THE ARC

In the final installment of the Loop trilogy, the ongoing mission to take down the world’s operating system becomes a battle to save humanity.

Ever unpredictable, Oliver opens this follow-up to The Block (2021) from the perspective of an Alt named Chester. The youngest member of the government’s science team, which is housed in a protective Arc, Chester goes rogue after questioning the government’s leader and discovering that Happy, the world’s operating system, is planning to end humanity in nine days. Following a surprising connection with the Loop rebels, the story transitions back to the Loopers’ ongoing fight to destroy Happy. With only days left to achieve this dangerous goal, the taut narration builds in intensity, with chapter headings serving as a countdown clock. The author continues with what he does best, weaving twists and turns, difficult decisions, adrenaline-fueled confrontations with Happy and its minions, and a touch of humor into a story filled with teamwork, friendship, hope, and love. This time, with the end of the world looming, the narrative becomes more existential as the characters consider what it means to be human. Issues of privilege, addiction, fear, and PTSD will resonate with today’s post-pandemic readers. Equally rewarding is that this third book is not simply an extension of the overall story arc, but a culmination that ties it together with its predecessors.

A thrilling, thought-provoking, and ultimately deeply satisfying series conclusion.