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Warning: Contains sexual content and strong language
The Cloud by Robert Rivenbark is a captivating,
edge-of-your-seat dystopian thriller that delves deep into the dark potential
of a hyper-connected, surveillance-driven future. The pacing is exceptional,
with a relentless flow that keeps you hooked from the very first page.
Rivenbark's narrative is unpredictable, often leaving you unsure of where the
story will take you next. It’s a powerful reminder of how modern technology
could spiral into something both terrifying and, unfortunately, all too
plausible.
About the Book: The Cloud
Set in the twenty-second century in a world ruled by The
Cloud—an omnipresent virtual reality system—The Cloud examines the
stark divisions between the privileged professional class addicted to VR and
the "slags" who live in squalor and struggle to survive. The rich
live in a hedonistic dream, while the impoverished endure a grim existence, yet
still manage to procreate. It's a chilling reflection on society’s potential
path, resembling the controlled world of 1984.
The protagonist, Blaise Pascal, is an intriguing and complex
character—a brilliant but tormented VR programmer with a violent past. As a
coder behind the most popular VR series designed to addict its users, Blaise
stumbles upon a horrifying truth: his creation is set to eliminate billions of
"unproductives"—the poorest of society. The narrative explores the
themes of privacy, control, freedom, and the consequences of advanced
technology being exploited by the powerful elite. As Blaise navigates this
high-stakes world, he must confront not only his guilt and regrets but also the
larger moral and ethical dilemmas of a world gone wrong.
BookHookup Book Review: The Cloud
Rivenbark’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking,
painting a future that is as chilling as it is fascinating. The blend of
technology and dystopia keeps the reader fully immersed, while the
protagonist’s internal battle adds depth and relatability. Blaise’s journey of
self-discovery, as he struggles between the tempting offer of wealth, power,
and immortality, and his growing desire to fight back against the regime, is a
compelling central arc. His interactions with two relentless women—one a psychic
hacker determined to save humanity, and the other using her carnal influence to
manipulate the regime’s success—add layers of tension and intrigue.
The story isn’t without its darker elements—there’s sexual
content (subtle but present) and violence that will challenge some readers, but
these elements are essential to the narrative’s bleak and uncompromising tone.
The Cloud is a must-read for fans of dystopian
fiction. Rivenbark’s vision of a future dominated by surveillance, VR
addiction, and ruthless oligarchs is a warning wrapped in an exhilarating,
unpredictable tale. A perfect blend of technological horror and philosophical
reflection, this book will leave readers thinking long after the last page is
turned.
As BookHookup, I am a
longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black
Phoenix Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or
recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a
participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate
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to amazon.com and affiliate sites.
About the Author: Robert Rivenbark
Robert Rivenbark earned a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Antioch University, after winning a full academic scholarship to study for two years in Oxford and London, England, based on his winning short story collection. He returned to the U.S. for a career in journalism and advertising, and worked as a senior copywriter and video producer for some of America’s most prestigious advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
His novel The Cloud won First Place in the science fiction category in the San Antonio Writers Guild 27th Annual Writing Contest in February 2019. He subsequently secured exclusive representation from Hollywood literary manager Ken Atchity of The Story Merchant. Robert will expand The Cloud into a novel trilogy, also suitable for screen adaptation.
Robert is the co-author with Elizabeth Rockett of THEODORA, an epic historical dramatic TV series about the most powerful Roman Empress in history, who co-ruled with her husband Justinian I. The series is in development with Atchity.
Additionally, Robert has co-written a feature psychological thriller with Rockett, and has been tapped by Atchity to co-write two other epic historical series.
