Faust 2.0

Morton & Mitchell #1

by Michael Brookes

A new entity is born into the internet.

Is it the rebirth of an ancient evil in a new realm? Or something much worse?

A sexy looking avatar grants wishes for people across the web, but nothing is truly free, and for those who accept, what price must be paid?

Sarah Mitchell must discover the truth of this creature and stop it while it can still be stopped, but why is a mysterious lawyer dogging her every step?

Faust 2.0 is the first book in the new Mitchell & Morton series.

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2013

About the author

Michael Brookes is a Game Consultant with Frontier Foundry so rather than making games he now helps publish other people's games. He is also a volunteer and committee member with the German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund assisting mostly with their online activities. And because he decided that he isn't busy enough has various other projects on the go including a website attempting to chronicle the history of his local village and using AI art tools to illustrate a new edition of John Milton's Paradise Lost.

Reviews

[Lit Bug (Foram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccable.

It has become one of my favorite cyber-mystery novels. A far cry from the stock-thrillers which unabashedly trail behind clichéd plots and characters and situations, Brookes has penned a very different kind of work that is reminiscent of Philip K. Dick’s themes with astounding clarity of thought and a lucid, impeccable, swift and precise narration. This work is worth more than it costs.

The plot conception is fantastic, as well as challenging – that of a virtual entity born into the Internet, unleashing its wrath upon humans through their own creations – through malware, manipulating them and leading them to what it saw as their justified ends.

What is interesting is the kind of characters the virtual entity picks as its victims, and how they meet their destined ends – each character is suitably differently fleshed out, with distinct vulnerabilities, which is why even after we recognize the pattern of the virtual entity, the story always is new – and hair-raising. Brookes deftly weaves a background of each character that seamlessly merges with its present – and most importantly, refrains from over-doing it, unlike many other novelists who wish to force us to sympathize with all their characters. Brookes knows where to stop – and a measured brevity is a rare commodity these days.

The end is absolutely intriguing, not at all the way I had speculated, and I hate to admit that I’m waiting eagerly for the next in the series to know what choice will be made. And that reminds me of the title, including the title of the series – it is a seductive hint of what is to come, but only a hint – not a revelation, which is titillating.

Overall, it is a splendid read – the writing is absolutely impeccable, the plot well-developed, the characters have a depth that in no way interferes with the basic story and yet makes us suitably empathize with their lives. As for the hacking/cyber part, only a geek can truly judge the credibility of the processes shown – but for a non-geek who doesn’t understand hacking, fortunately, it takes away none of the joys of reading – after all, we know already the perpetrators and the victims – what holds us captivated is how the drama unfolds.

I thought Brookes only writes marvelous drabbles – 100 word short horror stories – I loved the ones that I read from An Odd Quartet - it is not surprising he shows the same deftness in a novel – it is sheer pleasure to read a work I cannot find fault with.

[Saffron Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, this book was pretty incredible. Considering the actual ‘science fiction’ element was pretty light I still really like this one and got completely sucked in.

The main focus of the story is on a few different characters, their motivations, and the choices they make. The author has done a tremendous job of getting inside the heads of these characters, some of whom are not the nicest people around.

The basic premise is that an artificial intelligence has been ‘born’ and become sentient. The how/why of this isn’t really covered but it’s not really necessary either. It’s an event which we can all imagine happening in the not too distant future. Anyway, this ‘consciousness’ develops a deep hate of the human race and sets about trying to destroy it.

The AI uses the weaknesses of individual humans to begin to unravel the world. After-all, it has access to all cameras, phones, computers and other systems through interconnected networks etc. So it’s not too difficult for the consciousness to start causing havoc.

It was fascinating to watch the character’s individuals stories unfold as they are manipulated by the AI. A definite 4 stars for Faust 2.0 and kudos to Michael Brookes for coming up with such an original and well executed story.

There's not much I can say against this book, editing and formatting were perfect, story progression fantastic and characters were well fleshed out. Just be warned that it does contain mature themes, so if you're not ready for violence or sex in your reading perhaps this isn't the book for you.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a while which has really got me hooked. I mean, I love reading, and I get into books easily, but this was something else. Morning, noon and night I was reading this book even if I only had time to read a page at a time. This sci-fi novel doesn't constrain itself to the protagonists and shadowy side characters. The introduction of characters to the novel who then self destruct with the help of Misty, the powerful A.I. whose hate for humanity knows no bounds, is a welcome change to the longevity of most characters in novels.

From the first to the last chapter, this book had me under a spell. I loved the first 'birthing' chapter and the way that throughout the novel Brookes' describes Misty's existence in technical terms. I feel like I would have had a better understanding of Misty's point of view if I had a little more knowledge about computers and viruses, but my near non-existent knowledge was enough for me to understand her network based existence. So do not be put off reading this book if you don't know anything about computers. You will still be able to enjoy the story without being a professional computer programmer.

I feel like Brookes takes your basic stock character (the manipulative, dangerous woman or bullied, close to the edge student) and developments them beyond that. Even character's who do not live long in this book have a unique personality, motivation and thoughts. There are no clones, and the range of character's just makes Misty seem more horrific as her reach ranges from drug dealers, students, political candidates and even computer savvy shut-ins.

I found it a little strange that, of all the people in this story, Dan is the one to wonder if Misty is a self aware A.I. Yes, he is a computer guy, so I suppose he would be more familiar with ideas related to computers, the internet and the things that exist inside them, but it just seemed a little... philosophical for Dan. However, I can easily believe that Dan is a character who can grow well beyond his rather pitiful starting point in the novel. While clever, and perhaps even, to some degree, relatable to some people, I found Dan was truly a man-child. I don't find this an attractive feature in men - but let's remember, not all characters are meant to be our dream fantasy. That's why I like Brookes' range of characters; this isn't a story about attractive people doing glamorous things. This is a story about people dealing with something evil and something which most aren't equipped to deal with. It's a story about making deals for things typically regarded as bad - such as money, power or sex.

Sarah, the story's main character, is a likeable guide in the story. Her romance with Reynolds' is a little predictable, but, as a reader, I felt like she deserved it given her history. However, I did guess that Reynolds would be killed off before romance could truly bloom (it's called the 'Morton & Mitchell' series, after all), but I didn't want it to happen. It seems like this is important to the story, however, because without a partner like Reynolds', Dan becomes more likely as a partner for Sarah in the following books.


The bottom line is that this is a book for anyone who likes cyber set, science fiction or mystery novels. The characters are unique and have a real quality about them, even those that don't live long. Brookes' isn't afraid to take character's on a downward journey to hell from which there is no saving. For that reason the title reference to Faust is well earned. This novel is a must read for those who like their character's realistic and flawed.

[Gabriel Boutros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Brookes' Faust 2.0 tells of an entity that comes to life inside the giant web that connects all of humanity's computers. Is it a newly-born Artificial Intelligence, or is it an even more ancient, malevolent entity? Either way, among it's first conscious thoughts is a realization that it hates humans, although the reasons for this hatred are not as clearly explained as they could be. The idea of intelligent computers turning against their human creators is certainly not new in fiction, but Brookes manages to keep the story fresh. He does this by getting the entity to work through various people who are weak-willed or lonely or greedy. Like the original Dr. Faustus, these sad souls are happy to make deals with this demon in order to be granted some otherwise unattainable wish, only to discover the true cost to themselves when it's too late. Often the entity (which goes by the jarringly cutesy name of Misty!) just wishes to exercise its hatred of the weak human race by getting its minions to hurt others or themselves. The lead detectives, Sarah Mitchell and James Reynolds, are smart and likable. Their on-line chase of the entity is described in enough detail to sound realistic, without becoming so bogged down in techno-babble that it loses the reader. But Brookes' greatest success is in his descriptions of those who accept to do the entity's bidding. These characters are not particularly likable; they are often selfish and filled with loathing for their fellow man. (There is one young loser who is willing to commit a particularly horrific act of vengeance under the entity's guidance that many readers may find disturbing.) However, these willing slaves are realistically drawn, warts and all, and so their actions never descend to the level of a cartoonish revenge fantasy, but come across as frighteningly real. If the entity's reasons for hating humans are somewhat glossed over, its human slaves all have specific and well-defined axes to grind. Using them in the story adds another, more human, layer to the dangers facing the detectives as well as the public in general than if the entity simply battled mankind through computers. Over-all, this book is a compelling thriller, which also serves as a warning about letting computers play too big a role in our lives. I definitely recommend it.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I don’t read much science fiction type books so this was a delightful change for me. First off let me get out the one thing I didn’t like about the book, the computer jargon. While I am slightly familiar with computers even I found myself confused with all the talk. I very much enjoyed this book. The book tells of an entity which we find out is a very sneaky computer virus who is looking to prey on humans. The entity then searches out five people all with different types of issues they are facing and the entity agrees to help them only with the catch of returning a favor for it later on. Right away after picking up on this concept I was intrigued. After the third person it visited on their computer I myself thought I may be next given I read it on my Kindle for PC. The story was very detailed and very computer savvy and well oriented. The characters were all described in such a way that I could imagine the types of people they were and how they functioned.

Some were low class people that made it easy for the entity to pray on while others were rich upper class people that were surprisingly even easier for the entity to control. There are a few surprises and twists in the book which I enjoyed and made me like to book all the more. The main character Sarah Mitchell is a character that you’ll find yourself not only rooting for but wanting to be by her side helping her or at least that’s just me. She was very down to earth and determined, the way a well rounded character should be. I think this book was an excellent read, the plot and characters really put me into the book to where I felt I was an observer watching on. I am not one for spoilers so I will just say that the ending is very well done, a bit of a surprise and I for one will be looking forward to the sequel given there is one which I am sure there is because the author set it up quite nicely. I strongly recommend this book for a reader looking to read something outside their normal reading zone and anyone who enjoys a good thriller and science fiction book.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A being, an entity, springs painfully into self-awareness. It inhabits, infests, the internet. It detests humanity and seeks to influence people to greed, murder and acts of total selfishness. It takes the form of an attractive female avatar and promises its victims their deepest desires. There will be a pay-back, but this will be something within their power to give. Some people are on to it, and a group of internet security specialists (and one sad hacker) manage to slow its progress. Why is it doing it, though. What is it? Why are the victims all represented on their eventual arrest, by the same very expensive lawyer, who seems to give them all the same unwanted advice?

I found this an absolutely intriguing concept and loved the name the author gave to the entity – Misty Felice. (Say it to yourself a few times. It’s cryptic but it’s a give-away!) I loved the way the entity was able to twist the desires of inadequate people and make them believe that it, she, could grant them those deepest wishes. Isn’t it what we’d all like? One or two of its victims were greedy people but most were unhappy and needy and I felt for them. Sarah Mitchell is after it though. Can she succeed? The story, though perhaps a little involved to the computer layman, was written believably and the action carried me onwards. The ending, while a satisfying ending to this story, was also a beginning. I look forward to more in this series.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A being, an entity, springs painfully into self-awareness. It inhabits, infests, the internet. It detests humanity and seeks to influence people to greed, murder and acts of total selfishness. It takes the form of an attractive female avatar and promises its victims their deepest desires. There will be a pay-back, but this will be something within their power to give. Some people are on to it, and a group of internet security specialists (and one sad hacker) manage to slow its progress. Why is it doing it, though. What is it? Why are the victims all represented on their eventual arrest, by the same very expensive lawyer, who seems to give them all the same unwanted advice?

I found this an absolutely intriguing concept and loved the name the author gave to the entity – Misty Felice. (Say it to yourself a few times. It’s cryptic but it’s a give-away!) I loved the way the entity was able to twist the desires of inadequate people and make them believe that it, she, could grant them those deepest wishes. Isn’t it what we’d all like? One or two of its victims were greedy people but most were unhappy and needy and I felt for them. Sarah Mitchell is after it though. Can she succeed? The story, though perhaps a little involved to the computer layman, was written believably and the action carried me onwards. The ending, while a satisfying ending to this story, was also a beginning. I look forward to more in this series.

[L.F. Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, modern take on an ancient tale. I often imagine that the computer equipment I deal with on a daily basis is possessed by a woman with a bad case of PMS, so I, personally, found the fact that the internet demon within these pages had adopted a female persona to be quite satisfying. And for those of us already leery of advanced technology, the premise behind this story is absolutely frightening.

Brookes proves his talent by weaving a multifarious web of mystery, suspense, and terror, peopled with a strong cast of diverse characters. Lust, greed, and power play a pivotal role among them, yet, to my relief, I didn't find the characters to be highly stereotypical. I think a more evolved romantic element between Sarah and James would've bolstered Sarah's impetus near the end. It seemed a bit shallow. And, while I do not understand much of the technological jargon or schematics, I would have liked to have seen a more complex battle between Sarah and the demon, for the final conflict appeared to be over nearly as quickly as it had begun.

Overall, a very well-written, compelling read, complete with a dangling carrot that promises us, "it ain't over yet!"

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An A.I. creates itself and becomes alive. As it becomes aware, it determines itself to be a determine; humans are its enemy; and it is determined to destroy humankind.

Aside from the spacing and spelling errors which are probably due to the fact I was reading an Advanced Reading Copy, the plot is well written and easy to follow allowing for suspension of disbelief for the narrative details.

The characters and dialogue are authentic and helpful for both character and story development.

Action is present throughout the story both on and underneath the surface.

Shifting points of view are flow fairly seamlessly.

Overall, an action packed ride!

[Cate's Book Nut Hut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Morton and Mitchell series, and if you are overly sensitive or find reading about real news issues translated into fiction, you may want to give this novel a pass. . Also if you are a firm believer that all the ills of the world are committed by people who play video/online games and read ‘the wrong kind of book’ you may want to consider not picking this up.

The character developments in this novel are phenomenal; starting with the ‘birth’ of the entity mentioned in the book synopsis above, each of the characters we are introduced too, for however briefly they remain in play, are given depth and traits that draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. The female protagonist is likeable and easily connected to; we see her written in such a manner that her addiction to her work at the cost of her private life is all too painfully familiar. We are allowed, through the words of the Author to see her strengths, tenacity and weaknesses; and weakness of the characters is a large part of what this novel is. Not just the low-end of society, the criminals and those of low intelligence, but the high society people and all points in-between. Each of the characters has their innermost wishes exposed to the reader in an impeccable and flawless manner, making this so much more than a good cyber-mystery, it becomes an almost voyeuristic look, through the characters eyes, into a society that is quickly becoming fuelled by a ‘something for nothing’ mentality. Despite some of the novels ‘players’ only being on centre stage for a few pages, their personality and reasoning are exposed for all to see and even when they are no longer a focal point, they are linked seamlessly with the others. Each of the characters featured throughout the book are unique in their own way regardless of age and, it is this that makes the actions of the entity seem just that little bit more treacherous.

A lot of the storyline for this book is centred on computers and the computer world, bringing to the fore our increasing dependence on these machines. In parts this book made me shudder at the thought of how easily even the most secure networks could be breached, and are we really that far away from the future depicted in ‘I, Robot’ by Isaac Asimov or even the SkyNet system we see in the ‘Terminator’ movies. However, do not pass this novel by if you are ‘into’ computers, regardless of whether you only use them for work or are a full-blown professional computer programmer, or hacker, this book is easily digestible and believable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, sci-fi and even horror genres, however due to a certain section of the book; I would not recommend it to anyone under a college age reading comprehension.

Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.wordpress.com/...




This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

[Theresa Cutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I have read Michael Brookes' other books and really enjoyed them.

Being aware that this was a slightly different topic to The Cult of Me and Conversations in the Abyss I was not sure if it would appeal. I shouldn't have worried, initially wary of all the computer programming speak, I very quickly got into the story. I am sure if you understand the jargon, it makes it an even more enjoyable read, but in no way did it detract from or ruin the story.

What this story comes down to is how far are you prepared to go, to get your desire? What will it take to make you promise to pay back, no matter what? Michael has drawn a fascinating array of very believable characters, you might not like them but you will find that you need to discover what happens to them.

A seedy, modern world is depicted in all its grime and shallowness, tempered with a very human love story. Not a romance by any stretch, but there are characters that you do care about and want to see succeed.

At times, this book is rather disturbing, but at the same time not so graphic or horrific that you can't continue. A fascinating look at the age old problem of temptation, greed and how far an individual can be manipulated and pushed.

From being worried that I'd get lost amongst the computer tech stuff, I became rapidly drawn in and read it in a couple of sittings. Unnerving, edgy and fascinating right to the end, I was left wanting to read the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and here it is. This book was brilliant. Ok, ok, so sure, I may not have understood half the technical jargon used but it sounded plausible to the point where I had little trouble believing that the damage caused could really happen. That was enough for me.

In Faust 2.0, an intelligence (I won't say what) is wielding the internet like a claymore and no one is safe! You can't hide from technology. It's everywhere, everyone uses it and this intelligence is manipulating people and circumstances, fabricating lies and instigating acts of terror, all through internet connectivity. And of course, by preying on the greed and pain of human beings.

It has a plan. The selections have been made. It is granting desires in exchange for a favor. A favor within the power of the individual to grant, to be named at a later date...

Michael Brookes has done an excellent job with this book, laying bare the weaknesses of the people involved in this story. We see vulnerability, fear, sacrifice and sin; and we see how easily we can be destroyed, with just a few key strokes and the will to do it.

That's pretty scary if you ask me.

[Paul Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series Mitchell & Morton by Michael Brookes. The story is based on a really interesting premise, that is realistically portrayed by the author.
The characters are interesting and well defined. Maybe the main character, Sarah, in a few instances falls in Hollywood stereotypes; however they don't stand out breaking the flow of the book. It is the first book, so hopefully we will get to know Sarah better on the next installment and the mysterious Morton.
The secondary characters are interesting as well, which is always a welcome detail (that doesn't happen that often in modern literature, actually).
The nemesis in the story is great. I really liked and looked forward reading more chapters about her/it.
All in all, it's a fast paced thriller, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Kshitij · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faust 2.0 is an interesting horror and Sci-fi thriller about a lady granting wishes on internet, and asking for deadly favours in return. The plot is well developed, so are the characters. Starting the book, we’re introduced to several people all flawed and in desperate need/desire of something, and that’s when they get hooked to this technical entity, Misty Felice. At times the story is too technical to follow, but the author did well make it as lucid as it can be. Anyway, software buffs and system programmers would definitely love it.

The plot is engrossing, the dialogues well written and Sarah Mitchell is a likely character. I’m not sure about Morton. He’s someone to look forward to in next book. I’d rate it four as it’s suspenseful and creepy and something that could hold valid in distant future (not that I believe in demons!).

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Brookes certainly knows how to write a book that is a bit different.
Someone said that it is a horror story, but I don't feel it belongs to that genre. Certainly there are some gruesome things in it but I didn't find it scary. This is a story about cyber space, but it is not entirely science fiction. There is investigation and detection but it is not simply a thriller.
There should be a genre for CRACKING GOOD READ. This book would surely fit in here.
Looking forward to the next!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faust 2.0 (Morton & Mitchell #1) by Michael Brookes

A beautiful avatar grants wishes for people through the internet, but what is her intent? What happens if your wish will come true ? Sarah Mitchell is set on uncovering the truth and to stop the avatar before it is too late.

A fast paced nail biter that kept me up late into the night. I would love to read more in this series.

[Phillip Berrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on emergent intelligence with an AI with decidedly antisocial (demonic in fact) tendencies being spawned on the internet. And with the limitations of current technology forcing the AI to have to resort to bargaining with the people to reach its goals the connection to the name 'Faust' in the title is well deserved.

Pro: The computing references used in the story and the way the technology was used by both sides equally gave the story a strong air of authority, especially for this reader who is knowledgeable about the industry. I also appreciated the way that the antagonist lost in the end because it didn't understand human nature properly.

Cons: I thought the AI was a little too human like with some very human limitations. Now, there could very well be reasons for this as part of the overall series arc, but there was a little too much anthropomorphism for my tastes.

This book is listed at the first book in a series titled 'Morton & Mitchell'. To me this is the most intriguing aspect of the book. The role of the Mitchell character is obvious throughout the book, however, the role of the Morton character is very ambiguous, which is a strong incentive to pick up the next book just to find out what the heck is going on with Morton.

Overall an enjoyable read. People without some sort of knowledge of computing might find some of the technical references hard going.

[TheConsultingWriter · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Brookes' book was The Cult of Me, which is another good read written by Michael Brookes.

Once again, I wasn't disappointed. His writing and story telling is entertaining.

Faust 2.0 is the story of a malevolent entity working behind an avatar/A.I. Misty is a well endowed female who targets specific individuals, tempting each with promises, encouraging them to make pacts. A man desperate for something more than empty sex. A boy who is tired of being bullied daily. Though equally tempted and stumbling along the way, Dan eventually discovers Misty's true nature, but will that be enough to prevent his own demise? Will Misty's suggestive whispers change him into a man he would no longer recognize?

Sarah Mitchell investigates various crimes that all seem to have something in common: a female who met each victim online. Misty. Yet each criminal, shortly after arrest, dies. Why? What is the common connection? As the investigation progresses, Sarah's life is imperiled. Soon, Misty's sights are set on her. Sarah Mitchell has become a direct threat and must die. Will Sarah solve the mystery? Will justice be had or will Misty get away with murder?

[books are love · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was graciously given this book by the author for a honest review via the goodreads making connections group. I would give it a 3.5 only because of one area that made me uncomfortable.

Pushing the ideas of technology to show the perils of going to far with the internet and what may happen is what the book reveals. It is a interesting read. The thriller is one that will keep you on your toes wondering how it all fits together and where it will go from there.

Sarah Mitchell is a nice heroine who in the end needs to make a decision that will change her life one way or another the question becomes what way does her life go?

My one area that I was uncomfortable with was the boy and the video games and school. That story was one that just rubbed me the wrong way due to the influential ways of books and games but also all that has happened recently it may hit too close to home for many.

Other than this it is a interesting take on the internet world and how far it has come and its dangers.I am interested to see what will happen next

[Marko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice sci-fi thriller with great central characters. For a male author, Michael Brookes makes the female hero, Sarah Mitchell, very believable (but since I'm also a male, I'll refrain from saying more than that ;) ). Dan Emmet is another character that we spend a lot of time with and he is also described in a way that makes you really know him as a person, with all his hopes and weaknesses.

These characters - and many others - are put through an ordeal as a new entity is born in the Internet that begins to sell favours for favours. Unfortunately to those who are persuaded by her promises, the price they must pay is more than they bargained for. Some of the events that we are shown as parts of these deals are pretty disturbing, verging on horror if it were not for the fact that such events have taken place in the real world all too often.

Overall, this was a great read and a definite page-turner - a great summer read!

[Nav Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faust 2.0 - An Unexpected Delight

Faust 2.0 was indeed an unexpected delight. Having read a good few of the authors drabbles, I had anticipated enjoying the book, but the actual story still came as a surprise. From looking at the book cover and reading the blurb, I had anticipated something more science fiction. Instead, what I found was a really excellent modern day thriller.
The book has excellent characters, a great plot and a steady pace that always leaves you hungry for more. Despite my busy schedule, I always looked forward to the quiet time when I could get back to my kindle and read some more. I hope there is a Morton and Mitchell Book 2 to follow up the series as the end finishes with a great twist that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.
A fabulous read. Much enjoyed.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was poorly written rubbish...think I'm being unfair?...well a book that has the audacity to compare itself to Needful Things by Stephen King stands to be ridiculed if it does not live up to its bold assertions!! here is a short example..."Speech became too much for her, she only moaned and shook her head. Dave put his arm around her. "I'm afraid D.I.Reynolds didn't make it. I'm very sorry." That to me is rather like a scene from a soap opera and I do wonder at all those top star reviews! The story (for what it's worth) concerns an entity/virus infiltrating the web and in exchange for granting the user a wish....he/she must return the favour. Well I shall certainly do this author a favour and remove him and his works form my list of preferred reading options....

[A.K. Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite creepy and scary as it makes you think just about what MAY be possible with technology. The characters were a mix mash of good, sleazy, greedy and downright evil. I would've liked to give it a 4.5 as in places I found it hard to follow the tech jargon, but anyone who knows me knows I'm useless in that department so that's just me. I liked the female lead, mainly as she's flawed - like the rest of us - and can go and drink far too much and do things she maybe shouldn't - again like the rest of us! Morton on the other hand is rather sinister - always turning up and tbh I thought he was one of the baddies - right to the end - maybe he is but we'll have to wait for the next book to find out. I will be reading the second in the series!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Faust 2.0. It's set in a high-tech world far outside my personal experience but it's been written about so well that it's comprehensible and plausible.
What Michael Brookes does so well is give you a proposition in the opening of the book which is off the scale of fantastical in such a way that you totally believe it.
I read Faust 2.0 more-or-less straight through in one go. The plot moves forward strongly and the reader is rapidly page-turning to find out what's coming next. There are some unexpected developments and at times the suspense level is very high.
Faust 2.0 is a great start to the series and the ending is left wide open for the next book which I'm looking forward to reading when it appears.

[Anthony Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Brookes' Faust 2.0 is a well-crafted, highly entertaining Science Fiction story which very informatively and creatively portrays an extremely powerful and destructive living computer. Mr. Brookes appears to possess great expertise in information technology, a contribution lending credibility to the aforementioned premise.

It stirred excitement as various interesting characters became embroiled in the A.I.'s intricate machinations, which made for a suspenseful, compelling read. Also noteworthy was an extremely vivid, gory depiction of a very unusual method of suicide. I would definitely recommend this rather unique novel!

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happened upon this book as I was exploring goodreads forums. What a great find!

Imagine artificial intelligence with emotion. The horror of this story is the hatred the AI entity had for humans and the damage it was able to inflict through technology.

I enjoyed Mr. Brookes writing style - action, suspense and an unexpected twist at the end. Looking forward to future stories of Morton & Mitchell.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern day multiple Faust, for after all demons have access to the Internet, too. Conspiracy theorists and paranoid readers will have lots to frighten them here! The ending is tantalising and I hope we're going to see more of the poor heroine, even though that will likely mean she will have to suffer even more.

I particularly enjoyed the pace of this book, for the suspense seemed to come in waves rather than constantly increasing.

[Joshua Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I had no idea what to expect. It was a free download a few months back, so I got it. I started reading Faust 2.0 around 9 pm, before I knew it, it was almost 6 am! This book was amazing, the idea of the Faustian theory, mixed with 21st century technology was genius! I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book! I can not wait for the next books!

[Brandon Luffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this was a fun little book! As a hobbyist programmer and general geek, I found the premise of Faust 2.0 interesting from the outset. The story didn't disappoint. It was amusing to see the many ways our modern connected world could be used against the protagonists. Well written and with a good pace, I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more in the series.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing dark sci-fi read about an evil entity manipulating people through the internet. This was a very interesting and different story that held my attention easily. I wasn’t sure that I liked any of the characters but I couldn’t put the book down either way!