A unique blend of cyberpunk thriller and near-future science fiction, the story follows Lion Zorn, an empathy tracker who can predict cultural shifts and trends. When a routine job leads to a gruesome murder, Lion finds himself entangled in a world of eco-assassins, soul hackers, and consciousness terrorists, exploring themes of empathy, technology, and animal rights.

Reader Review Summary

"Last Tango in Cyberspace" is a bold and innovative cyberpunk thriller that takes readers on a mind-bending journey into a near-future world where empathy has become a powerful tool. The novel follows Lion Zorn, an "empathy tracker" or "em-tracker," who possesses the remarkable ability to sense cultural trends and predict how society will fracture and re-form around new ideas and movements.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its wholly original premise centered around the concept of empathy tracking. Kotler has created a fascinating speculative future career that feels innovative yet plausible within the context of the story. Lion's talents make him a hot commodity for corporations looking to capitalize on emerging cultural shifts. The mechanics of how em-tracking works are deftly woven into the narrative, making this imaginative idea highly accessible and understandable to readers.

The worldbuilding is another tour-de-force accomplishment. Kotler has crafted an immersive near-future Earth that enhances the sense of realism rather than descending into pure fantasy. Many of the developments extrapolated in the book either exist already in prototype form or are theorized to emerge soon based on current research, giving the setting a grounded, believable quality. From ubiquitous technology to consciousness-altering pharmaceuticals and subcultures centered on causes like animal rights, the intricately rendered world never fails to captivate.

Thematically, the novel is remarkably rich, exploring complex philosophical concepts around empathy, humanity's relationship to nature and animals, tribalism and identity, and the inexorable march of technological progress. Kotler seamlessly interweaves these powerful themes with the masterful plotting of a gripping page-turner mystery. Far from being preachy, these deeper ruminations organically arise from Lion's circumstances as an em-tracking investigator caught up in an escalating conspiracy.

The writing itself dazzles with its stylistic flair. Kotler employs a fragmented, impressionistic prose style that immerses readers in Lion's heightened perception and thought processes. The text is peppered with allusions to seminal science fiction works like Frank Herbert's "Dune," which serves as powerful cultural shorthand for the themes and ideas being grappled with. Kotler isn't afraid to take bold stylistic risks, resulting in a narrative voice that is fresh, distinctive and completely immersive.

While some readers may struggle with the book's dense blend of concepts or the author's stylistic flourishes, those who love visionary, mind-expanding science fiction will find "Last Tango in Cyberspace" a dizzying, unforgettable experience. It's a wildly creative, thrilling and deeply pensive work of cyberpunk fiction that reaffirms the transgressive, idea-driven power of the genre. Steven Kotler has crafted a rich, vivid masterpiece that lingers in the mind and soul long after the final page.