What do you think?
A billion years in the future, humanity is extinct.
But Shakespeare remains.
A machine civilization, so far advanced that it has the power to recreate lost civilizations, stumbles upon the works of the playwright, William Shakespeare.
With only those plays to represent humanity, the machines must decide whether humanity is worth resurrecting or not.
The only way to know the plays is to stage them.
Enter J-9, although she prefers to be called Janine. She is a human-like construct, created by the machines, to enter and experience the plays of Shakespeare, as they run in simulation, indistinguishable from reality.
Based on Janine’s impressions of humanity, drawn from her experiences of living within the unfolding plays, the machines will render their is humanity worth saving or shall we be consigned to oblivion?
The stakes are higher than the Bard could have ever imagined.
Created by Ted Neill, the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare remains true to the plots of William Shakespeare’s plays while introducing stage directions that make the text more accessible to modern readers. The addition of Janine as an outsider looking in—and caught up in her own story framing the action of the plays—provides commentary and insight usually buried in academic papers but delivered here with heart and humor. It’s an original take on classic plays that will remind readers why the plays endure five hundred, and maybe five billion, years after they were written.
Traditionally, Shakespeare’s plays, do not need to be read in a particular order. These “simulations,” do have an order, especially as Janine’s story evolves with them.
Simulation NightAs You Like ItA Mid-Summer Night’s DreamMuch Ado About NothingTaming of the ShrewRomeo & JulietCymbelineThe TempestMacBethRichard IIITroilus & CressidaPericlesKing LearJulius CesarAnthony & Cleopatra
But Shakespeare remains.
A machine civilization, so far advanced that it has the power to recreate lost civilizations, stumbles upon the works of the playwright, William Shakespeare.
With only those plays to represent humanity, the machines must decide whether humanity is worth resurrecting or not.
The only way to know the plays is to stage them.
Enter J-9, although she prefers to be called Janine. She is a human-like construct, created by the machines, to enter and experience the plays of Shakespeare, as they run in simulation, indistinguishable from reality.
Based on Janine’s impressions of humanity, drawn from her experiences of living within the unfolding plays, the machines will render their is humanity worth saving or shall we be consigned to oblivion?
The stakes are higher than the Bard could have ever imagined.
Created by Ted Neill, the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare remains true to the plots of William Shakespeare’s plays while introducing stage directions that make the text more accessible to modern readers. The addition of Janine as an outsider looking in—and caught up in her own story framing the action of the plays—provides commentary and insight usually buried in academic papers but delivered here with heart and humor. It’s an original take on classic plays that will remind readers why the plays endure five hundred, and maybe five billion, years after they were written.
Traditionally, Shakespeare’s plays, do not need to be read in a particular order. These “simulations,” do have an order, especially as Janine’s story evolves with them.
Simulation NightAs You Like ItA Mid-Summer Night’s DreamMuch Ado About NothingTaming of the ShrewRomeo & JulietCymbelineThe TempestMacBethRichard IIITroilus & CressidaPericlesKing LearJulius CesarAnthony & Cleopatra
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
About the author
Ted Neill
92 books77 followersGlobetrotter and writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Recovery Today, and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. He is the 2013 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award. His 2017 novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His most novel, Reaper Moon, takes place against the backdrop of a global virus pandemic and how the aftermath unfolds along familiar social divides of race and politics. His most recent young adult novel is, Zombies, Frat Boys, Monster Flash Mobs & Other Terrifying Things I Saw at the Gates of Hell Cotillion, doesn’t need a blurb, the title says it all.
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 28, 2026
I picked up this volume for a few reasons. First it was a promo email for Kindle deals and looked interesting. Second I have had a love for Shakespeare for many years and my two youngest kids and I love attending plays at Stratford. Third the premise was very intriguing.
The description of the book states:
“A billion years in the future, humanity is extinct.
But Shakespeare remains.
A machine civilization, so far advanced that it has the power to recreate lost civilizations, stumbles upon the works of the playwright, William Shakespeare.
With only those plays to represent humanity, the machines must decide whether humanity is worth resurrecting or not.
The only way to know the plays is to stage them.
Enter J-9, although she prefers to be called Janine. She is a human-like construct, created by the machines, to enter and experience the plays of Shakespeare, as they run in simulation, indistinguishable from reality.
Based on Janine’s impressions of humanity, drawn from her experiences of living within the unfolding plays, the machines will render their judgment: is humanity worth saving or shall we be consigned to oblivion?
The stakes are higher than the Bard could have ever imagined.”
The description of the series states:
“Created by Ted Neill, the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare remains true to the plots of William Shakespeare’s plays while introducing stage directions that make the text more accessible to modern readers. The addition of Janine as an outsider looking in—and caught up in her own story framing the action of the plays—provides commentary and insight usually buried in academic papers but delivered here with heart and humor. It’s an original take on classic plays that will remind readers why the plays endure five hundred, and maybe five billion, years after they were written.
Traditionally, Shakespeare’s plays, do not need to be read in a particular order. These “simulations,” do have an order, especially as Janine’s story evolves with them.
Simulation Order:
Hamlet
Othello
Twelfth Night
As You Like It
A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream
Much Ado About Nothing
Taming of the Shrew
Romeo & Juliet
Cymbeline
The Tempest
MacBeth
Richard III
Troilus & Cressida
Pericles
King Lear
Julius Cesar
Anthony & Cleopatra”
I will note towards the end of the first volume Janie and Otto are sort of debriefing and we are informed there are 37 plays still left. But the list above has just 17. I am uncertain if Neill has plans to do all the plays or just the 17 listed above. Only time will tell.
The chapters and sections in the work are:
Post-Apocalyptic Space Shakepeare Presents
The Tragedy Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark
Dramatis Personæ
Introduction
Scene I. The comms room
Scene II. The gray rooms
ACT I
Setting: Venice
SCENE I. A rooftop over Piazza San Marco
SCENE II. Venice, a street.
SCENE III. Venice, outside the Sagittary Guest House
SCENE IV. Venice, the senate chamber.
ACT II
SCENE I. A seawall along the harbor below Kyrenia Castle
SCENE II. The city streets
SCENE III. Kyrenia Castle
ACT III
SCENE I. The courtyard of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. The garden of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE III. On the shore of the island.
Intermezzo
SCENE I. The Gallery and the Gray Rooms
ACT IV
SCENE I. The map room of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE III. Othello’s study.
SCENE IV. The battlements of Kyrenia Castle.
ACT V
SCENE I. The courtyard of Kyrenia Castle
SCENE II. Othello and Desdemona’s bedchamber in Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. The hallways and battlements of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE IV. Othello and Desdemona’s bedchamber in Kyrenia Castle.
Wow, was my first reaction to book one in this series, and if I had a better word I would use it for this second offering. I worked through this book through a mix of reading and at various points using adaptive technology and listening to this book. It hits on all the right marks. My son and I absolutely loved Goblin MacBeth, but this concept. A billion years in the future, humanity has disappeared, but Shakespeare has survived. A vast intellect has created a construct to work through the plays of Shakespeare to determine if Humans are worth brining back into existence.
This second volume does an incredible job of presenting the source material, and having it be very well done. Second, the interaction of the construction and her assistant or guide journey through the scenes and acts and interacting with the characters is masterfully written. When we add in Ophelia, as a new companion on this adventure and things take on a new level of intrigue and surprise. This is one of my favourite of the Bards plays, and to be honest this might be my new favourite version of it. Both my son and I would love to see this done as a production on stage or on film.
I believe these books could open up Shakespeare to a whole new audience. And for those who are already fans it is a great addition. This was an amazing first book in a series and I look forward to giving others a read. I am very glad I took a chance on them, it more than paid off. I have greatly enjoyed the first two and have already picked up the next few. An excellent story I can easily recommend!
The description of the book states:
“A billion years in the future, humanity is extinct.
But Shakespeare remains.
A machine civilization, so far advanced that it has the power to recreate lost civilizations, stumbles upon the works of the playwright, William Shakespeare.
With only those plays to represent humanity, the machines must decide whether humanity is worth resurrecting or not.
The only way to know the plays is to stage them.
Enter J-9, although she prefers to be called Janine. She is a human-like construct, created by the machines, to enter and experience the plays of Shakespeare, as they run in simulation, indistinguishable from reality.
Based on Janine’s impressions of humanity, drawn from her experiences of living within the unfolding plays, the machines will render their judgment: is humanity worth saving or shall we be consigned to oblivion?
The stakes are higher than the Bard could have ever imagined.”
The description of the series states:
“Created by Ted Neill, the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare remains true to the plots of William Shakespeare’s plays while introducing stage directions that make the text more accessible to modern readers. The addition of Janine as an outsider looking in—and caught up in her own story framing the action of the plays—provides commentary and insight usually buried in academic papers but delivered here with heart and humor. It’s an original take on classic plays that will remind readers why the plays endure five hundred, and maybe five billion, years after they were written.
Traditionally, Shakespeare’s plays, do not need to be read in a particular order. These “simulations,” do have an order, especially as Janine’s story evolves with them.
Simulation Order:
Hamlet
Othello
Twelfth Night
As You Like It
A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream
Much Ado About Nothing
Taming of the Shrew
Romeo & Juliet
Cymbeline
The Tempest
MacBeth
Richard III
Troilus & Cressida
Pericles
King Lear
Julius Cesar
Anthony & Cleopatra”
I will note towards the end of the first volume Janie and Otto are sort of debriefing and we are informed there are 37 plays still left. But the list above has just 17. I am uncertain if Neill has plans to do all the plays or just the 17 listed above. Only time will tell.
The chapters and sections in the work are:
Post-Apocalyptic Space Shakepeare Presents
The Tragedy Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark
Dramatis Personæ
Introduction
Scene I. The comms room
Scene II. The gray rooms
ACT I
Setting: Venice
SCENE I. A rooftop over Piazza San Marco
SCENE II. Venice, a street.
SCENE III. Venice, outside the Sagittary Guest House
SCENE IV. Venice, the senate chamber.
ACT II
SCENE I. A seawall along the harbor below Kyrenia Castle
SCENE II. The city streets
SCENE III. Kyrenia Castle
ACT III
SCENE I. The courtyard of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. The garden of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE III. On the shore of the island.
Intermezzo
SCENE I. The Gallery and the Gray Rooms
ACT IV
SCENE I. The map room of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE III. Othello’s study.
SCENE IV. The battlements of Kyrenia Castle.
ACT V
SCENE I. The courtyard of Kyrenia Castle
SCENE II. Othello and Desdemona’s bedchamber in Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE II. The hallways and battlements of Kyrenia Castle.
SCENE IV. Othello and Desdemona’s bedchamber in Kyrenia Castle.
Wow, was my first reaction to book one in this series, and if I had a better word I would use it for this second offering. I worked through this book through a mix of reading and at various points using adaptive technology and listening to this book. It hits on all the right marks. My son and I absolutely loved Goblin MacBeth, but this concept. A billion years in the future, humanity has disappeared, but Shakespeare has survived. A vast intellect has created a construct to work through the plays of Shakespeare to determine if Humans are worth brining back into existence.
This second volume does an incredible job of presenting the source material, and having it be very well done. Second, the interaction of the construction and her assistant or guide journey through the scenes and acts and interacting with the characters is masterfully written. When we add in Ophelia, as a new companion on this adventure and things take on a new level of intrigue and surprise. This is one of my favourite of the Bards plays, and to be honest this might be my new favourite version of it. Both my son and I would love to see this done as a production on stage or on film.
I believe these books could open up Shakespeare to a whole new audience. And for those who are already fans it is a great addition. This was an amazing first book in a series and I look forward to giving others a read. I am very glad I took a chance on them, it more than paid off. I have greatly enjoyed the first two and have already picked up the next few. An excellent story I can easily recommend!
August 8, 2026
This book really hits you - not least because Othello is (to my mind) one of Shakespeare's best. It really twists the knife. Iago is so, so plausible when he's playing with people's minds.
It's the best of the three books in this series that I've read so far.
Which leaves me with a dilemma. The three books I've read so far, add up to an average rating of about 3.5. They're cheap and don't take to long to read, but if the writer covers all of Shakespeare's plays (and I think that's the intent), then it's a long series.
And I have other books in my queue that I'm likely to give a higher rating to...
I think, for the moment, I shall drop this series and focus on my reading queue. I'm well into 'The Time Traveler's Guide to Restoration England' which is both informative and entertaining - and also 'Service Model' which really questions where the boundary line of sentience lies, and can also be quite funny in places.
It's the best of the three books in this series that I've read so far.
Which leaves me with a dilemma. The three books I've read so far, add up to an average rating of about 3.5. They're cheap and don't take to long to read, but if the writer covers all of Shakespeare's plays (and I think that's the intent), then it's a long series.
And I have other books in my queue that I'm likely to give a higher rating to...
I think, for the moment, I shall drop this series and focus on my reading queue. I'm well into 'The Time Traveler's Guide to Restoration England' which is both informative and entertaining - and also 'Service Model' which really questions where the boundary line of sentience lies, and can also be quite funny in places.
April 24, 2026
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 5.0 of 5
It is so far into the future that humanity is extinct. Evidence of humanity, however, still exists - primarily through the machines that continue to operate and have developed a complex form of intelligence. The machines have been able to create - or rather 're'create - civilizations based on information it/they have managed to gather. It is the surprising discovery of the works of William Shakespeare that has shed new light on ancient humanity.
In an effort to learn more about humans, the machines understand that the best way to make sense of Shakespeare's works is to stage the plays through a simulation that is indistinguishable from reality. Entering into the plays is J-9 - a machine construct that is human-like. J-9 prefers to be identified by the more human-like name: Janine.
Along with a mechanical owl, Janine observes the play from inside the performances, commenting on the events and the behavior of the different characters. Based on Janine's experiences and impressions of humanity (as presented by William Shakespeare, the machine-run civilization will determine whether humankind was worth saving
Wow. This was so very different and quite incredible. Of course 85-90% of it was written by Shakespeare.
(Co) author Ted Neill gives us this book mostly in script format. For some readers this might prove to be an obstacle, but anyone picking up a book titled Othello should probably come to expect a script. Unlike Shakespeare's original works, this script offers up plenty of stage directions in addition to the dialog. (Is there a percentage of the book that needs to be unique in order for someone to be considered a new author on the work? If so, that might explain the stage directions.) There is also new dialog from both Janine and the mechanical owl with Janine commenting on the action. It felt a bit like having Spark Notes or Cliffs Notes right on stage.
I've heard, many times (I used to work with a Shakespeare festival), that no one wrote about what it means to be human better than Shakespeare, and here, through Neill's sci-fi concept, that idea is put to the test.
This is really clever and well thought through. I'd love to see this staged (it might be challenging) and I can't help but wonder if anyone's tried it yet.
Fans of Shakespeare and fans of sci-fi really need to give this a read. I'm most definitely planning to read the first volume in the series and I hope there'll be more.
Looking for a good book? Ted Neill's sci-fi adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello is a remarkable must-read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
It is so far into the future that humanity is extinct. Evidence of humanity, however, still exists - primarily through the machines that continue to operate and have developed a complex form of intelligence. The machines have been able to create - or rather 're'create - civilizations based on information it/they have managed to gather. It is the surprising discovery of the works of William Shakespeare that has shed new light on ancient humanity.
In an effort to learn more about humans, the machines understand that the best way to make sense of Shakespeare's works is to stage the plays through a simulation that is indistinguishable from reality. Entering into the plays is J-9 - a machine construct that is human-like. J-9 prefers to be identified by the more human-like name: Janine.
Along with a mechanical owl, Janine observes the play from inside the performances, commenting on the events and the behavior of the different characters. Based on Janine's experiences and impressions of humanity (as presented by William Shakespeare, the machine-run civilization will determine whether humankind was worth saving
Wow. This was so very different and quite incredible. Of course 85-90% of it was written by Shakespeare.
(Co) author Ted Neill gives us this book mostly in script format. For some readers this might prove to be an obstacle, but anyone picking up a book titled Othello should probably come to expect a script. Unlike Shakespeare's original works, this script offers up plenty of stage directions in addition to the dialog. (Is there a percentage of the book that needs to be unique in order for someone to be considered a new author on the work? If so, that might explain the stage directions.) There is also new dialog from both Janine and the mechanical owl with Janine commenting on the action. It felt a bit like having Spark Notes or Cliffs Notes right on stage.
I've heard, many times (I used to work with a Shakespeare festival), that no one wrote about what it means to be human better than Shakespeare, and here, through Neill's sci-fi concept, that idea is put to the test.
This is really clever and well thought through. I'd love to see this staged (it might be challenging) and I can't help but wonder if anyone's tried it yet.
Fans of Shakespeare and fans of sci-fi really need to give this a read. I'm most definitely planning to read the first volume in the series and I hope there'll be more.
Looking for a good book? Ted Neill's sci-fi adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello is a remarkable must-read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
Set a billion years into the future, Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series presents a universe where humanity has disappeared, but Shakespeare's plays still hold weight. A civilization of machines equipped to simulate entire realities stumbles upon these works and decides to evaluate humanity's worth through them. To do this, they create Janine, a sentient, human-like construct who experiences these simulations and reports back. In this book, Janine enters Othello and forms a close connection with a reimagined Ophelia. Together, they navigate themes of love, betrayal, jealousy, and manipulation—viewing the drama with fresh eyes. While the play unfolds in a stunning, futuristic version of Venice and Cyprus, Janine's reactions and reflections offer unique insights into both human emotion and Shakespearean depth. Her experiences slowly build toward one central question: Is humanity worth saving?
Review: Ted Neill's Othello delivers an impressive, futuristic twist on a classic tragedy. The book cover art smartly combines elements of classic literature with a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi vibe, creating a visually striking narrative that hints at an imaginative reimagining of Shakespeare's work.
The structure of the story keeps things tight, starting at a fast pace, exploring thoughtful themes in the middle, and ending dramatically with emotional grounding. The addition of Janine and Ophelia injects new life into the narrative, allowing Shakespeare to be experienced as more than just a performance. The vivid futuristic setting, complete with ziplines and mechanical cities, adds depth without overshadowing the original plot. Neill's writing strikes a solid balance—everything feels smart yet easy to read, rich in emotion without being too heavy-handed.
One minor downside is that some scenes, particularly the philosophical musings, may slow things down for those who crave more action. Still, these moments also enhance the book's emotional impact. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy genre mashups, particularly fans of speculative fiction, literary retellings, and philosophical sci-fi.
A 4-star rating reflects its creativity, originality, and emotional richness, with a star reserved for occasional dips in pacing. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys classic stories told in fresh, radical ways.
Review: Ted Neill's Othello delivers an impressive, futuristic twist on a classic tragedy. The book cover art smartly combines elements of classic literature with a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi vibe, creating a visually striking narrative that hints at an imaginative reimagining of Shakespeare's work.
The structure of the story keeps things tight, starting at a fast pace, exploring thoughtful themes in the middle, and ending dramatically with emotional grounding. The addition of Janine and Ophelia injects new life into the narrative, allowing Shakespeare to be experienced as more than just a performance. The vivid futuristic setting, complete with ziplines and mechanical cities, adds depth without overshadowing the original plot. Neill's writing strikes a solid balance—everything feels smart yet easy to read, rich in emotion without being too heavy-handed.
One minor downside is that some scenes, particularly the philosophical musings, may slow things down for those who crave more action. Still, these moments also enhance the book's emotional impact. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy genre mashups, particularly fans of speculative fiction, literary retellings, and philosophical sci-fi.
A 4-star rating reflects its creativity, originality, and emotional richness, with a star reserved for occasional dips in pacing. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys classic stories told in fresh, radical ways.
July 3, 2025
Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series by Ted Neill is a bold and inventive reimagining of a Shakespearean classic through a futuristic lens. Set in a far-off future where advanced machines simulate Shakespeare's plays to evaluate the worthiness of resurrecting humanity, the story follows Janine—a sentient, human-like construct—tasked with living through the plays and interpreting their human truths. In this installment, she steps into the world of Othello, navigating the themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal alongside a reimagined Ophelia. The fusion of classic drama with sci-fi storytelling is both clever and emotionally engaging, allowing readers to see familiar characters and themes in a completely new way.
Janine’s evolving awareness and her bond with Ophelia are at the heart of the story, adding emotional weight to the simulated world. Neill’s writing remains faithful to the original Shakespearean plot while enhancing accessibility with modernized stage directions and insightful character commentary. The futuristic settings—complete with mechanical cities and post-human conflicts—bring a fresh texture to the timeless play. Though a few moments may feel philosophically dense, the overall experience is thoughtful, immersive, and thoroughly unique. This book is a strong continuation of the series and a treat for both fans of Shakespeare and lovers of intelligent science fiction.
Janine’s evolving awareness and her bond with Ophelia are at the heart of the story, adding emotional weight to the simulated world. Neill’s writing remains faithful to the original Shakespearean plot while enhancing accessibility with modernized stage directions and insightful character commentary. The futuristic settings—complete with mechanical cities and post-human conflicts—bring a fresh texture to the timeless play. Though a few moments may feel philosophically dense, the overall experience is thoughtful, immersive, and thoroughly unique. This book is a strong continuation of the series and a treat for both fans of Shakespeare and lovers of intelligent science fiction.
June 30, 2025
Thoughtful Retelling of Shakespeare in a Futuristic World
This is not my first Ted Neil book, and I must say the language, background, theme, and the way characters are shown through different emotions provide a rich and detailed experience in Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series. The pace of the dialogue is intriguing and lively, starting with Ophelia and Janine. It feels like a theatrical tribute to the works of Shakespeare.
I liked the story building, especially the character of Ophelia, who is innocent in the new world. Her development, how she was saved, and her relationship with Janine are very touching. The story shows how humanity survives in a future filled with infection. The advanced society and its challenges are interesting, and the plays in the background set in Venice and Cyprus are well done.
What I love about Neil’s writing is how he narrates every event in detail without making it boring. All the characters show growth, especially Janine, who is strong-willed and also shows compassion in her bond with Ophelia.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written, and the themes are well presented. I look forward to more books from Ted Neil. Thumbs up from me.
This is not my first Ted Neil book, and I must say the language, background, theme, and the way characters are shown through different emotions provide a rich and detailed experience in Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series. The pace of the dialogue is intriguing and lively, starting with Ophelia and Janine. It feels like a theatrical tribute to the works of Shakespeare.
I liked the story building, especially the character of Ophelia, who is innocent in the new world. Her development, how she was saved, and her relationship with Janine are very touching. The story shows how humanity survives in a future filled with infection. The advanced society and its challenges are interesting, and the plays in the background set in Venice and Cyprus are well done.
What I love about Neil’s writing is how he narrates every event in detail without making it boring. All the characters show growth, especially Janine, who is strong-willed and also shows compassion in her bond with Ophelia.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written, and the themes are well presented. I look forward to more books from Ted Neil. Thumbs up from me.
July 9, 2025
Ted Neill’s Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series was indeed a page-turner. I had not envisioned that this read will be this interesting! The story is really engaging to say the least. Ted’s style of writing allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into the series of events in the story. This ensures that one gets roped into the characters and allows devotion to their fates.
I loved that there is an introduction of the characters at the beginning of the book and their relations to one another. This makes it easier for the reader to follow through with the story and also acts as a point of reference in case of any confusion. A lot of emotions are evident in this read ranging from anger, love, compassion, jealousy and so on. One character that really put me on the edge was Iago. He exuded jealousy that would make anyone irritable. I feel that he brought some sought of balance in the story in that there was conflict. I think that it also keeps the reader desiring to know the outcome.
The writer has also done a good job of describing upcoming scenes effectively so as to prepare the reader. If you love science fiction, this is the book that you should read next!
I loved that there is an introduction of the characters at the beginning of the book and their relations to one another. This makes it easier for the reader to follow through with the story and also acts as a point of reference in case of any confusion. A lot of emotions are evident in this read ranging from anger, love, compassion, jealousy and so on. One character that really put me on the edge was Iago. He exuded jealousy that would make anyone irritable. I feel that he brought some sought of balance in the story in that there was conflict. I think that it also keeps the reader desiring to know the outcome.
The writer has also done a good job of describing upcoming scenes effectively so as to prepare the reader. If you love science fiction, this is the book that you should read next!
July 3, 2025
What a wildly unique concept. I enjoy Ted Neill's ability to bring such intriguing premises to readers of all ages, backgrounds, and education. And who knew you could make Shakespeare so relevant again!
I appreciated that the story, at its heart, is a bout humanity and whether or not we should be resigned to oblivion. An interesting avenue through which to introduce Shakespeare and this humanity. I imagine there are a lot of younger readers (and even adults!) who don't have a lot of experience with the original works of Shakespeare beyond Romeo and Juliet. So, directly tying our fate to these works is a fascinating concept.
Can Shakespeare's ability to display, describe, and emote the human experience be enough to save us all from utter darkness? Can a sentient, humanoid machine engage in the experience on a human enough level to save us from our relegated state?
Ted Neill explores such human themes and narrates them with absolute precision. I appreciate his voice, and I look forward to more futuristic Shakespeare! I would highly suggest this read for teens and adults alike.
I appreciated that the story, at its heart, is a bout humanity and whether or not we should be resigned to oblivion. An interesting avenue through which to introduce Shakespeare and this humanity. I imagine there are a lot of younger readers (and even adults!) who don't have a lot of experience with the original works of Shakespeare beyond Romeo and Juliet. So, directly tying our fate to these works is a fascinating concept.
Can Shakespeare's ability to display, describe, and emote the human experience be enough to save us all from utter darkness? Can a sentient, humanoid machine engage in the experience on a human enough level to save us from our relegated state?
Ted Neill explores such human themes and narrates them with absolute precision. I appreciate his voice, and I look forward to more futuristic Shakespeare! I would highly suggest this read for teens and adults alike.
July 3, 2025
Othello: Book 2 of the Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series by Ted Neill is a brilliant fusion of classic literature and futuristic sci-fi. Set a billion years into the future, the book follows Janine, a human-like construct, as she experiences Shakespeare's Othello within a hyper-realistic simulation created by machines. Neill’s writing effortlessly balances Shakespeare’s original plot with creative world-building and emotional depth.
What stands out most is Janine’s evolving humanity as she navigates betrayal, love, and manipulation alongside Ophelia, whose innocence and growth add further emotional richness. The futuristic setting of Venice and Cyprus, filled with infection and mechanical societies, creates a thrilling backdrop for the timeless drama.
Neill’s storytelling is both thoughtful and entertaining, making Shakespeare's work accessible and relevant, even in a post-human future. For fans of classic plays and science fiction alike, this is a must-read.
Thank you,
Happy Reading!
What stands out most is Janine’s evolving humanity as she navigates betrayal, love, and manipulation alongside Ophelia, whose innocence and growth add further emotional richness. The futuristic setting of Venice and Cyprus, filled with infection and mechanical societies, creates a thrilling backdrop for the timeless drama.
Neill’s storytelling is both thoughtful and entertaining, making Shakespeare's work accessible and relevant, even in a post-human future. For fans of classic plays and science fiction alike, this is a must-read.
Thank you,
Happy Reading!
July 6, 2025
Shakespeare in a post-apocalyptic space setting? Sounds a bit wild. But honestly? It works!
Ted Neill took the bones of the original Othello and gave it a whole new life, one with, tech, grit, and high-stakes drama. You’ve still got the core tragedy, jealousy, manipulation, love, betrayal… but now it’s wrapped up in this gritty sci-fi vibe that somehow makes it hit even harder.
Iago is still the worst (in the best way), Othello’s still powerful and tragic, and Desdemona? She shines in this version too. The language blends classic lines with modern dialogue, so you’re not stuck decoding old English for 200 pages.
If you're into Shakespeare and sci-fi, this is honestly a blast. Even if you're not a hardcore Shakespeare fan, this version makes the story feel fresh and way more relatable.
Give it a shot, you might be surprised how well 400-year-old drama fits in sci fi.
Ted Neill took the bones of the original Othello and gave it a whole new life, one with, tech, grit, and high-stakes drama. You’ve still got the core tragedy, jealousy, manipulation, love, betrayal… but now it’s wrapped up in this gritty sci-fi vibe that somehow makes it hit even harder.
Iago is still the worst (in the best way), Othello’s still powerful and tragic, and Desdemona? She shines in this version too. The language blends classic lines with modern dialogue, so you’re not stuck decoding old English for 200 pages.
If you're into Shakespeare and sci-fi, this is honestly a blast. Even if you're not a hardcore Shakespeare fan, this version makes the story feel fresh and way more relatable.
Give it a shot, you might be surprised how well 400-year-old drama fits in sci fi.
July 6, 2025
Neill continues his Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series in this second installment following Shakespeare's play of Othello. Picking up where the previous volume ended, human-like construct Janine, continues to observe human nature through realistic simulations of Shakespeare's works. This time, Janine enters the world of Othello, where she navigates the themes of manipulation, love, and betrayal. In addition to her owl sidekick Otto, Janine is also joined by a reimagined version of Ophelia. Neill remains true to the play's original text, with commentary from Janine and Ophelia giving an outsiders perspective on the play. Neill's creative take includes futuristic elements, such as Janine and Ophelia ziplining through medieval Venice in the opening scene. Equally entertaining as it is immersive, sci-fi fans and Shakespeare lovers will enjoy this.
June 29, 2025
I read the first book in Ted Neill’s Apocalyptic Shakespeare series, and this second book did not disappoint. Once again, Ted puts a unique spin on one of Shakespeare’s classic works. We open with our main characters from the future zipping through medieval Venice on ziplines, parkour style, before being introduced to Othello and Iago. I enjoyed watching Janine learn about human manipulation through this play. Ted displays her character development well, from sentient robot with no knowledge of humanity, to someone who is now almost human in her reactions and habits. It is also refreshing reading Janine and Ophelia’s commentary on the play as outsiders with no prior knowledge of it.
July 3, 2025
Othello: Book 2 of the Post-Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series is a stunning reimagining of a timeless tragedy. Ted Neill masterfully transports Shakespeare’s powerful tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal into a gritty, post-apocalyptic universe without losing the original’s emotional depth. The dialogue remains true to the Bard’s voice, while the futuristic setting adds a thrilling new layer of meaning and relevance. This is not just a retelling—it’s a bold, creative expansion of the classic. A perfect read for lovers of Shakespeare and fans of science fiction alike. I couldn’t put it down!
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