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Selfies: The Manifold Series Book One
"Packed with intrigue, action and creative energy, Selfies is breathlessly paced, combining the near-future sensibilities of a William Gibson novel with the wrongfully accused thriller tropes of yore." — BlueInk Review
"5 out of 5...A compelling, series-opening science fiction novel." — Forward Clarion Reviews
PURSUED BY THE international police and formidable space militia for a murder he didn’t commit, Wallas "Trapp" Trapmore finds himself in a desperate race against time. His mission: to clear his name and stop an attack that could wipe out all of humanity.
After narrowly surviving a deadly three-year ordeal as part of an indentured mining contract, Trapp returns to Terra with a chance to rebuild his life. But this chance is short-lived when damning footage is posted to the worldwide Plexus of the so-called “Indent” fleeing the scene of a high-profile murder. And, the victim is none other than the man Trapp held responsible for the death of his mother.
Now the most recognizable fugitive on the planet, Trapp is relentlessly pursued by law enforcement who are determined to see justice served. With his future hanging by a thread, his fate rests in his ability to make friends out of enemies while hiding in plain sight.
Forced to solve two murders and prove his innocence, Trapp uncovers a more sinister conspiracy—one with far-reaching consequences that will affect the entire planet. Can Trapp and his ragtag team of allies stop a decades-long battle for the very soul of Terra? Or will shadowy figures wielding the deadliest weapon ever conceived succeed in unleashing total devastation upon humanity?
"5 out of 5...A compelling, series-opening science fiction novel." — Forward Clarion Reviews
PURSUED BY THE international police and formidable space militia for a murder he didn’t commit, Wallas "Trapp" Trapmore finds himself in a desperate race against time. His mission: to clear his name and stop an attack that could wipe out all of humanity.
After narrowly surviving a deadly three-year ordeal as part of an indentured mining contract, Trapp returns to Terra with a chance to rebuild his life. But this chance is short-lived when damning footage is posted to the worldwide Plexus of the so-called “Indent” fleeing the scene of a high-profile murder. And, the victim is none other than the man Trapp held responsible for the death of his mother.
Now the most recognizable fugitive on the planet, Trapp is relentlessly pursued by law enforcement who are determined to see justice served. With his future hanging by a thread, his fate rests in his ability to make friends out of enemies while hiding in plain sight.
Forced to solve two murders and prove his innocence, Trapp uncovers a more sinister conspiracy—one with far-reaching consequences that will affect the entire planet. Can Trapp and his ragtag team of allies stop a decades-long battle for the very soul of Terra? Or will shadowy figures wielding the deadliest weapon ever conceived succeed in unleashing total devastation upon humanity?
412 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2024
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1128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2024
3.75
"Selfies" by Scott Young presents an intriguing premise that captivates from the get-go. The story unfolds in a universe where space and technology have outpaced our understanding, leaving remnants of civilizations far beyond our grasp. This imaginative setting lays the groundwork for a gripping mystery that keeps readers on edge.
The protagonist, caught in the whirlwind of two interconnected murders, finds himself struggling to discern friends from foes. The weight of these crimes sits heavily on him, adding depth to his character and driving the narrative forward. Young expertly crafts an atmosphere of suspense and mistrust, making it hard to predict who can be trusted.
While the concept and setting are fascinating, some readers might find the execution a bit uneven. The complexity of the plot can occasionally feel overwhelming, and the pacing may waver. However, the book's strengths lie in its ability to make readers question their assumptions and stay invested in the protagonist's journey.
Overall, "Selfies" is a thought-provoking read that challenges our perceptions of trust and the remnants of advanced civilizations. Though it may not be everyone's cup of tea, those who enjoy science fiction with a twist of mystery will likely find it an engaging experience.
"Selfies" by Scott Young presents an intriguing premise that captivates from the get-go. The story unfolds in a universe where space and technology have outpaced our understanding, leaving remnants of civilizations far beyond our grasp. This imaginative setting lays the groundwork for a gripping mystery that keeps readers on edge.
The protagonist, caught in the whirlwind of two interconnected murders, finds himself struggling to discern friends from foes. The weight of these crimes sits heavily on him, adding depth to his character and driving the narrative forward. Young expertly crafts an atmosphere of suspense and mistrust, making it hard to predict who can be trusted.
While the concept and setting are fascinating, some readers might find the execution a bit uneven. The complexity of the plot can occasionally feel overwhelming, and the pacing may waver. However, the book's strengths lie in its ability to make readers question their assumptions and stay invested in the protagonist's journey.
Overall, "Selfies" is a thought-provoking read that challenges our perceptions of trust and the remnants of advanced civilizations. Though it may not be everyone's cup of tea, those who enjoy science fiction with a twist of mystery will likely find it an engaging experience.
March 4, 2025
A Slow Read with Overused Tropes
I’m giving Selfie two stars because, unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I don’t read a lot of science fiction, and I struggle to pinpoint exactly why this one didn’t click. Despite some fast-paced action scenes, the overall pacing felt sluggish, making it a bit of a chore to get through.
Then there’s the clone trope—one that can be fascinating when done well, but here, it felt overused and predictable rather than fresh or thought-provoking. The characters lacked depth, and I never felt truly invested in their fates. While I can see how some readers might enjoy the high-concept premise, this one just didn’t leave much of an impact for me.
I’m giving Selfie two stars because, unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I don’t read a lot of science fiction, and I struggle to pinpoint exactly why this one didn’t click. Despite some fast-paced action scenes, the overall pacing felt sluggish, making it a bit of a chore to get through.
Then there’s the clone trope—one that can be fascinating when done well, but here, it felt overused and predictable rather than fresh or thought-provoking. The characters lacked depth, and I never felt truly invested in their fates. While I can see how some readers might enjoy the high-concept premise, this one just didn’t leave much of an impact for me.
November 10, 2025
Selfies by Scott A Young - Audiobook
When Wallas “Trapp” Trapmore is accused of murder, he struggles to clear his name.. After years of indentured service he finally returns to Terra where he is now on the run to uncover a conspiracy so big it could kill off everyone he knows and loves.. The only people he can count on are the new found friends and the race against the clock is inching ever close to total destruction.
Biggest annoyance with this audio? The massively long gaps between the chapter ending and the announcing of the next. I thought on several occasions that I had lost connection to my headphones… Frustrating haha.
Having said that, the narration was actually really well done. I thought the voices, tone and pacing was done well.
I am really picky with my sci-fi. The story has to be mindblowing. I cannot be bored. I cannot be overwhelmed with a lot of techy nonsense either. This one straddled the world building and sci-fi elements really nicely.
I knew I was getting a sci-fi book but I could see someone bookfished by the title. I do think the book was crammed to the gills with chaotic thing after chaotic thing. I would have liked to have more in the way of character building and less action. I don’t know if there was enough here to make me pick up the next installment especially as the ending wasn’t brilliant.
Knowing me, I will because I do have some questions I would like answered and I am a sucker for my FOMO with books.
3.5 stars
When Wallas “Trapp” Trapmore is accused of murder, he struggles to clear his name.. After years of indentured service he finally returns to Terra where he is now on the run to uncover a conspiracy so big it could kill off everyone he knows and loves.. The only people he can count on are the new found friends and the race against the clock is inching ever close to total destruction.
Biggest annoyance with this audio? The massively long gaps between the chapter ending and the announcing of the next. I thought on several occasions that I had lost connection to my headphones… Frustrating haha.
Having said that, the narration was actually really well done. I thought the voices, tone and pacing was done well.
I am really picky with my sci-fi. The story has to be mindblowing. I cannot be bored. I cannot be overwhelmed with a lot of techy nonsense either. This one straddled the world building and sci-fi elements really nicely.
I knew I was getting a sci-fi book but I could see someone bookfished by the title. I do think the book was crammed to the gills with chaotic thing after chaotic thing. I would have liked to have more in the way of character building and less action. I don’t know if there was enough here to make me pick up the next installment especially as the ending wasn’t brilliant.
Knowing me, I will because I do have some questions I would like answered and I am a sucker for my FOMO with books.
3.5 stars
October 31, 2025
Trapp survives a potentially fatal encounter with the Manifold (a revolutionary power source) only to find himself accused of murdering the man who was believed to have murdered his mother. The evidence against him? A #murderselfie taken by the surveillance cameras of someone who looks exactly like him leaving the scene of the crime immediately following the murder. Except Trapp is certain he didn't do it. Can Trapp clear his name before he is executed for a murder he didn't commit?
