"Not since the Martian and Andy Weir has there been a better science fiction combination."
"If you think you know plots, I dare you to figure this one out before the conclusion."
Charles Martins, prisoner number 61789, is serving time in a body suit—a prison cell that he wears 24/7. One part prison cell, one part life support system, it takes care of every biological need, provides video for re-education, and even gives him psycho therapy from an AI psychiatrist. What it doesn't do is allow him to touch or feel anything. And while it monitors his every action, it prevents him from doing anything that feels real.
When Charles learns about the Edge—the edge of the world, maybe, or maybe the edge of some virtual reality—he volunteers for the most dangerous community service the penal colony offers. He risks life and any chance of future freedom to enter the Red Zone, where his job is to remove an ocean of zone sludge and earn time off of his sentence.
Charles wants to escape, but he may not like what he finds on the other side of the edge.
"In parts, it reminds me of Larry Niven's Ring World."
"I haven't been this thrilled since reading David Brin's Existence."
"In terms of sheer geeky coolness, Kevin may be the next Ernest Cline."