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What to expect

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live through a bioweapon attack or to have every aspect of your life governed by invisible ants? In Cory Doctorow's collection of novellas, he wields his formidable experience in technology and computing to give us mind-bending sci-fi tales that explore the possibilities of information technology—and its various uses—run amok.

"Anda's Game" is a spin on the bizarre new phenomenon of "cyber sweatshops," in which people are paid very low wages to play online games all day in order to generate in-game wealth, which can be converted into actual money. Another tale tells of the heroic exploits of "sysadmins"—systems administrators—as they defend the cyberworld, and hence the world at large, from worms and bioweapons. And yes, there is a story about zombies too.

Critics Review

“Cory Doctorow straps on his miner’s helmet and takes you deep into the caverns and underground rivers of pop culture, here filtered through SF-colored glasses. Enjoy.”

Neil Gaiman, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Doctorow is rapidly emerging as the William Gibson of his generation.”

Entertainment Weekly

“This collection shows a stunning talent coming into his own, balancing
good storytelling and contemporary technology near perfectly…These stories
reflect a wicked sense of humor, clear knowledge of contemporary problems, and
an understanding of the way good SF works.”

Booklist (starred review)

“He sparkles! He fizzes! He does backflips and breaks the
furniture! Science fiction needs Cory Doctorow.”

Bruce Sterling, award-winning author and a founder of the cyberpunk genre

“Doctorow explores the benefits and consequences of online systems in this provocative collection…Readers will find much to savor.”

Publishers Weekly

“Five substantial stories plus one short-short, all previously published, all computer-related and bulging with knowing SF references…The appealing characters, snappy writing and swift pace will surely tempt.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Doctorow’s intimate knowledge of the techno-cyberculture gives his
stories more credibility than a casual reader might think: it doesn’t take a
hardcore SF fan to believe that zombies, invisible ants, a 3D-printer world,
video-game sweatshops, and global catastrophe may be lurking just around the
corner…All of the tales contain provocative scenarios and believable,
nonconformist protagonists. Smart, entertaining, and at the vanguard of the
genre.”

Bookmarks magazine

“Cory Doctorow is just far enough ahead of the game to give you the authentic chill of the future…Funny as hell and sharp as steel.”

Warren Ellis, author of Transmetropolitan
Author Cory Doctorow
Narrator various
Duration 8 hours and 7 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781483079905
Format Audiobook
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Genre Anthologies: general, Science fiction, Short stories
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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