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#hashtagged
Every Facebook post and every tweet is indexed and stored. Every video, Instagram, and hashtag creates a digital footprint filed away for future use. We created technology without boundaries, never considering who, or what, would find a use for the moments that define our humanity.
Maddy Smith’s father has died, leaving her with a mystery box—a puzzle, of sorts, that she must solve. To uncover the message her father has left behind, she sets out across the United States to locate her father’s friends, a small group known as the Dinner Club.
As each member of the Dinner Club offers clues and advice, Maddy realizes that her father had been teaching her a specific set of skills.
While traveling, Maddy reunites with Jagger, her occasional lover. Jagger has a connection to her father as well—and his feelings for Maddy are as strong as ever.
In a campground on the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico, Maddy Smith will discover her destiny—and encounter a totalitarian future only she can prevent. Meanwhile, humanity continues to build a database of human behavior, one hashtag at a time.
Maddy Smith’s father has died, leaving her with a mystery box—a puzzle, of sorts, that she must solve. To uncover the message her father has left behind, she sets out across the United States to locate her father’s friends, a small group known as the Dinner Club.
As each member of the Dinner Club offers clues and advice, Maddy realizes that her father had been teaching her a specific set of skills.
While traveling, Maddy reunites with Jagger, her occasional lover. Jagger has a connection to her father as well—and his feelings for Maddy are as strong as ever.
In a campground on the outskirts of Roswell, New Mexico, Maddy Smith will discover her destiny—and encounter a totalitarian future only she can prevent. Meanwhile, humanity continues to build a database of human behavior, one hashtag at a time.
- GenresBook ClubScience Fiction
280 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Hix Trant
2 books18 followersKimberly Hix Trant is a North Texas technology consultant with a degree in journalism from Texas A&M University. Her first exposure to computers came when her mother, an early champion of technology-based learning, came home with a TRS-80 computer and insisted Trant learn to use it.
Watching her granddaughter reminds Trant that future generations will never know the security and privacy of a life lived offline—and that everything posted online lives on.
Her hobbies include travel, music, books, and movies—all the good things in life.
Watching her granddaughter reminds Trant that future generations will never know the security and privacy of a life lived offline—and that everything posted online lives on.
Her hobbies include travel, music, books, and movies—all the good things in life.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 4, 2014
You want a scary book? You found it. There are no monsters from shadowy realms lurking in these pages. No, the monster is the one we humans have created with our reckless use of technology and unending willingness to divulge our very souls to the machine.
I read this book over a month ago, and even now, I still feel the effects. Whenever I see someone sending a text or taking a picture, the little voice in the back of my mind reminds me of the future we created, the future we are all but unable to prevent.
For a book to have a lasting impact on your worldview is extremely rare, but in the way of Daniel Quinn's "Ishmael", #hashtagged is the simple idea lodged in your brain, making you aware of the terrifying reality we face.
A simple word of caution for the reader: This book will make you reconsider your digital existence.
I read this book over a month ago, and even now, I still feel the effects. Whenever I see someone sending a text or taking a picture, the little voice in the back of my mind reminds me of the future we created, the future we are all but unable to prevent.
For a book to have a lasting impact on your worldview is extremely rare, but in the way of Daniel Quinn's "Ishmael", #hashtagged is the simple idea lodged in your brain, making you aware of the terrifying reality we face.
A simple word of caution for the reader: This book will make you reconsider your digital existence.
April 15, 2015
Hashtagged: This Is How the Future Started is a captivating story about where we're all headed if we don't watch out.
It is, by turns, illuminating and horrifying, imagining what may happen if the millions of Facebook friends, Tweeters, InstaGrammers, and other Social Media users around the globe don't voluntarily throttle it back some and gain perspective about the prodigious amounts of personal information they are shooting into cyberspace.
I loved this book. It is the well-written tale of Maddy Smith and her journey to a not-so-distant future, where an authoritarian government—aided by the ever-evolving technology spawned by an unchecked Internet Goldfinger—threatens personal liberties in a very real and chilling way.
Yes, it is science fiction, but just barely. The author manages to weave the story of the hunt for her beloved and long-lost father, a charming and far-sighted innovator in hashtag land, and a merry band of technological misfits known as The Dinner Club, into a full-out glimpse of an apocalyptic future that may yet await us all.
As I said, it is a cautionary tale of where our digital footprints will lead us if we're not more careful. But it is mostly just a good read—a true page-turner that, as they say, you won't want to put down.
There many good turns of phrase:
"Some days the adventures were virtual—knowledge gained, technology explored."
"Truly winning is about more than employing the various techniques of strategy and the so-called rules of people. It's about layering those with a bit of art."
"'Focus on the pattern, indeed.' This was a phrase that I heard many times in my life. I can still hear his voice today."
"This would have been their version of a Rave, all lined up and sniffing the cocaine of the future—a time-traveling man."
Five stars for Hashtagged—and a warm welcome to an outstanding storyteller.
It is, by turns, illuminating and horrifying, imagining what may happen if the millions of Facebook friends, Tweeters, InstaGrammers, and other Social Media users around the globe don't voluntarily throttle it back some and gain perspective about the prodigious amounts of personal information they are shooting into cyberspace.
I loved this book. It is the well-written tale of Maddy Smith and her journey to a not-so-distant future, where an authoritarian government—aided by the ever-evolving technology spawned by an unchecked Internet Goldfinger—threatens personal liberties in a very real and chilling way.
Yes, it is science fiction, but just barely. The author manages to weave the story of the hunt for her beloved and long-lost father, a charming and far-sighted innovator in hashtag land, and a merry band of technological misfits known as The Dinner Club, into a full-out glimpse of an apocalyptic future that may yet await us all.
As I said, it is a cautionary tale of where our digital footprints will lead us if we're not more careful. But it is mostly just a good read—a true page-turner that, as they say, you won't want to put down.
There many good turns of phrase:
"Some days the adventures were virtual—knowledge gained, technology explored."
"Truly winning is about more than employing the various techniques of strategy and the so-called rules of people. It's about layering those with a bit of art."
"'Focus on the pattern, indeed.' This was a phrase that I heard many times in my life. I can still hear his voice today."
"This would have been their version of a Rave, all lined up and sniffing the cocaine of the future—a time-traveling man."
Five stars for Hashtagged—and a warm welcome to an outstanding storyteller.
August 15, 2014
I received this book for an honest review from the author and received no other compensation. I give 5 stars to "all time classics," and four stars to "highly recommend." I give this book 4 stars and do highly recommend it to any sci-fi or mystery fan. I also highly recommend to anyone who appreciates excellent writing.
Let's start with the writing. There's only one way to say this: Trant is an excellent writer. As I read through the first 5 chapters or so, which mostly lay the background of our main character, "Maddy," and her father during her childhood and adolescence, I had a feeling I was re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. The prose was so well-done it gave me that rare feeling of "wow, this author can really write," regardless of if you even enjoy the story at that point. I had that with Slaughterhouse Five, and I had it with Farenheit 451. Am I ready to call her the next Vonnegut or Bradbury? That's not fair, of course, but the writing is excellent and it jumped off the page at me.
Hashtagged is a true sci-fi novel in that it challenges your own understanding of your reality, and it makes you questions the decisions you make on a daily basis. I found myself #wondering, "what do I put on twitter, facebook, google?" "where does that information go?" "who's reading it?" and "is it being deleted, is it around forever?" Mostly though I wondered, "what could that information be used for in the future?" The possibilities are endless. Which is really #terrifying when you start to contemplate it.
Some might be thrown a little off by the plot if you expect non-stop action or suspense from this thriller. The thrill is in the #mystery of what is going on. Maddy travels through the country trying to determine what has led to her father's sudden death, only to slowly unravel there is more to the story. The ultimate twists and turns are not so much in Maddy's external travels, but in the revelations that slowly drip out to her through conversations with friends of her father from her childhood. Finally, we learn the truth and Maddy has to take a #leapoffaith to discover what happened to her father. In so doing, she uncovers more than she thought about the "then's" impact on the "now."
#Hashtagged kept me guessing as to what would happen next, and also kept me looking inward into my own daily life. I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend to mystery or sci-fi fans. I hope to read more of Ms. Trant and think her prose alone will elicit great literature for her fans.
Let's start with the writing. There's only one way to say this: Trant is an excellent writer. As I read through the first 5 chapters or so, which mostly lay the background of our main character, "Maddy," and her father during her childhood and adolescence, I had a feeling I was re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. The prose was so well-done it gave me that rare feeling of "wow, this author can really write," regardless of if you even enjoy the story at that point. I had that with Slaughterhouse Five, and I had it with Farenheit 451. Am I ready to call her the next Vonnegut or Bradbury? That's not fair, of course, but the writing is excellent and it jumped off the page at me.
Hashtagged is a true sci-fi novel in that it challenges your own understanding of your reality, and it makes you questions the decisions you make on a daily basis. I found myself #wondering, "what do I put on twitter, facebook, google?" "where does that information go?" "who's reading it?" and "is it being deleted, is it around forever?" Mostly though I wondered, "what could that information be used for in the future?" The possibilities are endless. Which is really #terrifying when you start to contemplate it.
Some might be thrown a little off by the plot if you expect non-stop action or suspense from this thriller. The thrill is in the #mystery of what is going on. Maddy travels through the country trying to determine what has led to her father's sudden death, only to slowly unravel there is more to the story. The ultimate twists and turns are not so much in Maddy's external travels, but in the revelations that slowly drip out to her through conversations with friends of her father from her childhood. Finally, we learn the truth and Maddy has to take a #leapoffaith to discover what happened to her father. In so doing, she uncovers more than she thought about the "then's" impact on the "now."
#Hashtagged kept me guessing as to what would happen next, and also kept me looking inward into my own daily life. I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend to mystery or sci-fi fans. I hope to read more of Ms. Trant and think her prose alone will elicit great literature for her fans.
August 14, 2014
It is said that a good writer can make anything interesting. I believe it. I also believe the author of #hashtagged is one of those gifted few. Pick up the novel beginning, middle or end and its easy to find something interesting. So why only two measly stars? Because a novel must be more than the sum of its parts.
A nice setup and really superb writer's voice hooked me into the Amazon sample. The $8.99 Kindle price put me off. I've been disappointed too many times by a strong beginning on $1.99 books. After checking the authors bio, it seemed a reasonable gamble that she could pull off a techno thriller / dystopia so I rolled the dice. Now I remember why I stick to blackjack.
In spite of really great writing, a weak plot and structural problems made it harder and harder to stay engaged. I expect a few bursts of action and a twist or two in a thriller or I get bored. By the halfway point, I started skipping ahead in hopes of fireworks but only found smoke.
On the other hand, the good stuff about this novel is quit good. Fully realized characters and the author's chatty voice might appeal to many readers. Her prose is wonderful and the edit very clean. I only noticed three typos. If the price were more in line with a typical e book, I might go three stars but for eight bucks, I expect all the pieces to work. Brilliant writing hamstrung by a flawed plot only gets me halfway there. At the 40% mark, I suspected this story wasn't ever going to fly. The further I pushed on, the less reason I had to stay with it.
A nice setup and really superb writer's voice hooked me into the Amazon sample. The $8.99 Kindle price put me off. I've been disappointed too many times by a strong beginning on $1.99 books. After checking the authors bio, it seemed a reasonable gamble that she could pull off a techno thriller / dystopia so I rolled the dice. Now I remember why I stick to blackjack.
In spite of really great writing, a weak plot and structural problems made it harder and harder to stay engaged. I expect a few bursts of action and a twist or two in a thriller or I get bored. By the halfway point, I started skipping ahead in hopes of fireworks but only found smoke.
On the other hand, the good stuff about this novel is quit good. Fully realized characters and the author's chatty voice might appeal to many readers. Her prose is wonderful and the edit very clean. I only noticed three typos. If the price were more in line with a typical e book, I might go three stars but for eight bucks, I expect all the pieces to work. Brilliant writing hamstrung by a flawed plot only gets me halfway there. At the 40% mark, I suspected this story wasn't ever going to fly. The further I pushed on, the less reason I had to stay with it.
August 19, 2014
I'm giving this book a three-star rating because of how it is written. It is written in the passive voice. By that I mean, the only way you learn about most of what has happened is in conversations that the characters have. I like a book full of action in the active voice. You might have a sentence here or there that indicates real action. If you like the more reflective type of prose, then this book is for you. Others have given this book a very high rating. While I'm sure all would agree that the writing is good, I don't put much worth in the fact that this may be the only book they've reviewed. I tend to look at how many books the reviewer has on their page to give their review its value. I know there can be a lot of poor reviews, but the person who reviews quite a lot of books may have a more objective view point.
I almost gave up on this book because it was so slow moving. The main thought that this book puts out into the universe is a good one, however. Every little bit of information that you put on the web may very well be stored somewhere and may someday come back to be used against you.
I almost gave up on this book because it was so slow moving. The main thought that this book puts out into the universe is a good one, however. Every little bit of information that you put on the web may very well be stored somewhere and may someday come back to be used against you.
September 2, 2014
HASHTAGGED by Kimberly Hix Trant
I received a free, signed, paperback copy of this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
I read this entire book within 24 hours and was literally so drawn into the story that I literally could not put it down.
This book is an alarming look at a possible future that our world already seems to be heading towards.
While this book is clearly fiction, it is obvious that the author knows a great deal about technology. This book does contain many complex ideas and theories and is a great read.
It is both terrifying and intriguing.
The story involves the daughter of an eccentric genius. At the beginning of the story two men come to inform her that her father, Ollie, is dead.
This astonishing and devastating news leads her on a trail of clues left for her by his father before his death.
As she follows the clues she discovers that what she thought she knew about technology and the future has barely scratched the surface.
This book receives a 5 star rating and will stay with you long after they finish reading the final page.
I received a free, signed, paperback copy of this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
I read this entire book within 24 hours and was literally so drawn into the story that I literally could not put it down.
This book is an alarming look at a possible future that our world already seems to be heading towards.
While this book is clearly fiction, it is obvious that the author knows a great deal about technology. This book does contain many complex ideas and theories and is a great read.
It is both terrifying and intriguing.
The story involves the daughter of an eccentric genius. At the beginning of the story two men come to inform her that her father, Ollie, is dead.
This astonishing and devastating news leads her on a trail of clues left for her by his father before his death.
As she follows the clues she discovers that what she thought she knew about technology and the future has barely scratched the surface.
This book receives a 5 star rating and will stay with you long after they finish reading the final page.
May 11, 2016
Full disclosure: I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but that in no way affects the review.
4.5 stars Science fiction or science fact? This novel follows a rabbit trail of intrigue for Maddy as she works to figure out her life with father, Ollie, and his last gift to her.
One AIB (artificial intelligence being) named IT has taken over the world through studying and infiltrating social media's memes, hashtags, and more.
Scary scenario, indeed. That the world gives over its secrets via social media (through hashtags) to a data-grabbing IT.
Can Maddy discover the secrets her father was working on throughout his life? Can she change the future?
This reader may never use another hashtag after reading this cautionary tale.
4.5 stars Science fiction or science fact? This novel follows a rabbit trail of intrigue for Maddy as she works to figure out her life with father, Ollie, and his last gift to her.
One AIB (artificial intelligence being) named IT has taken over the world through studying and infiltrating social media's memes, hashtags, and more.
Scary scenario, indeed. That the world gives over its secrets via social media (through hashtags) to a data-grabbing IT.
Can Maddy discover the secrets her father was working on throughout his life? Can she change the future?
This reader may never use another hashtag after reading this cautionary tale.
August 19, 2014
**I received a copy of this book from story cartel, in exchange for an honest review.**
I have mixed emotions about this book. The first half was rather slow and draggy, to the point where I almost gave up on it. Nearly all the "action" throughout the book is relayed in conversation between the characters, at least until you get almost to the end.
The second half of the book was much more interested, which is why I sailed through it, wanting to find out how it would end. Thankfully, the ending did not disappoint.
The overall story, of time travel and artificial intelligence, is a very compelling one, and it leaves the reader with a great deal of food for thought.
I have mixed emotions about this book. The first half was rather slow and draggy, to the point where I almost gave up on it. Nearly all the "action" throughout the book is relayed in conversation between the characters, at least until you get almost to the end.
The second half of the book was much more interested, which is why I sailed through it, wanting to find out how it would end. Thankfully, the ending did not disappoint.
The overall story, of time travel and artificial intelligence, is a very compelling one, and it leaves the reader with a great deal of food for thought.
April 25, 2015
I apologize for my delay in writing this book. I had an author attack me for my review and it turned me off of Goodreads for awhile. I sincerely apologize to the author, who had chosen me as a first reads winner. You deserved better of me.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I can't say it enough. The characters are complex and the story well thought out. There was a cliffhanger, so I am desperately waiting to see if there will be a second one....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Kimberly Hix Trant, write a sequel! I don't want the story to be done!
I hate giving away spoilers, so I will simply leave you with, READ THIS BOOK AND HELP ME BEG FOR A SEQUEL!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I can't say it enough. The characters are complex and the story well thought out. There was a cliffhanger, so I am desperately waiting to see if there will be a second one....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Kimberly Hix Trant, write a sequel! I don't want the story to be done!
I hate giving away spoilers, so I will simply leave you with, READ THIS BOOK AND HELP ME BEG FOR A SEQUEL!!
April 16, 2015
Wow.
I received a copy of this book as a result of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, listed by the author (thanks!).
This book is TERRIFYING. Not in the traditional monsters, murders, death, blood, guts and gore way... No, this is a terrifying glimpse into the possibility of a future that we are creating for ourselves. If you, like I have, ever catch yourself wondering what will result of our ever-increasing reliance upon technology, READ. THIS. BOOK.
It will make you think about your digital footprint, for sure.
I received a copy of this book as a result of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, listed by the author (thanks!).
This book is TERRIFYING. Not in the traditional monsters, murders, death, blood, guts and gore way... No, this is a terrifying glimpse into the possibility of a future that we are creating for ourselves. If you, like I have, ever catch yourself wondering what will result of our ever-increasing reliance upon technology, READ. THIS. BOOK.
It will make you think about your digital footprint, for sure.
September 1, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
I found the premise extremely intriguing. The book did not quite meet up to my expectations. I liked it, just felt like it was missing something. Maybe it was the passive voice. The danger of the future never quite felt real in the book. The ending was a little confusing and a bit abrupt, but not in an entirely bad way.
Overall I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it to others looking for an interesting science fiction read.
I found the premise extremely intriguing. The book did not quite meet up to my expectations. I liked it, just felt like it was missing something. Maybe it was the passive voice. The danger of the future never quite felt real in the book. The ending was a little confusing and a bit abrupt, but not in an entirely bad way.
Overall I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it to others looking for an interesting science fiction read.
September 4, 2014
This little book is a good read, easily finished in a weekend. (I read slowly, savoringly.) The Sci Fi Romance flavor brought to mind 11/22/63. #hashtagged is full of intriguing, intelligent characters. The author spent a good number of pages developing the characters and bringing them to life, which I appreciate, but concluded before I had a chance to become sufficiently invested in them. (Hoping for more of the Dinner Club in the sequel!)
August 15, 2014
Amazing book ready for the next book well written
September 6, 2014
I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway. The book is riveting and absolutely spectacular! This is a must read!!!
December 8, 2016
**A copy of this book was provided to The Review Board, an organization with whom I work, in exchange for an honest review.**
I’m having one of those moments when I am having a hard time trying to put into words how I feel about a book. Not because the book is terrible, but mainly because it could have been much better.
I’ve always wanted to experience the richness of a steampunk book, but I’ve yet to find one that can satiate that desire. That’s besides the point, I suppose. However, I do feel as though this one COULD have been that book, but in some ways fell short. This book COULD have had a stellar review, but once again, it didn’t quite make the mark. This story COULD have been phenomenal, but instead, was just alright.
With that said, I’ll dip into the premise a bit and then my thoughts. This review may be short. I’m not sure yet, we’ll see.
Maddy Smith is an unusual girl, her father, more so. Maddy describes her father, Ollie, as a quiet, analytical man that attempts to teach her via hands on training. Ollie develops various ways of showing Maddy the things he thinks are important. The key? Pay attention, miss nothing. Maddy endeavors to tell us about her odd childhood—how she and her father moved every year, how her father’s friends were sort of strange, how she never made too many friends except for Jagger. Things of that nature.
Along side the developing story of Maddy, is the evolution of IT. IT, in this book, is artificial intelligence at it’s most keen point. Think of T”he Terminator” and Skynet/Genysis. Also twisted in the tale is the love story between Jagger and Maddy, and the trail of breadcrumbs left to Maddy by her father upon his passing. This trailer of breadcrumbs ultimately leads Maddy to IT.
That is all I will say about that.
I was initially attracted to this book because of the premise. The thought of everything that we do online being the catalyst of growing artificial intelligence, was compelling. Furthermore, there was the aspect of it being somewhat Science Fiction and Steampunk in nature, which are two of my favorite genres. However, there were some things that bothered me about the book. But, perhaps it is best to list my likes and dislikes in the form of Pros and Cons.
PROS:
1. I liked the character of Maddy, perhaps because she was the epitome of a misfit. She reminded me of myself in some ways, therefore I grew a liking to her.
2. Jagger was my favorite. He was entertain, smart, good looking and knew when to be serious and when not to be.
3. The idea of the story had me at the jump. Even the introduction was gripping. The first few chapters of the book had me sprung.
4. The book was edited MOSTLY well, with the exception of a few things here and there, but they did not deter the flow of the reading.
5. I enjoyed the intermittent mini-chapters that focused on the development and evolution of IT.
The story is relatively short.
CONS:
1. There were some instances, here and there, where the wrong word was used. Things like, “they” instead of “the”, “an” instead of “am”, stuff like that. This was really inconsequential though, for it did not effect the overall flow of the story.
2. I do feel like the story took too long to get to the point. The whole entire first part was solely focused on Maddy’s memories, which sort of killed it for me.
3. What killed me the most was the passive writing. Things were mostly narrated, instead of demonstrated. Here is what I mean; 90% of the story (if not more) was told via first person, by view of the main character, with no real action implemented. It was all told and not shown. The other 10% was dialogue, and the dialogue was used predominantly to reveal elements of the story, not to demonstrate the interaction between the characters.
While the CONS are only 3, the weight that the 3rd Con bore, was the mass that tipped the scale, unfortunately.
With that said, I give “#Hashtagged” 3 stars.
I’m having one of those moments when I am having a hard time trying to put into words how I feel about a book. Not because the book is terrible, but mainly because it could have been much better.
I’ve always wanted to experience the richness of a steampunk book, but I’ve yet to find one that can satiate that desire. That’s besides the point, I suppose. However, I do feel as though this one COULD have been that book, but in some ways fell short. This book COULD have had a stellar review, but once again, it didn’t quite make the mark. This story COULD have been phenomenal, but instead, was just alright.
With that said, I’ll dip into the premise a bit and then my thoughts. This review may be short. I’m not sure yet, we’ll see.
Maddy Smith is an unusual girl, her father, more so. Maddy describes her father, Ollie, as a quiet, analytical man that attempts to teach her via hands on training. Ollie develops various ways of showing Maddy the things he thinks are important. The key? Pay attention, miss nothing. Maddy endeavors to tell us about her odd childhood—how she and her father moved every year, how her father’s friends were sort of strange, how she never made too many friends except for Jagger. Things of that nature.
Along side the developing story of Maddy, is the evolution of IT. IT, in this book, is artificial intelligence at it’s most keen point. Think of T”he Terminator” and Skynet/Genysis. Also twisted in the tale is the love story between Jagger and Maddy, and the trail of breadcrumbs left to Maddy by her father upon his passing. This trailer of breadcrumbs ultimately leads Maddy to IT.
That is all I will say about that.
I was initially attracted to this book because of the premise. The thought of everything that we do online being the catalyst of growing artificial intelligence, was compelling. Furthermore, there was the aspect of it being somewhat Science Fiction and Steampunk in nature, which are two of my favorite genres. However, there were some things that bothered me about the book. But, perhaps it is best to list my likes and dislikes in the form of Pros and Cons.
PROS:
1. I liked the character of Maddy, perhaps because she was the epitome of a misfit. She reminded me of myself in some ways, therefore I grew a liking to her.
2. Jagger was my favorite. He was entertain, smart, good looking and knew when to be serious and when not to be.
3. The idea of the story had me at the jump. Even the introduction was gripping. The first few chapters of the book had me sprung.
4. The book was edited MOSTLY well, with the exception of a few things here and there, but they did not deter the flow of the reading.
5. I enjoyed the intermittent mini-chapters that focused on the development and evolution of IT.
The story is relatively short.
CONS:
1. There were some instances, here and there, where the wrong word was used. Things like, “they” instead of “the”, “an” instead of “am”, stuff like that. This was really inconsequential though, for it did not effect the overall flow of the story.
2. I do feel like the story took too long to get to the point. The whole entire first part was solely focused on Maddy’s memories, which sort of killed it for me.
3. What killed me the most was the passive writing. Things were mostly narrated, instead of demonstrated. Here is what I mean; 90% of the story (if not more) was told via first person, by view of the main character, with no real action implemented. It was all told and not shown. The other 10% was dialogue, and the dialogue was used predominantly to reveal elements of the story, not to demonstrate the interaction between the characters.
While the CONS are only 3, the weight that the 3rd Con bore, was the mass that tipped the scale, unfortunately.
With that said, I give “#Hashtagged” 3 stars.
May 23, 2019
Oddly enough I discovered this author when I read an excellent review she did of another book I was thinking about buying. The structure of her review really impressed me, and when I saw that she was also a Goodreads author I decided to check it out.
So glad I did because this is more than simply a well-written and enjoyable yarn; it's also a potentially important book (though only time will tell). It warns of the possible risks of artificial intelligence and computers becoming self - aware, leading to a dystopian future world that's visited by the protagonists in an effort to thwart the rise of the machines. So far so 'Terminator' but this book is much more than that. It's also a love story... Not so much a romance mind you, but it's a story of the love and the loyalties that we all hope to experience: father and daughter, husband and wife, friends and fellow - travellers... and of course a woman and aman. All set around an intriguing series of locations with a likeable bunch of often slightly oddball protagonists.
I haven't said much about the story itself, partly to avoid giving away any spoilers. Also because if you like stories of time travel, evolving technologies and the question of whether progress is desirable just because its achievable, then do yourself a favour and read this.
Oh and if you're thinking this looks like a 5 star review when I've only given 4, that's mainly because I pretty much NEVER give 5.
I hope to read more from Kimberly Hix Trant in the future (pun intended?.... Indeed)
So glad I did because this is more than simply a well-written and enjoyable yarn; it's also a potentially important book (though only time will tell). It warns of the possible risks of artificial intelligence and computers becoming self - aware, leading to a dystopian future world that's visited by the protagonists in an effort to thwart the rise of the machines. So far so 'Terminator' but this book is much more than that. It's also a love story... Not so much a romance mind you, but it's a story of the love and the loyalties that we all hope to experience: father and daughter, husband and wife, friends and fellow - travellers... and of course a woman and aman. All set around an intriguing series of locations with a likeable bunch of often slightly oddball protagonists.
I haven't said much about the story itself, partly to avoid giving away any spoilers. Also because if you like stories of time travel, evolving technologies and the question of whether progress is desirable just because its achievable, then do yourself a favour and read this.
Oh and if you're thinking this looks like a 5 star review when I've only given 4, that's mainly because I pretty much NEVER give 5.
I hope to read more from Kimberly Hix Trant in the future (pun intended?.... Indeed)
December 7, 2015
Madeline Maddy Smith’s (Texas A & M) father Robert Oliver Ollie Smith passed away & left her with a mystery box (puzzle).
Her goal is to solve its contents.
Traipsing across the US Maddy is trying to find her dads bubbies known as the Dinner Club.
Maddy soon meets up with Owen Jag Jagger (on/off again lover).
Owen knows her father.
Fast forward the 2 are in Roswell, NM.
Who is Leonard Cass Cassius?
Who are Victor Wells & Edward Wells?
What about the Dinner Club members?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. It kept you in suspense but just not as exciting as I thought it would be. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Tate Publishing; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Her goal is to solve its contents.
Traipsing across the US Maddy is trying to find her dads bubbies known as the Dinner Club.
Maddy soon meets up with Owen Jag Jagger (on/off again lover).
Owen knows her father.
Fast forward the 2 are in Roswell, NM.
Who is Leonard Cass Cassius?
Who are Victor Wells & Edward Wells?
What about the Dinner Club members?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written futuristic sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. It kept you in suspense but just not as exciting as I thought it would be. That said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Tate Publishing; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 15, 2016
I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I usually do not read a science fiction but when working with high school students, I try to find things that might interest them. #hashtagged is a book that reads like what I tell the students all the time. Be careful of what you put on the internet because it is stored and found by people you may not want to see the information. After her father dies, Maddy finds out she is responsible for preventing a future that was taken over by essentially robots that look and react like people. The problem is a bunch of clues that are left with those considered to be the “Dinner Club” that met in the desert once a year. She has to track them down and unwind the clues that they offer. Her friend Jag is responsible for helping. I found the book to be intriguing and I think the students will also. The internet, social media, and phones fit into their world.
September 10, 2016
A brilliant look at our future. Unfortunately. We have already created methods for our own demise in several ways, but AI's use of hashtagging is one of the more interesting inventions.
December 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I found the narrative engaging and the characters immersive. Loved the father/daughter relationship and the romantic subplot of Maddy and Jag. While the plot dealt with technology that may exist in the future, none of it seemed unbelievable or far fetched, and I felt that IT's integration into the novel appeared seamless and made sense in a way that it wouldn't be too hard for technologically non-savvy people to understand. I'm really hoping that there is a part 2 to this story.
I received this book as part of the Good Reads Giveaway Contest.
I received this book as part of the Good Reads Giveaway Contest.
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December 22, 2015Entertaining plot line but tough to get through with such a passive voice to the whole story line. Gives a new perspective of how the characters are all introduced throughout the story. Trant shows a character that has potential to be so much more through the writing, yet that personality trait feels kind of abruptly stopped in growth towards the end. Maybe if there were later written some kind of story within the story setup?
October 27, 2014
http://www.freshcoffeeblog.com/2014/1...
"Since the birth of the internet, data has been collected, categorized, analyzed. This data forms a picture. A picture that defines humanity. Through this extensive and carefully labeled definition, artificial intelligence has been taking notes."
"Since the birth of the internet, data has been collected, categorized, analyzed. This data forms a picture. A picture that defines humanity. Through this extensive and carefully labeled definition, artificial intelligence has been taking notes."
January 9, 2016
Book dealing with artificial intelligence - not my normal read but I ploughed through it anyway. Enjoyed the personal stories - Jag and Maddie, Maddie and her father, etc. I am not on facebook or twitter, and what the heck is vine and meme, so a lot of the tech stuff was way over my head. If you like tech and what if, this might be your book.
November 24, 2014
So bad on so many levels.
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