Proxy (Proxy, #1)

by Alex London

[kimbacaffeinate]

Alex London presents us with a futuristic world where everything is digital. Proxy, his debut novel is the first book in a promising new series. I found both the characters and world-building to be captivating as I read this action-packed tale. Three world review: thriller, captivating, page-turner.

The tale is presented to us from two points of view. First we have Knox, a Patron and son to one of the wealthiest men in the city. Next we meet Syd an orphan who lives in the valve. The world is completely digital and everyone is linked to the data but their worlds are completely different. Every Patron is matched to a Proxy. In order to settle his debts for housing, school, food, and medical attention the government made Syd a Proxy. Since he was a small boy he has received a punishment for Knox's mistakes. The two have never met, but Knox has had to witness Syd taking his punishment. When Knox crashes his car and kills his friend Syd is branded and sentence to a life that will surely mean death. When Syd escapes the only person who might be able to help him escape is his Patron and the tale that unfolds is fast-paced, action packed and suspenseful.

The characters in London’s tale are fascinating and complex. Each carries their own emotional burden. Syd is smart, level headed and determined to be free of debt. He works on gadgets fixing and repairing them off the grid. He is comfortable with his homosexuality even when others become aware of it and I loved the way the author portrayed him. Knox is your typical spoiled rich kid, who cares more about his next hook up then the consequences of the world around him. As we peel back his layers we see anger, loss and growth. Marie is another Patron and doesn’t like the social system. She is strong and ready to fight for the causes she believes in. While at times I wanted to see a little more depth from the characters and glimpse more into their psyche I ended up liking them. Knox is driven by his hatred of his father, Syd by fear and Marie by the cause. There is no romance although we do get to laugh at a few kisses. The banter and tension between the characters was hilarious one moment and sad the next but it helped us gain insight.

London spun science-fiction twists into this dystopian world making it a fast paced and compelling read. I thought the world building was well done, especially the picture he painted of the valve and Upper city. As they traveled away from the city the tale almost had a western feel to it. The gadgets, technology and science fiction aspects were fascinating from the Guardians (guards, government police) to what makes Syd special. The tale at times was dark and intense as we faced both death and spine-tingling chases. The points of view goes back and forth between Syd and Knox and I thought it was well done. The interaction between Knox and Syd are my favorite as we witness growth, trust and reflection. The author effortlessly weaves a few social issues into the tale and allows us to both see the absurdity in them and the consequences. My only real complaint was that I wanted more depth both in the characters and the world but of course I am greedy! The ending was climatic and I am anxious to see what book two has in store for us.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer