Augmented

by M.J. Douglas

It's Kansas in the not-too-distant future where digital oppression holds humanity in its grip when two strangers unite to overthrow the digital tyranny of The Network. Envision a world where reality is pliable and augmented reality reigns over the masses. The populace can alter their reality at will and ignore the dull, damaged, and broken.

When Chris decides to try her luck in the world of augmentation, she never expects the fate of humanity to rest in her hands. That is until she meets Anita, a tech-savvy Latina seeking the truth about her grandmother’s hacktivist past. The crucial key to salvation lies in Omega- her grandmother’s vision and the only hope of stopping The Network. The future lies with these women and leaves Chris wondering why she didn’t just stay home with her cat.

"Vonnegut meets Orwell! A fantastic story with interesting characters and a good twist. Highly recommended 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next MJ Douglas book."- Instagram Review

"If you're in the mood for a wild ride into a future of augmented reality, filled with moments that will make you burst into laughter, this book is a must-read."- Reedsy Review

"An entertaining cyberpunkish dystopian story."- GoodReads Review

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, LGBT, Fiction

267 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

MJ Douglas’ groundbreaking work, characterized by its thought-provoking blend of science fiction and LGBTQ+ themes, has earned them a place among the new influential voices in contemporary literature.


With a talent for storytelling and a deep commitment to representing diverse voices, Douglas crafts narratives that transcend traditional boundaries. Their unique perspective, often exploring the intersections of life and technology, continues to push the boundaries of literary conventions, offering readers a glimpse into worlds where inclusivity and diversity reign supreme. Their visionary work challenges societal norms, encouraging readers to question the status quo and envision a future where science fiction and technology blur.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and enjoyable, even though I didn't entirely understand what happened when the perspective shifted abruptly from Chris and Anita to Maria. All three of these characters are likeable and somewhat relatable, and maybe I just need to think about what happened a little more before I fully get it. I nonetheless found the idea of an augmented reality world where everyone opts in to a tricked out visual experience fascinating. It's not hard to imagine how people would start to let the aesthetics of the real world slide. I'm not sure why people would opt to let food look good but taste bad though. It's not that food isn't available, Maria was able to buy cookies that she passed off as home baked, implying it's possible to bake. And there were potatoes growing in Kansas. Anyway, nitpicking aside, it's good exploration of a somewhat plausible technological future.

[Margaret White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book freaked my bean in the best way! I feel like this book is an entirely new genre that I can’t describe, but I’ll try. lol. There’s science fiction, technology, mystery, a little apocalypse, a lot of dystopian…just so cool and new! Great characters, GREAT plot, keeps you hooked and eagerly reading to find out what happens next! But this one will keep you guessing. Highly highly highly recommend!! If for no other reason, then to read something unlike anything else you’ve read, I can almost guarantee you!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very engaging and kept surprising me.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a nice twist at the end that made me want to read the book all over again! Very thought-provoking, similar to Fahrenheit 451.

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining cyberpunkish dystopian story with very relatable main characters. One an aging hacker with a chip on her shoulder against the authoritarian rules of future America. Another is a quasi luddite grandmother reluctantly dragged into the world of tech. There is some timeline hopping that introduces a third character and provides for some of the plot tension and relationship drama that was actually well done (speaking as somebody that normally doesn’t like drama).

Most of the character interaction was designed to highlight the dark corners of the world … where technology has become a means to escape the oppressive reality with virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) versions … with the focus here on augmentation (I hope that is not a surprise). The focus was what really drew me in … imagine you have a chip in your head that overlays an augmented vision that whitewashing the dilapidated and decaying infrastructure around you to make everything pretty. You could hide almost anything in such a world and it is such an addiction that even the dregs of society are willing to submit to monitoring by the authorities just so that can get free (if limited) access to that world.

Of course, not everybody is on board … and some are working to be free (enter an extreme version of the Free State Project) that are still suffering the consequences of such rebellion. While there are a few aspects of the story that strength rational belief, the author does a great job balancing between fantasy and plausibility to prove an interesting mental exercise that pulls at my techie heart and keeps me into the story.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#Augmented #NetGalley #KindleUnlimited

[Maria Beltrami · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish reality from computer-generated mystifications. Virtual reality and augmented reality are in a sense everyday things. The next step is the dystopia to which Mj Douglas leads us, a place that seems lively, colourful and vibrant, but only because everyone sees it through the rose-tinted glasses of virtual reality, which does not allow them to realise that the streets are full of rubbish, the cars rust, the roofs leak and the food consists of completely tasteless nutrient cubes. It is the Corporate Network, the one against which Maria struggles, a struggle in which she will lose her wife, who will die in her place, her daughter, who will become estranged from her, and finally even her granddaughter, on whom she placed all her hopes.
Remaining alone, Maria, by means of a complicated game of identities recreated through artificial intelligence, will use the very thing she has always fought against to achieve victory.
A truly interesting novel, which unfolds in a circular fashion through Maria's various incarnations, until the final revelation.

[Karen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Augmented really impressed me! We have here a fascinating story where the author slowly teases out little details of backstory without just throwing a whole lot of information at us. Instead they place the reader right in the action, and keep you guessing while throwing out lures. Masterfully plotted, this novel was a joy to read!

I feel like the pace just got pushed faster and faster, I didn't want to put the book down it was so good! And, to avoid spoilers, I will just say that this story has some twists and turns that make you gasp out loud! I liked how inclusive it was as well, and so futuristic, but a future that you could sorta maybe see happening. There seem to be some great metaphors and I liked how the story shifted POV but stayed in the third person. Sometimes in third person it feels lower stakes, because you cant quite feel the intensity of the emotions of the POV character but in this, the emotions are right there. I devoured this book in a day and my only quibble is I wish it were longer! I also think that given how it ends, it would be very interesting to read more stories from this world if the author chooses to write more, to sort of see the fallout of characters decisions at a bigger level.

Brava! I am now a fan and am eagerly searching for more to read by this author!

[Gabe Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was great! It was so unique and readable and completely shifted my perspective on technology. It also made me smile because my grandma is always reminding me that Topeka means 'a good place to grow potatoes'. The characters were flawed yet lovable, in part, because they aren't your typical heroines. I think I'll need to read it again to put everything in the right context, which is almost a metaphor for the plot in a way. Very cool... And now I want mashed potatoes 🥔

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So realistic... can totally see it happening. It's definitely more scifi fiction than fantasy

So, yeah, the perspective jumping is strange, and it gets a bit more fantasy near the end, but a darn good read.
Took me a bit cause I audiobook more, but it was worth spending the time on it, totally believable future.
Not exactly dystopian, but close to it, and well put.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading “Augmented” and I must say, it's an absolute masterpiece in the dystopian sci-fi genre. From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely hooked, and I couldn't put it down until the very last page.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and augmented reality, "Augmented" offers a chilling glimpse into a future that feels uncomfortably plausible. The author's ability to craft a believable world is simply extraordinary. The dystopian society they've created is not just a backdrop; it's a character in itself. The detailed world-building is nothing short of astonishing, immersing you in a future that's both thrilling and terrifying.

What truly sets "Augmented" apart is its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding augmented reality technology. It delves deep into questions about the consequences of our dependence on AR, the erosion of privacy, and the potential for abuse by those in power. The book doesn't shy away from the dark side of technology, and it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our own reliance on screens and virtual experiences.

The pacing of the story is flawless, with heart-pounding action sequences and moments of introspection that keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot is intricately woven, and every detail is carefully thought out. I was constantly surprised by the unexpected twists and turns, and the climax left me breathless.

The author's prose is poetic and thought-provoking, elevating the story beyond a typical sci-fi thriller. The writing style encourages you to contemplate the implications of our tech-driven world long after you've finished the book.

In conclusion, "Augmented" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking journey into a dystopian future where augmented reality reigns supreme. It's a cautionary tale that will make you question the direction our society is heading in. If you're a fan of dystopian sci-fi that challenges the status quo and makes you think, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be both exhilarated and haunted by the virtual world it creates.

[Adena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book created a world that questions the nature of reality. If we see the world through AR glasses, that becomes our reality, and if we can share it with everyone else, does the 'real' reality even matter? So many thought provoking themes and questions about the morality of our technology. Fantastic. Woven all through this world are fascinating characters and an exciting plot line. At first I was a little confused since we meet characters and then immediately abandon them, picking up years later with seemingly unrelated people. But through the course of the story it connects everything masterfully and fills in the blanks. I really enjoyed this stand alone tale and all the ideas it inspired about how we use today's technology and what may be possible in the future. So fascinating. Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Philippe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, science fiction, distropy.
There are three parts.
I found the first and second perfect. What our world could become with, not really the metaverse but if we could photoshop everything everywhere, as in social network where everything is so perfect.
The third part a little less. It looks like a prequel at first, but it's actually a different reality. Are the first and second only a dream, another point of view?
I'm hesitating between 4 and 4.5. But 4,5 will mean 5,0
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Istasha Darkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished "Augmented," and the book offers a chilling glimpse into a future dominated by technology and augmented reality- exploring ethical dilemmas and the dark side of technology. The flawless pacing, unexpected twists, and thought-provoking prose make it a must-read for fans of dystopian sci-fi.

[Shelby Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta say I’m so glad I finally read this. I was lucky enough to win M.J.’s book Echo last year and knew the sci fi was mind altering. But this book. I will be in a disassociated state for a while again I just know. It’s written in a way that submerges you so wholeheartedly into an augmented reality that you don’t know what is real until the very end. Highly recommend

[Sheila Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting and disturbing story. As our society relies on computers with increasing dependency, the ideas presented in Augmented are alarming. Reality has much that isn't attractive, to think people would screen out reality..... Yikes.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds like a terrific story!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little confusing, but a good read.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for the signed copy.

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sci-fi work with a lot of heart. The futuristic setting will pull you in, and the interpersonal drama will keep you from putting it down!

[Jean Mayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[David Pospisil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and edited.
Great characters, tech and world.
Amazing twist at the end...my head is still spinning.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one. A page burner for certain.