In the late 21st century, the world is accustomed to being ravaged by floods. Business continues in Manhattan despite the regular tsunamis, and kids learn about the quake that took California. The greatest casualty has been the abandoned belief in a brighter tomorrow. Innovation is about the here and now. Anything else is seen at best as a distraction. At worst, a threat, bringing back the age of hubris and self-indulgence.
Niko Rafaelo cannot let go of his ideas, of his vision for the future. His plans to revive the banned technology of nanobots, and integrating it with the bacteria surrounding each person, are seen as reckless and wasteful. How far is he willing to go to see it realized, and what is his ultimate goal?
From the best-selling author of The Yellow Hoods, and The Wizard Killer, comes an intimate, high-tech, science fiction tale of startups and ambitions.
Assessment:
In a near future subject to solar flares, climate change, and a puzzling rejection of previous technologies, the brilliant but socially inept Niko Rafaelo -- a Steve Jobs analog, down to the theatrical shareholders’ meetings -- develops world-changing nanotechnology. Some good worldbuilding has gone into not only the commercial uses, but also the problems of developing nanotech. However, the plot bogs down with Niko developing one iteration of nano “clouds” after another, a cartoonish antagonist, and a novel-long tease about the identity of Niko’s daughter.
Date Submitted: June 10, 2016
5 Stars - Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Whoa! That's exactly what I thought when I finished the new book by author Adam Dreece, The Man of Cloud 9. This excellent offering of science fiction will keep readers obsessively turning the pages from the very beginning all the way through to the very end. Taking place seventy years in the future, the story follows brilliant inventor, Niko Rafaelo, as he delves into controversial work in the world of nanobots. This story is full of adventure and thrills, as well as all of the highly inventive and creative details one expects in a great work of sci-fi. Nico's work is considered wasteful at a time when the world is dealing with the aftermath of dozens of devastating natural disasters and, in fact, work with nanobots is banned. But he's determined that what he can do with this technology is worth more than any before him have ever imagined. Will working with microbial cloud-powered bots become the salvation that everyone is looking for, or the end of Nico's career, and more? You'll need to read the book to find out!
I loved The Man of Cloud 9. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely how I felt about this fantastic book. As an ardent reader in the genre of science fiction, I feel that it's getting more and more difficult to find a truly unique voice and story. I definitely found both in this book, and I simply cannot wait to read more from author Adam Dreece as soon as I possibly can. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys science fiction, or any reader looking for a creative and unique new read in general.
