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Revealing the Revolution
In the tenth year of the newest athletic craze, the Canadian Scanning Tournament, team Revolution is set to become the National Champion. As the team struggles to mend the divides quickly enveloping them, one team-mate has more than just the responsibility of winning. He must keep a dangerous secret while protecting his team from others in the Underground.
Things slowly slip out of control as sabotage threatens Revolution’s chance of winning the tournament, their career in the CST, and the revealing of a secret which will change Scanning and the multibillion-dollar company that created it. Forever.
Things slowly slip out of control as sabotage threatens Revolution’s chance of winning the tournament, their career in the CST, and the revealing of a secret which will change Scanning and the multibillion-dollar company that created it. Forever.
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
About the author
N.M. Sotzek
2 books16 followersNichole Sotzek was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She always had her nose in a book, and as she grew her love of reading added to her budding love of writing. She earned her B.A Honours in Near Eastern Archaeology and Medieval Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, and it was there she met a friend who introduced her to a concept he had held onto since childhood.
In 2010, they began collaborating on his idea until he gave her full control of the novel. Revealing the Revolution became the first of a large-scale science-fiction series, which neither could have predicted. Nichole heard (many times) that the novel was supposed to focus on the animals. However, the concept within the novel encompassed too much of the 'future' society to simply write about animals. This was her defense, at least.
During her time in university, Nichole became a member of Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity. Her sisters gave her constant encouragement, and allowed her to learn about bonds of friendship she never could have understood otherwise. These are the bonds about which she writes in the third novel of the AIM series, although transformed slightly to fit the theme.
Nichole lives in Kitchener, Ontario, and continues to spend her time (during nicer weather) outside hiking, fishing, and of course, scanning.
In 2010, they began collaborating on his idea until he gave her full control of the novel. Revealing the Revolution became the first of a large-scale science-fiction series, which neither could have predicted. Nichole heard (many times) that the novel was supposed to focus on the animals. However, the concept within the novel encompassed too much of the 'future' society to simply write about animals. This was her defense, at least.
During her time in university, Nichole became a member of Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity. Her sisters gave her constant encouragement, and allowed her to learn about bonds of friendship she never could have understood otherwise. These are the bonds about which she writes in the third novel of the AIM series, although transformed slightly to fit the theme.
Nichole lives in Kitchener, Ontario, and continues to spend her time (during nicer weather) outside hiking, fishing, and of course, scanning.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 24, 2015
Revealing the Revolution takes place in a futuristic Canada, in which “scanning,” a new high-tech sport, has grabbed the world’s attention. In this sport, players face outdoor challenges with the help of robotic animals, which are obtained by scanning real-world animals and sending the data to an AI that morphs into the desired creature. The book tells the story of team Revolution, whose chances of winning the Canadian Scanning Tournament are pretty high until internal struggles threaten to tear them apart.
While the story begins as a sporting tale about a group of people trying to claim a coveted title, the stakes are raised when it’s revealed that the powerful company that created the sport has dangerous motives. Between sabotage, secrets, and unexpected challenges, the members of team Revolution find themselves facing far more than just sporting challenges.
I was lucky enough to read an earlier version of Revealing the Revolution on an author community website, and I’m really glad that it found its way into the wider world. N.M. Sotzek has created a fascinating and unique story that combines the thrill and camaraderie of a sports book with the danger and intrigue of conspiracy thrillers through a high-tech sci-fi concept. I’m a huge fan of anything involving AIs, and I loved the debate around the ethics of scanning. As real world AIs grow more and more advanced, we may soon find ourselves facing some of the same issues this novel brings up. Using an artificial being created by humans for a sport seems harmless enough, but what happens when ingenuity goes too far? Where’s the line between realistic and real? This question has been pondered countless times by ethicists and sci-fi writers (including myself!), and Sotzek handles it well in Revealing the Revolution.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between the team members. Holding a team together isn’t an easy task, and Revolution deals with enough issues that you wonder how they’re going to keep from falling apart. The book is written from revolving character POVs, which do a good job of showing the world from different angles.
Sotzek writes with a fast-paced and clean style that does a great job of capturing the book’s story’s action and tension. The descriptions of the outdoor challenges and settings are fun to read, and meanwhile, a shadowy organization that one team member is involved with looms in the background. Revealing the Revolution is the first in a series, and I’m sure more will be unveiled about the Underground in the sequels.
Creative and entertaining, Revealing the Revolution will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi read.
While the story begins as a sporting tale about a group of people trying to claim a coveted title, the stakes are raised when it’s revealed that the powerful company that created the sport has dangerous motives. Between sabotage, secrets, and unexpected challenges, the members of team Revolution find themselves facing far more than just sporting challenges.
I was lucky enough to read an earlier version of Revealing the Revolution on an author community website, and I’m really glad that it found its way into the wider world. N.M. Sotzek has created a fascinating and unique story that combines the thrill and camaraderie of a sports book with the danger and intrigue of conspiracy thrillers through a high-tech sci-fi concept. I’m a huge fan of anything involving AIs, and I loved the debate around the ethics of scanning. As real world AIs grow more and more advanced, we may soon find ourselves facing some of the same issues this novel brings up. Using an artificial being created by humans for a sport seems harmless enough, but what happens when ingenuity goes too far? Where’s the line between realistic and real? This question has been pondered countless times by ethicists and sci-fi writers (including myself!), and Sotzek handles it well in Revealing the Revolution.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between the team members. Holding a team together isn’t an easy task, and Revolution deals with enough issues that you wonder how they’re going to keep from falling apart. The book is written from revolving character POVs, which do a good job of showing the world from different angles.
Sotzek writes with a fast-paced and clean style that does a great job of capturing the book’s story’s action and tension. The descriptions of the outdoor challenges and settings are fun to read, and meanwhile, a shadowy organization that one team member is involved with looms in the background. Revealing the Revolution is the first in a series, and I’m sure more will be unveiled about the Underground in the sequels.
Creative and entertaining, Revealing the Revolution will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi read.
February 23, 2015
‘Revealing the Revolution,’ by N.M. Sotzek, is a futuristic sports story set in Canada. The novel begins about ten years into a national high-tech athletic craze called ‘scanning,’ which involves the players’ use of robotic animals to accomplish timed outdoor challenges. Teams compete against one another for points, but not all the competitors are in it just for the love of the sport.
The story focuses on Team Revolution and its efforts to regroup after the sudden loss of its captain. The veteran scanning players are struggling with the addition of a new member, and at least two of them have private concerns that could potentially unravel the team.
One member, Cam, is working on a mysterious project for the Underground, a shadowy entity that author will likely flesh out in future installments of this series. He’s surefooted and cocky, and his looks, ability, and personality draw national attention to the sport. His motivation, however, goes beyond pure competition. Cam’s missing father had a long history with the development of scanning, and he’s privy to dangerous developments in the sport that could threaten the lives of his teammates.
This novel is creative. Although it takes place in the future, one could easily envision a scenario in which scanning technology not only exists, but exists exactly in the way imagined by the author. The use of these life-like animals gives this story an especially inventive angle, and subtly challenges the reader to think about the wider debate enveloping artificial intelligence – are there ethical boundaries to its use? Do AI animals experience real emotions? Should AI technology exist for pure sport? What if AI falls into the wrong hands?
The outdoor backdrops are well developed and interesting, particularly those involving water sports and a difficult hike over the Niagara River. The author’s use of shifting points of view might take some getting used to, but should not detract from this otherwise well-written novel. It seems to set the stage for future books that focus on the Underground and the perhaps immoral motives of some that compete in the scanning tournaments.
This sci-fi novel will appeal to readers who appreciate futuristic or sci-fi stories, as well as young adults interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the development of camaraderie at the national competition level.
The story focuses on Team Revolution and its efforts to regroup after the sudden loss of its captain. The veteran scanning players are struggling with the addition of a new member, and at least two of them have private concerns that could potentially unravel the team.
One member, Cam, is working on a mysterious project for the Underground, a shadowy entity that author will likely flesh out in future installments of this series. He’s surefooted and cocky, and his looks, ability, and personality draw national attention to the sport. His motivation, however, goes beyond pure competition. Cam’s missing father had a long history with the development of scanning, and he’s privy to dangerous developments in the sport that could threaten the lives of his teammates.
This novel is creative. Although it takes place in the future, one could easily envision a scenario in which scanning technology not only exists, but exists exactly in the way imagined by the author. The use of these life-like animals gives this story an especially inventive angle, and subtly challenges the reader to think about the wider debate enveloping artificial intelligence – are there ethical boundaries to its use? Do AI animals experience real emotions? Should AI technology exist for pure sport? What if AI falls into the wrong hands?
The outdoor backdrops are well developed and interesting, particularly those involving water sports and a difficult hike over the Niagara River. The author’s use of shifting points of view might take some getting used to, but should not detract from this otherwise well-written novel. It seems to set the stage for future books that focus on the Underground and the perhaps immoral motives of some that compete in the scanning tournaments.
This sci-fi novel will appeal to readers who appreciate futuristic or sci-fi stories, as well as young adults interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the development of camaraderie at the national competition level.
December 17, 2014
Revealing The Revolution follows a team of athletes who play a future sport in which competitors participate in outdoor challenges with the help of unique AI that can take the forms of animals. In order to use a specific animal, the athlete must first scan them out in the wild and train them for the challenges.
In the background, there's an interesting political debate over whether the AI are living creatures in their own right and if the sport is a form of slavery. This includes an illegal organization called the Underground which is said to tamper with the AI animals.
These elements combine into an intriguing premise that should appeal to fans of The Hunger Games or the videogame/cartoon series Pokemon.
Perhaps because it's only the first book of a planned series, Revealing the Revolution does not dig very deeply into the larger politics of the world. While the author makes reference to these issues, she spends much more time picking apart the complex personal relationships among the four stars of the team.
They argue with each other quite a lot. It feels like every one of the four teammates has a go at each of the others, and often more than once. This certainly adds to the tension of the overall story (can they hold this team together?) but the constant bickering can bog things down a bit and I would have liked to see a few more light moments. In future installments, I'm hoping these characters will have a few more wins in their personal lives.
In the background, there's an interesting political debate over whether the AI are living creatures in their own right and if the sport is a form of slavery. This includes an illegal organization called the Underground which is said to tamper with the AI animals.
These elements combine into an intriguing premise that should appeal to fans of The Hunger Games or the videogame/cartoon series Pokemon.
Perhaps because it's only the first book of a planned series, Revealing the Revolution does not dig very deeply into the larger politics of the world. While the author makes reference to these issues, she spends much more time picking apart the complex personal relationships among the four stars of the team.
They argue with each other quite a lot. It feels like every one of the four teammates has a go at each of the others, and often more than once. This certainly adds to the tension of the overall story (can they hold this team together?) but the constant bickering can bog things down a bit and I would have liked to see a few more light moments. In future installments, I'm hoping these characters will have a few more wins in their personal lives.
December 27, 2017
"Revealing the Revolution" offers a look at a futuristic sport called "Scanning", in which artificial creatures called AIMS help competitors complete challenges. In the middle of it is "Revolution", a team with its own challenges outside of the sport itself.
Sotzek's novel seems like it would focus on the sport, but instead it's more of a human-interest story as the different competitors try to deal with the challenges that come with competition. There's love triangles, self-doubt, medical issues, and lots of other events that cause chaos in their lives, which makes for an interesting story. I enjoyed watching the characters try to balance their lives in the wake of everything that happens to them, and I felt the novel ended on a place of tension wherein it creates interest for its sequel (which, I haven't read yet, but I am looking forward to reading!).
Another aspect I enjoyed about this is just how smooth the omniscient narrative is in this novel. The thought process goes from character to character, so you know what's going on inside their head, but it isn't blocky or confusing. There is a debate set-up around self-awareness in the AIM's, and what kind of rights they might have. It fits in well with other discussions about the future of technology and the ethics of it, but I feel there's a lot more that can be explored. With where the ending left us, I am hoping to see this theme continued in later parts of the series.
Overall, I definitely recommend you give this one a read.
Sotzek's novel seems like it would focus on the sport, but instead it's more of a human-interest story as the different competitors try to deal with the challenges that come with competition. There's love triangles, self-doubt, medical issues, and lots of other events that cause chaos in their lives, which makes for an interesting story. I enjoyed watching the characters try to balance their lives in the wake of everything that happens to them, and I felt the novel ended on a place of tension wherein it creates interest for its sequel (which, I haven't read yet, but I am looking forward to reading!).
Another aspect I enjoyed about this is just how smooth the omniscient narrative is in this novel. The thought process goes from character to character, so you know what's going on inside their head, but it isn't blocky or confusing. There is a debate set-up around self-awareness in the AIM's, and what kind of rights they might have. It fits in well with other discussions about the future of technology and the ethics of it, but I feel there's a lot more that can be explored. With where the ending left us, I am hoping to see this theme continued in later parts of the series.
Overall, I definitely recommend you give this one a read.
May 19, 2015
‘Revealing the Revolution’ offers a futuristic look into the world of ‘scanning’, where competitors use this high end technology to create robotic animals to assist them as they race against time and the challenges of outdoor terrain. N.M. Sotzek entertains readers with a fresh original story about the futuristic sport of Scanning and the dynamic relationships between members of Team Revolution.
N.M. Sotzek provides the reader with an entertaining tour of the Ontario competition, as Cam Tylar and his team struggle to maintain their high ranking in the Canadian Scanning completion. Team Revolution must deal with romantic conflict and the competitiveness of its members, while attempting to remain focused on their goal of finishing in first place.
But not everyone in this futuristic Canada condones the sport and the team must also deal with the controversy and the protesters as well as their internal conflicts and the competition. Added to all this, there is a darker side of scanning.
‘Revealing the Revolution’ is an enjoyable tale of futuristic sports which romance fans as well as young adult readers will want to add to their collection by a fresh new author.
N.M. Sotzek provides the reader with an entertaining tour of the Ontario competition, as Cam Tylar and his team struggle to maintain their high ranking in the Canadian Scanning completion. Team Revolution must deal with romantic conflict and the competitiveness of its members, while attempting to remain focused on their goal of finishing in first place.
But not everyone in this futuristic Canada condones the sport and the team must also deal with the controversy and the protesters as well as their internal conflicts and the competition. Added to all this, there is a darker side of scanning.
‘Revealing the Revolution’ is an enjoyable tale of futuristic sports which romance fans as well as young adult readers will want to add to their collection by a fresh new author.
March 27, 2015
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review.
this book was Great! N.M Sotzek is a amazing writer! I find myself captivated by the sci-fi genre right now and books like this are the reason! the characters are witty the scenes creative, interesting and larger then life. I could totally see everything as it was happing.
I loved the character of Cam. His cocky attitude and motivated personality defiantly won me over. I did however like the switching of the POV's as it gave you a chance to get to know all the different characters eventhough it got a bit confusing at times if you didn't pay attention...lol
I really enjoyed the story it was full of adventure and good times and was defiantly an edge of your seat page turner!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
this book was Great! N.M Sotzek is a amazing writer! I find myself captivated by the sci-fi genre right now and books like this are the reason! the characters are witty the scenes creative, interesting and larger then life. I could totally see everything as it was happing.
I loved the character of Cam. His cocky attitude and motivated personality defiantly won me over. I did however like the switching of the POV's as it gave you a chance to get to know all the different characters eventhough it got a bit confusing at times if you didn't pay attention...lol
I really enjoyed the story it was full of adventure and good times and was defiantly an edge of your seat page turner!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews