Flash Point
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Science-fiction superstar and multiple Hugo and Nebula Award winner Nancy Kress comes to YA in this brain-twisting thriller How far would you go? The Collapse has ransacked the economy, making work almost impossible to find and forcing Amy from college hopeful to sole provider for her terminally-ill grandmother and rebellious younger sister. To make ends meet, Amy auditions for a slot on a new reality TV show, which promises both a hefty salary and full medical benefits for her entire family. Somehow, she gets chosen, and she leaps to sign a contract despite her misgivings. The show in which she’ll take part has an irresistible premise: audience members can win millions by predicting the behavior of each member of the cast in a crisis. But the producers are willing to do anything to maintain ratings, including using blatant setups, 24/7 surveillance, and even state-of-the-art holographic technology to simulate danger. But soon, the danger becomes all too real, and Amy—on and off the camera—must fight for her life…. Trapped in a reality TV game show unlike any other... I'm Alex Everett," the bald man said. "Before we do the rest of the introductions, let me explain for those of you who still don't understand what you're doing here." He winked at Amy, who kept her face as blank as she could manage. "You lucky seven have been chosen from hundreds of applicants for Taunton Life Network's newest show, Who Knows People, Baby—You? Myra Townsend and I are the producers, and this is how the show works." As he explained, Amy seethed. So the dog in the tree had been a setup and she'd been filmed. The "robbery" in the lobby. The "rats" outside the doctor's office—which she had believed were a legitimate student-film project. She had been played, and she didn't like it one bit. "I quit," she said loudly. Everyone's head swiveled to look at her. "Of course," Alex said, watching Amy closely, "you're free to quit if you choose. This is a job, not serfdom. There is a long waiting list of girls ready to take your place. But then we'll expect repayment of the advance you've received." Mrs. Raduski's rent. Gran. Violet, in the chair beside her, found Amy's hand and squeezed it. Amy choked out, "I'll stay." “Breakneck, twisty plot. The day-after-tomorrow setting, anchored by brand-name allusions and crises ripped from the headlines, adds both eerie familiarity and terrifying plausibility.”—Kirkus Reviews |
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