Ambition

The Perception Trilogy #0.5

by Lee Strauss

Eighteen year old Noah Brody doesn’t like GAPs—Genetically Altered Persons. He’s taken up his dead father’s cause, speaking out and protesting against unfair GAP policies that are responsible for the massive social divide between wealthy GAPs and poorer naturals.

If only he could keep his mind off of perfect Zoe Vanderveen, daughter of the GAP family his mother works for.

And can he really fill his father’s shoes?

Ambition is a free short story prequel (5K- approx. 20 pages) to Perception, capturing the beginning of Noah and Zoe’s story from Noah’s POV.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fiction, Romance, Ebooks, Fantasy

23 pages, ebook

First published November 12, 2012

About the author

For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

Reviews

[S. Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story prequel for the Perception Trilogy by the same author. It is a YA dystopian story taking place outside Los Angeles, California around the year 2040. Basically, it tells the same story that the first chapter or two of the first book in the trilogy does, but it is from a different perspective; that of Noah Brody. Feel free to look up my review of that other book, Perception, to read more about it.
There is not much plot to this story... basically, it just paves the way for the reader to try out the series. It is not a stand-alone story, at all. Three stars.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a year and a half ago, I read and reviewed a book called Perception, first in a trilogy. It was a young adult dystopian but not at all typical of the subgenre. Usually, these stories revolve around a repressive society and an underlying resistance from the people being downtrodden. In this case, though, the tale centers on class division brought about be genetic alteration that gives a small portion of the populace distinct advantages in appearance, wealth, lifespan, etc. The two primary characters are Zoe, a GAP, and Noah, a natural. The two are worlds apart in status and privilege.

Ambition offers us a brief look at what Noah is all about and his ambivalence about the cause. He has a near-hatred of the GAPs but how much of his feeling is “inherited” from his father who spoke out for justice and how much due to his beginning attraction to Zoe who doesn’t even remember his name? It reminded me of what I liked about this young man when I read Perception and these few pages have enticed me to get back to the trilogy as soon as I can.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Source: Downloaded for free from smashwords.com)
This was an okay short story, about a boy called Noah as he organises a protect about the rights Genetically Altered People have in the dystopian society where he lives. Will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.
6 out of 10.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I want more from Noah :)

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/am...

Title: Ambition
Series: The Perception Trilogy, #.5
By: Lee Strauss
ASIN: B00A42GHTC
Author’s Website: http://www.leestraussbooks.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Summary:

Eighteen year old Noah Brody doesn’t like GAPs—Genetically Altered Persons. He’s taken up his dead father’s cause, speaking out and protesting against unfair GAP policies that are responsible for the massive social divide between wealthy GAPs and poorer naturals.

If only he could keep his mind off of perfect Zoe Vanderveen, daughter of the GAP family his mother works for.

And can he really fill his father’s shoes?

Review:

This was a prequel to the Perception trilogy, capturing the beginning of Noah and Zoe’s story from Noah’s point of view. I found the story enticing enough to pick up other titles by this author, especially the first book in this trilogy.

Noah and Zoe live in a dystopian society where you have the GAP’s (genetically altered persons) and Naturals. We learn that Noah’s father was a well known preacher with a strong following. The reader gets a glimpse into the lives of naturals versus GAP’s….and the disparity between the two.

Overall, this book was an easy read which made me want to (and I did) pick up the first book in the series. I recommend this title to dystopian fans who are looking for a quick read to wet their appetite for the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting...

I really enjoyed this book. Not at all what I expected, in a good way. It doesn't really have what I consider any real ending, as it leads into Perception. It's absolutely a prequel. But it's fast-paced, it's short, and there's no time wasted on anything superfluous at all. The world-building is very good, and the characters are great--there are only a few, so it's easy to stay connected to them. There were a couple of odd little edits that needed attention, but nothing major (they just shocked me and pulled me out of the action for a moment, which was surprising for such an incredible book and author). I can't wait to read Perception cuz this concept is not only timely but super interesting!

[old account (rl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I didn't hate it and I didn't love it either. Noah was strong and resilient. I loved his attitude and his passion for promoting equality for his family and his people. The writing and plotline were satisfactory for both a novella and a freebie download. It certainly does it jobs of making you want to read the rest of the series.

Overall? This book was a light and easy read. It certainly had me smiling! I recommend it for dystopian fans who are looking for a ten-minute read to have with their cup of coffee.

[Bonnie Clevenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a prequill to the Perception Trilogy.
This is Noah Body's take on the day before Zoe Vanderveen seeks his help.
It was a televised protest that got Zoe's attention of Noah.
She knew him as the sometime hired help, son of their maid.
After the death of her brother Liam, she discovered a one word note "Dexter".
A Dexter was being interviewed at the protest.
The next day she left Sol City, in disguise, to find answers.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

'A prequel novella', short story really (~37 pgs). Not really a prequel, but the first chapter or so of Perception from Noah's viewpoint. It was OK - but it would not have made me want to read Perception had I read the novella first - and didn't add much, if anything, to the larger story having read it afterwards. Just OK.

[Jolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story from another perspective

It is always interesting to see the story from another perspective.

I like Noah's character so I liked hearing his perspective. You definitely need to read this short story after Perception though or it won't make much sense.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambition is a short introduction to what I'm hopeful will be a good series.
I'm quite excited to find out what happens with Noah and Zoe and how the story develops, beginning with Perception, book 1 of The Perception Series.

[Shash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short prequel. It sets the world up and did peak my interest in the series.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

So far it seems like a good introduced to the series, we will see how I like the characters and how it develops.

[Graham Billingsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a retro chapter back to the early part of the story explaining the view from Brody's perspective. Good stuff.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

INITIAL THOUGHTS
After having read Bk#1 in the Perception Series, and finding out about this prequel novella I found myself wanting to read more about Noah and his life prior to him getting involved with Zoe Vanderveen and her plans to find out exactly why and how her brother Liam has disappeared.

MY REVIEW
So this one is a FREE prequel. The cover fits well with the others in the Perception Series. We learn about Noah's family, his mum who is ill and finding it difficult to keep up to the needs of her job working for the Vanderveen's. We also learn about Noah's two younger brothers and where and how they live. Compared to how the GAP live Noah and his family live like paupers. The thing is I think we will learn throughout the series that really it is the "Naturals" who are more living with more happiness and contentment than the GAPs who have everything and want for nothing. We learn that Noah's father was a preacher was shot. Noah's father's "flock" look to Noah for leadership. Noah is an anti-GAP demonstrator with his friends. This novella introduces us to one of Noah's friends who is a pivotal character in Bk#1.
So did I enjoy I enjoy the novella? Yes I did and I think it could be read before or after Bk#1. Would I recommend reading the novella? Yes though, you do learn most of the facts from the novella i Bk#1. I still enjoyed it and hey it was a FREE download so no excuse not to read it! Would I read more in the Perception Series? As I've already read Bk#1 I'd say I've all ready read more and I definitely want to read more, much more. Would I read other titles by this Author? Yes I have already marked some of them on Goodreads that I'd love to read.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this prequel before deciding whether or not to read the first book in the series and in hindsight this might have been a mistake. This is a retelling of what happens in the start of the book Perception but told from Noah's point of view so I think this will appeal more to those who have read the book already as a bonus story. If like me you read it to try and decide if you want to read the book, it might not make your mind up for you.

We discover that Noah's father was an activist against genetically altered people getting all the good things society has to offer at the expense of ordinary humans. After his father's murder, Noah is reluctantly stepping into his footsteps running a blog and setting up demonstrations. Plus he has a crush on the GAP girl that his mother works for, who seems less snotty than her rude family. Basically this is what happens in the story.

It is a nicely written shortie that sets the scene for what is going on in Noah's mind and what his family have had to suffer. It also included the first two chapters of Perception and on reading that, we see events from Zoe's point of view. I do have a free copy of the full novel so I might take a look at it at some point in the future. The two stars is because it didn't fully grab me and make me desperate to read the book, but as it was just a scene setter I don't want to be really harsh on it!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just going to give a real quick take on the story, which is approximately 20 pages long. What did I think? Well I loved it of course. The short story is Noah's POV on the beginning of PERCEPTION, book one. And I must say…I love me some Noah. So hearing from him and what was running through his head when he hears Zoe’s mother degrade him and his family in front of Zoe. AH! My heart went out to him and I wanted to hug him.

Noah has big shoes to fill now that he has taken over the cause that was left vacated when he father was killed. And in this little slice of story we see that he has a lot riding on his shoulders: a job, his sick mother, helping care for his younger brothers, and leading people to see that GAPs are not helping any one out by getting special treatment.

You can read AMBITION before or after PERCEPTION. I read it after, and personally, I liked it better. It reminded me of when we first met Zoe and Noah and refreshed my feelings for the two. This is a fantastic series you really should dive into. Whatcha waiting for?

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little short story. Read it in fifteen minutes. As a prequel to “Perception” it definitely got me curious to read this series. There are slight issues with the grammar, but nothing serious. I think the author tried to sketch Noah as broody, but she didn’t quite nail it. I perceived him as resentful and surly. I’m sure that is what he’s feeling toward the GAPs, but it didn’t endear him to me. This novella includes the first chapter of “Perception”, and after reading it, I already like Zoe a lot more than Noah. But let’s wait and see how I feel after I’ve read the first book in the series. My views about Noah may still change. Judging by “Ambition”, this sounds like an exciting series, and one I definitely want to read!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting quick peek at a series with a very interesting concept: The development of genetic alteration resulted in a divided society-- G.A.P.s or Genetically Altered Persons live in a utopian city, and those who remain Naturals live outside the Sol City gates to cope with poverty. The GAPS genetic advantage over everything slowly arouses bitterness and resentment from the Naturals, who feels the oppressive treatment of GAPS and their policies. This book also gives an introduction to Noah Brody and Zoe Vanderveen, who seem to be promising main characters caught up in the dissension of the two echelons. I'm eager for what happens next!

[Merredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story that was only 23 pages. It's .5 in the Perception Trilogy, but it's meant to be read between books one and two. We get a quick look at the first couple chapters of the book, but from Noah, the non-genetically altered person,'s point of view. The story is free, so if you're reading this series, definitely take the ten or fifteen minutes to read it. I think it would also work as a standalone to whet your appetite if you've never read the series. I'm loving that ebook technology gives authors the leeway to include things like this. It's the "special features" on your bluray.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Permafree? Rest seem to be on Kindle Unlimited, PREQUEL to 3 set consists of Perception, Volition, Contrition Books can be gotten separately as well of course. Dystopian/futuristic/scifi/romance, bit too much romance for me and at times the female parts seemed stereotypical but since that is a personal boggle no reason to take stars.

Also author of Nursery Rhyme suspense stories including the short story I Spy with my Little Eye, as well as Clockwise books. Not only are the books available individually but also in various sets. Enjoyed the other stores more, but that again is a personal preference not an indication of any writing issues.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short prequel to Lee Strauss's Perception series about a future time where society is separated by the healthy, genetically enhanced people and the regular people who have now become the poor class. The genetically enhanced people don't even give the other people credit for having any intelligence and just see them as servants. I'm anxious to move on to Perception, the first book in the series, to see what happens when the lower class starts fighting back for their original rights.

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this short prequel a four, but the formatting and editing issues kept breaking me out of the story. I have read the first book, too, and the story is definitely worth reading. The characters are passionate and very well written, and having this peek into Noah's life prior to Zoe gives depth to his character later. This series is worth reading for he story alone, it could just use a good editor. I will be keeping an eye out for more from this author.

[YBx · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 of 5
I like Noah's pov but it was just too short. I would have liked to know a little more from his point of view especially the next day namely how did he know and feel and what was going through his head when "a brunette with brown eyed stranger" came up?! I really wanted to know! But oh well. Hopefully more of the books will have some more of his point of view... On to finishing Perception.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella which looks at the events leading up to Lee Strauss's book Perception. It centers around Noah, his homelife, his convictions and his interaction with Zoe Vanderveen before the death of her brother weaves their lives together and takes them on a dangerous mission; to find Liam's killer. It is short but interesting as it lays the groundwork for the novel.

[Veray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella and I loved seeing the beginning from Noah's point of view. I live getting to know his family better and seeing how his life was before he met Zoe. My only complaint was that is was too short. I would have loved to see their first kiss through his eyes and their time in the clock tower. Noah is such a sweety.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Perception I was very interested to read this short story. It is listed as a prequel, but I don't think that it should be read before Perception.

Ambition is from Noah's POV. It lets us see some stuff at the beginning of Perception that we didn't get to see. And it lets us see some stuff that we did see in Perception but from Noah's POV. Cute story.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept, and a good introduction to the series. However, I didn't really see a point to this, considering not much happened at all. I'm still undecided as to whether I'll read Perception. Ambition wasn't all too interesting, and there's only twenty or so pages. I'm not all that into Noah and Zoe's story; neither Noah nor Zoe are developed that well.

[Big Book Theory · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 2 star rating reflects Goodreads rating of: It's Okay because I did like the story idea very much, but I did not like Noah all that much. For me, he seemed a little whiny. Maybe if you are the son of a cleaner, I suppose you could justify feeling sorry for yourself (which I doubt). The story was entertaining though, but not enough to make me want to read the series.

[Jacalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave this three stars because it was just too short to really get into the story. For a precursor short story, it gave me some questions towards the series and did not turn me off from it, but I'm not moving it to the top of my to read either. I believe I have book one and I'm definitely going to read it.