Intercepts

The laboratory opening scene is reminiscent of Brave New World in a good way. You know what's coming - test-tube babies, strange experiments and possibly even worse.

But whereas Brave New World is a strange book with realms of scope and funky ideas, even sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, Intercepts is closeted in on itself, too restricted and doesn't expand or properly explain its core concept.

Who are these Intercepts and why does mankind think it's okay to treat them like meaningless cattle or bunnies?

Expectations were high, I have to admit!

Maybe I was thinking of Inception?

Intercepts is a sort of Guantanamo Bay scenario where waterboarding is common practice and torture is part of the deal. And if it happens in real life, why not in books?

I accepted all of that.

✔ Government facilities hidden underground.

✔ Protocol and red tape that changes nothing because it's not devised to be flexible.

✔ People in authority who are morally corrupt and wooden at best.

But Intercepts uses a banana skin storytelling method of slipping on peel until the pack of cards tumbles down. Stan Laurel would be proud.

It went from being a good read to a rather empty one by the end.

❌ Boring bunkers!

❌ Pesky fiddlin' and predictable FBI agents.

❌ Sick CEOs who don't know how to be happy.

Intercepts is deserving of three stars because of how well written and entertaining it is, just don't expect any life-shattering reveals or lightbulb moments.

A fantastical concept on the surface that went nowhere.

I need more scientific explanations.

More feeling.

I need more crazy Bishop-styled synths from Aliens with nasty white goo coming out of them.

More excitement and better banter.

The cozy epilogue was particularly pants as a way of not knowing how to end the book.

This is a decent read with some interesting concepts, which could have been better with some frivolous fun, wacky sidesteps and a satisfying ending.