Earth-Sim

by Jade Kerrion

Jem Moran has a reputation to prove and a secret to protect. The prestigious world simulation program seems the answer to both her problems, but only if she can succeed in spite of her partner, Kir Davos, and the uncooperative human beings who populate her planet. From the Great Extinction to the Renaissance, from world wars to intergalactic treaties, Jem’s conflict with Kir will shape Earth’s history, and their opposing management styles will either save or doom our planet. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the shape our world is in.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2013

About the author

Jade Kerrion, an award-winning author, got her start in fan fiction. She developed a loyal reader base with her fan fiction series based on the MMORPG Guild Wars. She was accused of keeping her readers up at night, distracting them from work, housework, homework, and (far worse), from actually playing Guild Wars.

And then she wondered why just screw up the time management skills of gamers? Why not aspire to screw everyone else up too? So here she is, writing books that aspire to keep you from doing anything else useful with your time.

She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her wonderfully supportive husband and her two young sons, Saint and Angel, (no, those aren't their real names, but they are like saints and angels, except when they're not.)

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earth-Sim A huge thank you to Jade Kerrion for reminding me of why I love the genre of Science Fiction so much! I loved Earth-Sim from the very first page, mainly because of the intelligent and immersing way that it was written. Suspend disbelief for a minute and imagine that our world is actually controlled by beings much like us. In fact, those beings are growing our world as a school competition. One well placed sneeze, one accidental bump, and our world falls into chaos. This is what Jade Kerrion builds in Earth-Sim.
 
I need to profess my adoration for both Jem and Kir as characters. They start out as two very different people with varying opinions on what their project really means. However as the book goes on, as they see the impact they have on their world (our world) they grow, compromise, and learn to work together. The layers of character building also deserve applause. Jem is more than what she seems and, although they'll be no spoilers here, it's interesting to discover the underlying motivations behind her decisions. I was a little saddened by the lack of romance, but then again that really wasn't what the story was focused on.
 
What the story was focused on was written gorgeously. Kerrion uses each chapter to slowly unravel the history of the world, and find wonderfully inventive ways to explain how we ended up where we are now. The emotions in this book are palpable, and I felt for Jem and Kir as they tried to navigate their way through being the parents of a whole planet. It was fascinating to watch history take place as they toyed with the various settings. One could almost believe that there is truth behind this story.
 
Now a note to the reader, this is actually a very accessible Science Fiction novel. I've read stories so full of jargon that I was lost despite my love of this genre. Earth-Sim is the perfect mix of contemporary story and Sci Fi elements. Kudos to Jade Kerrion for mastering this very tricky balance. I highly recommend you give this book a spot on your reading list. As the synopsis says, you might finally find someone to blame for the shape our world is in.

[Farhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Earth-Sim to review as part of Jade Kerrion’s Earth-Sim Virtural Book Tour.

How much I enjoyed the book: 10/10
How good the book was: 9/10

There’s not really much for me to say about this one so if you want the short review: This is one of the best books I’ve read recently and I am beyond excited for the next instalment!

But if you’re looking for a bit more than that, read on!

The story is unique to anything I’ve previously read and I can’t even emphasise how BIG of a deal that is to me! Once I’d finished reading I was left stunned, wondering what to say and how to categorise what I’d just read. A couple of years ago, I resigned myself to the fact that I will rarely find a book (particularly anything resembling a young adult) capable of actually stunning me; Earth-Sim is one of these rarities.

Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read early into the wee hours until my eyes were forcing themselves shut. As soon as I’d got the minimal amount of sleep and could keep my eyes at least half-open I was reading again! The plot itself is rather complex and takes place in a world in which Earth exists as a primitive simulation planet in a universe amongst many. In contrast, the writing is not complicated. Jade doesn’t throw in more science than necessary and even then she explains it all without seeming patronising. Personally, this had the effect of allowing me to feel a lot more familiar with the world (or should I say Galaxy? I’ve always been a horrible Physicist!) our protagonists live in.

Whilst I fell for the plot within minutes, I’m not as attached to the characters quite yet. Jem and Kir are sweethearts (I need them to be together!!!!) and I want to love them in the obsessive way that I usually fall for my protagonist but for some reason it hasn’t happened yet.

I don’t really have any negatives about the book to expose (hooray!) though I do have a bone to pick with the cover. I definitely judge a book by its cover and the vagueness I saw with Earth-Sim’s cover did little to stimulate my imagination. There’s nothing “wrong” with it per se, but it doesn’t give an accurate representation of the awesomeness that is to come.

[Ch'kara SilverWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book by Jade Kerrion, it grabbed me from the very first page, which is my kind of book. I was lucky enough to read it pre-publication and what a gift that was. Ms Kerrion's writing is exciting and well paced to keep you wanting to know more, therefore being unable to put it down.

The world creation was almost 'Matrix' like and there were some fun insertions which I wont mention so I don't spoil it.

This well thought out creation of our world and the Universe shows a great deal of research combined with a wonderful creative mind went into this book.

The relationship between Kir and Jem began as almost resentful and I loved the way it developed into a strong deeply caring friendship with a hint of something else.

The fact that Kir likes Jem no matter who she is, comes forward strongly as their friendship develops and he discovers her secret.

This book could end here but all I can say is well done and I certainly hope there is more to the story. I will definitely be reading more by Jade Kerrion.

[Lisa Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Kerrion has done it again. Another story that grips you from the start and makes you sit and read it in one sitting. This story starts out as a science fictiony college class story but quickly you come to realize that the world they are developing is one you recognize very well.

The development of the planet through its stages is a fine back drop to the development between the two main characters of this story. The heroine Jem is much deeper than she seems and the more you learn about her the more I think many will like her.

This story is closer to a YA than the rest of her work but it is light and good and has some depth that makes it great reading for adults. Once more, she knocked it out of the park!

[Sandra yousri · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great story and amazing events...!!
it captures me from the very beginning and once again jade kerrion got me reading all night..and couldn't sleep till i finish it ...
fantastic book that i recommend for everyone ...
and i m sure they will enjoy

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, even leaving aside that Jade Kerrion is one of my favorite authors - and ignoring that I was obsessively addicted to Sim City and Sim Earth (early computer games for those not old enough) - Earth-Sim: Escapades in Planetary Management is a totally freaking fantastic book. Alternate creation myth anyone? LitRPG (sorta) that’s totally freakin’ fantastic? Ignore all that and just focus on the fact that this is a totally fun, extremely well written (I feel like adding “of course” considering the author) story with a neat plot and perfectly crafted characters. Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever idea! The story of Earth's evolution and history is told as Jem and Kir struggle with their university world simulation class. Set against this are their own struggles, both with each other and in their individual lives. Some innovative explanations for certain world events, and good fun. I really enjoyed it.

[Lisa P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

This was such an imaginative story. I was sorry to see it end and am hoping for a sequel at some point. Two seemingly opposite characters teamed up for a simulation that offers a fantastical, Twilight Zone/ Outer Limits feel by the end.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this. Different and so interesting.

[David Wolak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing or characters, but its short enough that it doesn't really wear out its welcome. You could do a lot worst for picking a book to read for a afternoon.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, light read.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Escape Through the Pages with the same rating.


EARTH-SIM by Jade Kerrion is a short book with grand ideas. This review is most likely going to be all over the place, because my feelings for the book are all over the place! We’ll start by saying I generally quite enjoyed the majority of EARTH-SIM – the concept is fantastic and the writing engaging. But I almost felt like I was reading an excerpt from a much larger book!

The story starts fairly abruptly, with Jem settling in to her first day of SIM-709 – a university graduate class in which she is one of only two undergraduates. The other, Kir, becomes her partner for the simulation. The class, as we learn, is to use skills in all fields to create and maintain a functioning planet and society. Only this simulation deals with real people and planets (which is very cool and has great potential). I can’t help but wonder, though, if Jem is not only from another galaxy and planet (she is) but also a completely separate universe? Are they creating and maintaining planets just in different galaxies (which means the planets and the people could eventually interact with their own galaxy, planets and people) or is this a universe within a universe type deal? A minor-detail annoyance, but for a reader like myself, one I can’t help but latch on to.

The characterization and interactions are slow and quiet, but it works. Jem’s history is revealed in small pieces throughout the story and she has a completely separate plot line surrounding her – not just the one of her and Kir playing God to their sim-planet. I found her boyfriend Rio to be mostly off-stage in his interactions with Jem and you don’t get much sense of their relationship. Jem’s and Kir’s relationship is nice. It starts off as almost-enemies and evolves into steady friendship and a wish on the reader’s part for more than that (especially since Rio is almost non-existent in the narrative). Kav, Kir’s little brother, is adorable and his interactions with Jem very sweet. Unfortunately, the secondary plot that surrounds Jem isn’t really noticed until halfway through the story and is then both wrapped up and left wide open very quickly. It didn’t feel like there was even a semi-solid conclusion at all – I can only hope there is a sequel planned to deal with said plot.

The actual interactions of Jem and Kir with their sim-planet (Earth, of course) are so good. I really enjoyed reading about the history of the planet from before the dinosaurs to modern day. There are events happen that replicate moments from the Bible, and the religious aspect of the idea of God (or Gods, as Jem and Kir seem to be) influencing the planet in a very direct sort of way is nicely offset by the scientific aspect of evolution and direct manipulation of the planet from an outside source. There are a few pop culture references that jarred me out of the story that I didn’t really expect to see amongst the historical facts, but other than those, the narration of Earth’s influenced history (and how a bit of it ties into Jem’s mysterious history and plot) is very fun and engaging.

On the whole, EARTH-SIM by Jade Kerrion is a very imaginative and attention grabbing story. A quicker read, I was interested enough to read it in one sitting. Though a bit indifferent to the characters at the beginning, I was more attached by the conclusion of the story. There are some very clever moments wrapped around Earth’s basic history and an intriguing look at religious aspects of that history (and what certain events in the Bible happened because of). So while I did basically like the book, I just wish there had been more! I feel like there was so much more information and potential story that could have been presented to help flesh out what is there.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earth-Sim takes a wonderful concept, molds it into an enchanting story, and then obliterates it with soap-opera antics and mind-boggling plot departures.

I was enthralled by the description of our entire universe as nothing more than a classroom project, especially one overseen by two accident-prone undergrads. The plagues of Egypt, the disappearance of Atlantis, and crop circle formations are all academically attributed to such mishaps, while various theological texts are framed in the context of controlled experiments and lab notes. Visions of holy beings are manifested as nothing more than environmental tweaking, while the blame for Earth's greatest deluge is placed solely upon the shoulders of a student's clumsy sibling.

This framework made for a clever tale and a fun read, right up to the point where the story collapses beneath its own whimsical weight. The undergrads are approached by another world-building team, who asks them to babysit their newly-orphaned Kryptonian. Earth's history is suddenly populated by comic-book aliens and mutants. Shortly thereafter, our heroine is dramatically revealed to be a galactic empress, tormented by the loss of a socially tainted step-brother--a deus ex machina that generates the Bible, an invasion by waves of Terminator-like beings, and (blissfully) the end of an increasingly chaotic narrative.

A compelling society is hinted at throughout the book, but never adequately explained; advanced AIs are squandered on plot-hole patching and comic relief; and the characters--compelling though they are in the beginning--end up as fairy-tale caricatures of themselves. I rode it all the way down, but I was sad to see such an intriguing idea crash and burn.

[Ramona Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and different

Earth-Sim is a very entertaining book written by Jade Kerrion. I am a fan of this author and always enjoy picking up one of her books. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I was not disappointed. This book was entertaining and student from all her other books I have read to date. I admit it took me a while to catch on and put two and two together, but when I did I loved the entire concept of the book! The plot was just so different from what I have read to date with a perfect pace.

There wasn't a dull moment nor did the author ever rush me through the story. I pretty much read the book in one sitting, which clearly shows that this was yet another one of her great books and she has quite a few of those. I enjoyed how she connected earth history with her story line, one I connected the dots that is.

Jem is an extremely likeable character and makes for a great Mai character in the book. I think Kir makes for a great counter in this story and I really enjoyed seeing them grow in this story. The author did an incredible amount of character development and made two interesting characters into two amazing ones.

This is definitely a great read and I can only recommend picking it up to my fellow readers.

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the uniqueness of this book. I thought it was very entertaining, and really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and thought the character development was good. I related more to Jem, but ended up really liking Kir as well. Kav was pretty cool too. I thought the secondary storyline helped make the characters more "human" and allowed me to relate more to them. I enjoyed reading about all the world events and what happened to cause them; some of them were quite humorous and yet others made me sad. There is minimal language in the book and no violence (besides some mass extinctions and plagues) or "physical intimacy," so I would say it is YA approved and would recommend it for ages 13 or 14 and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com.

[Zakiya LadyWings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed rereading this so much! It still brought lots of joy to the history-loving part of my brain. I didn't remember as much of the story that revolved around Jem's secret, but it was a nice second "problem" to have with the story.

[Bradette Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most original concepts yet. Brilliant.

[Bradley Flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting take on how life "might" have happened on dear old planet earth. I hope there is a sequel that comes out for it