The Price of Freedom
A fast-paced conclusion to a science fiction trilogy, The Price of Freedom follows a group’s inspired fight against a tyrannical foe.
Michael C. Bland’s harrowing science fiction novel The Price of Freedom is about rebellion against tyranny.
In the near future, the United States has been ravaged by disease and corruption. Thrust into chaos by declining air quality, truth-masking mind-control trickery by way of ill-intended eye implants, and cyber-enhanced soldiers, the government gave way to the tyrannical Agency, which is commanded by Zion. Technology wizard turned rebel fighter Dray, the Agency’s greatest enemy, is imprisoned; Zion is his former friend and business partner.
When Dray learns that his daughters are also being held captive and are at lethal risk, it prompts him to join a fledgling crew of survivors to fight against the Agency. Many have tried and failed to bring the Agency down, though, leading to losses, scars, and emotional trauma. People worry that further failures would make future civilian stands against the Agency seem impossible.
Packed with high-stakes action and anchored by a strong trio in Dray and his daughters (battle-hardened Raven and Talia, an innocent hacker extraordinaire whose health is in decline following previous skirmishes), the book spans several battles and sports a wide, intriguing cast. Zion and the Agency attempt to thwart Dray’s group’s efforts; their resources are endless, and their fighters, who are told that they are working on behalf of the greater good, are vicious. Anyone who defies them is dispatched without mercy, be it by conventional means or through the use of laser-dispensing death drones and fierce robot dogs.
To reflect the extent of Zion’s control, there are details about the skittishness of the population. Most hesitate to join Dray’s group in their fight for freedom, lest their loved ones be targeted. The ubiquitous eye implants cover up the structural and atmospheric damage around people, locking them in nonreality; the economy is weak and the population reduced. The supporting cast adds another layer as they divide duties and gather intelligence, pooling resources from technology, street smarts, and combat experience to stay as far ahead of the Agency as they can.
This trilogy-concluding title makes room for contextual backstory without breaking its fast pace. Indeed, one gripping sequence leads into the next, encompassing fights with agents and group efforts against military complexes. Engaging technology bolsters the battles too. Scenes of camaraderie and daily events flesh out the world beyond the conflict somewhat, though these factors are also blanketed in dread: All are aware that one false move might bring the Agency’s attention. As tensions heighten, Dray launches an assault against Zion, leading into an inspiring conclusion.
The Price of Freedom is a thrilling science fiction novel in which a technology-savvy rebel fights to protect personal agency.
Reviewed by
Brandon Pawlicki
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
