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Cassandra Kresnov #6
Originator
Hope for the future in the hands of an enemy from the past . . . Cassandra Kresnov must find the answers that could free her people—or doom her family. A quarter of a million people die in the destruction of the moon Cresta. The League civil war is accelerating out of control, but projections indicate that as their technologically induced sociological dysfunction continues, all of humanity may face a similar fate. In the aftermath of Cresta's destruction, Sandy Kresnov discovers the alien Talee operative Cai in Tanusha, there to learn just how far the technologically-induced insanity has gone. The Talee have seen this before, and they are terrified of anything threatening a recurrence. Meanwhile, Sandy's old nemesis Renaldo Takewashi, the self-proclaimed “father” of synthetic intelligence, comes to the Federation seeking asylum. Talewashi may even have a cure—previously unknown Talee technology implanted into a human child subject—Sandy's little boy, Kiril. But it is exactly this technology that the Talee fear, and they will exterminate anyone caught using it. Now, Sandy must fight to save her family from a terrible new threat, but doing so may plunge humanity into another destructive war between humans, or worse, against the massively-advanced Talee. And what final secret are the Talee protecting about the origins of synthetic humans like Sandy that could either liberate Sandy’s fellow synthetics from bondage or spell disaster for all humanity? From the Trade Paperback edition.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
55 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shepherd
27 books775 followersJoel Shepherd is an Australian science fiction author. He moved to Perth, Western Australia with his family when he was seven, where he later studied film and television arts at Curtin University. He now lives in Adelaide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 15, 2023
An exceptionally well-done ending to the series. As always, read the publisher's summary first. This would not be the place to start on this six-part series, which remains inexplicably obscure. If you've missed the series, best to go all the way back to #1, "Crossover." My take on that: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is one of the better books in the series. It continues Shepherd's appealing combination of fast-paced military action with interesting characters and politics. This time, we get a closer look at the advanced alien Talee, who turn out to have unexpected weaknesses. And the book ends on a cheerful note, with a big celebrity wedding in Tanusha! Recommended.
This is one of the better books in the series. It continues Shepherd's appealing combination of fast-paced military action with interesting characters and politics. This time, we get a closer look at the advanced alien Talee, who turn out to have unexpected weaknesses. And the book ends on a cheerful note, with a big celebrity wedding in Tanusha! Recommended.
April 30, 2015
Although I've been shouting it from the rooftops for the last couple of years, it appears that Joel Shepherd's Cassandra Kresnov book sequence remains what could well be science fiction best-kept secret. Every single installment is an intelligent and action-packed read and this series should definitely be on everyone's reading list. If I say it enough, perhaps more and more SFF fans will finally give this series a shot. . .
If 23 Years on Fire was meant to bridge the gap between the first trilogy and what came after, Operation Shield pushed the envelope even further and set the stage for what was meant to be a terrific finale in Originator. Needless to say, Shepherd doesn't disappoint and he brings this second trilogy to a satisfying end. With poise and aplomb, this is an author in complete control of his story, tying up loose ends in surprising and sometimes shocking fashion and opening the door for a lot more to come.
Few science fiction writers can come up with such politically charged yet balls-to-the-walls works that also tackle social and moral issues. And given the quality and the depth of these novels, I feel that Joel Shepherd never got the credit he deserves from critics or his peers. These books are all awesome and Originator is a worthy addition to what is doubtless a superior SFF series.
Here's the blurb:
A quarter of a million people die in the destruction of the moon Cresta. The League civil war is accelerating out of control, but projections indicate that as their technologically induced sociological dysfunction continues, all of humanity may face a similar fate. In the aftermath of Cresta's destruction, Sandy Kresnov discovers the alien Talee operative Cai in Tanusha, there to learn just how far the technologically-induced insanity has gone. The Talee have seen this before, and they are terrified of anything threatening a recurrence.
Meanwhile, Sandy's old nemesis Renaldo Takewashi, the self-proclaimed “father” of synthetic intelligence, comes to the Federation seeking asylum. Takewashi may even have a cure—previously unknown Talee technology implanted into a human child subject—Sandy's little boy, Kiril. But it is exactly this technology that the Talee fear, and they will exterminate anyone caught using it.
Now, Sandy must fight to save her family from a terrible new threat, but doing so may plunge humanity into another destructive war between humans, or worse, against the massively-advanced Talee. And what final secret are the Talee protecting about the origins of synthetic humans like Sandy that could either liberate Sandy’s fellow synthetics from bondage or spell disaster for all humanity?
As always, Shepherd came up with another intricate and well-crafted plot that reads like an excellent blend of political thriller and fast-paced science fiction. And yet, though political intrigue plays a big role in this book, what with the conflict between the Federation and the League, but also within the Federation itself, as there are numerous power struggles between the FSA, the CSA, the Fleet, and FedInt. Originator is probably more space opera than all of his predecessors. Indeed, a lot of revelations regarding synthetic intelligence, the GIs, and especially the mysterious Talee and their origins are unveiled, answering questions readers have been asking themselves for years. Hence, the worldbuilding plays a massive role in making this one a compelling and thrilling conclusion to this series.
Cassandra's moral awakening continues to be a fascinating facet to follow, as Shepherd raises even more philosophical issues through her character. How she copes with her developing "motherhood," now that she is the legal guardian of Danya, Svetlana, and Kiril, definitely continues to make for some interesting character growth. The emancipation of sentient androids remains a central theme and those "human rights" issues play a key role throughout this new installment. The interaction between GIs is also evolving and they ponder about their identity and what they want out of life. Familiar POVs return, but it's also nice to get the perspective of newer faces like Danya and Raylee.
The last two volumes suffered from inconsistent pacing issues from time to time, but Originator is paced quite adroitly. Sure, the rhythm picks up exponentially when the author goes all out with his crazy action sequences. But for the most part, the pace remains relatively even and there is not a dull moment from start to finish. Shepherd found a way to create just the right type of balance between political intrigue, character development, worldbuilding, and action-packed battle scenes.
And even though Originator appears to bring this second trilogy to an end, the book opens the door for countless new and unexplored possibilities. I have a feeling that we'll see Sandy, Ari, Vanessa, Rhian, Ibrahim, and the rest of the gang again before long.
Meanwhile, do yourself a favor and pick up Crossover, the very first volume in the saga. You'll thank me later and berate yourself for not listening to me and having waited for so long to start reading this fun, smart, and entertaining series!
Highly recommended!
For more reviews: www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
If 23 Years on Fire was meant to bridge the gap between the first trilogy and what came after, Operation Shield pushed the envelope even further and set the stage for what was meant to be a terrific finale in Originator. Needless to say, Shepherd doesn't disappoint and he brings this second trilogy to a satisfying end. With poise and aplomb, this is an author in complete control of his story, tying up loose ends in surprising and sometimes shocking fashion and opening the door for a lot more to come.
Few science fiction writers can come up with such politically charged yet balls-to-the-walls works that also tackle social and moral issues. And given the quality and the depth of these novels, I feel that Joel Shepherd never got the credit he deserves from critics or his peers. These books are all awesome and Originator is a worthy addition to what is doubtless a superior SFF series.
Here's the blurb:
A quarter of a million people die in the destruction of the moon Cresta. The League civil war is accelerating out of control, but projections indicate that as their technologically induced sociological dysfunction continues, all of humanity may face a similar fate. In the aftermath of Cresta's destruction, Sandy Kresnov discovers the alien Talee operative Cai in Tanusha, there to learn just how far the technologically-induced insanity has gone. The Talee have seen this before, and they are terrified of anything threatening a recurrence.
Meanwhile, Sandy's old nemesis Renaldo Takewashi, the self-proclaimed “father” of synthetic intelligence, comes to the Federation seeking asylum. Takewashi may even have a cure—previously unknown Talee technology implanted into a human child subject—Sandy's little boy, Kiril. But it is exactly this technology that the Talee fear, and they will exterminate anyone caught using it.
Now, Sandy must fight to save her family from a terrible new threat, but doing so may plunge humanity into another destructive war between humans, or worse, against the massively-advanced Talee. And what final secret are the Talee protecting about the origins of synthetic humans like Sandy that could either liberate Sandy’s fellow synthetics from bondage or spell disaster for all humanity?
As always, Shepherd came up with another intricate and well-crafted plot that reads like an excellent blend of political thriller and fast-paced science fiction. And yet, though political intrigue plays a big role in this book, what with the conflict between the Federation and the League, but also within the Federation itself, as there are numerous power struggles between the FSA, the CSA, the Fleet, and FedInt. Originator is probably more space opera than all of his predecessors. Indeed, a lot of revelations regarding synthetic intelligence, the GIs, and especially the mysterious Talee and their origins are unveiled, answering questions readers have been asking themselves for years. Hence, the worldbuilding plays a massive role in making this one a compelling and thrilling conclusion to this series.
Cassandra's moral awakening continues to be a fascinating facet to follow, as Shepherd raises even more philosophical issues through her character. How she copes with her developing "motherhood," now that she is the legal guardian of Danya, Svetlana, and Kiril, definitely continues to make for some interesting character growth. The emancipation of sentient androids remains a central theme and those "human rights" issues play a key role throughout this new installment. The interaction between GIs is also evolving and they ponder about their identity and what they want out of life. Familiar POVs return, but it's also nice to get the perspective of newer faces like Danya and Raylee.
The last two volumes suffered from inconsistent pacing issues from time to time, but Originator is paced quite adroitly. Sure, the rhythm picks up exponentially when the author goes all out with his crazy action sequences. But for the most part, the pace remains relatively even and there is not a dull moment from start to finish. Shepherd found a way to create just the right type of balance between political intrigue, character development, worldbuilding, and action-packed battle scenes.
And even though Originator appears to bring this second trilogy to an end, the book opens the door for countless new and unexplored possibilities. I have a feeling that we'll see Sandy, Ari, Vanessa, Rhian, Ibrahim, and the rest of the gang again before long.
Meanwhile, do yourself a favor and pick up Crossover, the very first volume in the saga. You'll thank me later and berate yourself for not listening to me and having waited for so long to start reading this fun, smart, and entertaining series!
Highly recommended!
For more reviews: www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
November 14, 2019
In par this review covers the six books series, because as I recall Shepherd has said this is the final Cassandra Kresnov novel. While I have at least one issue with Shepherd's handling of Kresnov's characterization, I think what overshadows my criticism is that he does have Kresnov grow as a person.
And, personally I think many series writers are afraid of losing their readers to take chances with characterization. Part of Kresnov's journey always has been from synthetic human to human. The last two books have seen her struggling with emotions related to motherhood, and also coldly accepting that she is very good at what she is good at-possibly being the galaxy's most effective killer. She is in conflict with herself. Being so much in love with her three adopted children that the prospect of their death throws Kresnov into what is in effect a panic attack, and yet during a military operation calculates casualties and asses the numbers lost almost, emphasis, almost dispassionately.
A years has passed since Operation Shield, and the Federation remains in the process of rebuilding its government. Augments remains a neural problem, one based more in psychology and group think, than physiology.
It is at this point that the Talee, thought at least neutral, if not possibly allies attack Callay.
Shepherd does an acceptable job of showing Callay's polyglot culture (primarily Asian/Sub-Asian continent).
The critique I have of Kresnov's handling is that she is so damn uber-competent that a reader pretty much never feels her outcome (aka survival) is ever in doubt.
I do recommend this series, but like David Brin reading all six in succession might lead to some frustration as you begin to recognize Shepherd's writing patterns.
And, personally I think many series writers are afraid of losing their readers to take chances with characterization. Part of Kresnov's journey always has been from synthetic human to human. The last two books have seen her struggling with emotions related to motherhood, and also coldly accepting that she is very good at what she is good at-possibly being the galaxy's most effective killer. She is in conflict with herself. Being so much in love with her three adopted children that the prospect of their death throws Kresnov into what is in effect a panic attack, and yet during a military operation calculates casualties and asses the numbers lost almost, emphasis, almost dispassionately.
A years has passed since Operation Shield, and the Federation remains in the process of rebuilding its government. Augments remains a neural problem, one based more in psychology and group think, than physiology.
It is at this point that the Talee, thought at least neutral, if not possibly allies attack Callay.
Shepherd does an acceptable job of showing Callay's polyglot culture (primarily Asian/Sub-Asian continent).
The critique I have of Kresnov's handling is that she is so damn uber-competent that a reader pretty much never feels her outcome (aka survival) is ever in doubt.
I do recommend this series, but like David Brin reading all six in succession might lead to some frustration as you begin to recognize Shepherd's writing patterns.
January 12, 2015
4 to 4.5 stars. Much better than I'd expected - certainly avoided the feeling of "been there before, seen that before" I had with the immediately prior book. Resolved questions (including questions I hadn't even previously pondered) well - and not predictably. A little bummed that this is (probably) it for the series ... although Shepherd did add some new plot strings to hang future books on, so there is some hope I suppose of future books in the series (or at least the Kresnov universe) at some point.
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed this and find myself at the end of the series with some regret. These work well through all the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I have also read his other series with just as much enjoyment.
June 18, 2019
Satisfying ending but definitely more story lines to pursue. Such a junkie for this series that I really didn't think I would like. Sigh!
May 4, 2020
A book series from the view point of an AI that has been built in the human image. One that has been forced to fight and die in a war that spans the universe. Or at least the human universe.
The first book starts off wonderfully. It introduces us to Cassandra (Sandy) by describing her physical characteristics and her desires to find a job in a new place. By not letting the reader in on the fact she is an android, Joel Shepherd engages our sympathies for her. A woman who is being chased by a larger entity that is out to destroy or use her.
His series continues to explore the many themes of being an outsider, an immigrant, slavery, friendship, love, family and what it really means to be human.
In this last installment he continues to push the barrier on how far societies should go on ensuring people are not seen as other. That they have the right to self determination, what ever that self determination may be.
His exploration of child soldiers, children as non combatants in a war zone and so much more makes this series more than just the candy it could have been.
It does help that his main character is a bad ass who has a sex drive. The secondary characters are no shrinking violets either. All of them being fully developed human beings with well rounded lives.
I will be diving into his other series with much enthusiasm.
The first book starts off wonderfully. It introduces us to Cassandra (Sandy) by describing her physical characteristics and her desires to find a job in a new place. By not letting the reader in on the fact she is an android, Joel Shepherd engages our sympathies for her. A woman who is being chased by a larger entity that is out to destroy or use her.
His series continues to explore the many themes of being an outsider, an immigrant, slavery, friendship, love, family and what it really means to be human.
In this last installment he continues to push the barrier on how far societies should go on ensuring people are not seen as other. That they have the right to self determination, what ever that self determination may be.
His exploration of child soldiers, children as non combatants in a war zone and so much more makes this series more than just the candy it could have been.
It does help that his main character is a bad ass who has a sex drive. The secondary characters are no shrinking violets either. All of them being fully developed human beings with well rounded lives.
I will be diving into his other series with much enthusiasm.
February 23, 2020
Thus wraps up the Sandy Kresnov series. Over all, I enjoyed it, although the first three books were by far the best in the series; the last three had just enough to keep me going. 3.4 stars.
September 25, 2025
This final book in the series finally gets to the alien Talee, who've been in the background all along. Sandy and everyone else have always assumed they were technologically much advanced compared to humans. And everyone has wondered about why they don't show themselves. But now it appears that, though they've been hands-off, they may be starting a war on humans. Why would that be?
Turns out that the Talee are maybe more like humans than anyone expected, for good and for bad. And that's how I'll leave it, to avoid spoilers. I did find the revelations to be overall satisfying, but also felt let down; maybe not dramatic enough?
Meanwhile, of course, a small world settled by humans is obliterated, Callay is being attacked, of course Sandy also has to deal with are inter-agency intrigues in the Callay/Federation government, and eventually Sandy and crew have to return to Droze, where humans found the Talee technology to make the GIs, including Sandy. Oh, Sandy's three kids figure in throughout the book, and Sandy's evil "sister" Jane is back.
One thing I very much like about this series is some of the psychological/political theory/commentary. The author is postulating a syndrome, Compulsive Narrative Syndrome, that causes people to stick to their own groups and demonize other groups, and he may be right. Of course, in the book, he was talking about bad guys who wired up people and GIs (artificial people like Sandy) to have an extreme version. This book was published in 2015, so he wasn't thinking of current political events when he wrote it.
Then there's the author's take on democracy. Interesting (even if it ignores other ways this is handled, e.g., totalitarianism). This quote is attributed to Sandy:
Turns out that the Talee are maybe more like humans than anyone expected, for good and for bad. And that's how I'll leave it, to avoid spoilers. I did find the revelations to be overall satisfying, but also felt let down; maybe not dramatic enough?
Meanwhile, of course, a small world settled by humans is obliterated, Callay is being attacked, of course Sandy also has to deal with are inter-agency intrigues in the Callay/Federation government, and eventually Sandy and crew have to return to Droze, where humans found the Talee technology to make the GIs, including Sandy. Oh, Sandy's three kids figure in throughout the book, and Sandy's evil "sister" Jane is back.
One thing I very much like about this series is some of the psychological/political theory/commentary. The author is postulating a syndrome, Compulsive Narrative Syndrome, that causes people to stick to their own groups and demonize other groups, and he may be right. Of course, in the book, he was talking about bad guys who wired up people and GIs (artificial people like Sandy) to have an extreme version. This book was published in 2015, so he wasn't thinking of current political events when he wrote it.
...There are so many variables...The first possibility is input dominance, meaning simply that people accept that information which they receive the most of. If ninety percent of the information you receive tells you one thing, and ten percent tells you another, the ninety percent is what you believe. You see this in any politics and religion, people who grow up and live in environments where they are only surrounded by the same kinds of people who believe the same things rarely question their beliefs. On Pyeongwha, the regime had input dominance, it was everywhere. Compulsive Narrative Syndrome is just looking for a juicy narrative to swallow, and the regime gave it one, all day every day.
...The second possibility is good old-fashioned emotional conformity...Protection and cooperation in numbers, it's the foundation of all society...It's the reason very nice children will not oppose bullies and will sometimes even join in with bullies, even it they're not bullies themselves in other circumstances. Joining the dominant group is the most natural of human instincts...It takes an act of extraordinary willpower to oppose it and take another path when doing so leaves you all alone.
...And the third, of course...is narrative resonance...That's the same thing political parties everywhere run on, or ideologies, or religions - the appeal to things that trigger a positive emotional and psychological response. With extreme CNS, the resonance is so strong it instantly produces emotional conviction, an extreme emotional response.
Then there's the author's take on democracy. Interesting (even if it ignores other ways this is handled, e.g., totalitarianism). This quote is attributed to Sandy:
Democracy was invented...as a dispute-solving mechanism between factions. Without it, the only way to decide the outcome of a dispute was violence. And then the idiot with the biggest axe would win, and idiots with axes often make very poor choices, so democratic institutions were created to transition societies through various disagreements, and decide outcomes, without everyone having to kill each other all the time.
December 4, 2017
J'ai beaucoup aimé cette série. J'ai été bluffée par le développement de l'histoire au cours des 6 livres. L'univers est original et cohérent, complexe et passionnant politiquement et technologiquement. Le personnage central l' humaine "fabriquée" Cassandra Kresnov grandit avec l'histoire. Les autres personnages sont aussi attachants. Cette société du futur n'a pas une culture américano-centrée et c'est intéressant. Les rapports humains / aliens Talee sont complexes. Des explications sont données, et quelques ouvertures peuvent laisser espérer que l'auteur nous ramènera auprès de Sandy et ses amis, ou dans ce monde qui s'élargit au fur et à mesure. Le style de l'auteur est très fluide. Je mets 5 étoiles pour ce 6ème tome, pour mon plaisir de lecture de toute la série. A lire dans l'ordre.
October 26, 2022
4.6 stars. A grande finale, was touched by the superwoman (aka cyber AI super soldier) whom becomes an (adopted) mother to young kids.
Ironically, it made me wonder if the cognitive dissonance going on is very similar to what we're seeing in today's US politics, where the (so-called) democracy is really about grabbing power and holding onto it, no matter what the cost. (that would be an amazing prediction of our society, notwithstanding that the current schisms aren't due to uplink technology as described in the book.)
still an epic techno thriller, that feels like a comic book, but with characters with more depth.
Ironically, it made me wonder if the cognitive dissonance going on is very similar to what we're seeing in today's US politics, where the (so-called) democracy is really about grabbing power and holding onto it, no matter what the cost. (that would be an amazing prediction of our society, notwithstanding that the current schisms aren't due to uplink technology as described in the book.)
still an epic techno thriller, that feels like a comic book, but with characters with more depth.
August 28, 2019
Let this be a simple review of books #5 and #6 in the series. I absolutely love the books, all of them. I highly recommend reading the whole series.
Characters with depth living in an interesting and complex time ... in our future. Filled with interesting psychology, sociology and ideology ... probably more "ologies", but I'm not that knowledgable about them all ... so read it and you tell me!
I hope there will be more stories about Sandy, her friends, family and all those sexy GI's!
Great work Joel!
P.S. I'm ready for another Spiral Wars book dude! ;-)
Characters with depth living in an interesting and complex time ... in our future. Filled with interesting psychology, sociology and ideology ... probably more "ologies", but I'm not that knowledgable about them all ... so read it and you tell me!
I hope there will be more stories about Sandy, her friends, family and all those sexy GI's!
Great work Joel!
P.S. I'm ready for another Spiral Wars book dude! ;-)
August 19, 2022
A well crafted conclusion to a series that feels like it was just getting going. A lot of interesting new ideas were created developed, and, in a few cases, concluded. Whether the author will ever return to this universe, I don’t know - but, it he does, I’d pick it up readily. This was sci-fi on a more personal level, rarely venturing off planet, but that made forays into alien territory all the more interesting for it.
June 12, 2022
Relevant for the time s
Probably the top three series of books I've read. Not sure when it was written but the parallel to society problems today is uncanny. That being said it is written superbly. Read all six books in two weeks. Hooked me good from the start
Probably the top three series of books I've read. Not sure when it was written but the parallel to society problems today is uncanny. That being said it is written superbly. Read all six books in two weeks. Hooked me good from the start
December 23, 2022
A chilling glimpse at our future
A preview of how technological change can cause upheaval and possible harm. Some scary parallels with our toxic social media landscape. A must read who wants perspective on what the future might hold.
A preview of how technological change can cause upheaval and possible harm. Some scary parallels with our toxic social media landscape. A must read who wants perspective on what the future might hold.
September 8, 2023
So sad to say goodbye to this amazing group of characters...even Jane.
I loved this series action as well as its moral message.
Mr. Shepherd has an amazing talent for developing deeply affecting characters.
Start from the beginning and read it all...you will never regret it.
I loved this series action as well as its moral message.
Mr. Shepherd has an amazing talent for developing deeply affecting characters.
Start from the beginning and read it all...you will never regret it.
October 19, 2018
This series is still thought-provoking and good reading.
December 8, 2022
An excellent conclusion to a great series.
February 9, 2023
Unsure if Mr. Shepherd intends to write any more of these, but this series was amazing, great character development and story arc, and it had a good ending if that's where it stays.
July 28, 2023
Geez, it only took 6 books.....
...to finally write a very good read. Not too much techno-bable. I'm thinking Shepherd realized he needed to step up his game.
...to finally write a very good read. Not too much techno-bable. I'm thinking Shepherd realized he needed to step up his game.
March 17, 2024
Enjoyed this immensely
I want to believe there could be another book. But in a way I hope there isn't. I really enjoyed this series.
I want to believe there could be another book. But in a way I hope there isn't. I really enjoyed this series.
September 19, 2017
The Cassandra Kresnov series really are excellent!
October 17, 2022
What a fabulous end to a marvellous unpredictable series. Great action. Vibrant world. Interesting questions. Huge fun.
July 20, 2020
"Originator" is the sixth and (apparently) the last Cassandra Kresnov book. I'm sad to see this series end. I've enjoyed every book. Each one has taken me deeper into this world, Each one has seen Kresnov grow and become more complex, more powerful and yet, somehow, more likable.
*Originator" has all the things that made the other books compelling: political intrigue, battle scenes, humour, philosophical musings on what it means to be human, and a perfectly paced plot
As befits the last book of a series, it brings together a number of characters from earlier plot lines and fully completes the story arc in a satisfying way, without making everything so neat and tidy that is seams false.
In this book, Cassandra finally brings into focus the idea that she and the other GIs really are a separate, physically superior, species and not just a synthetic imitation of humanity. She has to decide what that means. The plot of the story herds her into a position where she is forced to choose between loyalty to her own species and loyalty to humanity. Her response is original, life-affirming and fundamentally Kresnov.
As we edge towards the possibility of independent AIs, I can only hope that they'll be like Cassandra Kresnov when they grew up.
I'm addicted to Joel Shepherd now, so, with no more Kresnov to read, I'll be starting on his "Spiral Wars" trilogy, but it will have to be pretty damn good to push Kresnov off the top of my "THIS is what Military SF SHOULD be" pile.
*Originator" has all the things that made the other books compelling: political intrigue, battle scenes, humour, philosophical musings on what it means to be human, and a perfectly paced plot
As befits the last book of a series, it brings together a number of characters from earlier plot lines and fully completes the story arc in a satisfying way, without making everything so neat and tidy that is seams false.
In this book, Cassandra finally brings into focus the idea that she and the other GIs really are a separate, physically superior, species and not just a synthetic imitation of humanity. She has to decide what that means. The plot of the story herds her into a position where she is forced to choose between loyalty to her own species and loyalty to humanity. Her response is original, life-affirming and fundamentally Kresnov.
As we edge towards the possibility of independent AIs, I can only hope that they'll be like Cassandra Kresnov when they grew up.
I'm addicted to Joel Shepherd now, so, with no more Kresnov to read, I'll be starting on his "Spiral Wars" trilogy, but it will have to be pretty damn good to push Kresnov off the top of my "THIS is what Military SF SHOULD be" pile.
August 21, 2016
Australian author Joel Shepherd is on book five of his Cassandra Kresnov series, which is unusual in many ways. First, the protagonist isn’t human – she’s a synthetic version grown in a vat that has superhuman reflexes and strength and a slightly different mental structure. GIs, as they are known, were developed for combat by the League, which is the rival of the Federation, but Kresnov defected from the League to the Federation, along with other GIs, amid a host of political and military complications.
Shepherd is especially good at those kinds of complications, and in “Originator” (Pyr, $18, 399 pages), there are plenty of them, as deeper levels of an already convoluted situation are revealed. In addition, Kresnov is becoming more and more human in her emotions as she gets older – and even though she has the experiences of a much older human, she is still young in years.
Shepherd also is unafraid to add some intellectual meat to the stew, discussing reasons why human beings are so willing to believe what they’re told, and “Originator” is a worthy successor to the very strong books that have preceded it.
Shepherd is especially good at those kinds of complications, and in “Originator” (Pyr, $18, 399 pages), there are plenty of them, as deeper levels of an already convoluted situation are revealed. In addition, Kresnov is becoming more and more human in her emotions as she gets older – and even though she has the experiences of a much older human, she is still young in years.
Shepherd also is unafraid to add some intellectual meat to the stew, discussing reasons why human beings are so willing to believe what they’re told, and “Originator” is a worthy successor to the very strong books that have preceded it.
August 21, 2021
Finished the Series!?
I have followed this series and others from Joel for many years now. He always entertains and keeps you on your toes with surprises and challenges galore. Cassandra and her friend Vanessa are written and Portrayed excellently. The psychology of being a “synthetic “ is displayed to perfection. It would be a fantastic challenge to be in Sandy and Janes place especially in the final scene with the Talee. Joel writes incredibly well and gives these characters a depth and a personality that is wonderfully quirky! I especially love how he portrayed the new daughter Svetlana with her experiences and her special ability with dealing with them. I LOVE the kids! Joel - You gotta carry this one further. You left me hanging in another series so you owe us!
I have followed this series and others from Joel for many years now. He always entertains and keeps you on your toes with surprises and challenges galore. Cassandra and her friend Vanessa are written and Portrayed excellently. The psychology of being a “synthetic “ is displayed to perfection. It would be a fantastic challenge to be in Sandy and Janes place especially in the final scene with the Talee. Joel writes incredibly well and gives these characters a depth and a personality that is wonderfully quirky! I especially love how he portrayed the new daughter Svetlana with her experiences and her special ability with dealing with them. I LOVE the kids! Joel - You gotta carry this one further. You left me hanging in another series so you owe us!
January 3, 2015
Joel Shepherd sixth tale of android Cassandra Kresnov finds that the Federation is being infiltrated by the Originator ((trade from Pyr) species that created the technology that created her and other GI’s . The Talee have destroyed themselves twice and are very leery of any technology that led to their apocalypses. Sandy’s adopted son Kiril was fitted with a growing uplink connection that improves on the connector driving elements in the League literally nuts. In fact for humans it’s a solution to the problem. To get at him the Talee GI’s who look like humans, put Sandy’s home in artificial reality . Only the GI’s can shake it. High action with lots of fun.Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press
April 30, 2015
There's no better sci fi, than the stuff which analyses and makes sense of what humans truly are, in turn setting forth their path. After an incredible ride of 6 books worth of fast-paced action, thrilling politics and engaging characters, it all winds into an elaborate and carefully woven tapestry, and when you look back you see the point of the whole story. It's an incredibly fulfilling way to end(?) a series. These most recent three books show a maturity and depth you don't see often in this fairly throwaway genre, I'm putting the Cassandra Kressnov series up there with the Samuil Petrovitch series and Daniel Suarez' Daemon series. Really glad I found this!
January 29, 2015
Very good read!! I just could not put it down... very thought provoking, entertaining book. It seems the more Sandy strives for some kind of "normalcy"; the more complicated and terrifyingly violent her life becomes. She deals with issues no newly single (or married) parent shoud have to deal with,political intrigue of unthinkable proportions,and manages hang on to her sanity and optimism like no other. I just hope we keep getting the chance to view more of Sandy, Danya Svetlana, Kiril, Vanessa, Rhian, Ari, Raylee and all the rest of her extended family.
June 23, 2020
This was a satisfying conclusion to the series. The Talee threat looms over this installment with the League and Federation both fearing intervention. I enjoyed the way in which synthetic versus organic and League vs Federation played out in a way that seemed fitting with the characters involved. I enjoyed the way Sandy grew throughout the series as well as the other GIs. All around a fun series that's not too deep but definitely entertaining.
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