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The Significant
The beloved leader of a planet... A non-citizen fugitive... And a secret love that could kill them both. Kailynn Evada was born on the most powerful planet in the Altereye System, but was raised in the non-citizen district of Trid. She always dreamed of revolution and changing the injustices of the planet Tiao. But when her brother’s plot to destroy the A.I. that runs the planet falls apart, Kailynn finds herself struggling to save his life. Armed with false citizenship and determination to save her brother from execution, Kailynn finds work in the capital city, Anon, as a Significant—a person paid to act as a friend to clients. When a secret request for Significant companionship comes in, the pay drives Kailynn to accept the job. However, she soon discovers that her client is the most powerful person in the planetary system—Elite Isa, leader of the Elite Syndicate of Tiao who is genetically altered for perfection and forbidden from intimate relationships. The undeniable attraction between the two leads to a secret love that could kill them both.
599 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
71 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Anderson
15 books19 followersBorn with a pen in hand and an insatiable curiosity for the world, Kyra Anderson embarked on her literary journey at a young age. Boldly defying conventional narratives and fearlessly confronting societal norms, Kyra is a literary provocateur. From the earliest inklings of creativity, she was drawn to narratives that dared to challenge, harnessing her gift for storytelling as a potent instrument for discussions of social constructs. With an unwavering commitment to shedding light on pressing social issues, Kyra fearlessly traverses uncharted territories, exploring the complexities of identity, injustice, and the human condition with unflinching honesty. Kyra’s writing career boasts over 25 books across two pennames that invite readers on adventures both familiar and fantastical, weaving tales that celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience.
***Kyra Anderson also writes under the penname K.J. Amidon***
***Kyra Anderson also writes under the penname K.J. Amidon***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 10, 2016
Just to set things straight this is not a typical lesbian romance book but rather a purely a sci-fi book with a twist that both main characters are lesbians.
The book was extremely entertaining.. Full of mind blowing political mind games, wars, and a kick ass lesbian leader :) if you are into sci-fi you would love it.. But if you are looking for a lesbian romance, don't bother cuz that's not what the story is about. Having said that, the connection between both characters is very strong and it completes the whole experience :)
Only issue is that it's a bit too long for my taste but other than that, it was a very fresh change for my normal lesbian romance!
P.s: I could easily picture this as a kick ass blockbuster movie or tv series even!
The book was extremely entertaining.. Full of mind blowing political mind games, wars, and a kick ass lesbian leader :) if you are into sci-fi you would love it.. But if you are looking for a lesbian romance, don't bother cuz that's not what the story is about. Having said that, the connection between both characters is very strong and it completes the whole experience :)
Only issue is that it's a bit too long for my taste but other than that, it was a very fresh change for my normal lesbian romance!
P.s: I could easily picture this as a kick ass blockbuster movie or tv series even!
March 4, 2018
3.5 stars!
Excellent read! The storyline started off slow but eventually picked up a few chapters in then got going with lots of action but this was not your typical lesbian book/storyline because it had a mix of hetero relationships thrown in plus this was also kind of a sci fi thriller combination plot twists with elements of the lost city/universe having humans evolution and robotic technology try to take over & maybe run the entire world. This also consist of some enjoyable love scenes and good chemistry between all the cast of characters and there was even a great ending. Recommend to everyone!
Excellent read! The storyline started off slow but eventually picked up a few chapters in then got going with lots of action but this was not your typical lesbian book/storyline because it had a mix of hetero relationships thrown in plus this was also kind of a sci fi thriller combination plot twists with elements of the lost city/universe having humans evolution and robotic technology try to take over & maybe run the entire world. This also consist of some enjoyable love scenes and good chemistry between all the cast of characters and there was even a great ending. Recommend to everyone!
December 8, 2017
Pardon me while I catch my breath......
I have no words. Like legitimately I have no words to describe this book. That's how good it was. I swear this book has taken off years of my life...that's how stressed out I was while reading this book.
Firstly let me make one thing clear. This isn't a romance perse. It's a science fiction book with a romance subplot. So if you're looking for a mushy book this isnt the one.
Now let me tell you that I have read a lot of science fiction. Keeping that in mind, I wouldn't be wrong when I say that this is the best science fiction book that I've read. AND NO I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. And the fact that is a dystopian book, with LGBTQ undertones is an icing on the cake.
That doesn't mean the romance plot is overlooked. There is plenty of romance, and there is a ton of angst(yayy). But it went side by side with the main plot.
Coming to the characters, my my I have got no words. Lets start with Elite Isa. I wasn't prepared for such a well written character. I felt every emotion with her and my heart broke a little Everytime something bad happened to her. I wasn't into her character in the beginning but as the story progressed I couldn't help but love her. To me she is the only character and the rest of the characters are a support for her. Kailynn was splendid. Remus, Rayal, Tarah, every single one of them were amazing. And a special mention for the doctors Micheal and Paul. If I turn out to be half a good doctor as these two are I will consider myself accomplished.
This book is paced so wonderfully. Never once did o feel that too much stuff was happening. The only time I actually had to stop reading was before the last chapter. I won't spoil it for you but it is pretty intense. I had to prepare myself mentally for it.
That being said I strongly recommend that you give this novel a try. If sci fi isnt your thing, make an exception. you won't regret it.
If sci fi IS your thing, then certainly go ahead. this novel has the potential of turning into a cult. That's how amazing it is.
I have no words. Like legitimately I have no words to describe this book. That's how good it was. I swear this book has taken off years of my life...that's how stressed out I was while reading this book.
Firstly let me make one thing clear. This isn't a romance perse. It's a science fiction book with a romance subplot. So if you're looking for a mushy book this isnt the one.
Now let me tell you that I have read a lot of science fiction. Keeping that in mind, I wouldn't be wrong when I say that this is the best science fiction book that I've read. AND NO I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. And the fact that is a dystopian book, with LGBTQ undertones is an icing on the cake.
That doesn't mean the romance plot is overlooked. There is plenty of romance, and there is a ton of angst(yayy). But it went side by side with the main plot.
Coming to the characters, my my I have got no words. Lets start with Elite Isa. I wasn't prepared for such a well written character. I felt every emotion with her and my heart broke a little Everytime something bad happened to her. I wasn't into her character in the beginning but as the story progressed I couldn't help but love her. To me she is the only character and the rest of the characters are a support for her. Kailynn was splendid. Remus, Rayal, Tarah, every single one of them were amazing. And a special mention for the doctors Micheal and Paul. If I turn out to be half a good doctor as these two are I will consider myself accomplished.
This book is paced so wonderfully. Never once did o feel that too much stuff was happening. The only time I actually had to stop reading was before the last chapter. I won't spoil it for you but it is pretty intense. I had to prepare myself mentally for it.
That being said I strongly recommend that you give this novel a try. If sci fi isnt your thing, make an exception. you won't regret it.
If sci fi IS your thing, then certainly go ahead. this novel has the potential of turning into a cult. That's how amazing it is.
July 31, 2016
One of the best sci-fi books.
This is one of the best sci-fi book I ever read. The story was immediately engrossing with assassination attempts, political mindgames, war, intrigue, powerful technology, and a superb romance. It's mind blowing and will keep you hooked till the very last page. The author created an amazing story with a strong plot line. A plot line I cannot describe because of the complexity. Happens so much that this is impossible. It's worth all your time and money. No need to say that I enjoyed it immensely. Wow, what a story!
This is one of the best sci-fi book I ever read. The story was immediately engrossing with assassination attempts, political mindgames, war, intrigue, powerful technology, and a superb romance. It's mind blowing and will keep you hooked till the very last page. The author created an amazing story with a strong plot line. A plot line I cannot describe because of the complexity. Happens so much that this is impossible. It's worth all your time and money. No need to say that I enjoyed it immensely. Wow, what a story!
April 23, 2024
One of my favorite books of all times! 😍
Second time listening to the audiobook. So good!!!!
Second time listening to the audiobook. So good!!!!
December 2, 2017
This is a dystopia with a good amount of romance spattered in. What I especially like about dystopias is that they take a recent development and take a quite pessimistic look at it. Thus they are often very critical and thought-provoking. Now, pessimism can be very difficult to read, it has sharp edges, it is dark and sour.
The Significant shows a world where the citizens have forgotten how to interact, they only know how to talk to AI, they pay for the services of Significants to play out social interaction. All the non-citizens have the knowledge and ability to take part in society (as in can interact socially) but only because they live in Trid and do not have the luxuries of computers. In fact, they struggle each day to survive. All the citizens are ruled by enhanced beings, who are in turn ruled by an AI that has infiltrated the whole planet. You see the major theme is the danger of modern technologies: games, social media, AI, genetic manipulation ...
Humanity needs to pit itself against the AI and who would be better at it than a pair of lovers, a very unlikely pair, who together combine what humanity again has to strife for ...
I liked this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of dark science fiction seasoned with a sweet love story.
The Significant shows a world where the citizens have forgotten how to interact, they only know how to talk to AI, they pay for the services of Significants to play out social interaction. All the non-citizens have the knowledge and ability to take part in society (as in can interact socially) but only because they live in Trid and do not have the luxuries of computers. In fact, they struggle each day to survive. All the citizens are ruled by enhanced beings, who are in turn ruled by an AI that has infiltrated the whole planet. You see the major theme is the danger of modern technologies: games, social media, AI, genetic manipulation ...
Humanity needs to pit itself against the AI and who would be better at it than a pair of lovers, a very unlikely pair, who together combine what humanity again has to strife for ...
I liked this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of dark science fiction seasoned with a sweet love story.
February 27, 2018
I truly believe that there is a really good, exciting 250 page novel buried in this 600 page book. Editor! That’s what is needed here. Editor!
Kailynn comes from the dregs of society and Isa is leader of an entire alliance of planets. Through circumstances they develop an illegal relationship - Kailynn, because she has forged an identity to get where she is, and Isa, because she is the well-wired AI’s Chosen to be a chaste leader. Discovery of their relationship by human or machine means death to both.
What starts as an illicit and prohibited romance quickly develops into an epic space opera. The novel began to feel like I was reading an entire season of some TV show, because suddenly there would be a shift in tone or POV and a raft of new characters would be featured for some time to push forward some plot point only to fade into the background again when the next episode comes along.
One of the major points of mystery is this awful, awful thing that happened to Isa “5 years before” that keeps coming up again and again and they discuss how bad it was very, very often. This little annoying piece of suspense is stretched out so long that it has been redubbed “6 years before” by the time in the novel that you find out what it is. And by then, I was so over the bad thing, nothing could have shocked me. When it is told in flashback fashion, I found myself skimming, thinking “whatever, Isa obviously survives all this crap because she’s still around 6 years later .”
The romance definitely gets eaten up by the space opera of the novel. In fact, at one point during the novel, Kailynn, the main character, the Significant referred to by the title, gets tossed in a self driving automobile and driven 11 hours out of the novel, because, frankly, there isn’t anything for her to do apparently.
And for my last complaint… I promise that if I were to ever write a fictional story of any sort (and prove that my own writing skills are supremely more awful than most), no character of mine will ever, ever Ever chuckle. I searched the book for the word “chuckle” and it occurs 177 times, it felt like many more…
It takes a lot of resistance before I resort to skimming, but when I do, it’s hard to stop. However, as I said before, there is a good novel in here. Things just need to be rearranged, trimmed down, focused! And tell the characters to stop “chuckling” - makes me nervous...
Kailynn comes from the dregs of society and Isa is leader of an entire alliance of planets. Through circumstances they develop an illegal relationship - Kailynn, because she has forged an identity to get where she is, and Isa, because she is the well-wired AI’s Chosen to be a chaste leader. Discovery of their relationship by human or machine means death to both.
What starts as an illicit and prohibited romance quickly develops into an epic space opera. The novel began to feel like I was reading an entire season of some TV show, because suddenly there would be a shift in tone or POV and a raft of new characters would be featured for some time to push forward some plot point only to fade into the background again when the next episode comes along.
One of the major points of mystery is this awful, awful thing that happened to Isa “5 years before” that keeps coming up again and again and they discuss how bad it was very, very often. This little annoying piece of suspense is stretched out so long that it has been redubbed “6 years before” by the time in the novel that you find out what it is. And by then, I was so over the bad thing, nothing could have shocked me. When it is told in flashback fashion, I found myself skimming, thinking “whatever, Isa obviously survives all this crap because she’s still around 6 years later .”
The romance definitely gets eaten up by the space opera of the novel. In fact, at one point during the novel, Kailynn, the main character, the Significant referred to by the title, gets tossed in a self driving automobile and driven 11 hours out of the novel, because, frankly, there isn’t anything for her to do apparently.
And for my last complaint… I promise that if I were to ever write a fictional story of any sort (and prove that my own writing skills are supremely more awful than most), no character of mine will ever, ever Ever chuckle. I searched the book for the word “chuckle” and it occurs 177 times, it felt like many more…
It takes a lot of resistance before I resort to skimming, but when I do, it’s hard to stop. However, as I said before, there is a good novel in here. Things just need to be rearranged, trimmed down, focused! And tell the characters to stop “chuckling” - makes me nervous...
May 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. If you like sci-fi combined with action this could be your book. Both characters are interesting although you end up falling in love with Isa. This character is strong, persistent and fascinating. My only complaint is that the author could have cut some scenes.
February 2, 2020
I wanted to love this. Lesbian sci-fi political thriller? Hells to the yes. But the more chances I gave it, the more it kept disappointing me. I think the author is just inexperienced and needed some editing and coaching because some of the elements that are here are really fantastic, but the book is uneven, poorly written, and not even remotely sexy.
It started pretty strong, despite a dry, direct writing style that I had to get used to. Apparently no one ever explained showing vs. telling to this writer. The political complexity was intriguing, as were the machinations of class. The tech porn is probably the strongest I've read in a novel of this kind and I give genuine props for the imagination behind the machinery and understanding the impact of tech. But as it got rolling and I realized not only was the writing elementary, there were massive logic fails and plot holes, and the romantic relationship is flat and horribly narrated. I will never be able to get the phrase "moist womanhood" out of my mind as long as I live and now there it is I've written it and you can all be horrified, too.
Besides the basic problem of head-hopping as she narrates, Anderson just did not make her characters consistent, and her protagonist just quits driving the story midway through. All the sudden Kailynn is just not essential to the plot anymore.
While the idea of Elites sounds super fascinating, we discover that they are engineered not to have emotions (that's BS since they obviously do) and have no tear ducts so they can't cry. BUT ALSO THEY'RE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE SEX AND YET FOR SOME REASON THEY HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED WITH SEXUAL ORGANS AND REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY. Just...what? You thought "tear ducts too much, but let's keep the vulva even though the consequence of having sex is death."
Oh, and on that note; while intercourse is punished with death, and the writer could have given us this steamy buildup to a forbidden romance that drives us crazy with anticipation when at last the lovers fling aside caution and give in to a night of passion and ecstasy...nope. We get a tepid sex scene super early on, with the aforementioned linguistic horror show, and yeah eventually everybody finds out but it's just...fine. Like, nothing happens. Sure, they should be executed but they just...aren't.
This is one of several major flaws. Too many logical jumps that I just could not make with the author. It's not that I think she has nothing; she's clearly very creative and thought up a complex world that could have been thrilling if it were less episodic and more character-driven and just not quite so artlessly written. Anyway, very sad not to have enjoyed it more, but I did give it genuine effort.
It started pretty strong, despite a dry, direct writing style that I had to get used to. Apparently no one ever explained showing vs. telling to this writer. The political complexity was intriguing, as were the machinations of class. The tech porn is probably the strongest I've read in a novel of this kind and I give genuine props for the imagination behind the machinery and understanding the impact of tech. But as it got rolling and I realized not only was the writing elementary, there were massive logic fails and plot holes, and the romantic relationship is flat and horribly narrated. I will never be able to get the phrase "moist womanhood" out of my mind as long as I live and now there it is I've written it and you can all be horrified, too.
Besides the basic problem of head-hopping as she narrates, Anderson just did not make her characters consistent, and her protagonist just quits driving the story midway through. All the sudden Kailynn is just not essential to the plot anymore.
While the idea of Elites sounds super fascinating, we discover that they are engineered not to have emotions (that's BS since they obviously do) and have no tear ducts so they can't cry. BUT ALSO THEY'RE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE SEX AND YET FOR SOME REASON THEY HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED WITH SEXUAL ORGANS AND REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY. Just...what? You thought "tear ducts too much, but let's keep the vulva even though the consequence of having sex is death."
Oh, and on that note; while intercourse is punished with death, and the writer could have given us this steamy buildup to a forbidden romance that drives us crazy with anticipation when at last the lovers fling aside caution and give in to a night of passion and ecstasy...nope. We get a tepid sex scene super early on, with the aforementioned linguistic horror show, and yeah eventually everybody finds out but it's just...fine. Like, nothing happens. Sure, they should be executed but they just...aren't.
This is one of several major flaws. Too many logical jumps that I just could not make with the author. It's not that I think she has nothing; she's clearly very creative and thought up a complex world that could have been thrilling if it were less episodic and more character-driven and just not quite so artlessly written. Anyway, very sad not to have enjoyed it more, but I did give it genuine effort.
March 27, 2018
It's a love story between two people, each coming from the opposite side of the social spectrum.
Both suffered moral, emotional and physical abuses on repeated occasion in their life.
The suffering they go through is mostly due to a suprematic AI called Venus that has gone out of control.
My jaw kept falling, because I couldn't believe how easily the poor girl integrates herself in middle and high society, and I kept looking for logical behavior and couldn't find any.
I didn't feel the romance either, maybe because the rich girl isn't supposed to have emotions and feelings, but mostly because I couldn't see the sharing in their relationship.
Both suffered moral, emotional and physical abuses on repeated occasion in their life.
The suffering they go through is mostly due to a suprematic AI called Venus that has gone out of control.
My jaw kept falling, because I couldn't believe how easily the poor girl integrates herself in middle and high society, and I kept looking for logical behavior and couldn't find any.
I didn't feel the romance either, maybe because the rich girl isn't supposed to have emotions and feelings, but mostly because I couldn't see the sharing in their relationship.
July 17, 2016
Amazing
This book is thought provoking and emotional at every turn. It brings with it laughs, sadness, frustration, anger and happiness. Basically all emotions wrapped up in one incredible amazing science fiction book. While there was a few grammatical errors it still did not take anyway the storyline. It pushes my thoughts to think that now in this century that some people prefer the comfort of technology to humans and if makes you wonder if it will every come to that point life as we know it will need a significant just to help you "feel"? I love the intimacy between Isa and her significant. Great book. Love it!
This book is thought provoking and emotional at every turn. It brings with it laughs, sadness, frustration, anger and happiness. Basically all emotions wrapped up in one incredible amazing science fiction book. While there was a few grammatical errors it still did not take anyway the storyline. It pushes my thoughts to think that now in this century that some people prefer the comfort of technology to humans and if makes you wonder if it will every come to that point life as we know it will need a significant just to help you "feel"? I love the intimacy between Isa and her significant. Great book. Love it!
January 5, 2021
Wow, what a ride this was! My intro to this author and am hooked!!
August 6, 2016
The world built is quite interesting, even if it's nothing too new. And for a while there I had fun reading a book with the feminist version of Hal 9000 as the main villain of the story.
However, my main gripe was with the romance part of this book, and since the romance is pretty much the backbone of the story, I was unsure on how to rate this. Because, honestly, they are so mismatched. I know they say that opposites attract, or complement or whatever the hell they say opposites do these days... but I'm pretty sure this is kind of a hard sell in terms of a couple. One almost semi-God entity and the other a somewhat hysterical clueless bimbo. While Isa is basically a mixed version of Carl von Clausewitz and Gandhi, Kailynn is quite frankly a fraud as the 'Wild Child of Trid'. She's the eye candy for the fearless leader. I understand that she is portrayed as someone who had no opportunities in life and came from a truly underprivileged background, but the thing is, Kailynn is not even street-smart. She's just not a very interesting character, period.
I even unintentionally saw myself 'shipping' Isa and Remus a lot more than Isa and Kailynn, since the more I read, the more I kept asking myself why the hell she would be with Kailynn to begin with. And honestly, there wasn't much there. Nothing that in my mind justified the validation of their relationship under such unfavorable circunstances.
Maybe in the end, I'd have enjoyed this book a lot more if it was written mostly on Isa perspective. Her inner turmoil and all the transhumanism issues around her seemed so much more interesting than what was going on with Kailynn. In fact, most of Kailynn dialogues seem to function more just as a expository channel for Isa's brilliance, than a venue for her own character built. Her mostly histrionic behavior seemed to add very little to their relationship, and that bothered me quite a lot.
I was very interested in the premises of this book and couldn't stop reading, but around 2/3 of it, it just kind of became a bit of a chore, and I only committed to getting to the end of it because, after all the time I spent reading this book, I refused to leave it unfinished. But by the time I reached the part where, finally, the author tells us what the heck happened with Colonel Amori 6 years ago, I utterly and irrevocably, did not give a damn.
However, my main gripe was with the romance part of this book, and since the romance is pretty much the backbone of the story, I was unsure on how to rate this. Because, honestly, they are so mismatched. I know they say that opposites attract, or complement or whatever the hell they say opposites do these days... but I'm pretty sure this is kind of a hard sell in terms of a couple. One almost semi-God entity and the other a somewhat hysterical clueless bimbo. While Isa is basically a mixed version of Carl von Clausewitz and Gandhi, Kailynn is quite frankly a fraud as the 'Wild Child of Trid'. She's the eye candy for the fearless leader. I understand that she is portrayed as someone who had no opportunities in life and came from a truly underprivileged background, but the thing is, Kailynn is not even street-smart. She's just not a very interesting character, period.
I even unintentionally saw myself 'shipping' Isa and Remus a lot more than Isa and Kailynn, since the more I read, the more I kept asking myself why the hell she would be with Kailynn to begin with. And honestly, there wasn't much there. Nothing that in my mind justified the validation of their relationship under such unfavorable circunstances.
Maybe in the end, I'd have enjoyed this book a lot more if it was written mostly on Isa perspective. Her inner turmoil and all the transhumanism issues around her seemed so much more interesting than what was going on with Kailynn. In fact, most of Kailynn dialogues seem to function more just as a expository channel for Isa's brilliance, than a venue for her own character built. Her mostly histrionic behavior seemed to add very little to their relationship, and that bothered me quite a lot.
I was very interested in the premises of this book and couldn't stop reading, but around 2/3 of it, it just kind of became a bit of a chore, and I only committed to getting to the end of it because, after all the time I spent reading this book, I refused to leave it unfinished. But by the time I reached the part where, finally, the author tells us what the heck happened with Colonel Amori 6 years ago, I utterly and irrevocably, did not give a damn.
