The Spy, A.D.  2150-2154 by Tom Ball

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net (January 4, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 117 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9395224576
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9395224574
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches

Reviewed by LB Sedlacek

A new science fiction adventure set in the future is the premise or base of this story.  The characters utilize MRT (mind reading technology) to cleverly communicate and to ascertain what’s happening.

This book is written from the point of view of a spy.  It’s like an insider’s take on a behind the scenes look at how it might be to live this way in this described future.

From Part One:

“But there is reason in their madness. And really it is just imagination.

All imagination is madness.” But I mind read, “Imagination without kindness is useless.  And holograms do no good kind acts.” He mind read, “Holograms help
one another and in colonizing deep Space they treat new holograms
with kindness.” I mind read, “But at best they ignore humans at worst
they are thwarting them at every turn.” He mind read, “Holos are more
perfect than humans; it’s a fact.”

The author gets deep into the characters.  The exchanges are mesmerizing and captivating.  You will want to keep reading just to see what’s going to happen next.

Ball is generous with the details and descriptions.  It’s as if he’s writing to let us know just what might be possible in the ever near but still distant future.

From Part Five:

“Then I was mind reading with a man who purportedly had his mind
altered to be a Superhuman by scientists working for the Government
of Northern India, contrary to UW law. So I passively listened to his
thoughts for a few days and concluded he was among the smartest
people alive, but he didn’t seem to be any cleverer than me. Still, I mind
read to him, “How do I know you are a Superhuman?””

Ball’s writing gives a sense of purpose lending itself into a realism for his characters.  The book is clever and inventive. 

This world of spies is nothing short of enthralling.  It is easy to get absorbed or involved in all the aspects of what it would be like to be, to work with, to go up against a futuristic spy. 

The book is presented in a sort of vignette type style of prose.  It reads almost like a report or notes on an experiment like you might expect a spy to write.  Ball has great instincts and has created natural characters with superb imaginative imagery.  You will feel like you’re immersed in this perhaps not so distant future and that you are definitely part of this world.  It is definitely a modern tale.

~LB Sedlacek is the author of “The Blue Eyed Side,” “Night Swim,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” “Ghost Policy,” “Words and Bones,” “Swim,” “Four Thieves of Vinegar & Other Short Stories,” and “The Jackalope Committee & Other Short Stories.”