Market Forces by Richard K. Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A rather surprising read.

I mean, if you know Richard K. Morgan of Altered Carbon fame, you should know that this book is NOT of that vein. The SF aspects are limited to some tech and a worldbuilding premise that isn't far off from what we have now.

However, when I read this from within its own premise and get into the characterizations fully, I'm really quite surprised at how good a thriller this is.

Market Forces refers to the Capitalism of Force. Think Blackwater and all these third-party militarizations, amp it up so only the best talent gets hired within these corporations, and you've got protection, assassination, government propping and toppling, and everything in between -- for the highest bidder. And of course, it's all above-board. Indeed, it's fully supported by the media, with bookies and fans and talk shows interviewing the very best of the bloodied.

Truly, we're only a step away from this kind of thing. Step out of the shadows for just a moment and this would be our world. Market Forces can make anything profitable.

I really enjoyed this novel. It's a great action movie in my mind, with LOTS of great road rage moments -- all sponsored and televised, of course. And the story itself -- the slow and utter corruption and decline of our main character -- comes with some mightily fun side-benefits.


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