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Leviticus
Science has created a world where anything is possible and everything is affordable.
A world where illness and disease have been eradicated.
What if you could be young forever?
What if you didn't want to?
Levi Clayton Furstman's decision not to be inoculated with technology designed to bestow youth and immortality leads him on a journey that forces him to reexamine his relationships, his purpose in life, and, ultimately, what it means to be human.
A world where illness and disease have been eradicated.
What if you could be young forever?
What if you didn't want to?
Levi Clayton Furstman's decision not to be inoculated with technology designed to bestow youth and immortality leads him on a journey that forces him to reexamine his relationships, his purpose in life, and, ultimately, what it means to be human.
- GenresDystopia
263 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2013
1 person is currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Seltzer
9 books1 followerDaniel Seltzer holds a J.D. degree and a BA in English. He also holds an MA in Bioethics and previously worked at a major university researching the ethical, legal and social implications (“ELSI”) of nanotechnology. It was while working there that the idea for this story first took shape.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 20, 2014
Technology, scientific research, medical advancements, we see it grow and become more “futuristic” every day. Haven’t you commented on nothing being private anymore? I have. Technology is costing jobs, when it performs better than a human; lives are lengthened with new medical technology, where will it take us? How will it change us? Will we lose our humanity, our ability to take risks, rationalize or think for ourselves? One man, Clay, refuses to bow to all of the techno improvements; all around him people stay young while he ages. He questions if this is right, if his every move needs to be recorded, but is he alone or is there an underground movement, off the grid that is seeking to right the wrongs of technology? Take a frightening and bleak look at the possibilities in Daniel Seltzer’s Leviticus.
In the very near future, all of the technological advances have come to fruition; people are implanted with a microchip that connects them to nearly limitless information. Nanobots make even a tear in a shirt repair itself immediately. Will people buy less? Will the consumer market fall the way of other, once viable areas of life? Will people have jobs at all? Will governments collapse?
Daniel Seltzer combines present day issues and places them in the near future, the most heinous of war crimes, the small-mindedness of the masses, and fact that cancer has not been eradicated as yet, but people have become puppets to the powerful “Big Brother.” His writing is crisply detailed and many of his characters come to life intentionally as almost being two dimensional, save for the main character and those who impact his life. The story doesn’t stop with the last page, as your mind is left reeling with the “what-ifs” and the fear that this is, although a well written piece of fiction, a possible mirror into the future. How far, you ask? Ten years.
Leviticus is not for the faint of heart, it is dark, feels ominous, but for those who love an intriguing look into an overpowering and dystopian world, you will be more than satisfied. A powerful, thought-provoking read. My rating reflects the author's ability to make me ponder the future possibilities.
I received a copy of Leviticus from the author as part of the Leviticus Tour & Giveaway currently at Tome Tender.
Publication Date: August 29, 2013
Publisher: Two Cents Plain Publishing Company
ISBN: 0989804518
Genre: Adult Science Fiction
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In the very near future, all of the technological advances have come to fruition; people are implanted with a microchip that connects them to nearly limitless information. Nanobots make even a tear in a shirt repair itself immediately. Will people buy less? Will the consumer market fall the way of other, once viable areas of life? Will people have jobs at all? Will governments collapse?
Daniel Seltzer combines present day issues and places them in the near future, the most heinous of war crimes, the small-mindedness of the masses, and fact that cancer has not been eradicated as yet, but people have become puppets to the powerful “Big Brother.” His writing is crisply detailed and many of his characters come to life intentionally as almost being two dimensional, save for the main character and those who impact his life. The story doesn’t stop with the last page, as your mind is left reeling with the “what-ifs” and the fear that this is, although a well written piece of fiction, a possible mirror into the future. How far, you ask? Ten years.
Leviticus is not for the faint of heart, it is dark, feels ominous, but for those who love an intriguing look into an overpowering and dystopian world, you will be more than satisfied. A powerful, thought-provoking read. My rating reflects the author's ability to make me ponder the future possibilities.
I received a copy of Leviticus from the author as part of the Leviticus Tour & Giveaway currently at Tome Tender.
Publication Date: August 29, 2013
Publisher: Two Cents Plain Publishing Company
ISBN: 0989804518
Genre: Adult Science Fiction
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
April 11, 2014
I received an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Such follows:
We are witnessing technological advances in the First World that would boggle the mind were they seen by individuals from even 100 years ago. Microwaves, “moving pictures” in 3D, computers, little computers that have a phone capability (what my hubby calls smart phones), etc. Anthropologists have argued that youth today in First World countries are so different from their grandparents, and even their parents, that anthropologically speaking, they can be considered members of different cultures….and there is one main reason: technology. How far is too far for technological advances?
LONG STORY SHORT
In this book, Seltzer explores the ramifications of living in a society that truly mirrors something we’d see in Star Trek – replicators, nanobots, technological advances to the point that aging has become a moot point…at least in the U.S. Clay Furstman is a man who deeply questions technological advances that most others around him seem so enthralled by…especially when first any books other than math and science disappear, and then all books disappear. Technology rules the day, but only in the U.S.
Beginning with a disturbing flashback from our own history (and one that I remember unfolding on the news), this work plows ahead decades to a dystopian paradisiac future where Apple has basically taken over society with one technological advancement after the next. One advancement in particular practically ends poverty, crime, social injustice, etc....but was it worth it? Seltzer here wrestles with questions regarding the loss of humanity in the face of technological advances that force Clay, the main character, to struggle with mortality, faith, and humanity.
Though this read is super relevant in today's day and age, especially as we witness the hub bub every time a new iPhone comes out, it was not one of my favorite recent reads. A superb plot, interesting characters....and yet it was not as approachable and engaging as I typically like. That being said, my philosophy major husband would love this book if he read fiction.
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 3.
LONG STORY
The Good
Apple. Google. We all know they're going to take over the world eventually.
Okay, so maybe I type that with tongue firmly planted in cheek....but what if it were true?
What if you could have a chip embedded in your head that read notifications, news, and such to you on a regular basis? That blurted out the time if you even wondered what time it was? That recognized everyone you passed by so long as they had a chip as well?
What if you had a device that was very much like replicators from Star Trek? What if nanobots somehow meant that you could live in the prime of your life for the indefinite future?
What if you didn't want any of it?
Clay, the main character, lives in a world where he is the odd guy out. Everyone around him is loving the new technology that unfolds every so often (almost everyone, at least). He is suspicious, especially when he notices that books are becoming harder and harder to come by...unless they are math and science books. "News" contains stuff about celebrities and entertainment, and that's about it....real content is eschewed. Everyone takes advantage of the technology available....but what if doing so robs someone of something that essentially defines them as human? Clay, as someone who is deeply skeptical, is a deep thinker. He ponders. He's read extensively. He's not convinced technology is all it is cracked up to be. Rather, he's kind of certain that technology spells the doom of mankind....or at least of humanity.
Seltzer here examines hard, philosophical questions regarding where our technology is headed. Now, I don't think the technology he talks about is quite realistic (I don't know much about physics, but I'm 90% sure the physics behind some of the things here don't quite work), but nevertheless he brings up superb questions about our use of technology, ethical and moral implications, nationalism, social structures, etc.
On some level, I think we are all counting on technology to be our modern day messiah, to save us from ourselves. Yet there are individuals who are deeply skeptical of technology. Yes and? Both or? How many people ponder about how technology is robbing us of some spark of humanity even as we march ever onward towards the dawn of some sort of paradisiac future (at least in theory)?
Just today and older gentleman told me that his generation reads, while my generation doesn't so much. Is he wrong?
In this book, we find a future that is paradisiac, yes, but also rather dystopian. What freedoms are you willing to forego in the name of technological advancement that could spell immortality (in a sense)? What sinister forces are in play behind technological advances? What will our great grandchildren be furious at us for missing?
Seltzer has creating a superb work that really forces readers to ponder this question: is technology worth it?
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
Now, you may be tempted to think there is something inherently wrong with this book because I gave it a 3 instead of a 5. Not so. It is well-written, well-thought through, internally coherent AND consistent. So what's the problem?
1) Characters sound like each other. My number one pet peeve (well, at least one of my top 3) came to light here as everyone sounded like everyone else as they spoke. Not what they said, but how it was framed. Obviously some of the power-hungry individuals spoke different words than others, but the flow of speech for all was the same. bleh.
2) This is a deeply philosophical, deep thinking kind of book. Now, I enjoy some of these works...but here it was just too much. I don't expect page long paragraphs in a fiction book. Now, this simply speaks more to my preferences than to anything inherently wrong with the book itself. It's perfectly fine for this kind of discourse and such to be in a fiction book. For some reason it just felt a bit over the top for me. That being said, if I could convince my husband to read fiction, I'd have him read this. He's a deep thinking, highly philosophical type and this would be just his cup of tea.
3) As a deep thinking kind of book, I didn't find it very accessible. Now, again, this points to my preferences rather than something that is wrong with the book. Classics are not always very accessible (have you tried reading Robinson Crusoe? I couldn't even finish that one.). I just had a hard time dealing with it here.
4) For the sake of making a point, Seltzer ignored the laws of physics. I grumble a little at this, but not too much bec/ I'm pretty much a wannabe Trekie.
Don't let my nit picking on style detract from your desire to read this book - it is pretty good. Just not really my cup of tea. No author is going to be every reader's cup of tea, that's just a fact.
We are witnessing technological advances in the First World that would boggle the mind were they seen by individuals from even 100 years ago. Microwaves, “moving pictures” in 3D, computers, little computers that have a phone capability (what my hubby calls smart phones), etc. Anthropologists have argued that youth today in First World countries are so different from their grandparents, and even their parents, that anthropologically speaking, they can be considered members of different cultures….and there is one main reason: technology. How far is too far for technological advances?
LONG STORY SHORT
In this book, Seltzer explores the ramifications of living in a society that truly mirrors something we’d see in Star Trek – replicators, nanobots, technological advances to the point that aging has become a moot point…at least in the U.S. Clay Furstman is a man who deeply questions technological advances that most others around him seem so enthralled by…especially when first any books other than math and science disappear, and then all books disappear. Technology rules the day, but only in the U.S.
Beginning with a disturbing flashback from our own history (and one that I remember unfolding on the news), this work plows ahead decades to a dystopian paradisiac future where Apple has basically taken over society with one technological advancement after the next. One advancement in particular practically ends poverty, crime, social injustice, etc....but was it worth it? Seltzer here wrestles with questions regarding the loss of humanity in the face of technological advances that force Clay, the main character, to struggle with mortality, faith, and humanity.
Though this read is super relevant in today's day and age, especially as we witness the hub bub every time a new iPhone comes out, it was not one of my favorite recent reads. A superb plot, interesting characters....and yet it was not as approachable and engaging as I typically like. That being said, my philosophy major husband would love this book if he read fiction.
On an ascending scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 3.
LONG STORY
The Good
Apple. Google. We all know they're going to take over the world eventually.
Okay, so maybe I type that with tongue firmly planted in cheek....but what if it were true?
What if you could have a chip embedded in your head that read notifications, news, and such to you on a regular basis? That blurted out the time if you even wondered what time it was? That recognized everyone you passed by so long as they had a chip as well?
What if you had a device that was very much like replicators from Star Trek? What if nanobots somehow meant that you could live in the prime of your life for the indefinite future?
What if you didn't want any of it?
Clay, the main character, lives in a world where he is the odd guy out. Everyone around him is loving the new technology that unfolds every so often (almost everyone, at least). He is suspicious, especially when he notices that books are becoming harder and harder to come by...unless they are math and science books. "News" contains stuff about celebrities and entertainment, and that's about it....real content is eschewed. Everyone takes advantage of the technology available....but what if doing so robs someone of something that essentially defines them as human? Clay, as someone who is deeply skeptical, is a deep thinker. He ponders. He's read extensively. He's not convinced technology is all it is cracked up to be. Rather, he's kind of certain that technology spells the doom of mankind....or at least of humanity.
Seltzer here examines hard, philosophical questions regarding where our technology is headed. Now, I don't think the technology he talks about is quite realistic (I don't know much about physics, but I'm 90% sure the physics behind some of the things here don't quite work), but nevertheless he brings up superb questions about our use of technology, ethical and moral implications, nationalism, social structures, etc.
On some level, I think we are all counting on technology to be our modern day messiah, to save us from ourselves. Yet there are individuals who are deeply skeptical of technology. Yes and? Both or? How many people ponder about how technology is robbing us of some spark of humanity even as we march ever onward towards the dawn of some sort of paradisiac future (at least in theory)?
Just today and older gentleman told me that his generation reads, while my generation doesn't so much. Is he wrong?
In this book, we find a future that is paradisiac, yes, but also rather dystopian. What freedoms are you willing to forego in the name of technological advancement that could spell immortality (in a sense)? What sinister forces are in play behind technological advances? What will our great grandchildren be furious at us for missing?
Seltzer has creating a superb work that really forces readers to ponder this question: is technology worth it?
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
Now, you may be tempted to think there is something inherently wrong with this book because I gave it a 3 instead of a 5. Not so. It is well-written, well-thought through, internally coherent AND consistent. So what's the problem?
1) Characters sound like each other. My number one pet peeve (well, at least one of my top 3) came to light here as everyone sounded like everyone else as they spoke. Not what they said, but how it was framed. Obviously some of the power-hungry individuals spoke different words than others, but the flow of speech for all was the same. bleh.
2) This is a deeply philosophical, deep thinking kind of book. Now, I enjoy some of these works...but here it was just too much. I don't expect page long paragraphs in a fiction book. Now, this simply speaks more to my preferences than to anything inherently wrong with the book itself. It's perfectly fine for this kind of discourse and such to be in a fiction book. For some reason it just felt a bit over the top for me. That being said, if I could convince my husband to read fiction, I'd have him read this. He's a deep thinking, highly philosophical type and this would be just his cup of tea.
3) As a deep thinking kind of book, I didn't find it very accessible. Now, again, this points to my preferences rather than something that is wrong with the book. Classics are not always very accessible (have you tried reading Robinson Crusoe? I couldn't even finish that one.). I just had a hard time dealing with it here.
4) For the sake of making a point, Seltzer ignored the laws of physics. I grumble a little at this, but not too much bec/ I'm pretty much a wannabe Trekie.
Don't let my nit picking on style detract from your desire to read this book - it is pretty good. Just not really my cup of tea. No author is going to be every reader's cup of tea, that's just a fact.
February 22, 2014
Leviticus Review
This is the second book I’ve read recently about people rebelling against technology that’s supposed to make life more convenient (if much less private). The protagonists in these novels rebel against the status quo, questioning instead of blindly accepting the intrusive technology that everyone else just simply allows.
In this dystopian/sci fi novel, Daniel Seltzer shows the reader a near future in which medical technology has made wonderful advances… but one man, Clay, stops to consider that maybe all these ”improvements” aren’t so great after all. Clay was one of the last iMeme holdouts , but his family finally wears him down. A man out of time, Clay struggles to adapt to the rapidly advancing technology, and then he made an even stranger choice in the eyes of society – given the option to avail himself of medical technology that prevents aging, he declines. Seltzer alternates between past and future, touching on moments in the recent past that relate to Clay’s present and the world he lives in.
The beginning of the book is difficult to read (or it was for me, at least). I don’t mean that it was difficult in terms of bad writing or poor grammar, or that it was difficult in a way that means you shouldn’t bother reading it – because you SHOULD read it. It was difficult because of the subject matter. The horrible ways in which people can sometimes treat other people is much scarier to me than zombies and vampires, and Seltzer’s account of inhumanity against one’s fellow man is based on real events. Horrifying, but in such a way that it SHOULD be read, because it opens your eyes to just how severe and terrible the consequences of judging others based on race or religion can be. As the book progresses, you start to realize also the critical role that one evil person who’s not even at the top of the hierarchy can have in changing the world – on the surface for the better, but in reality quite the opposite.
As a fan of dystopian fiction, I greatly enjoyed this book. Seltzer’s characters are well thought out, and he does a great job integrating future technology into the story in a believable way. As a person who waited until 2004 to get her first cell phone, who prefers paper books to e-books, and who still enjoys playing 8-bit video games, I can understand Clay’s reluctance to accept new technology as soon as it appears, and his desire to live a simpler, less on-the-grid life. Dark to begin with, the novel turns even darker as it proceeds and explores the evolving technology that Clay is trying to cope with, and ends on a pessimistic note (but a note that also promises a sequel). “Leviticus” is the first book in the “When We Were Gods” trilogy, and I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series as they become available.
*I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.
This is the second book I’ve read recently about people rebelling against technology that’s supposed to make life more convenient (if much less private). The protagonists in these novels rebel against the status quo, questioning instead of blindly accepting the intrusive technology that everyone else just simply allows.
In this dystopian/sci fi novel, Daniel Seltzer shows the reader a near future in which medical technology has made wonderful advances… but one man, Clay, stops to consider that maybe all these ”improvements” aren’t so great after all. Clay was one of the last iMeme holdouts , but his family finally wears him down. A man out of time, Clay struggles to adapt to the rapidly advancing technology, and then he made an even stranger choice in the eyes of society – given the option to avail himself of medical technology that prevents aging, he declines. Seltzer alternates between past and future, touching on moments in the recent past that relate to Clay’s present and the world he lives in.
The beginning of the book is difficult to read (or it was for me, at least). I don’t mean that it was difficult in terms of bad writing or poor grammar, or that it was difficult in a way that means you shouldn’t bother reading it – because you SHOULD read it. It was difficult because of the subject matter. The horrible ways in which people can sometimes treat other people is much scarier to me than zombies and vampires, and Seltzer’s account of inhumanity against one’s fellow man is based on real events. Horrifying, but in such a way that it SHOULD be read, because it opens your eyes to just how severe and terrible the consequences of judging others based on race or religion can be. As the book progresses, you start to realize also the critical role that one evil person who’s not even at the top of the hierarchy can have in changing the world – on the surface for the better, but in reality quite the opposite.
As a fan of dystopian fiction, I greatly enjoyed this book. Seltzer’s characters are well thought out, and he does a great job integrating future technology into the story in a believable way. As a person who waited until 2004 to get her first cell phone, who prefers paper books to e-books, and who still enjoys playing 8-bit video games, I can understand Clay’s reluctance to accept new technology as soon as it appears, and his desire to live a simpler, less on-the-grid life. Dark to begin with, the novel turns even darker as it proceeds and explores the evolving technology that Clay is trying to cope with, and ends on a pessimistic note (but a note that also promises a sequel). “Leviticus” is the first book in the “When We Were Gods” trilogy, and I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series as they become available.
*I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.
August 6, 2016
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived in my mailbox so quickly after being notified.
I am conflicted on how to rate this book and wish I could give it 3.5 stars. The story takes place in the future, but not so far in the future that you can't' see the connections to today. I was immediately drawn into this world, I think because I could see how today's society could evolve into what I was reading especially with regards to technology and health. I also quickly connected with Clay, the main character. I also pay all my bills online except for the mortgage payment, which I thought was funny.
My criticism of this book is the weak plot that seems disconnected and buried by all the descriptions about this future society. The chapters in the beginning with the military don't really fit in at all and the plot involving Eva is so sparsely spaced out, you almost forget to care about that part of the story and then suddenly it pops up again. I think that part of this problem is that the book covers a span of several years and so you are only getting snap shots of how society is progressing and key events. I feel like the the story only really got solidified near the end and I guess that will push people to read the next book, if there is one, but I wish the story would have gotten to the point quicker.
I do think that this book introduces a lot of good discussion points such as: Would you want to live forever and is that a good or bad thing for society? If you didn't ever have to work what would you do? Would crime really be nonexistent if everybody had everything they needed? I'm not sure this is true. Also, if people have so much free time why wouldn't the arts start to become more popular? Creating music and writing stories, plays and movies. I would think that entertainment with performances and sports would give people lots of jobs. I didn't really believe idea of nobody really doing anything and having no jobs.
I am conflicted on how to rate this book and wish I could give it 3.5 stars. The story takes place in the future, but not so far in the future that you can't' see the connections to today. I was immediately drawn into this world, I think because I could see how today's society could evolve into what I was reading especially with regards to technology and health. I also quickly connected with Clay, the main character. I also pay all my bills online except for the mortgage payment, which I thought was funny.
My criticism of this book is the weak plot that seems disconnected and buried by all the descriptions about this future society. The chapters in the beginning with the military don't really fit in at all and the plot involving Eva is so sparsely spaced out, you almost forget to care about that part of the story and then suddenly it pops up again. I think that part of this problem is that the book covers a span of several years and so you are only getting snap shots of how society is progressing and key events. I feel like the the story only really got solidified near the end and I guess that will push people to read the next book, if there is one, but I wish the story would have gotten to the point quicker.
I do think that this book introduces a lot of good discussion points such as: Would you want to live forever and is that a good or bad thing for society? If you didn't ever have to work what would you do? Would crime really be nonexistent if everybody had everything they needed? I'm not sure this is true. Also, if people have so much free time why wouldn't the arts start to become more popular? Creating music and writing stories, plays and movies. I would think that entertainment with performances and sports would give people lots of jobs. I didn't really believe idea of nobody really doing anything and having no jobs.
July 27, 2016
I received this copy for free from the author in exchange for my honest review. I first picked it out because I love dystopian novels, and I love novels that push the imagination asking "what if?"
The novel started out slow for me, the first chapter being a bit more violent than my normal liking. I kept wondering Iraq and the war had to do with the novel. I am not a fan of war novels, but instead of skipping past if, I sucked it up. I'm glad I kept reading because as the novel progressed and the story began, I got sucked into this futuristic society that told me You can definitely tell that the author did his research, because it is very believable. Not to get off of topic, but I recently watched a movie with a horrible futuristic society, where there was no crime...not believable! Yet in this book, we are in a technological society and I can very well see us becoming more dependent on corporations. Its scary when you think about it. The main character, Clay, is very well developed and you get good insight on what is going on in his head. Without giving away to much (because I hate doing that in reviews), I enjoyed this book. If you are looking for something dark, and thought provoking then this book is for you. I give this book four stars, only because the plot is a little slow to get started which hinders the writing structure, but still highly recommended!! I passed this book on to my husband to review as well.
The novel started out slow for me, the first chapter being a bit more violent than my normal liking. I kept wondering Iraq and the war had to do with the novel. I am not a fan of war novels, but instead of skipping past if, I sucked it up. I'm glad I kept reading because as the novel progressed and the story began, I got sucked into this futuristic society that told me You can definitely tell that the author did his research, because it is very believable. Not to get off of topic, but I recently watched a movie with a horrible futuristic society, where there was no crime...not believable! Yet in this book, we are in a technological society and I can very well see us becoming more dependent on corporations. Its scary when you think about it. The main character, Clay, is very well developed and you get good insight on what is going on in his head. Without giving away to much (because I hate doing that in reviews), I enjoyed this book. If you are looking for something dark, and thought provoking then this book is for you. I give this book four stars, only because the plot is a little slow to get started which hinders the writing structure, but still highly recommended!! I passed this book on to my husband to review as well.
