Title: J-707
Author: Terry Rowe
Publisher: Go to Publish
ISBN: 978-1-64749-804-7
Pages: 88
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Jason Lulos
Hollywood Book Reviews
Computers are clearly interwoven into our daily lives; and that technological entanglement is still increasing. There are pros and cons to this relationship. What future might those cons suggest? Among literary genres, it is most often in science fiction that readers find dystopic visions and warnings about future scenarios regarding the trajectory of humanity’s relationship with technology. J-707 is one such poignant, cautionary tale that fits right in with this lineage of science fiction and would be a great introduction for YA audiences interested in dystopia.
In some distant future, 12-year-old J-707 lives in Matrix City, a self-contained city under a dome where all aspects of life are controlled by a central computer: Ultra-Max. This society arose out of catastrophic and world-wide nuclear destruction. To prevent a repeat occurrence of another devastating war, people phased out individuality and emotion in favor of logic. Under Ultra-Max’s control, the people are simply considered extensions of the computer itself. Hence, J-707 is a “boy-tron.” Every being is a “tron” of some sort, even lions are “leo-trons.” This nomenclature underscores the drastic evolution of humanity’s conception of itself as inherently linked to computation. In J-707’s world, things like music, art, and poetry have been deemed unnecessary. Notions like choice and love are not even considered.
J-707 is comfortable in this life. But then a rebel, T-231, gives him the gift of enlightenment. J-707’s eyes are dramatically opened as he learns about ancient societies that had families, love, and individual freedom. In the end, he will have to decide between his old life where everything is decided for him or a new existence as a rebel, a life filled with emotion, individuality, and freedom of choice.
J-707 is an entertaining and thought-provoking story. And at the length of a novella, it is a quick, fun read. Thematically, there are obvious nods to writers like Orwell and Rand. And J-707 has a bit of the flavor of The Twilight Zone, Bradbury, and The Outer Limits. While the story does seem tailored to a younger, perhaps YA, audience, the themes and dystopic lessons would appeal to adults as well. Definitely a worthy addition to any science fiction fan’s bookshelf.