Title:  Ghost of the Neon God 

Author: T.R. Napper

Reviewer: Natalie Lincoln

Audience:  Adult

Before I go any further, I’m going to say I super enjoyed reading T.R. Napper’s Ghost of the Neon God. Also, before I go any further, I’m going to say that unless your school doesn’t mind a liberal smattering of ‘f’ and ‘c’ expletives, then don’t bother reading any further!

Unfortunately for petty criminal, Jackson Nguyen, when he steals the shoes of a woman begging for his help, it leads to crossing paths with all of the wrong kinds of people. In a gritty, fast paced chase from city Melbourne across the Australian outback, Jackson, along with unwitting ride share partner, Sally, must contend with corrupt cops and an AI figure that has taken up residence in his brain.

A lot happens in a short space in this novella. When I found my breath again after finishing reading, words that sprung to mind were ‘unapologetic’, ‘punchy’ and ‘brutal’. For a relatively short story, big questions are asked about government surveillance and corporate influence. Possibly the most moral and ethical character is, ironically, the AI firmly entrenched in Jackson’s head, Oondiri. Between them, interesting questions are raised about the ‘rights’ of AI and a future world where treaty exists to protect their privacy, equality and expression.

Maybe not for the school library shelf, or for teaching – chain smoking Jackson doesn’t mind a number of choice swear words. However, as a quick read, I thought, as an adult, that it was great!