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Jenny Trapdoor
During the prador-human war the Dark Intelligence, the AI Penny Royal, fractured and went rogue. The manipulations of this insane and incredibly dangerous intelligence were grotesque. It granted wishes that were deals with the devil, and transformed its victims into chimeras of the technological and the organic. Hunted throughout the war and beyond, it finally found redemption and apotheosis, as it moved itself beyond time.
Though Jenny is terrified of the trapdoor spider that has taken up residence in her ship, the arrival of the war in her home system soon dismisses it from her mind. But the spider returns in a way she could never have conceived. . .
Though Jenny is terrified of the trapdoor spider that has taken up residence in her ship, the arrival of the war in her home system soon dismisses it from her mind. But the spider returns in a way she could never have conceived. . .
- GenresScience Fiction
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2023
108 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Neal Asher
139 books3,065 followersI’ve been an engineer, barman, skip lorry driver, coalman, boat window manufacturer, contract grass cutter and builder. Now I write science fiction books, and am slowly getting over the feeling that someone is going to find me out, and can call myself a writer without wincing and ducking my head. As professions go, I prefer this one: I don’t have to clock-in, change my clothes after work, nor scrub sensitive parts of my body with detergent. I think I’ll hang around.
Source: http://www.blogger.com/profile/139339...
Source: http://www.blogger.com/profile/139339...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 1, 2024
Itsy Bitsy Spider
I love reading stories about the Prador and the war, and seeing the conflict from different perspectives. Stories about the dark intelligence Penny Royal fall within the same sphere of interest.
The story jumps back and forth, and only near the end do you understand the scope of time passing between the two parts. I read it quickly as the final book of 2023, and because it’s a novella, the format was perfect.
I’d love to read more about the survivors of Penny Royal. Maybe they could fly into the sunset and go on fresh adventures like the ragtag crew of Serenity (Firefly)?
I love reading stories about the Prador and the war, and seeing the conflict from different perspectives. Stories about the dark intelligence Penny Royal fall within the same sphere of interest.
The story jumps back and forth, and only near the end do you understand the scope of time passing between the two parts. I read it quickly as the final book of 2023, and because it’s a novella, the format was perfect.
I’d love to read more about the survivors of Penny Royal. Maybe they could fly into the sunset and go on fresh adventures like the ragtag crew of Serenity (Firefly)?
February 8, 2024
An excellent tale that adds another layer to The Polity universe. However THE KINDLE VERSION IS RIDDLED WITH ERRORS!!! I have reported over 20 and likely missed a fair few more.
April 2, 2025
Pretty good, apart from the time jumps. I hate non-linear story telling
February 16, 2024
A return to form (for me, at least) for Asher with this book. Found the characters much more enjoyable (loved Jenny) and the story was just more fun than the past few... not so much with the battle, respite, more of the same battles of the last few novels and more one with a central mystery/question you want to see resolved.
November 11, 2025
You might want to avoid this novella if you are scared of spiders.
Masterfully told tale of a young woman who is scared of spiders who is then embedded into a metal spider bot and given a "hunger" to hunt and kill prador and then dropped onto a prador world. The tale is told back and forth between times, now and various points in the past. However there is no notification that this is happening, instead you're supposed to figure it out as you go along. I guess that's kind of a spoiler but I prefer giving people a heads up so they don't get so confused they give up reading. Whenever there is a couple of empty lines between paragraphs that is your clue that you're about to change to a different time. Ah, I don't want to be misunderstood: there is no time travel but sections of the story are told out of order as per the standard linear tale, that's all I mean by change of time.
Our main character, Jenny, is rescued and then subjected to a bizarre experiment by a metal and crystal creature that has been both bad guy and good guy. And one of my favorite character's in Asher's tale of humans and AIs against the Prador aliens.
Short but sweet, as they say. A tale well told. OH, and told in the 3rd person.
Masterfully told tale of a young woman who is scared of spiders who is then embedded into a metal spider bot and given a "hunger" to hunt and kill prador and then dropped onto a prador world. The tale is told back and forth between times, now and various points in the past. However there is no notification that this is happening, instead you're supposed to figure it out as you go along. I guess that's kind of a spoiler but I prefer giving people a heads up so they don't get so confused they give up reading. Whenever there is a couple of empty lines between paragraphs that is your clue that you're about to change to a different time. Ah, I don't want to be misunderstood: there is no time travel but sections of the story are told out of order as per the standard linear tale, that's all I mean by change of time.
Our main character, Jenny, is rescued and then subjected to a bizarre experiment by a metal and crystal creature that has been both bad guy and good guy. And one of my favorite character's in Asher's tale of humans and AIs against the Prador aliens.
Short but sweet, as they say. A tale well told. OH, and told in the 3rd person.
July 27, 2024
This book was so frustrating. It was so absolutely annoying to me. Not only were there many typos throughout the work, improper sentence structures, and a confusion of active and passive voice, there was a frustrating amount of action with no meaning behind it. Every time an action sequence would occur, it would leave me disappointed. Action is meant to be experienced and enjoyed, with the reader feeling themselves in the center of the action (in this book's case, at least, as the protagonist is very action oriented). When there would be missiles exploding, neutron bombs quaking the ground, it would simply read as if the protagonist failed their latest sudoku match.
An annoying part of this story is how I felt continually reminded that someone else just did it better. I am not one to bash writing because of there being better prose, but I feel that the creativity that is shown in this story could be outright repurposed from other stories I've read. The Children of Time series has a cast of very strong characters with very unique powers and perspectives, and I suddenly kept finding myself meeting those characters throughout this story, as well. In order to reduce spoilers, I will not go on. However, seeing as this book was released last year compared to Children of Time's 2015 release date, it is very very possible.
The concepts presented in this book are minimal. In fact, the joy of this book is not to be found in any exploration of science or abilities or cognition. Rather, it is a space opera vieled behind our protagonist's limited viewpoint of it. I am not one to enjoy space opera (perhaps unfortunately), but its elements in this book were the most appreciated parts for me. This is because, once again, the action felt meaningless. The character meant nothing when repeatedly compared to the overall war occurring, and even at the end of the book, when one would appreciate success, instead you are met with other characters from this author's extended universe.
This is perhaps the most frustrating part for me, as this book is not advertised to be part of a series, yet repeatedly makes references to objects, people, places, and history without truly describing any part of it. The antagonists are oversized crabs, but I did not learn this until near the end of the book through naturally reading it. Before then, I had to rely on Google searches and descriptions from Neal Asher's website. If a book like this is meant to stand on its own, it should be digestible on its own, as well. The characters at the end of the story are a wonderful example as well, because over and over again the protagonist meets new characters without really interacting with them, instead just mentioning them narratively as a sort of "cameo". Their purpose is nothing beyond that, in fact, and most of these characters actually lack any description at all beyond "multiple legged."
I KNOW I should be understanding what's happening, but it's simply impossible without reading Neal Asher's other 15 or so books first. After this, I don't intend on reading them. If I do, it'll obviously have to be from the very start.
An annoying part of this story is how I felt continually reminded that someone else just did it better. I am not one to bash writing because of there being better prose, but I feel that the creativity that is shown in this story could be outright repurposed from other stories I've read. The Children of Time series has a cast of very strong characters with very unique powers and perspectives, and I suddenly kept finding myself meeting those characters throughout this story, as well. In order to reduce spoilers, I will not go on. However, seeing as this book was released last year compared to Children of Time's 2015 release date, it is very very possible.
The concepts presented in this book are minimal. In fact, the joy of this book is not to be found in any exploration of science or abilities or cognition. Rather, it is a space opera vieled behind our protagonist's limited viewpoint of it. I am not one to enjoy space opera (perhaps unfortunately), but its elements in this book were the most appreciated parts for me. This is because, once again, the action felt meaningless. The character meant nothing when repeatedly compared to the overall war occurring, and even at the end of the book, when one would appreciate success, instead you are met with other characters from this author's extended universe.
This is perhaps the most frustrating part for me, as this book is not advertised to be part of a series, yet repeatedly makes references to objects, people, places, and history without truly describing any part of it. The antagonists are oversized crabs, but I did not learn this until near the end of the book through naturally reading it. Before then, I had to rely on Google searches and descriptions from Neal Asher's website. If a book like this is meant to stand on its own, it should be digestible on its own, as well. The characters at the end of the story are a wonderful example as well, because over and over again the protagonist meets new characters without really interacting with them, instead just mentioning them narratively as a sort of "cameo". Their purpose is nothing beyond that, in fact, and most of these characters actually lack any description at all beyond "multiple legged."
I KNOW I should be understanding what's happening, but it's simply impossible without reading Neal Asher's other 15 or so books first. After this, I don't intend on reading them. If I do, it'll obviously have to be from the very start.
February 11, 2024
spectacular book all Neil Asher from beginning to end
spectacular book all Neil Asher from beginning to end
It didn’t break any amazing new ground, but it used all the elements of the universe Asher has created knitting a splendid story together, and bringing closure to some stories lines and many hints about all the penny royal God games pennyroyal had played out.
I look forward to other works in this universe and others that he has created. Neil Asher.
lovely, lovely lovely
spectacular book all Neil Asher from beginning to end
It didn’t break any amazing new ground, but it used all the elements of the universe Asher has created knitting a splendid story together, and bringing closure to some stories lines and many hints about all the penny royal God games pennyroyal had played out.
I look forward to other works in this universe and others that he has created. Neil Asher.
lovely, lovely lovely
January 9, 2024
Nice novella drawing in more intricate threads from across the polity universe adding to the complex tapestry of tales and stories woven from Neal Asher's mind. It was great to find this gem drawing on the redemption theme of the "Dark Intelligence", Penny Royal. It was nicely paced and opened the door for more related stories to come from this motley crew of Penny Royal Chimera's and their mission to seek out and save their brethren.
January 2, 2024
Always a pleasure to spend a few hours in Neal’s universe with Penny Royal, Factory 101 and the cybernetic misfits created by the rogue AI! For all the hard SF action it is basically a story of redemption and second chances. Very well done and quite moving as well.
September 12, 2024
BRILLIANT, Asher as always
Love his writing style. Have read all of his books and hope for a lot more. I really dont think there is amy other writer that can top his drama, caracters and world building.
Love his writing style. Have read all of his books and hope for a lot more. I really dont think there is amy other writer that can top his drama, caracters and world building.
January 17, 2024
A very nice piece of work - and loving more historical background details on the Prador War : )
July 10, 2024
I didn't realize when I picked up this book that was a story set in an ongoing series, with seven+ other books of backstory. But, that being said, this book didn't lean too heavily into knowing a lot of that backstory.
It's story set initially at the beginning a war between humans & their AI overlords(?) vs the alien Prador. Our protagonist is Jenny, a cargo ship pilot caught and almost certainly killed in the opening salvo who is 'saved' by an AI ship. The story has some Frankenstein-ian overtones as the AI saves Jenny's life by rebuilding her into someone/thing that can fight back against the Prador.
It's a good quick read. I enjoyed the characters, the world setting, the plot and the way that it was all put together.
I dinged the story one star because the ending felt very abrupt, not exactly a cliff hanger but more like a "wait you're going to end it there?" kind of feeling.
It's story set initially at the beginning a war between humans & their AI overlords(?) vs the alien Prador. Our protagonist is Jenny, a cargo ship pilot caught and almost certainly killed in the opening salvo who is 'saved' by an AI ship. The story has some Frankenstein-ian overtones as the AI saves Jenny's life by rebuilding her into someone/thing that can fight back against the Prador.
It's a good quick read. I enjoyed the characters, the world setting, the plot and the way that it was all put together.
I dinged the story one star because the ending felt very abrupt, not exactly a cliff hanger but more like a "wait you're going to end it there?" kind of feeling.
December 24, 2024
Another decent traipse into the Polity universe.
A quick novella dealing with the rogue A.I Penny Royal and it's shenanigans.
A woman transformed into a spider and sent to a Prador conquered world where she fights a one woman/spider guerilla warfare until a chance at redemption is presented.
Enjoyed this more than a lot of Asher's god tier protagonists that are unkillable and on a solo crusade to free humanity from some oppressive totalitarian government.
Not as great as Prador Moon but good enough.
Always love the Prador making an appearance, cool tech and high octane action and the body horror of cored humans and Thralls.
A quick novella dealing with the rogue A.I Penny Royal and it's shenanigans.
A woman transformed into a spider and sent to a Prador conquered world where she fights a one woman/spider guerilla warfare until a chance at redemption is presented.
Enjoyed this more than a lot of Asher's god tier protagonists that are unkillable and on a solo crusade to free humanity from some oppressive totalitarian government.
Not as great as Prador Moon but good enough.
Always love the Prador making an appearance, cool tech and high octane action and the body horror of cored humans and Thralls.
April 1, 2024
Jenny
A good read with a load of new information about Penny Royal. As usual, Mr. Asher is a fountain of ideas. Interesting characters are his specialty and his stories about the Polity are a warning and a promise of our future. Humanity is now being warned about the promises, and dangers, of AI. I hope people are listening!
A good read with a load of new information about Penny Royal. As usual, Mr. Asher is a fountain of ideas. Interesting characters are his specialty and his stories about the Polity are a warning and a promise of our future. Humanity is now being warned about the promises, and dangers, of AI. I hope people are listening!
March 31, 2024
Yes!
Another exploration of the Prador Universe.
Using superb POV and back flashes he keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I don't give anything 5 stars but Hugo/Nebula winners.
This is another excellent story by this author.
Thank you Mr. Asher.
Another exploration of the Prador Universe.
Using superb POV and back flashes he keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I don't give anything 5 stars but Hugo/Nebula winners.
This is another excellent story by this author.
Thank you Mr. Asher.
June 7, 2024
Good premise, but really shoddy editing. Lots of spelling mistakes and missing words, as well as unnecessarily convoluted sentences really turned me off. I don't mind paying for a short story, but this is a blatant cash grab from us Asher-starved fans.
Read
May 2, 2025I got a wiff of climate change denialism. First book of Asher’s for me. Now I need to check his politics before going on. Annoying. The story itself was okay. Even though it hits a bit close to Zima Blue…
January 8, 2024
a complete tale
This was a very rewarding novella. Knowledge of the polity universe isn’t necessary to relate to the entirely human story.
This was a very rewarding novella. Knowledge of the polity universe isn’t necessary to relate to the entirely human story.
January 14, 2024
Some good action, weird tech, and disturbing concepts, all par for the course for Asher. It felt a little slow in places, a bit bogged down in nuts-and-bolts technical description, and I felt it could have been even tighter, maybe short story rather than novella length. Heavy on the body horror and sci-fi pyrotechnics, light on character, but enjoyable nonetheless. I’m liking Asher’s shorter stuff, particularly his self-published novellas and stories, more than his trad published novels these days. Your mileage may vary.
February 8, 2024
I love any background stories to the Polity Universe, esp. for the Prador War era. Loved this!
March 2, 2024
Great little novela
I enjoyed the narrative is not so bloody and technical like Jack 4 and the story is nicely developed and rounded
I enjoyed the narrative is not so bloody and technical like Jack 4 and the story is nicely developed and rounded
April 17, 2024
That was fast-paced and fun! It’s been a while since we visited the Polity universe, and it turns out to be just as incredible as I remember.
June 26, 2024
'| am Penny Royal, and I am everything,'
December 7, 2024
Jenny Trapdoor by Neal Asher was amusing. It needs some serious editing, lots of grammatical errors which made it somewhat uneven.
March 20, 2025
An entertaining book showcasing an intersesting setting and concepts, however the end feels really bland and lackluster.
April 2, 2025
It's a great story, writing quality isn't quite up to Asher's usual standard and he does overdo the flashbacks a bit, but otherwise a solid story.
July 3, 2025
Another take on Penny Royal, in the form of one of his victims/creations. This horrific take on an otherwise abundant universe offers many opportunities for stories such as this.
January 6, 2026
Classic Asher. Fast-paced, dark and a whole lot of fun.
May 27, 2025
It is a solid entrance in the universe with all the typical bits we like.
It reads a lot like fan service, but then again as I fan I am ok with it.
This is vastly better than Jack one or War Bodies but I think without the big story plots the latest offerings from the author are considerably lacking over previous books.
The ending was a bit trite, it rushes to an obvious conclusion to give warm fuzzies, which i felt the pacing was a bit off. We have most of the story a internal monologue of Jenny, then suddenly the world gets expanded then the story ends.
It reads a lot like fan service, but then again as I fan I am ok with it.
This is vastly better than Jack one or War Bodies but I think without the big story plots the latest offerings from the author are considerably lacking over previous books.
The ending was a bit trite, it rushes to an obvious conclusion to give warm fuzzies, which i felt the pacing was a bit off. We have most of the story a internal monologue of Jenny, then suddenly the world gets expanded then the story ends.
January 15, 2025
Все истории про Пенни Ройал крутые. И эта крутая.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews