Sirens

by Chloe Ruffennach

Sex sells, and someone is always willing to pay. Even if the method is corrupt, there will always be a market for seduction. Michael Ken knew this when he created the Sirens video game. This is why when he made a fantasy world featuring a partner tailored to the gamer's preferences, he knew he had a hit on his hands. But he wasn't aware that his game would be so intriguing, personally gratifying, and outright addictive that people-including himself-would choose to stay in the Sirens game instead of returning to reality. By the time it dawns on him that his game is too good to be true, it's too late. People are killing themselves to escape into the fantasy world Michael created.
But hey, sex sells.

Genres: Science Fiction

286 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2023

Reviews

[Chloe Ruffennach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book. Definitely recommend it. Just saying.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin with a disclaimer: I’ve known the author for several years and her mom for many before that. I purchased “Sirens” because the teaser was compelling and I wanted to support Chloe.

I’m an avid reader and was a literature major. I’m not a book snob by any stretch, but I say this to point out I’ve read a lot of different books in my years. I expected to enjoy the book as much as maybe any other.

What I got instead was a gripping page-turner that blew me away! I have two sons and no affinity for video games, so the concept of obsessive immersion into a world of AI is both terrifying and a very real possibility in 2024.

This debut novel is well worth your time and purchase. The characters are vivid while being sympathetic to loathsome. Sex sells. Greed is king. And Chloe Ruffenach has spun a tale cautioning us to stay grounded in reality.

Five enthusiast stars!!!

[Mandy Casto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 2030 and video games are so advanced and SO real that the player can’t break themselves away…even if it means staying alive. I couldn’t imagine that future until reading Sirens. This story is the cautionary tale of the ultimate price some people will pay for lust and greed. And Ruffennach does a great job of conveying the agonizing pain of not being able to be with the one you want — the one who, at the end of the day, makes you feel wanted, adored, and loved.

[DemiReads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sirens
📖 🎮 Fiction - Futuristic Video Game
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Stars
🫑 Spice Level
Plot
Sirens is the most anticipated game of the year. Users have the ability to log in virtually to a world so complex they can smell and feel everything around them and Sirens is programmed to tap into the users subconscious and create their dream world. Including their dream woman. Developer Michael is proud of his work. His game is good… maybe even too good.

This book is so unique that when I heard about it I was instantly intrigued. Despite the video game being of sexual nature this is not a spicy book, which is fine by me I’ll read either way but if that is specifically what you're looking for it’s not in this book. The beginning was a lot of setting the stage which did make for a bit of a slow start but it wasn’t slow to the point where I was skimming, I was very interested in the details being provided. Because it was such a unique concept it wasn't something I could fully predict what would happen, which I love. Overall I know this is gonna be one of those books that I think about frequently. The actions and consequences will be something that haunts me in a good way.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Ken created Sirens, an innovative fantasty video game that allows the user to create individually tailored partners and interact with them. Originally designed for companionship, Sirens morphs into something else, something more intimate and addictive. Exactly what any video game developer wants. Until Michael begins to lose himself in it, so much so that he’d rather spend his time in the game than in the real world. But by the time he realizes that Sirens is too good and too addictive, it’s too late.

This book reminded me of a mix between Ready Player One and Inception. It poses the question of moral obligations versus self interest, how far we should trust AI and technology. Definitely an interesting read!

[Laura Soller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought- provoking book. Quite a page-turner with multiple points of view to round out the perspective. Very relevant topic given the growth and accessibility of artificial intelligence. Strong themes emerge as well - drawing correlation to addiction.

[TJ Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sirens is captivating and disturbing, an all-too-possible scenario. A warning cry about the future awful potential of Artificial Intelligence.

[The Busta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cautionary tale about the dangers of gooning too hard