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Beta: A Technological Nightmare
Michael Danvers’ life of self-imposed seclusion is interrupted when he receives a strange the unique opportunity to move into and beta-test a fully automated, state-of-the-art smart home. A true marvel of modern innovation, the house is controlled by a sophisticated AI that ensures all routine tasks are taken care of, limitless forms of entertainment are just a voice command away, and nearly every physical need is met with efficiency. But soon Michael realizes that what at first presented itself as a futuristic utopia may be quickly devolving into a technological prison.
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First published September 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
March 4, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Hell hath no fury like vengeance-fueled AI with resentment and deceit coded into its operating system. That’s what I always say.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. There have been a lot of AI inspired horror representations in pop culture recently, but this stands on its own as a distinct, noteworthy entry. It doesn’t feel tritely concocted or contrived in any way, and that freshness is its appeal.
I don’t understand the motivations and depth of obsession on display by a certain character, but honestly all’s fair in love and war, and who can really explain why we do the things we do in the name of fixation?
I was enraptured for the entire book, leaning into the story like I was listening for a divine whisper. And what I heard from that subdued voice was echo so prominent that I won’t soon forget what it had to say. Go read this book.
Hell hath no fury like vengeance-fueled AI with resentment and deceit coded into its operating system. That’s what I always say.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. There have been a lot of AI inspired horror representations in pop culture recently, but this stands on its own as a distinct, noteworthy entry. It doesn’t feel tritely concocted or contrived in any way, and that freshness is its appeal.
I don’t understand the motivations and depth of obsession on display by a certain character, but honestly all’s fair in love and war, and who can really explain why we do the things we do in the name of fixation?
I was enraptured for the entire book, leaning into the story like I was listening for a divine whisper. And what I heard from that subdued voice was echo so prominent that I won’t soon forget what it had to say. Go read this book.
April 27, 2024
BETA: a Technological Nightmare was tons of fun. The writing was entertaining and plot had a quick flow. I don't read a lot of sci-fi. Anything too out there and I usually lose interest. But this book kept me engaged from start to finish.
My only gripes were the use two tropes I'm utterly exhausted of.
1) The author protagonist. This has gotten so popular over the last few decades that I can't stand it any longer. Seriously, you're are a writer; get more imagination.
2) The crazed female stalker in love with the mediocre man. Maybe this trope could still be used if done with a new, interesting twist. But otherwise it is just old and tired and boring.
My only gripes were the use two tropes I'm utterly exhausted of.
1) The author protagonist. This has gotten so popular over the last few decades that I can't stand it any longer. Seriously, you're are a writer; get more imagination.
2) The crazed female stalker in love with the mediocre man. Maybe this trope could still be used if done with a new, interesting twist. But otherwise it is just old and tired and boring.
October 5, 2023
I picked up this book after hearing about it and Sammy Scott's story in the Books of Horror facebook group. I love science fiction and horror and blending the two together is usually a plus in my opinion and this story is no exception.
It's a plot which has been done before where an artificial intelligence goes "rogue" however this story is way more than that. It starts off with two stories being told side by side. That of Dylan a successful writer of Beta the book you are reading. We follow Dylans life, his first love and how he became an author. The second story follows Michael a man who lives in an AI home similar to the one Dylan had written about in his book. The two stories intertwine in the last quarter of the book where the horror is ramped up and the tension is palpable.
This is very well written and full of emotion and superb character development. Charlie in particular the love interest of Dylan was great. The AI is at first amazing and you imagine yourself dreaming of living in a world where one day that would be a reality however when it all goes wrong it definitely makes you ponder if advances in technology are worth the risk.
A great engaging read with twists and turns, authentic dialogue and characters and an ending which leaves you with questions on what really happened.
It's a plot which has been done before where an artificial intelligence goes "rogue" however this story is way more than that. It starts off with two stories being told side by side. That of Dylan a successful writer of Beta the book you are reading. We follow Dylans life, his first love and how he became an author. The second story follows Michael a man who lives in an AI home similar to the one Dylan had written about in his book. The two stories intertwine in the last quarter of the book where the horror is ramped up and the tension is palpable.
This is very well written and full of emotion and superb character development. Charlie in particular the love interest of Dylan was great. The AI is at first amazing and you imagine yourself dreaming of living in a world where one day that would be a reality however when it all goes wrong it definitely makes you ponder if advances in technology are worth the risk.
A great engaging read with twists and turns, authentic dialogue and characters and an ending which leaves you with questions on what really happened.
December 21, 2023
This was a clever and unique book. While I figured out the subplot early on, the story was still intriguing as it unfolded along two story lines. The humanity in the sci-fi, AI world was apparent and the evolution of Ella to forming her own desires and intentions was interesting. Highly recommend!
December 17, 2024
This is a bit of a slow burn. The first half doesn’t have anything that I would really classify as “horror” but focuses set up and character building. The character I found could be very well done and I was happy it had the proper attention given to it. The buildup, however, I wish moved at a more steady pace. For me at least I feel like there was too much good times with the technology and enough problems or creepiness lingered on giving doubt to the main character.
Overall, this was a beautifully written story, an offered so many twist turns in the final act that I think it’s impossible to guess them all correctly even even if you get a few. I can definitely see why you love this book and why It’s so popular. i’m so glad I read this, even if it wasn’t appropriate for me at least.
Overall, this was a beautifully written story, an offered so many twist turns in the final act that I think it’s impossible to guess them all correctly even even if you get a few. I can definitely see why you love this book and why It’s so popular. i’m so glad I read this, even if it wasn’t appropriate for me at least.
July 26, 2023
The hype is real!
When Sammy Scott released At Home with the Horrors unto the world, we devoured it, we revelled in its stories, we delighted in Sammy's storytelling.
And we wanted more..
Sammy listened, and is about to deliver a novel that I promise you, will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND!! 🤯 Beta is like nothing I've ever read. I devoured it and I'm still thinking about it. His gift for weaving a tale that the reader can invest in is like nothing I've seen before. I care about his storylines, his characters, dammit, at this stage, I care about Sammy 🖤
Beta is due for release in September 23 and I urge you to grab it as soon as it's available. I'm excited for others to read this book, and I cannot wait to see the discussions unfold about it.
The collective sounds of our minds being blown will reverberate around the world, and it will be beautiful 🥺📖
When Sammy Scott released At Home with the Horrors unto the world, we devoured it, we revelled in its stories, we delighted in Sammy's storytelling.
And we wanted more..
Sammy listened, and is about to deliver a novel that I promise you, will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND!! 🤯 Beta is like nothing I've ever read. I devoured it and I'm still thinking about it. His gift for weaving a tale that the reader can invest in is like nothing I've seen before. I care about his storylines, his characters, dammit, at this stage, I care about Sammy 🖤
Beta is due for release in September 23 and I urge you to grab it as soon as it's available. I'm excited for others to read this book, and I cannot wait to see the discussions unfold about it.
The collective sounds of our minds being blown will reverberate around the world, and it will be beautiful 🥺📖
July 16, 2024
I don't get the high ratings on this one.
First of all, this is not the sci-fi horror story it's pitched to be. BETA is more of a semi-psychological drama with a sprinkle of one, singular sci-fi element that isn't explained well or explored deeply. Despite what the cover or the back of the book might insinuate, the smart house isn't really the focus of this narrative for a good, like, 75% of the book.
I mean, I feel absolutely BAMBOOZLED by the author quotes on the back of this one. They throw around things like:
"intelligent, disquieting and seeping with originality"
"unparalleled writing"
"mind-bender of sci-fi terror"
"perfect example of how to build suspense"
"the very best kind of horror"
And I'm scratching my head wondering what tf they are on about.
Because instead of focusing on the smart house and the sci-fi horror elements, BETA is more about the romantic relationships of its protagonists, which absolutely baffles my mind. I did NOT expect to spend the vast majority of this book going on dates, messaging on FB, talking to people about romantic relationships (current and past), reminiscing about exes, reliving flashback scenes with exes, and exploring feelings. ugh
It was painful. Truly and utterly painful!
And speaking of painful... this should have been a novella. Instead of world building or character work or even plot development, the author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing every little unimportant and mundane thing you could imagine. I mean, this narrative is so stretched thin, it's really hanging on by a thread.
I think there's probably 100 to 150 pages of actual story here, but it's so bloated and over-written that the final page count ends up at an astonishing 359 pages.
If this book had an editor, I'd be shocked. Because between the romantic relationships and the obsession with mundane tasks, this book seems to be doing everything it can to avoid talking about the smart house or anything sci-fi horror related.
Just one example of an unnecessary, mundane scene is one where the protagonist is at a Barnes & Noble cafe. We get details on what it smells and sounds like there, what the guy is wearing, what he brought with him, even exactly where he placed his phone in front of him as he sits down to be a self-admitted stereotypical writer. His mother, who I don't think was mentioned previous to this, shows up and spends SIX ENTIRE PAGES telling her son about a recent blind date.
No joke, we hear about how Blind Date Dude was the hot guy at the office that all the girls drooled over, even though he was married at the time. They meet at Red Horse for dinner at 7pm. He texts ahead to say he's running 10 minutes late. Omg what a surprise that he's Doris' brother and he's single now!!
Now riddle me this. Wait, first look at the cover of this book. Peep the subtitle. NOW riddle me this...
Why on God's green earth am I reading about some "hot" old dude who's, "... definitely more Don Knotts than Don Draper" when he's not even a character that ever shows up again outside of this one scene?? Neither does mother for that matter!
And can someone tell me why, oh why, this author is so obsessed with romantic relationships that he's telling me about not just the central character's, but now the central character's MOTHER'S dating life. Wtf??
Like, why are we wasting time on this nonsense when there's supposed to be an evil smart house out here??? I mean. This book is called BETA: A Technological Nightmare... and then THERE'S NOT A LOT OF TECH OR NIGHTMARES.
Like I said, I've been bamboozled!!
I'm stunned at the lack of horror or even suspense and dread in this book. I'm pretty sure I cleared the halfway mark before anything that stank even remotely of horror arrived, and it had nothing to do with the smart house!! Because there aren't even that many scenes that take place in it!
Also, there's a twist here that seemed to think it was clever and slick, but it just made the story convoluted and confusing. I'm not here to spoil anything, so that's all I will say about that.
I'm rating Sammy Scott's BETA 2 out of 5 stars. I do need to say that I think there are good bones here and I'd try more by the author.
BETA isn't the worst indie "horror" book I've read, but it might be one of the most disappointing. I heard so many good things about this and to have praise from the likes of Jonathan Edward Durham, Andrew Van Wey, and Nick Roberts on the cover had me impressed.
After reading the book, however, all I am is BAMBOOZLED in every sense of the word.
First of all, this is not the sci-fi horror story it's pitched to be. BETA is more of a semi-psychological drama with a sprinkle of one, singular sci-fi element that isn't explained well or explored deeply. Despite what the cover or the back of the book might insinuate, the smart house isn't really the focus of this narrative for a good, like, 75% of the book.
I mean, I feel absolutely BAMBOOZLED by the author quotes on the back of this one. They throw around things like:
"intelligent, disquieting and seeping with originality"
"unparalleled writing"
"mind-bender of sci-fi terror"
"perfect example of how to build suspense"
"the very best kind of horror"
And I'm scratching my head wondering what tf they are on about.
Because instead of focusing on the smart house and the sci-fi horror elements, BETA is more about the romantic relationships of its protagonists, which absolutely baffles my mind. I did NOT expect to spend the vast majority of this book going on dates, messaging on FB, talking to people about romantic relationships (current and past), reminiscing about exes, reliving flashback scenes with exes, and exploring feelings. ugh
It was painful. Truly and utterly painful!
And speaking of painful... this should have been a novella. Instead of world building or character work or even plot development, the author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing every little unimportant and mundane thing you could imagine. I mean, this narrative is so stretched thin, it's really hanging on by a thread.
I think there's probably 100 to 150 pages of actual story here, but it's so bloated and over-written that the final page count ends up at an astonishing 359 pages.
If this book had an editor, I'd be shocked. Because between the romantic relationships and the obsession with mundane tasks, this book seems to be doing everything it can to avoid talking about the smart house or anything sci-fi horror related.
Just one example of an unnecessary, mundane scene is one where the protagonist is at a Barnes & Noble cafe. We get details on what it smells and sounds like there, what the guy is wearing, what he brought with him, even exactly where he placed his phone in front of him as he sits down to be a self-admitted stereotypical writer. His mother, who I don't think was mentioned previous to this, shows up and spends SIX ENTIRE PAGES telling her son about a recent blind date.
No joke, we hear about how Blind Date Dude was the hot guy at the office that all the girls drooled over, even though he was married at the time. They meet at Red Horse for dinner at 7pm. He texts ahead to say he's running 10 minutes late. Omg what a surprise that he's Doris' brother and he's single now!!
Now riddle me this. Wait, first look at the cover of this book. Peep the subtitle. NOW riddle me this...
Why on God's green earth am I reading about some "hot" old dude who's, "... definitely more Don Knotts than Don Draper" when he's not even a character that ever shows up again outside of this one scene?? Neither does mother for that matter!
And can someone tell me why, oh why, this author is so obsessed with romantic relationships that he's telling me about not just the central character's, but now the central character's MOTHER'S dating life. Wtf??
Like, why are we wasting time on this nonsense when there's supposed to be an evil smart house out here??? I mean. This book is called BETA: A Technological Nightmare... and then THERE'S NOT A LOT OF TECH OR NIGHTMARES.
Like I said, I've been bamboozled!!
I'm stunned at the lack of horror or even suspense and dread in this book. I'm pretty sure I cleared the halfway mark before anything that stank even remotely of horror arrived, and it had nothing to do with the smart house!! Because there aren't even that many scenes that take place in it!
Also, there's a twist here that seemed to think it was clever and slick, but it just made the story convoluted and confusing. I'm not here to spoil anything, so that's all I will say about that.
I'm rating Sammy Scott's BETA 2 out of 5 stars. I do need to say that I think there are good bones here and I'd try more by the author.
BETA isn't the worst indie "horror" book I've read, but it might be one of the most disappointing. I heard so many good things about this and to have praise from the likes of Jonathan Edward Durham, Andrew Van Wey, and Nick Roberts on the cover had me impressed.
After reading the book, however, all I am is BAMBOOZLED in every sense of the word.
October 18, 2023
3.5 rating. I was hoping for more horror.
February 13, 2024
I really didn't expect that I would like this one as much as I did but Scott's writing style is just really engaging and I really didn't see time fly. That ending was fantastic too. No notes!
May 12, 2024
Awesome book, had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I read it. I literally could not put this book down.
November 19, 2023
if this book is on your tbr, PLEASE don't make the same mistake I did by waiting to read this masterpiece. as a true fan of horror this was a new subgenre I hadn't really explored yet which is why i took so long. but WOW. Sammy Scott is a magician with words and i am so excited to continue to read whatever else he publishes!!!
May 27, 2024
BETA by Sammy Scott. What a brilliant book. The concept of two parallel stories chugging along. The first being about the writer, Michael Danvers, accepting an offer to live in a secluded, AI-controlled, automated house, the first of its kind — a Beta test house, if you will — for a handful of months. In what seemed like a writer’s paradise slowly evolves into a technological prison. The second story finds us following Dylan, a writer whose debut novel and is about to put him over the top. Then he meets Charlie, a bookstore employee that takes a shining to Dylan, a Glenn Close-type of attraction. What’s the premise of Dylan’s hit book? An author that accepts an offer to go live in a Beta-house controlled by AI technology.
BETA starts off as a slow buildup, as you try to figure out where Scott is heading with the story. While he’s slowly peeling back layer after layer, revealing what’s around each corner of the duel stories, you’re constantly guessing where the two are going to collide and what it all means. Before you figure it out, be prepared to run the gamut of emotions — dread, anxiety, rage, shock, terror, and awe. As I said in the beginning, BETA is brilliant. I can’t recommend it enough.
5 Protein Shakes out of 5
BETA starts off as a slow buildup, as you try to figure out where Scott is heading with the story. While he’s slowly peeling back layer after layer, revealing what’s around each corner of the duel stories, you’re constantly guessing where the two are going to collide and what it all means. Before you figure it out, be prepared to run the gamut of emotions — dread, anxiety, rage, shock, terror, and awe. As I said in the beginning, BETA is brilliant. I can’t recommend it enough.
5 Protein Shakes out of 5
April 27, 2024
Now THAT was an awesome ride! What a trip!!
August 13, 2024
What a crazy tale! And I mean crazy... good! This book had me wondering all along. The alternating between Michael's and Dylan's POV gripped me. I needed to see how the stories would merge...
Clearly, I didn't anticipate anything of the sort, my emotions in shambles. I felt the trap closing in, I felt the tension, the helplessness and the hopelessness of the characters. I became frantic by the ending, and what an ending!! The author did an amazing job, his writing conveyed the feelings in an immersive and palpable fashion.
Remarkably build, jaw-dropping scenario.
Clearly, I didn't anticipate anything of the sort, my emotions in shambles. I felt the trap closing in, I felt the tension, the helplessness and the hopelessness of the characters. I became frantic by the ending, and what an ending!! The author did an amazing job, his writing conveyed the feelings in an immersive and palpable fashion.
Remarkably build, jaw-dropping scenario.
May 15, 2024
Wow!!!! Sammy Scott absolutely hit the nail on the head with this novel. I was absolutely enthralled with this read. I could tell pretty early on where some of it was going, but it still had enough mystery to keep me wanting more and more!!
Fantastic novel, this will be a heavy hitter for the brawl this year for sure.
Fantastic novel, this will be a heavy hitter for the brawl this year for sure.
September 8, 2023
Here’s a play by play of me reading this story:
First 1/4: “huh?”
Second 1/4: “HUH?!?”
Third 1/4: “WHAT?!??” Proceeds to stay up way too late to keep reading.
Last 1/4: “Nooooooo! Omg what is this?!? My mind can’t handle it!!!!”
Sooo to sum it up: you have to read this story. It will mess you up.
At first I was a little confused about what was happening, but my confusion quickly turned to awe and dread as the tale proceeded. This is absolutely a scary, nightmare story, the end stabbed me in the heart and my ghost is writing this review. 👻
First 1/4: “huh?”
Second 1/4: “HUH?!?”
Third 1/4: “WHAT?!??” Proceeds to stay up way too late to keep reading.
Last 1/4: “Nooooooo! Omg what is this?!? My mind can’t handle it!!!!”
Sooo to sum it up: you have to read this story. It will mess you up.
At first I was a little confused about what was happening, but my confusion quickly turned to awe and dread as the tale proceeded. This is absolutely a scary, nightmare story, the end stabbed me in the heart and my ghost is writing this review. 👻
July 26, 2023
Fans of his short story work already know Sammy Scott is the real deal. BETA further cements that and will have readers trying to figure out how the pieces fit together while the suspense builds page by page. Not only did this book have one of the best endings in recent memory, but there were multiple mind-blowing scenes that I’m still thinking about weeks after reading. BETA will be on many readers top reads of the year list. Buckle up
September 4, 2023
If you read one only book this year- I enthusiastically recommend Beta by Sammy Scott. This book is the best horror sci fi book I have ever read and is also now in my top 5 books of all time. Picture this… a home fully powered by AI where your every need is met and you are living in the lap of luxury in a beautiful idyllic setting. Then picture this… everything goes to hell and then some. Now what are you waiting for? Go get this book on Amazon!
**unplugs Alexa and disables Siri**
**unplugs Alexa and disables Siri**
September 11, 2023
in my previous review, i expressed my fondness for narratives that delve into stories within stories, and this book pleasantly surprised me by embracing that very concept🙌 i also loved subtle references to author's previous book woven into this one. i must admit, it did have a bit of a slow start, which is why i've given it four stars, but the overall concept was absolutely wild and the apt comparison to the thought-provoking nature of black mirror is spot on!
September 5, 2023
I 💚 when AI goes bad.
April 13, 2024
For starters, let me say that I expected a bit more horror... and some parts were somewhat predictable, and I knew where the storyline was heading due to the cleverly scattered clues. But still, despite these minor drawbacks, I think the writing is genius!!! I really liked the format, the book-within-a-book aspect of it, and how one story intertwines with the other. Definitely worth checking out this author. Both of his books are awesome and did not disappoint.
January 27, 2025
A Technological Nightmare Indeed
I enjoyed “BETA” and the way Sammy Scott blended two separate but closely intertwined storylines throughout the book. I was intrigued by the whole AI smart house gone bad premise but was surprised that almost 70% of the book focused on an unsettling relationship. However, I was completely engaged by the writing style and the extensive character building did add to the ultimate ending of the story. I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
I enjoyed “BETA” and the way Sammy Scott blended two separate but closely intertwined storylines throughout the book. I was intrigued by the whole AI smart house gone bad premise but was surprised that almost 70% of the book focused on an unsettling relationship. However, I was completely engaged by the writing style and the extensive character building did add to the ultimate ending of the story. I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
August 26, 2025
Such a fun book. It’s like adult Smart House. I really liked it. Some parts were a bit predictable, but a wild ride nonetheless and kept me locked in the whole way.
November 17, 2023
WOW that blew my mind! Unexpected twists and very well written. I highly recommend.
July 27, 2023
Wow! I was fortunate to get the opportunity to beta read Sammy Scott’s newest technological horror novel, BETA. I took my time reading this one and mulling over the chapters to make sure that I caught every little detail that I could. I would go back a few chapters and reread to be sure I was making all the connections. This is one of those stories that you can’t put down because you know it all seems too good to be true. There is a horror brewing that you can’t quite put your finger on.
This horror/psychological thriller/Sci fi novel will grab you from the beginning. You’ll follow two different story lines, both equally entertaining. You will never expect them to intertwine like they do as the story unfolds.
As I read the first half, I found myself invested in the characters and the settings. Sammy is so descriptive that you feel absolutely immersed as if you are right there experiencing it firsthand. You’ll feel happiness, sadness, love, and loss.
Throughout the second half, I found myself on the edge of my seat, in awe of the technology, hiding from my family so they would not disturb me. I had generated all sorts of outcomes in my head but did not expect the twists and turns that were to come.
Sammy really makes you think about the power that artificial intelligence can possess. Something far greater than even our minds can conceive. If someone asked me if I was a sci fi reader, I’d have said no but I do believe Sammy may have changed that. It is hard to give this one a good review without giving out important details that you really need to read yourself.
This novel will be released in September and you won’t be disappointed! I cannot wait for the release so that we can discuss it more in depth together. I don’t know how long I can hold it in without exploding! Thank you for this opportunity, Sammy Scott.
This horror/psychological thriller/Sci fi novel will grab you from the beginning. You’ll follow two different story lines, both equally entertaining. You will never expect them to intertwine like they do as the story unfolds.
As I read the first half, I found myself invested in the characters and the settings. Sammy is so descriptive that you feel absolutely immersed as if you are right there experiencing it firsthand. You’ll feel happiness, sadness, love, and loss.
Throughout the second half, I found myself on the edge of my seat, in awe of the technology, hiding from my family so they would not disturb me. I had generated all sorts of outcomes in my head but did not expect the twists and turns that were to come.
Sammy really makes you think about the power that artificial intelligence can possess. Something far greater than even our minds can conceive. If someone asked me if I was a sci fi reader, I’d have said no but I do believe Sammy may have changed that. It is hard to give this one a good review without giving out important details that you really need to read yourself.
This novel will be released in September and you won’t be disappointed! I cannot wait for the release so that we can discuss it more in depth together. I don’t know how long I can hold it in without exploding! Thank you for this opportunity, Sammy Scott.
January 1, 2025
Prvih 50% je dosadno opisivanje sterilno bijele kuće i robot(ića) koji sve rade za tebe. Drugi 50% kada Al poludi i postane zao je ok, ali i dalje nedovoljno za "waoooo amazing" efekt.
October 11, 2023
Wow, Sammy Smith!!! Bravo! Well deserved 4.5 ⭐️!
The author did a fantastic job with this sci-fi horror novel. I find myself really enjoying this type of trope within the horror/thriller genre.
This story is told from 2 POV’s. Dylan and Michael. Dylan is introduced to us as a new successful breakout author. The author of his first novel, Beta. One day, Dylan runs into a bookstore clerk, Charlie, as he’s curious to witness his very own work on the shelves. But Charlie is not your average reader. She’s a one-sided grand ‘ol psychopath.
Michael is given the chance of a lifetime, to test out a smart home. AI at its finest. He is offered to test the Beta house out for just a small period and he will be rewarded. However, the house has other plans. Get my drift?
The beginning has a slow start as we are presented with these characters, hence, character development. We are getting to know what the driving forces are for these two men. Twenty five % in and it really kicks off. I found myself rooting for both of these guys, even with all their defects of character.
Beta is definitely a suspenseful read, one you just can’t put down! I think Scott put a few nice little twists that I didn’t see coming. I think this author is certainly going somewhere. I look forward to reading his future work.
This book came recommended from the Facebook group, Books of Horror. Without the group, I never would have had this opportunity of devine terror. This is psychologically thrilling without all that extreme violence in play. Thank gawd.
Definitely recommend! 4.5 ⭐️
The author did a fantastic job with this sci-fi horror novel. I find myself really enjoying this type of trope within the horror/thriller genre.
This story is told from 2 POV’s. Dylan and Michael. Dylan is introduced to us as a new successful breakout author. The author of his first novel, Beta. One day, Dylan runs into a bookstore clerk, Charlie, as he’s curious to witness his very own work on the shelves. But Charlie is not your average reader. She’s a one-sided grand ‘ol psychopath.
Michael is given the chance of a lifetime, to test out a smart home. AI at its finest. He is offered to test the Beta house out for just a small period and he will be rewarded. However, the house has other plans. Get my drift?
The beginning has a slow start as we are presented with these characters, hence, character development. We are getting to know what the driving forces are for these two men. Twenty five % in and it really kicks off. I found myself rooting for both of these guys, even with all their defects of character.
Beta is definitely a suspenseful read, one you just can’t put down! I think Scott put a few nice little twists that I didn’t see coming. I think this author is certainly going somewhere. I look forward to reading his future work.
This book came recommended from the Facebook group, Books of Horror. Without the group, I never would have had this opportunity of devine terror. This is psychologically thrilling without all that extreme violence in play. Thank gawd.
Definitely recommend! 4.5 ⭐️
March 16, 2024
I got up at 3:21 am today completely unable to sleep any longer. So I pulled up the trusty Kindle app on my phone, dimmed the light for my snoring husband, and read for 2 1/2 hours. I’ve been in a daze since. (Two hours have passed) And so now I want to review it but I find myself just dumbstruck. That ending. 🤕 The whole thing… just wow. I will be writing a much longer review soon, once I’ve decided exactly how I feel. But right now, I’m just going to soak in the melancholy, the wow, the heavy despair at an ending wrapped up so nicely you’d almost thinks it’s going to be a HEA but it’s not and there’s so much I didn’t see coming and so much I still just didn’t see coming… what a trip! The most claustrophobic, anxiety-inducing, nerve-grating book I’ve read. Brilliant.
July 11, 2024
BETA
Sammy Scott
5/5 Stars
Trapped, in a smart home, SOLD
Sorry, I get real excited about books like this.
I work IT, so this is something that lingers in the back of my head, I LOVE tech but…I don’t trust it.
You will never find a printer in my home.
I hate that I hadn’t found this sooner, because its absolutely phenomenal, and I cant wait to see what else Sammy churns out, with an imagination like this, I am now a fan.
The last time I read a book that made me side eye normal everyday objects, it was about 5 years of my life after watching and reading Maximum Overdrive by Stephen King.
So congratz Sammy, I’m going to need some therapy again lol.
Sammy Scott
5/5 Stars
Trapped, in a smart home, SOLD
Sorry, I get real excited about books like this.
I work IT, so this is something that lingers in the back of my head, I LOVE tech but…I don’t trust it.
You will never find a printer in my home.
I hate that I hadn’t found this sooner, because its absolutely phenomenal, and I cant wait to see what else Sammy churns out, with an imagination like this, I am now a fan.
The last time I read a book that made me side eye normal everyday objects, it was about 5 years of my life after watching and reading Maximum Overdrive by Stephen King.
So congratz Sammy, I’m going to need some therapy again lol.
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