Richard K. Morgan’s new novel, Market Forces, came in from Amazon last week, and I needed a break from non-fiction. I’d been a huge fan of his first novel, Altered Carbon, and (apart from the ending) Broken Angels, his second book. Market Forces, I’m sad to say, was good but nowhere near Morgan’s best work.
The premise is a dystopian future where “free market” economics and globalization has led to Western investment houses “investing” in global insurgencies, and running entire countries in the same fashion that Goldman Sachs might manage an IPO today. Executives at these investment houses practice a harsh social Darwinism in the most literal sense possible — gaining an account or promotion is the fruit of victory in combat with one’s peers. “Come to work with blood on your wheels, or don’t come at all” is the motto of the new corporate warrior.
Sadly, the gladitoral theme overshadows much else that might be interesting about this particular dystopia, and the book lacks the subtlety of Altered Carbon in projecting consequences of current social trends. Leaving this aside, however, Morgan continues to write in a fast-paced staccato style, reminiscent of early Gibson or Stephenson, and was a great diversion.
And it was a lot less daunting than the three massive volumes of Stephenson’s Baroque Cycle, which continue to mock me from the “todo” stacks…
Comments
René Albert Chalet font designer of my titles
of the Belgian Pavilion at the 1964 New York trade fair. The Chalet font was released in July 2000 by House Industries .
(source
Ten months’ jail for spying on boss
sentenced to five months in prison, to be followed by five months home confinement. He was also ordered to pay $40,000 to the U.S. government
Green Tea As Heart Helper? Maybe Not
sought to allow the claim that drinking green tea reduces the risk of heart disease,
Bowen Goes On Defensive, Parker Hurting
league, writes Johnny Ludden of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. This is also why when Johnson complained of Bowen’s `bear-hug’
Skype adds free US Canada calling – Ars Technica
that could shake-up the telecommunications industry, Skype has added free calling to anywhere
General Orders Ethics Training In Iraq
order came as the military investigates if U.S. Marines intentionally killed unarmed Iraqi civilians.
Katrina Victims Hail Sheriff Who Took Ice
Katrina Survivors Praise Sheriff Who Faces Prosecution for Taking FEMA Ice Trucks
Redick Says He’s Worth Pick
early in the first round of the NBA draft. ‘Stupid,’ said Redick, who matter-of-factly starts rattling off
World Series of Poker 2006 Betting Market Opens
most extensive range of markets for Poker ever. (PRWEB Jun 8, 2006)
Sharp: Pistons’ Lore Should Deep Six the Heat
Drew Sharp of the DETROIT FREE PRESS writes, They’re just a little antsy down here and it has nothing to do with the
The NBA’s Savior?
Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki is sparking a playoff season that has restored faith
GEEK: NES Emulator on Motorola Q?
is sold to Verizon customers, does a whole slew of cool things, like access TV
New Grads Need Short-Term Medical Coverage
they may also need short-term medical insurance. This is especially important for those grads who are no longer covered by their parents insurance,
Performance in Nuggets Camp Surprising to Kemp
NEWS writes, With his weight once again manageable and his body free of illicit drugs, Shawn Kemp was happily
Personal Coach Says Dirk Still Can Improve
are in the NBA Finals. His play has been nothing short of wunderbar – except in the estimation of his mentor. He is Holger Geschwindner, Nowitzki’s