As metaphors go, this is, admittedly, not too original ... But Hornsby brings a sharp wit to this worn crypt ... Silicon Valley’s shamans and charlatans regularly speak with such an astonishing blend of vanity, inanity and obliviousness that there isn’t much left for an enterprising satirist to add, but Hornsby’s descriptions frequently draw blood ... What really keeps Sucker airborne, though, is how it spreads its wings to embrace the whole nefarious network of super-rich fiends who hang in the shadows and drain ordinary people dry.
Sucker is his chance to branch out into macabre comedy and crime capers. In truth, there’s a feeling of forced wackiness to the writing, which is mottled with inelegant variations ... Increasing the silliness is a Gothic plot twist foreshadowed by a dripping fang on the cover art. Even so, the author has found a thoroughly entertaining guide to such nonsense in Charles, a dim but likable man-child born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Playful ... Charles’ sardonic tone and rapier wit, however, provide scant cover for his insecurity and desperation for parental approval ... Capitalizes on the hot trend of vilifying the wealthy and uncontrolled tech but maneuvers among them in thoroughly entertaining and inventive ways.
The supernatural part of the novel is excellent but rationed too finely in the beginning and comes too late at the end, although Hornsby’s characters are interesting and make the reader want more ... While the author’s writing style has good flow, the satire is over-the-top, making the story less palatable.
Biting satire ... While the plot takes a while to unfurl and Chuck, who seems to embody the concept of 'failing upwards,' is not exactly relatable, anyone who enjoyed the delicious schadenfreude of the Theranos trial will get a kick out of this book.
[A] gonzo, slow-burning speculative thriller ... Readers will likely guess Olivia’s ties to the supernatural long before they are revealed, but that doesn’t detract from the entertainment. This is sharp-fanged Silicon Valley satire.
