John Scalzi, “Head On”

John Scalzi, one of the most popular authors in modern science fiction, returns with “Head On,” the stand-alone follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Lock In.” “Head On” brings Scalzi's trademark snappy dialogue and technological speculation to the future world of sports. Hilketa is a frenetic and violent pastime where players attack each other with swords and hammers. But all the players are “threeps,” robot-like bodies controlled by people with Haden’s Syndrome, so anything goes. No one gets hurt, but the brutality is real and the crowds love it. Until a star controller drops dead on the playing field. Is it an accident or murder?