Immagine dell'autore.
4+ opere 89 membri 18 recensioni 3 preferito

Sull'Autore

Fonte dell'immagine: Derek Swannson

Serie

Opere di Derek Swannson

Opere correlate

Nitt-Witt Ridge: A Big Sur Freak Fable (2007) — Introduzione — 10 copie

Etichette

Informazioni generali

Data di nascita
1969-07-13
Sesso
male
Nazionalità
USA
Luogo di residenza
Manhattan and Big Sur

Utenti

Recensioni

I loved it. I consider myself a cynic when it comes to novels, even having subscribed to the notion that "all the good books in the world have already been written" - especially in this genre. But "The Snowden Avalanche" proved me very, very wrong. And I'm delighted to admit it!
The Snowden Avalanche is a fascinating illustration of an alternative timeline that could have conspired in the United States following Edward Snowden's leaks of confidential NSA documents back in June of 2013.
In a future world reminiscent of Orwell's 1984, Huxley's Brave New World, and even Peter Chung's Aeon Flux, privacy has become a privilege enjoyed only by the rich - and by those to whom extensive secrecy is a prerequisite for maintaing their lifestyle. Indeed, for all others, openness - perhaps in an almost uncomfortably purist sense of the word - has become the new norm. This was the result of the Snowden Avalanche - an event that bolstered a transition to a society where blackmail and secrecy would be rendered impossible by brute-force openness. Our dirtiest and most intimate secrets - from our Google search queries to our browsing histories - divulged and in plain sight.
The story follows the journey of Sabina, a PR image consultant of sorts, who helps restore the prestige of clients whose secrets were forcibly thrust into the public eye. Their reputations smeared or otherwise ruined, it is Sabina's task to restore them to their former glory - a job that she performs with the shrewdness of a lawyer and the tact of a seamstress.
She enjoys her newfound wealth in peace, until she meets Wes. Wes Bramley, an elusive internet giant and business magnate, has recruited her help.
Soon follows an intriguing story involving a cowboy, lusty ideological discussions about Jean-Paul Sartre, deception, technology, and most pressingly, conspiracy on a grand scale. Edgy, sensual, intellectual, and perfectly-paced, "The Snowden Avalanche" is a must. I highly recommend it!
… (altro)
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kohhhhh | 1 altra recensione | Dec 14, 2014 |
The book that introduced the memorable character of Crash Gordon to the world, this is an origins story that shows us Crash’s history, from childhood as an imaginative, gifted and somewhat paranoid kid through young adulthood. While reading this fantastic trip through a series of incredible, funny, mind-bending adventures it was hard not to think of Wolfe’s ‘Electric Kool Aid Test” and much of the writing of Hunter S. Thompson. But this book is never imitative or derivative. The characters, particularly that of Gordon Swannson (who later becomes Crash Gordon) are truly originals and it is their personalities, along with the author’s elegant and irreverent writing style that keep you engaged and entranced throughout. This is truly not a “simple” book. On one level it’s a coming of age tale filled with strange happenings, conspiracy theories and cabals, acid trips gone awry and pervasive narcolepsy. On another it presents some serious political theories and introduces multi-layered characters with complicated emotions and motivations. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are willing to be open to the wild ride that is Crash Gordon’s life and to thinking about the mundane in new, often revelatory ways, I think you’ll love this book.… (altro)
 
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ETC752 | 10 altre recensioni | Jul 8, 2014 |
This is one of the most imaginative and engaging novels I've read in a long time. Some reviews have called it weird, but it is weird in a Hunter S. Thompson sort of way, which is one of the reasons I loved it. Characters unlike any others, wacky happenings, fact intertwined with fantasy and suspense are all here, but humorously, irreverently delivered. I am not usually a fan of conspiracy theories, aliens, Gnosticism or sex cults in my books but, when a book is truly well written and written by someone with a point of view and imagination, the subject matter really doesn't mean anything. I was pulled into this book from the first few pages and the longer I read the more absorbed I became. Simultaneously funny and riveting in a whodunit way, this book is truly unique and definitely worth your time. This book is destined to become a cult classic, with a plot that could have become a mess in the hands of a less talented writer but here is a joy to read.… (altro)
 
Segnalato
ETC752 | 4 altre recensioni | Jul 5, 2014 |
Captivated and engaged by the very first page, I have enjoyed every bit of dialogue between Derek Swannson’s characters, along with their background and the thought processes shared. Their idiosyncrasies and flaws are brought to the forefront as a means to show the lessons we might learn from adversity. It's reading that reminds you how to be thankful, without the condescension typically applied in other books. The suggestion that there is a plan and that it isn't necessarily some big celestial idea will be found intriguing by anyone who questions traditional religion.

Gordon's pseudo-uncle, Johnny Hoss, was my favorite character—a cantankerous but well-intentioned devils' advocate who helps Gordon let off steam, gives him a beer every now and then, and generally eases the blows when Gordon is rejected by his father. When Gordon is feeling like a general disappointment, Johnny picks him back up and dusts him off and even helps him forget his problems. Johnny reminded me of a favorite uncle of mine that I looked up to; I'd have a hard time imagining that he wouldn't be a favorite to anyone else.

I've utilized all my free time to read this book and I’m eager to read the second in this series. I've also heard whispers of another book from this author that could maybe potentially theoretically be in the works... but don't quote me. I love an author who can fully develop his or her characters, and I love the underdogs most of all—I identify with them almost exclusively and begrudge the alpha dog characters even when they show humility and pain. I'm sure that says much about me, but regardless—don't hesitate to buy this book. I've been wowed and enthralled since page one. I immediately felt for Gordon because his parents really suck and his friend who is his neighbor is not the nicest kid, although maybe that’s just how boys behave.

To a certain degree you almost expect Gordon to die halfway through the book. His life is just filled with knock out after knock out. I won't tell you any more, except to say that I've read a lot of genres and science fiction is becoming a favorite by far. This book is a great example of why. There's real life written into these pages. The characters and the places the author takes you will tap into your own memories, both good and bad. This is DEFINITELY one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
… (altro)
 
Segnalato
MouthyGirl | 10 altre recensioni | Jun 23, 2014 |

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Statistiche

Opere
4
Opere correlate
1
Utenti
89
Popolarità
#207,492
Voto
½ 4.5
Recensioni
18
ISBN
14
Preferito da
3

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