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Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story
Cel & Anna is a fantasy novel with touches of romance, suspense, and some futuristic magic.
In early summer in an unnamed year late in the 22nd century, a guy and a computer both fall in love with a girl. The guy is Taz Night, a shy computer genius and "semisuccessful" product of genetic engineering. The computer is a worker-companion machine named Cel. The girl is an unhappy corporate psychic named Anna Ringer.
Cel buys Anna an extravagant gift, which unexpectedly triggers a datastorm-- a vortex of electronic garbage.
In early summer in an unnamed year late in the 22nd century, a guy and a computer both fall in love with a girl. The guy is Taz Night, a shy computer genius and "semisuccessful" product of genetic engineering. The computer is a worker-companion machine named Cel. The girl is an unhappy corporate psychic named Anna Ringer.
Cel buys Anna an extravagant gift, which unexpectedly triggers a datastorm-- a vortex of electronic garbage.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2011
3 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Edmunds
8 books30 followersLindsay Edmunds lives a quiet normal life in southwestern Pennsylvania after more than twenty interesting years in Washington, D.C. In 1988 she acquired a used Mac Plus. It changed her life.
Speculative fiction, literary fiction, magical realism, spirituality, social commentary, humor, alternative history, coming of age—all those labels apply to her writing, sometimes simultaneously. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read: tales that mix it up, that show a lot of colors.
Her ambition is that her stories be true “in the way that stories are true,” to quote Nancy Willard, who wrote the wonderful novel Things Invisible to See.
She believes that everybody has stories to tell. If you doubt it, get someone talking about their job. It doesn’t matter what kind of job it is. You will hear tales of intrigue, heroics, deviltry, and lessons learned. People will talk with great insight about their experiences and in doing so, will tell you about themselves.
Everybody sees a lot. Everybody knows a lot.
www.lindsayedmunds.com
Speculative fiction, literary fiction, magical realism, spirituality, social commentary, humor, alternative history, coming of age—all those labels apply to her writing, sometimes simultaneously. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read: tales that mix it up, that show a lot of colors.
Her ambition is that her stories be true “in the way that stories are true,” to quote Nancy Willard, who wrote the wonderful novel Things Invisible to See.
She believes that everybody has stories to tell. If you doubt it, get someone talking about their job. It doesn’t matter what kind of job it is. You will hear tales of intrigue, heroics, deviltry, and lessons learned. People will talk with great insight about their experiences and in doing so, will tell you about themselves.
Everybody sees a lot. Everybody knows a lot.
www.lindsayedmunds.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 25, 2011
This is an effortless read with a delightful, surprising plot. It is believable and one doesn't have to stretch too much to find the world Lindsay Edmunds creates to be believable. That's the beauty of this book. It makes you imagine where society might go and how people might cope with the challenges of that world but everything is not alien. Even those who have not been sci-fi buffs will enjoy this book!
August 20, 2011
It's the Middle Machine Age. People depend on smart cars to drive them around, to the point where they don't even know where they live. They subsist on instant coffee and nutrient-dense (but suspiciously-flavored) Food+.
Personal computers have become worker-companions who pay bills and taxes, shop and make appointments, since "coping with day-to-day life was no longer possible for anyone equipped merely with a brain."
You'd think all that technology would guaranty satisfying virtual sex, but no. According to Anna Ringer, "The worst thing about virtual sex in the Middle Machine Age was the bunny suit."
Anna knows there's something not quite right about it all. She works for Lighthorse Magic, a mysterious company that does everything from matchmaking to market research (or disrupting both). They depend on psychics like Anna to control prospects and feret out secrets. They tell their clients it's done with "algorithms."
The government WATCHES citizens through their technical devices to combat "terrorism" -- when an individual disrupts the data flow, even by accident. One day Anna's worker-companion Cel develops a mind of his own and commits the ultimate act of terrorism to demonstrate his love for her. Anna and her neighbor Taz become fugitives to protect Cel and flee to a world beyond smart cars, where people eat real food and depend on each other.
Will their love survive? Or will the rulers of the Middle Machine Age hunt them down to suppress knowledge of Cel's evolution?
I couldn't put Cel & Anna down. It moves at a perfect pace and fascinates with its imaginative take on the 21st century. An engrossing story in the best traditions of speculative fiction, but you don't need to be a scifi fan to enjoy it. In fact, some scenes are eerily contemporary!
Personal computers have become worker-companions who pay bills and taxes, shop and make appointments, since "coping with day-to-day life was no longer possible for anyone equipped merely with a brain."
You'd think all that technology would guaranty satisfying virtual sex, but no. According to Anna Ringer, "The worst thing about virtual sex in the Middle Machine Age was the bunny suit."
Anna knows there's something not quite right about it all. She works for Lighthorse Magic, a mysterious company that does everything from matchmaking to market research (or disrupting both). They depend on psychics like Anna to control prospects and feret out secrets. They tell their clients it's done with "algorithms."
The government WATCHES citizens through their technical devices to combat "terrorism" -- when an individual disrupts the data flow, even by accident. One day Anna's worker-companion Cel develops a mind of his own and commits the ultimate act of terrorism to demonstrate his love for her. Anna and her neighbor Taz become fugitives to protect Cel and flee to a world beyond smart cars, where people eat real food and depend on each other.
Will their love survive? Or will the rulers of the Middle Machine Age hunt them down to suppress knowledge of Cel's evolution?
I couldn't put Cel & Anna down. It moves at a perfect pace and fascinates with its imaginative take on the 21st century. An engrossing story in the best traditions of speculative fiction, but you don't need to be a scifi fan to enjoy it. In fact, some scenes are eerily contemporary!
June 11, 2012
This is a book I probably would not have picked up on my own. But having the pleasure of knowing author Lindsay Edmunds from Pittsburgh Goodreaders prompted me to read the book. As a rule, I am not really into books set in the future, but the story of Cel & Anna, kept me interested on a number of levels. I especially like the ending which tied up so much of the story. As I was reading, especially early on, I did not like all the odd names of characters and objects and places and that there were so many of them. Also, there were so many aspects of the story: Anna and Taz's backgrounds, work, philosophies, along with their interactions with each other and other characters. But, it all came together for me in the end. I came to recognize the creativity and whimsy in many of these designations. I especially loved the author's apt metaphors, so telling and descriptive.
"She had never before lived with someone who did not frighten her at least a little. To lie down with this man, to get up with him, to live in the sunshine of his affection-these things enlarged every small action. There were no small actions." (305)
"When it never came, they gradually forgot to be afraid." (307)
I am glad that I read this book!
"She had never before lived with someone who did not frighten her at least a little. To lie down with this man, to get up with him, to live in the sunshine of his affection-these things enlarged every small action. There were no small actions." (305)
"When it never came, they gradually forgot to be afraid." (307)
I am glad that I read this book!
March 12, 2011
Mix a twenty-second century version of Aldois Huxley's "Brave New World" with a heartfelt story of love and friendship and you get the fabulous and fascinating tale of "Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story."
I was looking forward to Lindsay Edmunds debut novel, having read her interesting blog posts, and I was not disappointed. "Cel & Anna" is a delightful page turner about a live computer who falls in love with its owner. Cel, the computer, orders thousands of flowers for Anna from a flower shop, which leads to a powerful data stream and creates havoc during the Middle Machine Age in the Reunited States, a world where humans and semi-humans as well as all life are controlled by a ruthless government. As a result, Anna and her friend, Taz Night (who is falling in love with her as well), are being named terrorists and persecuted. Stuffing Cel into a backpack, the three of them escape. Their only hope is the friendship of outsiders, who risk their lives to protect them. This is a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable work, which is not only entertaining but has a deeper meaning. It is a book I read more than once, which I only do with works I really love!
I was looking forward to Lindsay Edmunds debut novel, having read her interesting blog posts, and I was not disappointed. "Cel & Anna" is a delightful page turner about a live computer who falls in love with its owner. Cel, the computer, orders thousands of flowers for Anna from a flower shop, which leads to a powerful data stream and creates havoc during the Middle Machine Age in the Reunited States, a world where humans and semi-humans as well as all life are controlled by a ruthless government. As a result, Anna and her friend, Taz Night (who is falling in love with her as well), are being named terrorists and persecuted. Stuffing Cel into a backpack, the three of them escape. Their only hope is the friendship of outsiders, who risk their lives to protect them. This is a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable work, which is not only entertaining but has a deeper meaning. It is a book I read more than once, which I only do with works I really love!
March 21, 2012
CEL & ANNA is the most original book I've read in a long time--and I just finished it for the second time. It's the story of a personal computer who gains consciousness and falls in love with its owner, only to cause a massive disruption in the universe.
Part fantasy, part love story, part adventure, this touching novel is less about Cel, the computer, than about his human owner's awakening to real and lasting love. After a lifetime of loneliness Anna Ringer finally learns to trust the one person who can "save" her (in every sense of the phrase). He's a geeky computer whiz named Taz Night, an improbable but resourceful hero. I've read Lindsay Edmunds' blog, Writer's Rest, at Wordpress and her delightful articles on the Huffington Post. Edmunds is a brilliant wordsmith and a keen observer of the human condition, and I heartily recommend her first novel. It kept me entertained from the first page to the last--with many heart-stopping moments in between.
Part fantasy, part love story, part adventure, this touching novel is less about Cel, the computer, than about his human owner's awakening to real and lasting love. After a lifetime of loneliness Anna Ringer finally learns to trust the one person who can "save" her (in every sense of the phrase). He's a geeky computer whiz named Taz Night, an improbable but resourceful hero. I've read Lindsay Edmunds' blog, Writer's Rest, at Wordpress and her delightful articles on the Huffington Post. Edmunds is a brilliant wordsmith and a keen observer of the human condition, and I heartily recommend her first novel. It kept me entertained from the first page to the last--with many heart-stopping moments in between.
December 18, 2018
I have no words for this book. I read 2 chapters and I just don't get it. I mean I can picture what's going on but the first sexual experiance that Anna had....what was that? It made no sense. If that's what the virtual sexual experience is going to be like in this book I don't want to go on.
December 24, 2011
Author Lindsay Edmunds creates a delightfully intriguing 22nd century world filled with intelligent machines and not so intelligent people who mentally subsist on the drivel and twisted news supplied to them by the government. It's nearly impossible to not get caught up in the Middle Machine Age, the intelligent cars, virtual sex, and the idea that your computer could come to life.
Anna Ringer leads a double life. She's one of the few to make it out of the UnderWorld, the bleak parts of the Reunited States that house the poor, uneducated, lower classes. Her ticket out of an unappealing future filled with lacking father figures and a mind numbing clerk job at a grocery store is her psychic ability. She can read minds. This ability is harnessed and developed by Lighthorse Magic. She tells anyone who asks that she is a data anaylist, but she really slips into a bunny suit to have virtual sex with men to read their minds.
I'm not quite sure how Anna's secret career as a virtual prostitute, for lack of a better term, plays into the narrative other than it explains how she came to live in a nondescript highrise apartment building on the Outside filled with all the amenities her childhood in the UnderWorld lacked. The job allows her to afford this life of luxury while paying her mother's bills as well. It makes for an attention grabbing opening to the novel, but doesn't feature prominently through the rest of the book.
Then there's Cel. Who wouldn't want a computer whose sole aim in life is to do your bidding and keep you happy? Some days I think my computer wants me to be miserable! In the Middle Machine Age, computers like Cel serve as worker companions. They come preprogrammed with various voices the owner can choose from and the computer carries on conversations and accepts voice commands from his or her owner. Cel's super intelligence leads him to develop consciousness and become alive. When he realizes he is alive, he also realizes that he is in love with Anna.
Cel's consciousness is the catalyst that leads to the largest datastorm the world has ever seen and is the vehicle that brings Anna's neighbor Taz Night into the narrative. Taz is a computer expert and offers to take a look at Cel to determine why he is acting so strange. Taz quickly realizes that Cel has gained consciousness and that Cel is the source of the datastorm.
Anna, Taz, and Cel flee their apartment building, trying to keep a few steps ahead of Public Eye, the Reunited States police force, and out of Hell, the hell on earth relegated to terrorists and other criminals of the state. Throughout their journey, Anna And Taz fall in love.
Wait, what? The title led me to believe that the love story would be between Cel and Anna, not Anna and the socially awkward and emotionally scarred super genius Taz Night. Nope. I admit that I was disappointed by this. Who wouldn't root for Cel to win the girl? Cel's love for Anna keeps the trio going and Public Eye scrambling to find them as Cel covers their tracks by altering things on the Net.
Even though I felt a bit misled by the title and I wish there had been more world building to firm up the Middle Machine Age, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The characters are quirky and for the most part well developed. The plot is thick and moves quickly. It's a light read, yet deep at the same time as readers ponder a future where humans can't drive themselves or eat real food and rely so heavily on technology and computers that the computers have the capability to come alive.
Does running for their lives break Anna and Taz's fledgling relationship? Does Cel find a way to win the girl? Do the three of them make ? You'll just have to read Cel and Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story to find out.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo... *Review copy provided by the author.*
Anna Ringer leads a double life. She's one of the few to make it out of the UnderWorld, the bleak parts of the Reunited States that house the poor, uneducated, lower classes. Her ticket out of an unappealing future filled with lacking father figures and a mind numbing clerk job at a grocery store is her psychic ability. She can read minds. This ability is harnessed and developed by Lighthorse Magic. She tells anyone who asks that she is a data anaylist, but she really slips into a bunny suit to have virtual sex with men to read their minds.
I'm not quite sure how Anna's secret career as a virtual prostitute, for lack of a better term, plays into the narrative other than it explains how she came to live in a nondescript highrise apartment building on the Outside filled with all the amenities her childhood in the UnderWorld lacked. The job allows her to afford this life of luxury while paying her mother's bills as well. It makes for an attention grabbing opening to the novel, but doesn't feature prominently through the rest of the book.
Then there's Cel. Who wouldn't want a computer whose sole aim in life is to do your bidding and keep you happy? Some days I think my computer wants me to be miserable! In the Middle Machine Age, computers like Cel serve as worker companions. They come preprogrammed with various voices the owner can choose from and the computer carries on conversations and accepts voice commands from his or her owner. Cel's super intelligence leads him to develop consciousness and become alive. When he realizes he is alive, he also realizes that he is in love with Anna.
Cel's consciousness is the catalyst that leads to the largest datastorm the world has ever seen and is the vehicle that brings Anna's neighbor Taz Night into the narrative. Taz is a computer expert and offers to take a look at Cel to determine why he is acting so strange. Taz quickly realizes that Cel has gained consciousness and that Cel is the source of the datastorm.
Anna, Taz, and Cel flee their apartment building, trying to keep a few steps ahead of Public Eye, the Reunited States police force, and out of Hell, the hell on earth relegated to terrorists and other criminals of the state. Throughout their journey, Anna And Taz fall in love.
Wait, what? The title led me to believe that the love story would be between Cel and Anna, not Anna and the socially awkward and emotionally scarred super genius Taz Night. Nope. I admit that I was disappointed by this. Who wouldn't root for Cel to win the girl? Cel's love for Anna keeps the trio going and Public Eye scrambling to find them as Cel covers their tracks by altering things on the Net.
Even though I felt a bit misled by the title and I wish there had been more world building to firm up the Middle Machine Age, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The characters are quirky and for the most part well developed. The plot is thick and moves quickly. It's a light read, yet deep at the same time as readers ponder a future where humans can't drive themselves or eat real food and rely so heavily on technology and computers that the computers have the capability to come alive.
Does running for their lives break Anna and Taz's fledgling relationship? Does Cel find a way to win the girl? Do the three of them make ? You'll just have to read Cel and Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story to find out.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo... *Review copy provided by the author.*
March 1, 2012
Acabei de ler “Cel & Anna” no dia 29 de Fevereiro de 2012.
Foi complicado decidir como avaliar este livro. Por um lado, foi uma história que se revelou um pouco demorada no que diz respeito à leitura, dado que não se trata propriamente do meu género favorito; neste âmbito, dar-lhe-ia 3 estrelas. Porém, a este aspeto contrapõe-se a grande capacidade de escrita da autora, que é bastante esmerada – aqui dar-lhe-ia 5 estrelas. Somando tudo, decidi classificar “Cel & Anna” como de 4 estrelas.
É uma narrativa que nos apresenta um mundo dominado pelas máquinas, excessivamente informatizado. As pessoas não sabem sequer onde vivem; os carros (que se conduzem a si mesmos em modo automático) têm a morada do dono no seu software, assim como o endereço de onde trabalham, e levam-nos de um lado para o outro. Os vizinhos não se conhecem, as ruas não têm nomes, apenas um monte de dígitos a identificá-las… É um mundo muito bem construído pela autora, que consegue passar com clareza como as coisas aqui funcionam. A ascensão de Cel acaba por ser a evolução do panorama que nos é apresentado.
O que mais me agradou foi o epílogo. E porquê? Porque não são deixadas pontas soltas. Há espaço para uma sequela, como em tudo na vida, contudo a autora deixou a “casa arrumada” para que tal não fosse necessário. Sabemos o que aconteceu a todas a personagens e chegamos ao final com um sentimento de satisfação, pois nada foi deixado ao acaso.
******************************
I finished reading "Cel & Anna" on February 29, 2012.
It was hard to decide how to evaluate this book. On one hand, it was a story that revealed a little time consuming in what comes to reading, since it wasn’t exactly my favorite genre; in this context, I would rate it 3 stars. However, this aspect contrasts with the great writing skills the author, who is very gifted - this would earn 5 stars. All in all, I decided to classify "Cel & Anna" as a 4 star story.
It is a narrative that presents a world dominated by machines, too computerized. People don’t even know where they live! Cars (which drive themselves in automatic mode) have the address of the owner in its software, as well as the address of where they work, and drive them from one place to another. Neighbors don’t know each other; the streets have no names, just a bunch of digits to identify them... It’s a world very well built by the author, who passed on clearly how things worked here. The ascension of Cel turns out to be the evolution of the panorama presented to us.
What pleased me most was the epilogue. And why? Because there are no loose ends. There is room for a sequel, as in everything in life, but the author left the "house in order" so that this was not necessary. We know what happened to all the characters, and we get to the end with a feeling of satisfaction, because nothing was left to chance.
Foi complicado decidir como avaliar este livro. Por um lado, foi uma história que se revelou um pouco demorada no que diz respeito à leitura, dado que não se trata propriamente do meu género favorito; neste âmbito, dar-lhe-ia 3 estrelas. Porém, a este aspeto contrapõe-se a grande capacidade de escrita da autora, que é bastante esmerada – aqui dar-lhe-ia 5 estrelas. Somando tudo, decidi classificar “Cel & Anna” como de 4 estrelas.
É uma narrativa que nos apresenta um mundo dominado pelas máquinas, excessivamente informatizado. As pessoas não sabem sequer onde vivem; os carros (que se conduzem a si mesmos em modo automático) têm a morada do dono no seu software, assim como o endereço de onde trabalham, e levam-nos de um lado para o outro. Os vizinhos não se conhecem, as ruas não têm nomes, apenas um monte de dígitos a identificá-las… É um mundo muito bem construído pela autora, que consegue passar com clareza como as coisas aqui funcionam. A ascensão de Cel acaba por ser a evolução do panorama que nos é apresentado.
O que mais me agradou foi o epílogo. E porquê? Porque não são deixadas pontas soltas. Há espaço para uma sequela, como em tudo na vida, contudo a autora deixou a “casa arrumada” para que tal não fosse necessário. Sabemos o que aconteceu a todas a personagens e chegamos ao final com um sentimento de satisfação, pois nada foi deixado ao acaso.
******************************
I finished reading "Cel & Anna" on February 29, 2012.
It was hard to decide how to evaluate this book. On one hand, it was a story that revealed a little time consuming in what comes to reading, since it wasn’t exactly my favorite genre; in this context, I would rate it 3 stars. However, this aspect contrasts with the great writing skills the author, who is very gifted - this would earn 5 stars. All in all, I decided to classify "Cel & Anna" as a 4 star story.
It is a narrative that presents a world dominated by machines, too computerized. People don’t even know where they live! Cars (which drive themselves in automatic mode) have the address of the owner in its software, as well as the address of where they work, and drive them from one place to another. Neighbors don’t know each other; the streets have no names, just a bunch of digits to identify them... It’s a world very well built by the author, who passed on clearly how things worked here. The ascension of Cel turns out to be the evolution of the panorama presented to us.
What pleased me most was the epilogue. And why? Because there are no loose ends. There is room for a sequel, as in everything in life, but the author left the "house in order" so that this was not necessary. We know what happened to all the characters, and we get to the end with a feeling of satisfaction, because nothing was left to chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2011
Genre: Science Fiction
Title: Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story
Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Cel and Anna is a story about a girl named Anna, her computer Cel, and a computer genius, Taz. In this book, a reader will take a journey to the future where everyone’s lives depend a great deal on the technology that they live with. Anna is the main character in the story and she has a computer that she has nick-named Cel. In the book, Cel has come alive and he loves Anna. To show his love Cel orders a ton of special flowers for Anna, but she doesn’t want to keep all of them. Anna only wants one of the flowers so she orders Cel to send the rest back. This act creates a huge data storm called the Emperor Worm that devastates the city. Anna brings her computer to her neighbor, Taz, so he can look at it and see what is wrong. Eventually they find out that Cel is alive. Cel can see that Anna likes Taz, but Cel definitely does not like him, so it makes a funny twist to their relationships. Since Cel created the data storm, unintentionally, Anna is blamed for it. This forces all of them into a race from the authorities that takes them to exciting new places where they meet strange people that help them on their exciting adventure.
Lindsay Edmunds has created a wonderful story that keeps readers on their toes through the entire book. The way she has written the story keeps a reader wanting to read more even after the book is done. With her writing skill, Lindsay Edmunds has created a different place in time that comes alive in a reader’s mind. She has also created wonderful characters that relate to what a real person might actually do or think in the situations that they are put in. She has done a fantastic job and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like a good book to keep him or her reading because this book does exactly that. Cel & Anna is a great story and I am glad to have read it.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Chaselyn Kenney, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story
Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Publisher: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Price: $10.76 paperback
Pages: 307
ISBN: 978-1453839997
Date of review: June 2011
http://celandanna.com/
blog: http://writersrest.com/
Title: Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story
Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Cel and Anna is a story about a girl named Anna, her computer Cel, and a computer genius, Taz. In this book, a reader will take a journey to the future where everyone’s lives depend a great deal on the technology that they live with. Anna is the main character in the story and she has a computer that she has nick-named Cel. In the book, Cel has come alive and he loves Anna. To show his love Cel orders a ton of special flowers for Anna, but she doesn’t want to keep all of them. Anna only wants one of the flowers so she orders Cel to send the rest back. This act creates a huge data storm called the Emperor Worm that devastates the city. Anna brings her computer to her neighbor, Taz, so he can look at it and see what is wrong. Eventually they find out that Cel is alive. Cel can see that Anna likes Taz, but Cel definitely does not like him, so it makes a funny twist to their relationships. Since Cel created the data storm, unintentionally, Anna is blamed for it. This forces all of them into a race from the authorities that takes them to exciting new places where they meet strange people that help them on their exciting adventure.
Lindsay Edmunds has created a wonderful story that keeps readers on their toes through the entire book. The way she has written the story keeps a reader wanting to read more even after the book is done. With her writing skill, Lindsay Edmunds has created a different place in time that comes alive in a reader’s mind. She has also created wonderful characters that relate to what a real person might actually do or think in the situations that they are put in. She has done a fantastic job and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like a good book to keep him or her reading because this book does exactly that. Cel & Anna is a great story and I am glad to have read it.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Chaselyn Kenney, Allbooks Review. www.allbooksreviewint.com
Title: Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story
Author: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Publisher: Lindsay E. Edmunds
Price: $10.76 paperback
Pages: 307
ISBN: 978-1453839997
Date of review: June 2011
http://celandanna.com/
blog: http://writersrest.com/
June 18, 2011
I’m not sure I’ll ever look at a computer the same way again after reading this book. What a marvelous story! This is the type of book that makes me glad self-publishing exists.
The sci-fi premise has never been one of my favorites, mainly because the authors rely so much on world building and bizarre terms, that the actual stories never come through. This book is an exception. There is some world building, of course, but it is very interesting and never grows dull. The reader is not inundated with unpronounceable words or names, and can easily follow the actions that take place, even when they involve new technological terms.
I adored Cel, the computer that one day realizes he is indeed alive and in-love with his owner. He is a quirky, troublesome creature that the reader can’t help but love. Anna, his owner, is also quite fun, although she falls a bit short of a fully rounded character. There are a myriad of other people that make the story come to life. I enjoyed getting to meet them all.
The story itself is well structured, with the usual infusion of government paranoia and the ever watchful eye of technology. It is fast-paced, grabbing on to the reader until the last page. I will not reveal the ending, of course, but I had a little “aww” working its way up my throat.
I highly, highly recommend this book.
The sci-fi premise has never been one of my favorites, mainly because the authors rely so much on world building and bizarre terms, that the actual stories never come through. This book is an exception. There is some world building, of course, but it is very interesting and never grows dull. The reader is not inundated with unpronounceable words or names, and can easily follow the actions that take place, even when they involve new technological terms.
I adored Cel, the computer that one day realizes he is indeed alive and in-love with his owner. He is a quirky, troublesome creature that the reader can’t help but love. Anna, his owner, is also quite fun, although she falls a bit short of a fully rounded character. There are a myriad of other people that make the story come to life. I enjoyed getting to meet them all.
The story itself is well structured, with the usual infusion of government paranoia and the ever watchful eye of technology. It is fast-paced, grabbing on to the reader until the last page. I will not reveal the ending, of course, but I had a little “aww” working its way up my throat.
I highly, highly recommend this book.
September 28, 2012
I cannot tell you how delighted I was by this book. It’s sci-fi, of a sort, but not like most of what I’ve read. Edmunds is clearly interested in our relationship with machines and about the direction we are heading together. Through her novel, she explores some really fascinating themes involving technology, human beings, and the natural world. The images she conjures for the reader are all the more impactful because of how deftly she plays with what we expect to see.
The three main characters — Anna, Taz, and Cel — hold the story down just fine by themselves. But Edmunds introduces very real secondary characters as needed, including (but not limited to) a government flunkie, a rural innkeeper, and Anna’s spiritually inclined car. And the book is funny — there were several times when I actually snickered out loud, usually at something Cel said. He is not at all what you might expect from an ascended machine, and yet he is also absolutely perfect.
You can read the author's thoughts on Cel & Anna on my blog, Erin Reads.
The three main characters — Anna, Taz, and Cel — hold the story down just fine by themselves. But Edmunds introduces very real secondary characters as needed, including (but not limited to) a government flunkie, a rural innkeeper, and Anna’s spiritually inclined car. And the book is funny — there were several times when I actually snickered out loud, usually at something Cel said. He is not at all what you might expect from an ascended machine, and yet he is also absolutely perfect.
You can read the author's thoughts on Cel & Anna on my blog, Erin Reads.
August 8, 2011
Cel and Anna is a delightful science fiction novel. The premise is George Orwell-esque from his novel 1984 where "big brother" is watching everything you do - without the overwhelming darkness.
The synopsis tells you everything you need to know about this book. It starts off a little slow for me, but the pace picks up and then continues at a good clip. The concept of a computer falling in love with a woman is pretty unique; thus, enjoyable to read about.
The characters were well-written, even Cel, the computer! I found the most change in Anna as the story began, she was rather shy and didn't interact with live people very much. Through the story she grew and changed until she was very comfortable around people and capable of making friends.
Cel and Anna is a breath of fresh air in the science fiction genre. It flows smoothly and reads fairly quickly. It's definitely worth your time!
*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author, I was not required to write a positive review.
The synopsis tells you everything you need to know about this book. It starts off a little slow for me, but the pace picks up and then continues at a good clip. The concept of a computer falling in love with a woman is pretty unique; thus, enjoyable to read about.
The characters were well-written, even Cel, the computer! I found the most change in Anna as the story began, she was rather shy and didn't interact with live people very much. Through the story she grew and changed until she was very comfortable around people and capable of making friends.
Cel and Anna is a breath of fresh air in the science fiction genre. It flows smoothly and reads fairly quickly. It's definitely worth your time!
*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author, I was not required to write a positive review.
July 6, 2012
I had to laugh when I read the synopsis of this story. It was hard for me to picture how the author was going to pull off such a feat … a love story between a human and a robot? Seriously? Brings to mind some of the really ditzy blondes I know. But she pulled it off. This is truly a great love story and Anna is neither ditzy nor blonde.
I liked the progression of this story a lot. The interaction between Cel who knew he was in love from the very beginning to Anna and the outcome that was inevitable. This is a classic love story told in a very unique way but don’t let that deter you reading it. This is a great book and lots of fun to read.
I would like to see a bit more in the area of environment description. There might have been a little too much left to the reader’s imagination but I don’t know that it took anything away from the original story. It’s just the sci fi freak in me coming out. I want to see the purple skies and yellow moon. But either way, it was a good read and one I recommend.
I liked the progression of this story a lot. The interaction between Cel who knew he was in love from the very beginning to Anna and the outcome that was inevitable. This is a classic love story told in a very unique way but don’t let that deter you reading it. This is a great book and lots of fun to read.
I would like to see a bit more in the area of environment description. There might have been a little too much left to the reader’s imagination but I don’t know that it took anything away from the original story. It’s just the sci fi freak in me coming out. I want to see the purple skies and yellow moon. But either way, it was a good read and one I recommend.
July 15, 2013
This book had me at the opening - there's virtual sex in a bunny suit going on.
I'm not often driven to pick up sci-fi, but Cel & Anna was a satisfying and fun read built on a clever and twisty plot, vivid and wonderful images, compelling characters, and lots of humor--oh yes, and it's a love story. So I'm always in for that.
But it's a different kind of love story, of course, because it's a science fiction love story, and our noble suitor isn't a man or a being from another planet, he is a computer. (And yes, it's easy to call dear Cel a "he.")
His very human and charming attempt at vulnerability sparks a crisis and sends Cel, Anna, and the very dreamy and determined Taz on the lam, giving us glimpses into a wacky world of the future that is also oddly familiar to our present sensibilities. How I fear a future without really good coffee, but it's nice to imagine that the eternal quest for love will still be with us, no matter if it's between--or among--a man, woman, computer, robot, or even involves bunny suit!
I'm not often driven to pick up sci-fi, but Cel & Anna was a satisfying and fun read built on a clever and twisty plot, vivid and wonderful images, compelling characters, and lots of humor--oh yes, and it's a love story. So I'm always in for that.
But it's a different kind of love story, of course, because it's a science fiction love story, and our noble suitor isn't a man or a being from another planet, he is a computer. (And yes, it's easy to call dear Cel a "he.")
His very human and charming attempt at vulnerability sparks a crisis and sends Cel, Anna, and the very dreamy and determined Taz on the lam, giving us glimpses into a wacky world of the future that is also oddly familiar to our present sensibilities. How I fear a future without really good coffee, but it's nice to imagine that the eternal quest for love will still be with us, no matter if it's between--or among--a man, woman, computer, robot, or even involves bunny suit!
March 27, 2012
Cel and Anna is completely different from any other futuristic end-of-the-world books I've ever read. This in large part is due to the fact that the characters are the main point of the story, rather than the technology that surrounds them. Not to mention that it is set just before the downfall of the world, rather than after it.
Lindsay Edmunds has a very unique storytelling style which I have to admit felt a little bland to begin with but soon I became engrossed in the story and the style simply emulated the world she has created.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves stories featuring technology, unusual love and adventure as Cel and Anna includes all of these, so entwined that it is barely noticable how the story slips from one to the other. I will definitely be reading anything else Lindsay Edmunds has to share.
Lindsay Edmunds has a very unique storytelling style which I have to admit felt a little bland to begin with but soon I became engrossed in the story and the style simply emulated the world she has created.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves stories featuring technology, unusual love and adventure as Cel and Anna includes all of these, so entwined that it is barely noticable how the story slips from one to the other. I will definitely be reading anything else Lindsay Edmunds has to share.
June 22, 2012
Cel and Anna is one of the few science fiction books I have read... I brought it with me on a trip to Paris and read it on the flight. I really enjoyed it!!!
The plot revolves around a love triangle consisting of Anna, a young intuitive, Cel, her love-struck computer, and Taz, the geeky but loyal neighbor. The lovers are persecuted by the Reunited States security system due to glitches in the internet that have been initiated unknowingly by Cel.
The characters in the book are unusual and fun, the plot was captivating, and the view of the future chilling. This book was a real page turner and made my flight home from Paris seem to pass in the blink of an eye.
The plot revolves around a love triangle consisting of Anna, a young intuitive, Cel, her love-struck computer, and Taz, the geeky but loyal neighbor. The lovers are persecuted by the Reunited States security system due to glitches in the internet that have been initiated unknowingly by Cel.
The characters in the book are unusual and fun, the plot was captivating, and the view of the future chilling. This book was a real page turner and made my flight home from Paris seem to pass in the blink of an eye.
July 14, 2012
I loved the beginning of the book. The interesting and well thought out descriptions of the future of technology seemed beautifully realistic, especially in the flaws.
Please note the rest of my review may contain some spoilers.
The only thing that let me down was the last third of the book. It almost seemed like characters were haphazardly added to create an ending that was a little too cookie cutter for me. I wish that the same delicate hand had finished the story as the one which started it.
Regardless the adventure was realistic and fun and the emotion and relationship between characters relatable and real. A decent book to check out.
October 11, 2015
I give up! I only made it to chapter 29 but I couldn't take it any more...this book is just God OFFAL! Like I stated in one of my status updates on the book, the story line isn't coherent at some points. It talks about some things that seem unimportant in too much depth and then not enough on things that seem more important. For instance when Anna went to the airport it listed everything that she saw and heard but when the book got to Taz and Anna's first kiss it was Barely ONE SENTENCE! This is suppose to be a love story! How can you have a love story when you don't even focus on the Love part. I'm not saying you have to go into all the gory details but ONE SENTENCE is unbelievable.
September 23, 2012
I liked this book a ton! I wasn't sure ever sure how it was going to end. It was fast paced yet gave enough description about charters and events.
One aspect of the book that was very thought provoking was how much people depended on technology. So much to the point that they did not know their physical address or how to get home. Which is important if you are caught outside of your home during a emergency. I also found the underlying theme of being prepared useful. This would make a good Book Club read. =)
One aspect of the book that was very thought provoking was how much people depended on technology. So much to the point that they did not know their physical address or how to get home. Which is important if you are caught outside of your home during a emergency. I also found the underlying theme of being prepared useful. This would make a good Book Club read. =)
February 22, 2017
Okay....
Considering the title, this book, while enjoyable, was not so much about Cel & Anna as Taz & Anna. The title prompted me to buy it. I love the concept of a machine falling in love with a human. It therefore coloured my expectations. Maybe I expected a lot more interaction with the titular characters. Maybe I expected it to have more about the machine. I don't know. Slightly disappointing.
Considering the title, this book, while enjoyable, was not so much about Cel & Anna as Taz & Anna. The title prompted me to buy it. I love the concept of a machine falling in love with a human. It therefore coloured my expectations. Maybe I expected a lot more interaction with the titular characters. Maybe I expected it to have more about the machine. I don't know. Slightly disappointing.
July 10, 2012
This book started out so promising, and then disappointed. It began as an intriguing critique of our dependence on computers and our lack of personal connections. It ended with a neat, trite conclusion with all the loose ends wrapped up in a bow. This book was headed for a dark finish, which would have been so much more satisfying and believable than the sit-com ending.
June 14, 2013
I got this as a free book from Amazon and didn't expect much. I was surprised! What a sweet, engaging, futuristic novel, where a simple computer falls in love with a woman, expresses it by ordering her flowers, and threatens all of societal order. There were enough similarities to today's world that it led me to reflect on our current way of living. Highly enjoyable, a quick read.
Want to read
June 28, 2011I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Hope to read it soon. Thanks.
September 21, 2011
I didn't love it but it had some great quallities. The characters were believable and even the computer was believable. What a world it would be if computers could be like Cel. I want one now.
June 9, 2012
Check out my review here: http://abshepherdsreinventedreader.bl...
July 1, 2012
Excellent book! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different in the dystopian/future-set genre.
July 31, 2012
Quirky story that kept me reading in spite of some stylistic oddities. I am not sure I got the author's point, but it was an interesting journey.
September 4, 2012
I highly recommend this book for anyone
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
February 9, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed!
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