A group of post-grads add an operating system to an illegal drug, Nexus 3, creating Nexus 5 which enables users to share thoughts, control each others bodies and share experiences. Government agencies are out to ruthless surpress the drug; stopping people becoming more than human. The main character gets arrested with his friends and is 'turned' by the agency to be bait for bigger fish. It doesn't work out the way the agency hopes!
Though it is fair guess which way the author goes on the idea of whether people should have the opportunity to become 'more than human' or sharing experiences, the book is not clear cut. There is an great ongoing discussion of several issues
- Is it right to stop the use of these drugs?
- What happens to normal people if some people become enhanced?
- What would happen if a small group has the enhancement and others don't? would it be better if no one had it?
- How would it be abused?
- Is it right to stop everyone having the opportunity to be enhanced because some may abuse it?
- How much responsibility to the developers of the enhancement have for the abuse?
- Is it ok for government agencies to use these enhancement on their own agents, to prevent others gain the abilities? In effect turning some of the agents into the 'monsters' they are trying to prevent!
I found this a fast paced, intelligent book and not least a great read. Please post with any comments if you have read this book.
