Heartstream

I have started this book without even reading the premise. All I've heard about it was the underlying idea of streaming emotions. So in the second chapter, when we first enter Cat's POV, I was notably confused. Two POVs that are, probably, the most enigmatic and eventually satisfying part of the book for some were the biggest flaw for me. Even after I've understood the structure of the book, I couldn't change the fact that Cat's chapters, for the most part, felt like they are breaking the pacing of Amy's thrilling chapters.

From the very first chapter, the stakes for Amy are extremely high, and the events often make my blood run cold. The emotional connection I, as a reader, reach with Amy is probably the greatest achievement of this book. The book always kept me at the edge of my seat as if it is my fate that depends on her actions.

Cat's story, as already mentioned, didn't do the same for me. In the beginning, it does not feel true-to-life, even though it's not burdened with the sci-fi Heartstrem Inc. storyline. Though I appreciate how Mr Polloc investigates the darker side of fandoms, Rick society feel almost like Disney villains at times. Of course, I've seen real fandoms do scary things but the most extreme actions are always carried by the absolute minority. And it doesn't make sense to me why Cat would want to be a part of that group in the first place, when there surely were more wholesome parts of that fandom. Cat's relationship with Ryan feels superficial, partly because we don't know pretty much anything about Cat beside her being a fan of his, and partly because Ryan is shallow. Because of this, even after Cat's story gains momentum, it doesn't stop to feel flimsy to me.

I will refrain from spoiling anything, but little twists and turns of the book felt more satisfying than the actual ending. It felt like the tension the author has build-up didn't really resolve.

Despite all of that, the book certainly gives some food for thought about the way we treat each other now and how it will change with further development of technologies. We are now the closest and the most distant to other people than we have ever been. And it is our job to make sure we treat people around us with dignity and respect they deserve offline and online.

In the end, I would still encourage people to read this book especially if they are into futuristic technological sci-fi. It is not a long read and can be good to spark discussion in a book club or among friends.