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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
What would happen if the entire world became blind?
Book Information
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown, has written another gripping novel called Blind Spots, set to release on April 4, 2023. This 320-page book promises to be a must-read for fans of Mullen's previous works. The audiobook version, narrated by the talented Gary Tiedemann, runs for an impressive 10 hours and 23 minutes, making it a great choice for audiobook enthusiasts. Mullen's writing has received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, and the Indies Choice Book Award. His previous work, Darktown, has even been nominated for two Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards and is currently being developed for television by Sony Pictures. Thanks to Macmillan Audio, who provided an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
In a world where a virus robbed everyone of their sight seven years ago, people have adapted with the help of technology. A device has been created to simulate vision by transmitting visual data directly to the brain. However, when an unknown entity starts manipulating this technology, everything changes.
Mark Owens, a seasoned homicide detective who has been on the force since before the virus, is faced with a perplexing case when a scientist is murdered, and the sole witness claims the killer was unseeable. Owens is skeptical until he witnesses a similar murder in person. As Owens begins investigating, he discovers a wide range of suspects, from tech billionaires to those who reject modern technology. However, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as it hinges not only on what can be seen but also on what remains unseen...
My Thoughts
Blind Spots presents a unique premise that centers around a world where every individual has lost sight. As someone working in a field related to disability and blindness, I found this concept particularly intriguing. However, I was initially apprehensive about how the book would depict disability, given the tendency for books to rely on stereotypes and tropes. Nevertheless, Mullen successfully navigates both sides of the equation, showcasing both the dystopian society created in response to the loss of sight and a group of individuals who learn to thrive as blind people.
The story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It explores the manipulation of reality and how our perceptions can be influenced. Readers are left in the dark alongside the characters, unsure of who is behind the murders and why they are happening. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the book also delves into the intersection of disability and policing in a future world.
Blind Spots skillfully blends elements of mystery, science fiction, dystopia, and thriller. The narrator, Gary Tiedemann, brings the story to life, masterfully portraying the emotions of the characters and making the reader invested in their journey.
Overall, Blind Spots is an engaging and unique read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Recommendation
For those who enjoy thrilling stories that seamlessly blend genres or those seeking a well-crafted narrative that adeptly handles disability issues, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen is a solid choice that comes highly recommended.
Rating
4 Blanked Out Stars
Book Information
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown, has written another gripping novel called Blind Spots, set to release on April 4, 2023. This 320-page book promises to be a must-read for fans of Mullen's previous works. The audiobook version, narrated by the talented Gary Tiedemann, runs for an impressive 10 hours and 23 minutes, making it a great choice for audiobook enthusiasts. Mullen's writing has received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, and the Indies Choice Book Award. His previous work, Darktown, has even been nominated for two Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards and is currently being developed for television by Sony Pictures. Thanks to Macmillan Audio, who provided an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
In a world where a virus robbed everyone of their sight seven years ago, people have adapted with the help of technology. A device has been created to simulate vision by transmitting visual data directly to the brain. However, when an unknown entity starts manipulating this technology, everything changes.
Mark Owens, a seasoned homicide detective who has been on the force since before the virus, is faced with a perplexing case when a scientist is murdered, and the sole witness claims the killer was unseeable. Owens is skeptical until he witnesses a similar murder in person. As Owens begins investigating, he discovers a wide range of suspects, from tech billionaires to those who reject modern technology. However, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as it hinges not only on what can be seen but also on what remains unseen...
My Thoughts
Blind Spots presents a unique premise that centers around a world where every individual has lost sight. As someone working in a field related to disability and blindness, I found this concept particularly intriguing. However, I was initially apprehensive about how the book would depict disability, given the tendency for books to rely on stereotypes and tropes. Nevertheless, Mullen successfully navigates both sides of the equation, showcasing both the dystopian society created in response to the loss of sight and a group of individuals who learn to thrive as blind people.
The story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It explores the manipulation of reality and how our perceptions can be influenced. Readers are left in the dark alongside the characters, unsure of who is behind the murders and why they are happening. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the book also delves into the intersection of disability and policing in a future world.
Blind Spots skillfully blends elements of mystery, science fiction, dystopia, and thriller. The narrator, Gary Tiedemann, brings the story to life, masterfully portraying the emotions of the characters and making the reader invested in their journey.
Overall, Blind Spots is an engaging and unique read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Recommendation
For those who enjoy thrilling stories that seamlessly blend genres or those seeking a well-crafted narrative that adeptly handles disability issues, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen is a solid choice that comes highly recommended.
Rating
4 Blanked Out Stars
This is an interesting take on dystopian, but as usual, one group wants one thing, one group wants another, and most people are caught in the middle. I think Mullen does a great job of integrating his idea into modern society. Also interesting his use of artists' perception of the new reality, modified sight no longer being a pure representation of the art they want to create.
I wish they had gotten more into why everyone lost their sight but overall I liked the story, it was very unique.
Such a unique sci-fi with an intriguing premise, I was reminded of 'Black Mirror' whilst reading it and it was unnerving how I could see something like that happening to humanity especially with the epidemic part. Overall it was a really nice easy to read book, although some of the format was a bit hard to read but that is probably because this is an ARC, but I did enjoy reading a twist on your typical crime thriller.
medium-paced
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars. Better than ‘i enjoyed it’, but not ‘great’.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes