The Pystead Group by James Pryor

A twisting, near-future novel about freedom, destruction, and the existential struggle for survival, The Pystead Group by James Pryor is both a chilling and thought-provoking dystopian read.

Philip’s life takes a drastic turn when he accepts a job offer to join the Pystead Group, cloistered on the secretive isle of Nevis. Resembling a contemporary cross between a cult, a corporation, a country, and a next-gen army, this shadowy colossus promises a brighter future, and the resources to build one, but there are plenty who seek to tear down this elite colony – both from within and without.

Bearing watermarks of Ayn Rand’s libertarian utopia, isolation and secrecy are the key survival strategies against dystopian collapse in this thriller, along with plenty of new-age philosophies and future tech for traditional sci-fi fans to enjoy. There is also a good deal of social commentary related to the ever-increasing power of law enforcement and the military, the blurred lines between church and state, and the dominance of technology over our semblance of free will. Ultimately, the author is casting a line of prophecy three decades into the future, and presents a fascinating hypothesis of humanity’s direction.

On an editorial note, the dialogue between characters often feels more forced than organic, and there is an over-reliance on internal monologue for both exposition and narration. However, the foundation of the novel is clever, creative, and timely, with enough sociological undertones to keep readers thinking long after they close the book.