Review of The Requium Report
Posted: 23 Jan 2025, 09:23
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Requium Report" by Alison Demzon.]
Alison Demzon's "Requium Report" is a science fiction novel that addresses themes of identity, discrimination, and assumptions involved in technology. The plot revolves around Requium Scientific, a corporation developing portal technology, along with Dr. Collins, Dr. Perez, and investor James Geigoryan. A private investigator named Stephanie McIntyre, a transgender woman, gets embroiled in the company's shady dealings to reveal life's prejudices and all of the messy entanglements of self-identity.
Demzon's interweaving of LGBTQ+ characters in contrast with religious cults is admirable because it challenges readers to look into biases and nuances embedded in reverse discrimination. Characters such as Stephanie, Red, TezA, Matt, and Zero collectively provide different perspectives about acceptance and societal norms.
The author really knows how to tell a story. She combines science fiction elements with general social commentary. The tension, pacing, and suspense of the story hold the reader's interest quite well. There might be places where typographical errors or other word misplacements occur, albeit minor; however, they do bring attention momentarily on the path with the flow of reading.
On a personal note, "The Requium Report" made me think about interface technology versus humanity. The advanced research becomes, at the same time, a way to forge unity and broaden the distance in society. It's almost a reminder to be empathetic and tolerant in a world where technology has taken charge.
The kinds of readers I would recommend this book to are those interested in a science fiction blended with social issues. Though the editorial flaws are minor, the thought-provoking subjects and diverse character representation make it one good read.
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The Requium Report
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Alison Demzon's "Requium Report" is a science fiction novel that addresses themes of identity, discrimination, and assumptions involved in technology. The plot revolves around Requium Scientific, a corporation developing portal technology, along with Dr. Collins, Dr. Perez, and investor James Geigoryan. A private investigator named Stephanie McIntyre, a transgender woman, gets embroiled in the company's shady dealings to reveal life's prejudices and all of the messy entanglements of self-identity.
Demzon's interweaving of LGBTQ+ characters in contrast with religious cults is admirable because it challenges readers to look into biases and nuances embedded in reverse discrimination. Characters such as Stephanie, Red, TezA, Matt, and Zero collectively provide different perspectives about acceptance and societal norms.
The author really knows how to tell a story. She combines science fiction elements with general social commentary. The tension, pacing, and suspense of the story hold the reader's interest quite well. There might be places where typographical errors or other word misplacements occur, albeit minor; however, they do bring attention momentarily on the path with the flow of reading.
On a personal note, "The Requium Report" made me think about interface technology versus humanity. The advanced research becomes, at the same time, a way to forge unity and broaden the distance in society. It's almost a reminder to be empathetic and tolerant in a world where technology has taken charge.
The kinds of readers I would recommend this book to are those interested in a science fiction blended with social issues. Though the editorial flaws are minor, the thought-provoking subjects and diverse character representation make it one good read.
******
The Requium Report
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon