Blurb:

The world runs on code, and not all code is safe. This is why Anna Flynn has a job.

Matter Manipulation Devices alter the physical world, turning dreams into reality. But some dreams are treacherous, and the streets are filled with mods that manipulate matter in illegal and dangerous ways.

As a seasoned MMD agent, Anna fights back against the criminals who misuse these devices and traffic in illegal mods. When she intervenes in a plot to assassinate one of the world's most respected political leaders, her methods draw the ire of her superiors, and she finds herself under investigation from her own agency.

Increasingly isolated and unsure whom she can trust, Anna works to unravel a conspiracy that would unleash the worst potential of matter manipulation technology on the world.

Review:

As one of the first books I picked up for SPSFC, I was immediately taken by the strong science fiction tropes blended with a hearty crime thriller. It set a compelling tone that blurred the lines between technology and rebellion. But be warned, it is a first in a series, and does end on a cliff-hanger than had me eager for more. Criminals that have felt comfortable in their escapades are now in the spotlight when Anna Flynn is on the case of a particular perp, snowballing from a story where the bad guy isn't the only one on the run. 

It’s futuristic while still having a homeworld feel, rife with political conspiracy and government overreach, and a strong female protagonist hellbent on justice. 

Characters

Anna Flynn’s whole job is to focus on weeding out the illegal use of Matter Manipulation Devices, MMD, and what starts out as her tracking down a rogue agency quickly turns into her running for her proverbial life. She has to prove her own innocence to the very people she reports back to when a “failsafe” switch is turned off – allowing for anyone to take hold and take advantage of the technology. The key to her ultimate success or failure hinges on her husband, the tech genius Daniel Flynn and her partner Agent Lisa Williams as they move against the rogue group that call themselves “A Better Way”, but who she can trust is more up for debate than ever. 

Atmosphere/Plot

As a heavily political science fiction thriller set in a close-to-home reality, Failsafe  highlights the dangers of technology when integrated so deeply into the real world and what can happen when corrupt hands get their hands on manipulative technology. The MMDs have taken a hold, so much so that humans have started altering themselves in a cyborg-like fashion. So while the reader might not be jet setting off through space, they can hunker down to a read that brings them to familiar streets and scenarios that lead them on a twisted trail. On the brink of destruction, the richly built world is teetering upon the removal of the failsafe switch, and it’s up to Flynn to balance the scales once more. 

Writing Style

This type of story needs no introduction, as there are common themes from within the genre, and the multi-POV, third person perspective weaves an interesting tale for any reader of science fiction and crime mysteries. It kept me on my toes, rooting for Anna as she works for herself and against retaliating forces. 

Intrigue/Excitement

Betrayal, vengeance, the balance of control and power all come together in a character-driven plot that kept me turning pages. It almost has the same tone as The Matrix, sifting between code and reality. It really made me contemplate how much technology should be integrated into our own lives and the benefits and dangers of it being unleashed. Would I recommend this book: sure would!