In a hyper-privatized future, the United States has annexed most of the world, and citizens adopt the surnames of their corporate employers. Taxes are abolished, the government is a skeleton crew of underfunded investigators, and the police are a subscription service. The narrative follows Hack Nike, a low-level employee tricked into signing a contract to commit murders to build brand exclusivity for a new sneaker launch. When the killings occur, Jennifer Government, an agent with a barcode tattooed under her eye, pursues the corporate executives responsible. The plot connects the actions of global conglomerates, mercenary units disguised as activist groups, and a massive marketing conspiracy designed to trigger a total corporate takeover of the legislative process.
This book serves readers interested in political satire and the logical extremes of anarcho-capitalism. It appeals to those who enjoy cynical takes on consumer culture and the erosion of public institutions. Readers gain a perspective on how branding overrides individual identity and how market competition can mimic institutional warfare. The story provides a stark visualization of a society where legal protection is a commodity and corporate loyalty replaces national citizenship. It functions as both a fast-paced thriller and a critique of deregulated global trade and the influence of marketing on private morality.
Outward-looking and escapist; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2002
- Language
- EN
