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When Everything Changed
People had no idea they were being watched for thousands of years by an advanced race. Eventually that race couldn't take anymore of our blundering efforts at civilization and was compelled to set us straight. It's been five years since the "guardians" arrived and everything on earth has changed.
- GenresShort Stories
14 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2013
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Edward M. Wolfe
21 books50 followersAuthor of a variety of science fiction sub-genres.
ACX audiobook producer/narrator.
ACX audiobook producer/narrator.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 29, 2014
This felt like an essay-type story I would've read in Sci-Fi Class in college, so if any teachers are out there looking for material/prompts, check this out.
First of all, I really liked the first person, expositional format this was written in. It's a really interesting way to tell this story, and it's perfect for something so short.
Also, I like how this didn't go where I thought it was going to go. When you hear "aliens" and "everything changed," your mind automatically clicks over to so many alien invasion stories and movies with destruction and enslavement, etc. etc. This goes the completely opposite direction and becomes a really unique critique of our global society. Sometimes it takes an outside with objectivity to show the truth of what's going on, and aliens certainly would be capable of that for Earth. There were times when the author's personal opinions of what is wrong and what would fix it were a little bit simplistic, but at the very least this story raises questions and makes you think.
And I really loved the end, which points at something deeply interesting about the nature of humanity, I think.
I'd love to read a proper book-length followup to this.
First of all, I really liked the first person, expositional format this was written in. It's a really interesting way to tell this story, and it's perfect for something so short.
Also, I like how this didn't go where I thought it was going to go. When you hear "aliens" and "everything changed," your mind automatically clicks over to so many alien invasion stories and movies with destruction and enslavement, etc. etc. This goes the completely opposite direction and becomes a really unique critique of our global society. Sometimes it takes an outside with objectivity to show the truth of what's going on, and aliens certainly would be capable of that for Earth. There were times when the author's personal opinions of what is wrong and what would fix it were a little bit simplistic, but at the very least this story raises questions and makes you think.
And I really loved the end, which points at something deeply interesting about the nature of humanity, I think.
I'd love to read a proper book-length followup to this.
February 17, 2014
This is a fascinating analogical foray into the current state of humanity—what’s wrong and why everything went bad. It’s a story of how the bloodless invasion of a god-like, alien race is asserting the practical observance of the Golden Rule, and the application of a perfect sociological society, while eliminating or changing present issues, created by historical events, that brought mankind to the brink of extinction.
Mr. Wolfe has written a first person narrative that is not only entertaining in its (sometimes) sarcastic humor, but equally serious in eye-opening and thought provoking concepts. This story is short, but explicit—narrative, but enthralling—fiction, but truthful. On the one hand frightening, When Everything Changed offers through the actions of the Guardians a vision of how we, ourselves, can change the course of our future; before the Guardians arrive and do it for us!
Mr. Wolfe has written a first person narrative that is not only entertaining in its (sometimes) sarcastic humor, but equally serious in eye-opening and thought provoking concepts. This story is short, but explicit—narrative, but enthralling—fiction, but truthful. On the one hand frightening, When Everything Changed offers through the actions of the Guardians a vision of how we, ourselves, can change the course of our future; before the Guardians arrive and do it for us!
November 7, 2013
This is a beautifully written story that forces the reader to think about the sad state of the world. But this book has a hopeful tone. When Everything Changed is told in first person by an unnamed protagonist. I love that the reader doesn't know the details about the main character, because it makes the protagonist more relatable.
The story takes place about five years after the earth is invaded by an alien race known as "Guardians." After seeing the bleak state of the world, the Guardians take matters into their own hands, feeling responsible for the humans' failure to live meaningful lives. People eventually accept the fact that aliens are running the show, and they're able to improve their lives, but it's still difficult for them to live with purpose.
When Everything Changed is a real page turner, and I finished it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about aliens, existential philosophy, or the less-than-ideal state of modern politics. I have to give props to Edward Wolfe for writing such a thought provoking book. Well done, sir!
The story takes place about five years after the earth is invaded by an alien race known as "Guardians." After seeing the bleak state of the world, the Guardians take matters into their own hands, feeling responsible for the humans' failure to live meaningful lives. People eventually accept the fact that aliens are running the show, and they're able to improve their lives, but it's still difficult for them to live with purpose.
When Everything Changed is a real page turner, and I finished it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about aliens, existential philosophy, or the less-than-ideal state of modern politics. I have to give props to Edward Wolfe for writing such a thought provoking book. Well done, sir!
May 5, 2013
I downloaded this expecting it to be similar to The Host or Brother in the Land. It was like those slightly. It really makes you think, although you also think about how Wolfe's theories are generally not possible; some theories on how we humans participate in society is intriguing.
Some brilliant quotes and superbly written. I would love a complete character driven story based on Wolfe's version of utopia.
Short and sharp!
Some brilliant quotes and superbly written. I would love a complete character driven story based on Wolfe's version of utopia.
Short and sharp!
February 16, 2014
A very thoughtful and insightful read! It makes the reader think about the world currently around them and how one person can make a change that COULD change the world without Guardian intervention. A short story without dialogue that doesn't need any. It looks like there will be an expanded novel coming in the future and I am looking forward to Mr. Wolfe's expanded world. Well done Mr. Wolfe.
April 8, 2013
Like the idea. Would like to see this developed into a proper book.
June 5, 2014
An interesting book sand well written. I have lived through these days and felt myself skimming along.
November 4, 2022
Using "Look Inside" on Amazon reveals these notable quotes:
"You can't just order people to not think the way they do or to not have the feelings they have."
"They also pointed out where they're mentioned in our Bible and demonstrated how easy it was for them to build the pyramids, the heads at Easter Island, and explained other things we've never understood like the Nazca lines and stuff like that."
"When you see them walking down the street or in restaurants sitting in custom-made, oversized booths, they'll be doing things like walking Great Danes or reading newspapers."
"You can't just order people to not think the way they do or to not have the feelings they have."
"They also pointed out where they're mentioned in our Bible and demonstrated how easy it was for them to build the pyramids, the heads at Easter Island, and explained other things we've never understood like the Nazca lines and stuff like that."
"When you see them walking down the street or in restaurants sitting in custom-made, oversized booths, they'll be doing things like walking Great Danes or reading newspapers."
February 7, 2019
Short to the poibt
I wished this was full length. I really enjoyed and found what the author presented to be extremely interesting. I would much prefer this Authors example than an apocalypse.
I wished this was full length. I really enjoyed and found what the author presented to be extremely interesting. I would much prefer this Authors example than an apocalypse.
Want to read
June 20, 2014Free 06-20-14 (17 page Short Story)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWH9KMO?i...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWH9KMO?i...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews