Seattle, 2116. The world is divided into a network of vast corporations (Corpos), each controlled by a triumvirate of elderly Chinese. The masses are conditioned to extol the virtues of utilitarianism, with society dominated by the power of ‘the numbers’. Men, who have previously caused the collapse of society, must stay at home and raise children while women rule – with dispassionate ruthlessness. Enter Li, a ‘career boy’ tele-sales manager in Ireland-corpo. After years of sleeping around and getting high – and into trouble – his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a mysterious young woman, Tattoo. Are his troubles behind him – or only beginning?
As with all the best science-fiction, Number Games gives hints of what our world might become. With echoes of Bladerunner, The Man in the High Castle and The Time Machine, this superbly crafted novel makes for a compelling – and sometimes chilling – read.
