Stick and stones break bones. Words kill.They recruited Emily Ruff from the streets. They said it was because she’s good with words.They’ll live to regret it.They said Wil Parke survived something he shouldn’t have. But he doesn’t remember.Now they’re after him and he doesn’t know why.There’s a word, they say. A word that kills.And they want it back . . . “Best thing I’ve read in a long time . . … they want it back . . .
“Best thing I’ve read in a long time . . . a masterpiece.” —Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool
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I wish more people were reading Max Barry. His most recent story Lexicon was excellent (Hugh Howey calls it a masterpiece). For those of you who already believe you can control others with your words, you’ll be able to relate to the premise. It has a magical school, it idolizes famous poets, and is fast paced throughout.
And while I’m wishing, …
Lexicon is set in the near future, and while it certainly has science fiction and thriller tropes, I kept finding myself comparing it to the urban fantasy book Three Parts Dead. Both play with the idea of words as power—Lexicon via neuroscience and language processing, Three Parts Dead more as literal magic. I LOVE this concept of looking at our …
A classic thriller, with a bit of a sci-fi twist
Science fiction about the power of words? Count me in!! There was a promotion/sale for this so I took a chance and was not disappointed! Strong story plot and well developed characters, especially since the narrative jumps time periods and that people can change by being influenced by the power of words. Lots of twists and turns that maintains …
Lexicon is somewhat based upon the premise that words, and combinations thereof, have an almost totemic power when weided by the right people in the correct circumstance.
The trope here is much more original and thought-provoking than say, the ‘bene geserit’ Voice in Dune.
While Frank Herbert exploited the unfamiliar attributes of the Middle …
It’s rare that I read a book that leaves me with no concrete reaction that I can write down. So it was with Lexicon, and I think I’ve figured out why: I can’t decide whether there’s really less here than I expected, or that skipping something caused me to miss the whole point.
The novel has two main plots, separated by several years, that …
Enthralling. A unique premiss and set of unexpected plot twists made this hard to put down.
Interesting ideas mired by magic words:
This a fast-paced thriller with fascinating insights into the use of media today…but then instead of capitalizing on the richness of linguistic science mixed with socio-anthropology, the author goes for an easy “magic” words solution. It is still very well written and definitely a fun ride, but it had the …
This is an odd book. It takes the idea that spoken language has extraordinary power over human beings, but this is understood correctly only by a hidden group of shadowy conspirators. It mixes in interesting characters, standard juvenile motivations of the powerful to control life and eliminate competitors, involves violence and suspense …
I lost interest about 25% of the way thru. I never made the transition from reading to investing in the characters enough to continue reading
The only negative is the language. I could not recommend this to youth or teens. The story was compelling and the characters well developed.
This is one of the most original books I have ever read. The premise is new as well as everything that comes with it. If you want to read a page-turner that will stretch your mind then pick up a copy of this book.
I liked the inventiveness of using words to control people; there were some real gaps in the way the use of the words was executed, some problems with written down versus spoken, in my opinion. But there was also a lot of interesting discussion of words in general; the author seems to have some background in linguistics. The violence seemed a …
The basic premise is something like, “What if neurolinguistic programming actually worked?” It is easy and fun to read. Most of the characters are not admirable.
Holy hell. What amazingness did I just read? This was BY FAR one of the best books ever, most unique stories, what a creative author, and it was absolutely un-put-down-able. Finished it in just a few hours and I’m hoping and praying someone out there makes a movie of this. C’mon Hollywood.
The premise is quirky – so will be hard to say it without …
Lexicon grabbed me with the opening lines, and never let go. An absolutely thrilling story, featuring an array of compelling characters in an eerily credible parallel society, punctuated by bouts of laugh-out-loud humor.
This is hella underrated.
This story is about persuasion, about words & personalities, and how certain words can affect certain personalities.
It’s badass.
The characters are funny and witty, the action scenes had my heart pumping, and the plot was completely enthralling.
You bounce around in time & POVs, but Barry is very good at what he …
A new kind of conspiracy thriller. Not too hard to follow, now that we’re accustomed to flashbacks in mid-stream. Science fiction, but with emphasis on social science and a branch of linguistic study.
Can deep brain stimuli compel behavior against one’s “will”? How humanity breaks through in a thrilling and appalling adventure with a guttersnipe!
This would make a great movie.