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Big Sigma #3
Artificial Evolution
Artificial Evolution is the third book in the Big Sigma series, building upon the story and characters introduced by Bypass Gemini and Unstable Prototypes. Lex, Michella and Squee are once again joined by the mercenaries Silo and Garotte. Along the way they'll need plenty of help from mad engineer Karter Dee and his AI Ma.
After butting heads with the megacorporation known as VectorCorp it was only a matter of time before Lex Alexander and his girlfriend Michella Modane would face the consequences. It is remarkable what a single corporate agent with the resources of a multi-global conglomerate can do to a person's career. In the space of a few days Lex is looking for work and Michella is feeling pressure from the network to ease off the hard-hitting stories. Not one to be silenced, Michella quickly hatches a plan to continue her investigations under the guise of a fluff story about a so-called extraterrestrial, and who better to be her personal driver than Lex?
Meanwhile, mercenaries Silo and Garotte are still nipping at the heels of the terrorist group known as the Neo-Luddites. Rumors of an attempt to secure a devastating weapon bring the pair to a forgotten little planet in an undeveloped corner of the galaxy. Circumstances require that local authorities lay claim to the terrorists' apparent target, but what sort of threat could one gangly collection of anatomical curiosities pose to the galaxy?
The answer to that question will put our heroes to the test and leave a whole world hanging in the balance.
After butting heads with the megacorporation known as VectorCorp it was only a matter of time before Lex Alexander and his girlfriend Michella Modane would face the consequences. It is remarkable what a single corporate agent with the resources of a multi-global conglomerate can do to a person's career. In the space of a few days Lex is looking for work and Michella is feeling pressure from the network to ease off the hard-hitting stories. Not one to be silenced, Michella quickly hatches a plan to continue her investigations under the guise of a fluff story about a so-called extraterrestrial, and who better to be her personal driver than Lex?
Meanwhile, mercenaries Silo and Garotte are still nipping at the heels of the terrorist group known as the Neo-Luddites. Rumors of an attempt to secure a devastating weapon bring the pair to a forgotten little planet in an undeveloped corner of the galaxy. Circumstances require that local authorities lay claim to the terrorists' apparent target, but what sort of threat could one gangly collection of anatomical curiosities pose to the galaxy?
The answer to that question will put our heroes to the test and leave a whole world hanging in the balance.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
37 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 7, 2016
I've enjoyed all of the Big Sigma books so far. They're just big adventure stories, set in a spacey sci-fi universe.
May 31, 2020
Heroines, Heroes, and Humor!
After reading Artificial Evolution, volume three of author Joseph R. Lallo's "Big Sigma" series, all of the main characters have emerged as either heroines or heroes, although Karter Dee may now be considered as an unconscious and perhaps unwitting hero. I must now apologize in public to Karter for calling him a "scientist." He is not at all happy to be called one of those, as he is purely an "engineer." You will have to read this volume to understand the distinction. Also, I have had to seriously downgrade my evaluation of him on several scales of desirable human social characteristics. I'm still his loyal fan, though!
Ma, Lex, Michella, Squee, Silo, and Garotte have ascended to the plane of heroism honestly. Joseph R. Lallo has created a wonderful and engaging cast of characters.
In a great many sci-fi novels I have read and reviewed, humor has come across as something stilted and "bolted on." It often has a somewhat artificial and unnatural feeling. I have frequently mumbled to myself the question, "Who would ever really talk like that?!" But Lallo's dialogs and his humor have flowed consistently through three out of five "Big Sigma" novels and the Beta Testers prequel flawlessly and naturally, as if he really listened to his characters and just faithfully typed in what they said and somehow managed to let us readers even feel how they said it, emotions included. To cut this short, I really, truly enjoyed Lallo's humor throughout all four works!
I'm charging into the next volume, Temporal Contingency as soon as possible!
A great read! Highly recommended!
After reading Artificial Evolution, volume three of author Joseph R. Lallo's "Big Sigma" series, all of the main characters have emerged as either heroines or heroes, although Karter Dee may now be considered as an unconscious and perhaps unwitting hero. I must now apologize in public to Karter for calling him a "scientist." He is not at all happy to be called one of those, as he is purely an "engineer." You will have to read this volume to understand the distinction. Also, I have had to seriously downgrade my evaluation of him on several scales of desirable human social characteristics. I'm still his loyal fan, though!
Ma, Lex, Michella, Squee, Silo, and Garotte have ascended to the plane of heroism honestly. Joseph R. Lallo has created a wonderful and engaging cast of characters.
In a great many sci-fi novels I have read and reviewed, humor has come across as something stilted and "bolted on." It often has a somewhat artificial and unnatural feeling. I have frequently mumbled to myself the question, "Who would ever really talk like that?!" But Lallo's dialogs and his humor have flowed consistently through three out of five "Big Sigma" novels and the Beta Testers prequel flawlessly and naturally, as if he really listened to his characters and just faithfully typed in what they said and somehow managed to let us readers even feel how they said it, emotions included. To cut this short, I really, truly enjoyed Lallo's humor throughout all four works!
I'm charging into the next volume, Temporal Contingency as soon as possible!
A great read! Highly recommended!
February 15, 2019
Fun little universe to come back to.
I loved the first 2 books, recently discovered the series has continued. I wish Amazon-Kindle could do better promoting of authors, series and sequels. Eliminating already read. Presenting new. ....This series has very fun characters and the good guys win!
I loved the first 2 books, recently discovered the series has continued. I wish Amazon-Kindle could do better promoting of authors, series and sequels. Eliminating already read. Presenting new. ....This series has very fun characters and the good guys win!
January 1, 2023
I'm honestly amazed at how good this series is. My only real complaint is that it feels sometimes like the author is trying too hard to break/mix gender norms... Like the funk that makes all women break down at the cuteness, the women explosives expert who is constantly knitting, etc. Sometimes it's fine (those funks seem mighty cute), but sometimes it just feels forced.
July 13, 2017
Lallo delivers again
This series is like an adrenaline junkie for readers, and so far the author has hit 3 for 3. I'm very glad to see all the familiar returning characters, I look forward to buying the next in the series when I'm ready for no sleep.
This series is like an adrenaline junkie for readers, and so far the author has hit 3 for 3. I'm very glad to see all the familiar returning characters, I look forward to buying the next in the series when I'm ready for no sleep.
April 7, 2019
Another great read from JRL.
I grew up loving the books of Robert Heinlein, but was really let down by the movie adaptation of Starship Troopers. Joseph R. Lallo has bested RAH with "Artificial Evolution".
I grew up loving the books of Robert Heinlein, but was really let down by the movie adaptation of Starship Troopers. Joseph R. Lallo has bested RAH with "Artificial Evolution".
August 11, 2019
Every scifi series has to have one of these self-replicating robot scourge arcs..I was a bit vary once I started to get the idea of what was coming.. but in the end this one doesn't disappoint. Bit predictable maybe.. but still pretty good
August 5, 2020
Writing style is a subjective thing. For some reason I personally don't like it. But the story is so good I keep reading the series anyway. If I loved the writing style too I'd probably stop doing anything else XD.
April 18, 2019
Love this series.
May 16, 2021
Joseph R. Lallo continues to amaze me! His story lines and details are well written and intriguing. I wish I had the imagination to create such stories! I can’t put them down!
July 18, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 26, 2024
More of the same, but a fun adventure.
June 8, 2025
4.5 stars. Very good continuation. The best so far in the series.
December 5, 2025
Very enjoyable book - if you ever need to stay awake read this - it is wonderful.
July 17, 2019
Fantastically great story.
This book is fantastic. Very good story that kept me fully entertained. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book is fantastic. Very good story that kept me fully entertained. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 29, 2014
Great addition to the universe.
Just as the author stated these are some of my favorite characters.
Karter is perhaps one of those characters that if he doesn't exist in real life I almost hope that he will at some point. Granted I want his living conditions to also be as stated because living on the same planet with him would be almost suicidal. His sociopathy and general behavior is so off the wall I can completely visualize him and yet not ever know where the author will take his character in any given situation. Lallo has hit on an exceptional secondary character that any reader would never be able to empathize with but is always happy to see in the story.
I also love Squee and how a nonverbal character was able to completely steal the scene in a number of situations and how the author could incorporate and make it work through the entire story it shows just how polished the self-publishing genre can be.
The main thrust of the story fit well in the "sci-fi" trope and yet allowed the author to use the plot as a device allowing all the characters to evolve and grow. The whole series hits a number of areas that allows it to fit the sci-fi genre but its obvious that the author has a flair and gift for character driven stories. There is just enough information to make the universe feel fleshed out and realistic without bogging the reader into excessive detail; the characters are flawed and heroic in equal measure; and there's even a evil galactic conspiracy. Basically the Big Sigma series is an undiscovered gem that will appeal to most readers and is highly recommended.
There were a few grammar/spelling errors but no more than I can find in even professional first print copies.
I can't wait to see where the series is going and to see what Trevor can do on the real racing circuit and if his new life and connections will allow him to succeed. I also am interested to find out just how many of the other "reformed racers" will also be fellow "freelancers" and if Lex has accrued a reputation in those circles in any way.
Michelle now has a great "thread" to pull that might see us wind up the Neo-Luddites completely. In addition the relationship that she has with Lex seems to have gone through a weird version of couples counseling and it appears that they will be trying to go the distance in their strange lives. In addition it will be interesting to see how her being the subject of fluff news might change her career trajectory.
I think it will be interesting to see how Silo and Garotte go from here and since the series revolves around Lex just how they will meet up if we see them again will almost be a story in and of itself.
In addition I am quite curious to see how the "Temoral rift NDA" the possible multi-planet transporter and the scans that Ma was directed to perform might come up in book 4.
Just as the author stated these are some of my favorite characters.
Karter is perhaps one of those characters that if he doesn't exist in real life I almost hope that he will at some point. Granted I want his living conditions to also be as stated because living on the same planet with him would be almost suicidal. His sociopathy and general behavior is so off the wall I can completely visualize him and yet not ever know where the author will take his character in any given situation. Lallo has hit on an exceptional secondary character that any reader would never be able to empathize with but is always happy to see in the story.
I also love Squee and how a nonverbal character was able to completely steal the scene in a number of situations and how the author could incorporate and make it work through the entire story it shows just how polished the self-publishing genre can be.
The main thrust of the story fit well in the "sci-fi" trope and yet allowed the author to use the plot as a device allowing all the characters to evolve and grow. The whole series hits a number of areas that allows it to fit the sci-fi genre but its obvious that the author has a flair and gift for character driven stories. There is just enough information to make the universe feel fleshed out and realistic without bogging the reader into excessive detail; the characters are flawed and heroic in equal measure; and there's even a evil galactic conspiracy. Basically the Big Sigma series is an undiscovered gem that will appeal to most readers and is highly recommended.
There were a few grammar/spelling errors but no more than I can find in even professional first print copies.
I can't wait to see where the series is going and to see what Trevor can do on the real racing circuit and if his new life and connections will allow him to succeed. I also am interested to find out just how many of the other "reformed racers" will also be fellow "freelancers" and if Lex has accrued a reputation in those circles in any way.
Michelle now has a great "thread" to pull that might see us wind up the Neo-Luddites completely. In addition the relationship that she has with Lex seems to have gone through a weird version of couples counseling and it appears that they will be trying to go the distance in their strange lives. In addition it will be interesting to see how her being the subject of fluff news might change her career trajectory.
I think it will be interesting to see how Silo and Garotte go from here and since the series revolves around Lex just how they will meet up if we see them again will almost be a story in and of itself.
In addition I am quite curious to see how the "Temoral rift NDA" the possible multi-planet transporter and the scans that Ma was directed to perform might come up in book 4.
January 8, 2026
We started with Garotte and Silo, who I didn’t remember at all, then got onto safer ground with Lex and Michella, (and Squee), before shifting between both story lines until they collided. Frankly, all Joseph R Lallo’s storylines have some wonderful collisions, and this is no exception. After a bit of a stuttery start, I got somewhat fed up with Michella’s continual nagging of Lex, and Lex’s continual whining, and once Michella showed she was more than just a pretty face things started to get really interesting, and I could no longer put the book down.
Mr Lallo writes two things brilliantly – fights (both person to person and object to object, with or without gravity– does that make four things?), and aliens. And these are some of the nastiest, most deadly aliens I’ve seen in a while, although to be fair, I avoid nasty aliens as much as possible. The scifi tech in this series is brilliant, and superbly developed in an inaccessible world. Which world is run by a mad engineer assisted by a superb AI, who puts couples counselling to shame as she gets to grips with Michella.
All in all, a first class romp, only dropping a star because of my irritation with Michella. And Lex, but that was caused by Michella. And because it’s not quite as good as the Free-Wrench series (but it is different!).
Mr Lallo writes two things brilliantly – fights (both person to person and object to object, with or without gravity– does that make four things?), and aliens. And these are some of the nastiest, most deadly aliens I’ve seen in a while, although to be fair, I avoid nasty aliens as much as possible. The scifi tech in this series is brilliant, and superbly developed in an inaccessible world. Which world is run by a mad engineer assisted by a superb AI, who puts couples counselling to shame as she gets to grips with Michella.
All in all, a first class romp, only dropping a star because of my irritation with Michella. And Lex, but that was caused by Michella. And because it’s not quite as good as the Free-Wrench series (but it is different!).
February 1, 2015
Pure pleasure
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Big Sigma series, and await the next installment with pleasure, knowing it is forthcoming. I have read other books by Joseph Lallo in the interim and have been following his ongoing serialized Wattpad story, Between. The man can write.
This third book in the series brought back favorite characters from the previous books, including the inimitable Karter Dee, Ma, Squee, Michella with, of course, the swashbuckling hero Lex. Artificial Evolution also entertained with one of the most exciting threat devices I have so far encountered. Lots of thrilling action, humor, and a touch of romance. Space Opera at its best.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Big Sigma series, and await the next installment with pleasure, knowing it is forthcoming. I have read other books by Joseph Lallo in the interim and have been following his ongoing serialized Wattpad story, Between. The man can write.
This third book in the series brought back favorite characters from the previous books, including the inimitable Karter Dee, Ma, Squee, Michella with, of course, the swashbuckling hero Lex. Artificial Evolution also entertained with one of the most exciting threat devices I have so far encountered. Lots of thrilling action, humor, and a touch of romance. Space Opera at its best.
May 1, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book, sort of. It has characters I've come to enjoy in the previous two books of the series, and it was a fun ride to read. That said, I was hoping for more meat to the story. While it was somewhat fun to see it played out (and I use that term in the sense of sitting back and watching a spectacle), the thin and predictable plot of the story did little to engage me in its plentiful action. Do our heroes save the day by the skin of their teeth? Yes! Yes they do.
It was fun seeing Ma and Mitch interact directly, though.
It was fun seeing Ma and Mitch interact directly, though.
October 5, 2015
I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to read a review copy of this book. This is a phenomenal continuation of the original Book of Deacon trilogy. I highly recommend this series for anyone interested in Fantasy/Fiction/Magic genre. The series is deep enough to keep us older readers fully engaged, and easily "clean" enough for young teens. It encompasses all the emotions of life, and delves into moral dilemmas while keeping a fast, energetic pace that will have readers dying to turn the next page.
May 19, 2015
I still think the second book is the best in the series, but this was very enjoyable. This one is very actiony, and the action scenes are well done.
There's a bit more rejiggering of the cast's relationships than is necessarily warranted by the plot, but I suspect it was done to avoid getting written into a corner.
It's still a fun light hearted read with a sense of humor wrapped around a plot that could be treated much more seriously.
There's a bit more rejiggering of the cast's relationships than is necessarily warranted by the plot, but I suspect it was done to avoid getting written into a corner.
It's still a fun light hearted read with a sense of humor wrapped around a plot that could be treated much more seriously.
August 3, 2015
While I am really enjoying the series and I liked this book, I couldn't give it as many stars as the other two installments. Not quite sure why except maybe I was getting tired of the relationship discussions. It did have some excellent scenes and very memorable passages. The distinction made between Mad Scientists and Mad Engineers is worth the price of admission in my book.
July 26, 2016
Another fun adventure in the Big Sigma series. Lallo now focuses more on character interaction than plot exposition, unlike the first in this series. This is a welcome change, and helps flesh out the relationship dynamics between the characters better. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series.
November 24, 2018
I wish I'd have known when I started the book that it was the third in a series. Despite that, it seems this series is one of those that can be read stand-alone. A very good book to start off 2016 with. Some interesting technologies, entertaining characters and some twists on common tropes.
January 6, 2016
Buy it.
By now you are familiar with Lex and his friends and this offering is as good as it's predecessors. This has been some of the most enjoyable sci-fi I've read in years! Fast paced, well plotted, and creatively written. It provides everything you like in a good read.
By now you are familiar with Lex and his friends and this offering is as good as it's predecessors. This has been some of the most enjoyable sci-fi I've read in years! Fast paced, well plotted, and creatively written. It provides everything you like in a good read.
November 9, 2015
Another engaging sci-fi adventure by Mr Lallo!
December 27, 2014
Excellent
Very enjoyable and a splendid addition to the series. Great plot and character development. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Very enjoyable and a splendid addition to the series. Great plot and character development. I am looking forward to the next installment.
January 27, 2015
Another wonderful adventure in space with Lex, Silo, and Garrotte, with a little help from a MAD ENGINEER. So much fun. Thanks, Mr. Lallo!
January 13, 2016
Candy. A quick, fun read.
May 29, 2016
I love finding knitting in a book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews