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Author: Stu Jones
Publisher: Dropship Publishing
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
Genres: Cyberpunk THriller
Book Links: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE
Thank you JeanBookNerd Tours and Stu Jones for the review copy and the opportunity to be on this blog tour!
Synopsis
In a tech-addicted dystopia, a young cop struggling to survive is forced into a high-octane gladiatorial grudge match, where sinister corporate overlords pull the strings and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.
ONE WAY IN. NO WAY OUT
In the super-city of Neo Terminus, millions of tech-addicted fans surround a walled-off inner-city wasteland to watch nano-boosted gladiators called Enforcers fight to the death in the Conglomerate-controlled event known as The Zone. Enforcers are promised wealth and celebrity—if they survive.
Officer Chance Griffin fights to clean up the mean streets of Neo Terminus, and scrape together enough money for his infant son’s vital surgery. Driven by his family’s need, Chance signs on as an Enforcer for The Conglomerate.
As Chance rises to the top of the Enforcer ranks, The Glom’s mysterious Founders coerce him into competing in the greatest Zone trial ever conceived. Chance knows he’s the favorite to win. He believes his family is safe. He believes his son will get the medical care he urgently needs.
Chance is wrong.
Too late, he uncovers a plot by The Glom to rig the trial and enslave the citizens of Neo Terminus, ensuring obedience—forever.
Blinded by fame and fortune, and used as a pawn by the corporate machine, Chance resists. But he is about to discover that every deal with the devil has its price…
Blade Runner meets Judge Dread and The Running Man in this no-holds-barred cyberpunk thriller from Dragon Award Nominee Stu Jones. Start this neon-soaked thrill ride today!
Review
The Zone is a dystopian novel that piqued my interest from the very first page. With its futuristic background and intriguing story I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The futuristic backdrop definitely gave me Fifth Elements vibes when the author described the hovercars and the dark and mysterious city of Terminus, The setting was described with enough to keep room for your imagination to fill in the blanks.
Chance Griffin is a character that you grow to like. You understand that behind his reasoning, his family is priority and he will do what he can to make sure his family is safe. So when he enters into The Zone – a gladiator-esque battle, he does it knowing that the money he can get could save his son. I think the fact that Chance is driven by his family’s happiness is something I could relate to and the main driving factor in rooting for his character. Aside from The Zone, you see Chance trying his best to be part of the group that wants to bring order to their chaotic world. Based on some of the terminology and the roles Chance takes on, it does feel as if the author has had some law enforcement or military experience. HE uses his own personal knowledge to create a realistic character.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who looks for a good futuristic dystopian novel where you are rooting for the character to win the epic fight.
About the Author
A veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones has served in patrol, narcotics, criminal investigations, as an instructor of firearms and police defensive tactics and as a team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. He is trained and qualified as a law enforcement SWAT sniper, as well as in hostage rescue and high-risk entry tactics. Recently, Jones served for three years with a U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force – hunting the worst of the worst.
A Dragon Award Nominee, Jones is the author of multiple sci-fi/action/thriller novels, including the multi-award-winning It Takes Death To Reach A Star duology and Condition Black, written with co-author Gareth Worthington (Children of the Fifth Sun, A Time for Monsters).
Known for his infectious storytelling and blistering action, Jones strives to create thought-provoking reading experiences that challenge the status quo. When he’s not chasing bad guys or writing epic stories, he can be found planning his next adventure to some remote or exotic place.
Jones is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain literary. He lives in Alabama with his wife, two children, and a golden-doodle who thinks he’s human.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram
Giveaway
3 Winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
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