ARA Review by pgsundling of Starfall

[pgsundling]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Starfall.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Starfall by Drew Harrison is a cyberpunk post-apocalyptic dystopia set in 2153 after
most of the world died from a pandemic. The survivors consolidate into the city of New Phoenix.


To solve the pandemic, all power is invested in the corporation VitaCorp. They get to claim the bodies of all dead as part of the bargain. They reclaim corpses from funerals for medical research. It pays off when VitaCorp cures the plague.


VitaCorp starts New Phoenix, with its giant blank obelisk in the center, a symbol of its power. The rich live in inner rings around the obelisk. With outer rings holding the poor people. Corporations with unlimited power even control law enforcement.


Much of the book revolves around lightbenders, enhanced people able to access power from light sources to access superpowers. With the mechanics of being more powerful, this book would be good source material for a video game.


Besides lightbenders, there are the standard tropes of cyberpunk, like people augmented with cybernetic enhancements, techno gadgets, high-tech espionage, and AI characters. Some philosophizing is thrown in to deepen the impact. Little quotes and vignettes that open the chapters help with the intricate world-building.


Great cast of characters with distinct backstories. Hannah Preacher tries to solve the mystery of her murdered lover, which puts her straight into the path of the lightbenders.


The dead can be brought back for the right price. I love the way it's used.


Beverly Beadie, one of the creators of Michelangelo, an AI that generates most of the movies and other creative endeavors has scars over how a policy of her employer affected her personally.


I loved the reference to Roko's basilisk for the leader of the terrorist group Halogen. It's fitting for cyberpunk.


The ruthless nature of the VitaCorp CEO is displayed in a memorable scene with a prostitute. Words and the power behind them are their own sort of violence.


The ending is particularly satisfying.


As an author, I appreciate the level of effort that went into building this world and easily rate it 5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for all sci-fi fans, especially cyberpunk fans. I look forward to the next one.

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