Strange Flesh
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
| Website | www |
Strange Flesh is a novel authored by Michael Olson, released by Simon & Schuster in 2012.
Plot summary
The narrative opens with the discovery of a deceased programmer, her neck pierced by a hole saw. The central character, James Pryce, works as a social engineer specializing in security at the gray-hat firm Red Rook. He encounters Blake and Blythe Randall, twins who hold executive positions at a prominent media corporation.
James watches a fabricated video showing their half-brother Billy apparently electrocuting himself; however, Billy has actually "virtualized" his consciousness within a virtual environment named "NOD" to exchange confidential messages with Blake.
The twins engage James to penetrate a gaming community called GAME, where he unravels enigmas including a series of suicides among Billy’s associates known as "the Jackanapes." Billy has initiated an ARG situated inside NOD, mirroring the castle from the Marquis de Sade's The 120 Days of Sodom.
In the end, James exposes an organization working on pioneering technology designed to transform sensual experiences.
Characters
- James Pryce – Social engineering expert employed at Red Rook security.
- Blake Randall – Co-heir of IMP media and former schoolmate of Pryce.
- Blythe Randall – Twin sister to Blake, ex-lover of Pryce, and co-heir of IMP media.
- Billy Randall – Half-brother to Blake and Blythe; an artist known for transgressive work.
Major themes
Set in the year 2015, the book combines elements of near-future science fiction with techno-thriller aspects, emphasizing cutting-edge technology and virtual sexual interactions, particularly teledildonics.
Reception
Critics generally responded favorably to the novel. Publishers Weekly labeled it a "head-spinning literary thriller... a rabbit hole of kinky cybersex and multilevel mystery." Booklist praised Olson’s idea of “Imminent Teledildonics,” depicting sexbots that employ advanced virtual reality for deeply immersive encounters. Kirkus Reviews described it as "a profane, cerebral thriller more surprising and engaging than its parts might imply."
Publication details
2012, English language edition, Simon & Schuster, published April 3, 2012, hardcover format