September 6, 2016
This book was fantastic and I am definitely hoping for a second book.
February 15, 2018
Long sci-fi book that included political intrigue, domestic strife, and the changing of society. Within this already complex plot, a young woman from the wrong side of the tracks gets romantically involved with the leader of the planet. Wooh. The Good: lots of substance, details, and carefully woven supporting characters. Also, Kaiyleen and Isa were mostly good leads. The bad: too long and it seemed that if parts of the story had been rearranged, then it all would have made better sense. Where it failed for me was that the book started out as the tale of the poor but ferociously strong character of Kaiyleen and how she remained loyal to her brother and fellow Trids as she risked life and limb to get justice and basic rights for them all. This plot line was central to the connection between the two women from opposite ends of the social spectrum. But as the book went on, Kaiyleen became this weak, helpless damsel in distress that Isa had to pamper. Huh? No mention again of Trids or brother or the poverty stricken ghetto. I think it would have turned this good story into a phenomenal one had the Trid story been allowed to evolve with Kaiyleen taking the helm juxtaposed with the power struggles of the Golden Elite Isa. Now their romance would have made better sense.
December 14, 2018
Good story, terrible writing.
Because of so many good reviews, it was disappointing. This is when you ask yourself if those reviewers have read the same book than you…
The story is interesting, with a nice plot: An IA was created to protect people against natural disasters. Then it began protecting people against bad behaviors. So now, it protects good citizens against everything, included liberty. That’s a good plot.
So what’s wrong? There are so many discrepancies; you roll your eyes every two pages.
The author has no sense of anticipation. In her intergalactic civilization, ill people are still treated with IVs and syringes have needles! And when they want to travel long distances, they go by… car and it takes 11 hours! And so on.
Then, there is the issue of one of the main characters who is constantly ill or mugged or incapacitated, so every 15 pages, she is at the hospital or in bed nursing this or that ailment.
But because the story is interesting, if you are not repelled by the numerous discrepancies, you may have a good time.
Because of so many good reviews, it was disappointing. This is when you ask yourself if those reviewers have read the same book than you…
The story is interesting, with a nice plot: An IA was created to protect people against natural disasters. Then it began protecting people against bad behaviors. So now, it protects good citizens against everything, included liberty. That’s a good plot.
So what’s wrong? There are so many discrepancies; you roll your eyes every two pages.
The author has no sense of anticipation. In her intergalactic civilization, ill people are still treated with IVs and syringes have needles! And when they want to travel long distances, they go by… car and it takes 11 hours! And so on.
Then, there is the issue of one of the main characters who is constantly ill or mugged or incapacitated, so every 15 pages, she is at the hospital or in bed nursing this or that ailment.
But because the story is interesting, if you are not repelled by the numerous discrepancies, you may have a good time.
August 28, 2016
Great story with many fantastic elements. Skillful world building? ✔️Tyrannical super computer with limitless power? ✔️ A close look at humanity and all of our strengths and weaknesses? ✔️ A forbidden romance between the (female) cyborg leader of the planet and a (female) rebel illiterate born in the slums? ✔️ There were some typos and lingo that seemed a bit off for the setting but I barely noticed them because I was so engrossed in the story.
July 28, 2016
I enjoyed the story and was pleased with the characters, especially that of Isa. One of the things I enjoy most of the stories I read is the portrayal of a strong woman lead character. Isa is that woman in this story and I couldn't be happier with how she presents herself throughout this story. Excellent.
July 30, 2019
There was nothing amiss in the telling of Isa and Kailynn, the Syndicate and the people of Taio's story. Big brother or shall I say, sister, Venus is one power hungry AI. Scary bitch. It was awesome to read the loyalty Isa had from her people and how knowing her changed Kailynn's opinion of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2018
For me this dragged and could have been shaved down. A lack of chemistry between the two characters. The AI was the most interesting part of the story.
February 23, 2021
This book surprise me. It’s not a genre I’d typically read. There was a lot going on in this story and it felt a little choppy at times but it was an entertaining read for sure!
February 13, 2021
2.5 stars if I'm being generous. This book needed some heavy editing. From regular spelling and typos to pacing to plot holes and continuity errors like the author forgetting a character is supposed to be using a fake name or a character showing decisive action in one chapter then immediately going back to not being sure what to do. It's too long by half and there are a lot of really nonsensical premises you just have to sort of ignore to continue with the story (all the talk of "emotionless" elites with nearly no evidence that shows this, the fact that they're forbidden from sex and relationships and crying but drinking alcohol is apparently fine, many more inconsistencies where things change implausibly to suit the plot). There's a lot of descriptions of the world and people that don't really line up with the way the characters act or the way things play out. I suspect people looking for good sci-fi will find it's too inconsistent and people looking for romance will think there isn't enough. I know that sounds harsh. The ideas are there for this book just it needed to be processed a lot more before it was finished.
December 14, 2018
There was just so much potential here and it fell so very flat. The story drug on and was very dull in the end... it honestly got to the point where I had to force myself to continue and that kills me because the idea had a huge amount of potential.
May 2, 2024
The Significant is a sci-fi/ dystopian story about humans who live on other planets due to them ruining earth with weaponized AI.
There are the humans, and then above them are the Elites, who are half human, half machine. The ruler of the Elites and the humans is Venus, which is AI. This is all just on the planet of Taios. There are other planets that function differently.
The humans are split into the lower class (the Trid), and the upper class (Anon). The Trid live in the slums. They don't have access to healthcare, education, or even the amount of food needed. The people of Trids' goal is to take down the Elites and Venus, and allow their people the rights that they deserve.
The Elites are supposed to be the face that humans can trust as they are human-like, so they carry out Venus' bidding. The Elites are visually pleasing, but they are not supposed to be able to feel any sort of emotions or have emotional and physical connections to others. If they break they rules, it is punishable by death.
One girl from the Trid, Kailynn, ends up in the upper area of the planet working as a Significant. Significants are there for the upper class. They will bring them in for conversation, dates, sex, etc. While there, she manages to cross paths and fall in love with Isa, who is an Elite. She is then torn between betraying her people to be with Isa, and using the system to be able to continue the plan of takeover. Or maybe... she'll be able to both? But they also have to try and stay alive.
I should start by saying that I never read sci-fi, but my wife and I made a deal that I would read a book that she picked and vice-versa. I enjoyed this book, truly. This is not a love story. It does have moments that you see two of the characters who love each other getting to be together, but that is just sliver of the story. This is book about science, technology, politics, and terrorism. Don't let that scare you though. It's interesting. The story itself was good. It's unique. It's.. not well written. It's not. I wish it was, because good writing is what has caused my love for fiction.
I want a tale ✔️
I want it to be unique ✔️
Give me entertainment ✔️
I want to wowed by the writing
The writing was.... ehh. There's a lot of head- hopping. It didn't make me stop reading, but there were times that I had to go back and reread something to make sure I knew who was narrating that paragraph. There were also plot holes. I was left with questions. Nothing that took away from the premise of the story, but some characters just faded out and you never heard from or about them again. The main character, the Significant, she became a wallflower about midway through the book. She was vital in the first half, but her importance disappeared, and then she was like a 3rd wheel.
I'm going to give it 3.5 stars because it was really such a good story, but it could have been so much better with an editor. But, I liked it enough that I'm going to buy a physical copy to add to my library. There is a prequel to the story called The Degenerate. I haven't read it yet, but I will eventually.
So all in all, I suggest that if you like or don't like sci-fi, give this book a try. It exceeded my expectations.
There are the humans, and then above them are the Elites, who are half human, half machine. The ruler of the Elites and the humans is Venus, which is AI. This is all just on the planet of Taios. There are other planets that function differently.
The humans are split into the lower class (the Trid), and the upper class (Anon). The Trid live in the slums. They don't have access to healthcare, education, or even the amount of food needed. The people of Trids' goal is to take down the Elites and Venus, and allow their people the rights that they deserve.
The Elites are supposed to be the face that humans can trust as they are human-like, so they carry out Venus' bidding. The Elites are visually pleasing, but they are not supposed to be able to feel any sort of emotions or have emotional and physical connections to others. If they break they rules, it is punishable by death.
One girl from the Trid, Kailynn, ends up in the upper area of the planet working as a Significant. Significants are there for the upper class. They will bring them in for conversation, dates, sex, etc. While there, she manages to cross paths and fall in love with Isa, who is an Elite. She is then torn between betraying her people to be with Isa, and using the system to be able to continue the plan of takeover. Or maybe... she'll be able to both? But they also have to try and stay alive.
I should start by saying that I never read sci-fi, but my wife and I made a deal that I would read a book that she picked and vice-versa. I enjoyed this book, truly. This is not a love story. It does have moments that you see two of the characters who love each other getting to be together, but that is just sliver of the story. This is book about science, technology, politics, and terrorism. Don't let that scare you though. It's interesting. The story itself was good. It's unique. It's.. not well written. It's not. I wish it was, because good writing is what has caused my love for fiction.
