(Near-Future SF) Otto and Trevor host a party where some friends demonstrate the latest in polymer toys. Otto meets Avram, who won’t be good for their relationship. But it’s the toys he should be worried about. (6,313 words; Time: 21m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"The Future of Hunger in the Age of Programmable Matter," by Sam J. Miller [bio] (edited by Jonathan Strahan), published on October 18, 2017 by Tor.com.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: I liked that the nanotech only worked with materials that were specifically designed for it; no “grey goo.”
The way everyone takes this fantastic new technology in stride is amusing until it’s horrifying.
I think the plot is supposed to be about Otto freeing himself from his unhealthy relationship with Trevor.
Con: Perhaps, but we get no clue that Otto obsessed over Trevor’s treatment of him up until Aarav tells him what really happened with him and Trevor that night. And why should having sex with Aarav free Otto from anything?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 10/18/17)
Sam J. Miller Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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The way everyone takes this fantastic new technology in stride is amusing until it’s horrifying.
I think the plot is supposed to be about Otto freeing himself from his unhealthy relationship with Trevor.
Con: Perhaps, but we get no clue that Otto obsessed over Trevor’s treatment of him up until Aarav tells him what really happened with him and Trevor that night. And why should having sex with Aarav free Otto from anything?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 10/18/17)
Sam J. Miller Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
The speculative element was interesting, but ended up just being background to the relationship drama. And I was pretty annoyed at the behavior of all three of them.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the speculative element could easily be purged from this one with no real change in the story.
Delete