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Idolatry
A near future apocalyptic vision of the everyday in Mumbai, India featuring the threat of personal technology in a world of confusing religious motivations.
Idolatry , set in Mumbai in the near future, is about a novel technology, Shrine Tech, which enables everyone to worship a god of their own preference. The story follows a disaffected young actor, who is hired as a marketing rep by the company that owns the Tech. It is run by a man calling himself Mister Happy Maker. Soon, the young actor is plunged into the crucible of a society altering in strange and insane ways, in which ordinary individuals (a building society secretary, an indie film-maker, an aged priest, among others) are living their dreams, nightmarishly.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress.
Idolatry , set in Mumbai in the near future, is about a novel technology, Shrine Tech, which enables everyone to worship a god of their own preference. The story follows a disaffected young actor, who is hired as a marketing rep by the company that owns the Tech. It is run by a man calling himself Mister Happy Maker. Soon, the young actor is plunged into the crucible of a society altering in strange and insane ways, in which ordinary individuals (a building society secretary, an indie film-maker, an aged priest, among others) are living their dreams, nightmarishly.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2024
9 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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April 14, 2025Honestly reminded me of Charles Williams more than anything, despite being Mumbai-set tech dystopia. It's about the urge to believe and the self(ish)ness inherent in our pursuit of religion, and the collapse of society into solipsism. I will freely admit to not understanding how the Catholic church comes into it so strongly or what the book's stance on God actually was. In fact I'm not 100% sure I understood it at all. Tons of ideas and intriguing imagery; for me didn't cohere as a story or argument but I suspect that's me lacking the background to put the pieces together.
February 24, 2024
Idolatry proved itself to be a cleverly constructed, 'mind-control' adventure which features a host of interesting characters and a dream-scape backdrop set in a near future India, with the focus and emphasis based on a massive, 'alternative-religious', technological innovation. Topics covered include power and control, relationships, AI, media influence, religious differences and fear and suspicion which emanates from all-powerful ,outside, corporate influences.
The well-paced, storyline contains lots of fantastically creative, mind-boggling imagery that worked extremely well on many occasions, but which also, for me, slightly missed the mark at times. More nastiness and detailed wicked evilness given in all its glory, would also most certainly added the extra spice and little bit of magic sparkle that would have taken the adventure to an even higher orbit.
The ending itself, although logical, also felt a little tame, and ultimately I was left being slightly disappointed which also seemed to accurately reflect my overall reading experience of this highly original, and genuinely unique, futuristic pseudo-scifi novella.
Overall - good in parts, but also a little confusing and long-winded in others, with the whole package promising to deliver big, but not quite maximising its strengths in order to make the most of its undoubted potential.
A decent read and I look forward to reading more from this highly talented author in future.
An ARC received free of charge from BookSirens, and an unbiased review given voluntarily. A big thank you to all concerned.
The well-paced, storyline contains lots of fantastically creative, mind-boggling imagery that worked extremely well on many occasions, but which also, for me, slightly missed the mark at times. More nastiness and detailed wicked evilness given in all its glory, would also most certainly added the extra spice and little bit of magic sparkle that would have taken the adventure to an even higher orbit.
The ending itself, although logical, also felt a little tame, and ultimately I was left being slightly disappointed which also seemed to accurately reflect my overall reading experience of this highly original, and genuinely unique, futuristic pseudo-scifi novella.
Overall - good in parts, but also a little confusing and long-winded in others, with the whole package promising to deliver big, but not quite maximising its strengths in order to make the most of its undoubted potential.
A decent read and I look forward to reading more from this highly talented author in future.
An ARC received free of charge from BookSirens, and an unbiased review given voluntarily. A big thank you to all concerned.
June 15, 2024
I received this book for free as an unedited ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily. I really loved this book. The writing gave the right amount of detail that felt immerse. I could envision the characters and scenes, which added to the suspense. There were a few small twists that were surprising; events you thought that would cause our main character Saionton misfortune, but did not.
I enjoyed the pace of the book. The chapters are short and the story is always moving forward. There were moments when I was confused about Saionton's thinking and loyalty because of his quick change of mind, but I believe that was intentional.
I enjoyed the pace of the book. The chapters are short and the story is always moving forward. There were moments when I was confused about Saionton's thinking and loyalty because of his quick change of mind, but I believe that was intentional.
January 15, 2024
‘Idolatry’ is set in the near future in Mumbai, where life has been overrun by the commercialisation of religion, the fall of governments and how society evolves and permeates in weird ways. I love discovering new authors and Aditya was one for me and I really enjoyed the book and it was definitely thought-provoking!
This was a detailed and novel approach to the themes of religion and commercialisation, where everyone can worship their own form of God, which could be an established one like the Christian God, Krishna or even yourself if you are a narcissist! It's very easy to imagine parts of this novel becoming a reality, especially in a world where your whole life can be found in one device - a smartphone. Why shouldn't you have an AI shrine to worship at in your home? I can understand why it was also a very Indian story as I have never seen such a melting pot of religions anywhere else as its more visual with bright temples, calls to prayer and huge festivals. The majority still have faith, whereas in the UK I would say we are a more secular society.
Saionton was the perfect protagonist for this tale, as he was a regular Joe. Recruited to ‘The Company’ to be a marketing assistant, he doesn't really have any strong feelings for or against the Company or the Shrine-Tech in general. Therefore, he is kind of a clean palate on which to place the themes of the book. He is intelligent but is apathetic when it comes to the world around him, especially as he can no longer work as an actor and has only taken this job to pay his rent. I loved seeing his reactions to the insane cast of characters all of which are brilliantly formed. I still feel as if I have a ‘ta-da’ moment to come in which I finally figure out something profound. It's a book which is staying in my conscious and I keep wondering about it and its characters and purpose. I do know I have had an educational and philosophical adventure into a weird world!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
This was a detailed and novel approach to the themes of religion and commercialisation, where everyone can worship their own form of God, which could be an established one like the Christian God, Krishna or even yourself if you are a narcissist! It's very easy to imagine parts of this novel becoming a reality, especially in a world where your whole life can be found in one device - a smartphone. Why shouldn't you have an AI shrine to worship at in your home? I can understand why it was also a very Indian story as I have never seen such a melting pot of religions anywhere else as its more visual with bright temples, calls to prayer and huge festivals. The majority still have faith, whereas in the UK I would say we are a more secular society.
Saionton was the perfect protagonist for this tale, as he was a regular Joe. Recruited to ‘The Company’ to be a marketing assistant, he doesn't really have any strong feelings for or against the Company or the Shrine-Tech in general. Therefore, he is kind of a clean palate on which to place the themes of the book. He is intelligent but is apathetic when it comes to the world around him, especially as he can no longer work as an actor and has only taken this job to pay his rent. I loved seeing his reactions to the insane cast of characters all of which are brilliantly formed. I still feel as if I have a ‘ta-da’ moment to come in which I finally figure out something profound. It's a book which is staying in my conscious and I keep wondering about it and its characters and purpose. I do know I have had an educational and philosophical adventure into a weird world!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
February 20, 2024
Idolatry is an SF social commentary novel set in India and following how Shrine Tech influences society to gradually increasing levels of domination. As with my previous review, I'll give the good, neutral, and bad. I did have pretty mixed reactions to the novel, even though it was a good read and recommended.
There are a ton of observations about job loss, awful economies, poverty, etc. -- very welcome in our current era, and the protagonist's service of the central product of Shrine Tech takes us readers through all that to greater or lesser success. A quote without spoilers from early in the book that expresses how this pressure of money affects the protagonist: "Suddenly, an immense weariness came upon Saionton, like rocks being rolled over him. Money, you need the money. The thought pressed home, implacably, along with the tremor of the contrast between his impoverishment (and that of so many others, not that he had time to care for any others), and the fantastic, soaring riches of the Company and its bosses. He forced a smile and opened his eyes wider."
Good:
-Fascinating look at how the shrine tech brings self-love and religious love and love of money together in mostly horrifying ways. Serves as a dark mirror of the various idols that entangle in people's lives and lead them about for better or worse.
-The commentary on advertising is spot on.
- Drops us into some beautiful observations and ugly commentary and unsettling moments of horror.
-Some lovely comparisons, metaphors, observations made by the central characters that make it worth reading. Like the kitten one at the end
Neutral:
-3rd person omniscient with limited jumping around. Basically, uses that POV to serve the first character, Saionton, and his job's encounter with various people, which for the purposes of the story each are introduced from their own viewpoints then jumped into at later random points of the story to overall success, though sometimes to eyerolls from this reader.
Bad:
-The ending just didn't work for me; sometimes felt like the story leaned too much on plot to get through certain spots…
-Frustrating central character, partially because of his inability to make his own decisions, but also just his ugliness in how he views others, though of course that fits the context. He does grow toward the end, but still, ugh, that guy.
-Overall, I wanted the story to move past tropes and social commentary more. I felt like I was trying to reach for more as a reader here…because my favorite parts were where the characters really settle into these moments connecting to the world, where the story releases control briefly…but those moments didn't keep going enough to be mind-blowing.
Again, I do recommend giving it a read. It's a pretty fast one with an interesting central social SF object in question, Shrine Tech. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for giving me the opportunity to dip into Shrine Tech.
There are a ton of observations about job loss, awful economies, poverty, etc. -- very welcome in our current era, and the protagonist's service of the central product of Shrine Tech takes us readers through all that to greater or lesser success. A quote without spoilers from early in the book that expresses how this pressure of money affects the protagonist: "Suddenly, an immense weariness came upon Saionton, like rocks being rolled over him. Money, you need the money. The thought pressed home, implacably, along with the tremor of the contrast between his impoverishment (and that of so many others, not that he had time to care for any others), and the fantastic, soaring riches of the Company and its bosses. He forced a smile and opened his eyes wider."
Good:
-Fascinating look at how the shrine tech brings self-love and religious love and love of money together in mostly horrifying ways. Serves as a dark mirror of the various idols that entangle in people's lives and lead them about for better or worse.
-The commentary on advertising is spot on.
- Drops us into some beautiful observations and ugly commentary and unsettling moments of horror.
-Some lovely comparisons, metaphors, observations made by the central characters that make it worth reading. Like the kitten one at the end
Neutral:
-3rd person omniscient with limited jumping around. Basically, uses that POV to serve the first character, Saionton, and his job's encounter with various people, which for the purposes of the story each are introduced from their own viewpoints then jumped into at later random points of the story to overall success, though sometimes to eyerolls from this reader.
Bad:
-The ending just didn't work for me; sometimes felt like the story leaned too much on plot to get through certain spots…
-Frustrating central character, partially because of his inability to make his own decisions, but also just his ugliness in how he views others, though of course that fits the context. He does grow toward the end, but still, ugh, that guy.
-Overall, I wanted the story to move past tropes and social commentary more. I felt like I was trying to reach for more as a reader here…because my favorite parts were where the characters really settle into these moments connecting to the world, where the story releases control briefly…but those moments didn't keep going enough to be mind-blowing.
Again, I do recommend giving it a read. It's a pretty fast one with an interesting central social SF object in question, Shrine Tech. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for giving me the opportunity to dip into Shrine Tech.
January 17, 2024
An enlightening and disturbing read set in the near future in Mumbai, where a tech company rules over the country, owning everything. But their pride product is Shrine Tech, an AI based technology that linking to your brain projects a customised divinity, based on the customer preferences and desires. This is considered the ultimate freedom and source of happiness by the company and the Chief Happy Maker, whose ultimate goal is to make everyone happy.
But people starts rebelling and some individuals begin to understand that not all is so shiny as described and that's where Saionton comes in to save the day. He's hired by the company to quieten the riotous with their desires (knowledge acquired through Shrine Tech). But society is a strange beast and chaos unravels with violence and madness. What was supposed to be the ultimate Eden becomes a true Hell!
What is happiness? Is faith a mean to reach happiness? Is the worship of what you perceive as a deity (either an object, a person or an idea) the ultimate concept of happiness?
These are some of the controversial questions raised by this book.
With a fresh look at society, this is a very thought provoking read which prose and concepts reminded me of Kafka and Pirandello, but also of Aronofsky's film "Mother!".
I recommend this read for fans of complex speculative science fiction, where not everything is clear and with an ending left to interpretation. A read that will leave a mark in your mind.
Thanks to the author, Flame Tree Press and Random Things Tours for the gifted copy and this is my honest opinion.
But people starts rebelling and some individuals begin to understand that not all is so shiny as described and that's where Saionton comes in to save the day. He's hired by the company to quieten the riotous with their desires (knowledge acquired through Shrine Tech). But society is a strange beast and chaos unravels with violence and madness. What was supposed to be the ultimate Eden becomes a true Hell!
What is happiness? Is faith a mean to reach happiness? Is the worship of what you perceive as a deity (either an object, a person or an idea) the ultimate concept of happiness?
These are some of the controversial questions raised by this book.
With a fresh look at society, this is a very thought provoking read which prose and concepts reminded me of Kafka and Pirandello, but also of Aronofsky's film "Mother!".
I recommend this read for fans of complex speculative science fiction, where not everything is clear and with an ending left to interpretation. A read that will leave a mark in your mind.
Thanks to the author, Flame Tree Press and Random Things Tours for the gifted copy and this is my honest opinion.
November 15, 2024
3.5 Stars. What a weird book. The premise is what caught my attention: a world of the future where worship of gods, idols, was sold and personalized. And the premise did explore the strange results of having AI of a company who is stealing all your data manifesting that god. But as it went on, the text got muddier and muddier. It seemed, at times, to me that the book also enjoyed tooting its own horn a bit too much, indulging in philosophizing without moving the story forward in an enjoyable way. By the final third, it felt like reality itself had went off the rails. Ultimately, I struggle to point to what the point of this work was. An examination of religion? That idols ultimately do not compare to God... even if those idols overpower God's will? The sway of capitalism on the world? It feels like an editor should have went through and trimmed much of the self indulgent meandering philosophizing and gave clearly connections and plot beats as to why this is all happening. Excellent ideas and concepts, great imagery, can't say I regret the experience, give this book a shot if you are looking for a weird but flawed time.
November 9, 2024
In einer dystopischen Version Indiens hat sich eine neue Technologie durchgesetzt: ShrineTech. ShrineTech ermöglicht es den Menschen, zu einer massgeschneiderten, individuellen Gottheit ihrer Wahl zu beten. Als ein junger Schauspieler für die Marketingabteilung von ShrineTech zu arbeiten beginnt, findet er sich jedoch rasch zwischen Intrigen, Gehirnwäsche und einer sich schnell verändernden Gesellschaft wieder …
«Idolatry» lebt von einer guten Idee und ist clever konstruiert. Künstliche Intelligenz, der Einfluss von Medien und Grosskonzernen werden zwar thematisiert; schlussendlich liest sich die Geschichte aber mehr wie ein Thriller, in dessen Zentrum Grössenwahn und die Gier nach Macht stehen. Viel Neues erwartet einen also nicht, spannend zu lesen ist der Roman aber trotzdem.
Augenpulver #16: Bücher im Oktober
«Idolatry» lebt von einer guten Idee und ist clever konstruiert. Künstliche Intelligenz, der Einfluss von Medien und Grosskonzernen werden zwar thematisiert; schlussendlich liest sich die Geschichte aber mehr wie ein Thriller, in dessen Zentrum Grössenwahn und die Gier nach Macht stehen. Viel Neues erwartet einen also nicht, spannend zu lesen ist der Roman aber trotzdem.
Augenpulver #16: Bücher im Oktober
January 14, 2024
I found Idolatry to be unlike anything I've ever read before, in a good way.
The concept around "Shrine Tech" ( being able to worship a God of your choice in the image of your choice), is quite unique and intriguing.
Set in a near future Mumbai, our main character is employed by the Shrine Tech company but soon discovers all is not as it seems. I don't like to give away spoilers in my reviews so that's all I'll say about the story itself.
I found Idolatry to be well paced, the story flowed brilliantly and characters had enough depth.
The world of the near future Mumbia was described well, In order for the reader to form clear images in the mind of the where, whoand when.
All in all, I found Idolatry to be an enjoyable read, and I flew through it in 3 sittings.
Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
The concept around "Shrine Tech" ( being able to worship a God of your choice in the image of your choice), is quite unique and intriguing.
Set in a near future Mumbai, our main character is employed by the Shrine Tech company but soon discovers all is not as it seems. I don't like to give away spoilers in my reviews so that's all I'll say about the story itself.
I found Idolatry to be well paced, the story flowed brilliantly and characters had enough depth.
The world of the near future Mumbia was described well, In order for the reader to form clear images in the mind of the where, whoand when.
All in all, I found Idolatry to be an enjoyable read, and I flew through it in 3 sittings.
Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 14, 2024
A high quality read. This author has a clear, relevant necessary voice and this book should be required reading for all adult humans and should replace that garbage Shakespeare in schools. It would behoove all of us to learn more about the connection between AI and 'religion/gods' etc. Read this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews