BOOK BRIEF

The Shockwave Rider

John Brunner
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The Shockwave Rider

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

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John Brunner

The Shockwave Rider

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Future

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Shockwave Rider by John Brunner, readers follow a person named Nick Haflinger who navigates a future society dominated by constant technological connectivity. As Nick eludes controlling systems using skills learned in government training, the narrative explores themes of autonomy, surveillance, and information manipulation in a complex, tech-driven world.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,720 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Shockwave Rider by John Brunner is praised for its visionary take on future technological and societal challenges, often deemed prescient of the internet era. Critics laud its exploration of themes like privacy and information overload. However, some find its narrative style dense and characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for sci-fi enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Shockwave Rider?

A reader intrigued by the intersection of technology and society, who enjoyed novels like Neuromancer by William Gibson or 1984 by George Orwell, will relish The Shockwave Rider. This book appeals to those fascinated by cyberpunk themes and the sociopolitical impact of technological advancements.

4.1

4,720 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Shockwave Rider is often credited with popularizing the concept of a "computer virus" before the term was widely used, featuring a protagonist who employs self-duplicating programs to fight against oppressive systems.

John Brunner's work was influenced by Alvin Toffler's Future Shock, exploring themes of information overload and the societal effects of rapid technological change, mirroring concerns that are still relevant today.

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The novel is regarded as a pioneering work in the cyberpunk genre, though it predates the more commonly acknowledged beginnings of the movement, highlighting its significant impact on futuristic and dystopian storytelling.

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Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Future

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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