Cybernetica

Michael J Cavallaro
Arcanum Books (2006)
ISBN 0977453324
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (1/07)

“Cybernetica” is a futuristic novel that depicts a city unlike anything that exists today. It begins with two men, Jake Radigan and Billy Hawkins, attempting to steal a man's vehicle by deceiving him. However, it turns out this man knew their intentions and had a huge surprise in store for them. He knew of Jake's past experience as a stringer and coerced him into helping him with an assignment. Jake and Billy have a condition known as blindsight and are therefore basically considered outcasts in their society. In this society, everyone is monitored through sublimation, which is a computer network that tracks their thoughts and their movements. There is imminent war and one faction known as the drifters is suspected of having interfered with the network that controls sublimation.

Those in power are obviously not pleased since their ability to monitor their citizens is no longer as effective. So Jake and Billy agree to find out what is going on and to try to end it. Along the way, they face many exciting and dangerous adventures in their quest to learn the truth. There are also many surprises about who is really behind what is happening in “Cybernetica.”  This book really got me thinking about both the wonders and the dangers of technology. In this instance, people lost all of their freedoms when the technologies available were used for the wrong reasons. Just because technology is at our disposal doesn't mean it is right to use it. It is also important to never let one group or individual get too much power or there may be no turning back without a major incident occurring.

One suggestion for the author is to have this book proofread again. There were far too many misspelled words as well as extra words that should not have been there at all. I did find this to be somewhat distracting.

"Cybernetica" is a book that gives readers a clear warning about maintaining a balance of power. In many ways society is better off with less technology. It is pretty scary to think that in the future our thoughts and actions will be able to be controlled and that by the time we realize it, it may be too late.

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