Nicholas Avedon's 11.4 Light Dreams is a science fiction novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. This futuristic cyberpunk tale is a thrilling adventure that explores escapism, addiction, and the human condition in a dystopian world. The story takes place in Paris in the 23rd century, where pure emotions are sold on the market, and people live in a gray area called “Floor Zero.” Ariel de Santos, a renowned artist, is tormented by his past and addicted to Trank, a universal drug unlike any other. His ability to create Vivid Dreams and give people what seems natural yet is an illusion is exceptional. When the opportunity is given to him, he joins others on an epic journey to the stars with the Veluss project. Can this journey take them away from the cruel reality of a broken world?

Nicholas Avedon creates sophisticated characters from the gifted artist and protagonist, Ariel de Santos, to the supporting cast, including Carlos Vega, Laura, Ricardo, and Chloe. The chapters are short, and the points of view are intelligently crafted to create suspense throughout the narrative. Ariel is a multifaceted character with a rich backstory slowly revealed throughout the story. The fast pacing, the engaging narrative voice, and the author’s unique sense of humor inject life into the story. Avedon's 11.4 Light Dreams features well-developed themes of escapism and addiction and questions about the human condition and our desire to escape reality. The exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and unsettling. The author includes fascinating details in the plot and imagines a probable world, a future where science is at its peak, yet only a few people enjoy life to the fullest.

Penned by author Nicholas Avedon, 11,4 Light Dreams is a work of fiction in the science fiction, dystopian adventure, and interpersonal drama genres. It is suitable for mature adult readers owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Readers are thrown into a tale set in the 23rd century in Paris, in a dystopian vision of the future where emotions are commodified. Ariel de Santos, a creator of Vivid Dreams, shapes emotions to captivate a desensitized world. Renowned in the Southern European States, Ariel is haunted by his dark deals and addiction to Trank, a universal drug. The story unfolds through his eyes, revealing his escape from a troubled past and his involvement in humanity's most ambitious endeavor: a one-way journey to the stars.

Author Nicholas Avedon uses a great sense of atmosphere and attention to detail in this immersive dive into a dystopian future where emotions take center stage. I adored the worldbuilding right from the start, with a confident exploration of well-formed ideas in a place where everything is for sale, including the very essence of human experience. Ariel de Santos, our brilliant protagonist, is a compelling character whose talent for crafting Vivid Dreams makes him both celebrated and tormented. He is brought to life with original dialogue and close narration that allows us to sit right on his shoulder through every dilemma. His addiction to Trank and his morally questionable pacts add layers of complexity to his persona. Avedon’s narrative skillfully blends Ariel's personal struggles with a bigger picture that looks at humanity’s ambitions and their dire cost. This blend of personal and epic scales is sure to keep readers engaged throughout. The pace ensures there is never a dull moment, thanks to the way the author holds tension and mystery between every twist. Overall, 11,4 Light Dreams is a thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to science fiction fans everywhere.