CONNECTIVITY

"This novel explores the complexities of relationships, both human and artificial, in a world reshaped by climate disaster. As society adapts, the protagonist's role in the "Gaming Class" highlights the importance of staying connected, even as technology blurs the lines between humanity and AI. With its immersive world-building and emotional depth, this novel challenges readers to reflect on the nature of connection itself. It's an experience that leaves you contemplating the true essence of what it means to connect."

"Connectivity was a surprising journey for me. Honestly, I never thought I’d find myself reading a book like this—so deeply rooted in science fiction and technology. Even now that it’s over, I’m still struggling to fully wrap my head around it. The complexity of the world-building, especially the game concept, is nothing short of impressive. I can only imagine the effort it took to craft something so intricate.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it. While it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea—and probably not my usual go-to genre—it was a refreshing change of pace. It may not become a favorite, but I’m glad I gave it a chance."

"Engaging and intriguing story to the very end, and what a theme to build a story upon!
Also very impressed with the world-building, it's one of the things that kept me immersed and present, it took me a few hours to finish it cause i couldnt quite stop.
Great read! Highly recommend"

"Connectivity by C.B. Strul, set in the author’s Odom’s-Library universe, is a compelling dystopian tale that explores a future marred by climate disaster and technological dependence. For 35 years, workers have relied on drones controlled through video game-like interfaces to perform real-world tasks. The story centers around Setty Nivone, a skilled worker who is invited to meet the creator of a new program called CONNECTIVITY. This program offers a leap in communication technology, but for Setty, it represents an opportunity to reconnect with her teenage son, whose growing emotional distance worries her.
In an attempt to bridge the gap, Setty adopts an anonymous online persona, hoping to get to know her son without him knowing who she is. However, what begins as a harmless ruse soon spirals into a complex web of deception. As Setty becomes more immersed in her new identity, she risks losing touch with both herself and the people she loves, revealing the darker side of her intentions.
Connectivity is a deep exploration of human relationships in an increasingly mediated world. Strul deftly examines the ways technology, while designed to foster connection, often alienates us further. The novel asks important questions about the ethics of AI and the nature of consciousness, exploring when—or if—machines could ever achieve true sentience. These philosophical themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, making the book a timely reflection on the future of human interaction in the age of technology.
As a follow-up to Strul’s previous novel, The Ancient Ones, Connectivity expands on the Odom’s-Library universe, offering a more intimate and psychologically-driven narrative. The books complement each other, with Connectivity focusing on personal, emotional stakes rather than the epic scale of its predecessor. Strul’s world-building is immersive, and the novel’s tension between connection and alienation feels eerily relevant to today’s technological landscape.
Ultimately, Connectivity is a thought-provoking exploration of how we interact with each other in a world increasingly defined by technology. Strul has crafted a poignant, cautionary tale about the dangers of losing sight of what truly connects us. It’s a gripping and insightful read that leaves you questioning the future of human relationships in an ever-evolving digital age."

"At its core, Connectivity is a story about relationships—both human and artificial. Set against the vivid backdrop of a world adapting to climate disaster, C.B. Strul introduces us to a society where survival and purpose hinge on joining the "Gaming Class." This dystopian yet eerily plausible world serves as a poignant reminder of our need to stay connected to one another, even as technology and artificial intelligence become increasingly intertwined in our lives.

Strul skillfully draws readers into this futuristic world, where every interaction—whether with human or AI—feels deeply personal and layered. The novel doesn't just ask us to witness these relationships; it encourages us to feel them, from the strained bond between Setty and her son to the surprisingly emotional connections with the AI entities around them.

This book offers more than just a reading experience; it challenges us to reflect on our own connections—how we maintain them and, ultimately, what they mean. In the end, Connectivity reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, our greatest gift is the ability to connect."

"At its core, Connectivity is a story about relationships—both human and artificial. Set against the vivid backdrop of a world adapting to climate disaster, C.B. Strul introduces us to a Connectivity is the second book of C.B. Strul I had the pleasure to read—I’m very much aware how ‘pleasure’ is giving away my thoughts in two seconds flat, yes—and once again we’re waist-deep in sci-fi.

Real cool : D

It’s also cool that I had the opportinuty to read them back to back (spoiler: there’s gonna be another one, too), because it gave me the chance to see if and how an author would grow. 

Stilistically speaking, there’s indeed some, yes. Connectivity is still prose-heavy, but there are more dialogues present, breaking it up and helping with the flow. Mind, this is a 50/50 split between personal tastes—fast pace, good rhythm, always a draw—and an objective remark. Dialogues work wonders with the flow!

Once again, the grammar is on point. This is a consistency plus in my book, telling me Strul is skilled per se and works with competent editors, too. Another plus goes to self-awareness. As I said a few times in the past, it’s easy to go overboard with a story, loading it with a lot of subplots and detours that do little but inflating the word count. It’s harder and far more rewarding for everyone involved when a story ends in the right place. Less than 200 pages? Perfect for Connectivity.

Themes? Now this is the heavy part. 

Per se, I’m not super taken with contemporary issues, and I always thread carefully when a book is about a pandemic, the rise of AI, or has to do with climate change. These topics need to be handled in a way that’s stripped of non-fiction echoes, all the while being weaved in the main plot. What I would happily accept in a science-based book about AI, for example, I would find out of touch in fiction, as it’s not the point. The point is how the main character reacts/adapts/fights AI, you know?

As luck has it, Strul is more than able to portray contemporary themes in a sci-fi setting, something that really added to my reader experience—yay!

Last positive mention goes to Setty. While I don't agree with a few things she does, I can understand her point of view, and that's the important thing here. It doesn't matter if I'd do the same in her shoes or not; it matters if the connection between me, the reader, and the MC keeps going regardless.

4 stars on GR.society where survival and purpose hinge on joining the "Gaming Class." This dystopian yet eerily plausible world serves as a poignant reminder of our need to stay connected to one another, even as technology and artificial intelligence become increasingly intertwined in our lives.

Strul skillfully draws readers into this futuristic world, where every interaction—whether with human or AI—feels deeply personal and layered. The novel doesn't just ask us to witness these relationships; it encourages us to feel them, from the strained bond between Setty and her son to the surprisingly emotional connections with the AI entities around them.

This book offers more than just a reading experience; it challenges us to reflect on our own connections—how we maintain them and, ultimately, what they mean. In the end, Connectivity reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, our greatest gift is the ability to connect."