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Reviewed by Wandile Sindiswa for Readers' Favorite
Lifecast by Marc Opsal is set in a city with no laws and no government; control is maintained through advertising which is the driving force of many of the decisions made. This control is supported by the Idol, a young woman who is the standard of perfection throughout the city. The Idol, through her perfection, suggests to the citizens which products they should buy and consume. Initially, the city mourns the fallen Idol Vox who committed suicide by jumping to her death. The city is separated into the highlands and lowlands, with clear inequality between the two. The story centers around Bear, a valet who works for the noble Telladyne family. Although a lowlander by birth, Bear falls in love with the noble Aleks Yukita and they must navigate the Idol selection, technological mind control, and their differing social classes to maintain their relationship.
If you are a fan of technological dystopia, you will love Lifecast by Marc Opsal, which explores the inequality that exists, the pseudo-government, the disregard for the lives of the poor, and the presence of a revolutionary group. However, what sets this story apart from other dystopian books is the presence and reliance on technology. This is a wonderful tale that allows readers to compare the conditions created within the plot to the real world we see today. It provides an interesting commentary on how humans have come to rely on technology and place so much importance on consumption. I especially loved the twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend Lifecast to all dystopian lovers.
