Unlocked

An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome Lock In, #0.5

by John Scalzi

English language

Published Oct. 18, 2014 by Tom Doherty Associates.

ISBN:: 978-1-4668-7179-3

(32 reviews)

Not long from now, a virus will sweep the globe. Most will suffer no worse than flu-like symptoms, but an unlucky one percent will be changed forever. Hundreds of millions become “locked in”, awake, aware, but completely unable to control their bodies. This is the story of the doctors, scientists, engineers, politicians, and heroes who remade the world. It is the story of the chaotic outbreak, the fight for a cure, the changes that followed. It is an oral history, straight from the mouths of those who survived the most dynamic period in human history.

2 editions

settingshadow reviewed Unlocked by John Scalzi (Lock In, #0.5)

Review of 'Unlocked' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is a cute exploration of the world in which Lock In is set, how it functions and how the pandemic spun out of control. Does it feel a little bleak to the 2020 reader to read about the denial and spread of a pandemic? Sure does. Does it feel even bleaker to read about the nation coming together to respond...

Anyway, maybe not the best 2020 reading, but well put together and a solid piece of world-building.

Balise reviewed Unlocked by John Scalzi (Lock In, #0.5)

Review of 'Unlocked' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

An introduction to Scalzi's next book, Lock In. It's the story of Haden's syndrome, a pandemy that happens in a relatively close future. A lot of deads in the first phase, and a number of people end up conscious in an almost-completely paralyzed body (essentially, their heart beats, they can breathe, and that's pretty much it). Unlocked tells us the story of the beginning of this epidemy and the response that is made to the subsequent issues, in the form of testimonies and interviews of people who witness it. It essentially reads itself, and it's definitely building the excitement for Lock In.

kim karma reviewed Unlocked by John Scalzi (Lock In, #0.5)

Review of 'Unlocked' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Sucked in by Scalzi again! Excellent lead in to his upcoming book, left me wanting more. Well done.

Fred reviewed Unlocked by John Scalzi (Lock In, #0.5)

Review of 'Unlocked' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Here we have a short story, a prequel to Scalzi's upcoming book Lock In. The story is written in interview form, where people explain the history of Haden's Syndrome and how people and the government reacted.
It was a quick read and I enjoyed reading about the research and innovation that came about in the wake of an epedemic. The story actually kind of reminded me of Surrogates and I, Robot and I'm already looking forward to the release of Lock In.