Hologram by Walker Larson
Knowing what’s real is a matter of life and death.
In a future North America, no one can see through the holograms used by militaries and governments for deception, destruction, and control. No one, that is, except 18-year-old Aaron.
With only this unique gift of sight and a dogged determination to rescue his family, Aaron is adrift in a barren world after the Voturan Vanguards obliterated his village in fire and smoke and took his loved ones captive.
But Aaron’s ability makes him valuable to the Voturans, especially the ambitious General Druxa. Druxa hunts Aaron down and enlists him as an officer in his army, submerging him in the luxurious world of the Voturan upper classes and demanding that he help Druxa see through the holographic deceptions of Votura’s enemies.
Amidst the glittering illusions that fill the capital, Aaron lives a double life. He’s consoled only by his growing friendship with Druxa’s daughter, Antonia, and the slaves assigned to him. To stay alive, he conceals his anger and desire for vengeance, feigning loyalty to Votura and aiding them in their endless wars—even against his own nation.
His success brings him ever greater power and influence among the Voturans, while in secret he searches for his lost family so he can rescue them from a fate worse than death. But power corrupts, and if Aaron can’t control his flaming anger and burning desire for revenge, the people he loves most will pay the price…
Beautiful and deadly illusions flicker through the skies, insurgents plot under a fiery moon, and the drums of the Temple are beating for the Offering. Will Aaron save his loved ones and himself…and will it cost him his humanity? Get your copy of this dystopian young adult adventure today to find out.
Hologram Review
I was compensated with a small amount for my time and effort in reading the book and writing this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the publisher in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.
Hologram by Walker Larson transports readers to a future North America where reality is shrouded in holographic illusions wielded by militaristic forces for control and destruction. At the center of this dystopian tale is 18-year-old Aaron Castillian, gifted with the rare ability to discern truth from deception in a world blinded by holograms.
When the Voturan Vanguards ravage his village, leaving destruction in their wake and his family captive, Aaron’s quest for redemption and rescue begins. Captured by the Voturans, his unique talent becomes both his curse and his salvation as he is coerced into service by General Druxa, thrust into the opulent yet treacherous world of the Voturan elite.
Aaron leads a double life, navigating the glitzy delusions of privilege and power while hiding his deep-seated thirst for vengeance beneath a front of loyalty. He is on the verge of giving in to the seductive attraction of power as his influence among Votura’s members grows.
Aaron is a guy driven by love and a desire for justice. As he struggles with the moral ambiguities of his newfound status, themes of humanity vs power emerge throughout his journey. Aaron must make decisions that will determine the future of the world and his loved ones amid whirling delusions and dark schemes.
Hologram delves into the limits of selflessness, the allure of authority, and the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of oppression. The battle Aaron faces to find the truth in a society where deceit lies behind every holographic veneer and truth is a scarce commodity will engage readers.
As someone who loathes slow starts in books, because they can be a struggle to get into, I absolutely adore how Hologram dives straight into the action. There’s no beating around the bush here; we’re immediately thrust into the plot and introduced to the world’s setup, crisis, and objectives. Aaron, our protagonist, is swiftly established as a resilient individual, recognized for his capabilities, and tasked with navigating his role in the war while desperately trying to save both himself and his loved ones.
The visualizations in this book are absolutely stellar. Not only did they transport me right into the heart of the world, but they also added layers of suspense and depth to the story. Larson’s attention to detail is commendable, seamlessly weaving intricate descriptions that enhance the overall worldbuilding and narrative tension.
However, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more exploration of Aaron’s relationship with his family. I get it, they’re in the midst of a brutal war and Aaron is struggling to survive himself in his own right, but given that Aaron’s desire to save them is a driving force behind his actions, delving deeper into their bond would have added emotional weight to the story. A few more well-placed flashbacks sprinkled throughout the book could have provided the necessary insight into Aaron’s motivations and struggles, enriching the reader’s understanding of his character.
Overall, the quality of Hologram‘s story is superb. The worldbuilding is captivating, offering a rich tapestry of details that draw readers deeper into the narrative. There are no glaring issues or plot holes to detract from the experience, allowing the story to unfold seamlessly. And Aaron, our protagonist, is a realistic and capable character who is an absolute joy to follow. His journey is compelling, and his actions feel genuine, making it easy for readers to become fully invested in his story. I really enjoyed my time with it!
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