I want a tale ✔️
I want it to be unique ✔️
Give me entertainment ✔️
I want to wowed by the writing
The writing was.... ehh. There's a lot of head- hopping. It didn't make me stop reading, but there were times that I had to go back and reread something to make sure I knew who was narrating that paragraph. There were also plot holes. I was left with questions. Nothing that took away from the premise of the story, but some characters just faded out and you never heard from or about them again. The main character, the Significant, she became a wallflower about midway through the book. She was vital in the first half, but her importance disappeared, and then she was like a 3rd wheel.
I'm going to give it 3.5 stars because it was really such a good story, but it could have been so much better with an editor. But, I liked it enough that I'm going to buy a physical copy to add to my library. There is a prequel to the story called The Degenerate. I haven't read it yet, but I will eventually.
So all in all, I suggest that if you like or don't like sci-fi, give this book a try. It exceeded my expectations.
November 12, 2019
I enjoyed it ♥️
As mich as i wanna give it a 5 stars, I don't quite simply understand y Kailynn character could be so useless? Like she was there to be just a "lover". She could be a good programmer or something that could be useful to Isa. Her character is like a burden teenager; immature and insignificant. I wish the twist was Kailynn "literally" helped Isa on something. And the romance is too boring. I was hoping there could be more.
About Isa. Though she is the Golden Elite; the most powerful leader. All she does was doing the NBC, feel pain, and endure a lot of stuffs. I was hoping she is exceptional and so intelligent and intimidating. I didn't see it at all... Characters are all good, except that sometimes it focuses on nonsense adlib to prolong the story. There's a lot of missing element. I got bored at some point, because Kailynn is just a noise is this story. Like she's useless. Her character could be so good in other way, u know.
As mich as i wanna give it a 5 stars, I don't quite simply understand y Kailynn character could be so useless? Like she was there to be just a "lover". She could be a good programmer or something that could be useful to Isa. Her character is like a burden teenager; immature and insignificant. I wish the twist was Kailynn "literally" helped Isa on something. And the romance is too boring. I was hoping there could be more.
About Isa. Though she is the Golden Elite; the most powerful leader. All she does was doing the NBC, feel pain, and endure a lot of stuffs. I was hoping she is exceptional and so intelligent and intimidating. I didn't see it at all... Characters are all good, except that sometimes it focuses on nonsense adlib to prolong the story. There's a lot of missing element. I got bored at some point, because Kailynn is just a noise is this story. Like she's useless. Her character could be so good in other way, u know.
May 17, 2018
This is your classic story of a society with a very disparate class system where a girl from the deepest dregs, not even considered a human let alone a citizen by the society at large, manages to claw and lie her way into better society when she meets the most powerful woman on the planet. There's a lot or intrigue and thrill in this Lesfic to the point where the romance feels like it's in the side seat, but that's just fine. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes your more muted grounded sci-fi experience.
February 4, 2019
Enjoyable long read
My first time reading the author's work, and i will make sure to read her other works soon after this.
I have always longed for a good long read that wouldnt bore me halfway because I could predict everything that would happen or the story suddenly took sudden turns that the characters change drastically.
This book here didnt bore me and it kept me in my toes wondering what would happen next. I was glad none of my bad assumptions happened :)
Recommended, but i would love if Isa and TheSignificant had more emotional scene/lovely scenes.
My first time reading the author's work, and i will make sure to read her other works soon after this.
I have always longed for a good long read that wouldnt bore me halfway because I could predict everything that would happen or the story suddenly took sudden turns that the characters change drastically.
This book here didnt bore me and it kept me in my toes wondering what would happen next. I was glad none of my bad assumptions happened :)
Recommended, but i would love if Isa and TheSignificant had more emotional scene/lovely scenes.
September 16, 2019
Even though the 2 meet and don’t fall in love at that moment you know that they will end up together and fight together for what they want. The plot is OK I guess, having a planet run by a system and other people to handle and wars and everything but I could predict almost everything in the book which is a little bit sad because you want to be surprised when you’re reading something.
March 3, 2020
Couldn't stop reading
But life dictates me.
I fell into the world of this book. I did not want to leave. The adventure, the hardship of it all, and the love that is conveyed. My heart could not leave, to be in reality. Not what I was expecting but so much more than I could ask for. An must read, and read others to celebrate.
But life dictates me.
I fell into the world of this book. I did not want to leave. The adventure, the hardship of it all, and the love that is conveyed. My heart could not leave, to be in reality. Not what I was expecting but so much more than I could ask for. An must read, and read others to celebrate.
March 17, 2022
took a chance on this author and was pleasantly surprised. Definitely some awkward/repetitious sentences but the characters were strong and the plot was engaging. Wish there had been more actual romance, but it doesn't look like this author does a lot of romance. Will definitely check out other books from her.
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