The Complete Atopia Chronicles (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
The first half of the book was enthralling as it explores complex issues in an overly digitalized future. Mather's writing style engages readers to explores the the issues surrounding virtual realities, copies of memories, and of a society stuck in an endless loop of overflow of information. However, while I enjoyed the first half immensely, I felt the book lost its charm in the second half to the end. The first half of the book followed the style of vignettes within the world of Atopia. In comparison though, the second half tries to tie in the vignettes together for an overall plot. While this in theory sounds intriguing, the pacing was too fast leading me to be a rather confused reader. Additionally, the changes in perspective became more frequent in the second half, sometimes allowing only a couple of pages before switching to a different first person perspective. This led to a jarring experience that made it difficult to finish the book. I would have rated this book a 5 for the first half. However weaknesses in style and rushed wrap up in the end brings that score to a 4. There was a lot to like about this story, but there was a lot to dislike, too. First, some of it dragged in the wrong places and was repetitive. Then there were all the illogical logic bits where somethings just don't line up. I'm trying not to give anything away while explaining, so bear with me. There were references to the culture of the 1980s by kids too far in the future to know about them. Kids today don't know about them. Then there is the predictability of the story because of omissions. Ignoring a character long enough while repeatedly mentioning him and a certain incident paints a huge bullseye all over him. And the glaring flaw in the logic of how the initial damage could have happened and no one notice even though this was a technology introduced into the bodies of children is ridiculous. Finally, the end is a dud. Really? That's it? If the author is setting up for a sequel, there are better ways to leave it. If not, then WTF?
What do You think about The Complete Atopia Chronicles (2013)?
It was diffrent, but I kept losing track, and losing intrest. I made it to 50% and called it quits.
—kirby
Interesting premise, though story was confusing at times and not well fleshed out.
—Dryshtee
It was just okay. A free book from Amazon Prime and as such enjoyable.
—Epic
Interesting take on a potential future...but felt unfinished.
—l_dagger
