A journalist investigates his boss's suspicious death in a world where a pandemic has created a class of people who no longer need to sleep, leading to a complex web of corporate intrigue and personal struggles. The story delves into themes of biohacking, capitalism, mental health, and the consequences of a society where sleeplessness becomes the norm.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the numerous reviews, it's clear that The Sleepless by Victor Manibo is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and highly original science fiction thriller that will keep readers riveted. Set in a eerily plausible near-future world ravaged by a pandemic of hyperinsomnia, the novel deftly weaves together prescient social commentary with a gripping murder mystery.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its fascinating premise and detailed worldbuilding. Manibo paints a vivid picture of a society dramatically altered by a plague of sleeplessness, exploring the wide-ranging impacts on everything from individual productivity and mental health to global economics and the environment. The nuanced treatment of this central conceit makes the story feel startlingly believable.

Against this richly imagined backdrop unfolds a twisty, suspenseful plot centered on journalist protagonist Jamie Vega's investigation into the suspicious death of his mentor. Jamie's dogged pursuit of the truth entangles him in a web of shady megacorporations, fringe activist groups, and his own mysterious past. Many reviewers praised the book's surprising twists, steady pacing, and sustained tension leading up to a satisfying conclusion.

The narrative is further elevated by Manibo's incisive thematic explorations. The Sleepless poses probing questions about the nature of memory, the dark side of biohacking and unchecked technological progress, and the crushing demands of 21st-century capitalism - all without sacrificing entertainment value. This seamless blend of the cerebral and the thrilling marks Manibo as a bold new voice in speculative fiction.

Several reviewers also applauded the diverse, three-dimensional cast of characters. As a queer Filipino protagonist, Jamie Vega is a refreshing departure from the typical thriller lead. His complex inner life, realistically depicted relationships, and dry narrative voice make him an engaging guide through the story's hairpin turns.

While a handful of reviews criticized the overly detailed worldbuilding and exposition-heavy passages, the vast majority of readers had only positive things to say about The Sleepless. Early buzz paints it as an auspicious, un-put-downable debut from an author to watch. With its urgent real-world resonance, inclusive representation, and sheer storytelling brio, The Sleepless seems poised to become one of the year's must-read sci-fi titles.