Brandjack News

By Quentin Langley

This is the first book review on Brandjack News, and the book is not about PR, crisis management or social media. It is a thriller from the creator of CSI. What is intriguing about this is its interactive nature.

I didn't read it on either my Kindle or my Sony e-reader, though I am sure it is available in both formats. I read a dead-tree version. What makes it interactive is the associated website, level26.com As you read through the book you are given codes to unlock films on the website. Most of what is shown in the films is described in the book, though sometimes only later. Using the website gives you an exclusive early site of something that is coming up.

It is perfectly possible to enjoy tbe book without ever logging on the website. That is actually what I did. I only went to the website later, to see what it was all about. The films are good, and professionally put together. Hardly a surprise, as the author is best known for his TV scripts. 

If you decide to consume this book in an interactive way – and the options for doing so with notebooks, smartphones and ipads are plainly increasing – it does create a significant new experience. It may be that books of this type will really take off on digital devices that allow for the film and audio clips to be integrated. Sony Readers and Kindles don't have that capacity, though I am sure that ipads do. 

It is still experimental as an artform. It isn't there yet. I really don't think I lost anytihing by not looking at the films until I decided to write a book review. But this is a very interesting concept. Later generations – and the sequel - Dark Prophecy – is already out – will surely be better.

I don't think this is going to change the way we consume books, but then, I thought Twitter would be a flop, so take no notice of me.