Yay, girly cyberpunk! A gripping story in which our heroine, Jackal Segura, goes from being the manufactured hope of a corporate states to the depths of the prisons of the future. Solitaire is a nightclub where mass murderers are the stars and healing begins beyond the door in the wall. (June 12, 2004) ( )

I picked this book up on a whim at WisCon, as the concept for the novel was rather intriguing. The book had me hooked from the first few pages (something that has not happened often for me lately). I flew through the pages, trying to sneak glances in between tasks. Jackal is a wonderful multi-dimensional character, both strong and flawed. VC is brilliantly described, and the twists associated with it kept me reading. I will definitely be adding this one to my re-read list! ( )

Reads a bit like a William Gibson novel. A young member of the intellectual corprate elite is sent to prison and learns to deal with a whole new set of problems. I wish the main character had used more of her social-manipulation whiles, but the author blew her load early in regards to those and let it drop after. ( )

I picked up this book in a bargain bin because it looked interesting. Beginning to read it, I thought, "wow, stylistically, this book reminds me A LOT of Nicola Griffith" (an author I particularly like). Next time I picked it up, I noticed the dedication: "to Nicola, my sunshine." I looked it up and yep, Kelley Eskridge is Nicola Griffith's partner; they met at a Clarion workshop. Whether or not proximity has influence on style, this is an amazing book.
Ren Segura, a young woman who calls herself Jackal, has had a privileged life. Born at just the right second, in one of the world's largest corporations, she has been designated a 'Hope' - a celebrity, and an example of what is to be a brilliant new era for the world. It's a good life - but a lot to live up to - especially when her jealous mother reveals that her claim to fame is a sham - she wasn't really born at exactly that time. Under a lot of emotional stress, Jackal is then, unluckily, involved in a horrible accident, and comes under media suspicion of actually being a violent terrorist. Convinced by her corporation to plead guilty, her fall is complete - and she is pressured to sign up for a new sort of criminal punishment. Rather than spending 40 years in jail, she will serve out her sentence in an electronically induced state which makes her feel like she is spending time in solitary confinement - allowing her to go free only a short time later - but wiith unknown psychological consequences.
Great characters, interesting situations and a satisfying conclusion... I'm putting this down as one of the best of this year. ( )

An interesting book that deals with many aspects of being alone, socially, mentally and physically.
Not a page turner, but more of a portrait.
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