"Backup"

I will be the first to admit that in 2024 I began to realize that the construct of reading genres was much more complex than I had originally thought. Initially, I thought of genres as simple categories that neatly classified books into easily digestible categories. However, as I dove deeper into the world of literature, I discovered that genres are not merely labels; they are intricate structures that encompass a wide array of themes, styles, and narrative techniques. I have been learning more about subgenres, the fascinating subdivisions that can transform a seemingly straightforward category into a rich division of storytelling possibilities. With every new book I read, I encounter subgenres I have never heard of before, each presenting its unique flavor and approach to storytelling.

I won't sit here and pretend to know it all because let's be real, I don’t possess all the answers. The literary world is vast and ever-evolving, and I may not be a literary genius, but hey, I'm working on it, and I find joy in the process of discovery. Haha! It’s an ongoing journey that fuels my curiosity and drives me to explore further. For instance, I was not familiar with the term "cyberpunk" when I entered the giveaway for this particular book. I had a vague notion that it involved futuristic themes, but I lacked a comprehensive understanding of what it truly encompassed. However, after fully immersing myself in the narrative, I came to realize that I actually really enjoyed the genre. The intricate world-building, the exploration of technology's impact on society, and the often gritty, dystopian settings captivated my imagination. I found the characters, often anti-heroes navigating settings where the lines between right and wrong were blurred, to be compelling and relatable in their struggles against oppressive systems.

This experience opened my eyes to the broader spectrum of science fiction and its subgenres, and I am now eager to seek out more stories within the cyberpunk genre in the future. If you yourself are not familiar with cyberpunk, here's a quick breakdown of what this actually means. Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on advanced technology and its effects on society, particularly in urban settings. It often features a juxtaposition of high-tech advancements alongside societal decay, exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cybernetics. The narratives typically unfold in dystopian futures where mega-corporations wield significant power, and the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred. As I continue to explore this genre, I look forward to uncovering more layers and nuances that make cyberpunk such a fascinating field of study and enjoyment.

The Review

“Backup” is a cyberpunk science fiction novel which follows Aiden Romes, a policeman who helps a multinational tech corporation and winds up in an unexpected predicament. This event challenges his morals and eventually puts him in a scenario he never expected could happen. I was originally attracted to this book based on the cover art and attached synopsis of the story. This was not a genre that I am particularly familiar with but I was rather surprised at how much I really enjoyed this story. The plot was interesting and one that I did not anticipate. The cast of characters were also unique yet familiar as there was a clear divide among classes as there is in society today. Overall, this was an entertaining and agreeable quick read with lots of action and unexpected happenings.

Finished Reading On:  December 8, 2024

Book Information

Author Name: Guy-Roger Duvert

Publisher Name: Independently Published

Published Date: November 29, 2024

Final Thoughts

   Have you read "Backup"? What did you think of this review? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading!