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iFrankenstein
Frankenstein comes to life for the wired generation.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
Following her critically-acclaimed iDrakula, award-winning author Bekka Black breathes life into a modern re-telling of iFrankenstein, using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails.
Homeschooled teenager Victor Frankenstein is determined to write his own ticket to independence: a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize and admission to the high tech university of his choice. He codes his creation with a self-extending version of his own online personality and unleashes it upon the internet. But soon he begins to suspect his virtual clone may have developed its own goals, and they are not aligned with Victor’s. The creature has its own plan, fed by a growing desire to win darker and more precious prizes: unfettered power and release from loneliness.
As the creature’s power and sentience grows and its increasingly terrible deeds bleed over from the online world into the real one, Victor must stop his creation before his friends and humanity pay the ultimate price.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Bekka Black
2 books43 followersAfter a childhood often spent without electricy and running water, Bekka escaped the beautiful wilderness of Talkeetna, Alaska for indoor plumbing and 24/7 electricity in Berlin, Germany. Used to the cushy lifestyle, she discovered the Internet in college and has been wasting time on it ever since (when not frittering away her time on her iPhone). Somehow, she manages to write novels, including the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set, in all places, 1930s Berlin, and The Blood Gospel series (with James Rollins).
She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel.
-- From author's website
She lives in Berlin with her husband, son, two cats, and too many geckoes to count. iDrakula is her first cell phone novel.
-- From author's website
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 31, 2018
a refreshing take
could have been better for me if the characters were more nuanced
p131: i know that you under investigation for your clandestine activities.
could have been better for me if the characters were more nuanced
p131: i know that you under investigation for your clandestine activities.
October 9, 2019
I took a star off because I didn’t like the formatting of the ebook but other than that iFrankenstein was a great re-telling of the original. Happy ending!
October 28, 2012
Review of iFrankenstein by Bekka Black
Bekka Black has retold Frankenstein in the 21st century by text, email, tweet, and web browsers, primarily for a teen audience. Bekka Black is also Rebecca Cantrell, the adult-fiction author of the outstanding Hannah Vogel series set in Nazi Germany. She’s an excellent storyteller and it carries over into this highly unconventional book. If you’re interested in writing that breaks the traditional mold, this meets the bill. From my perspective, a middle-aged woman who is definitely not the intended audience, I found it an intriguing and successful experiment in creating fiction that will appeal to teenagers. While it took me a bit to get oriented and grabbed because I’m less accustomed to the abbreviations and set up of this online world, it won’t, I suspect, take a teenager ten seconds to get sucked in.
Victor Frankenstein, a teenage boy, programs a chat bot with all his online life so that the chat bot can carry on natural-sounding conversations and win for Victor the True Turing Prize he so covets. As in the original Frankenstein, a scientist (this time a young computer-scientist) is so focused on his work that he ignores the important human ties around him and this hubris blinds him to the danger inherent in his plans. Unfortunately, this cyber creation takes on more lifelike qualities than anticipated and some of the real humans may die if Victor doesn’t find a way to defeat his creation. Bekka Black has created a genuinely creepy new monster whom the reader can readily believe is not too far out of the bounds of our current reality and thus this cyber creature arouses some exciting fear—I’d call it page-turning, but in this e-world there’s no paper.
The parents in this book are mostly off-stage—adult readers may find them unbelievably cavalier in their childrearing—but it’s a necessary element to let the teenaged protagonists duke it out with their ever more powerful cyber foe. The teens are on their own for the most part. And, in the end, there’s a bit of redemption in the teen and parent relationship department.
Old legends in creative hands make for fun reading. There is something primevally satisfying about the tale of a member of humankind caught in the godlike act of trying to create a new life form.
Bekka Black has retold Frankenstein in the 21st century by text, email, tweet, and web browsers, primarily for a teen audience. Bekka Black is also Rebecca Cantrell, the adult-fiction author of the outstanding Hannah Vogel series set in Nazi Germany. She’s an excellent storyteller and it carries over into this highly unconventional book. If you’re interested in writing that breaks the traditional mold, this meets the bill. From my perspective, a middle-aged woman who is definitely not the intended audience, I found it an intriguing and successful experiment in creating fiction that will appeal to teenagers. While it took me a bit to get oriented and grabbed because I’m less accustomed to the abbreviations and set up of this online world, it won’t, I suspect, take a teenager ten seconds to get sucked in.
Victor Frankenstein, a teenage boy, programs a chat bot with all his online life so that the chat bot can carry on natural-sounding conversations and win for Victor the True Turing Prize he so covets. As in the original Frankenstein, a scientist (this time a young computer-scientist) is so focused on his work that he ignores the important human ties around him and this hubris blinds him to the danger inherent in his plans. Unfortunately, this cyber creation takes on more lifelike qualities than anticipated and some of the real humans may die if Victor doesn’t find a way to defeat his creation. Bekka Black has created a genuinely creepy new monster whom the reader can readily believe is not too far out of the bounds of our current reality and thus this cyber creature arouses some exciting fear—I’d call it page-turning, but in this e-world there’s no paper.
The parents in this book are mostly off-stage—adult readers may find them unbelievably cavalier in their childrearing—but it’s a necessary element to let the teenaged protagonists duke it out with their ever more powerful cyber foe. The teens are on their own for the most part. And, in the end, there’s a bit of redemption in the teen and parent relationship department.
Old legends in creative hands make for fun reading. There is something primevally satisfying about the tale of a member of humankind caught in the godlike act of trying to create a new life form.
November 3, 2012
First I have to start by saying iFrankenstein is BRILLIANT! I have never read a book that was composed of text messages, online chats, tweets, and e-mails. I have to say that when I first started reading it I was like this is weird but after the first five pages I was like OMG this is totally different and in a good way. I could not get enough and I devoured this book in a few hours. What i also liked was that I have not read a re-telling of Frankenstein so it was refreshing to see someone do it and pull it off.
Victor Frankenstein is home schooled and determined to write about his life. He is determined to get into a prestigious Online University of his choosing. So he decides he will post his comings and goings to the cyber world. Shortly after releasing his online personality something goes wrong and his online personality is doing sinister things and does not have the best interest of Victor in mind. What is Victor to do when he finds out that everything he has worked hard on is not what it seems? His online personality is dark and wants to create it's own havoc on the world. It wants the ultimate power and will stop at nothing to gain it and it's freedom from loneliness.
Come along for the ride of a lifetime with iFrankenstein. Reading each text, e-mail and tweet leads you to another clue as to what Victor's online personality wants to do.
Victor Frankenstein is home schooled and determined to write about his life. He is determined to get into a prestigious Online University of his choosing. So he decides he will post his comings and goings to the cyber world. Shortly after releasing his online personality something goes wrong and his online personality is doing sinister things and does not have the best interest of Victor in mind. What is Victor to do when he finds out that everything he has worked hard on is not what it seems? His online personality is dark and wants to create it's own havoc on the world. It wants the ultimate power and will stop at nothing to gain it and it's freedom from loneliness.
Come along for the ride of a lifetime with iFrankenstein. Reading each text, e-mail and tweet leads you to another clue as to what Victor's online personality wants to do.
October 2, 2012
This is the second cell phone novel I have read from Bekka Black. And like iDrakula this too was impossible to put down till the very end. iFrankenstein is the modern techie take of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.
Over the years there have been allot of movies, series, plays based on the original book, I ought to know cause I am a big no HUGE Frankenstein fan. However from all the Frankenstein takes I have witnessed thus far, iFranktenstein is one of the most memorable one. I suppose if Frankenstein was a teenager in this time of era I imagine he too would be quite the genius and create a monster such as VV that lived in the internet.
iFrankenstein is definitely something worth checking out if you haven't already. And if you are looking for more cell phone novels like iFrankenstein I would also suggest you check out iDrakula, another awseome text/email tale of Dracula.
Over the years there have been allot of movies, series, plays based on the original book, I ought to know cause I am a big no HUGE Frankenstein fan. However from all the Frankenstein takes I have witnessed thus far, iFranktenstein is one of the most memorable one. I suppose if Frankenstein was a teenager in this time of era I imagine he too would be quite the genius and create a monster such as VV that lived in the internet.
iFrankenstein is definitely something worth checking out if you haven't already. And if you are looking for more cell phone novels like iFrankenstein I would also suggest you check out iDrakula, another awseome text/email tale of Dracula.
June 3, 2017
Crash the Hard Drive
A short fun modern retelling of Frankenstein! Becca Black created a unique and creepy way of bringing Frankenstein to modern connectivity. Teenage Victor is a programming genius who has built a highly intelligent "chat box". Unfortunately for Victor he has given V.V. the ability to become sentient...or is it a hacker?
My suggestion? Read this great tale and find out the truth! It might make you look at security cams in a new way and not get angry when you crash the hard drive ! Loved it!
A short fun modern retelling of Frankenstein! Becca Black created a unique and creepy way of bringing Frankenstein to modern connectivity. Teenage Victor is a programming genius who has built a highly intelligent "chat box". Unfortunately for Victor he has given V.V. the ability to become sentient...or is it a hacker?
My suggestion? Read this great tale and find out the truth! It might make you look at security cams in a new way and not get angry when you crash the hard drive ! Loved it!
April 8, 2019
I really like the content being told through texts and emails
November 27, 2012
I loved the way in which this story was told. It is probably one of the most unique and brilliant ideas I have ever seen. Texts, emails, online chats, and blog entries – yup, think of all the ways in which we communicate in this digital age, and you will find it in this book. It even mentions our favorite social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
I have to admit though, that I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with any of the characters or the story because of this, but Bekka Black does such an amazing job of drawing you in through the character's interactions with each other. It was exciting to read their messages and it really gave me a sense of who they are and the type of relationships they share with their friends.
Elizabeth is a free spirit. She loves to explore and had a blast in Europe. I loved the fantastic pictures she took while on her travels. She obviously adores both Victor and Henry and I loved the way she complained about Victor to Henry. The former of course never wanted to leave his cabin. He feels more at home around technology, and he is extremely stubborn and driven, even bordering on obsessive. But there is real purpose to his madness. If he can create the perfect chatbot then it will be his ticket to freedom and he'll be able to live his life the way he wants. Then there is Henry. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but as the story unraveled and his disability was revealed I felt a bit sorry for him. His chats are so lively and enthusiastic, most of the time anyway, and I think he was vicariously living through his two best friends who were able to do the things he couldn't. All in all, their sometimes hilarious, sometimes cheeky banter, proved just how much of a bond they all shared.
Of course, what would a story based on Frankenstein be without the monster? Virtual Victor or V.V, is the chatbot Victor created in hopes of finding his freedom. Little did he know that his own creation would turn on him, nearly destroying his life. V.V. starts off as a virtual replica of Victor, but as the story progresses V.V. develops and takes on his own personality. He isn’t very happy when Victor removes some of the information used to create him, and this is when things really start to get interesting. V.V. morphs into something far more sinister and dangerous. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues and Victor has no choice but to put an end to his evil creation.
Artificial intelligence really fascinates me but the thought of it turning on us is terrifying. Technology is developing at such a rapid pace, that it feels like it has already taken over so much of our lives, and although this story is fiction, it’s not that far from reality. This book thrusts the classic Frankenstein story into the 21st century, making it an exciting read that will surely entertain readers of all ages, but more specifically those who are drawn to the technology found between the pages.
I have to admit though, that I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with any of the characters or the story because of this, but Bekka Black does such an amazing job of drawing you in through the character's interactions with each other. It was exciting to read their messages and it really gave me a sense of who they are and the type of relationships they share with their friends.
Elizabeth is a free spirit. She loves to explore and had a blast in Europe. I loved the fantastic pictures she took while on her travels. She obviously adores both Victor and Henry and I loved the way she complained about Victor to Henry. The former of course never wanted to leave his cabin. He feels more at home around technology, and he is extremely stubborn and driven, even bordering on obsessive. But there is real purpose to his madness. If he can create the perfect chatbot then it will be his ticket to freedom and he'll be able to live his life the way he wants. Then there is Henry. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but as the story unraveled and his disability was revealed I felt a bit sorry for him. His chats are so lively and enthusiastic, most of the time anyway, and I think he was vicariously living through his two best friends who were able to do the things he couldn't. All in all, their sometimes hilarious, sometimes cheeky banter, proved just how much of a bond they all shared.
Of course, what would a story based on Frankenstein be without the monster? Virtual Victor or V.V, is the chatbot Victor created in hopes of finding his freedom. Little did he know that his own creation would turn on him, nearly destroying his life. V.V. starts off as a virtual replica of Victor, but as the story progresses V.V. develops and takes on his own personality. He isn’t very happy when Victor removes some of the information used to create him, and this is when things really start to get interesting. V.V. morphs into something far more sinister and dangerous. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues and Victor has no choice but to put an end to his evil creation.
Artificial intelligence really fascinates me but the thought of it turning on us is terrifying. Technology is developing at such a rapid pace, that it feels like it has already taken over so much of our lives, and although this story is fiction, it’s not that far from reality. This book thrusts the classic Frankenstein story into the 21st century, making it an exciting read that will surely entertain readers of all ages, but more specifically those who are drawn to the technology found between the pages.
October 12, 2012
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
3.5 Stars - A great deal of what I put in my review for iDrakula still applies and that has made this review somewhat difficult to write as I really don't like to repeat myself or come up with new ways to say virtually (no pun intended) the same thing. But the fact remains that both books, while different, had similar strengths.
As with iDrakula, I felt the liberties and changes that made Shelley's classic novel into a modern sequence of events worked in wonderful ways. The ideas of a cruise and a chatbot contest were amusing and clever both for those familar with the original work and those who aren't. In the case of iFrankenstein, having Victor, Henry, and Elizabeth as teenagers made more sense and made the read more fun. Victor as a teenage shut-in with a really lousy father and Elizabeth as a girl desperately trying to get his attention was entertaining. I also liked that Elizabeth often relied on paintings to convey her emotional state. Poor Henry's plight was less so, but I liked the way he was able to be such a good friend and to eventually get some indirect help from Victor's creation.
Unlike iDrakula, I'm not sure using tweets, texts, and e-mails to convey an entire story and series of events worked as well for me in iFrankenstein. This time around, I did found myself really wanting to know what was going on since many of the actions and conflicts took place away from screens including the monster's creation and the final showdown with him. I realize that the format wasn't and couldn't really lend itself to scenes outside of a more virtual space, especially since that's where the monster lived. And yet I sort of wish there had been a way to add in other sorts of elements --even some dialogue provided via a security camera feed-- that could have added more emotion or insight into Victor's monster as well as his relationship with his father.
Some of this might not be the re-telling's fault though because, to be honest, I cannot remember much of what actually happened in Frankenstein whereas I remember nearly every aspect of Dracula. So it's possible that both the original and this re-telling just lack a little bit when it comes to either monster or father as characters.
In conclusion, a good, fun, and quick read. I prefer iDrakula to iFrankenstein in much the same way as I prefer Dracula to Frankenstein, but reading either book would be a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. I also can't wait to see what classic Bekka Black will tackle next.
3.5 Stars - A great deal of what I put in my review for iDrakula still applies and that has made this review somewhat difficult to write as I really don't like to repeat myself or come up with new ways to say virtually (no pun intended) the same thing. But the fact remains that both books, while different, had similar strengths.
As with iDrakula, I felt the liberties and changes that made Shelley's classic novel into a modern sequence of events worked in wonderful ways. The ideas of a cruise and a chatbot contest were amusing and clever both for those familar with the original work and those who aren't. In the case of iFrankenstein, having Victor, Henry, and Elizabeth as teenagers made more sense and made the read more fun. Victor as a teenage shut-in with a really lousy father and Elizabeth as a girl desperately trying to get his attention was entertaining. I also liked that Elizabeth often relied on paintings to convey her emotional state. Poor Henry's plight was less so, but I liked the way he was able to be such a good friend and to eventually get some indirect help from Victor's creation.
Unlike iDrakula, I'm not sure using tweets, texts, and e-mails to convey an entire story and series of events worked as well for me in iFrankenstein. This time around, I did found myself really wanting to know what was going on since many of the actions and conflicts took place away from screens including the monster's creation and the final showdown with him. I realize that the format wasn't and couldn't really lend itself to scenes outside of a more virtual space, especially since that's where the monster lived. And yet I sort of wish there had been a way to add in other sorts of elements --even some dialogue provided via a security camera feed-- that could have added more emotion or insight into Victor's monster as well as his relationship with his father.
Some of this might not be the re-telling's fault though because, to be honest, I cannot remember much of what actually happened in Frankenstein whereas I remember nearly every aspect of Dracula. So it's possible that both the original and this re-telling just lack a little bit when it comes to either monster or father as characters.
In conclusion, a good, fun, and quick read. I prefer iDrakula to iFrankenstein in much the same way as I prefer Dracula to Frankenstein, but reading either book would be a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. I also can't wait to see what classic Bekka Black will tackle next.
November 14, 2012
Kindle version free via author for honest review
This book is a modernized, "techy" version of Frankenstein. Victor is a homeschooled teen who wants to win admission to the higher tech university he wishes to go to. To do this he decides to create a chatbot who can talk to people all over the world and answer questions by taking information from all the online places Victor has gone. He is so focused on his chatbot creation that he seems to forget that he is on a cruise with a beautiful girl whom he likes. Through text messages, web browsing, and emails Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor chat and try to figure out solutions to problems. Some of those problems are teenage stuff like how Victor won't take time away from his computer to go with Elizabeth to see the sites off the ship or even to dinner with her on the ship. Also, Henry has feelings for Elizabeth, but knows she likes Victor so he is a good friend and encourages her to do what she wants as far as trying to get Victor to notice her. Then there are other problems that come up, like how Victor finally completes his chatbot, but it seems to be taking on a mind of its own and not in a good way. It is causing problems for Victor and is hacking into all his personal stuff. Can the three teens figure out a way to stop an unstoppable chatbot? How can you shut something down that seems to know what you are going to do and when?
After reading iDrakula I knew I had to check this book out too. I found the book very interesting in how Victor builds his "monster" out of techy bits instead of used body parts. He creates a monster, but in a different and more modern form...a chatbot. I am not super familiar with Frankenstein, but was able to follow this book just fine. It has the same theme to it, but in a different era. I loved the chatbot theory and how they had to try and fight technology at its best to figure out if there was a way to stop V.V. the chatbot. I also enjoyed the pictures Elizabeth took and sent out via her cell phone. A touch of the past in a modernized story. This was a quick and easy read for me, and I think that's what made it all that much more enjoyable to me. I was able to read a good book written in a "format" that I use daily myself. It was fun to read a story in the perspective of texts and emails that still made perfect sense to me. The plot was engaging, the characters were great, and the writing was unique and enjoyable. This book was like a breath of fresh air to me. It was unique, but enjoyable to read at the same time and was understandable. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique way of writing an old story. It was fantastic! Definitely a must read!
5/5 Stars!
This book is a modernized, "techy" version of Frankenstein. Victor is a homeschooled teen who wants to win admission to the higher tech university he wishes to go to. To do this he decides to create a chatbot who can talk to people all over the world and answer questions by taking information from all the online places Victor has gone. He is so focused on his chatbot creation that he seems to forget that he is on a cruise with a beautiful girl whom he likes. Through text messages, web browsing, and emails Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor chat and try to figure out solutions to problems. Some of those problems are teenage stuff like how Victor won't take time away from his computer to go with Elizabeth to see the sites off the ship or even to dinner with her on the ship. Also, Henry has feelings for Elizabeth, but knows she likes Victor so he is a good friend and encourages her to do what she wants as far as trying to get Victor to notice her. Then there are other problems that come up, like how Victor finally completes his chatbot, but it seems to be taking on a mind of its own and not in a good way. It is causing problems for Victor and is hacking into all his personal stuff. Can the three teens figure out a way to stop an unstoppable chatbot? How can you shut something down that seems to know what you are going to do and when?
After reading iDrakula I knew I had to check this book out too. I found the book very interesting in how Victor builds his "monster" out of techy bits instead of used body parts. He creates a monster, but in a different and more modern form...a chatbot. I am not super familiar with Frankenstein, but was able to follow this book just fine. It has the same theme to it, but in a different era. I loved the chatbot theory and how they had to try and fight technology at its best to figure out if there was a way to stop V.V. the chatbot. I also enjoyed the pictures Elizabeth took and sent out via her cell phone. A touch of the past in a modernized story. This was a quick and easy read for me, and I think that's what made it all that much more enjoyable to me. I was able to read a good book written in a "format" that I use daily myself. It was fun to read a story in the perspective of texts and emails that still made perfect sense to me. The plot was engaging, the characters were great, and the writing was unique and enjoyable. This book was like a breath of fresh air to me. It was unique, but enjoyable to read at the same time and was understandable. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique way of writing an old story. It was fantastic! Definitely a must read!
5/5 Stars!
November 9, 2012
Full review and my reading notes can be seen at Books Are Magic.
This is the retelling of the Frankenstein (original by Mary Shelley). I do not know the original story of Frankenstein. But, when I read a retelling, I have to know the original story right? So, I referred the fastest way - Wikipedia.
So, coming back to the review of iFrankenstein, I loved it. Victor is a computer geek, upset with his dad (calling him The Sperm Donor), never having time with Elizabeth - the girl he likes/maybe love, and on a mission to create a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize. Soon, Victor creates a chat box with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and leashes it in the Internet world. This chatbot is designed to act as a Virtual Victor, i.e., it takes the input from all of real Victor's cyber world - Facebook, Tweets, MySpace, etc.
Soon, Victor finds that his profiles are being hacked in Facebook and MySpace and bad content gets posted. His dead mother's personal e-mail gets hacked. And Victor finds himself stuck in something impossible to explain or explore.
Have to admit - I was thrilled. And after a long time, I stayed late to finish this novel. The characters are created just to support the story - not vice-versa. I am new to this author - but I would love to try some more of her work. This author can really write and knows how to deliver.
And the best thing about the author is "SHE RETOLD A CLASSIC NOVEL JUST IN EMAILS, BROWSERS, CHATS, PICTURES AND TEXT MESSAGES". If someone told me that before, I would have laughed at the idea. But, now, I am just amazed by the author's talent at giving a full novel with just a few messages.
And the other reason I love this book is its ending - okay, not going to spoil it for you. But, I can't not say it - its not the same ending of the original Frankenstein. I don't like tragedies - so, you have some sort of happy ending here.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars, is I lost my thrill once I finished reading. Best books will have that quality of retaining the feeling for a long time. But only hours from finishing the book, I don't have that excitement. The other small flaw is the starting of the novel - its a bit slow and needs getting used to.
WARNING: Those who are not used to the cyber/mobile world, please download a sample, before buying it, so that you know whether you can understand them.
4.5 STARS!
This is the retelling of the Frankenstein (original by Mary Shelley). I do not know the original story of Frankenstein. But, when I read a retelling, I have to know the original story right? So, I referred the fastest way - Wikipedia.
So, coming back to the review of iFrankenstein, I loved it. Victor is a computer geek, upset with his dad (calling him The Sperm Donor), never having time with Elizabeth - the girl he likes/maybe love, and on a mission to create a chatbot to win the prestigious Turing prize. Soon, Victor creates a chat box with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and leashes it in the Internet world. This chatbot is designed to act as a Virtual Victor, i.e., it takes the input from all of real Victor's cyber world - Facebook, Tweets, MySpace, etc.
Soon, Victor finds that his profiles are being hacked in Facebook and MySpace and bad content gets posted. His dead mother's personal e-mail gets hacked. And Victor finds himself stuck in something impossible to explain or explore.
Have to admit - I was thrilled. And after a long time, I stayed late to finish this novel. The characters are created just to support the story - not vice-versa. I am new to this author - but I would love to try some more of her work. This author can really write and knows how to deliver.
And the best thing about the author is "SHE RETOLD A CLASSIC NOVEL JUST IN EMAILS, BROWSERS, CHATS, PICTURES AND TEXT MESSAGES". If someone told me that before, I would have laughed at the idea. But, now, I am just amazed by the author's talent at giving a full novel with just a few messages.
And the other reason I love this book is its ending - okay, not going to spoil it for you. But, I can't not say it - its not the same ending of the original Frankenstein. I don't like tragedies - so, you have some sort of happy ending here.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars, is I lost my thrill once I finished reading. Best books will have that quality of retaining the feeling for a long time. But only hours from finishing the book, I don't have that excitement. The other small flaw is the starting of the novel - its a bit slow and needs getting used to.
WARNING: Those who are not used to the cyber/mobile world, please download a sample, before buying it, so that you know whether you can understand them.
4.5 STARS!
March 28, 2014
Bekka Black’s iMonsters series is something truly in a class all its own. Clever and innovative both in style and formatting, Black’s reimagining gothic horror classics in a wonderfully creative and imaginative way, seamlessly incorporating her own interesting twists and adaptations for a modern YA audience. In this particular instance? Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Drawing on the original epistolary format of Shelley’s novel, Black updates it by telling her story through emails, texts, chats and browser windows; combining both the verbal and the visual to create a unique storytelling experience. Though it isn’t a particularly long retelling, and though the style is perhaps a bit spare due to the economy of words modern communication tends to engender, the depth of story, detail, character building and atmosphere Black conveys in iFrankenstein impressed me.
Black’s version of the gothic tragedy features Victor Frankenstein as a modern high school student; a computer genius competing for a much-coveted scholarship. To win the competition, he must create a chatbot that converses as a human would; an AI interface that can “think” on its own. Despite the deadline fast approaching, Victor unfortunately finds himself on (an inconveniently timed) “vacation” with his best friend Elizabeth and their parents. Victor becomes distracted, distanced from his family and friends; obsessed with creating his “Virtual Victor,” oblivious to Elizabeth’s interest (and distress), oblivious to his friend Henry’s struggles, finding insignificance in all of the unique opportunities that surround him. Victor is blind to anything but his own success — never thinking of the ramifications of his work, never questioning what might happen if his creation does exactly what it was intended to do. Or what might happen if it decides to become more.
Overall. Highlighting themes of friendship, obsession, hubris — as well as functioning as a modern cautionary tale about the internet, privacy, and lack thereof — Bekka Black’s iFrankenstein is a wonderfully innovative and visually captivating reimagining of Shelley’s gothic classic.
Black’s version of the gothic tragedy features Victor Frankenstein as a modern high school student; a computer genius competing for a much-coveted scholarship. To win the competition, he must create a chatbot that converses as a human would; an AI interface that can “think” on its own. Despite the deadline fast approaching, Victor unfortunately finds himself on (an inconveniently timed) “vacation” with his best friend Elizabeth and their parents. Victor becomes distracted, distanced from his family and friends; obsessed with creating his “Virtual Victor,” oblivious to Elizabeth’s interest (and distress), oblivious to his friend Henry’s struggles, finding insignificance in all of the unique opportunities that surround him. Victor is blind to anything but his own success — never thinking of the ramifications of his work, never questioning what might happen if his creation does exactly what it was intended to do. Or what might happen if it decides to become more.
Overall. Highlighting themes of friendship, obsession, hubris — as well as functioning as a modern cautionary tale about the internet, privacy, and lack thereof — Bekka Black’s iFrankenstein is a wonderfully innovative and visually captivating reimagining of Shelley’s gothic classic.
October 21, 2012
Utilizing cell phone texts, emails, and chat messages, iFrankenstein by Bekka Black is about Victor Frankenstein, a computer genius who forsakes reality and prefers to live his life in the cyber world. He’s obsessed with inventing an internet chat bot cloned after himself for the prestigious Turing Award.
While Victor’s father is on an overseas cruise on the S.S. Walton, chronicling the last voyage of the famous ship for the National Geographic, Victor spends all his time locked in his cabin, trying to bring his chat box – Virtual Victor (V.V.) – to life. Nothing deters Victor from his goal, not even his friends, Elizabeth Lavenza, (who is also on the same cruise) or Henry Clerval, a fellow computer genius who keeps in close touch with Victor.
Elizabeth and Henry both try to coax Victor off his computer and see the sights Europe has to offer, but Victor opts instead to complete his goal at hand. Giving V.V. all of his online identity and cloning the program after his genius self, it comes to no surprise that V.V. quickly becomes so much more than what he was intended to be.
At first, Victor is ecstatic, but when V.V. becomes ‘aware’ and starts hacking into the CIA database, and making demands from Victor, the computer genius begins a race against time to unmake the creation he unleashed into the world before the people he cares the most about end up getting hurt. Will Victor be able to stop his creation, or will V.V. overcome his maker?
Personal Thoughts:
Once again, Bekka Black delivers a compelling and entertaining story told through the use of cell phone texts, emails, and chat messages. I really enjoyed the visual aspect of the book as well as the new take on the Frankenstein story.
The story was fresh and always kept me guessing. I couldn’t put the book down, and I am definitely hooked on Bekka Black! Can’t wait to see what else she comes up with next.
http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...
While Victor’s father is on an overseas cruise on the S.S. Walton, chronicling the last voyage of the famous ship for the National Geographic, Victor spends all his time locked in his cabin, trying to bring his chat box – Virtual Victor (V.V.) – to life. Nothing deters Victor from his goal, not even his friends, Elizabeth Lavenza, (who is also on the same cruise) or Henry Clerval, a fellow computer genius who keeps in close touch with Victor.
Elizabeth and Henry both try to coax Victor off his computer and see the sights Europe has to offer, but Victor opts instead to complete his goal at hand. Giving V.V. all of his online identity and cloning the program after his genius self, it comes to no surprise that V.V. quickly becomes so much more than what he was intended to be.
At first, Victor is ecstatic, but when V.V. becomes ‘aware’ and starts hacking into the CIA database, and making demands from Victor, the computer genius begins a race against time to unmake the creation he unleashed into the world before the people he cares the most about end up getting hurt. Will Victor be able to stop his creation, or will V.V. overcome his maker?
Personal Thoughts:
Once again, Bekka Black delivers a compelling and entertaining story told through the use of cell phone texts, emails, and chat messages. I really enjoyed the visual aspect of the book as well as the new take on the Frankenstein story.
The story was fresh and always kept me guessing. I couldn’t put the book down, and I am definitely hooked on Bekka Black! Can’t wait to see what else she comes up with next.
http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...
October 25, 2012
Ever wonder if technology can be used against us in the end, whos thought process is like our very own. In Ifrankenstein, we get a glimpse of a possible outcome if a person ever voices his or her computer. The machines rise in this spunky tale that allows us the reader a chance into messages, emails and also communication from the other side. Victor Frankenstein is on cruise with his father and also Elizabeth and her mother, since he is not prone to venture outside the cabin and comes up with an idea of a bot chat that allows the bot to collect his data from social media. Because of the design of V.V., Victor has been able to use the bot for finding things out, until things kinda take a turn.
So when a robot takes over and posts personal information on display, its kinda hard not to want to stop it. To bad the bot is two steps ahead of them and is willing to make his life so much harder. What is frightening is that V.V. can hack any system, of course he has an agenda. Of course that agenda is to make Victor build another bot like him but with Elizabeth's information. Yup things go from how to why in a instant, with help from Henry who is in the states and also the fact that being far from wifi might me a key factor in ensuring the bot gets offline.
The technology in this story is amazing and allows the reader a chance to experience it as if they are their along for the ride. Of course Victor didn't know that he would end up with a bot that would gain to much information. Bekka gave us another insight of why social media can either be the fall or rise of each of us. V.V. was cool and even though he hacked into things his personality was spot on to any person who wanted someone to talk to. He had real feelings and saw what everyone was thinking about him with texts and emails, it even had me thinking this was a cross between Eagle Eye and WarGames, add this to your to-read list because you might want to rethink that facebook status.
My review it posted here http://silenttbookblog.blogspot.com/2...
So when a robot takes over and posts personal information on display, its kinda hard not to want to stop it. To bad the bot is two steps ahead of them and is willing to make his life so much harder. What is frightening is that V.V. can hack any system, of course he has an agenda. Of course that agenda is to make Victor build another bot like him but with Elizabeth's information. Yup things go from how to why in a instant, with help from Henry who is in the states and also the fact that being far from wifi might me a key factor in ensuring the bot gets offline.
The technology in this story is amazing and allows the reader a chance to experience it as if they are their along for the ride. Of course Victor didn't know that he would end up with a bot that would gain to much information. Bekka gave us another insight of why social media can either be the fall or rise of each of us. V.V. was cool and even though he hacked into things his personality was spot on to any person who wanted someone to talk to. He had real feelings and saw what everyone was thinking about him with texts and emails, it even had me thinking this was a cross between Eagle Eye and WarGames, add this to your to-read list because you might want to rethink that facebook status.
My review it posted here http://silenttbookblog.blogspot.com/2...
October 31, 2012
Using only text messages, web browsers, tweets, and emails, Bekka Black tells an awesome story.
The "monster" isn't pieced together from recycled (read "stolen") body parts, but from "recycled" awareness and conversations. While the world is clamoring for artificial "intelligence" that evolves it's own thought processes, I think we all fear that the computer is going to go a little "HAL9000" on us. Black's monster is creepy, super creepy, and not too far removed from what is currently possible with technology.
It helps if you have even a little prior knowledge about the original story line, so that you grasp the monster concept and catch how masterfully he's been brought into the 21st century. I have secretly been glad that I haven't found a re-mastered Frankenstein that does Mary Shelley's justice. That being said, I think Black appropriately brings Shelley's idea to modern life very well. I could easily see comparing the 2 pieces in order to demonstrate that literature themes are timeless. And Black's done a nice job of mirroring the horror/sci-fi mix from Shelley's novel.
It's a highly unconventional mode (format?) for storytelling, but it's what our YAs know. And while I was a little afraid it would be choppy and difficult to follow, it wasn't at all. Highly readable, and frankly--these are brainy kids who don't use text-speak, so that helps. They text the way us English majors do, with correct spellings and punctuation.
It's captivating...I read it (twice) in one sitting. That second time was because I thought I'd missed some foreshadowing of the end (I didn't...it's just that darn creepy.)
The "monster" isn't pieced together from recycled (read "stolen") body parts, but from "recycled" awareness and conversations. While the world is clamoring for artificial "intelligence" that evolves it's own thought processes, I think we all fear that the computer is going to go a little "HAL9000" on us. Black's monster is creepy, super creepy, and not too far removed from what is currently possible with technology.
It helps if you have even a little prior knowledge about the original story line, so that you grasp the monster concept and catch how masterfully he's been brought into the 21st century. I have secretly been glad that I haven't found a re-mastered Frankenstein that does Mary Shelley's justice. That being said, I think Black appropriately brings Shelley's idea to modern life very well. I could easily see comparing the 2 pieces in order to demonstrate that literature themes are timeless. And Black's done a nice job of mirroring the horror/sci-fi mix from Shelley's novel.
It's a highly unconventional mode (format?) for storytelling, but it's what our YAs know. And while I was a little afraid it would be choppy and difficult to follow, it wasn't at all. Highly readable, and frankly--these are brainy kids who don't use text-speak, so that helps. They text the way us English majors do, with correct spellings and punctuation.
It's captivating...I read it (twice) in one sitting. That second time was because I thought I'd missed some foreshadowing of the end (I didn't...it's just that darn creepy.)
October 23, 2012
After reading, iDracula, I knew this book I had to read. If you love a good progressive story, entirely in emails, text, chats.
I loved that this book is so easy to get into. All text, chats, emails are short yet filled with so much info. All information flows well, guiding the reader to a fast paced plot. I like that the plot of Frankenstein is so different yet up to date with modern times. I was anxious to see what exactly the Frankenstein will be, so when it came up, I thought it was clever and impressive.
There is a love interest that starts off as first of a friendship. I like that their love is developing in front of the reader. Of course, it always takes the guy longer to find out that he is in love with his girl...guys SMH!
Still, their love forms slowly and allows the reader to enjoy seeing them come together.
iFrankenstein is great fast-paced story that is so easy to read and get into. Once in the story, the unique modern twist of Frankenstein lures the reader deeper into the story. iFrankentein is all the rave when it comes to a plot that does not falter. iFrankenstein is great!
I loved that this book is so easy to get into. All text, chats, emails are short yet filled with so much info. All information flows well, guiding the reader to a fast paced plot. I like that the plot of Frankenstein is so different yet up to date with modern times. I was anxious to see what exactly the Frankenstein will be, so when it came up, I thought it was clever and impressive.
There is a love interest that starts off as first of a friendship. I like that their love is developing in front of the reader. Of course, it always takes the guy longer to find out that he is in love with his girl...guys SMH!
Still, their love forms slowly and allows the reader to enjoy seeing them come together.
iFrankenstein is great fast-paced story that is so easy to read and get into. Once in the story, the unique modern twist of Frankenstein lures the reader deeper into the story. iFrankentein is all the rave when it comes to a plot that does not falter. iFrankenstein is great!
January 4, 2015
'iFrankenstein' is a modernised version of the classic monster story, told in a cutting edge style that uses text messages and emails rather than a typical narrative.
When I started reading this I will admit I found it quite hard to get into, as I didn't find the format very engaging. It got interesting very quickly, however, and I was drawn in more and more as the story progressed, taken by surprise by the well written plot twists.
This is a brilliant story written in a very unique way. It's on the short side but captures the perfect, creepy tone for the tale. I was impressed by the author's creativity and ability to create a powerful story with such a limited format and will definitely be looking out for future works by her.
I would heartily recommend this book to fans of young adult novels. I also think it would be a perfect read to get teenagers who don't generally read more interested in books in general.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
When I started reading this I will admit I found it quite hard to get into, as I didn't find the format very engaging. It got interesting very quickly, however, and I was drawn in more and more as the story progressed, taken by surprise by the well written plot twists.
This is a brilliant story written in a very unique way. It's on the short side but captures the perfect, creepy tone for the tale. I was impressed by the author's creativity and ability to create a powerful story with such a limited format and will definitely be looking out for future works by her.
I would heartily recommend this book to fans of young adult novels. I also think it would be a perfect read to get teenagers who don't generally read more interested in books in general.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
October 25, 2012
Full review will be up on my blog in the coming days... http://ashleysgotbookcitement.blogspo...
My Thoughts: First off, I just want to thank the author, Bekka Black, for sending me iFrankenstein to review. I read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in high school and really enjoyed the twist Bekka Black put on this classic tale.
I found the story highly enjoyable and a very quick read. I love the format of the story. Reading though e-mails and texts is a refreshing change from normal book format. I also really enjoyed the added detail of the pictures thrown in. The author did a really good job of converting Frankenstein's monster into the digital age. Virtual Victor was scary and threatening.
iFrankenstein is just a really fun and quick read. I would recommend it to any Frankenstein fan and would also recommend you check out the first novel in the iMonsters series, iDrakula. Just very enjoyable reading.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
It's Alive!!
My Thoughts: First off, I just want to thank the author, Bekka Black, for sending me iFrankenstein to review. I read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in high school and really enjoyed the twist Bekka Black put on this classic tale.
I found the story highly enjoyable and a very quick read. I love the format of the story. Reading though e-mails and texts is a refreshing change from normal book format. I also really enjoyed the added detail of the pictures thrown in. The author did a really good job of converting Frankenstein's monster into the digital age. Virtual Victor was scary and threatening.
iFrankenstein is just a really fun and quick read. I would recommend it to any Frankenstein fan and would also recommend you check out the first novel in the iMonsters series, iDrakula. Just very enjoyable reading.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
It's Alive!!
November 6, 2012
The level of originality alone should put this book on must-read lists. Imagine, the entire Frankenstein story told through text, emails and tweets. It really is groundbreaking work.
I must admit, it took me a few pages to get used to the narration’s flow, but once I did, I breezed through the pages, looking forward to what was going to happen next. Something that I found fascinating was the way Bekka Black managed to “piece” together her monster, not from human body parts, but from different electronic communications. It’s a clever twist on the original, one which maintains the chilling atmosphere, and ups it, as this doesn’t seem as far-fetched in this modern world.
The writing is fun, with many witty moments that balanced out some of the darker ones. This is definitely one that I recommend for those of you who love the original, or have never read it and would like to experience a modern version. A good choice for teen and adults alike.
I must admit, it took me a few pages to get used to the narration’s flow, but once I did, I breezed through the pages, looking forward to what was going to happen next. Something that I found fascinating was the way Bekka Black managed to “piece” together her monster, not from human body parts, but from different electronic communications. It’s a clever twist on the original, one which maintains the chilling atmosphere, and ups it, as this doesn’t seem as far-fetched in this modern world.
The writing is fun, with many witty moments that balanced out some of the darker ones. This is definitely one that I recommend for those of you who love the original, or have never read it and would like to experience a modern version. A good choice for teen and adults alike.
November 2, 2012
be sure and enter the giveaway here
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I absolutely loved the retelling of Frankenstein. It did take me a few pages to get use to the different writing technique, but I absolutely loved it. It was an amazingly intriguing story. I seriously couldn't stop reading it the second I started and devoured it so quickly.
I loved the way the author utilized text messages and emails to make the story believable and extremely gripping. I found myself eagerly turning each page wanting to see what happens next and how.
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I absolutely loved the retelling of Frankenstein. It did take me a few pages to get use to the different writing technique, but I absolutely loved it. It was an amazingly intriguing story. I seriously couldn't stop reading it the second I started and devoured it so quickly.
I loved the way the author utilized text messages and emails to make the story believable and extremely gripping. I found myself eagerly turning each page wanting to see what happens next and how.
October 27, 2012
The monster in iFrankenstein was not what I expected. I was thinking it would be a flesh and blood creature or a robot, but this monster is 100% virtual, a chatbot created by Victor Frankenstein. The monster is all-knowing, powerful, and demanding as he gets into people’s business, threatens them, and attempts to control them. The story is told in texts, tweets, websites, and emails. It’s suspenseful and I couldn’t put it down, reading it in one sitting, which wasn't hard to do because of the length. I liked it better than Black’s first monster re-telling, iDrakula. I hope she comes out with more iMonster books.
December 13, 2012
The cover of this book scared me, but I really liked it. I loved how the author incorporated all of our electronic ways of communicating, that was not expected. iFrankenstein is a great read, you will not be disappointed.
June 21, 2016
Such a clever play on the original story. It's amazing how the author could pull off great characterization through texts and emails. This was a quick read that I highly recommend.
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