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Point 4 #1
0.4: Eine perfekte neue Welt
"Wenn ihr gegen alle Wahrscheinlichkeit irgendwann diese Kassetten finden solltet, dann spielt sie ab, hört meine Stimme, ich bitte euch. Damit ihr wisst, dass es uns gegeben hat, dass es uns gibt und dass wir euch alle vermissen."
Ein einziger Moment, eine einzige Entscheidung, können manchmal das ganze Leben verändern. Als der fünfzehnjährige Kyle Straker sich als Freiwilliger für eine Hypnosevorführung meldet, ahnt er nicht, dass er damit sein Schicksal besiegelt. Denn als Kyle aus seiner Trance erwacht, erwartet ihn ein unglaublicher Anblick: Alle anderen Einwohner seiner Stadt, seine Familie und Freunde sind reglos eingefroren. Kein Blinzeln, kein Beben der Nasenflügel – nichts und niemand bewegt sich mehr. Als die Menschen endlich erwachen, wird alles nur noch schlimmer. Für Kyle beginnt ein wahrer Albtraum: Alle um ihn herum sind wie ausgewechselt und er fühlt sich zunehmend bedroht. Zwar ist er angeblich in einer perfekten neuen Welt erwacht. Doch wie perfekt ist eine Welt, in der er nicht sein darf, wer er ist?
Ein einziger Moment, eine einzige Entscheidung, können manchmal das ganze Leben verändern. Als der fünfzehnjährige Kyle Straker sich als Freiwilliger für eine Hypnosevorführung meldet, ahnt er nicht, dass er damit sein Schicksal besiegelt. Denn als Kyle aus seiner Trance erwacht, erwartet ihn ein unglaublicher Anblick: Alle anderen Einwohner seiner Stadt, seine Familie und Freunde sind reglos eingefroren. Kein Blinzeln, kein Beben der Nasenflügel – nichts und niemand bewegt sich mehr. Als die Menschen endlich erwachen, wird alles nur noch schlimmer. Für Kyle beginnt ein wahrer Albtraum: Alle um ihn herum sind wie ausgewechselt und er fühlt sich zunehmend bedroht. Zwar ist er angeblich in einer perfekten neuen Welt erwacht. Doch wie perfekt ist eine Welt, in der er nicht sein darf, wer er ist?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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13045 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 856 reviews
October 11, 2011
Where to begin? This is one of the best books I've read this year, and one of the best young adult dystopian/science fiction novels I've read, period. It's so very well done. The moment I can pre-order the sequel, I will. I intend to foist this one on as many people as possible, as well.
It's quite difficult to review this book or even explain its premise without spoiling the well-paced surprises it offers. I'll simply say that the text is framed as an edited book, of which the main part is a written transcript of discovered audio recordings. The young man on the tapes describes how one day his world (and everyone in it, save for three others in his village) utterly changed around him. Think Invasion of the Body Snatchers: the protagonist makes this connection himself, in fact.
Not only are the characters and their plight vividly and believably drawn, but also the science fiction premise is quite brilliant. The haunted, hunted tone of psychological horror means this is perfect reading for the Halloween season, as well.
I was especially enchanted by the knowledgeable science fiction references -- Fringe, Doctor Who, Spider-Man -- and the extremely clever annotations in the transcript, which tell the reader much about its fictional, futuristic "audience" and ably satirize certain forms of the scholarly writing of our day.
Furthermore, this is a novel about ideas: individualism, self-determination, responsibility, and "progress," among others.
I can't recommend this highly enough. It's sophisticated, thought-provoking, and almost impossible to put down. Well done, indeed!
It's quite difficult to review this book or even explain its premise without spoiling the well-paced surprises it offers. I'll simply say that the text is framed as an edited book, of which the main part is a written transcript of discovered audio recordings. The young man on the tapes describes how one day his world (and everyone in it, save for three others in his village) utterly changed around him. Think Invasion of the Body Snatchers: the protagonist makes this connection himself, in fact.
Not only are the characters and their plight vividly and believably drawn, but also the science fiction premise is quite brilliant. The haunted, hunted tone of psychological horror means this is perfect reading for the Halloween season, as well.
I was especially enchanted by the knowledgeable science fiction references -- Fringe, Doctor Who, Spider-Man -- and the extremely clever annotations in the transcript, which tell the reader much about its fictional, futuristic "audience" and ably satirize certain forms of the scholarly writing of our day.
Furthermore, this is a novel about ideas: individualism, self-determination, responsibility, and "progress," among others.
I can't recommend this highly enough. It's sophisticated, thought-provoking, and almost impossible to put down. Well done, indeed!
December 17, 2020
Well that was a fast paced, fun sci-fi mystery.
The format was quite interesting as some of it was set in the future where there was an investigation underway. The panel are listening to some historical voice recordings made by Kyle Straker. The recordings cover the strange and frightening events that took place at a community talent show and how they changed the world as we understand it.
As the people in future will not understand some of the terminology from the past, there are explanations inserted throughout. I found these explanations of historical human society hugely entertaining. The beginning starts by explaining what a 'book' is:
"This data storage unit, or 'book', has been designed to reprogram the human brain, allowing it to replicate the lost art that was once called 'reading'. It is a simple adjustment and there will be no negative or harmful effects from this process."
It was a clever concept that was well developed.
For fans of
The format was quite interesting as some of it was set in the future where there was an investigation underway. The panel are listening to some historical voice recordings made by Kyle Straker. The recordings cover the strange and frightening events that took place at a community talent show and how they changed the world as we understand it.
As the people in future will not understand some of the terminology from the past, there are explanations inserted throughout. I found these explanations of historical human society hugely entertaining. The beginning starts by explaining what a 'book' is:
"This data storage unit, or 'book', has been designed to reprogram the human brain, allowing it to replicate the lost art that was once called 'reading'. It is a simple adjustment and there will be no negative or harmful effects from this process."
It was a clever concept that was well developed.
For fans of
March 30, 2012
Well, weird. That's the best word to describe this book. But hell am I glad I read it! It reminded me a lot of Genesis in some ways but with a much better story and a range of characters to go with it. It's like my ultimate bookgasm (did I just invent a word? Me thinks yes): Sci-fi + Dystopia + Philosophy = stay in all day until finished!
And it delivered in a very interesting and unique way, I found myself actually liking the 'Note' sections, they were quite an amusing idea as to how an alien species might view the way we live in the world today, it's always odd to think how strange our typical habits, behaviours and phrases must seem to someone who hasn't grown up with them.
At first I wasn't sure I liked the tape recording format but I eventually came to understand its relevance and even like the element of mystery when it would cut off at the end of each tape, leaving the reader as clueless as those studying and commenting on the tapes.
This is one of those ridiculously hard to write reviews because every part of the book is questionable and part of the mystery so you can leak spoilers with nearly anything you say. But I will comment on the way in which the author has decided to almost write himself into the story as one of those looking back on this distant society and making it seem like he's addressing a very real group of people. It could have been too much, too cheesy... but it wasn't. It worked very well indeed. I should also note that this is one of those rare books where it's essential that you read both the foreword and afterword - they are a key part of the novel itself.
One thing I didn't like was that I found it an incredibly rushed conclusion for the characters to assume an alien invasion. I mean, seriously, in real life if everyone in your village started acting weird would your immediate logical reaction be to believe that aliens were invading? Of course not. And when weird symbols turn up on a computer screen, would you think: "Oh, I know, the aliens are invading digitally!" Nope. It didn't flow and made that section of the novel very messy.
August 11, 2016
It's been really hard to write this review because every time I try to collect my thoughts all that comes to mind is: OMG THIS BOOK WAS FREAKEN AWESOME AND EVERYONE IN THE WORLD SHOULD READ IT!
I could just leave it at that but I expect you all want a little more :)
For me, Human .4 was like an ultimate 'what if' sci-fi adventure.
Mike Lancaster has asked and answered all of these questions and together they make for a truly enjoyable, exciting and not a little terrifying read.
Final verdict:
A fantastic debut! Can't wait to see what else Mike has in store for us. Defiantly an author to keep your eye on.
If you're a fan of science fiction, if you're a fan of technology and implausible, but none the less, awesome scenarios then you'll love Human .4.
A quick, short read that contains everything I love about science fiction writing. The unknown, the impossible and most importantly, the unavoidable 'what if'. Just what if it were all true…
Overall Rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Originally posted at Red House Books -- http://redhousebooks.blogspot.com/201...
I could just leave it at that but I expect you all want a little more :)
For me, Human .4 was like an ultimate 'what if' sci-fi adventure.
Mike Lancaster has asked and answered all of these questions and together they make for a truly enjoyable, exciting and not a little terrifying read.
Final verdict:
A fantastic debut! Can't wait to see what else Mike has in store for us. Defiantly an author to keep your eye on.
If you're a fan of science fiction, if you're a fan of technology and implausible, but none the less, awesome scenarios then you'll love Human .4.
A quick, short read that contains everything I love about science fiction writing. The unknown, the impossible and most importantly, the unavoidable 'what if'. Just what if it were all true…
Overall Rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Originally posted at Red House Books -- http://redhousebooks.blogspot.com/201...
July 24, 2012
Everyone seems to love this book...except for me. Did I miss something?
The town is holding a talent show, and four people (two teenagers and two older people) volunteer to be hypnotized. But during the act, suddenly the audience (and the entire town) start acting very strangely. The four struggle to find out if it's hypnosis gone wrong or something else.
It's a decent idea, but I felt that it was poorly done. First of all, the story is supposedly being listened to/read/transcribed from audio tapes left by Kyle, except that the story reads nothing like a transcribed audio tape would. Secondly, there are dozens of interjections by something/someone that is not quite human; once in a while they offered a interesting tidbit, but mostly I just found them extremely distracting from the original story. Third, all the characters fell very flat for me. There is no humanity or emotion or love in these characters and there is barely any reaction from them in response to big events.
On the other hand, there are little clues as to what is going on scattered throughout the text, which can give the reader a lot to think about, and thought-provoking books are always a plus.
The town is holding a talent show, and four people (two teenagers and two older people) volunteer to be hypnotized. But during the act, suddenly the audience (and the entire town) start acting very strangely. The four struggle to find out if it's hypnosis gone wrong or something else.
It's a decent idea, but I felt that it was poorly done. First of all, the story is supposedly being listened to/read/transcribed from audio tapes left by Kyle, except that the story reads nothing like a transcribed audio tape would. Secondly, there are dozens of interjections by something/someone that is not quite human; once in a while they offered a interesting tidbit, but mostly I just found them extremely distracting from the original story. Third, all the characters fell very flat for me. There is no humanity or emotion or love in these characters and there is barely any reaction from them in response to big events.
On the other hand, there are little clues as to what is going on scattered throughout the text, which can give the reader a lot to think about, and thought-provoking books are always a plus.
September 10, 2014
This is a really clever book and a solid 5 star read for me.
There’s not much I can say about it. I think you really need to read it for yourself. I’d recommend doing so without reading any reviews first and If you can read it in one sitting, even better.
It’s well written, fast paced, with excellent character development. And very well told.
It reminded me, just a little, of some of Stephen King’s short stories.
June 13, 2012
I thought HUMAN.4 was dystopian lit when I began. I think I had it confused with I AM NUMBER FOUR. (I may have also been misled by the current dystopian fad.) I'll cop to not being the biggest fan of dystopias. What is HUMAN.4? I suspect you'll hear many different answers. I'd call it a classic SF/horror story, in the vein of The Twilight Zone. (At times I got a distinct "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" vibe. YouTube video for those unfamiliar with the classic episode.) Mike A. Lancaster does make some interesting framing decisions that help make HUMAN.4 unique.
HUMAN.4 is told by Kyle Straker, who is recording himself on a set of cassette tapes three months after the events of the story. The events are transcribed by the future humans who find the tapes. The transcription is filled with notes about academic analysis of the tapes - what do certain terms mean? What do Kyle's pauses mean? I found the notes about the pauses and about the changes in Kyle's narrative direction to be interesting. They both shaped the way I viewed the story and gave good insight into how people think in the future of HUMAN.4. The notes about terms were sometimes clever, but more often distracting.
I thought the cassette tape format reinforced the themes of the novel both overtly and subtly. Kyle is unfamiliar with recording on cassettes, so the last words of each part are forgotten. The action occurs in our present. I'm only 22, but Kyle is enough younger than me that a technology I grew up with is obsolete for him. I'm not pretending I was born before CDs; just before CD-Rs. My sister and I would go about the house, using our cheap red and white plastic tape recorder to tape songs we improvised. (My most popular tune was one involving the lines, "You better snap/that weight off!" Unsurprising, I have not grown up to be a lyricist.) In HUMAN.4, Kyle and three of his neighbors become obsolete through an ill-timed hypnosis act. But our everyday lives will become obsolete without help from any outlandish occurances. It's that grounding in reality that really sells the more horrific bits of HUMAN.4.
There's a small romance in the novel. It shouldn't put any male readers off, but it's nicely nuanced and unobtrusive. I rather liked Lisa, who seemed like a good girl. The other two 0.4 don't have much to do, but they're amiable enough characters. Mr. Peterson gets one amazing scene. HUMAN.4 covers a short amount of time - less than a day - so there is not much focus on character development. But there is enough character to carry the story. You want Kyle, Lisa, Mrs. O'Donnell, and Mr. Peterson to survive. (After all, you're only guaranteed that Kyle survives for three months.)
I read HUMAN.4 in about an hour. I intended to start it during the commercials of ABC's comedy block. I finished it before the second episode of The Middle finished. (Admittedly, the second episode was a re-run, but the book would've held my attention without that push.) In less than 250 pages, Lancaster reminded me how much I love a suspenseful story with a SF twist. (You'll notice I haven't said much about the plot. That's because I'm afraid to give anything away. I enjoy experiencing books cold and I worry about spoiling an experience this fun.)
I don't have a seal of approval, but let's ignore that so that I can say this. HUMAN.4 gets the In Bed With Books Seal of Approval. (Complimentary gift basket not included.)
HUMAN.4 is told by Kyle Straker, who is recording himself on a set of cassette tapes three months after the events of the story. The events are transcribed by the future humans who find the tapes. The transcription is filled with notes about academic analysis of the tapes - what do certain terms mean? What do Kyle's pauses mean? I found the notes about the pauses and about the changes in Kyle's narrative direction to be interesting. They both shaped the way I viewed the story and gave good insight into how people think in the future of HUMAN.4. The notes about terms were sometimes clever, but more often distracting.
I thought the cassette tape format reinforced the themes of the novel both overtly and subtly. Kyle is unfamiliar with recording on cassettes, so the last words of each part are forgotten. The action occurs in our present. I'm only 22, but Kyle is enough younger than me that a technology I grew up with is obsolete for him. I'm not pretending I was born before CDs; just before CD-Rs. My sister and I would go about the house, using our cheap red and white plastic tape recorder to tape songs we improvised. (My most popular tune was one involving the lines, "You better snap/that weight off!" Unsurprising, I have not grown up to be a lyricist.) In HUMAN.4, Kyle and three of his neighbors become obsolete through an ill-timed hypnosis act. But our everyday lives will become obsolete without help from any outlandish occurances. It's that grounding in reality that really sells the more horrific bits of HUMAN.4.
There's a small romance in the novel. It shouldn't put any male readers off, but it's nicely nuanced and unobtrusive. I rather liked Lisa, who seemed like a good girl. The other two 0.4 don't have much to do, but they're amiable enough characters. Mr. Peterson gets one amazing scene. HUMAN.4 covers a short amount of time - less than a day - so there is not much focus on character development. But there is enough character to carry the story. You want Kyle, Lisa, Mrs. O'Donnell, and Mr. Peterson to survive. (After all, you're only guaranteed that Kyle survives for three months.)
I read HUMAN.4 in about an hour. I intended to start it during the commercials of ABC's comedy block. I finished it before the second episode of The Middle finished. (Admittedly, the second episode was a re-run, but the book would've held my attention without that push.) In less than 250 pages, Lancaster reminded me how much I love a suspenseful story with a SF twist. (You'll notice I haven't said much about the plot. That's because I'm afraid to give anything away. I enjoy experiencing books cold and I worry about spoiling an experience this fun.)
I don't have a seal of approval, but let's ignore that so that I can say this. HUMAN.4 gets the In Bed With Books Seal of Approval. (Complimentary gift basket not included.)
November 9, 2018
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https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
This is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from the first page and won’t let go even once you’ve finished reading. It wasn’t exactly an action filled book, but there was plenty of suspense and the writing is the kind that just sucked me right in leaving me with many new ideas for my own imaginary stories.
I’ve read this book twice and both times I listed it as a favourite as it is one of those books that introduces new yet effortless speculation on our world and even evolution. I can’t say a great lot about the plot as it will give it all away and the best way to experience this book is to go into it blind. But what I can say is the author really managed to make everything so believable from the characters and what was happening to them to the shocking conclusion. I don’t think I need to say that the writing was perfection for this type of story as it was fast paced, exciting and the kind that makes you want to always find out what happens next which always gave new surprises.
Kyle and his friends were very well portrayed and likeable throughout and I felt like I was going through everything with them. The descriptions were so vivid as well as Kyle’s narration which as I said makes one feel like you’re with him. I don’t understand why this book isn’t more well known as like I said in the end there were some wonderful ideas here. What if all our world and ourselves was just a big computer program? A bit like the Matrix but at the same time putting a different spin to things making the whole thing totally original in its own ways.
This was quite a quick read that even though there wasn’t so much bare knuckle action, it was still exciting in its own way with suspenseful writing and good characterisations. It’s a book I feel everyone of all ages could read and enjoy and not just because of the writing but because of the speculation the author introduces, it certainly made me think and inspired many different theories for my own characters I sometimes think about.. I’m dying to say more but don’t want to spoil this gem of a book that I’m surprised isn’t more well recognised 😛 I also will add here that I wish the author would write more because I can certainly see his talent even if not many others do..
Who I’d recommend this for
Everyone. No kidding, when I first read this I thought it was one of the best books in the Sci-Fi genre, but read this if you like big speculations, exciting mysteries and an engaging plot, you won’t be sorry.
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
This is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from the first page and won’t let go even once you’ve finished reading. It wasn’t exactly an action filled book, but there was plenty of suspense and the writing is the kind that just sucked me right in leaving me with many new ideas for my own imaginary stories.
I’ve read this book twice and both times I listed it as a favourite as it is one of those books that introduces new yet effortless speculation on our world and even evolution. I can’t say a great lot about the plot as it will give it all away and the best way to experience this book is to go into it blind. But what I can say is the author really managed to make everything so believable from the characters and what was happening to them to the shocking conclusion. I don’t think I need to say that the writing was perfection for this type of story as it was fast paced, exciting and the kind that makes you want to always find out what happens next which always gave new surprises.
Kyle and his friends were very well portrayed and likeable throughout and I felt like I was going through everything with them. The descriptions were so vivid as well as Kyle’s narration which as I said makes one feel like you’re with him. I don’t understand why this book isn’t more well known as like I said in the end there were some wonderful ideas here. What if all our world and ourselves was just a big computer program? A bit like the Matrix but at the same time putting a different spin to things making the whole thing totally original in its own ways.
This was quite a quick read that even though there wasn’t so much bare knuckle action, it was still exciting in its own way with suspenseful writing and good characterisations. It’s a book I feel everyone of all ages could read and enjoy and not just because of the writing but because of the speculation the author introduces, it certainly made me think and inspired many different theories for my own characters I sometimes think about.. I’m dying to say more but don’t want to spoil this gem of a book that I’m surprised isn’t more well recognised 😛 I also will add here that I wish the author would write more because I can certainly see his talent even if not many others do..
Who I’d recommend this for
Everyone. No kidding, when I first read this I thought it was one of the best books in the Sci-Fi genre, but read this if you like big speculations, exciting mysteries and an engaging plot, you won’t be sorry.
December 29, 2014
I think that's what we all want, in the end.
To know that we left footprints when we passed by, however briefly.
We want to be remembered.
So remember us.
Please.
Remember us.
Human.4 is a very addicting read. I couldn’t stop until I reached the last page. It’s the type of book you’ll want more and more off. There was no putting this book down. It was AWESOME. It was FREAKIN’ FANTASTIC!
What pushed me to read this book? It was the fact that there were cassette tapes involved. Why? Well one of my favorite books involved cassette tapes too (13 Reasons Why). This book just became another favorite not just because the medium used on this book was a cassette tape but because the story itself and the way it was delivered to the readers was packaged in a unique kind of way.
Kyle Straker and three other people volunteered to be hypnotized by one of his friends at a local talent show in their community. It seemed harmless enough at first but when they woke up things were different.
I don’t want to give out anything more because I don’t want to ruin anything about this book. It’s the type of book that would keep you guessing as to what will happen next and that was the good part of this book. It keeps you guessing. It keeps your mind active all throughout the book.
It was a great experience reading this book. It was smart and witty and imaginative. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves reading science fiction.
I give it 4.75 stars!
To know that we left footprints when we passed by, however briefly.
We want to be remembered.
So remember us.
Please.
Remember us.
Human.4 is a very addicting read. I couldn’t stop until I reached the last page. It’s the type of book you’ll want more and more off. There was no putting this book down. It was AWESOME. It was FREAKIN’ FANTASTIC!
What pushed me to read this book? It was the fact that there were cassette tapes involved. Why? Well one of my favorite books involved cassette tapes too (13 Reasons Why). This book just became another favorite not just because the medium used on this book was a cassette tape but because the story itself and the way it was delivered to the readers was packaged in a unique kind of way.
Kyle Straker and three other people volunteered to be hypnotized by one of his friends at a local talent show in their community. It seemed harmless enough at first but when they woke up things were different.
I don’t want to give out anything more because I don’t want to ruin anything about this book. It’s the type of book that would keep you guessing as to what will happen next and that was the good part of this book. It keeps you guessing. It keeps your mind active all throughout the book.
It was a great experience reading this book. It was smart and witty and imaginative. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves reading science fiction.
I give it 4.75 stars!
January 8, 2012
Terrific concept muddled by poor execution.
Mike Lancaster has provided a quick, entertaining read here...unfortunately the overtly gimmicky premise is brought down by flat characters. If you can't relate or invest in the main character (Kyle Straker) or any of the supporting ones, then you lose what's at stake. And if you lose what's at stake, the drama and conflict never rise to where they should be. If Lancaster had infused some realistic and fully fleshed-out characters, spent some more time building their backstories and lives, stopped indulging in the novelty concept of the novel (and the rushed feeling in the pages), the sci-fi scenario would have been 100 x more terrifying. It IS a great concept and the novel was still interesting enough to flip through in a couple of hours but at the same time I feel so much more could have been done with it and because of that it left me feeling disappointed and meh. Worth a gander if you're a sci-fi buff and you pick it up at the bargain bin (like I did) but don't expect too much.
Mike Lancaster has provided a quick, entertaining read here...unfortunately the overtly gimmicky premise is brought down by flat characters. If you can't relate or invest in the main character (Kyle Straker) or any of the supporting ones, then you lose what's at stake. And if you lose what's at stake, the drama and conflict never rise to where they should be. If Lancaster had infused some realistic and fully fleshed-out characters, spent some more time building their backstories and lives, stopped indulging in the novelty concept of the novel (and the rushed feeling in the pages), the sci-fi scenario would have been 100 x more terrifying. It IS a great concept and the novel was still interesting enough to flip through in a couple of hours but at the same time I feel so much more could have been done with it and because of that it left me feeling disappointed and meh. Worth a gander if you're a sci-fi buff and you pick it up at the bargain bin (like I did) but don't expect too much.
January 15, 2011
Wow. This was such a good book. I devoured it, and read it all in one sitting. I couldn't stop.
From the very first page, I was hooked. By the second chapter or so, there was no way I was putting it down soon. I didn't expect to read it all though.
What did I love so much about it? I'm not really sure. It's probably one of the only sci-fi books I've read, so that for me was appealing because it's something new, something that isn't a paranormal romance. Don't get me wrong, I will always love and will always read paranormal romance, but sometimes, I like to read something new, and exciting. And 0.4 is just that.
Kyle Straker narrates the story in the form of an old audio tape recording. The editor, Mike Lancaster, adds notes throughout the book, which enlighten the reader to the ways of the world, which is our world now, but the book is set as someone reading it from the future, who wouldn't know about certain things. So, he explains golf, Coldplay, and lots more, and these notes are very funny. Also, because it's supposed to be Kyle telling the story through three recorded audio tapes, there are gaps in the story where the tape is turning, or a new tape is being played. I liked these gaps, because it made you imagine what would have been said when the tape was turning, though you never find out.
I liked Kyle. He was straight thinking, brave and a strong main character. He tried to make sense of the strange things that had happened to him, even if the only conclusion he could come to was completely outrageous and probably not true. His voice was very readable, and I really felt as though I was experiencing the events along with him.
Overall, 0.4 was a very good read. I saw it on a Waiting on Wednesday post last year, and I immediately added it to my TBR pile, and then forgot about it until a few weeks ago, when I saw that it had come out. I had to buy it, and I'm so glad I did! It was awesome, and you must read it.
From the very first page, I was hooked. By the second chapter or so, there was no way I was putting it down soon. I didn't expect to read it all though.
What did I love so much about it? I'm not really sure. It's probably one of the only sci-fi books I've read, so that for me was appealing because it's something new, something that isn't a paranormal romance. Don't get me wrong, I will always love and will always read paranormal romance, but sometimes, I like to read something new, and exciting. And 0.4 is just that.
Kyle Straker narrates the story in the form of an old audio tape recording. The editor, Mike Lancaster, adds notes throughout the book, which enlighten the reader to the ways of the world, which is our world now, but the book is set as someone reading it from the future, who wouldn't know about certain things. So, he explains golf, Coldplay, and lots more, and these notes are very funny. Also, because it's supposed to be Kyle telling the story through three recorded audio tapes, there are gaps in the story where the tape is turning, or a new tape is being played. I liked these gaps, because it made you imagine what would have been said when the tape was turning, though you never find out.
I liked Kyle. He was straight thinking, brave and a strong main character. He tried to make sense of the strange things that had happened to him, even if the only conclusion he could come to was completely outrageous and probably not true. His voice was very readable, and I really felt as though I was experiencing the events along with him.
Overall, 0.4 was a very good read. I saw it on a Waiting on Wednesday post last year, and I immediately added it to my TBR pile, and then forgot about it until a few weeks ago, when I saw that it had come out. I had to buy it, and I'm so glad I did! It was awesome, and you must read it.
January 19, 2012
I thought that the book was a gripping and successful thriller. I actually read the book during my lunch break and finished it in two days.
Semi spoiler alert:
However, I do think there were some flaws. I felt that the characterization of the human 1.0 was inconsistent. They seemed like mindless zombies--they had limited emotions and purged their houses of "old" technology. With this information, it seems very implausible that they would care about collecting "antiques" as mentioned in the epilogue. Additionally, supposedly Danny had been upgraded as well, but he acted differently than everyone else. He admitted that a change had occurred and explained it, even sharing information that had been uploaded into his brain. Along with the inconsistency of the human 1.0 I thought certain aspects didn't make much sense. Why would they need to link filaments a la Avatar? If they were such a sophisticated form, they why couldn't they just communicate wirelessly?
I think that in some ways this book purports to be a deep commentary on our relationship with technology. However, I view it more as a thriller. If you are seeking such a commentary through fiction, I recommend the book Feed by MT Anderson. However, be warned that it contains explicit language.
Semi spoiler alert:
However, I do think there were some flaws. I felt that the characterization of the human 1.0 was inconsistent. They seemed like mindless zombies--they had limited emotions and purged their houses of "old" technology. With this information, it seems very implausible that they would care about collecting "antiques" as mentioned in the epilogue. Additionally, supposedly Danny had been upgraded as well, but he acted differently than everyone else. He admitted that a change had occurred and explained it, even sharing information that had been uploaded into his brain. Along with the inconsistency of the human 1.0 I thought certain aspects didn't make much sense. Why would they need to link filaments a la Avatar? If they were such a sophisticated form, they why couldn't they just communicate wirelessly?
I think that in some ways this book purports to be a deep commentary on our relationship with technology. However, I view it more as a thriller. If you are seeking such a commentary through fiction, I recommend the book Feed by MT Anderson. However, be warned that it contains explicit language.
April 12, 2013
kyle,.co s tebou? přiznávám, že jsem celou knihu četla pouze ve škole, takže mi možná něco unikl. taky je to krátká knížečka, takže se nedá úplně posoudit. ale za jedním si stojím, ten konec (+- od rozhovoru s Dannym) je to perfektní. a trochu i k zamyšlení. je to trochu jako dnešní svět, kdy komunikujeme přes internet. je tak lehké přestat existovat. nebo někoho ignorovat. !
postavy jsou tak trochu vedlejší hlavní je, aspoň pro mě, to sdělení... možná v tom vidím něco, co neexistuje... no a co!
postavy jsou tak trochu vedlejší hlavní je, aspoň pro mě, to sdělení... možná v tom vidím něco, co neexistuje... no a co!
July 14, 2016
6⋆
/5⋆ (STARS).
A MUST-READ.
Quick backstory of how I regret not reading this sooner:
I still remember the day I picked it up [0.4] from the bookstore's shelves. It was a day after my birthday, year 2014. When I read the blurb, I just knew it would be different, good different. I was about to buy it when I realized I didn't have enough money, although, I could have just asked a friend to lend me some. I came back for that book weeks later, just to find out they were out of stock. Now, after reading this AMAZING (!!!!) novel, I regret not buying the physical copy AND not reading it sooner.
(Contains hints/a bit of spoilers of the said novel.)
When I started reading the book, I didn't expect much about it. I swear it stuck on my hands like a glue right after reading Editor's Note. I could not stop reading it, and halfway through the novel, I actually had to force myself to stop reading because I got classes in a few hours. Yes, I read it for hours until I realize it's late night. It's one of those rare books that traps you and actually forget the world around you--that's how good it is.
The novel starts with a teenager named Kyle Straker, who recorded his narration of an odd event on a cassette tape of what happened at a talent show one afternoon. The afternoon that will change their lives forever. When no one raised their hands to volunteer, Kyle's the hero to save his friend Danny for some embarrassment on a talent show. Kyle volunteered to be hypnotized, along with 3 other people, Kyle's friend-slash-ex-lover, Lilly. An ex-teacher, Kate O'Donnell. And a postman-slash-bad ventriloquist, Rodney Peterson. The four went up the stage, thinking it'd be some amateur act that will fail eventually, and to their surprise, they all actually went on a hypnosis state (or did they?). And few seconds later, they all woke up with something really different...
The story is not dragged at all and does not have any filler chapters as I can remember, which is surprising since most sci-fi I've read has loads of them. Each chapter is important to every scene.
It is not just about 'what-the-hell-is-going-on' kind of novel, since the reader will (somehow) know what's going on first before the actual characters. Another upside of this novel is it is interesting enough to not make you feel bored. The philosophy of the novel is very interesting as well. Question arises from time to time, although not all of the questions were answered, (and some more questions arose after finishing the novel) the novel is still one heck of a ride and satisfying until the end.
As an I.T. student and has a few insight of programming, this novel is just astounding and very mind-blowing. Mike A. Lancaster's writing style is just beautiful, and adding some notes in this novel is like adding some magical touch in it.
(I don't usually write reviews but this one is really worth to advertise. Mike A. Lancaster did not let me down.)
A MUST-READ.
Quick backstory of how I regret not reading this sooner:
I still remember the day I picked it up [0.4] from the bookstore's shelves. It was a day after my birthday, year 2014. When I read the blurb, I just knew it would be different, good different. I was about to buy it when I realized I didn't have enough money, although, I could have just asked a friend to lend me some. I came back for that book weeks later, just to find out they were out of stock. Now, after reading this AMAZING (!!!!) novel, I regret not buying the physical copy AND not reading it sooner.
(Contains hints/a bit of spoilers of the said novel.)
When I started reading the book, I didn't expect much about it. I swear it stuck on my hands like a glue right after reading Editor's Note. I could not stop reading it, and halfway through the novel, I actually had to force myself to stop reading because I got classes in a few hours. Yes, I read it for hours until I realize it's late night. It's one of those rare books that traps you and actually forget the world around you--that's how good it is.
The novel starts with a teenager named Kyle Straker, who recorded his narration of an odd event on a cassette tape of what happened at a talent show one afternoon. The afternoon that will change their lives forever. When no one raised their hands to volunteer, Kyle's the hero to save his friend Danny for some embarrassment on a talent show. Kyle volunteered to be hypnotized, along with 3 other people, Kyle's friend-slash-ex-lover, Lilly. An ex-teacher, Kate O'Donnell. And a postman-slash-
The story is not dragged at all and does not have any filler chapters as I can remember, which is surprising since most sci-fi I've read has loads of them. Each chapter is important to every scene.
It is not just about 'what-the-hell-is-going-on' kind of novel, since the reader will (somehow) know what's going on first before the actual characters. Another upside of this novel is it is interesting enough to not make you feel bored. The philosophy of the novel is very interesting as well. Question arises from time to time, although not all of the questions were answered, (and some more questions arose after finishing the novel) the novel is still one heck of a ride and satisfying until the end.
As an I.T. student and has a few insight of programming, this novel is just astounding and very mind-blowing. Mike A. Lancaster's writing style is just beautiful, and adding some notes in this novel is like adding some magical touch in it.
(I don't usually write reviews but this one is really worth to advertise. Mike A. Lancaster did not let me down.)
December 15, 2010
Wow. This book kind of freaked me out. It was one of those where, after I finished it, I needed to sit and absorb what happened in the story. And then read something light and cheerful to rid myself of the lingering creepy feeling.
Oh, it starts out unassuming enough. Kyle’s a regular guy with some regular friends in an average little town whose major form of entertainment is a talent show on the village green. Then he gets hypnotized, wakes up and everything’s different. Everyone’s different. Except for him and the three people who were on stage with him. Very pod people, in its own, unusual way.
The first (and only) time I saw the movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the 1978 version with Donald Southerland), I couldn’t get it out of my head, I was so creeped out. HUMAN.4 affected me in the same way. What would I do if the whole world changed? Would I want to be one of the masses or would I fight to remain the person I am? When Kyle and the survivors are given that same choice, I wondered what I would do if I were in their position.
Back to Kyle. I liked how he was an average guy put in a very atypical position. He handles it admirably (after a couple freak outs), especially considering his entire world has gone wonky and is completely unfixable. His interactions with the other three “survivors” is realistic and well written, as they struggle to figure out what happened and how they’re going to deal with it. Poor Kyle—think of how you would feel if you saw your dorky little brother suddenly sprout filaments out of his hands or your friend light up a room using his own bioluminescence.
The whole book is written as if it were transcribed from tapes Kyle made describing the days right after people changed. The scientists, who have no first-hand knowledge of the world before the “incident”, do their best to analyze Kyle’s words through editorial notes. There are also notes containing definitions of words no longer in use. One of my favorite examples is when they try to explain Kyle’s reference to Teletubbies, which one scholar is sure is a collection of gods or goddesses almost exclusively worshipped by children.
Unputdownable, HUMAN.4 will haunt you long after you finish it.
Oh, it starts out unassuming enough. Kyle’s a regular guy with some regular friends in an average little town whose major form of entertainment is a talent show on the village green. Then he gets hypnotized, wakes up and everything’s different. Everyone’s different. Except for him and the three people who were on stage with him. Very pod people, in its own, unusual way.
The first (and only) time I saw the movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the 1978 version with Donald Southerland), I couldn’t get it out of my head, I was so creeped out. HUMAN.4 affected me in the same way. What would I do if the whole world changed? Would I want to be one of the masses or would I fight to remain the person I am? When Kyle and the survivors are given that same choice, I wondered what I would do if I were in their position.
Back to Kyle. I liked how he was an average guy put in a very atypical position. He handles it admirably (after a couple freak outs), especially considering his entire world has gone wonky and is completely unfixable. His interactions with the other three “survivors” is realistic and well written, as they struggle to figure out what happened and how they’re going to deal with it. Poor Kyle—think of how you would feel if you saw your dorky little brother suddenly sprout filaments out of his hands or your friend light up a room using his own bioluminescence.
The whole book is written as if it were transcribed from tapes Kyle made describing the days right after people changed. The scientists, who have no first-hand knowledge of the world before the “incident”, do their best to analyze Kyle’s words through editorial notes. There are also notes containing definitions of words no longer in use. One of my favorite examples is when they try to explain Kyle’s reference to Teletubbies, which one scholar is sure is a collection of gods or goddesses almost exclusively worshipped by children.
Unputdownable, HUMAN.4 will haunt you long after you finish it.
June 12, 2012
I'm not even sure where to begin in writing a review for this book, but I absolutely have to do so.
This is probably one of the best books that I've ever read, and that's saying something pretty amazing. It was one of my first purchases when I got a Kindle (having already read it prior to that)and I've reread it a couple times. Each time, it continues to stand up as amazing.
The premise for the book is both creative and really disturbing. There is something about this 'fiction' book that resonates as entirely too possible for me and it's that very possibility that gives me goosebumps every time I reread the book.
I don't want to say too much, because it would be entirely too easy to spoil the book, but I'll never take those fleeting 'I think I saw something' moments or the times when my dog stares into space and starts barking and growling the same again. This book, more than anything, made me ask 'what if ...' and that question creeps me out more than just about any other book I've read.
All I can say is -- read it. I cannot imagine that you'd be disappointed. It's stood up to 4 readings for me now and I suspect that it'll hold against a few more. Even knowing what's coming, it still creeps me out and gives me the chills.
This is probably one of the best books that I've ever read, and that's saying something pretty amazing. It was one of my first purchases when I got a Kindle (having already read it prior to that)and I've reread it a couple times. Each time, it continues to stand up as amazing.
The premise for the book is both creative and really disturbing. There is something about this 'fiction' book that resonates as entirely too possible for me and it's that very possibility that gives me goosebumps every time I reread the book.
I don't want to say too much, because it would be entirely too easy to spoil the book, but I'll never take those fleeting 'I think I saw something' moments or the times when my dog stares into space and starts barking and growling the same again. This book, more than anything, made me ask 'what if ...' and that question creeps me out more than just about any other book I've read.
All I can say is -- read it. I cannot imagine that you'd be disappointed. It's stood up to 4 readings for me now and I suspect that it'll hold against a few more. Even knowing what's coming, it still creeps me out and gives me the chills.
October 11, 2011
This is Kyle Striker's story. After some terrible events he finds three tapes to record his story. Kyle Striker was attending a yearly talent show that his village always holds. His friend Danny was performing his hypnotism act and needed four volunteers. Kyle, Lily, and two adults volunteer. When they wake up from the hypnotism everyone in the village is frozen mid action. They have no idea what has happened but that they must not have been affected due to the fact that they were under hypnosis at the time. But when the village wakes an hour later they seem to have changed. His parents call in the local doctor except that the phones are no longer working. He over hears that he is a 0.4 and is now irrelevant. What happened to all the people while they were frozen? This explains his story. The format of the book is someone translating the tapes onto a book after the event. I loved the format. Very interesting quick read(231 pages)
March 13, 2018
I just couldn't get into this book at all. It was difficult to follow the storyline with all the incomplete thoughts and unfinished story directions. This book was just a waste of time.
October 14, 2023
Oops, it's a banger! I got this book ages ago thrift with no idea what to expect and finally got fed up with the mystery. and OOPS IT SHREDS.
It's very difficult to discuss 0.4 without going into spoilers, and the whole point of the book is the mystery and twists- so I do think big spoilers would... spoil some of the fun. It's a very fast, quick book written for a YA audience, with fast sentences, short chapters, and lots of quick-moving action. This makes it a breezy read, and while some of the early stuff feels a bit cliche, there's really interesting glimpses of the characters that help it stand out.
What really makes it unique though is the plot. It turns increasingly cosmic horror in a delightful way I haven't really seen before. It starts out with four people being hypnotized at a talent show and waking up to realize everyone else in the village is paused in time. But man does it go other places.
The format too adds a lot. I'm a huge fan of 'gimmick' in writing, things like chat logs or annotations, and this book is 'found footage', starting with an editor's note saying it is information from a bygone age, and various other editing notes throughout hint at an uncanny vision of the future where this book is studied and debated by academics. More books should go this route. It's extremely fun.
While not a literary novel of the year- again, the audience colours the style and humor quite a lot- I think it's a phenomenally fun read with some top notch ideas. Hell yeah.
It's very difficult to discuss 0.4 without going into spoilers, and the whole point of the book is the mystery and twists- so I do think big spoilers would... spoil some of the fun. It's a very fast, quick book written for a YA audience, with fast sentences, short chapters, and lots of quick-moving action. This makes it a breezy read, and while some of the early stuff feels a bit cliche, there's really interesting glimpses of the characters that help it stand out.
What really makes it unique though is the plot. It turns increasingly cosmic horror in a delightful way I haven't really seen before. It starts out with four people being hypnotized at a talent show and waking up to realize everyone else in the village is paused in time. But man does it go other places.
The format too adds a lot. I'm a huge fan of 'gimmick' in writing, things like chat logs or annotations, and this book is 'found footage', starting with an editor's note saying it is information from a bygone age, and various other editing notes throughout hint at an uncanny vision of the future where this book is studied and debated by academics. More books should go this route. It's extremely fun.
While not a literary novel of the year- again, the audience colours the style and humor quite a lot- I think it's a phenomenally fun read with some top notch ideas. Hell yeah.
May 20, 2020
I don’t understand how this book didn’t end up an international bestseller or how it didn’t get adapted in to a movie or tv series. Mind-blowingly epic. After the first 20 pages I had ordered the sequel.
August 13, 2011
I picked up Human.4 not quite knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The story kept me engaged and before I knew it, I finished the book in a few hours (it's short). It was also an added treat to find out the book is set in England. You may as well know now, I am an anglophile. Anyway...
It's rare that a book comes out for young adults that truly represents the sci-fi genre. No vampires, fairies, or amazonian girls skilled in weaponry, etc. Just science fiction. The oldest thing you'll find in this book is a set of transcribed tapes that Kyle Straker recorded telling his horrifying story. The narrative is filled with the perfect amount of tension and the side notes in the story add the humor, especially if you're a sci-fi geek. Stargate SG-1 reference anyone?
One complaint I have is that it was too short. I wanted to know more about the new world and about the characters and just...how? You'll understand the "how" question after you read the book. BUT I realize that the shortness of the book is also a positive. There is no filler, every scene is important, and everything happens for a reason. If it was any longer, the tension that is the book would start to lag. My last complaint is that no matter how humorous the side notes are, it distracted me from the story a few times. Especially when it shows up in the middle of a chapter. Other than those things, the book was thoroughly entertaining.
What I learned: don't ever volunteer to be hypnotized and that I should worry about the progression of technology.
Good luck to my children's children's children, and so on. I fear for you.
It's rare that a book comes out for young adults that truly represents the sci-fi genre. No vampires, fairies, or amazonian girls skilled in weaponry, etc. Just science fiction. The oldest thing you'll find in this book is a set of transcribed tapes that Kyle Straker recorded telling his horrifying story. The narrative is filled with the perfect amount of tension and the side notes in the story add the humor, especially if you're a sci-fi geek. Stargate SG-1 reference anyone?
One complaint I have is that it was too short. I wanted to know more about the new world and about the characters and just...how? You'll understand the "how" question after you read the book. BUT I realize that the shortness of the book is also a positive. There is no filler, every scene is important, and everything happens for a reason. If it was any longer, the tension that is the book would start to lag. My last complaint is that no matter how humorous the side notes are, it distracted me from the story a few times. Especially when it shows up in the middle of a chapter. Other than those things, the book was thoroughly entertaining.
What I learned: don't ever volunteer to be hypnotized and that I should worry about the progression of technology.
Good luck to my children's children's children, and so on. I fear for you.
April 12, 2016
The book is very fast paced, and at only two hundred pages, it’s also a very fast read. I couldn’t even garner a guess as to how a character developed because there wasn’t much to critique. Kyle seems like a smart kid. Accepting his fate sounded like he was giving up and it wasn’t fair. Nor did any of it make sense. I thought it was flat and boring and there were no questions answered. I hate it when a book does that. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the bizarre concept, but wished there was more development with all the characters. The world building was done extremely well, so it garners bonus points!
I couldn’t even fathom a guess as to what actually happened. I don’t even think I get what happened or even why. But it was a rather interesting read that entertained me for the small length. The entire concept isn’t anything new. It’s not about aliens as the main character Kyle believes it to be. It’s something a lot more complex. I’m sure you’ll be curious enough to check it out if you love science fiction or aliens..
If Matrix and War of the Worlds ever fused into one movie, then I’m sure 0.4 is what it would become. This is a science fiction film ready to be made.
Characters
A basic introduction to the characters only.
Pacing
Great pacing..Never bored!
Cover & Design
Definitely interesting enough to pick up. Look at that hand!
Plot
Confusing plot, but also incredible world building and technology.
Overall, this is a science fiction film ready to be made!
I couldn’t even fathom a guess as to what actually happened. I don’t even think I get what happened or even why. But it was a rather interesting read that entertained me for the small length. The entire concept isn’t anything new. It’s not about aliens as the main character Kyle believes it to be. It’s something a lot more complex. I’m sure you’ll be curious enough to check it out if you love science fiction or aliens..
If Matrix and War of the Worlds ever fused into one movie, then I’m sure 0.4 is what it would become. This is a science fiction film ready to be made.
Characters
A basic introduction to the characters only.
Pacing
Great pacing..Never bored!
Cover & Design
Definitely interesting enough to pick up. Look at that hand!
Plot
Confusing plot, but also incredible world building and technology.
Overall, this is a science fiction film ready to be made!
March 1, 2013
This book was OK. A British teenager is hypnotized along with three other volunteers at the village fair. When they wake, the four of them find themselves in a strange new world where people are acting very odd and technology behaves in strange ways. Has the whole world gone mad? Are the four of them still hypnotized? Or is something even stranger going on? Basically, this book is The Matrix meets Total Recall, with a dash of Invasion of the Body Snatchers thrown in for spice.
This is a very quick read, told in a very simple YA style. Lots of one sentence paragraphs.
This book wins no style points for writing.
No frills here.
But at least the story moves along at a pretty brisk pace.
The structure of the book is interesting: the protagonist left his story on a series of cassette tapes, which are being played back in the future by the book’s author (who takes the opportunity to add in little notes now and then). It’s a cool idea, but ultimately I didn’t feel like it added much to the story. Overall, this was an OK read but not particularly memorable. I liked some of the interactions between the main four characters, and some of the ideas behind the story were interesting enough that I’d be willing to give this author another shot in the future. But I didn’t think the writing was very strong, and the story didn’t really live up to its intriguing premise. 2 stars.
This is a very quick read, told in a very simple YA style. Lots of one sentence paragraphs.
This book wins no style points for writing.
No frills here.
But at least the story moves along at a pretty brisk pace.
The structure of the book is interesting: the protagonist left his story on a series of cassette tapes, which are being played back in the future by the book’s author (who takes the opportunity to add in little notes now and then). It’s a cool idea, but ultimately I didn’t feel like it added much to the story. Overall, this was an OK read but not particularly memorable. I liked some of the interactions between the main four characters, and some of the ideas behind the story were interesting enough that I’d be willing to give this author another shot in the future. But I didn’t think the writing was very strong, and the story didn’t really live up to its intriguing premise. 2 stars.
October 18, 2013
This book messes with your mind the way that Feed by M.T. Anderson does. It challenges the definition of humanity and makes us question our current actions, and what we might want to do with our futures.
I don't want to speak too much on the subject of the book, because I don't want to give it away. It is a quick read with computer-geek-style science fiction coursing through it. Both adults and teens would appreciate this one as there are references that only adults would get, yet the main protagonists are 15-year-olds. Either way, it will blow your mind.
Recommend this one to science fiction lovers that aren't ready for the Asimovs and Herberts of the world. Dystopian lovers would appreciate this as well. It would also make a great gift for the professional computer programmer in your life. This is a must-buy for school libraries!
I don't want to speak too much on the subject of the book, because I don't want to give it away. It is a quick read with computer-geek-style science fiction coursing through it. Both adults and teens would appreciate this one as there are references that only adults would get, yet the main protagonists are 15-year-olds. Either way, it will blow your mind.
Recommend this one to science fiction lovers that aren't ready for the Asimovs and Herberts of the world. Dystopian lovers would appreciate this as well. It would also make a great gift for the professional computer programmer in your life. This is a must-buy for school libraries!
July 26, 2014
Such a great book, such a cool plot!
I really really really enjoy this one. I was expecting it, anyways, because the start is just awesome and incredible interesting, it catch my attention the second I opened it. I didn't read the concept cause I wanted it to be mysterious and tried to make my own hypothesis about what a "0.4" was. The writing style was just awesome and... enchanting; I didn't felt bored at any moment. I feel like something's missing though. Like the potential that it has wasn't fully used. But I liked it so much, I think it's one of my favorite Sci-Fi of the year (maybe the only one but meh)
I really really really enjoy this one. I was expecting it, anyways, because the start is just awesome and incredible interesting, it catch my attention the second I opened it. I didn't read the concept cause I wanted it to be mysterious and tried to make my own hypothesis about what a "0.4" was. The writing style was just awesome and... enchanting; I didn't felt bored at any moment. I feel like something's missing though. Like the potential that it has wasn't fully used. But I liked it so much, I think it's one of my favorite Sci-Fi of the year (maybe the only one but meh)
August 9, 2018
Kitabın ismi farklı geldiği için merak edip almıştım. Aldıktan sonra hakkında olumsuz yorumları okuyunca tereddütte kaldım , başka kitap mı baksaydım bunun yerine diye düşündüm . Korkarak okumaya başladım ve kitabı hızla bitirdim , sevdim . Konuyu fazla dağılmadan ve uzatmadan yazmış yazar. Konu seçimi ise ilginçti . Farklı kitaplar her zaman ilgimi çekmiştir.
December 16, 2020
Çok değişik ama keyifli bir okuma oldu. Uygun fiyata almıştım ve birkaç yıldır kitaplığımda öylece duruyordu. Kısa bir kitap bulayım da hemen bir oturuşta bitireyim diye kitap bakarken gözüme çarptı. Çabuk bitti ama beklentimin çok üstünde çıktı. Bilimkurgu severler için güzel bir konu.
March 11, 2017
Danny woke you all up, and we all went home.This book has been on my to-read shelf for years, and I really should have known better than to trust 2013-Michelle's judgment.
Liar, I thought.
What had really happened?
Because this book was a mess…on so many levels.
Kyle Straker is 15 when he volunteers to be part of his friend Danny's hypnotism act at their village talent show. He only does it to be nice – I mean, everyone knows that Danny's not seriously going to be able to hypnotize anybody. But when he and the 3 other volunteers wake up from their daze, something strange has happened to the audience – everyone is frozen. In fact, everyone in the whole village is in some sort of trance. And it's impossible to know how far the phenomena extends as no phones, televisions, or computers are functioning either. And then suddenly, everyone starts moving again – but they're not the same as they once were. Something is missing. And Kyle is determined to figure out what's going on and why it happened in the first place.
The writing style in this book is…interesting. It's told primarily in first person present via tape recordings, but with little "notes" added from an editor in the future (AKA Mike Lancaster, the book's author). I guess it was to make the book seem more like it was non-fiction, and that the story being told actually happened sometime in the past. The notes indicate that for whatever reason, there is little known about the recorded story's time period. Whether that's because centuries have passed or something happened to wipe that part of history out of everyone's knowledge, we're not sure. But these notes are there to explain the terms & references used in the story (i.e. TV shows, sports, current common slang, etc.) as well as explain pauses or breaks in the recordings. But the thing is, the story actually takes place in today's time. So the notes are completely unnecessary for the reader. I already know what these things are, and while the explanations were imaginative, they were also lengthy, & I got tired of them. And the author refers to all these fake theorists and historians, which I thought was kind of weird. For example:
NOTE - "The Apprentice"
What was known – ironically as – "reality TV." Entwistle, in his paper "Manufacturing Nothing – Light Entertainment," writes: "Afraid to see the world around them as a larger picture, people instead reduced their views of the world to the tiny, artificial windows they called 'reality TV.' What is certain, however, is that reality played little or no part in such programs."
Since we're dealing with some "out-of-this-world" weird stuff, anytime something was described, it was lamely described. It looked brown…but it wasn't really brown because it was out-of-this-world brown. Or it was a sound, but not really, because it wasn't a "this-world" sound. And that's literally how everything was described. No subtlety. No allowing the readers to create the image themselves. Just "it can't be described because it's not from this world" over & over again.
"It's not easy to describe it. In fact, the more I think about it, it's probably easier to talk about what this thing wasn't, than to struggle with what it was."
I mean, seriously!? What kind of cop-out explanation is that?
The characters were weak & completely uninteresting. There was no depth or subtle emotion or relational tension. The characters just…were. Which might have been okay if the story was outstanding. But it wasn't. In fact, the general gist of the story was actually quite predictable, even though it was weird. And the author would spend pages & pages to expand on something obvious or explain a simple thought. He took 50 steps when I made the connection in two.
I think the author was trying to bring some profound meaning into the book by talking about what makes life difficult & how pain makes us human & all that. But it didn't fit into the story, in my opinion. Here's this sci-fi mystery about a boy who thinks his town has been invaded by aliens…and then we read about the meaning of life? Yeah, no. Wasn't feeling it.
I will say, though, that the ending pulled the book together in a way that made me think that the concept of the story could have actually made a decent book had it been approached differently. But alas, the mark was missed…by a nice, large margin.
So basically, this book had so many shortcomings that not even an interesting concept could save it. I could have overlooked the mediocrity of the characters if the story was better, or I could have overlooked the faults in the story if the writing held even a speck of subtle intrigue. But on all counts, this book was lacking. I probably could have given this book a more thorough critique, but honestly I just don't care about the story enough to give it that kind of time.
That'll teach me to use a little more discretion when picking up a "Michelle circa 2013" book again.
May 9, 2025
the last ones what the freak man
April 6, 2013
It's a standard day in Millgrove, a small village where about 1,000 people live. Today is the yearly talent show, a wonderful time where people get to let out their mostly terrible talents. Ventriloquism, singing, instruments, and the main act of the year, Hypnotism. Kyle, Lilly, Mrs. O'Donnell, and Mr. Peterson volunteer for part of the act, little knowing that it would change everything, forever. While they are hypnotized something happens, they don't know it yet but humanity in itself would change. When they wake up they are still sitting in the chairs, everyone around them frozen in place, as if they had been frozen. Their heart still beat and they were still alive, but they didn't do anything. Some stopped while filming, some while drinking, some while running, all stopped by some unknown force. Mr. Peterson freaks out and goes crazy and Kyle, Lilly, and Kate O'Donnell then walk around the city, looking for someone that isn't frozen. After finding no one they go to Kate's house, the radio only had static, the television had a black screen, and when they turned on the computer to check the internet instead of having the regular Apple screen pop up at the start, there were symbols that was no language that the world ever knew, the symbols moved, side to side and the hooks jiggling. After that the people had began to move again, but there was something off about them, they remember nothing of being frozen, they all have the story that Kyle and his friends were woken up and everyone went home. Kyle told his parents what had happened and they didn't believe him, there was clearly something up. He later ran away with the shocking things that the doctor said to his parents stuck in his head, "He is one if the 0.4, take care of the issue, drug him if you have to." What was the 0.4? What is wrong with the people of the world? Why are they being hunted? You can find out by reading this book.
Characters:
Kyle Straker: the main character if the book. This book is written from his standpoint. He is a 15 year old guy and he always has a theory.
Lilly: 15 year old girl, Kyle's old girlfriend. The other main character. spunky, sometimes happy, gets frustrated easily.
Kate O'Donnell: Secondary character. Adult woman, no job specified. She always has an idea of what to do.
Ronald Peterson: Secondary character. Adult man, the postman for the city. His son and wife died. Somewhat crazy and does not respond well to problems. He claims that he could see what happened.
Danny: Kyle's friend. The boy who hypnotized them before, The event. A young magician as he calls himself.
What I thought:
The book was by one of the best ones I have read this year, I absolutely loved it. Te way he uses detail to describe things like "the glowing red aura seemed to dim around him as his face darkened." He absolutely grabbed me within just the first couple pages, It made me laugh my guts out at some points, and want to read my eyes out till the end of the book the next. The book truly captivates you. I found it extremely disappointing at the end, it just didn't end right. I read the first chapter of the next book in the series (the stuff they had on it in the book).I will definitely read it. I gave it the rating I did because I loved it.
Recommended for:
People that like stories of survival and suspense, it will keep you reading and suspecting what will happen next.
Characters:
Kyle Straker: the main character if the book. This book is written from his standpoint. He is a 15 year old guy and he always has a theory.
Lilly: 15 year old girl, Kyle's old girlfriend. The other main character. spunky, sometimes happy, gets frustrated easily.
Kate O'Donnell: Secondary character. Adult woman, no job specified. She always has an idea of what to do.
Ronald Peterson: Secondary character. Adult man, the postman for the city. His son and wife died. Somewhat crazy and does not respond well to problems. He claims that he could see what happened.
Danny: Kyle's friend. The boy who hypnotized them before, The event. A young magician as he calls himself.
What I thought:
The book was by one of the best ones I have read this year, I absolutely loved it. Te way he uses detail to describe things like "the glowing red aura seemed to dim around him as his face darkened." He absolutely grabbed me within just the first couple pages, It made me laugh my guts out at some points, and want to read my eyes out till the end of the book the next. The book truly captivates you. I found it extremely disappointing at the end, it just didn't end right. I read the first chapter of the next book in the series (the stuff they had on it in the book).I will definitely read it. I gave it the rating I did because I loved it.
Recommended for:
People that like stories of survival and suspense, it will keep you reading and suspecting what will happen next.
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