What do you think?
Rate this book
Atlas
Inspector Victoria Rhodes works long hours as one of the last clean cops on San Francisco’s crumbling police force. When a double murder claims the life of a city prosecutor in the exclusive covenant community of Atlantis, Rhodes is assigned as liaison between the SFPD investigation and the investigation run by the private security force known as the ASM.
Public Prosecutor Katherine Radcliffe was the face of local politics, fighting to resurrect the fallen city of San Francisco by bridging the gap between the private wealth of Atlantis and the forgotten populace of the public sector. Found in the arms of her ex-sensual companion turned corporate psychologist lover, her death resonates with Rhodes and the people of San Francisco on a personal level.
With tensions building between the classes and evidence mounting, Rhodes finds herself delving into the past of the man at the top of the ASM corporate ladder, an inexplicable mercenary turned upper-class messiah , known as Atlas.
When she discovers that his past remarkably resembles her own , she can’t help but force a confrontation that brings her face to face with a man she cannot understand, a suspect she knows she has to pursue, and a truth she knows she may not want to uncover.
Public Prosecutor Katherine Radcliffe was the face of local politics, fighting to resurrect the fallen city of San Francisco by bridging the gap between the private wealth of Atlantis and the forgotten populace of the public sector. Found in the arms of her ex-sensual companion turned corporate psychologist lover, her death resonates with Rhodes and the people of San Francisco on a personal level.
With tensions building between the classes and evidence mounting, Rhodes finds herself delving into the past of the man at the top of the ASM corporate ladder, an inexplicable mercenary turned upper-class messiah , known as Atlas.
When she discovers that his past remarkably resembles her own , she can’t help but force a confrontation that brings her face to face with a man she cannot understand, a suspect she knows she has to pursue, and a truth she knows she may not want to uncover.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2012
3 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin R. Smith
5 books72 followersBenjamin lives in the middle United States and writes for theater as well as working on novels and short stories in his spare time. He is a single father of one son.
He enjoys painting, the outdoors, movies, and talking books with good friends.
He enjoys painting, the outdoors, movies, and talking books with good friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 16, 2014
After I started reading Atlas, I was surprised that I had never heard of Benjamin Smith before, and I wondered why his work isn't on the best seller list somewhere. I find his writing style absolutely wonderful and bordering on the genius. Right off the back, I knew this was a gem of a read and I intentionally slowed just to soak in every word of the story. My eyes read off the glaring monitor while my medulla oblongata processed the book, and I visualized this futuristic stylized drama playing out on the big screen. This is one of those books that should be made into a movie, and I can only compare it to movies like Blade Runner. This is a book I will tell every one to read, and if I could give this a sixth star I would.
January 20, 2014
I devoured this book and can’t wait for the next book from Benjamin Smith. The characters really grab your attention and keep you enthralled to the very end. I really like how the main characters have faced challenges in the past that really explains how they are now. In a way they were damaged brutally and in the end they survived, despite the terrible past they endured. Wrapped up in these intricate characters that really pull on your heartstrings is murder, suspense, politics, and danger.
The book is based in San Francisco 2066. The lead inspector Victoria Rhodes is damaged and has been brilliantly developed into a tough character who one minute you are cheering on, the next you want to embrace her in a hug, and the next you want to shake her. Benjamin Smith really made her someone you can connect to despite the unimaginable past she endured. In truth, this book would make a fascinating movie or television series.
I’m doing the best I can to steer clear of giving away any spoilers since this is a must read for anyone who enjoys dystopian, police procedural, murder, mystery, intrigue, and science fiction. All I can say is read the book, you will not regret it.
The book is based in San Francisco 2066. The lead inspector Victoria Rhodes is damaged and has been brilliantly developed into a tough character who one minute you are cheering on, the next you want to embrace her in a hug, and the next you want to shake her. Benjamin Smith really made her someone you can connect to despite the unimaginable past she endured. In truth, this book would make a fascinating movie or television series.
I’m doing the best I can to steer clear of giving away any spoilers since this is a must read for anyone who enjoys dystopian, police procedural, murder, mystery, intrigue, and science fiction. All I can say is read the book, you will not regret it.
August 10, 2012
A great first novel by Mr. Smith. I found his vision of 2066 disturbing, of course, but it was entirely realistic considering current trends. The main characters are people you want to care about and to find out what happens to them.
I'm a big fan of speculative fiction and detective fiction and this book contributes to both genres. It compares quite favorably with J. D. Robb's "... in Death" series (with Philip and Victoria replacing Roark and Eve) as well as my own novel, "Crown of Creation."
Crown of Creation
I'm a big fan of speculative fiction and detective fiction and this book contributes to both genres. It compares quite favorably with J. D. Robb's "... in Death" series (with Philip and Victoria replacing Roark and Eve) as well as my own novel, "Crown of Creation."
Crown of Creation
February 15, 2013
Something different!
This is a well written first novel from Benjamin Smith. It is based around a murder mystery which takes place in the future. In that world there is an even greater divide between the rich and the poor as well as their neighbourhoods. Fascinating characters and interesting Androids reel you into the story. In the Epilogue, Perpetua leaves you wondering if there might be more to follow…
This is a well written first novel from Benjamin Smith. It is based around a murder mystery which takes place in the future. In that world there is an even greater divide between the rich and the poor as well as their neighbourhoods. Fascinating characters and interesting Androids reel you into the story. In the Epilogue, Perpetua leaves you wondering if there might be more to follow…
June 22, 2019
Atlas is a futuristic novel with political undertones, but that’s an inadequate and misleading description since it’s also a well-written, character-driven police procedural.
The setting is a post-civil war San Francisco. The author doesn’t go into the back story in much detail, but I got the impression of successful rebellion against an authoritarian regime. The resulting new society is rebuilt on Ayn Rand lines: rich versus poor, with the majority of the population living lives of quiet desperation, yet there is a sense that some kind of decent society is trying to arise from the mess.
As a futuristic novel, there are constant references to technology not currently existent. I did not find this distracting; the author manages to integrate the new tech into the story so that the reader can understand easily the purposes and functions as ordinary elements of the characters’ lives. In other words, the world building is very effective.
The main character is a female detective from the underfunded overworked public sector who has to solve a crime involving the super-rich ruling class. This could have been a simple good versus evil plot, but it isn’t. Instead the characterizations of the female cop, the tycoon, and even the androids are rich and authentic.
I enjoyed the writing itself—the word choices, sentence flow and descriptions. The author has a talent for metaphors that are imaginative and apt—noticeable without being showy. I often found myself savoring the prose itself, apart from the content.
I do wish the author would go over the text one more time for typos. I don’t think I would have noticed the typos much except for the fact that the graceful elegance of the prose made them stand out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing, well-developed characters, and an intricate plot. It’s the first in a series and I intend to read the rest.
The setting is a post-civil war San Francisco. The author doesn’t go into the back story in much detail, but I got the impression of successful rebellion against an authoritarian regime. The resulting new society is rebuilt on Ayn Rand lines: rich versus poor, with the majority of the population living lives of quiet desperation, yet there is a sense that some kind of decent society is trying to arise from the mess.
As a futuristic novel, there are constant references to technology not currently existent. I did not find this distracting; the author manages to integrate the new tech into the story so that the reader can understand easily the purposes and functions as ordinary elements of the characters’ lives. In other words, the world building is very effective.
The main character is a female detective from the underfunded overworked public sector who has to solve a crime involving the super-rich ruling class. This could have been a simple good versus evil plot, but it isn’t. Instead the characterizations of the female cop, the tycoon, and even the androids are rich and authentic.
I enjoyed the writing itself—the word choices, sentence flow and descriptions. The author has a talent for metaphors that are imaginative and apt—noticeable without being showy. I often found myself savoring the prose itself, apart from the content.
I do wish the author would go over the text one more time for typos. I don’t think I would have noticed the typos much except for the fact that the graceful elegance of the prose made them stand out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing, well-developed characters, and an intricate plot. It’s the first in a series and I intend to read the rest.
January 16, 2014
"Atlas" by Benjamin Smith is a solid and well written thriller that takes place not too far into the future. Science has advanced and in the tradition of forensic and technologically enhanced crime investigation the book offers a lot of new gadgets and methods for Detective ehm Inspector Victoria Rhodes and her team.
Set in San Francisco and Northern California the story offers familiar places, some of them still as we know them, some modernised. For example there is a dome for the filthily rich with total segregation from the poor, run by the controversial Atlas corporation.
I liked the set up very much for its realistic and plausible character - too many futuristic thrillers go overboard, Smith has introduced just enough to make this an interesting different world, yet keep relevance to present time humans.
The chemistry between the investigating Inspector and her counter part in the Atlas Corporation regarding a double murder works extremely well. Theirs is not a screwball type "taming of the shrewd" chemistry, there is depth and a horrifying link to their past that gives this much more bite and substance.
The story itself is well plotted and paced with enough action, turns and suspense to keep you glued to the kindle and should prove a winner with fans of the genre. This is a full hearted and well accomplished effort that deserves a place amongst the first in its field.
This is really good stuff and - fortunately for us - only the first in a series.
Set in San Francisco and Northern California the story offers familiar places, some of them still as we know them, some modernised. For example there is a dome for the filthily rich with total segregation from the poor, run by the controversial Atlas corporation.
I liked the set up very much for its realistic and plausible character - too many futuristic thrillers go overboard, Smith has introduced just enough to make this an interesting different world, yet keep relevance to present time humans.
The chemistry between the investigating Inspector and her counter part in the Atlas Corporation regarding a double murder works extremely well. Theirs is not a screwball type "taming of the shrewd" chemistry, there is depth and a horrifying link to their past that gives this much more bite and substance.
The story itself is well plotted and paced with enough action, turns and suspense to keep you glued to the kindle and should prove a winner with fans of the genre. This is a full hearted and well accomplished effort that deserves a place amongst the first in its field.
This is really good stuff and - fortunately for us - only the first in a series.
December 24, 2015
I think the most I can say about this book is "meh." It had a lot of potential for being a good book. The story is a good story line. I really enjoyed certain aspects of the book, but the execution was very poorly done.
Anybody who pays any attention to my reviews can probably figure out that if I don't feel like the characters are well-defined than I probably won't like the book. That is just one aspect that this book is missing. The characters were so boring! I love a strong female lead, but she was not a strong character, making this book a bit dull to get through.
The writing was also, in my opinion, a bit lame. One of the ladies in my book club mentioned that she thinks she could write a better book, and I totally agree (not that I could, but I trust many people I know could. I don't have much pride in my writing skills).
The only part that I enjoyed was the elusion to the children of the revolution. If that's what they are called. Overall, I just was not interested in this book, so I trudged through it for book club. I'm sure others will find this book wonderful, but I expect a little more from my books (Boy, does that sound snobby).
Anybody who pays any attention to my reviews can probably figure out that if I don't feel like the characters are well-defined than I probably won't like the book. That is just one aspect that this book is missing. The characters were so boring! I love a strong female lead, but she was not a strong character, making this book a bit dull to get through.
The writing was also, in my opinion, a bit lame. One of the ladies in my book club mentioned that she thinks she could write a better book, and I totally agree (not that I could, but I trust many people I know could. I don't have much pride in my writing skills).
The only part that I enjoyed was the elusion to the children of the revolution. If that's what they are called. Overall, I just was not interested in this book, so I trudged through it for book club. I'm sure others will find this book wonderful, but I expect a little more from my books (Boy, does that sound snobby).
June 13, 2015
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This is a fabulous story, it starts off a little sad...the main characters were basically cast off kids, who went through some very horrible things...especially Victoria...she didn't even know her age or name when she was basically rescued from a life of drugs and prostitution! The cop that saves her then adopts her and gives her a better life, lets her choose her own name...and she becomes a detective herself. She is called in on some brutal murders and Phillip a rich semi detective himself gets involved....well there are some very odd twists and turns, some romance, and this is set in the far future where there are auto drive hover cars and all kinds of cool techie stuff..the mystery was very good and I cant wait for book 2! I must say this story has a strong I, Robot vibe...and I think that rocks!
Thank you AUDIOBOOKBLAST(DOT)COM
This is a fabulous story, it starts off a little sad...the main characters were basically cast off kids, who went through some very horrible things...especially Victoria...she didn't even know her age or name when she was basically rescued from a life of drugs and prostitution! The cop that saves her then adopts her and gives her a better life, lets her choose her own name...and she becomes a detective herself. She is called in on some brutal murders and Phillip a rich semi detective himself gets involved....well there are some very odd twists and turns, some romance, and this is set in the far future where there are auto drive hover cars and all kinds of cool techie stuff..the mystery was very good and I cant wait for book 2! I must say this story has a strong I, Robot vibe...and I think that rocks!