February 26, 2014
Technology as we know it is changing more and more everyday Leviticus is not the type of book that I would normally read, but was very curious after seeing the book cover and reading the books synopsis. I was really intrigued with the character Clay. Seeing that Clay stood firm on his beliefs, and rather than take part of this new medica technology to stay young, he decided to age gracefully. He enjoyed living the simple life. Clay was a well developed yet strong character that struggled with this change in technology, at times. I really admired Clay Daniel Seltzer really packed a punch with this dark, provoking read. Seltzer shows how some may not always accept change and go with the flow of others.
Leviticus was a confusing read at times but as the chapters flowed, some things became a bit more clearer. The book tackles ones morality. If dystopian/ Sci-F is your thing, then this is the book for you. It also sends your mind into a thinking mode, and you began to wonder what if, or would I stand firm to my morals or belief, or give in I gave this book 3.5 stars, only because I felt some of the chapters just didn't fit at times. But I did enjoy reading this book and stepping out my comfort zone. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Leviticus was a confusing read at times but as the chapters flowed, some things became a bit more clearer. The book tackles ones morality. If dystopian/ Sci-F is your thing, then this is the book for you. It also sends your mind into a thinking mode, and you began to wonder what if, or would I stand firm to my morals or belief, or give in I gave this book 3.5 stars, only because I felt some of the chapters just didn't fit at times. But I did enjoy reading this book and stepping out my comfort zone. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 8, 2013
The author was looking for some honest reviews in exchange for a free copy of his book and I happily obliged! This is the first book in what will be a series that examines some pretty controversial subjects as we begin a new era where science is God. Technology is going places only dreamed of, making America an unrivaled super power, its citizens never again wanting for anything because everything is attainable.
Protagonist, Levi Furstman, as well as the reader, is forced to try and answer the weighty question of whether or not we should, just because we can. After all, if there is nothing to work for, what do you have to achieve? And if you can live forever, who will hold you accountable when there is no judgement day?
Leviticus is not a light-read book. It is about scientific achievement and moral debate. I didn't always see the point of certain chapters but eventually it became clear as the story progressed. You may not always understand the science of it, but you won't be able to help it when your mind wanders; when you ask yourself, is this right?
Protagonist, Levi Furstman, as well as the reader, is forced to try and answer the weighty question of whether or not we should, just because we can. After all, if there is nothing to work for, what do you have to achieve? And if you can live forever, who will hold you accountable when there is no judgement day?
Leviticus is not a light-read book. It is about scientific achievement and moral debate. I didn't always see the point of certain chapters but eventually it became clear as the story progressed. You may not always understand the science of it, but you won't be able to help it when your mind wanders; when you ask yourself, is this right?
April 11, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for his generosity
This is a thinking person’s book. It has a marvelous blend of current with cutting-edge and future technology. The basic premise is about the consequences of conquering the daily ‘ills’ of life. Nobody wants for anything, people can be young and beautiful forever. Without giving away too much, the MC is an ordinary man, trying to live his life.
New techs make him question what it means to be mortal. He pounders ideals such as souls, and are the things being done in the name of science and technology for better living the best course of action. The characters are well written. Mr. Seltzer has clearly done his research, as the science and tech aspects were presented in a believable manner. I am definitely wanting to read the other books in the trilogy to learn what happens to the MC and the ‘brave new world’ that has been created.
The only problem I had with the book was some awkward phrasing and odd sentence structures.
This is a thinking person’s book. It has a marvelous blend of current with cutting-edge and future technology. The basic premise is about the consequences of conquering the daily ‘ills’ of life. Nobody wants for anything, people can be young and beautiful forever. Without giving away too much, the MC is an ordinary man, trying to live his life.
New techs make him question what it means to be mortal. He pounders ideals such as souls, and are the things being done in the name of science and technology for better living the best course of action. The characters are well written. Mr. Seltzer has clearly done his research, as the science and tech aspects were presented in a believable manner. I am definitely wanting to read the other books in the trilogy to learn what happens to the MC and the ‘brave new world’ that has been created.
The only problem I had with the book was some awkward phrasing and odd sentence structures.
April 17, 2014
Copy given in exchange for a review through Goodreads Group.
3.5
I’m not quite sure what to think of this novel. The description suggests sci-fi thriller, but the book is not that. The plot vacillates between periods of relative banal yet troubling descriptions of our future and grotesque torture scenes from our collective past. The author’s vision of the future is just like today only put to the extreme. I found my self wondering why the author didn’t just write blog or a philosophical treatise exploring what’s wrong with American Society. Some pretty good action starts to happen about 100 pages in, but then we go back to floating along with the ambiguous feelings and thoughts of the main character until a we get a nice plot twist 60 pages later. Don’t get me wrong, the author’s points are certainly valid and I agree if a lot of his criticisms (a tea party president would be a horrific thing indeed), it’s just I was looking for a bit more depth of character and plot.
3.5
I’m not quite sure what to think of this novel. The description suggests sci-fi thriller, but the book is not that. The plot vacillates between periods of relative banal yet troubling descriptions of our future and grotesque torture scenes from our collective past. The author’s vision of the future is just like today only put to the extreme. I found my self wondering why the author didn’t just write blog or a philosophical treatise exploring what’s wrong with American Society. Some pretty good action starts to happen about 100 pages in, but then we go back to floating along with the ambiguous feelings and thoughts of the main character until a we get a nice plot twist 60 pages later. Don’t get me wrong, the author’s points are certainly valid and I agree if a lot of his criticisms (a tea party president would be a horrific thing indeed), it’s just I was looking for a bit more depth of character and plot.
March 5, 2014
Just won this in a Goodreads giveaway and can not wait to read and review it. The premise of the story is so fascinating!
*Updated*
This was a very thought provoking read. Levi leads you into a very real future world. One that most people only let their mind enter the brink of that "what if?" dystopian era. From the very first page you learn it is nothing like the Jetsons you might have imagined as a child. I really like how most chapters began with a "newsflash" it blurred the lines even more between fiction and reality something I truly enjoy about reading. It's not a "happily-ever-after" read and you might be left with more questions about life and its end game. This is definitely a book that you think about after the last page.
*Updated*
This was a very thought provoking read. Levi leads you into a very real future world. One that most people only let their mind enter the brink of that "what if?" dystopian era. From the very first page you learn it is nothing like the Jetsons you might have imagined as a child. I really like how most chapters began with a "newsflash" it blurred the lines even more between fiction and reality something I truly enjoy about reading. It's not a "happily-ever-after" read and you might be left with more questions about life and its end game. This is definitely a book that you think about after the last page.
March 19, 2014
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I have to say that I honestly liked this book. The first chapter left me wondering about the direction of the book, but as the story progressed I understood what was being developed. The premise is so relevant to today and the future of technology. I appreciate that the author used his expertise and skill as a writer to tackle what could be a very difficult idea; achieving a scenario that seems plausible, yet scary. I will be reading the next book in the series.
I have to say that I honestly liked this book. The first chapter left me wondering about the direction of the book, but as the story progressed I understood what was being developed. The premise is so relevant to today and the future of technology. I appreciate that the author used his expertise and skill as a writer to tackle what could be a very difficult idea; achieving a scenario that seems plausible, yet scary. I will be reading the next book in the series.
June 29, 2014
This book was very good, the plot was one I could not have fathomed. I can't wait for the second installment.
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