Speculative fiction at its finest, The Algo envisions a world where optimisation is everything. The algorithm calculates the perfect ambience, routes, posture, everything. All people have to do is obey and after all, why wouldn’t you? Decision fatigue is a real thing. Citizens are measured by their optimisation scores and the higher the score, the more resources people receive. A perfectly uncomfortable, dystopian aesthetic that’s all the more unnerving by how realistic it feels in the current environment.
The story revolves around Jordan Reese, top 95% efficiency, with a legacy to protect. Her mother helped write the code which made this world possible. However, is there more to the company line? Anomalies start to make Jordan ask inconvenient questions, pushing her into dangerous territory. Thomas asked questions and his desk was cleared. Ultimately, this all leads to an underground movement which values human qualities over that of the machine.
The worldbuilding is exceptional and immersive. The descriptions of how people walk, their fine motor movements, expressions and subconscious habits build a picture of a subservient society under pressure. There’s an uneasy sense of surveillance built in to everything – clothing, buildings, instant messages. It feels like a modern 1984 where Arlow has taken Orwell’s idea and given it a modern twist.
It’s quite a substantive read at over 300 pages. However, the story doesn’t drag. From the first chapter, I felt engaged and curious. I wouldn’t go so far as to describe it as unputdownable. The pace is comfortably swift but not racing.
My biggest complaint is the lack of action about a certain traitor which feels out of character. She’s fairly certain, constantly logging information about deceit, and her growth arc is about being more human, less needing solid data for confirmation. Despite this, she doesn’t mention her suspicions even to her most trusted friends and allows the traitor to learn key information. Why would she allow people to die, knowing that she has the trust, confidence and knowledge to save them?
The story ends at an appropriate point. It’s not ideal. Many questions are still unanswered which I usually flag as a cheap trick to sell more books. However, considering the substantial word count, I think the end placement is sensible. Book two is planned, so I hope to read more of Jordan’s adventures soon.
As a debut novel, this is a phenomenal achievement and I’m sure future books will be no different.
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| Artistic Achievement | 1-5 | 5 |
| Pacing | 1-5 | 4 |
| Characters | 1-5 | 4 |
| Writing Style | 1-5 | 5 |
| Originality | 1-5 | 4 |
Finale Grade
A
Written By: ivetafox
Favourite Game – Long Live the Queen || Favourite Film – Sweeney Todd || Favourite Book – Wuthering Heights
About: Ivy is a disabled, autistic writer from the UK, passionate about inclusive gaming. When not reviewing, she can be found writing short stories and micro fiction or reading the latest gothic novel.
Donate: https://ko-fi.com/storiesbyivy
Discover more from Pending Plays
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