Thank you AUDIOBOOKBLAST(DOT)COM
June 8, 2015
The future comes and it isn't pretty. Yet despite tech advances, good, solid police work is still what's needed to get the job done. With childhood histories reminiscent of Hitler Youth, the cop and the uber-rich suspect are the protagonists in this tale of grisly murder. The plot is involved and drags you in as it moves to conclusion. All of the characters are well drawn and believable.
Ms Lewis demonstrates her talents as an audio performer with skillful ease. Her voice is clear and pleasant whether in character speak or narrative. Character voices are well differentiated and given added depth.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast.com.
Ms Lewis demonstrates her talents as an audio performer with skillful ease. Her voice is clear and pleasant whether in character speak or narrative. Character voices are well differentiated and given added depth.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast.com.
March 13, 2017
Probably 3.5 stars for this one. It was an enjoyable, action packed story though the solving of the crime felt a little too easy for me.
The formatting of this book meant that the dialogue between characters was often shown on a single line which meant I had to constantly reread things to make sense of them. Irritating!
The formatting of this book meant that the dialogue between characters was often shown on a single line which meant I had to constantly reread things to make sense of them. Irritating!
Read
December 31, 2016Great book. I wish the series would continue.
June 5, 2019
Author Smith tenders an engaging murder mystery juxtaposed with a searing indictment of the classism defining our trying times. Childhoods stolen by a fascist American state and the anarchistic dystopia which succeeded it, main characters Victoria and Phillip each go about their lives as best they can in Smith's near-future San Francisco. The setup for their first meeting struck this reader as far-fetched--her a homicide cop barely scraping by and him the founder and figurehead of a multinational security corporation who just happens to be her latest case's prime suspect. Though the text itself could do for another copyediting pass or two, this compelling narrative is enjoyable nonetheless, especially when the murderer's unmasking reveals a heartbreakingly familiar face. Readers of this mashup between Atlas Shrugged, The Truman Show, Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell and The Velveteen Rabbit will come away pondering relatable yet unsettling questions like "how far must one go to quell the darkness within one's own heart?"
February 13, 2022
After being a victim to the patriotic cult, Victoria Rhodes is adopted by a well-known police officer and raised to be a detective. Now, as an adult, she is.
When a murder spree is linked to a social elite, Victoria and her team race against the clock to find the killer. They know who he is or so they think, but who will be his next victim?
This book has a strong James Bond meets Criminal Minds vibe that will appeal to readers thrown into the future with robots. The story flowed and was well-written. Just when I thought I knew how it would end, I was thrown for a loop.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Victoria and Phillip and the back and forth quips.
Overall, I would say it was 4/5⭐.
Fans of Jay Kristoff, Peirce Brown and Neil Shusterman will enjoy this series.
When a murder spree is linked to a social elite, Victoria and her team race against the clock to find the killer. They know who he is or so they think, but who will be his next victim?
This book has a strong James Bond meets Criminal Minds vibe that will appeal to readers thrown into the future with robots. The story flowed and was well-written. Just when I thought I knew how it would end, I was thrown for a loop.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Victoria and Phillip and the back and forth quips.
Overall, I would say it was 4/5⭐.
Fans of Jay Kristoff, Peirce Brown and Neil Shusterman will enjoy this series.
October 24, 2015
This was an OK story set in a dystopian near-future. I would give it 2.5 - 3 stars but dropped half a star because of the formatting and typos.
The author acknowledges Isaac Asmimov's influence and I was reminded a little bit of Asimov's books featuring Elijah Baley R. and Daneel Olivaw.
While the mystery was solved, I was left with many questions which hopefully will be addressed in the remaining two books in this trilogy.
However, there were too many times when I was taken out of the flow of the story due to terrible formatting on the Kindle version; random page breaks and missing line breaks - especially noticeable in conversations between characters.
The author acknowledges Isaac Asmimov's influence and I was reminded a little bit of Asimov's books featuring Elijah Baley R. and Daneel Olivaw.
While the mystery was solved, I was left with many questions which hopefully will be addressed in the remaining two books in this trilogy.
However, there were too many times when I was taken out of the flow of the story due to terrible formatting on the Kindle version; random page breaks and missing line breaks - especially noticeable in conversations between characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews