A near-future thriller follows Lion Zorn, an empathy tracker, as he investigates the disappearance of fellow em-trackers and the emergence of a dangerous new drug called Evo, leading him into a battle for the survival of humanity amidst a fractured society and ecological threats. The story delves into themes of empathy, genetic engineering, environmental conservation, and societal divisions, offering a fast-paced and thought-provoking exploration of a world on the brink of transformation.

Reader Review Summary

"The Devil's Dictionary" is a wildly imaginative and thrilling science fiction adventure from Steven Kotler. Set in a near-future world that extrapolates intriguing concepts in neuroscience, technology, and environmentalism, it follows empathy tracker Lion Zorn on a mind-bending journey full of wonder and mystery.

One of the book's biggest strengths is its fascinating premise of "empaths" – people who have developed an acute sense of emotional awareness and ability to bond with animals through a psychedelic drug called Sietch Tabr. Kotler envisions a "Splinter" of humanity into different tribes based on their cross-species empathic connections. This unique world-building is richly imaginative and explores profound themes of ecological preservation, social division, and what it means to be human in an evolving future.

The character of Lion Zorn makes for a dynamic and unconventional hero. As an empathy tracker, he is wired to perceive cultural shifts and future trends through a hypersensitive emotional lens. His blunt personality and struggles with vices like drug use give him flawed humanity. As one reader describes, "Lion Zorn is feisty and fiery and everything that I find fun in a character." The supporting cast like Penelope, Jenka, and Barry are equally colorful and nuanced.

Kotler blends cutting-edge ideas about genetic engineering, neuroscience, evolution, and philosophy into a thrilling plot full of twists and surprises. The mystery around the new drug "EVO" and the meta-linkage nature preserve leads Zorn down a rabbit hole of uncovering secrets that could shake humanity to its core. Readers are kept on the edge with vivid action scenes, unexpected character dynamics, and high-concept scientific speculation.

Many reviewers praised how "The Devil's Dictionary" makes you think deeply while delivering a hugely entertaining story. One writes "The ideas behind both genetic changes to animals were fascinating, and the results added to the thrills in profound ways." Another states "I love both the ideas and the way the story gets your brain working overtime...this is science fiction at its best."

While some felt it could be convoluted at times with many characters and plot threads, fans of smart, idea-driven sci-fi worlds will be captivated. As one reviewer summarizes, "Steven Kotler has quite a few nonfiction books that I am going to have to check out, but I really can't wait for more adventures of Lion Zorn."

Overall, "The Devil's Dictionary" is a dazzlingly original and cerebral science fiction tale that creates a rich, plausible near-future setting to explore heady concepts about empathy, humanity's relationship to nature, and how evolution could be impacted by emerging technology. With his sharp cultural commentary, boundless imagination, and compelling characters led by the irascible Lion Zorn, Steven Kotler delivers a tour-de-force of speculative storytelling.