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Z14
Z14 is an offbeat, fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek science-fiction story, that’s heavy on the fiction, and, let’s say ‘easy’ on the science.
*
Z14 is a cyborg, he’s a killer and he’s a collector of cuddly toys. He’s at the top of the food chain on the planet Deliverance. Nobody can touch him, and, if they did, he’d just regenerate anyway. He whiles away his time assassinating humans and trying to figure out why a mysterious space fleet brought millions of colonists here, generations ago.
Killing humans. It’s wrong. He knows that. But it just feels right, somehow, almost like he was made to do it – and it pays really well. But Z14’s days of strutting around like he owns the place might just be numbered. When a ship from that mysterious fleet just happens to turn up, and a big, squishy clue falls on Z14’s doorstep, he starts getting some answers. He also finds himself facing the unknown. Things the humans call ‘challenges’, and, worse than that, ‘empathy’.
On a planet where the law is set by the lawless and morals weren't part of the colonial supplies, an unstoppable cyborg assassin could be an unexpected force for good. Or, if not a force for good, then at least a hindrance to evil.
When it looks like only Z14 can save humanity, they’ll just have to hope he decides he wants to.
(Contains moderate swearing and violence)
*
Z14 is a cyborg, he’s a killer and he’s a collector of cuddly toys. He’s at the top of the food chain on the planet Deliverance. Nobody can touch him, and, if they did, he’d just regenerate anyway. He whiles away his time assassinating humans and trying to figure out why a mysterious space fleet brought millions of colonists here, generations ago.
Killing humans. It’s wrong. He knows that. But it just feels right, somehow, almost like he was made to do it – and it pays really well. But Z14’s days of strutting around like he owns the place might just be numbered. When a ship from that mysterious fleet just happens to turn up, and a big, squishy clue falls on Z14’s doorstep, he starts getting some answers. He also finds himself facing the unknown. Things the humans call ‘challenges’, and, worse than that, ‘empathy’.
On a planet where the law is set by the lawless and morals weren't part of the colonial supplies, an unstoppable cyborg assassin could be an unexpected force for good. Or, if not a force for good, then at least a hindrance to evil.
When it looks like only Z14 can save humanity, they’ll just have to hope he decides he wants to.
(Contains moderate swearing and violence)
- GenresScience Fiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jim Chaseley
1 book9 followersJim Chaseley is a man watching in horror as his 40s approach.
With this great boulder bearing down on him, he decided it was time to finally get that novel "out there", and Kindle publishing has given him the freedom to do just that.
Jim's got a lot more in the pipeline, with further sci-fi tales, fantasy epics and warm, cuddly, but occasionally horrific stories about giants, knights and alternate dimensions all clamouring to be the next project to be wrapped up and sent out into the world.
Jim lives in Surrey, in the United Kingdom. He has a little girl, whose energy and zest for life is inspiration in itself, and a patient wife, who, even if she doesn't understand the silly things he wants to write about, is a source of great support.
When not making up stories about aliens, cyborgs, giants and suchlike, Jim works in I.T.
But he will escape. Oh yes. He will escape.
With this great boulder bearing down on him, he decided it was time to finally get that novel "out there", and Kindle publishing has given him the freedom to do just that.
Jim's got a lot more in the pipeline, with further sci-fi tales, fantasy epics and warm, cuddly, but occasionally horrific stories about giants, knights and alternate dimensions all clamouring to be the next project to be wrapped up and sent out into the world.
Jim lives in Surrey, in the United Kingdom. He has a little girl, whose energy and zest for life is inspiration in itself, and a patient wife, who, even if she doesn't understand the silly things he wants to write about, is a source of great support.
When not making up stories about aliens, cyborgs, giants and suchlike, Jim works in I.T.
But he will escape. Oh yes. He will escape.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 20, 2012
Anyone call for knob gags?
Jim Chaseley has created an interesting story in this tale that would make Isaac Asimov shudder. The pacing is good throughout the book and, although it’s first person, which I’m none too keen on as a medium, it works well with the characters he creates.
If I have a criticism of Z14, it is that it starts off funny but the humour sort of dies off as the drama unfolds. This story is not for the intelligencia. You’ll not see it winning the Gladys Cravitz award for outstanding literary merit. If you enjoyed frat movies like Batchelor Party or Animal House, you’ll soon latch onto the humour of this book, lots of penis jokes and swearing. Don’t expect subtlety, you won’t get it, just loads of death, mutilation and humour.
There are a few typos in there, mostly homophones, but the author has done a good job of editing, so when you do come across an error you’ll be surprised rather than numbed by all the others. The writing style is smooth and flowing and the plot works, but it looks like it’ll need a sequel to finally see what happens to our hero.
Go buy it if you want a laugh at dirty gags, there are plenty of them.
Jim Chaseley has created an interesting story in this tale that would make Isaac Asimov shudder. The pacing is good throughout the book and, although it’s first person, which I’m none too keen on as a medium, it works well with the characters he creates.
If I have a criticism of Z14, it is that it starts off funny but the humour sort of dies off as the drama unfolds. This story is not for the intelligencia. You’ll not see it winning the Gladys Cravitz award for outstanding literary merit. If you enjoyed frat movies like Batchelor Party or Animal House, you’ll soon latch onto the humour of this book, lots of penis jokes and swearing. Don’t expect subtlety, you won’t get it, just loads of death, mutilation and humour.
There are a few typos in there, mostly homophones, but the author has done a good job of editing, so when you do come across an error you’ll be surprised rather than numbed by all the others. The writing style is smooth and flowing and the plot works, but it looks like it’ll need a sequel to finally see what happens to our hero.
Go buy it if you want a laugh at dirty gags, there are plenty of them.
December 18, 2014
What to tell you about Z14?!
Initially Z14's personality bugged the crap out of me. He came across as an arrogant, asshole who wouldn't shut up with the inner dialogue.
This initial dislike (strong dislike) slowly faded as I slogged my way through the somewhat comical, yet seriously sci-fi based world Z14 finds himself on (Deliverance) which is the alien created simulation world made to resemble Earth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse characters Jim thrust into his tale, even though they were raw, farting, cussing men and the only women in the story really were 'designed' by previously mentioned aliens.
This story really was like a hyped-up bucks night on steroids! Aliens who show dominance and aggression by who has the biggest erection, One mad scientist who found it funny to invade cyborg heads with his personality and one cyborg assassin with waaaaay too much human emotion to really be effective made me giggle, smirk, laugh like a crazy person and seriously roll my eyes at their antics.
Thoroughly enjoyable story Jim! But it might not be for the faint hearted.
Initially Z14's personality bugged the crap out of me. He came across as an arrogant, asshole who wouldn't shut up with the inner dialogue.
This initial dislike (strong dislike) slowly faded as I slogged my way through the somewhat comical, yet seriously sci-fi based world Z14 finds himself on (Deliverance) which is the alien created simulation world made to resemble Earth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse characters Jim thrust into his tale, even though they were raw, farting, cussing men and the only women in the story really were 'designed' by previously mentioned aliens.
This story really was like a hyped-up bucks night on steroids! Aliens who show dominance and aggression by who has the biggest erection, One mad scientist who found it funny to invade cyborg heads with his personality and one cyborg assassin with waaaaay too much human emotion to really be effective made me giggle, smirk, laugh like a crazy person and seriously roll my eyes at their antics.
Thoroughly enjoyable story Jim! But it might not be for the faint hearted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2012
This is a very impressive first book. Z14 is a very amusing and engaging character, yes even though we meet him in the throes of throttling someone, I liked him from the get go.
Z14 is a light hearted romp, it's action packed and clips along at a fast pace. The writing is good and the conversation excellent, some of it laugh out loud funny. The characters are funny, believable and exactly as purile as you'd expect them to be. The created world is also vivid; with enough detail to get a vivid mental picture but not so much as to slow down the plot.
Warning: This book is a bit of a page turner. I made the mistake of reading this while staying with family. Usually we read things and chat at the same time but I got so engrossed in this it was rude. In the end, for the sake of decorum, I had to stay up much later than was wise or prudent to finish it off.
Thoroughly recommended, even if I'm feeling a bit groggy this morning as a result.
Z14 is a light hearted romp, it's action packed and clips along at a fast pace. The writing is good and the conversation excellent, some of it laugh out loud funny. The characters are funny, believable and exactly as purile as you'd expect them to be. The created world is also vivid; with enough detail to get a vivid mental picture but not so much as to slow down the plot.
Warning: This book is a bit of a page turner. I made the mistake of reading this while staying with family. Usually we read things and chat at the same time but I got so engrossed in this it was rude. In the end, for the sake of decorum, I had to stay up much later than was wise or prudent to finish it off.
Thoroughly recommended, even if I'm feeling a bit groggy this morning as a result.
March 16, 2012
The name of this book had caught my eye "Z14" Short and sharp. It's the story of Z14 who is a killer cyborg. Now before you all switch over, I'll tell you that I'm not a fan of overblown sci-fi. This wasn't overblown sci-fi. Yes, obviously, killer cyborgs come under the remit of sci-fi , but this is more of a humorous tale. Does Z14 still have human tendancies? He certainly has human sarcasm.
I thought the story was well told and the writing very easy to read. Certainly a page turner for me. It's certainly not high fiction, but who cares about that. I like a good story and this was a good boisterous story.
I thought the story was well told and the writing very easy to read. Certainly a page turner for me. It's certainly not high fiction, but who cares about that. I like a good story and this was a good boisterous story.
February 9, 2012
So I bought this book to add to my TBR pile but took a wee look at it just for a taster. Ended up reading it almost in one go as I enjoyed it so much. A rollercoaster ride of guts, brains, explosions and quips. Perhaps it's wrong to find oneself rooting for an almost indestructible killing machine?
Lots of fun, good characterisation and a decent storyline. Love it.
Lots of fun, good characterisation and a decent storyline. Love it.
March 2, 2012
Z14 is a funny book. I really must recommend it to anybody who likes the Red Dwarf books or Pratchett to give this one a go.
The author has a turn of phrase that makes me giggle and the frantic pace of the novel means you'll not want to put it down.
Great stuff. And funny!
The author has a turn of phrase that makes me giggle and the frantic pace of the novel means you'll not want to put it down.
Great stuff. And funny!
March 7, 2012
If your humour includes that to be found in Red Dwarf,in the work of Simon Pegg,and some of Harry Harrison's books ,then you will almost certainly enjoy this novel.
Amusing and entertaining,this is a ribald science fiction story of high quality.
in other words it's Well Good.
March 2, 2012
Not a great lover of science fiction but found I couldnt stop reading this. Engrossing and amusing and very well written. A great concept and look forward to more books about Z14
March 27, 2012
A good, fun, light read if you like tongue in cheek Sci-Fi
April 18, 2012
This is my first proper book review so here goes nothing!!
I thoroughly enjoyed Z14. I know some people found the swearing a bit hard to take but I thought is appropriate for the circumstances the characters found themselves in.
My only complaint was that the book was too short!! It left me wanting more.
I've given this bok 3 out of 5 stars as I consider it to be an interesting, well written story and the author moves the plot along at a pretty decent pace. Well worth buying if you like sci-fi
I thoroughly enjoyed Z14. I know some people found the swearing a bit hard to take but I thought is appropriate for the circumstances the characters found themselves in.
My only complaint was that the book was too short!! It left me wanting more.
I've given this bok 3 out of 5 stars as I consider it to be an interesting, well written story and the author moves the plot along at a pretty decent pace. Well worth buying if you like sci-fi
April 14, 2012
I don't generally leave reviews as although I love reading I struggle to put coherent words together that make sense and don't leave me looking like an illiterate tool! But Z14 deserves a review.
If you laughed at school when your mate farted loudly in assembly or remember the last time you got the giggles then this book is that feeling in book form. It may be raw and childish but its funny and makes you feel good.
Buy it and read it.. it'll make you grin like an idiot.
If you laughed at school when your mate farted loudly in assembly or remember the last time you got the giggles then this book is that feeling in book form. It may be raw and childish but its funny and makes you feel good.
Buy it and read it.. it'll make you grin like an idiot.
June 10, 2013
This tongue-in-cheek cyborg story was quite entertaining and worth picking up. The humor is dry, dark, and heavily sprinkled with double-entendres. To paraphrase another reviewer, it's not exactly Asimovian.
May 8, 2012
Lovely stuff.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews