Set against the backdrop of a dystopian future, Jon McGoran’s upcoming novel, “The Price of Everything,” offers a thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, survival, and the complex web that intertwines technology and society. This cyberpunk thriller, scheduled for release next year, features a twisted narrative filled with high stakes and moral ambiguity. As readers may anticipate, the story revolves around Armand Pierce, a courier whose life is tethered to the dogma of delivery—a promise that holds deeply entrenched significance within a fractured civilization.
At the core of the narrative lies the Couriers Guild, a powerful collective honored amongst the chaos of corporate downfall and rampant gang violence. The Guild’s acute emphasis on the sanctity of delivery elevates the couriers to high-stakes operatives in a world where traditional systems have crumbled following the devastating Cyber Wars. McGoran’s world-building invites readers to examine the socio-economic hierarchies and the growing influence of guilds that offer some semblance of order amidst disorder.
Armand Pierce embodies the archetype of a dedicated courier—an individual who has sacrificed personal safety for a professional oath. With his titanium-enhanced wrist and his attaché case, Pierce represents the physical manifestation of commitment to the delivery imperative. However, the fact that he has seemingly lost his latest payload indicates an alarming breach in trust—not only is he faced with the task of retrieving the missing item, but he also grapples with the potential consequences of betrayal from within the Guild itself.
The stakes are raised as Pierce discovers the mysterious circumstances surrounding his lost delivery; his journey quickly morphs into a race against time, filled with conspiracies and hidden dangers. The death of three couriers serves as a grim reminder that the stakes in this world do not just include failure to deliver, but the very real threat of losing one’s life. By using the missing payload as the central pivot, McGoran crafts a multilayered mystery that engages readers while maintaining a palpable sense of tension throughout.
With motifs of loyalty and honor, the story challenges one’s perceptions of right and wrong. As Pierce delves deeper, will he remain true to the Guild, or will his quest for truth compromise the very ethics he has sworn to uphold? This element of moral conflict adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to consider the implications of survival in a corrupt and anarchistic society.
The excitement surrounding “The Price of Everything” is amplified by its visually striking cover art, crafted by James Macey at Black Sheep—a fitting visual companion to the story’s themes of technology and desperation. As the release date approaches, fans of speculative fiction are preparing for a gripping ride that promises not only suspense but also introspective commentary on the nature of resource and value in the contemporary world.
Jon McGoran’s novel represents a thrilling foray into the darker aspects of society through the lens of cyberpunk fiction. The complexities of Armand Pierce’s journey will undoubtedly resonate with readers, igniting dialogues about ambition, loyalty, and the cost of survival in an ever-evolving technological landscape. As “The Price of Everything” approaches its publication date, enthusiasm builds for what could be a standout entry in the genre.