The premise of this book was great, but the execution fell flat for me. Particularly the "romantic" relationship between Trapp and Bretta, which felt forced and completely unnecessary to the plot. Many of the plot points would have been more believable if they hadn't been "in love" and had simply been two people who only recently met and are on the run together from crimes they didn't commit. I may read the sequel when it comes out, as the premise is great, and I'd like to see what the author does with it, but I won't be waiting with bated breath for the release.
The audiobook narrator does a great job differentiating between characters but he reads REALLY fast. So fast I had to check that I hadn't accidently bumped the playback speed. I got used to it over time, but it was difficult to follow at the beginning.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from #NetGalley.
The premise of this book was great, but the execution fell flat for me. Particularly the "romantic" relationship between Trapp and Bretta, which felt forced and completely unnecessary to the plot. Many of the plot points would have been more believable if they hadn't been "in love" and had simply been two people who only recently met and are on the run together from crimes they didn't commit. I may read the sequel when it comes out, as the premise is great, and I'd like to see what the author does with it, but I won't be waiting with bated breath for the release.
The audiobook narrator does a great job differentiating between characters but he reads REALLY fast. So fast I had to check that I hadn't accidently bumped the playback speed. I got used to it over time, but it was difficult to follow at the beginning.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from #NetGalley.
November 1, 2025
Selfies is a sci-fi action thriller that blends the world of a near-future Earth with the high-stakes drama of a man accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
This novel had a lot of potential and a fun premise, and overall, I would say it is executed well. The world building, action, and characters feel believable and grounded in the setting of the story. Some of the concepts present are unique and presented in a way that is both fresh and easy to understand. Given that this is a debut fiction novel for this author, there is a lot of promise for what comes next.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and some of my issues with the novel may come more from this format than the novel itself. The narrator alternated between feeling slightly robotic to moving too quickly through any narration that was not dialogue. The character voices felt distinct and different, and the accent work with some of the characters was fun. It is also worth mentioning that once I got used to the narration, it did become easier to listen to overall.
There is the possibility that reading the ebook or paperback of this novel would have been more enjoyable than the audiobook. With that in mind, I would say that for fans of the genre, Selfies is worth checking out, but I would listen to a sample of the audiobook before making the decision to consume it in that format.
This novel had a lot of potential and a fun premise, and overall, I would say it is executed well. The world building, action, and characters feel believable and grounded in the setting of the story. Some of the concepts present are unique and presented in a way that is both fresh and easy to understand. Given that this is a debut fiction novel for this author, there is a lot of promise for what comes next.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and some of my issues with the novel may come more from this format than the novel itself. The narrator alternated between feeling slightly robotic to moving too quickly through any narration that was not dialogue. The character voices felt distinct and different, and the accent work with some of the characters was fun. It is also worth mentioning that once I got used to the narration, it did become easier to listen to overall.
There is the possibility that reading the ebook or paperback of this novel would have been more enjoyable than the audiobook. With that in mind, I would say that for fans of the genre, Selfies is worth checking out, but I would listen to a sample of the audiobook before making the decision to consume it in that format.
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May 18, 2024From http://www.blueinkreview.com/
“Packed with intrigue, action and creative energy, Selfies is breathlessly paced, combining the
near-future sensibilities of a William Gibson novel with the wrongfully accused thriller tropes of
yore. Trapp is an engaging protagonist whose quest is peppered with risky encounters.
Meanwhile, Terra’s recognizable future, with its internet-like Plexus and smart-tech, is plausibly
rendered, featuring an array of science-fiction paraphernalia such as uber-intelligent AI’s, clone-
like doppelgangers, and quantum-mirrors. Yet while the novel brims with gadgetry and
scholarship, the author admirably avoids jargon in favor of bantering dialogue, action, and
imaginative plot-twists.
Selfies is such a page-turning thrill-ride…Effortlessly blending humor, interrelated narrative threads and relatable science-fiction
components into an urgent narrative, Selfies will appeal to a variety of genre fans, which bodes
well for future stories set in the Manifold universe.”
“Packed with intrigue, action and creative energy, Selfies is breathlessly paced, combining the
near-future sensibilities of a William Gibson novel with the wrongfully accused thriller tropes of
yore. Trapp is an engaging protagonist whose quest is peppered with risky encounters.
Meanwhile, Terra’s recognizable future, with its internet-like Plexus and smart-tech, is plausibly
rendered, featuring an array of science-fiction paraphernalia such as uber-intelligent AI’s, clone-
like doppelgangers, and quantum-mirrors. Yet while the novel brims with gadgetry and
scholarship, the author admirably avoids jargon in favor of bantering dialogue, action, and
imaginative plot-twists.
Selfies is such a page-turning thrill-ride…Effortlessly blending humor, interrelated narrative threads and relatable science-fiction
components into an urgent narrative, Selfies will appeal to a variety of genre fans, which bodes
well for future stories set in the Manifold universe.”
December 2, 2025
I started off strong when listening when I downloaded it. After the first few chapters I was lost. This novel went in depth with the world building, a whole new world, still earthside, more scientific than I read. The rest of the review will be less on what I thought of the book personally and more of the overall story.
The narrator was a plus, it was a good idea to request the audio version. Someone with a love of science would enjoy this. I, myself could not find any plot holes after letting the story sit with me after I had finished. the MMC and FMC developed a romantic relationship, and were often separated. When the ship landed in the war (illegal) airspace the MMC was threatened with the life of the FMC to talk.
The narrator was a plus, it was a good idea to request the audio version. Someone with a love of science would enjoy this. I, myself could not find any plot holes after letting the story sit with me after I had finished. the MMC and FMC developed a romantic relationship, and were often separated. When the ship landed in the war (illegal) airspace the MMC was threatened with the life of the FMC to talk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
If you enjoyed The Expanse series, this book will likely feel familiar in a good way. The worldbuilding is solid, and the characters are well-developed with realistic flaws that make them relatable. It leans into the classic trope of a world in peril, with the main characters racing to set things right — a dependable setup for fans of high-stakes sci-fi.
If you’re looking for a character-driven space adventure with plenty of tension and heart, Selfies is worth a read.
If you’re looking for a character-driven space adventure with plenty of tension and heart, Selfies is worth a read.
November 2, 2025
Wallace Trapmore AKA Trapp, is in a desperate race against time to clear his name in order to save his life & the planet
I’ve been looking for a wild ride on the sci-fi side, this was it!
Trapp is on the run from the law & intergalactic law from a murder he didn’t commit. He has spent 3 years locked into a dangerous indentured mining contract. When free he heads back to Terra to start over.
Things just don’t go his way when the person he feels killed his mom is killed. As an “indent” he’s now on the radar of law enforcement and must make friends of enemies in order to now solve two murders in time. Welcome Dr Bretta Gray.
A pulse pounding wild ride! Trapp and his motley crew are an unusual unstoppable force of nature. This is the first book in the Manifold series, I look forward to book 2!
I received a review copy of this book from Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.
I’ve been looking for a wild ride on the sci-fi side, this was it!
Trapp is on the run from the law & intergalactic law from a murder he didn’t commit. He has spent 3 years locked into a dangerous indentured mining contract. When free he heads back to Terra to start over.
Things just don’t go his way when the person he feels killed his mom is killed. As an “indent” he’s now on the radar of law enforcement and must make friends of enemies in order to now solve two murders in time. Welcome Dr Bretta Gray.
A pulse pounding wild ride! Trapp and his motley crew are an unusual unstoppable force of nature. This is the first book in the Manifold series, I look forward to book 2!
I received a review copy of this book from Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.
November 23, 2025
Universe bending Sc-fi mystery and space chase. There were surprises as the characters appear at times in different forms - selfies.
Trapp is just going about his life when he finds himself arrested for a murder that he didn’t commit. But the evidence suggests otherwise. He finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that has as much to do with his past as his future. Short future maybe, because lots of people want him dead.
But who can he trust, when it seems he possibly can’t even trust himself. And another thing, who will trust him, as he tries to find out what’s going on.
Thank you to Green Bar Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Trapp is just going about his life when he finds himself arrested for a murder that he didn’t commit. But the evidence suggests otherwise. He finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that has as much to do with his past as his future. Short future maybe, because lots of people want him dead.
But who can he trust, when it seems he possibly can’t even trust himself. And another thing, who will trust him, as he tries to find out what’s going on.
Thank you to Green Bar Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews