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Frend
"A lean, well-oiled narrative" - Kirkus Reviews
After suffering a traumatic event that lands her in the hospital, Anomié makes a decision:
She’s finished with the human race.
At the urging of a stranger, Anomié volunteers for a series of surgical procedures to replace most of her natural, organic body with powered prosthetics — transforming her into something decidedly different, a human-machine hybrid — in the hopes of joining the Frend Program, an unusual matchmaking service that provides hybrid companions for a group of software-based beings known as the Lumen.
As Anomié delves deeper into her new life as a Frend, she encounters a group of humans dedicated to destroying the Lumen, and when the group’s charismatic leader recruits her to join their cause, Anomié finds herself caught between worlds, embroiled in a conflict between two opposing forces, as she struggles to unravel a mystery that cuts to the heart of her identity, her nature, and the true extent of her capabilities.
At once thrilling and moving, thoughtful and quirky, Frend is a story of transformation, the unceasing drive to belong, and the struggle to liberate oneself from oppression, both internal and external. Frend explores themes such as forgiveness, race relations, survivor’s guilt, recovery from trauma, and what it means to count oneself as a member of humanity.
After suffering a traumatic event that lands her in the hospital, Anomié makes a decision:
She’s finished with the human race.
At the urging of a stranger, Anomié volunteers for a series of surgical procedures to replace most of her natural, organic body with powered prosthetics — transforming her into something decidedly different, a human-machine hybrid — in the hopes of joining the Frend Program, an unusual matchmaking service that provides hybrid companions for a group of software-based beings known as the Lumen.
As Anomié delves deeper into her new life as a Frend, she encounters a group of humans dedicated to destroying the Lumen, and when the group’s charismatic leader recruits her to join their cause, Anomié finds herself caught between worlds, embroiled in a conflict between two opposing forces, as she struggles to unravel a mystery that cuts to the heart of her identity, her nature, and the true extent of her capabilities.
At once thrilling and moving, thoughtful and quirky, Frend is a story of transformation, the unceasing drive to belong, and the struggle to liberate oneself from oppression, both internal and external. Frend explores themes such as forgiveness, race relations, survivor’s guilt, recovery from trauma, and what it means to count oneself as a member of humanity.
- GenresScience Fiction
258 pages, ebook
First published November 17, 2014
About the author
Jonathan R. Miller
11 books94 followers"Though his books are labeled literary thrillers, Miller is most concerned with his characters, who struggle with issues of discrimination, identity, ideological rigidity, and belonging."
- Poets & Writers Magazine
"The protagonist's story feels light-years from the typical hero's journey, consistently focusing on more existential themes—and the result is something unusually unsettling and unforgettable. A strange, inventive tale that evolves into a challenging and rewarding odyssey."
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A bold, cerebral, and unnervingly intimate exploration of what happens when the need to make the world better collides with the corruptive pull of control. Miller balances cerebral depth with raw emotion, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page."
- BookTrib.
"Miller's skillful economy of language and penchant for playing the cards close to the vest — or chest plate — works to his advantage as the tale picks up momentum/mayhem and puts an intriguing, nonstereotyped lead character through pitfalls and deadly perils of parahumanity. Ghost in the Shell fans will have a blast."
- Kirkus Reviews
"A truly layered piece of fiction"
- ABC's news magazine program, "CityLine"
"High-tech thrillers with complex characters"
- San Jose Mercury News
"A lean, well-oiled narrative"
- Kirkus Reviews
Otherwise Award nominee and Kirkus Best Indie Books of 2025 honoree Jonathan R. Miller is an author of "magical realism" literary fiction novels, as well as sci-fi thrillers featuring diverse, complex characters.
Miller was born in Illinois, lived in New Mexico for most of his childhood, and then became a California transplant after undergraduate school at Stanford University. He was an 8th-grade teacher for 7 years in the Oakland public school system, and has worked as a writer/marketer in the San Francisco Bay Area ever since.
Miller's own multiracial heritage has had a strong influence on his thought processes and writing approach. His novels deftly explore issues of identity while providing storylines that are layered, thought-provoking, and moving.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 13, 2015
This book was so good and so well written, while riding the train to work on two occasions, I missed my stop! Excellent read!
October 17, 2020
I received a copy of Frend through a Goodreads giveaway.
I am so sorry, I really wanted to like this book based on its imaginative premise, but it isn't good.
Badly injured lonely girl agrees to be turned into a sort of Cyberman for a ton of money, then spends a year under contract to a sadistic, software-based entity called a Lumenate for another ton of money. These unexplained Lumen have nearly limitless wealth, even though they don't seem to do anything except take on peculiar physical forms, go to parties, and abuse humans. Modified human reconnects with a part of her pre-modification life (not clear how she forgot nearly everything about that) in the form of a small black activist group called the Treads. She then spends half of the book figuring out things that were readily apparent half a book ago. After many spectacular fight scenes showing how physically strong she was made, Cyberman remains a lonely girl throwing her physical strength at whatever she perceives as power.
I think there's something of a good book in here, with themes of what it means to be human, trust, power and responsibility, but it doesn't get delivered through a bitchy protagonist fighting an oppressor that doesn't make any sense.
I am so sorry, I really wanted to like this book based on its imaginative premise, but it isn't good.
Badly injured lonely girl agrees to be turned into a sort of Cyberman for a ton of money, then spends a year under contract to a sadistic, software-based entity called a Lumenate for another ton of money. These unexplained Lumen have nearly limitless wealth, even though they don't seem to do anything except take on peculiar physical forms, go to parties, and abuse humans. Modified human reconnects with a part of her pre-modification life (not clear how she forgot nearly everything about that) in the form of a small black activist group called the Treads. She then spends half of the book figuring out things that were readily apparent half a book ago. After many spectacular fight scenes showing how physically strong she was made, Cyberman remains a lonely girl throwing her physical strength at whatever she perceives as power.
I think there's something of a good book in here, with themes of what it means to be human, trust, power and responsibility, but it doesn't get delivered through a bitchy protagonist fighting an oppressor that doesn't make any sense.
January 12, 2023
I just finished Frend by Jonathan Miller and was disappointed that the book wasn’t longer, much longer. For me, it was an absolute gem of a read, such imagination, Stepford Wives meets Robo Cop with a mix of Ghost In The Shell. The heroine, Anomie, is catastrophically injured and just barely survives, but she’s offered a chance at some, uh, unusual (experimental) mechanical repairs if she commits to a term of service to a mysterious race called the Lumen (the Sci-Fi). But, Anomie is obsessed with finding out who attacked her and why, thus enters the conspiracy. Frend is a masterfully entertaining blend of my two favorite genres, Sci-Fi and conspiracy thriller. I enjoyed both in Frend. So, who would ravage such a beautiful, young girl so devastatingly. Well done, Jonathan Miller. Well done. Jeff Bailey, author of the conspiracy thriller Not On MY Watch.
November 14, 2014
FREND by Jonathan R. Miller
(Book Not Yet Released - Publication Date is 2015)
I was the lucky recipient of a paperback ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this book from the Goodreads Giveaway program at www.goodreads.com/giveaway
Firstly, I have to mention the cover. It is gorgeous. It is mysterious, exotic and artistic and makes you curious as to what the book contains. In my opinion this is perfect. It accomplishes exactly what a great book cover should.
From the book cover:
"After suffering a traumatic event that lands her in the hospital, Anomie makes a decision: She's finished with the human race."
I love the quote at the beginning that states: "After all, one of the best distractions from one's own suffering is to bask in the suffering of others, particularly when it exceeds one's own. It's a simple reminder that things aren't as bad as they could be, at least not yet."
Isn't that one of the reasons we read fiction and watch movies and television shows? We watch to escape our reality for a while and immerse ourselves in someone else's world. FREND is the perfect outlet for this and while I am aware that this book is fiction, it also has the ring of prophecy to it.
Imagine being talked into becoming a FREND - A Finite Robotics Enhanced Neurosensory Development, to basically become a robot with a human brain.
This concept is not new and I was expecting a typical robot/human tale where she discovers that she is still human inside despite her outer shell and of course she would fall in love with a human who doesn't care that she is made of plastic and metal. Blah! Blah! Blah! I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. FREND takes off in a completely new and unexpected direction.
Anomie (now known as Ano) signs on as a companion to the Lumen. She must fulfill two years of service and in exchange will be well rewarded.
Her first year is spent with a strange Lumen named Drizz. It is during that year that Ano meets up with a group of humans whose sole purpose in life is to destroy the Lumen once and for all.
"Anomie finds herself caught between worlds, embroiled in a conflict between two opposing forces, as she struggles to unravel a mystery that cuts to the heart of her identity, her nature, and the true extent of her capabilities."
This book captivated my imagination from the very first page. Not only did the author manage to grab my attention immediately, but also held it right to the last page.
WHAT I LIKED:
I really liked the fact that after Anomie chose to undergo her transformation, the author explained that it took 4 years for the full process to be completed and for her to actually be able to control her new body. This makes the procedure and outcome much more believable. To replace every body part with prosthetics and then to establish the neurological connections necessary to control them would realistically take time.
I loved the high tech aspects of this book and the diversity of the characters.
I found the writing to be the perfect mix of science and humanity. I found myself pondering the ethics of robotic prosthetics and how far is too far to go in the search for prolonged life.
RATING:
If it were possible to give 6 stars, FREND would rate that highly. As it is, the highest rating I can give is 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is a futuristic, technological thriller with a decidedly human core. It explores the human psyche and exactly what it means to be human, as well as many other issues such as discrimination and race relations.
This book is a MUST READ. I recommend this to anyone and everyone from ages 14 to 114.
More Information About This Book:
FREND can be preordered on Amazon and you can find out more about this book at: http://www.jonathanrmiller.com/index....
You can see this review and many more on my blog at amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
(Book Not Yet Released - Publication Date is 2015)
I was the lucky recipient of a paperback ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this book from the Goodreads Giveaway program at www.goodreads.com/giveaway
Firstly, I have to mention the cover. It is gorgeous. It is mysterious, exotic and artistic and makes you curious as to what the book contains. In my opinion this is perfect. It accomplishes exactly what a great book cover should.
From the book cover:
"After suffering a traumatic event that lands her in the hospital, Anomie makes a decision: She's finished with the human race."
I love the quote at the beginning that states: "After all, one of the best distractions from one's own suffering is to bask in the suffering of others, particularly when it exceeds one's own. It's a simple reminder that things aren't as bad as they could be, at least not yet."
Isn't that one of the reasons we read fiction and watch movies and television shows? We watch to escape our reality for a while and immerse ourselves in someone else's world. FREND is the perfect outlet for this and while I am aware that this book is fiction, it also has the ring of prophecy to it.
Imagine being talked into becoming a FREND - A Finite Robotics Enhanced Neurosensory Development, to basically become a robot with a human brain.
This concept is not new and I was expecting a typical robot/human tale where she discovers that she is still human inside despite her outer shell and of course she would fall in love with a human who doesn't care that she is made of plastic and metal. Blah! Blah! Blah! I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. FREND takes off in a completely new and unexpected direction.
Anomie (now known as Ano) signs on as a companion to the Lumen. She must fulfill two years of service and in exchange will be well rewarded.
Her first year is spent with a strange Lumen named Drizz. It is during that year that Ano meets up with a group of humans whose sole purpose in life is to destroy the Lumen once and for all.
"Anomie finds herself caught between worlds, embroiled in a conflict between two opposing forces, as she struggles to unravel a mystery that cuts to the heart of her identity, her nature, and the true extent of her capabilities."
This book captivated my imagination from the very first page. Not only did the author manage to grab my attention immediately, but also held it right to the last page.
WHAT I LIKED:
I really liked the fact that after Anomie chose to undergo her transformation, the author explained that it took 4 years for the full process to be completed and for her to actually be able to control her new body. This makes the procedure and outcome much more believable. To replace every body part with prosthetics and then to establish the neurological connections necessary to control them would realistically take time.
I loved the high tech aspects of this book and the diversity of the characters.
I found the writing to be the perfect mix of science and humanity. I found myself pondering the ethics of robotic prosthetics and how far is too far to go in the search for prolonged life.
RATING:
If it were possible to give 6 stars, FREND would rate that highly. As it is, the highest rating I can give is 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is a futuristic, technological thriller with a decidedly human core. It explores the human psyche and exactly what it means to be human, as well as many other issues such as discrimination and race relations.
This book is a MUST READ. I recommend this to anyone and everyone from ages 14 to 114.
More Information About This Book:
FREND can be preordered on Amazon and you can find out more about this book at: http://www.jonathanrmiller.com/index....
You can see this review and many more on my blog at amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 21, 2017
Frend is an astounding accomplishment. It's as if Kurt Vonnegut and Franz Kafka went drinking together and then got into a bar fight. I rolled my eyes when I started reading, disappointed at yet another attempt to use first person. Three pages in I realized Miller was pulling it off - in spades. As an indie author I found it oddly reassuring to discover another indie author who is doing things of which I know I am incapable. The world needs more authors saying things like this author says.
Frend is what science fiction aspires to be. It examines what it means to be human – ethically, socially, even personally and emotionally – critiquing modern society on many levels while still being purely entertaining. It is clever rather than confusing and intriguing rather than contrived.
The novel’s premise requires the reader to hand over trust to Miller in order for the devices he employs to function as intended. The reader must perceive that Miller knows what he is doing and is in control for the reader to accept certain details of characterization as they appear and recognize them as features rather than bugs, but in much the same way as Jacob’s Ladder, those who do trust Miller will be richly rewarded for suspending their cynicism with a story which is eminently rereadable by design due to elements of structural irony which I refuse to reveal here.
In many ways, Miller’s cleverness and his belief in the ability of his readers is hurting him right now, as is clear from the mediocre feedback the novel is currently receiving. This is a tragedy for the novel and an embarrassment for readers who are not able to see what he is doing or how he is doing it. It is also mildly infuriating to watch as an observer, appreciating that Miller has so thoroughly exceeded the expectations of the field from which he is emerging as to utterly bewilder it.
Miller has a rare command of dialogue and an ability to build characters which are not merely unique, but in at least one case iconic – creating perhaps one of the most perplexing love-hate relationships ever to catch a reader in its grips (claws).
Someone discover this guy already and lift him out of the slimy muck where the rest of us swim. And Viva la Ursas Maritimus!
Frend is what science fiction aspires to be. It examines what it means to be human – ethically, socially, even personally and emotionally – critiquing modern society on many levels while still being purely entertaining. It is clever rather than confusing and intriguing rather than contrived.
The novel’s premise requires the reader to hand over trust to Miller in order for the devices he employs to function as intended. The reader must perceive that Miller knows what he is doing and is in control for the reader to accept certain details of characterization as they appear and recognize them as features rather than bugs, but in much the same way as Jacob’s Ladder, those who do trust Miller will be richly rewarded for suspending their cynicism with a story which is eminently rereadable by design due to elements of structural irony which I refuse to reveal here.
In many ways, Miller’s cleverness and his belief in the ability of his readers is hurting him right now, as is clear from the mediocre feedback the novel is currently receiving. This is a tragedy for the novel and an embarrassment for readers who are not able to see what he is doing or how he is doing it. It is also mildly infuriating to watch as an observer, appreciating that Miller has so thoroughly exceeded the expectations of the field from which he is emerging as to utterly bewilder it.
Miller has a rare command of dialogue and an ability to build characters which are not merely unique, but in at least one case iconic – creating perhaps one of the most perplexing love-hate relationships ever to catch a reader in its grips (claws).
Someone discover this guy already and lift him out of the slimy muck where the rest of us swim. And Viva la Ursas Maritimus!
November 28, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I was initially interested in reading this book when I read the description about a girl "voluntarily undergoing a series of surgical procedures to replace her natural body with powered prosthetics." She did this in order to become a companion to a lumen. I was totally unprepared for how the description of this change would really make me feel. A good bit of the book is devoted to the process which she underwent to become a frend. I found myself truly disturbed and unsettled by the concept of sawing off arms and legs in order to replace them with prosthetics, having internal organs removed, having the few remaining bones plated with metal (or something). I can't imagine the kind of state you would have to be in to make that kind of decision. Just thinking about the LOSS was overwhelming. The loss of your actual body, the loss of your humanity.
After years of physical therapy, Anomie went under contract with one of the lumen. Her time spent with the mysterious robotic lumen was both bizarre and deeply disturbing. As Anomie began to rediscover her reasons for undergoing the change, the pace of the book picked up and she started questioning a lot of things about both her human friends and the frends/lumen.
I really did enjoy reading the book, although I will admit that the ending left me feeling a little empty. Like I was not completely sure what the message was supposed to be, maybe "take responsibility for your actions?" There are a lot of questions I was left with. Another thing that bothered me was the extreme use of language in this book. It was a little distracting at times.
Overall, it was a good book and a FASCINATING concept that I would love to see expanded upon.
I was initially interested in reading this book when I read the description about a girl "voluntarily undergoing a series of surgical procedures to replace her natural body with powered prosthetics." She did this in order to become a companion to a lumen. I was totally unprepared for how the description of this change would really make me feel. A good bit of the book is devoted to the process which she underwent to become a frend. I found myself truly disturbed and unsettled by the concept of sawing off arms and legs in order to replace them with prosthetics, having internal organs removed, having the few remaining bones plated with metal (or something). I can't imagine the kind of state you would have to be in to make that kind of decision. Just thinking about the LOSS was overwhelming. The loss of your actual body, the loss of your humanity.
After years of physical therapy, Anomie went under contract with one of the lumen. Her time spent with the mysterious robotic lumen was both bizarre and deeply disturbing. As Anomie began to rediscover her reasons for undergoing the change, the pace of the book picked up and she started questioning a lot of things about both her human friends and the frends/lumen.
I really did enjoy reading the book, although I will admit that the ending left me feeling a little empty. Like I was not completely sure what the message was supposed to be, maybe "take responsibility for your actions?" There are a lot of questions I was left with. Another thing that bothered me was the extreme use of language in this book. It was a little distracting at times.
Overall, it was a good book and a FASCINATING concept that I would love to see expanded upon.
October 29, 2017
I docked ths novel one star because of the slow start. The characters are neither likeable nor interesting at first, and it was the sheer strangeness of the story that kept me turning the pages. The dark intensity keeps building as Ano, the narrator and main character, lets herself be converted into a bionic being of unlimited strength and then sells herself into a year of servitude to a mechanical cat named Drizz. Said cat is possessed by the sly enemy of humankind, who Ano has pledged to destroy. Ano eventually contracts herself to a second bad guy, Cube, and that's when her bionic strength comes into play and the action kicks up. Way up. This is just the barest sketch of the plot lines. I don't want to give anything away. Ano grows into a character worthy of your reading time. The strangeness is so powerful that as I turned the last page I had to wonder where I had been for the last few hours, and it wasn't until then that I realized that the author was a man. Good job, Mr. Miller. You definitely have a handle on the female psyche.
December 5, 2014
I won an advanced reader copy from Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.
I would give this book 4.5 stars, but rated up to 5.
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book when I got it in. It's not the typical book for me, but the giveaways have given me a chance to branch out and try new genres.
This book really surprised me. I expected a typical sci-fi type book and found something very different. It still had a lot of sci-fi material, but it was so much more. This book made me think. In the beginning, you definitely feel like the Lumen are just pure evil. They have no feelings, no compassion. But as the book progresses, you start to see those things in humans, too. Humans can be just as bad and it becomes hard to see the good in any of them. The book flowed well and kept me interested the whole time. It was hard to put down.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that Mr. Miller has a new fan. I will be reading more of his books soon.
I would give this book 4.5 stars, but rated up to 5.
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book when I got it in. It's not the typical book for me, but the giveaways have given me a chance to branch out and try new genres.
This book really surprised me. I expected a typical sci-fi type book and found something very different. It still had a lot of sci-fi material, but it was so much more. This book made me think. In the beginning, you definitely feel like the Lumen are just pure evil. They have no feelings, no compassion. But as the book progresses, you start to see those things in humans, too. Humans can be just as bad and it becomes hard to see the good in any of them. The book flowed well and kept me interested the whole time. It was hard to put down.
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that Mr. Miller has a new fan. I will be reading more of his books soon.
August 12, 2021
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am so glad I did.
This is a fascinating story, well-paced and well-written. The reader can take it at face value or read many messages into it.
Thank you.
This is a fascinating story, well-paced and well-written. The reader can take it at face value or read many messages into it.
Thank you.
September 30, 2020
★★★
Better than I thought. Okay, yes fine, I went into it thinking this wasn't going to be a book for me, which is very unfair so fine i'll give you that. But I am happy report that I am glad I read it because I ended up really enjoying it despite how my unfair judgement on the synopsis.
This is a Sci-Fi thriller, roller-coaster ride about a girl losing her humanity. Of course a series of disturbing events leads her to that path. Not going to lie, this book got a little dark, which I was not expecting. Hmm actually maybe a lot dark. There were a few "what the heck?" moments.
The writing it great. You can tell this author is experienced and really knows how to tell a story. And um.. in great detail. (Disturbingly great detail) It was a little on the slow side for me, but now that I am writing this book and rethinking this story line maybe that was intentional?? When you read this you'll maybe understand why I am saying that. I think maybe the author is trying to get you to understand the loss of humanity and really pushes the idea of how things may become in the far future. Are we still humans? Is humanity an emotional state, or what physical makes us humans?
Yeah like I said before, lots of what the heck moments. Interesting though, definitely interesting. Oh and the ending didn't do it for me. I though by the end things would be a little more clear, but I am still lost.
Better than I thought. Okay, yes fine, I went into it thinking this wasn't going to be a book for me, which is very unfair so fine i'll give you that. But I am happy report that I am glad I read it because I ended up really enjoying it despite how my unfair judgement on the synopsis.
This is a Sci-Fi thriller, roller-coaster ride about a girl losing her humanity. Of course a series of disturbing events leads her to that path. Not going to lie, this book got a little dark, which I was not expecting. Hmm actually maybe a lot dark. There were a few "what the heck?" moments.
The writing it great. You can tell this author is experienced and really knows how to tell a story. And um.. in great detail. (Disturbingly great detail) It was a little on the slow side for me, but now that I am writing this book and rethinking this story line maybe that was intentional?? When you read this you'll maybe understand why I am saying that. I think maybe the author is trying to get you to understand the loss of humanity and really pushes the idea of how things may become in the far future. Are we still humans? Is humanity an emotional state, or what physical makes us humans?
Yeah like I said before, lots of what the heck moments. Interesting though, definitely interesting. Oh and the ending didn't do it for me. I though by the end things would be a little more clear, but I am still lost.
December 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. The basic premise of it is really interesting, but it seems like it is missing so much detail and background. None of the backstory on Anomie is ever fleshed out. We start with the hospital, find out a little bit about what happened, get insanely close to hearing the whole story then - oh never mind! Anomie is incredibly grating and annoying. I cannot find a point in the book in which I sympathize with her or am on her side at all. Who programmed Drizz? Why did the police show up at the Silk Road lab with what appears to be no plan and no idea how to fight a mostly robotic superhuman? The ending was vague to the point of being obnoxious. Did the virus turn everything into a human/animal? It doesn't appear to since Anomie says she spends her time in jail not because she has to but because she should. I'm basically confused, and I would love to have had any background detail on any part of this book.
I received a free copy of this book from a giveaway but was not given anything in exchange for my review.
I received a free copy of this book from a giveaway but was not given anything in exchange for my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
This is a book I wanted to like as it since it had an interesting premise but it didn't live up to my expectations. A young black woman agrees to become part robot after being badly injured. She is so badly damaged that she really has no choice in the matter if she wants to live and in addition she will be paid a large amount of money. She becomes a frend after a long painful process and as a frend serves as a plaything for the alien lumen, a race who it seems would torture regular humans if they weren't supplied with the frends. In the end it turns out that a black activist group has plans for using her as a way to defeat the lumen and upend their society. The book is flatly written and while the main female character stresses her own agency in her decision making and actions and seems that she is more acted upon than acting. I just didn't care enough about any of the characters to care about what happened to them. This book was received as a Goodreads giveaway.
October 29, 2017
Good job
Great idea, very creative but it lacked depth. For example, when it was revealed that her condition was a plot of her own making then it was assumed by me the her initial reason for being in the hospital wasnalso part of the plot. However the author presented this rather obvious circumstance as a big reveal. He did however keep his characters consistent and the action was well paced.
Great idea, very creative but it lacked depth. For example, when it was revealed that her condition was a plot of her own making then it was assumed by me the her initial reason for being in the hospital wasnalso part of the plot. However the author presented this rather obvious circumstance as a big reveal. He did however keep his characters consistent and the action was well paced.
October 20, 2020
I had just finished reading "Not One of Us: Stories of Aliens on Earth" when I won "frend" in the goodreads giveaway. Frend would fit in as a story from "not one if us". Enjoyed both books a lot and was surprised how well written "Frend" was. I have not gotten over my thoughts that if it is a giveaway the quality will lacking. I now know that to not be true, this is a well written most unusual book in the best way.
November 14, 2020
I received a free copy through a “goodreads giveaway”
I was a little disappointed with this book, I couldn’t stand the whiney protagonist. I just couldn’t get to a point that I was able to make friends with her and her attitude, there was virtually no growth until literally the last pages. The story itself had a lot of potential but wasn’t quite fully fleshed out. Overall it wasn’t a horrible read, just wished it were better put together.
I was a little disappointed with this book, I couldn’t stand the whiney protagonist. I just couldn’t get to a point that I was able to make friends with her and her attitude, there was virtually no growth until literally the last pages. The story itself had a lot of potential but wasn’t quite fully fleshed out. Overall it wasn’t a horrible read, just wished it were better put together.
November 28, 2020
This book was part of a Goodreads giveaway and the opinions are solely mine.
I really enjoyed this book, I started it and was leery and thinking it was going to be a DNF. But I kept on and I am glad that I did. Very unique story line and characters. A little sci-fi that was completely enjoyable and thought out!
Recommend!
I really enjoyed this book, I started it and was leery and thinking it was going to be a DNF. But I kept on and I am glad that I did. Very unique story line and characters. A little sci-fi that was completely enjoyable and thought out!
Recommend!
April 1, 2021
This is like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces and a few from another puzzle.
The author chooses to use foul language, excessively and unnecessarily; even taking into consideration the main character is of low class.
I found that the story made too many assumptions, and missed its mark.
I did like the idea, as well as the oddities of the cat, Cube, and Malcolm.
The author chooses to use foul language, excessively and unnecessarily; even taking into consideration the main character is of low class.
I found that the story made too many assumptions, and missed its mark.
I did like the idea, as well as the oddities of the cat, Cube, and Malcolm.
October 31, 2017
Started strong
This book started strong and seemed promising but it got to a pint where everything was paved awkwardly and it was difficult to understand. The ending was supremely unsatisfactory.
This book started strong and seemed promising but it got to a pint where everything was paved awkwardly and it was difficult to understand. The ending was supremely unsatisfactory.
September 15, 2020
Wow. This book is a wild ride. It is full of some of what would be my worst nightmares. I take away from this book that we need to accept ourselves as we are. We don't need to take ourselves apart and try to turn ourselves into something we won't recognize.
March 4, 2021
Enjoyed the detail anatomy and reconfiguration of a human into a robot; and it had an interesting storyline as well. However, not a big fan of the protagonist. I just don’t understand her whiny and obscene character.
September 10, 2020
A foul-mouthed protagonist and lack-lustre beginning made me just skim through it.
October 21, 2020
Great Book!!!!!! Loved it!! Need more!!!!!
November 9, 2020
good book
February 26, 2017
I received my arc copy of the book through a giveaway on goodreads. I was asked to write an honest review so here it is. I love to read books but when it comes to me putting my thoughts on paper not so good. This book had me captured from the first paragraph to the last. Not only did Anomie go through dramatic physical changes she went through a huge spiritual/emotional change. There is no way a human could go through what she did physically and not change her spiritually/emotional. I absolutely love that the author did not leave that out and chose to truly show it in the end. I usually don't care for books with lots of bad language in it but the usage of it was what Iwould expect in the situations. Without giving any spoilers I would love a sequel to come out. I would like to find out more about drizz. Fantastic book, I would recommend it especially for futuristic readers.
March 20, 2015
i was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from goodreads firstreads, i found it a gripping read and really enjoyed being taken too somewhere totally different to reality. i loved the print and the paper aswell...i know not a vital element but it makes reading books even better for me! if you get a chance defiantly check it out
June 18, 2015
A great futuristic thriller which had me hooked from page one! A fascinating story with some strange (and occasionally disturbing) characters.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 14, 2016
Brilliant. Surprisingly original when you consider how much has already been written in the scifi genre. My only critique is the end. I wasn't sure if it was intentionally vague or what, but it seemed kind of nebulous to me. Maybe that was the point, but I was left wanting. Perhaps a sequel?
April 16, 2015
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway . Very good book , just when I thought I'd figured out the story everything changed. Kept me on my toes.
July 26, 2016
Very imaginative and interesting but the main character was so flawed that it was difficult to like her. She was spunky, but so hard-headed!
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