1.4 by Mike Lancaster

For Review: Egmont

Published: 7 May 2012

From Goodreads: In the far future, people no longer know what to believe...Did Kyle Straker ever exist? Or were his prophecies of human upgrades nothing more than a hoax?

Peter Vincent is nearly 16, and has never thought about the things that Strakerites believe. His father — David Vincent, creator of the artificial bees that saved the world's crops — made sure of that.

When the Strakerites pronounce that another upgrade is imminent, Peter starts to uncover a conspiracy amongst the leaders of the establishment, a conspiracy that puts him into direct conflict with his father. But it's not a good idea to pick a fight with someone who controls all the artificial bees in the world.

1.4 is the next book in the Point 4 series but it could easily be read on its own as a standalone.  It's clever, kind of creepy and definitely a book I would recommend!

Set far into the future, where some believe the Kyle Straker tapes to be a thing of fiction and some a reality, Peter Vincent doesn't know what to think when he starts to uncover a possible conspiracy...

Mike Lancaster has a really assessable style of writing which drew me straight into the story.  Despite the 'futuristic' nature of the book I still completely identified with the characters - I was bit worried at first I wouldn't. But I really liked Peter and Alpha and love the way they fight for what they think is important. 

Again, as with 0.4, I'm finding it hard to know what to say without giving away too many spoilers. Those of you who have read O.4 will have a good idea what to expect with this one - it has a very similar vibe to 0.4. I wasn't sure the author would be able to match the first story's intensity but he does. The ideas behind this one are really clever and I really enjoyed the way it all unfolds.

Completely compelling - this is the perfect blend of science fiction and thriller. I can't wait to read more by this author!

0.4 by Mike Lancaster

From Goodreads: It's a brave new world. 'My name is Kyle Straker. And I don't exist anymore.' So begins the story of Kyle Straker, recorded on to old audio tapes. You might think these tapes are a hoax. But perhaps they contain the history of a past world...If what the tapes say are true, it means that everything we think we know is a lie. And if everything we know is a lie does that mean that we are, too?

O.4 is one of those books I've been meaning to read for ages, and now I have finally read it I have no idea why I didn't read it sooner.  It is seriously good!

The story is told through Kyle Straker's tapes and intercepted with the occasional narrative of the editor. Kyle's voice really shines and I loved having the story told from his perspective.

The story is really creepy! And very different from anything else I have read. I absolutely loved the concept - I was completely and utterly engrossed. I'm trying not to give anything away as it's one of those stories you really need to go into without knowing much about it and just let it unfold.

Clever, well written and with an ending that will make you really think! I still can't decide what I would do. I can't wait for the next book, 1.4 when it is published in May.

I want to read that...

1.4 by Mike Lancaster

From Goodreads:  In the far future, people no longer know what to believe...Did Kyle Straker ever exist? Or were his prophecies of human upgrades nothing more than a hoax?

Peter Vincent is nearly 16, and has never thought about the things that Strakerites believe. His father - David Vincent, creator of the artificial bees that saved the world's crops - made sure of that.

When the Strakerites pronounce that another upgrade is imminent, Peter starts to uncover a conspiracy amongst the leaders of the establishment, a conspiracy that puts him into direct conflict with his father. But it's not a good idea to pick a fight with someone who controls all the artificial bees in the world.

I am really excited about this one. I have finally read 0.4 and it is seriously good! And I love the cover - it's kind of pretty but eerie too once you really look at the bee.

1.4 is published by Egmont 7 May 2012