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Market Forces

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you like your sci-fi packed with razor-sharp satire and biting social commentary, Market Forces will pull you right in. Imagine Mad Max-level street duels mashed up with the cut-throat world of high finance, where corporate warfare is literal. Morgan's prose is intense, the action cinematic, and the world oddly plausible. Fans of dystopian fiction, cyberpunk vibes, or anyone fascinated (or horrified) by capitalism taken to its logical extreme will find a lot to chew on. Plus, if you enjoyed Morgan's gritty style in Altered Carbon but want something closer to home, this is your book.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers bounced off the over-the-top premise - promotion by highway death match, anyone? - finding it implausible or too heavy-handed as satire. If you prefer likeable characters, you might struggle here, as the cast is cold, brutal, and often deeply unlikable. The relentless violence, bleak worldview, and a main character with questionable morals might also leave you feeling more exhausted than entertained. And if you loved the high-tech sci-fi of Morgan's other series, you might miss those futuristic elements here.

Dark, violent, and unflinching, Market Forces is like Mad Max meets Wall Street - equal parts action and angry social critique. Not for everyone, but if you like your fiction grim and thought-provoking, give it a shot.

About:

In "Market Forces" by Richard K. Morgan, the story follows Chris Faulkner as he navigates the cutthroat world of Shorn Conflict Investment, a company that profits from investing in wars. Set in a dystopian future where corporate executives engage in deadly car duels to secure deals and promotions, the novel explores themes of capitalism, brutality, and the moral decay of individuals in a society driven by profit. Morgan's writing style combines elements of satire, dark humor, and social commentary to paint a vivid picture of a world where extreme materialism and violence reign supreme.

Characters:

The characters, particularly the protagonist, are complex yet unlikable, representing a morally compromised elite world where human depth is often lacking.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is taut and engaging, featuring intense action and emotionally charged scenes, often reminiscent of cinematic storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot unfolds in a near-future Britain dominated by ruthless corporate competition that resorts to lethal street battles for corporate promotions and contracts, illustrating a distorted reflection of capitalism.

Setting:

Set in a fractured, violent future Britain ruled by corporations, the backdrop contrasts opulence for the elite with chaos for the underprivileged.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, with a mix of brisk action and slower character-driven moments that sometimes falter in engagement.
He paused, peculiarly unwilling to correct her assumption. He didn’t dream about Murcheson’s screaming death much anymore. He shivered a little. Carla sighed and pulled herself closer to him. She took...

Notes:

Market Forces is set in a near-future Britain dominated by ruthless corporations.
Large consultancies profit by sponsoring small wars and selling arms.
Competing teams literally fight to the death in street combat to win contracts.
The gap between rich and poor has widened significantly.
Only the elite can afford to use cars, which serve as weapons in violent road races.
The protagonist, Chris Faulkner, grapples with his morality while climbing the corporate ladder.
The author, Richard K. Morgan, is known for his taut writing and compelling storytelling.
Despite the book's absurd premise, its economic commentary is viewed as credible by some.
Morgan draws parallels between his fictional world and current global politics and economics.
The novel has been described as a brutal satire of capitalism and corporate culture.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, graphic descriptions of death and injury, sexual content, and themes of corporate and social corruption.

From The Publisher:

From the award-winning author of Altered Carbon and Broken Angels-a turbocharged new thriller set in a world where killers are stars, media is mass entertainment,

and freedom is a dangerous proposition . . .

A coup in Cambodia. Guns to Guatemala. For the men and women of Shorn Associates, opportunity is calling. In the superheated global village of the near future, big money is made by finding the right little war and supporting one side against the other-in exchange for a share of the spoils. To succeed, Shorn uses a new kind of corporate gladiator: sharp-suited, hard-driving gunslingers who operate armored vehicles and follow a Samurai code. And Chris Faulkner is just the man for the job.

He fought his way out of London's zone of destitution. And his kills are making him famous. But unlike his best friend and competitor at Shorn, Faulkner has a side that outsiders cannot see: the side his wife is trying to salvage, that another woman-a porn star turned TV news reporter-is trying to exploit. Steeped in blood, eyed by common criminals looking for a shot at fame, Faulkner is living on borrowed time. Until he's given one last shot at getting out alive. . . .

Ratings (5)

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Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Hated It
2 months

I hated this book. The setting is great but the suckiness of the other elements (especially disappointing given their potential) makes me never want to read anything by this author ever again.

 

About the Author:

Richard K. Morgan is the acclaimed author of The Cold Commands, The Steel Remains, Thirteen, Woken Furies, Market Forces, Broken Angels, and Altered Carbon, a New York Times Notable Book that also won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2003….

 
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