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Failsafe
The world runs on code, and not all code is safe. This is why Anna Flynn has a job.
Matter Manipulation Devices alter the physical world, turning dreams into reality. But some dreams are treacherous, and the streets are filled with mods that manipulate matter in illegal and dangerous ways.
As a seasoned MMD agent, Anna fights back against the criminals who misuse these devices and traffic in illegal mods. When she intervenes in a plot to assassinate one of the world's most respected political leaders, her methods draw the ire of her superiors, and she finds herself under investigation from her own agency.
Increasingly isolated and unsure whom she can trust, Anna works to unravel a conspiracy that would unleash the worst potential of matter manipulation technology on the world.
Matter Manipulation Devices alter the physical world, turning dreams into reality. But some dreams are treacherous, and the streets are filled with mods that manipulate matter in illegal and dangerous ways.
As a seasoned MMD agent, Anna fights back against the criminals who misuse these devices and traffic in illegal mods. When she intervenes in a plot to assassinate one of the world's most respected political leaders, her methods draw the ire of her superiors, and she finds herself under investigation from her own agency.
Increasingly isolated and unsure whom she can trust, Anna works to unravel a conspiracy that would unleash the worst potential of matter manipulation technology on the world.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
6 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 13, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
I was immediately taken by the strong science fiction tropes blended with a hearty crime thriller. It set a compelling tone that blurred the lines between technology and rebellion. But be warned, it is a first in a series, and does end on a cliff-hanger than had me eager for more. Criminals that have felt comfortable in their escapades are now in the spotlight when Anna Flynn is on the case of a particular perp, snowballing from a story where the bad guy isn't the only one on the run.
It’s futuristic while still having a homeworld feel, rife with political conspiracy and government overreach, and a strong female protagonist hellbent on justice.
Characters
Anna Flynn’s whole job is to focus on weeding out the illegal use of Matter Manipulation Devices, MMD, and what starts out as her tracking down a rogue agency quickly turns into her running for her proverbial life. She has to prove her own innocence to the very people she reports back to when a “failsafe” switch is turned off – allowing for anyone to take hold and take advantage of the technology. The key to her ultimate success or failure hinges on her husband, the tech genius Daniel Flynn and her partner Agent Lisa Williams as they move against the rogue group that call themselves “A Better Way”, but who she can trust is more up for debate than ever.
Atmosphere/Plot
As a heavily political science fiction thriller set in a close-to-home reality, Failsafe highlights the dangers of technology when integrated so deeply into the real world and what can happen when corrupt hands get their hands on manipulative technology. The MMDs have taken a hold, so much so that humans have started altering themselves in a cyborg-like fashion. So while the reader might not be jet setting off through space, they can hunker down to a read that brings them to familiar streets and scenarios that lead them on a twisted trail. On the brink of destruction, the richly built world is teetering upon the removal of the failsafe switch, and it’s up to Flynn to balance the scales once more.
Writing Style
This type of story needs no introduction, as there are common themes from within the genre, and the multi-POV, third person perspective weaves an interesting tale for any reader of science fiction and crime mysteries. It kept me on my toes, rooting for Anna as she works for herself and against retaliating forces.
Intrigue/Excitement
Betrayal, vengeance, the balance of control and power all come together in a character-driven plot that kept me turning pages. It almost has the same tone as The Matrix, sifting between code and reality. It really made me contemplate how much technology should be integrated into our own lives and the benefits and dangers of it being unleashed. Would I recommend this book: sure would!
I was immediately taken by the strong science fiction tropes blended with a hearty crime thriller. It set a compelling tone that blurred the lines between technology and rebellion. But be warned, it is a first in a series, and does end on a cliff-hanger than had me eager for more. Criminals that have felt comfortable in their escapades are now in the spotlight when Anna Flynn is on the case of a particular perp, snowballing from a story where the bad guy isn't the only one on the run.
It’s futuristic while still having a homeworld feel, rife with political conspiracy and government overreach, and a strong female protagonist hellbent on justice.
Characters
Anna Flynn’s whole job is to focus on weeding out the illegal use of Matter Manipulation Devices, MMD, and what starts out as her tracking down a rogue agency quickly turns into her running for her proverbial life. She has to prove her own innocence to the very people she reports back to when a “failsafe” switch is turned off – allowing for anyone to take hold and take advantage of the technology. The key to her ultimate success or failure hinges on her husband, the tech genius Daniel Flynn and her partner Agent Lisa Williams as they move against the rogue group that call themselves “A Better Way”, but who she can trust is more up for debate than ever.
Atmosphere/Plot
As a heavily political science fiction thriller set in a close-to-home reality, Failsafe highlights the dangers of technology when integrated so deeply into the real world and what can happen when corrupt hands get their hands on manipulative technology. The MMDs have taken a hold, so much so that humans have started altering themselves in a cyborg-like fashion. So while the reader might not be jet setting off through space, they can hunker down to a read that brings them to familiar streets and scenarios that lead them on a twisted trail. On the brink of destruction, the richly built world is teetering upon the removal of the failsafe switch, and it’s up to Flynn to balance the scales once more.
Writing Style
This type of story needs no introduction, as there are common themes from within the genre, and the multi-POV, third person perspective weaves an interesting tale for any reader of science fiction and crime mysteries. It kept me on my toes, rooting for Anna as she works for herself and against retaliating forces.
Intrigue/Excitement
Betrayal, vengeance, the balance of control and power all come together in a character-driven plot that kept me turning pages. It almost has the same tone as The Matrix, sifting between code and reality. It really made me contemplate how much technology should be integrated into our own lives and the benefits and dangers of it being unleashed. Would I recommend this book: sure would!
priority-tbrs
August 29, 2024I'm going to come back to this one.
It has an interesting concept but my mind is wandering all over the place & I don't think I'd do it justice right now. Sometimes I'm a mood reader & my brain is saying "Nah" atm. It doesn't deserve a DNF though.
It has an interesting concept but my mind is wandering all over the place & I don't think I'd do it justice right now. Sometimes I'm a mood reader & my brain is saying "Nah" atm. It doesn't deserve a DNF though.
August 30, 2024
FAILSAFE is the first instalment in Jeff Sylvester’s adult, futuristic, sci-fi series focusing on Agent Anna Flynn, and the MMD agency
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Agent Anna Flynn, FAILSAFE focuses on the MMD Matter Manipulation Devices that can alter the physical world but when the ‘failsafe’ feature is removed, the MMD becomes a dangerous weapon. With many rogue agencies and cult-like groups struggling to gain control of the MMD for the masses, a mole or someone within the agency is working in opposition to the agency directive. With the help of her husband, tech genius Daniel Flynn, and her partner Agent Lisa Williams, Agent Anna Flynn battles the people in charge to uncover the truth, and the take down of a rogue group calling themselves A Better Way.
The world building is complex and detailed as Anna Flynn struggles to prove not only her innocence but the reality of what could happen and why. When the MMDs are modified and the failsafe removed, the world itself sits on the precipice of destruction
We are introduced to Agent Lisa Williams with the Matter Manipulation Device Agency; their boss Director Jada Davis; Director Elaine Guerrero; Agent Lucas Ward, Agent Carrie Yang; Mayor Delacruz, Councilwoman Savitri Shah; and Jennifer Zha aka Naomi White. Everyone is suspect, no one can be trusted.
FAILSAFE is a story of secrets and lies,power and control, betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and transactions, family and friendships. The character driven premise is captivating, entertaining and exciting; the characters are determined, dynamic and destructive. FAILSAFE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Agent Anna Flynn, FAILSAFE focuses on the MMD Matter Manipulation Devices that can alter the physical world but when the ‘failsafe’ feature is removed, the MMD becomes a dangerous weapon. With many rogue agencies and cult-like groups struggling to gain control of the MMD for the masses, a mole or someone within the agency is working in opposition to the agency directive. With the help of her husband, tech genius Daniel Flynn, and her partner Agent Lisa Williams, Agent Anna Flynn battles the people in charge to uncover the truth, and the take down of a rogue group calling themselves A Better Way.
The world building is complex and detailed as Anna Flynn struggles to prove not only her innocence but the reality of what could happen and why. When the MMDs are modified and the failsafe removed, the world itself sits on the precipice of destruction
We are introduced to Agent Lisa Williams with the Matter Manipulation Device Agency; their boss Director Jada Davis; Director Elaine Guerrero; Agent Lucas Ward, Agent Carrie Yang; Mayor Delacruz, Councilwoman Savitri Shah; and Jennifer Zha aka Naomi White. Everyone is suspect, no one can be trusted.
FAILSAFE is a story of secrets and lies,power and control, betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and transactions, family and friendships. The character driven premise is captivating, entertaining and exciting; the characters are determined, dynamic and destructive. FAILSAFE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 8, 2024
I just finished reading Failsafe by Jeff Sylvester. Somehow it reminds me a bit of the writing of William Gibson and if you like those novels, you would probably like this one. We are not talking spaceships and distant star systems here, but an autocratic Unified States with almost no private land property left, the land being mostly barren anyway and food created synthetically. There are devices for manipulating matter and as you can probably tell from the title, there is an issue with them which becomes very important. You’ll find political conflict as well as competing government agencies, as well as mysterious grassroots organizations. And of course plenty of action. You never know which side somebody is on and when you are surprised, it is nevertheless believable. An enjoyable read and I am looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Winging It for sending me a DRC of Failsafe by Jeff Sylvester
Thank you NetGalley and Winging It for sending me a DRC of Failsafe by Jeff Sylvester
September 3, 2024
3.5*/5*
Failsafe is the scifi book debut of Jeff Sylvester. He creates a new world full of Matter Manipulation Devices, which were hacked and misused by criminals. In his futuristic cyberpunk story, he is showing the loneliness of a person falsely accused of treason. MMD agent, Anna, is on her own and needs to clean her name and protect all humanity from a criminal organization called “A Better Way” misusing this powerful tool.
The author was able to create interesting and likable characters. He focuses on love, family, friendship but is also able to show the dark side of vengeance and how someone takes control of individuals' lives.
The ending of "Failsafe" was tense and is keeping me interested in the next book in this series.
I received an ARC ebook for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Failsafe is the scifi book debut of Jeff Sylvester. He creates a new world full of Matter Manipulation Devices, which were hacked and misused by criminals. In his futuristic cyberpunk story, he is showing the loneliness of a person falsely accused of treason. MMD agent, Anna, is on her own and needs to clean her name and protect all humanity from a criminal organization called “A Better Way” misusing this powerful tool.
The author was able to create interesting and likable characters. He focuses on love, family, friendship but is also able to show the dark side of vengeance and how someone takes control of individuals' lives.
The ending of "Failsafe" was tense and is keeping me interested in the next book in this series.
I received an ARC ebook for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2025
Failsafe by Jeff Sylvester is a gripping sci-fi thriller where advanced technology meets high-stakes intrigue. Following MMD agent Anna Flynn, the story blends action, conspiracy, and moral dilemmas as she races to stop dangerous misuse of reality-altering devices while questioning who she can truly trust.
February 15, 2025
Solid read.
• Heavy on politics & action
• Government conspiracy
• Futuristic world & tech
• A strong female protag who isn't just strong for the sake of it (so refreshing)
• A man who isn't weakened by having a woman do the fighting
• Great ending. Good climax and action
I was genuinely shocked by the reveal of the modder. I didn't see it coming at all. I didn't think their identity would play any real part, so I hadn't paid them much attention.
Favourite scene: The ending.
Favourite Character: Lisa & Zhao. Zhao had some great tech!
Very enjoyable
• Heavy on politics & action
• Government conspiracy
• Futuristic world & tech
• A strong female protag who isn't just strong for the sake of it (so refreshing)
• A man who isn't weakened by having a woman do the fighting
• Great ending. Good climax and action
I was genuinely shocked by the reveal of the modder. I didn't see it coming at all. I didn't think their identity would play any real part, so I hadn't paid them much attention.
Favourite scene: The ending.
Favourite Character: Lisa & Zhao. Zhao had some great tech!
Very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews