Human.4 by Mike A. Lancaster

Pages: 231

Intended Audience: Teens and Mature Tweens

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes for parents: Some mature scenes

The Back Cover

Kyle Straker volunteers to be hypnotized at the Millgrove talent show, expecting the same dull amateur acts as always. But when he wakes up, his world will never be the same. Televisions and computers no longer work, but a strange language streams across their screens. Phone lines are reduced to a few ominous clicks. People pass Kyle as if he isn’t even there.

Is this nightmare a result of the hypnosis? Will Kyle wake up with a snap of the fingers to roars of laughter? Or is this something much more sinister?

On a set of cassette tapes found at an unspecified point in the future, Kyle tells the story of a world where technology has been pushed too far. And it’s absolutely terrifying.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in a series.

What’s good?

This is a well-written, very original story with adventure, mystery and even elements of horror. Although the start was a bit slow, once things picked up, the action was first-rate and the pace was quick and steady. The characters are realistically drawn, flaws and all, making them easy to like and easy to root for. I was quickly drawn into their desperate search for answers. The footnotes from the future are amusing and add to the mystery, while the appearance of the vestigivore creates some well-written tense moments.

Best part: Mr. Peterson’s story about his son.

What’s not so good?

As I mentioned, the beginning feels drawn out since we already know what’s going to happen when he’s hypnotized. There are lots of computer terms that may lose some of the less tech savvy readers as well as a few British terms that may throw some off, but I think in the end, the effects of both are minimal.

Worst part: Kyle’s preoccupation with Lilly’s beauty at the beginning. Focus, Kyle!!

Recommendations þþþþo

This is a difficult book to review because saying too much can spoil the story, but I will say that it’s a sophisticated story about individualism and progress. The book’s small page count and short chapters make this a quick and easy read and the story unfolds into a very entertaining and thought-provoking adventure. Recommended.

Lancaster, Mike A. Human.4. New York: Egmont, 2011.