Mindf*ck - Christoper Wylie

 

IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE THIS YEAR, YOU NEED TO READ THIS.

It throws light over Cambridge Analytica, and the lengths that it would go to one to show just what they could do, and what they were prepared to do for their clients.

The shape of things to come, were shown with data provided by small Caribbean Islands and smaller African Nations. This data, was twisted and manipulated, to coerce people into doing things that they wouldn't normally do. Whether, this be in-sighting violence or manipulating the way in which they voted.

Understandably, this was very attractive, to people and organisations with a certain leaning. The upper echelons of politics were drawn in with implications for the vote leave Brexit campaign, and the 2016 Donald Trump presidential campaign using Cambridge Analytica at various points.

It is written and whistle blown by the former director of research for Cambridge Analytica, Christopher Wylie. Just for the sheer insight, this book really is a must read.

Rated: 5/5

Status: Completed

The Cult of Eden - Bill Halpin

OK, where to start, for those who said the beginning, congrats you've won nothing.

This is a tale of two halves. New York and the Amazon rain forest. Not exactly two places that you would put together I know. But, please bear with me.

There is a certain fixation with what could be represented from A. Burgess's A Clockwork Orange. This truly does give definition as to what 'Ultraviolence' could be.

Is it required: No

Is it graphic: Exceedingly

Mindless: Yes

Does it over step the mark: Probably, on more than a few occasions.

Should it be in print: Hell Yes

A families struggle for survival, in New York city. They have been taken to task by a (oc)cult, for want of a ritual. What follows is a blur of silenced weapons, hammers, fires and a rather handy extending double ended spear. 

In essence it is a fight between good verses evil, with a big twist of Catholicism verses the Satanic.

What about the Amazon?

Well it pops up in several sections. The catholic church on a "mission" to convert the beliefs of an  Amazonian tribe, to that of The Almighty, and his son Jesus Christ. And enter the.......

What next? 

Personally I am sat on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next installment. Hopefully, it won't be to long on the old word processor.

Rating: 4.7/5

Status: Completed

#NetGalley #TheCultofEden

The Institute - Stephen King

What if. Just what if?

Telepathy, Telekinesis. Mere parlor games for most. Moving objects with nothing more than the power of your mind. Knowing what others are thinking. Advantageous?

This is a real roller coaster of a ride, from start to finish. Not, one of your nice new smooth ones. But one of those old rickety ones, that jars your spine for its entirety.

Mr King seems to have found a softer side, no more out and out horror. Does it remove the quality, no. Not at all. It seems that whatever he turns his magic pen to, is going to be a massive success.

Rating: 5/5

Status: Completed.

 

 

The Other Wife - Claire McGowan

This is a real slow burner, that for the first 2/3rds seems to be really skittish leaping from one thing to another without really getting anywhere. It jumps between the two main protagonists, who know of, but don't know each other. Embezzlement, fraud and control being their controlling factors.

From the city, to rural snow covered (for the most part), Kent. Music rooms, to bleak cottages.

There are twists and turns a plenty, which are drawn together very well towards the end of the book.

Well worth a read, if you have some spare time.

#TheOtherWife #NetGalley

Rating: 3.8/5

Status: Completed

Release Date: 24th October 2019