Summary from book: In the year 2102, mankind has discovered the secret of eternal life. Human souls can be moved from one body to another through the process known as transference. Control of this new technology has fallen under the dominion of Jovian–a powerful prophet and head of the Church which governs every aspect of existence.
The BookViral Review: Genre – Science Fiction
An exciting, intellectually stimulating science-fiction thriller which also connects emotionally Transference intertwines powerful ideas, highly visual settings and a brilliantly conceived plot. Too many books in the genre simply seek to overwhelm with increasingly farfetched technology and outlandish characters, but here Keaton not only serves up high octane entertainment, he brings a philosophical depth that encourages readers to reflect on the essence of our humanity.
On this level, he demonstrates a prodigious talent for juggling big ideas without sacrificing pace or lightness of touch. All brought to the fore with an acerbic pen, visually powerful prose and vivid characterization. Perhaps more importantly though he excels at interweaving the narratives of multiple viewpoint characters without once relaxing narrative impetus, losing sight of the human element of his story or resorting to sentimentality.
Yes, Thaniel Kilraven’s backstory tugs at the heartstrings. A wronged man pitted against an implacable new world order where no one needs to die. Where films, music, graphic books and novels are contraband and the Prophets censorship is ruthlessly applied. But Transference is much more than Kilraven’s story. Corvus, Iyov, Elisabeth and Trash. Through narrative verve, snappy dialogue and breakneck scene shifting we come to know them, albeit briefly, and in doing so we find a salutary question in Keaton’s prose. Do we really want to live forever and if so at what cost?
A superb read and undeniably worthy of the praise it’s received Transference is recommended without reservation and a must read for discerning fans of the Science Fiction genre.
