HellSans is set in a fictional UK, where HellSans is a ubiquitous typeface, enforced by the government in all communications and in all public spaces. It is the ultimate control device. The majority of the population experience bliss when they see the typeface, but there’s a minority who are allergic to it. The HellSans Allergic (HSAs) are persecuted, and live on the streets or in a ghetto on the outskirts of the capital city.
Jane Ward, CEO of the company that manufactures the Inex (a cyborg doll-like creature that has replaced the smart phone as the essential aid and accessory) has everything: fame and fortune, until she falls ill with the allergy and becomes embroiled in the government’s internal power struggles. She loses her job and her wealth, ending up in the ghetto until she is rescued by Dr Icho Smith.
Icho is a scientist who has developed a cure for the allergy, but she is on the run from the government and the Seraphs (the ghetto ‘terrorist’ group), who all have their own agenda for the cure. Jane and Icho work together, aiming to expose government corruption and bring the cure to the HSAs.
HellSans is written in three parts. Parts one and two can be read in either order which provides a unique approach to the perspectives of the haves and have-nots in the run-up to the revolutionary conclusion.
File Under: Science Fiction [ Dystopian Nightmare | Typography Matters | Artificial Friends | Nevertheless Resist ]
Publisher: Watkins Media Limited
ISBN: 9781915202215
Number of pages: 456
Dimensions: 216 x 135 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
"the best debut fiction by a Scottish author since 2012"
“Terrific… Goblin brims throughout with reckless joy.”
“Enthralling... a captivating debut."
"Speculative fiction at its best: political, fearless, smart, badass. To put it down is unthinkable, you care about everything and everyone all the time."
"a dark, brilliantly imagined world."
"A dark and clever sci-fi social satire."
"Clever, terrifying, and full of love and rage – I'm deeply jealous."
"I was enraged, I was inspired - I want to read every word that Ever Dundas writes."
"wildly imaginative debut"
"A smart and unique dystopian thriller"
"So smart and provocative it hurts,"
"A violent and compelling thriller,"
"HellSans is a remarkable and admirable work."
"It is a visceral and vicious novel... a body horror with brains,"
"This novel. Oh wow, this novel."
"A cracking read."
"innately cinematic, with relentless action, dramatic backdrops, unexpected twists.
"HellSans is a must-read book for fans of dystopias"
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“Dystopian future fiction”
Hellsans is a font used in government propaganda. A proportion of the population become allergic to it and are forced to live in ghettos where they are abused at will. Icho is a scientist working towards a cure or... More
“Great premise”
I loved the premise of this book, the name of the author and the dystopia world they create. However, I tried starting the story from both Icho and Jane's point of view and have to admit I struggled. I think it... More
“Clever, Imaginative, and Atmospheric”
I really enjoyed this very clever, imaginative, and atmospheric tale.
HellSans is a typeface imposed by the government as the ultimate form of control. The majority 'bliss' when they see the typeface, but...
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