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Eye Candy
Candy Calvin has it all. She’s a respected robopsychologist who specializes in the care and feeding of robots, particularly those belonging to Los Angeles’ wealthy elite. Her best friend Susannah helps Candy run her practice. The only thing Candy is missing is someone special with whom she can share her life. Until one day, on a whim, she visits an online dating site. She soon finds a profile she ROBOSTUD2047. They agree to meet for dinner. But when Candy lays eyes on him, she gets more than she bargained for, including a trip into orbit, a midnight ride in a ViperJet, and a revelation that rattles her to her core.
Danny Olivaw is a renown roboticist famous for his books on the inner workings of artificially-intelligent beings. When he’s not writing, he flies his jet and hobnobs with celebrities and movie stars. His roommate Floyd is a screenwriter and actor who convinces Danny to try online dating. EYECANDYPh.D.D. immediately catches Danny’s eye. They agree to meet at Chateaux Pizza and before Danny can get over the statuesque beauty before him, she’s sampling his bruschetta and tasting his wine. Danny knows instantly that he’s head over heels for Candy. But things aren’t always what they seem, and Danny soon finds himself in a downward spiral in his quest to reunite with Candy.
Packed with action, comedy, romance, and an ensemble of lovable characters, EYE CANDY is an uplifting roller coaster ride in the time of robots.
I believe a story should entertain you, inspire you. Make you think. Make you feel. That's why I wrote Eye Candy.
It is now available worldwide.
Danny Olivaw is a renown roboticist famous for his books on the inner workings of artificially-intelligent beings. When he’s not writing, he flies his jet and hobnobs with celebrities and movie stars. His roommate Floyd is a screenwriter and actor who convinces Danny to try online dating. EYECANDYPh.D.D. immediately catches Danny’s eye. They agree to meet at Chateaux Pizza and before Danny can get over the statuesque beauty before him, she’s sampling his bruschetta and tasting his wine. Danny knows instantly that he’s head over heels for Candy. But things aren’t always what they seem, and Danny soon finds himself in a downward spiral in his quest to reunite with Candy.
Packed with action, comedy, romance, and an ensemble of lovable characters, EYE CANDY is an uplifting roller coaster ride in the time of robots.
I believe a story should entertain you, inspire you. Make you think. Make you feel. That's why I wrote Eye Candy.
It is now available worldwide.
- GenresScience Fiction
ebook
First published March 25, 2013
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 19, 2017
Err, wow. I just. What the hell did I just read? And why?
So, the first half of this book reads like mediocre fanfic until the first big reveal. (Also, FAOD, this entire review is full of spoilers). The big reveal is, like, super obvious. It seemed obvious to me a couple of chapters in, and to be clear, I don't normally get twists early.
Then the latter half starts slowly and rapidly devolves into crazy town. The (apparent) big bad is called 'Les Grossman' and, yes, he acts, just like Les Grossman from Topic Thunder. One of the supporting cast on the good side is called Bella Swan Johnson. And, of course, towards the end, as the craziness is reaching fever pitch and pretty much the entirety of the good team are being slaughtered, I think... surely, they're not going to Twilight: Breaking Dawn this are they? But no, that's exactly what was happening. Except, even a big old "LOL, psyche" wasn't enough to explain the worst of the craziness; like how, for example, they got the Navy to agree to essentially invade a island off the coast of the US.
And ultimately the second big reveal falls flat because it was foreshadowed since pretty much the first chapter and ultimately, the ending is just wildly unsatisfying. 3 laws of robotics aren't sufficient (OK), people don't trust programming (OK), therefor the solution is "The ultimate law of robotics: free will" (whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?).
So, the first half of this book reads like mediocre fanfic until the first big reveal. (Also, FAOD, this entire review is full of spoilers). The big reveal is, like, super obvious. It seemed obvious to me a couple of chapters in, and to be clear, I don't normally get twists early.
Then the latter half starts slowly and rapidly devolves into crazy town. The (apparent) big bad is called 'Les Grossman' and, yes, he acts, just like Les Grossman from Topic Thunder. One of the supporting cast on the good side is called Bella Swan Johnson. And, of course, towards the end, as the craziness is reaching fever pitch and pretty much the entirety of the good team are being slaughtered, I think... surely, they're not going to Twilight: Breaking Dawn this are they? But no, that's exactly what was happening. Except, even a big old "LOL, psyche" wasn't enough to explain the worst of the craziness; like how, for example, they got the Navy to agree to essentially invade a island off the coast of the US.
And ultimately the second big reveal falls flat because it was foreshadowed since pretty much the first chapter and ultimately, the ending is just wildly unsatisfying. 3 laws of robotics aren't sufficient (OK), people don't trust programming (OK), therefor the solution is "The ultimate law of robotics: free will" (whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?).
July 10, 2013
I’m a sucker for scifi, but I’ve made that abundantly clear in my recent posts.
Ryan Schneider captures an idyllic future with smart crosswalks and robots that seemingly feel, as well as be involved in almost every part of our lives. It’s a future with promise, beautiful woman, clean cities, and robot psychologists. Eye Candy starts laying down the groundwork, establishing the Three Laws of Robotics created by Isaac Asimov.
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
In Ryan Schneider’s robotic world, we’re introduced to the evolving robot – the one that absolutely accepts that human life is to be protected, but fears harming its own existence while performing its duties. Eye Candy gives you a romanticized story of what happens if/when robots become less like toasters and more like a new species.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of Eye Candy – the dialogue flows naturally, and you’re given a peek into a blossoming romance between two compatible people who manages to beat high odds and find each others soul mate in the other. This is where Eye Candy starts to get a little complicated, especially with the introduction of a slew of characters. The ending, however, is an interesting twist that you may or may not see coming. It is worth sticking through what could be a little dry and complicated plot, but I have to admit, the ending came quickly and with not as much explanation you would want for the twist.
I enjoyed the main character Danny – his wit and charm as a robotist and Candy, his soul mate and love interest, the robot psychologist. Schneider describes these two fictional jobs with clear and believable explanation. I especially enjoyed this fictional futuristic world and Schnieder does an amazing job detailing it with inspiring inventions that those of us trapped in 2013 are desperately waiting for. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
Ryan Schneider captures an idyllic future with smart crosswalks and robots that seemingly feel, as well as be involved in almost every part of our lives. It’s a future with promise, beautiful woman, clean cities, and robot psychologists. Eye Candy starts laying down the groundwork, establishing the Three Laws of Robotics created by Isaac Asimov.
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
In Ryan Schneider’s robotic world, we’re introduced to the evolving robot – the one that absolutely accepts that human life is to be protected, but fears harming its own existence while performing its duties. Eye Candy gives you a romanticized story of what happens if/when robots become less like toasters and more like a new species.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of Eye Candy – the dialogue flows naturally, and you’re given a peek into a blossoming romance between two compatible people who manages to beat high odds and find each others soul mate in the other. This is where Eye Candy starts to get a little complicated, especially with the introduction of a slew of characters. The ending, however, is an interesting twist that you may or may not see coming. It is worth sticking through what could be a little dry and complicated plot, but I have to admit, the ending came quickly and with not as much explanation you would want for the twist.
I enjoyed the main character Danny – his wit and charm as a robotist and Candy, his soul mate and love interest, the robot psychologist. Schneider describes these two fictional jobs with clear and believable explanation. I especially enjoyed this fictional futuristic world and Schnieder does an amazing job detailing it with inspiring inventions that those of us trapped in 2013 are desperately waiting for. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
June 12, 2013
Generally the phrase "refreshingly traditional" is an oxymoron. Most things that are traditional are not refreshing, i.e. they've been overdone. Such is not the case with EYE CANDY, which works as a highly effective extension of the future first envisioned by Issac Asimov in his Robot Series. The world portrayed my Mister Schneider is a logical "next step" in the evolution of the literary robot. The Three Laws of Robotics exist and are still adhered to, but robots are becoming more and more human-like with each, passing day. I don't want to give away any spoilers. I'll just say that the proverbial line between "real" and "not real" is very thin, and you, the reader, will be left pondering that very question, even after a handful of twists and turns and a firm resolution that I, admittedly, didn't see coming.
EYE CANDY is not overly laden with philosophical and spiritual themes, i.e. it's not preachy (as much as I love Asimov he did get preachy from time to time). But there's just enough in the dialogue between Danny, Candy and the myriad of other characters that populate Schnieder's futuristic LA to keep the academic in me thinking. Call it Sci-Fi with a strong message, but not a message that detracts from the story. The plot is well-developed and moves at a brisk pace, even for a 450 page, freestanding novel. And the culmination of that plot? Wow. If you like action, you're really going to like the last 15-20% of the novel. Prepare to be dazzled.
As always, Mister Schnieder's writing is succinct and too the point without sacrificing description, and his reliance on dialogue to drive his story is very Asmiov-ian. Yet EYE CANDY maintains a stamp that is distinctly his. I highly recommend it to the 18+ crowd. Ryan has made his bones as a YA author, but EYE CANDY is not for that demographic. It stands as an incredibly strong foray into post-YA Sci-Fi. Enjoy!
EYE CANDY is not overly laden with philosophical and spiritual themes, i.e. it's not preachy (as much as I love Asimov he did get preachy from time to time). But there's just enough in the dialogue between Danny, Candy and the myriad of other characters that populate Schnieder's futuristic LA to keep the academic in me thinking. Call it Sci-Fi with a strong message, but not a message that detracts from the story. The plot is well-developed and moves at a brisk pace, even for a 450 page, freestanding novel. And the culmination of that plot? Wow. If you like action, you're really going to like the last 15-20% of the novel. Prepare to be dazzled.
As always, Mister Schnieder's writing is succinct and too the point without sacrificing description, and his reliance on dialogue to drive his story is very Asmiov-ian. Yet EYE CANDY maintains a stamp that is distinctly his. I highly recommend it to the 18+ crowd. Ryan has made his bones as a YA author, but EYE CANDY is not for that demographic. It stands as an incredibly strong foray into post-YA Sci-Fi. Enjoy!
November 4, 2013
When I started reading "Eye Candy" at the beginning it seemed to me like a love story and nothing more. However, because of my geeky nature I continued to read because of the robots and soon enough as the story revealed itself I realized how wrong I was. This book is so much more.
It raises a lot of interesting questions and provides even more interesting answers and concepts. It gives material for a lot of thinking on our nature as human beings, our decisions, our future and so much more, that I had to wait more than a week before writing the review.
It should also be mentioned that it feels like a natural continuation of Asimov's "I robot", which was one of the first books which got me into science fiction. Thus the universe "Eye Candy" presents became even more pleasing to me.
I definitely liked Mr. Schneider's style and at some points in the story the twists just blew my mind. And it's so positive, really gives the impression that the good is everywhere, even in people who don't seem good at all, or robots for that matter.
And talking about robots, they are simply incredible. I fell in love with them and would like to have an assistant and friend like Howard in my life. I really hope that technology will advance this much in my lifetime so I can see if what we are reading today will become true in the future or if we'll make it even better.
As a conclusion, take my word for it and read "Eye Candy" I promise you won't be disappointed!
I even think that it will be interesting even for people who are not very much into science fiction because of the awesome romance happening throughout the story.
I hope to read more of this universe in the near future !
P.S. The last thing I want to point is that the novel is strictly for adults, but that flavor makes it even better.
It raises a lot of interesting questions and provides even more interesting answers and concepts. It gives material for a lot of thinking on our nature as human beings, our decisions, our future and so much more, that I had to wait more than a week before writing the review.
It should also be mentioned that it feels like a natural continuation of Asimov's "I robot", which was one of the first books which got me into science fiction. Thus the universe "Eye Candy" presents became even more pleasing to me.
I definitely liked Mr. Schneider's style and at some points in the story the twists just blew my mind. And it's so positive, really gives the impression that the good is everywhere, even in people who don't seem good at all, or robots for that matter.
And talking about robots, they are simply incredible. I fell in love with them and would like to have an assistant and friend like Howard in my life. I really hope that technology will advance this much in my lifetime so I can see if what we are reading today will become true in the future or if we'll make it even better.
As a conclusion, take my word for it and read "Eye Candy" I promise you won't be disappointed!
I even think that it will be interesting even for people who are not very much into science fiction because of the awesome romance happening throughout the story.
I hope to read more of this universe in the near future !
P.S. The last thing I want to point is that the novel is strictly for adults, but that flavor makes it even better.
April 19, 2017
Despite really enjoying this whilst reading it, it had far too much of the unresolved nonsensical nature of a drug-dreamed fanfic to be truly plausible. I enjoyed the Asimov homages of course, and the ethics and technology was intriguing, but as a whole I did feel the work let down slightly by a lack of cohesion, structure and sense.
October 29, 2017
This is one of those times that I too wish goodread's rating system offered 1/2 stars because while the story was just okay to me, it was well written enough to deserve a little more than 2 stars... My biggest problem with the story was basically the last half of the book - from Chapter 28 on I couldn't stand where the story went.
Then there's the fact that Isaac Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics, which he created and used in many of his books, are used in this book without crediting him. And Candy's last name is Calvin, which was the name of Asimov's robopsychologist in his books. I'm almost positive that a few other names from his books are used as well... At first I thought it was a nice tribute to Asimov, but then when he isn't mentioned or credited at any point - whether in the story itself or a note before or after - it made me mad.
So all in all, I'm not a fan of the book, but it wasn't too bad up until the author thought he needed to create some drama/tension and the fact that he doesn't credit Isaac Asimov makes me want to slap him.
Then there's the fact that Isaac Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics, which he created and used in many of his books, are used in this book without crediting him. And Candy's last name is Calvin, which was the name of Asimov's robopsychologist in his books. I'm almost positive that a few other names from his books are used as well... At first I thought it was a nice tribute to Asimov, but then when he isn't mentioned or credited at any point - whether in the story itself or a note before or after - it made me mad.
So all in all, I'm not a fan of the book, but it wasn't too bad up until the author thought he needed to create some drama/tension and the fact that he doesn't credit Isaac Asimov makes me want to slap him.
April 9, 2020
Did not finish.
January 23, 2015
The novel takes its time in building the story, and for the first eighty pages or so its not readily clear where the author plans to take us. Its at this point some readers would be tempted to put this one down, however I encourage you to keep going forward. For its within those first pages where you will also find those passages like the one below, that make you stop and take a second look at what’s being said. These are what makes one curious about the author’s take on the world, and it is for that curiosity that one should continue.
“You said something very interesting a moment ago,” said Floyd. “That bit about her being a better version of you. That’s why we refer to the people we love as ‘our better half’. Plato tells us that mankind once sought to be like the gods, so Zeus sliced all mortals into two, such that they would spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half, and when they find their other half, they experience love. It is this longing which compels us to search for the other half of ourselves” – Eye Candy by Ryan Schneider 2013
Midway into the novel the story does pick up the needed speed, and while it is a science fiction piece, it is also a human story, asking those questions that we all pose in one form or another throughout life. Is there a God? Do I have a soul? Do I have free will? Schneider’s ability to raise these questions worked well as they were being posed about robots and in some cases by robots; even as they make the reader ask those questions about humanity as a whole.
Schneider who holds a private pilot’s license, has a love of planes and aviation and this shows clearly in the books several flight sequences, and gives the realism to those passages that can only be achieved by having some first hand knowledge of the subject matter. Yes, guys! There’s definitely an adequate amount of action and high flying scenes to hold your interest. This one winds up having something for everyone, there’s romance, mystery, action, and the all too lovable (and some not so lovable robots) for the Sheldon Cooper in all of us.
This novel focused on human’s treatment of robots, and mirrors many of the questions raised on how the human race has treated other minorities throughout history. This book seemed to ask “who we want to be as a civilization going into the future as our technology outgrows us? Too, how will we treat that technology when and if the day comes and it turns to us and says “I won’t because I don’t want to”.
I’m giving this one a - Worth reading!
The first 80-100 pages were slow going in places for me, and in particular some pieces like the jay-walking friend left me questioning why the author put it in the finished piece. However the second half sold it to me. It had a good mix of action and adventure while moving the story of Danny and Candy along nicely. If you are a science fiction lover I’d definitely grab this one from Amazon and see what you think. If you do, please leave comments here because I’m always curious, if I was on track or not.
Check out the full review and author information at http://ibereadin.wordpress.com/
“You said something very interesting a moment ago,” said Floyd. “That bit about her being a better version of you. That’s why we refer to the people we love as ‘our better half’. Plato tells us that mankind once sought to be like the gods, so Zeus sliced all mortals into two, such that they would spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half, and when they find their other half, they experience love. It is this longing which compels us to search for the other half of ourselves” – Eye Candy by Ryan Schneider 2013
Midway into the novel the story does pick up the needed speed, and while it is a science fiction piece, it is also a human story, asking those questions that we all pose in one form or another throughout life. Is there a God? Do I have a soul? Do I have free will? Schneider’s ability to raise these questions worked well as they were being posed about robots and in some cases by robots; even as they make the reader ask those questions about humanity as a whole.
Schneider who holds a private pilot’s license, has a love of planes and aviation and this shows clearly in the books several flight sequences, and gives the realism to those passages that can only be achieved by having some first hand knowledge of the subject matter. Yes, guys! There’s definitely an adequate amount of action and high flying scenes to hold your interest. This one winds up having something for everyone, there’s romance, mystery, action, and the all too lovable (and some not so lovable robots) for the Sheldon Cooper in all of us.
This novel focused on human’s treatment of robots, and mirrors many of the questions raised on how the human race has treated other minorities throughout history. This book seemed to ask “who we want to be as a civilization going into the future as our technology outgrows us? Too, how will we treat that technology when and if the day comes and it turns to us and says “I won’t because I don’t want to”.
I’m giving this one a - Worth reading!
The first 80-100 pages were slow going in places for me, and in particular some pieces like the jay-walking friend left me questioning why the author put it in the finished piece. However the second half sold it to me. It had a good mix of action and adventure while moving the story of Danny and Candy along nicely. If you are a science fiction lover I’d definitely grab this one from Amazon and see what you think. If you do, please leave comments here because I’m always curious, if I was on track or not.
Check out the full review and author information at http://ibereadin.wordpress.com/
January 24, 2014
A Humorous Take on Asimov
Welcome to Los Angeles 2047, a world in which robots have taken over many of the supportive roles in society, provoking anger, hatred and social tension. This is the setting for Schneider’s fast talking, fast moving, in the groove sci-fi thriller. I enjoyed the read very much, in spite of the fact it might have benefited from a tougher copy editing. I simply laughed my socks off in places. For example the patter between waiter and diners and chef in a restaurant where waiter and chef are robots, which was a clever pastiche of the real patter you encounter in restaurants. Zany hot rod characters +++. Sexual shenanigans +++. A love story of the wildest improbabilities. Robots racked by indecisions. Robots gifted with emotion and intuition that demand robot psychologists to treat them when they are suffering from post-traumatic stress through worry that they have broke Asimov’s Third Law. Oh – and action, action, action.
A totally insane wickedly humorous romp of a book.
Welcome to Los Angeles 2047, a world in which robots have taken over many of the supportive roles in society, provoking anger, hatred and social tension. This is the setting for Schneider’s fast talking, fast moving, in the groove sci-fi thriller. I enjoyed the read very much, in spite of the fact it might have benefited from a tougher copy editing. I simply laughed my socks off in places. For example the patter between waiter and diners and chef in a restaurant where waiter and chef are robots, which was a clever pastiche of the real patter you encounter in restaurants. Zany hot rod characters +++. Sexual shenanigans +++. A love story of the wildest improbabilities. Robots racked by indecisions. Robots gifted with emotion and intuition that demand robot psychologists to treat them when they are suffering from post-traumatic stress through worry that they have broke Asimov’s Third Law. Oh – and action, action, action.
A totally insane wickedly humorous romp of a book.
July 4, 2013
NOTE: This book deserves 4 1/2 stars
When is a robot not a robot but almost a human? When and how can the 3 robotic laws be broken or disregarded? In the future will we be able to tell who is human and who is a robot?
Mr Schneider writes a good story exploring these questions and more. He has written a story with more turns and twists than a mountain road. Just when you think you know what is going on he turns the story another direction. The only reason I gave it 4 and 1/2 stars was because it bogged down for a bit around the 2/3 mark of the story.
When is a robot not a robot but almost a human? When and how can the 3 robotic laws be broken or disregarded? In the future will we be able to tell who is human and who is a robot?
Mr Schneider writes a good story exploring these questions and more. He has written a story with more turns and twists than a mountain road. Just when you think you know what is going on he turns the story another direction. The only reason I gave it 4 and 1/2 stars was because it bogged down for a bit around the 2/3 mark of the story.
July 20, 2016
Asimov meets PK Dick meets... who's a great romance author? Or a mystery one?
Ryan Schneider's book somehow manages to combine all these elements into a seamless near-future tale, where robots and humans co-exist harmoniously... or do they? Throw in the mix a surprisingly astute exploration of what it means to be human, as many twists and turns as you can imagine, and you have Eye Candy. As great a sci-fi read as I've had the pleasure of reading lately!
Ryan Schneider's book somehow manages to combine all these elements into a seamless near-future tale, where robots and humans co-exist harmoniously... or do they? Throw in the mix a surprisingly astute exploration of what it means to be human, as many twists and turns as you can imagine, and you have Eye Candy. As great a sci-fi read as I've had the pleasure of reading lately!
June 5, 2013
A very enjoyable read. Set in the future where robots are a part of every day life, the story starts out as a romance then moves to fast paced mystery with many twists and turns. The last few chapters are definitely worth the wait.
April 12, 2017
I'm not really sure what to say about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it though. If you're a fan of Isaac Asimov, you'll enjoy this book as well.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews