Preview: Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation

I recently got the chance to read fellow Upstart Crow Literary author Matt Myklusch's debut novel, JACK BLANK AND THE IMAGINE NATION (Simon & Schuster, 2010). Guys and gals? You're gonna like this one. And your kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, and students are gonna love it.

Matt's own summary of the book is here, so I don't want to reinvent the wheel.

What I want to preview is Matt's world-building, because it rocks...

Like other nations, the Imagine Nation is both a physical place and a political entity. Geographically, Matt's created a vivid space for his readers, including a multi-boroughed capital city; a population of super heroes, super villains, learning androids, and others; and technology that feels like it's just around the corner. All of you word nerds will like how Matt has named things in this universe -- from the city boroughs to characters to gadgets and tools.

Politically, the Imagine Nation is governed by an equal-votes Council. Even so, one Council Member has effectively gained control of the Nation using a combination of innovative technology and fear tactics. Though the book is foremost a well-told story, the potential for our own leaders to gain similar power using similar methods gives JACK BLANK that much more depth.

I look forward to being able to tell you more about this book. Before JACK BLANK comes out next summer, I think I can talk Matt into an interview about the book and his writing process. In the meantime, check out the book's website, and mark your calendars!

**UPDATE: Follow Matt on Twitter (@mattmyk) for the latest news on JACK BLANK.

Thanks, Matt, for sharing! And thanks, Chris, for offering to ask Matt if I could read it in the first place!

[art by Matt Myklusch]
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