The Adventures of Redman Red - Nick Hall - Bog

In the "Adventures of Redman Red" we have a glimpse into a strangely familiar world - Planet Earth a few years from now. Fuel is worth more than gold, the sea levels have risen dramatically, and most of the remaining human population live fearful, conformist lives in isolated, self-sufficient city-states, run by sophisticated, but increasingly paranoid, artificial intelligences. Outside, the marginalised and cast-out have reverted to a happier, tribal existence; as the neglected countryside has reverted to lush wilderness. The one-legged ex-biker Red, and the colourful but believable characters that he meets on his travels: Monk, Rabbit, Dion, Blank Frank, Doc Doom, the Avatar and the Surfys, act out universal stories of betrayal and redemption, love and death, karma and change, against the backdrop of this dreamscape. This is a novel built for speed rather than comfort: the fast-paced action and dialogue keeps the motor running, and there are laughs and a few tears; but ultimately (and playfully) it brings us back to ourselves, face to face with the mystery.