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Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
The Zone by Stu Jones is an action-packed, character-driven science fiction story. The book accurately labels itself a “cyberpunk thriller.” The Zone is “cyber” because it deals with hi-tech weaponry. It’s “punk” because it’s set in a gritty and violent future. And it’s a thriller because the story is fast and dangerous. The Zone in the title refers to a section of a futuristic city that has been walled off and designated as the stage for an elaborate reality TV show. It pits violent criminals against an elite group of men and women, called The Enforcers, armed with high-powered weapons, computers, and armor. The story follows Chance Griffin, an honest street cop chosen to become the newest enforcer. Chance accepts the challenge only because of the promised benefits to his wife and newborn son. Chance initially does well as an enforcer but soon becomes aware that nothing on the TV show is as he expected. He must trust his wits and the loyalty of a few friends to stay alive.
Wow, what a fun ride. The Zone by Stu Jones is one of those rare novels that perfectly balances the two story elements that must be present to be considered a great book: strong characters and an equally strong plot. Both elements are present in The Zone and leap off every page to the reader’s delight. The characters are all so well written that I found myself fully invested in them, cheering for the good guys and gals and booing the bad ones. The plot moves forward fast and furious, but never too fast to show the reader the human side of the story to keep it grounded in a futuristic kind of reality. The story could have easily followed a predictable path and become campy, but that’s never the case in The Zone. The story is unpredictable at every turn, always developing in ways that keep me on the edge of my seat, anxious to see what happens next. Last, I loved how the author allowed some of his heroes, especially Chance Griffin, to be motivated by a strong sense of right and wrong. Some might see that as being old-fashioned, but it made me care about his plight all the more. Well done, Stu Jones. I highly recommend The Zone and can’t wait to read volume #2.
