For those who love futuristic thrillers, James Patterson’s book Toys is for you. Complete with genetically enhanced plants which can be programmed to bloom at any time desired, implants to guide you through any social interaction providing information on who you’re talking to and topics to fit the situation, androids that act more like teenagers when the grownups are away dancing to “robo-rap” and making sarcastic quips when caught by their owners, and flying cars with interactive computer pilots and an artificial intelligent attendants to meet your every need while in transit.
A World of Toys
But mostly there are toys, plenty of them, and then the population, adult and child alike, become addicted to them. It’s difficult not to become completely caught up in the plot when reading about all the futuristic possibilities Patterson has created, imagining a world fashioned into the easy life, as every desire is fulfilled by robo-servants able to anticipate one's every wish.
Yet it’s when Patterson introduces his futuristic “toys”, that things become truly interesting. Nothing like what we’d define as toys in today’s world, these creations possess artificial intelligence and thus, even when not being played with, have a tendency to act on their own. More advanced and amazing varieties are continuously being developed to ensure constant amusement.
The best part though, is that in the world Patterson has created, adults are actually expected to play with these toys and shamelessly do so even when there is a sense that something may be slightly off about them. Already addicted to constant play, adults ignore any sense of foreboding, even to the point of fighting each other over the right to be one of the first to purchase each new recreational creation as it becomes available. The protagonist, Hayes Baker, is just as caught up in obtaining the newest toys on the market as everyone else.
A Study in Contrasts
The opening provides a strong hook, indicating that something has gone terribly wrong which will change Hayes Baker forever. Time is then turned back 48 hours, introducing the Elite World, providing a complete contrast to the opening scene through descriptions of the various gadgets, artificially intelligence forms as well as all the toys that are available to make life perfect.
It’s difficult, especially for movie fans, not to love the “SimStims”, simulators that provide experiences so real it’s as if the user is actually part of the situation. Hays chooses “Great Moments in Cinema” and becomes Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca. Every genre is available should one feel the need to escape reality and slip into the role of Scarlett O’Hara or a character in the fantasy or science fiction realms.
The Holocaust-like opening is quickly overcome by writing that is so engrossing that it becomes easy to imagine interacting with cloned, genetically tamed animals, enormous butterflies as they glide through the air, docile baby dinosaur pets which greet their owner upon their return, or lions wild enough to provide thrills when ridden at breakneck speed. Patterson presents just enough examples of his futuristic toys to leave the reader wanting more.
A New World
The population existing in Patterson’s future world consists primary of the “Elites”, who are part machine in addition to having inherited genetic enhancements from the first generation who were altered at birth. These new “beings” are individuals who are extraordinarily strong, possess off the chart intelligence, and appear exceptionally attractive.
It is the year 2061 and the “humans”, believed to have practically destroyed the planet along with themselves decades before, are few in number, travel in bands, and are believed to be violent, insane, filthy and the lowest of the low on the evolutionary. According to Elite protocol they are to be avoided however, if this is not possible, Elites simply use their super strength to kill them.
But the humans shouldn’t be a problem for long if the Elite leaders have their way. The President himself has come up with a plan to wipe out the human scourge once and for all, leaving the planet for those who deserve it. He has chosen Hayes Baker, one of the most admired and overall advanced of the Elites, to head his initiative.
Hayes Learns of the World and Questions His Identity
At first Hayes is honored and eager to begin his assignment. But then he’s shown film footage by his parents, who remain alive in an underground bunker, of what appears to be a holocaust of some sort which destroys practically every human. The footage finishes with bulldozers pushing thousands upon thousands of dead humans into burial ditches.
Attempting to hold on to what he knows, or thinks he knows about what happened to humans, he can’t completely dismiss everything on the tape. Finally, unable to fight the truth anymore he realizes those who must be destroyed aren’t the remaining humans, a realization that costs him everything – his beautiful wife, two precious daughters, upscale home and reputation as national hero.
Awareness Dawns
Comprehension of the true history of the races begins to set in when Hayes is attacked one night, after which he has a terrible nightmare in which he is not an Elite, but an illegally enhanced human. Upon awakening he wonders about the meaning of the dream and a sense of uneasiness sets in. But his problems are just beginning.
Suddenly, it appears he has been dubbed public enemy #1, and learns he is being hunted by the best of the Elite force. Fitting the puzzle pieces together he becomes aware of the truth behind the Elite created facade, forcing him to race against the clock to make things right. Fighting along side a half sister he was never aware existed, the battle becomes life or death for all the remaining humans. However, the weapons intended as the means to the human races destruction is bound to take the reader by surprise.
Conclusions
Anyone who loves thrillers set in the future which triggers the imagination at every turn, will find Toys a challenge to put this book down. It travels well beyond the standard futuristic thriller by hanging the plot on a backdrop of imaginative, exiting, creative and amusing toys, which combine just the right elements of fun and dread. The plot’s premise can turn terrifying at times, as it is easy to imagine that, by altering the elements just slightly, something alarmingly similar could become a possibility in our present world. This book is a must read for all who love thrillers. Even if you don’t, it’s worth giving it a try for the toys alone!
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