#BlogTour The Minders by John Marrs

It's a pleasure to take part on the BlogTour The Minders by John Marrs.

About the Author
John Marrs is a former journalist from Northamptonshire, England, who spent 25 years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines.

He wrote for publications including The Guardian’s Guide and Guardian Online; OK! Magazine; Total Film; Empire; Q; GT; The Independent; Star; Reveal; Company; Daily Star and News of the World’s Sunday Magazine. He recently gave up his job to write novels full time.

Follow @johnmarrs1 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit johnmarrsauthor.com, Buy The Minders

About the book
In the 21st century, information is king. But computers can be hacked and files can be broken into – so a unique government initiative has been born. Five ordinary people have been selected to become Minders – the latest weapon in thwarting cyberterrorism. Transformed by a revolutionary medical procedure, the country's most classified information has been taken offline and turned into genetic code implanted inside their heads.

Together, the five know every secret – the truth behind every government lie, conspiracy theory and cover up. In return, they’re given the chance to leave their problems behind and a blank slate to start their lives anew.

But not everyone should be trusted, especially when they each have secrets of their own they’ll do anything to protect…

Review
I can't decide which of the theories thrown around in this read was the most intriguing. Clearly the author has thought a lot about how technology may be applied to humankind in the future and then delivered those scenarios in this fascinating read.

Whether it be the idea that we are all genetically compatible with one person, which is an interesting play on the idea of soulmates or the concepts the Collective come up with to keep information safe. It's not entirely far-fetched to imagine technology like this being invented to outwit the cybercrime and cyberterrorism we are now confronted with.

Imagine becoming the container for all national information. Becoming the walking talking archive for each document and file. Inside your mind. It also means becoming a potential target for everyone intent on getting all of that information.

For me this was a read that verged from speculative into dystopian and yet was firmly grounded in the here and now. I loved the entire concept.

The set up for each individual could have done with being a little shorter and less all over the place, especially after the beginning of the story. Saying that, I can understand the need to give a rounded view on each person, because who they are and the choices they will make may be visible in those first moments with them, which in turn gives the reader plenty of clues.

I wonder if we will see Flick again in another story. Either way Marrs gives readers their pound of flesh and plenty of food for thought. I really enjoyed the way the author wanders into these futuristic ideas that are absolutely viable given the right conditions.

Buy The Minders at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Ebury Digital; pub date 23 July 2020. Buy at Waterstones.