Selfie

by Hir Dulo, Dobri Bozhilov, Trudy Jovner (translator)

New science fiction in the tradition of Asimov, Clarke, Herbert, and Simmons. Reached the Top 10 in Classic Science Fiction in May 2026. Get your copy now!It's hard to believe, but even today's generation could achieve immortality...

In the 33rd century, Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton are resurrected. Using advanced technology, humanity has learned to "reverse engineer" consciousness based on digital footprints and preserved creative works—our modern "selfies." Now, these brilliant minds must perform the most challenging and unattainable mission in resurrecting the greatest genius of all time, Leonardo da Vinci.

Cosmology, philosophy, art, medicine, and AI collide in a universe of Star Destroyers and sixteen million mysterious cubes. This is a future populated by immortal, god-like beings who still grapple with deeply human fears and dreams.

This sci-fi novel surpasses any fantasy. There has been nothing like it in recent years.Imagine the Grand Inquisitor Tomás de Torquemada presiding as a judge in a divorce.Imagine two husbands arguing over who gets to stay married to their wife.Imagine Sitting Bull and Mark Antony living in the same universe at the same time.Imagine humanity divided in two—a god-like super race and savage barbarians.Imagine Sherlock Holmes analyzing AI, art, religion, and the mechanics of resurrection.One day, this science fiction will become reality. Thanks to... selfies.

A Phenomenal National Bestselling Author
With a total lifetime circulation of over 100,000 copies sold across his published books in his home country of just 6 million people (the equivalent of selling nearly 7 million copies in the US), the author consistently outsells the translated works of global mega-bestselling authors. Now, Selfie marks his highly anticipated English-language debut. You will not regret taking this journey.

And finally—some advertising
Imagine an unimaginable future. Assume the impossible. This is the next level of science fiction. When Elon Musk reads this book, he will probably gift $1 billion to the author. If you can't buy this book, you might be tempted to steal it... but hurry up and read it before Musk does.

385 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2024

About the author

Hir Dulo is a pen name used in English by the famous Bulgarian writer Dobri Bozhilov. His books are very popular in his country, surpassing the leading world bestsellers in circulation. In Bulgaria, with a 6 million population, he has about 100,000 books sold. I.e. 1 in every 60 people living in the country has bought his book. This is the same as having 7 million sold in the US. It is interesting if he will succeed in doing the same with his English translations...

Reviews

[Radoslav Banev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. It gives you one completely unique vision of the humanity's possible future. It is not onе of the books that repeat already overused ideas but it describes interesting science fiction mixed with perfectly argued philosophical thoughts. I recommend this book with two hands.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first-class science fiction book, that at the same time reads like a probable future. Definitely worth reading.

[Miro Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, outstanding.

[Tina Ivanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book!
The author is one of the most famous authors in Bulgaria.
This is my favorite book of Dobri Bozhilov!
Thank you Dobri, stay healthy and always be so creative! :-)

[Валери Предов · Rating 5 out of 5]

Здравейте мога смело да заявя това е моят човек и обичам книгите му ;)

[Галин Гроздев · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book.
The Selfie scify story grapples the book reader with its scope.
The author wanted to spit out his entire soul and mentality about the proper way of thinking in one book.
... And he actually did it.

I know that I might mislead you because I am fis youtube follower and share one nationality with him, but even if I didn't like him I ll still recommend this book.

It is a great walkthrough into the current humanity achievements and still has a good story behind it

[Yordan Hodzhev · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summary of "Selfie" presents a vivid and ambitious tapestry of themes and narratives that intertwine historical figures, speculative science, and philosophical inquiries within a futuristic setting. The concept of resurrecting historical geniuses like Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton to achieve the grand task of bringing back Leonardo da Vinci through advanced technology is both audacious and fascinating. This premise, coupled with the exploration of artificial intelligence, cosmology, and the human condition, offers a rich ground for storytelling that is at once speculative and deeply humanistic.
Comparing this to the universes created by Philip José Farmer, a notable science fiction and fantasy author known for his ability to blend historical and fictional characters in complex, interwoven narratives, reveals some intriguing parallels and contrasts. Farmer's work, particularly in series like the "Riverworld" and "World of Tiers," is renowned for its imaginative breadth, the reimagining of historical and mythological figures, and the exploration of philosophical and existential themes through science fiction lenses.
Moreover, the novel's approach to concepts like AI, the dichotomy of a super race and barbarians, and the resurrection of consciousness through "selfies" or memorized creative works, suggests a playful yet profound interrogation of modernity, identity, and the future of humanity. This resonates with Farmer's interest in the core aspects of human nature, society's constructs, and the exploration of utopian and dystopian societies, though "Selfie" takes a distinct route through the lens of contemporary technology and future speculation.
However, "Selfie" diverges from Farmer's narrative style and thematic exploration by incorporating a more direct commentary on the impact of technology on society and the individual, as well as a unique perspective on the potential future convergence of historical figures and modern scientific achievements. Its setting in the 33rd century and the use of advanced resurrection technology to achieve a mission that borders on the divine or mythical parallels Farmer's fascination with the limits of science and the exploration of metaphysical themes but does so within a framework that closely examines the implications of future technologies and the enduring influence of historical genius.
Alternatively, comparing the narrative of "Selfie" to the AI-driven anti-utopias of Philip K. Dick (PKD) introduces a fascinating dialogue between two distinct visions of the future, especially concerning artificial intelligence and the human condition. PKD, renowned for his deeply philosophical and sometimes paranoid explorations of reality, identity, and humanity within technologically advanced societies, often presents a cautionary view of the future where AI and other technologies blur the lines between human and machine, real and simulated.
In conclusion, while "Selfie" and Philip José Farmer's universes share a foundation in speculative fiction that bridges historical and fictional narratives, "Selfie" distinguishes itself through its focus on futuristic technologies, the resurrection of consciousness, and a unique blend of science fiction with philosophical and artistic exploration. The novel's ambitious scope, coupled with its reflection on modern and future dilemmas, positions it as a noteworthy addition to the genre, potentially appealing to readers who appreciate Farmer's intricate world-building and thematic depth, yet are seeking a narrative that directly engages with contemporary technological and existential questions.

[Ivan Selski · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book, "Selfie," is a baffling concoction of disparate elements thrown together without rhyme or reason. It reads like a fever dream of someone who has ingested too much science fiction and historical trivia without any coherent plan to tie it all together.

The author's attempt to blend historical figures like Tomas de Torquemada and Mark Antony with futuristic concepts like AI and resurrection is not only nonsensical but also incredibly lazy. It's as if they picked random names out of a hat and decided to throw them into the mix without any thought to how they might actually interact or contribute to the story.

The plot, if you can call it that, revolves around the absurd premise of resurrecting Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton using selfies as a means to reverse engineer consciousness. This premise alone is enough to make one's head spin with disbelief. And to top it off, the ultimate goal of these resurrected geniuses is to bring back Leonardo da Vinci? It's like a bad episode of a poorly written sci-fi sitcom.

The prose is equally as jumbled and chaotic as the plot. It jumps from topic to topic with no regard for coherence or clarity. One moment we're discussing cosmology, the next we're talking about star destroyers and immortal god-like beings. It's as if the author threw every buzzword they could think of into the mix in the hopes that something would stick.

And don't even get me started on the author's apparent obsession with their own success. The constant references to their popularity in their home country come across as shameless self-promotion rather than any indication of literary merit.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. A very good Bulgarian writer. I recommend!

[Asen Asenov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selfie is a book worth reading. I recommend it to people who like science fiction novels, provocative stories and philosophical reflections.

[Валентин Манов · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very interesting book.
I recommend to read it .
Enjoy 😍.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely unique presented point of view! Brilliant style that quickly grabbed the reader! Will recommend the other books of the author even they are written at other genre .

[Krasimir Petkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention, once you start reading it, you won't want to stop until the end.

[Ivan Metodiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, interesting idea and very well presented!

[Kalinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing,Excellent,Gorgeous,Brilliant Highly recommending

[Lucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous Lovely Brilliant
Thank you very much

[Georgi Gramatikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. I recommend it to anyone who loves books.
I read it in for three days...just couldn't stop reading :)

[Neven Naumov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, I enjoyed it very much. I can only recommend it for you to enjoy

[Joro Jorov · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this is the best contemporary Bulgarian author. His works can be read in one breath. 5 stars!

[Dragan Kosharov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'ts ok ! +++

[Красимир Цолев · Rating 5 out of 5]

Много добра книга. Написана разбираемо и с много добри идеи и хрумвания.

[Svetoslav Stoyanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hir Dulo is bulgarian writer. Selfie is very interesting book

[Kalin Marinov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a look at the future and past, giving valuable insights and reflection. It is a favourite of mine and recommend to all those who look for out of the box thinking!

[Rminchev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. An unexpected plot and a philosophical approach in action. I highly recommend reading it.

[George Costanza · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not recommend.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

[Silviya Gancheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful book! Very interesting, amazing article, and discovering in a deep way the prospective of the human soul.

[Vasiliy Kolebanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have actually read Selfie and I have loved it. In the matter of fact, it has inspired me to write some stories of my own. I recommend it.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Recommend it to everyone .

[Силвия · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Selfie" is an intellectual challenge that tickles the imagination with cozy ease! I look forward to the author's next book with a sense of family celebration.
Silviya Ivanova