by John Scalzi
First published 2014
A mysterious neurological virus strikes without warning, leaving millions trapped inside their own bodies. "Haden's Syndrome" transforms global society, forcing radical technological and medical adaptation. Victims become prisoners of their own nervous systems, while researchers and survivors scramble to understand this unprecedented medical catastrophe. Some patients discover revolutionary neural interfaces that allow them to interact with the world through robotic bodies and digital networks. As governments and corporations race to manage the crisis, a small group of scientists and survivors must navigate unprecedented medical, ethical, and technological challenges that will redefine human experience. Their struggle isn't just about survival—it's about reimagining what human connection and consciousness can mean.
Genres: science-fiction, dystopia, medical, technology
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, reimagining-humanity
63 pages · Unknown Binding · Tor Books
Content warnings: medical-trauma