Cover Image: The Algorithm

The Algorithm

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

"The Algorithm" by William Knight takes readers on a thrilling journey into the complexities of technology, destiny, and the consequences of knowing one's future. At the height of his law career, Christian Jarvik is confronted with a fortune-telling app that claims to commune with spirits, and as its prophecies begin to align with his life, he descends into a gripping and paranoid obsession.

Knight skillfully crafts a narrative that blends elements of suspense, technology, and psychological intrigue. The premise of a high-powered lawyer grappling with a fortune-telling app adds a unique and contemporary twist to the thriller genre. The exploration of the impact of technology on destiny and the blurred line between perception and reality is thought-provoking and adds depth to the story.

The character of Christian Jarvik is well-developed, and readers will find themselves engrossed in his unraveling as he grapples with the eerie accuracy of the app's predictions. The internal conflict and paranoia he experiences are portrayed with authenticity, making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

The pacing of the novel is well-maintained, with the suspense building steadily as Jarvik attempts to regain control of his future. The plot is intricately woven, and Knight keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The exploration of the dark secrets and the potential consequences of knowing one's future adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The theme of paranoia and the blurred lines between reality and perception is a strong aspect of the novel. Knight delves into the psychological impact of foreknowledge, and the tension escalates as Jarvik attempts to uncover the truth behind his persecution.

While the novel is a gripping and well-crafted thriller, some readers may find certain plot developments slightly predictable. Additionally, the resolution of the story, while satisfying, could have benefited from further exploration and depth in certain areas.

In conclusion, "The Algorithm: Knowing Your Future May Cost Your Life" is a four-star thriller that seamlessly combines technology, suspense, and psychological intrigue. William Knight delivers a captivating narrative that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. Fans of suspenseful and thought-provoking thrillers with a technological edge will find this novel a compelling and immersive read.

Was this review helpful?

I was drawn to this book by the cover and I loved the idea behind the story that an app would be able to accurately predict your future.
It scarily demonstrated how much information there could be about us all online and how much social media knows about us (constantly collecting information in the background!) Despite the main storyline there was not much tech details involved so I found it quite an easy read (as I am not a big SciFi fan)
It took me a little while to get into this book but I loved the second half which really picked up the pace.
I liked the two main characters and really felt sorry for Rachel as Christian became more emersed in his work and totally obsessed by the app. I really wanted him to turn his phone off and stop reading the predictions!
I enjoyed the back stories involving the main characters but I would have liked more details about Lillith as she was such an interesting part of the book and I would have liked to see her character develop.
I wasn't expecting the ending to this at all and thought it was a clever twist.
Overall an enjoyable and different type of thriller. This would be perfect for black mirror fans.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. Character development was good. The plot was very interesting. Not a lot of typos.

Was this review helpful?

I liked how this book brought the psychic and the cyber together to form the basis of a really great thriller. With a strong lead character, the pace really picks up as the book progresses. Definitely an author to watch as I am sure there are more great characters and compelling plots to come.

Was this review helpful?

Christian is reunited with an old friend and is encouraged to download an app - The Algorithm. This app seems to be able to predict what happens to Christian, his work and his family. But to what extent do the predictions go and what will happen when he attempts to regain control of his life?
----------
This book is slow to start but the ending is worth the build-up and is, in general, an enjoyable read. The characters are well described throughout and relatively easy to connect with - the majority of the story is spent with Christian though, so some of the characters feel 'unfamiliar'. This book has the potential to be adapted into an excellent film!

Was this review helpful?