followers by Megan Angelo is a debut novel of speculative fiction with two stories that merge at the end. Orla, in 2016 New York City, pursues social media fame and becomes a character in a reality show until “the Spill,” an event with parameters and consequences gradually revealed (and discovered) by the characters, particularly by Marlow, who embodies what 2051 America has become (including some advances in technology that are the speculative part of the story). Figuring out relationships between characters in the two time periods is part of the plot as well. That’s not much of a summary, but part of the fun of the book is the unfolding of the story. Great prose, great description of reality show and insta-celebrity mentality, and troubling questions about the power of digital existence and the potential it has to eliminate individual freedom. Here’s what Kirkus Reviews says:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/megan-angelo/followers/
