty to enjoy. — Publishers Weekly
No one goes out anymore.
And Society is locked indoors. Besides, the economy is in ruins. People spend their lives addicted to a breakthrough virtual reality. More so, they are all desperate for escapism in a troubled world. The Nirvana Effect has taken over.
Aaron and Clarissa are members of a subculture of realists who resist the lure of a fake utopia. They watch in horror as the technology spreads across the country. And some willing members easily forgo their freedoms for false pleasures. When the young couple discovers a plot to enforce compliance for mind control, the battle for free will begins. What started as a playful diversion turns deadly. As such, the future of the human race is at stake.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
About the Author:
Brian Pinkerton is the author of Abducted, Vengeance, Rough Cut, Killer’s Diary, How I Started the Apocalypse, Bender, Anatomy of Evil and The Gemini Experiment.
Also, Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. Besides, his screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
The Nirvana Effect Review:
This book was a remarkable experience! It skillfully weaves together captivating character development, an engaging plot, and thrilling twists that had me completely engrossed – literally on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning each page!
Firstly, the core characters were a true highlight. Among them, Marc stood out as my favorite due to the complexities of his emotions. His internal conflict, torn between the advantages and disadvantages of chip technology and the potential implications of the government’s involvement, added a compelling layer to his persona. Equally, I found myself drawn to Aaron and Sam, who resisted the allure of the chip, yearning for a more authentic and meaningful existence. My heart genuinely went out to Sam when the author explored the dangers of an intrusive surveillance state and the extreme measures the government would employ to maintain control—additional unforgettable moments included the raid on the sanctuary, the intriguing events surrounding Lorraine and Flynn, and Aaron’s confrontation with Doctor Delight.
Moreover, the futuristic dystopian setting of the novel was nothing short of enthralling. Serving as a cautionary tale, it effectively illustrated the potential hazards of excessive reliance on technology and the consequences of forsaking genuine experiences for artificial ones. The exploration of themes like addiction, the erosion of humanity, and the relentless pursuit of happiness in a world dominated by the “chip” phenomenon offered profound food for thought and left a lasting impression on me.
From moments of hope and camaraderie shared by characters like Aaron and Clarissa to the depths of fear and despair experienced by Sam, the author takes the readers on a profound journey. In conclusion, “The Nirvana Effect” is a must-read, delivering a powerful and unsettling vision of the future. It masterfully blends suspense, emotional resonance, and social commentary to create an unforgettable reading experience.
