Review of Square Forces

[João Ramos]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Square Forces" by Frederic Lahey.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Square Forces by Frederic Lahey is categorized here as other fiction. However, I would describe it as a darkly comedic, dystopian tale set in a fractured world governed by Corporate Councils. Amid the chaos of collapsing infrastructure—epitomized by a fallen Tesla Tower— unexpected events occur. Protagonists Laurie Fletcher, a mood programmer, and Mitchell Tate, a rebellious gardener, navigate a surreal landscape of absurd inventions, energy-hungry moles, and grotesque societal decay. Their alliance pits them against opportunistic forces in a satirical clash of idealism and exploitation. The book blends quixotic whimsy with sharp, cynical wit, dissecting humanity’s penchant for distraction and power struggles.

Even though it is a work of fiction that supposedly takes place in a reality far from ours, the book presents a sharp social critique. In a world where everything seems to be decided by economic issues and ways to maximize profit (without the slightest consideration for humanitarian issues), this book makes us question our reality and whether we are not heading in that direction. That was what I liked most about this work.

Among the negative points that can be mentioned, I found it challenging to understand all the details of this dystopian future in the first third of the book. There are many details that are distant from us, which makes the reader have to stop and reread several parts of the book. An initial figure, but it was clear that the author preferred to focus on humor and dynamic social criticism.

Square Forces is an easy-to-read, intelligent, and entertaining book that not only entertains but also provides sharp-witted social criticism. I found a few minor issues that could be improved, but nothing that prevented me from enjoying the book and considering it a valuable work. I found only two minor grammatical errors related to missing punctuation, which means the book's editing is excellent. All in all, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to fiction lovers who enjoy dystopian futuristic scenarios. The potential reader will have fun while absorbing a striking social critique. However, the book contains an excessive amount of profane words and should not be read by minors. Regarding sexual content, the reader won't find anything special other than descriptions of kisses and scenes with sexual tension, but nothing that resembles a description of explicit sex.

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Square Forces
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[Cordelia Richards]

I agree heartily with 5 out of 5 stars!!
I found Square Forces to be a hysterical, searing and brilliantly written portrait of a society well past any brink of collapse, but rather deeply ensconced in the filth of one. A fireball ride of a read that is as thrilling as it is disturbing, through a merry hell escape dystopia that is far too close to home. I could not put it down, and screamed my way through it. Thoroughly enjoyable, you will laugh until you weep, and weep because we are already here.

[Mark Lazarus]

The mix of dark comedy and dystopian themes sounds intriguing, especially with the sharp social critique woven in. Stories that exaggerate current societal flaws to highlight uncomfortable truths can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. I’d be interested in seeing how the absurd inventions and quirky characters bring the satire to life.