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Syn-En #1
The Syn-En Solution
A woman from the past. A cyborg with no future.
They have every reason to mistrust each other but one: survival.
When Nell Stafford passed out it was 2012. When she wakes up naked aboard a starship it's 2138, and she's surrounded by the Syn-En: synthetically-enhanced soldiers with a grudge against humans like her. She doesn't know where she is or what's happened, only that her life has been destroyed and everyone she's ever known is dead.
Their leader Beijing York has just discovered his people's creators--humans--have betrayed them. They were promised freedom and equality in exchange for settling a newly discovered planet at the other side of a wormhole. But the Syn-En have outlived their usefulness.
The offer was a trick.
The wormhole has collapsed, and now both Nell and the Syn-En are trapped far, far from Earth to face almost certain death.
Bei has lost his future, and Nell has lost her past.
But Nell gained something in her 120-year sleep; somehow, she knows everything the Syn-En need to survive. Now she must convince Bei and his people to trust her--as soon as she learns to trust the mysterious intelligence.
They have every reason to mistrust each other but one: survival.
When Nell Stafford passed out it was 2012. When she wakes up naked aboard a starship it's 2138, and she's surrounded by the Syn-En: synthetically-enhanced soldiers with a grudge against humans like her. She doesn't know where she is or what's happened, only that her life has been destroyed and everyone she's ever known is dead.
Their leader Beijing York has just discovered his people's creators--humans--have betrayed them. They were promised freedom and equality in exchange for settling a newly discovered planet at the other side of a wormhole. But the Syn-En have outlived their usefulness.
The offer was a trick.
The wormhole has collapsed, and now both Nell and the Syn-En are trapped far, far from Earth to face almost certain death.
Bei has lost his future, and Nell has lost her past.
But Nell gained something in her 120-year sleep; somehow, she knows everything the Syn-En need to survive. Now she must convince Bei and his people to trust her--as soon as she learns to trust the mysterious intelligence.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2012
54 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Linda Andrews
67 books92 followersLinda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounce: "What else would she write? She’s never been normal."
All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?
If you’ve enjoyed her stories or want to share your own paranormal experience feel free to email the author at linda@authorlindaandrews.com She’d love to hear from you.
All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?
If you’ve enjoyed her stories or want to share your own paranormal experience feel free to email the author at linda@authorlindaandrews.com She’d love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 4, 2012
The first couple of chapters of this book are rough to get through. I think I picked this book up drowsily (very late at night, I'm an insomniac) scanning descriptions on Amazon..saw the word Cyborg and clicked Hell Yes. I have a thing for cyborgs you see..and AI.
Moving on- I then needed some motivation so I looked up the description again and it gave me steam. I hadn't reached the part where the mystery human woman appears! The first chapter or so were just boring to me so I kept on going because I wanted to see what happened when Human Woman appeared.
Nell Stafford arrives inexplicably on the spaceship that Beijing York leads (he's the Sy-En fleet Admiral actually) and is discovered during a critical moment. The Sy-En ships are converging upon a wormhole- it is their mission to travel through and prepare a planet for human survival. Approaching this wormhole they find out quickly there is no conceivable way to travel through and they have been betrayed by the humans back on Earth. In this whirlwind of events, ships sacrificing themselves, a partial mutiny, Nell is awakened and thrust into play. As she is fully human she outranks all of the Sy-En and they are wary of her. She is clueless, yet she manages with intuition that she cannot understand to forge a trust between herself and Beijing and his crew.
The main issues I had with the book were the Star Trek, I don't know, bridge procedural? So if you like that a lot this won't be an issue with you. It just got to be a bit much at times. There is a heavy element of romance in this book and I'm happy and comfortable with that- I just felt that they hooked up far too fast given the circumstances. I enjoyed that the mystery of Nell Stafford was answered in a relatively believable science fiction manner- I was wondering if she was just going to be written off as just a magical appearance and in that way you are not left wondering. So points for that!
The ending felt a bit rushed and pat, but I DID love one of the last scenes between Nell and Beijing a lot. There is another a book 2 in this series but I won't be reading it. I am not skipping it because I didn't enjoy this but I just don't think I'll like the premise of book 2 as much as this one.
I would suggest this for those that read sci fi romance oriented books regularly- not hard core science fiction fans. I wouldn't suggest this for the standard romance reader because I think all of the world building will annoy you if you're not familiar and comfortable with a science fiction paradigm.
In conclusion: I definitely enjoyed this despite the hiccups and rushed seeming ending.
Moving on- I then needed some motivation so I looked up the description again and it gave me steam. I hadn't reached the part where the mystery human woman appears! The first chapter or so were just boring to me so I kept on going because I wanted to see what happened when Human Woman appeared.
Nell Stafford arrives inexplicably on the spaceship that Beijing York leads (he's the Sy-En fleet Admiral actually) and is discovered during a critical moment. The Sy-En ships are converging upon a wormhole- it is their mission to travel through and prepare a planet for human survival. Approaching this wormhole they find out quickly there is no conceivable way to travel through and they have been betrayed by the humans back on Earth. In this whirlwind of events, ships sacrificing themselves, a partial mutiny, Nell is awakened and thrust into play. As she is fully human she outranks all of the Sy-En and they are wary of her. She is clueless, yet she manages with intuition that she cannot understand to forge a trust between herself and Beijing and his crew.
The main issues I had with the book were the Star Trek, I don't know, bridge procedural? So if you like that a lot this won't be an issue with you. It just got to be a bit much at times. There is a heavy element of romance in this book and I'm happy and comfortable with that- I just felt that they hooked up far too fast given the circumstances. I enjoyed that the mystery of Nell Stafford was answered in a relatively believable science fiction manner- I was wondering if she was just going to be written off as just a magical appearance and in that way you are not left wondering. So points for that!
The ending felt a bit rushed and pat, but I DID love one of the last scenes between Nell and Beijing a lot. There is another a book 2 in this series but I won't be reading it. I am not skipping it because I didn't enjoy this but I just don't think I'll like the premise of book 2 as much as this one.
I would suggest this for those that read sci fi romance oriented books regularly- not hard core science fiction fans. I wouldn't suggest this for the standard romance reader because I think all of the world building will annoy you if you're not familiar and comfortable with a science fiction paradigm.
In conclusion: I definitely enjoyed this despite the hiccups and rushed seeming ending.
August 15, 2017
The only thing missing from this derivative dud is a front cover with a sexy lass clutching the rippled abs of a cyborg.
May 23, 2014
Okay, so I really liked this but the writing was... mildly bad, actually. There were barely any typos, so yay! good! The sentences were interesting and not "See Spot. See Spot run." There was an acceptable porportion of show versus tell. And sh*t was epic. Worldbuilding a tad bit lacking due to FAILURE OF LOGICAL PROGRESSION.
I guess the problem is that if I were to write a book, it would turn out like this (hopefully with my ideas being as epic and my characters as engaging). A lot of the time, when I'm writing, I have the whole situation running in the background in my head and IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE IT TO PAPER. (example I got a 99/100 on my history final and the point I missed was in the essay I wrote about the attritional effects of trench warfare during World War I - in which I neglected to mention that MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DIED, but I did remember trench foot and the invention of flamethrowers ::rolls eyes::) Things are just so obvious, that I just need the shorthand to make all these connections and associations in my mind. I think that's what's happening here.
Still, really liked it, editing would help, peace, out.
I guess the problem is that if I were to write a book, it would turn out like this (hopefully with my ideas being as epic and my characters as engaging). A lot of the time, when I'm writing, I have the whole situation running in the background in my head and IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE IT TO PAPER. (example I got a 99/100 on my history final and the point I missed was in the essay I wrote about the attritional effects of trench warfare during World War I - in which I neglected to mention that MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DIED, but I did remember trench foot and the invention of flamethrowers ::rolls eyes::) Things are just so obvious, that I just need the shorthand to make all these connections and associations in my mind. I think that's what's happening here.
Still, really liked it, editing would help, peace, out.
December 29, 2013
"There had to be a way out of the wormhole. Earth had shown the world pictures of the planet sent back from their probes. Sent the call for volunteers."
Admiral Beijing York (Bei) volunteered the Syn-Ens ( synthetically-enhanced soldiers) for a mission to reach Tera Dos, a newly discovered habitable planet on the other side of a wormhole.The humans of earth promised them freedom and equality in exchange for settling on Tera Dos. On he way there, he's surprised to find a non-enhanced woman, Nell Stafford, aboard his ship. Not only that but she's from the past and claims she's there to save the Syn-En.
I'm afraid I can't say more about the plot without causing a spoiler but there are lots of twists, action and adventure, and hot love scenes. The story is fresh and creative. The world building is more than well done - it's amazing. I loved being aboard the spaceship with the Syn-En. Even the secondary characters seemed real to me. I loved the Syn-En Solution and I highly recommend it.
Admiral Beijing York (Bei) volunteered the Syn-Ens ( synthetically-enhanced soldiers) for a mission to reach Tera Dos, a newly discovered habitable planet on the other side of a wormhole.The humans of earth promised them freedom and equality in exchange for settling on Tera Dos. On he way there, he's surprised to find a non-enhanced woman, Nell Stafford, aboard his ship. Not only that but she's from the past and claims she's there to save the Syn-En.
I'm afraid I can't say more about the plot without causing a spoiler but there are lots of twists, action and adventure, and hot love scenes. The story is fresh and creative. The world building is more than well done - it's amazing. I loved being aboard the spaceship with the Syn-En. Even the secondary characters seemed real to me. I loved the Syn-En Solution and I highly recommend it.
July 25, 2022
Pros: I absolutely loved the characters, humor, action, world building, and fast pacing of this book. This was a real page-turner that was hard to put down.
Cons: The only thing holding me back from giving this book a 5-Star review is the fact that it had proofreading issues (e.g. incorrect words and articles in the wrong places). There were also one or two scenes that needed a bit of editing to make the physical action clearer, since I got a little lost.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Cons: The only thing holding me back from giving this book a 5-Star review is the fact that it had proofreading issues (e.g. incorrect words and articles in the wrong places). There were also one or two scenes that needed a bit of editing to make the physical action clearer, since I got a little lost.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the series!
May 11, 2017
Cybermen and humans!
Excellent writing. Author puts advancer and enhanced men and women into space and as new world. A woman and the Admiral fall in love with many complications. Action abounds! First in a series and anxious to read the rest.
Excellent writing. Author puts advancer and enhanced men and women into space and as new world. A woman and the Admiral fall in love with many complications. Action abounds! First in a series and anxious to read the rest.
July 23, 2017
Great
I liked this a lot, I have always been a SciFi geek and this was right up my street. If your a Trekkie original series fan you will so get this. Only complaint is the sex scene, not a prude but there isn't really any need for it.
I liked this a lot, I have always been a SciFi geek and this was right up my street. If your a Trekkie original series fan you will so get this. Only complaint is the sex scene, not a prude but there isn't really any need for it.
May 28, 2018
Another book with poor editing :(
June 12, 2012
Do you like action? Do you like science fiction? Do you like technology in your fiction works? Then you might want to check out Linda Andrews’ The Syn-En Solution.
The world has changed. Humans have become three distinct classes. Or is only one class human? The rest have robotic pieces. They have become more machine than human. Yet all are now faced with extinction if they cannot find a new place to populate. They have to make it out of the wormhole and establish a new life. Will they make it with all the challenges of space and life around them and all the struggles of classes within the ships?
This story is not a simple one. Ms. Andrews has created a very complex world totally alien from our own. If you love science fiction stories, you should be able to follow along just fine. If you are like me and only occasionally read it, the story might be hard to follow. It is not a quick read. Every page and every paragraph is full of action. I periodically had to reread sections to make sure I understand what was happening. Fast paced and intense, it needs your direct attention.
With just a few editing issues, I found the intricate plot fascinating though confusing. Once again, science fiction is not something I read a lot of. But when I set my mind to looking at it as a movie and reading it slowly, it all began to come together.
My conclusion? Science fiction fans should check this book out. Science fiction once in a while readers need to read it only when they can fully concentrate on it. Those that don’t do science fiction at all needs to read some other books this summer. I do have to tip hat to the author for the world she created. As an aspiring author, I don’t think I could have come close to pulling that off. Strike that. I know I couldn’t.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of The Virtual Book Tour Cafe' and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by The Virtual Book Tour Cafe', no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely of my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides
The world has changed. Humans have become three distinct classes. Or is only one class human? The rest have robotic pieces. They have become more machine than human. Yet all are now faced with extinction if they cannot find a new place to populate. They have to make it out of the wormhole and establish a new life. Will they make it with all the challenges of space and life around them and all the struggles of classes within the ships?
This story is not a simple one. Ms. Andrews has created a very complex world totally alien from our own. If you love science fiction stories, you should be able to follow along just fine. If you are like me and only occasionally read it, the story might be hard to follow. It is not a quick read. Every page and every paragraph is full of action. I periodically had to reread sections to make sure I understand what was happening. Fast paced and intense, it needs your direct attention.
With just a few editing issues, I found the intricate plot fascinating though confusing. Once again, science fiction is not something I read a lot of. But when I set my mind to looking at it as a movie and reading it slowly, it all began to come together.
My conclusion? Science fiction fans should check this book out. Science fiction once in a while readers need to read it only when they can fully concentrate on it. Those that don’t do science fiction at all needs to read some other books this summer. I do have to tip hat to the author for the world she created. As an aspiring author, I don’t think I could have come close to pulling that off. Strike that. I know I couldn’t.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of The Virtual Book Tour Cafe' and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by The Virtual Book Tour Cafe', no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely of my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides
August 1, 2012
This book is a fascinating mix of science fiction, fantasy, suspense, romance, and psychological implications. I loved the concept that there could be synthetic abilities or components linked to people to make them somehow better or stronger to survive and help them fight and protect people. What I also found sad but realistic is that those they helped turned against them in fear and relegated them to second class status. There is truth in the saying that we fear that which we do not understand.
I found myself wanting to cry as Nell and Bei were pulled in so many directions, but I loved that they never gave up on each other and love. This is a definite read for anyone who likes the sci-fi genre as it has some unique and interesting ideas.
I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
I found myself wanting to cry as Nell and Bei were pulled in so many directions, but I loved that they never gave up on each other and love. This is a definite read for anyone who likes the sci-fi genre as it has some unique and interesting ideas.
I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
November 10, 2013
Cyborg of the future meets girl of his dreams? Maybe, but the journey to find out is a great one for the reader. Linda andrews has the ability to suck you into her world and drag you through the emotional briar patch before giving you a happy ending. I ended up with yet another late night because I just didn't want to leave the story unfinished - I had to know how it ended. So if you like a realistic romance mixed with science fiction action and suspicious aliens as well as a dash of psychological intrigue then read this book.
July 7, 2016
This could have been a good book, but the author spent too many words on detailed action, and too few on overall plot and character development. As a result, a felt (1) that I never got a rest from the relentless panic and darkness, and (2) the ending came out of nowhere. Don't think I'll be reading more from this author.
September 15, 2015
I read this e-book months ago, but the story has stuck with me. The science was compelling and interesting, and matched up well with the romance and action. I felt like I was in the middle of a good science fiction movie. Definitely worth a re-read!
June 16, 2016
Really enjoyed this
This book grabbed me from the beginning. It's a great story, although it definitely could have benefited from better editing. Still, I liked it a lot. The sci-fi was interesting and the personal connections satisfying.
This book grabbed me from the beginning. It's a great story, although it definitely could have benefited from better editing. Still, I liked it a lot. The sci-fi was interesting and the personal connections satisfying.
June 3, 2012
Oh, this was an awesome book, great characters, great plot, it just sucked me right in, and I really want to read the sequel right now!
June 22, 2012
Surprisingly good SF novel. A bit too heavy on the romantic intrigue about 2/3 of the way in, but otherwise engaging.
February 2, 2014
Enjoyed the book, plenty of action a few surprises.
January 19, 2014
I want to get the rest of them
April 11, 2017
Interesting allegorical story
While it might not have been the intent, this story is a great allegory for today in many ways. It has three strata of humanity and one is barely human. The upper class ( the 1%) makes the decisions for everyone else and most of the time with little regards to humanity. The story is set in a future dystopian time where Earth has been damaged in so many ways. A good read and most enjoyable on several levels.
While it might not have been the intent, this story is a great allegory for today in many ways. It has three strata of humanity and one is barely human. The upper class ( the 1%) makes the decisions for everyone else and most of the time with little regards to humanity. The story is set in a future dystopian time where Earth has been damaged in so many ways. A good read and most enjoyable on several levels.
April 17, 2017
Slow Starting but good read with only a few points of contention.
abandoned
May 3, 2019Just not for me. Moving on!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews