The Passengers

by John Marrs

[zooloo1983]

……That is the silence I have on the back of finishing this book. If this had been a film when the credits rolled the cinema would be silent. I mean just wow, this book has taken my breath away, I have already been telling so many people about it and that was before I had even finished it.

The premise of this book is f-ing terrifying set in the not so distant future, driverless cars. All sound amazing in theory but then like anything to do with technology the fear of being hacked and the lack of control we would have…..well yeah you guessed it!

The Passengers had such a Big Brother vibe and not just they are watching us vibe. I am talking about the reality show when the “passengers” are hijacked in their day to day life, people were taking to Twitter with their little hashtags voting who should die! I mean seriously, wow! I spent most of the book with my jaw dropped and the rest outraged. The secrets we were learning about the passengers, the social media frenzy, the lack of humanity in people. It is terrifying, and as I said just a little bit toooooo real.

I loved getting to know the characters and you had the character you routed for. Even with only half the information at first. I will admit I probably backed the wrong horse like everyone is meant but I also had a feeling something was a little bit off with one of the characters. Something was too simple, and yay me I was right.

This book has taken my breath away, this is my first read with Mr Marrs and what an introduction, I mean HOLY BLOODY MOLY! I was flying through these pages, reading so quickly due to the writing. I was hooked, I was angry and I was outraged and not going to lie I cried! I actually sat there thinking my god, what would it be like if this was all real and we were sitting there watching this unfold live on TV! It was just mental, but let us be honest the world is changing and I would not be surprised if the world of ‘The Running Man’ comes true soon, then ‘The Passengers’ will definitely be true!!

As much as I have just moaned about everyone on Social media voting etc that final twist well it was perfect and well played out, did leave a devilish smile on face – oops!

So as this is the second book review of the day, I have to say this is the second book that is going straight into my top books for the year for sure. The Passengers has touched a nerve, there was just much discussion about how much technology is part of our lives, through our phones, watches and in the books things like rings! Too much reliant on it and at any point, it can be hacked and your life as you know is done.

I absolutely loved this book and I found it so fascinating and harrowing and exciting all at the same time! My first foray with Mr Marrs is not going to be my last dance. I am completely hooked on his mastery with the written word and will be looking at his other books now!