The template for the story is familiar so it will be easy to
follow the plot. Hana dreams of attending Start-Up like her older sister but
she soon learns that something nefarious is going on at the school. Large
corporations are presented as the antagonists while their motives remain
secret. Why would they care about different fungi and parasites and what does
that have to do with the school? Hana tiptoes into the center of the drama as
she reluctantly gets drawn in and she’s assisted by two classmates. The new
friends have differing opinions throughout the book which offers a twist to a
familiar story. Tomas is withholding a secret that will eventually be revealed
to his friends.
Some moral issues concerning technology are at the forefront
of the plot. The right to privacy is in doubt as all citizens are meshed, their
brains becoming connected to the multiweb. It allows instant contact with
friends, games, and news, but the corporations are also able to track
everything people do. In addition, a point is made that the control of
knowledge is power. People feel informed due to electronic connections to
information but who’s controlling the news? Brainwashing is highly possible
when corporations can decide what information and “truth” to share with the
public. Hana’s own family finds itself on both sides of the issue of anti-tech
and becoming enmeshed.
Hana’s character bridges the conflict between corporations
and the rebellion against technology. The corporations are starting to control
her school as traditions and procedures are changed. Hana discovers things feel
wrong and some of her technology doesn’t work properly. She likes to build
small, mechanical bots and frequently visits the Junkyard looking for parts she
can use and recycle. She meets a tough girl named Ink and becomes drawn into
the untold world of technology. Ghost Crab Nation refers to the name of a major
anti-tech group. Hana is forced to face the conflicting stories of being meshed
and must rethink her future. To complicate matters, Hana’s mother works at the
largest corporation in the world and her research places her at the center of a
covert plot.
What didn’t work as well:
The early chapters of the book share the common story
framework of secret, evil things going on behind the scenes at a character’s
dream school. However, the rest of the plot morphs into an engaging conspiracy
with many unexpected twists and turns. More surprises await even after Hana
figures out what’s actually happening.
The Final Verdict:
People should be free to think. The plot considers issues
related to technology as it continues to become more invasive in our lives.
Hana’s friends and family provide different perspectives on the issues but
struggles with both groups add additional problems for her character. I recommend
you give this book a shot!
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