Castle Of Sand

by Steven M. Bates, Steve Bates

A powerful pathogen is killing every inhabitant of Earth. Amid the chaos, an experimental spaceship designed as an ark is prepared for departure. After it transports Maria Ramos and six other people to a mysterious planet, they learn that their minds have been uploaded as digital consciousnesses and that all other passengers died during the journey. It's up to these seven minds to save the human race. The ark contains frozen human tissues that can be used to grow colonists. But after the ship's AI transfers the surviving consciousnesses into robots, some of them plot to steal and inhabit some colonist bodies and destroy the rest, even if it means that humanity dies out. After Maria's murder, a community of mixed human and native blood develops, but it faces its own extinction event. Clues for survival come from a planet-wide AI created by an ancient civilization, astounding messages from a distant source, and an intriguing traveler who seems to know much about Maria and her long-ago efforts to promote sentient life. Castle of Sand is a compelling and inspirational exploration of what it means to be human.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2023

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Try as much as I can I'm just not able to enjoy science fiction novels. I liked this well enough in the beginning but as is sometimes the case I found myself skimming through the chapters because I had lost any interest in the story. For me something was lacking, and I cannot put a finger on it. Thank you to Goodreads for the free copy of the book, it is much appreciated. The novel has a great cover.

[Christopher Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I read this all in the same day - couldn’t put it down. Each and every chapter kept me so involved, wanting more and needing to find out the rest. The ending shocked me. It was one of those books that sent you into panic and on the edge of your seat.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and the story was very interesting from start to finish.

[Jessica Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very amiable characters. I really liked the main characters. The plot is gripping too.

[Lona Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was remarkable, kept me absorbed all throughout.

[John Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a dazzling and fascinating read!

[Scott Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! The characters are something else altogether. The pressure, the build-up, the drama! I loved it! Can't wait for more. Great job!

[Gabriel Plunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Gripping from the first page! Definitely worth a read! Lots of twists and surprising outcomes!

[Jadwiga Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but grammar needs to be worked on