The Zone: A Cyberpunk Thriller (The Zone, #1) by Stu Jones

The Zone: A Cyberpunk Thriller (The Zone, #1) Reviews

• 
  Karen’s Library

  Stu Jones’ The Zone gave me the feels of Blade Runner v. Judge Dredd with a little bit of The Capital from The Hunger Games thrown in which I really enjoyed. The post-apocalyptic world that Jones has created is a dark and extremely violent place with the Conglomerate in charge keeping everyone focused on a reality show of The Zone, where gladiator type Enforcers are filmed doing trials to take down murderous gang members.
  
  The author’s background in law-enforcement was put to excellent use as the action scenes were incredible and realistic. Well, as realistic as possible when all kinds of future tech is involved.
  
  Chance Griffin is recruited as the newest Enforcer, called Justice, and it enables him to get his wife and baby out of the dregs and into luxury where his son can get the medical treatments he needs.
  
  The twists were crazy and perfect in this insane dystopian world. I can’t wait to see what Jones does next. Book 2 of this cyberpunk-thriller series can’t get here soon enough.
  
  *Thanks so much to TLC Book Tours and to the author for a gifted signed copy!*
• 
  Sherry Fundin

  I haven’t read a lot of cyberpunk, but I have read some of Stu Jones work and loved it. The Zone sounds like something different for me, maybe a little bit scifi, a little bit techno, and a little bit superhero? Either way, if Stu Jones wrote it, I’ll read it.
  
  I love the wonderful illustrations and quickly immersed myself in the wold of Neo Terminus. A world that had me, at times, thinking of The Hunger Games, for its gladiator sports, and The Walking Dead, for its have and have nots and what the haves will do to keep it and the have nots do to survive. Even though I knew some of what is to come, I still found myself sickened and disgusted, rallying behind those who want to change their world for the better.
  
  The cast of characters is phenomenal, and even those who passed quickly, I enjoyed my time with, even the baddies. Not much enjoyable about them, but they do supply their share of chills and thrills. After all, can there be good guys without bad guys? And, when I say guys, I mean both males and females.
  
  When I began The Zone by Stu Jones, I never thought of it being a series, but we have more to come for The Zone, and I hope to be there for it. It has all the things I love about a book: mystery, danger, darkness and light, evil villains, inspiring heroes and heroines, romance, the struggle for survival in an apocalyptic/dystopian world…with more to come.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Zone by Stu Jones.
  
  
  
• 
  Movies, Shows, & Books

  Note: This review contains NO spoilers
  
  What an intense read!!! The Zone is dark and intense. This definitely did give off Blade Runner, The Running Man, and Judge Dredd vibes. In an apocalyptic world after the collapse of civilization, author Stu Jones creates a captivating and ruthless dystopian world of survivors struggling in the remaining remnants of humanity and society. A page turning story revealing the worst and the best in human nature.
  
  Filled with action and emotion, The Zone dives deep into the underbelly of desperation and the complexity of these characters as they struggle to survive in an ominous world. By the end of the book, it was apparent that there is more to come in the lives of these characters. And... I am excited to see where the author takes these characters in their stories.
  
  I don't usually read these genres very often, but when I do read a good one, like The Zone, it is definitely worth the read... and a read that I could not put down.
  
  Reviewed by Jamine
  Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
• 
  Timea B

  A thought-provoking cyberpunk thriller, “The Zone” by Stu Jones, is an immersive tale that tingles all the senses. In an apocalyptic future, what remains of humanity insists on surviving while the elites reach for absolute domination. This futuristic dystopia may feel familiar to most readers, like an intense dream that lingers on into daybreak.
  
  After a post-nuclear global event, a few livable hubs like Neo Terminus remain where survivors struggle to build a life. However, the strictly regulated access to limited resources creates a fertile ground for criminality.
  
  The population seems enslaved by hi-tech visors that become an extension of their bodies. The constant stream of entertainment diverts their attention from the gloom and savagery around them. Visors leave many wearers oblivious to the rot but also the timid beauty that creeps along the infested streets.
  
  While humanity clings to the brink of total collapse, the NTPD struggles to maintain order. Officer Chance Griffin fights crime alongside his devoted partner while trying to secure enough funds to pay for the surgery his infant son desperately needs. Just as the fragile family life starts slipping away, new hope finds its way to Chance.
  
  Out of absolute desperation, Chance succumbs to the siren’s song and decides to join the biggest social experiment turned live entertainment, The Zone. This is the worst part of the old city, infested with dangerous criminals. Those convicted of severe crimes are sent to the walled-off sector and left to fend for themselves.
  
  Building on the Ancient Roman gladiator fights, this wasteland becomes monetized by streaming live battles for entertainment. Elite officers who undergo bio-technological enhancements are also thrown into The Zone with the sole mission of survival.
  
  Lured by the prospect of financial security and the possibility of treating his son, Chance sheds the only life he knew to equip the Enforcer uniform. As soon as the shock caused by the sudden transition to the new life wears off, Chance seems to soar to new heights. However, the elevation gives him a shocking perspective of secret plans unfolding over the general population.
  
  As a veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones leans on his knowledge and experience to create a realistic universe populated by flesh and bone characters. “The Zone” is a masterfully layered book that invites personal and societal introspection.
• 
  Stephanie

  In the near future, only several cities remain as outposts in the United States. Neo-Terminus is one of the surviving cities. The multitudes of poor sustain themselves on gel nutrition and have water and electricity rationed while the rich live in luxury with all their needs taken care of. Everyone is plugged to their visors, providing constant technology and entertainment. Chance Griffin is an officer in Neo Terminus trying his best to keep the city safe and provide for his family; however, Kess, leader of Neo Terminus, has other plans for Chance. Kess wants Chance to be an Enforcer in The Zone, a paid gladiator sent to rescue people from The Zone in televised matches. Chance isn't an Enforcer for long before he discovers a sinister plot set up by the Founders taking place in The Zone in order to keep all of the citizens of Neo Terminus enslaved.
  
  The Zone is a cyberpunk dystopian thriller. The first half of the book immerses the reader in the world of Neo Terminus including the grime and crime, the technology and the lack of resources as well as the people who now inhabit the area. Chance's character is also built up in the first half of the book along with his partner on the force, Benny, and his wife and child. Through Chance's work, we see his deep sense of justice and pain for how the world has evolved. At home, Chance struggles with not being able to provide for his disabled son and wife. I was amazed at the parallels in media control and technology overload in Neo Terminus and what we already see today. Once Chance is an Enforcer, the pacing and excitement of the story picks up quite a bit as he is thrown directly into the action and doesn't know who to trust among the new group of Enforcers or in The Zone. The deception of The Founders was masterfully done and effectively mirrors the dangers of control and media in our society.
  
  This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
• 
  Maria Leonova

  "The Zone" by Stu Jones is a thrilling sci-fi novel that explores the dark side of technology, entertainment, and corporate power. The book follows Chance Griffin, a cop who becomes an Enforcer, a nano-enhanced gladiator who fights for fame and fortune in a brutal spectacle controlled by The Conglomerate. Chance soon realizes that he is part of a sinister plot to enslave the masses and must fight for his freedom and his family.
  The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with vivid descriptions of the futuristic setting and the brutal combat scenes. The author creates a believable and immersive world of Neo Terminus, a dystopian super-city where technology is addictive and oppressive. The characters are well-developed and complex, with realistic motivations and emotions. Chance is a sympathetic protagonist who struggles to balance his duty, his ambition, and his love.
  The book also raises some interesting questions about the role of technology, media, and corporations in society. How far would people go for entertainment and money? How much control do we have over our own lives? What are the ethical implications of enhancing human abilities with nanotechnology? The book challenges the readers to think about these issues and their own values.
  "The Zone" is a gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, gladiator battles, and nano-tech, you will love this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi thrillers with a twist.
• 
  Laura Thomas

  The tagline is correct. The first thing that came to my mind was Judge Dredd. I really liked the 1995 release with Sylvester Stallone and loved the 2012 release with Karl Urban. Yum. And the plot had me thinking of Hunger Games. Gabriel Kess reminded me of Seneca Crane, organizing the players and the game play. And The Fifth Element with Bruce Willis helped me visualize the city of Neo Terminus.
  
  Of course, being an Enforcer and fighting in The Zone is filled with danger. Death is a threat at any given moment. Officer Chance Griffin has a personal reason for becoming an Enforcer for The Conglomerate. He has to live. His family needs him. This added to the suspense as I’d really come to care for the family.
  
  Being a sci-fi, action thriller, The Zone was everything I’d hoped for and more. Fleshed out characters that I loved, liked and loathed. Action from the get go. And danger, fighting, death and triumph. At 436 pages, I was surprised how quickly I finished the book and could happily have read more….. and more.
  
  I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
• 
  T.M. Smith

  I give this one 5 Stars, such a great read. My review won't be long as I don't want to rehash the blurb, and that really does tell you everything you need to know without giving spoilers.
  
  This book was definitely a page turner, the world building and character descriptives, fantastic. I truly felt like I was watching the story, if that makes sense. The book not only has elements to me that are reminiscent of Blade Runner and Judge Dredd, but there were also aspects of the story that brought to mind one of my favorite older horror movies, Split Second (also with the late, great Rutger Haur).
  
  This is not your ordinary novel and will definitely appeal to fans that enjoy the genres (apocalyptic, cyberpunk, dystopian, syfy, suspense, thriller) but those that enjoy graphic novels as well as the Author did a really good job of pulling the reader into the story mentally.
• 
  John Gorman

  A masterful Cyberpunk Thriller set in the gloomy neon haze of Neo Terminus, which is a futuristic, Post-Apocalyptic U.S. of A. This edgy thriller is a real page-turner. Right out of the gate, Stu Jones ratchets up the tension by having his Techno-cop, Chance Griffin, face off with an outlaw in a gun-blazing showdown. Our Anti-hero/Hero is a complicated soul. He’s driven to do the right thing but is often conflicted with conscience. He’s got issues with authority and he’s also a regular guy. With bills to pay, a baby with a spinal disorder, and a stolid wife who doesn’t take guff from him.
  
  The book is loaded with tension. The scenes are gritty and the pull-no-punches dialogue keeps the scenes moving along. Highly imaginative and thought-provoking. Reminded me of Blade Runner. You won’t want to put it down.
  
• 
  Suey_Library

  I haven’t read a lot of science fiction recently, nor have I read a lot of cyberpunk but this one really perked my interest!
  
  I quickly became immersed in the world; the world building was absolutely incredible to me. The dystopian aspect was very believable, easy to envision while reading. Call me crazy but felt very Mad Max which is one of my favorites but more evolved, really going into a more in depth reality of peak technology at the cost of humanity. Very thought provoking!
  
  Though there were some points where I felt some dragging, it was otherwise rather engaging. Sometimes wanted to throat punch some characters but that is more of a personal preference. Definitely enjoyed this one!
  
  Thank you to @tlcbooktours for gifting a copy!
• 
  William Bentrim

  The Zone by Stu Jones
  Dystopian or CyberPunk, your choice I guess. A future time when Atlanta and Vegas are the only known bastions of a seedy civilization left. The author shows traditional bread and circus society. Chance is a cop trying to keep control in a dysfunctional city. He and his wife Hanna have a special needs child that can’t be helped by technology and medicine available to them. This leads to a life-changing decision by Chance.
  
  There are Mad-Max-type street gangs, a ghetto, mysterious overlords, and a greedy villain. Add to the mix a cyber activist and semi-heroes for an action-packed, violence laden entertaining story.
  
  I enjoyed the book and look forward to the sequel.
  
• 
  Gareth

  Stu always brings the fire with action and his larger-than-life characters. You can tell this story is a labor of love, much like his Action of Purpose trilogy. The Zone exudes 80s cyberpunk, and for fans of Judge Dredd or the Running Man, it is a veritable feast of visual set pieces and janky tech. A must-read for those who like their futures dirty around the edges.
• 
  Alex Breck

  Loved this and couldn't pull myself away after starting to read it. Haven't read a sci-fi book for ages but I enjoy watching sci-fi movies, the two BladeRunner movies being amongst my favourites.
  This book transported me into that world in a believable way, the author totally nailed it.
  I was up half of the night!