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The Great Symmetry
Archaeologist Evan McElroy has made a discovery about a long-extinct alien race. But his corporate sponsor calculates that it can make huge gains if the new findings are kept completely secret. Step one of their plan is to kill the entire research team - starting with Evan.
As Evan flees for his life, his trajectory awakens a long-buried struggle. The Infoterrorists, who believe all ideas are screaming to be free, have been waiting for the right moment to take on the seven great families that control all of civilization. This could be their opportunity. Or, it could be time for millions to die.
The Great Symmetry is classic science fiction from the great-grandson of H. G. Wells.
Web site: www.TheGreatSymmetry.com
As Evan flees for his life, his trajectory awakens a long-buried struggle. The Infoterrorists, who believe all ideas are screaming to be free, have been waiting for the right moment to take on the seven great families that control all of civilization. This could be their opportunity. Or, it could be time for millions to die.
The Great Symmetry is classic science fiction from the great-grandson of H. G. Wells.
Web site: www.TheGreatSymmetry.com
275 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 11, 2016
This book is excellent classical hard science-fiction, with most of what usually makes a good and interesting story. To begin with, it has a complex and well described society structure spanning several planetary system, together with social and economic rules that control the economy associated with the use of the technical means of communication, the glomes, that are a kind of one way wormholes. This one way limitation is one key to the world structure and the novel, The society seems rather dystopian, as is probably any realistic society. At first, I thought Wells was overdoing it, but on second thought, it is hardly worse that the world we live in, and very similar to it. The way information is "managed" is a good example of that. One great idea of the author was to extend intellectual property dogmas (their status as laws is often very disputable) as a major structuring aspect of the economy, which is also where our real world is headed. I do not want to say too much to avoid spoiling it, but this well structured world setting is one major asset of the book, and a great background for the story which has many other important aspects, such as a solid space opera component. There is also a well thought out description of a low gravity and water poor world where much of the action is taking place, with the author using consistently this feature both to give some depth to its society, and to mold the events taking place in the story. Its shows for example in traditions concerning the tree, or in the spelunking episode and what follows. A great scenario, intricate but clear and well paced, served by good style and story telling, and a few ideas that the author tries to communicate to his readers, including some of the current issues on the political, social, and economic limitations of (intellectual) property. All the ingredients for an excellent novel, entertaining, but also giving some food for thoughts. There are of course a few pages I might have preferred a bit different, a faster pace on one or two occasions, or a more credible behaviour from a character, but that is minor, and probably very subjective. A rich novel, that should satisfy many readers. The consistent world it started describing could well be the setting for further stories. This may seem like too much, but it is all there and more. A question to the author: is Axiom related to RMS?
July 30, 2017
The great symmetry is an exciting read, with tension maintained and mounting until the climactic end, mysterious and complicated players on a galactic scale all converging on and around Evan's discovery. James R. Wells's strength in this book is his ability to capture some of the ambiance and the philosophical quality of golden-age sci-fi writers such as Asimov or E. E. "Doc" Smith, and he even references the Lensman series at one point, which was a fun Easter egg for me.
The Great Symmetry is not just a name, but a concept, one that continually guides the story and provides twists at the perfect moments and in the best ways, so that it kept me turning the pages and invested in the story and the characters. Not only is there the balance of idea and its opposite being related or contained within the other, but there is the need and desire for information not to be hidden or restrained--of its desiring to be free. In a galaxy run by seven major corporate families, who propagandize or cover up in order to maintain their position of economic dominance, it is the infoterrorists who seek to shake the system with a word; and I think if you read this book, you will be expectantly waiting for its sequel just like me.
Anyway, I recommend this book. Go have fun.
The Great Symmetry is not just a name, but a concept, one that continually guides the story and provides twists at the perfect moments and in the best ways, so that it kept me turning the pages and invested in the story and the characters. Not only is there the balance of idea and its opposite being related or contained within the other, but there is the need and desire for information not to be hidden or restrained--of its desiring to be free. In a galaxy run by seven major corporate families, who propagandize or cover up in order to maintain their position of economic dominance, it is the infoterrorists who seek to shake the system with a word; and I think if you read this book, you will be expectantly waiting for its sequel just like me.
Anyway, I recommend this book. Go have fun.
June 18, 2015
The Great Symmetry has it all. You've heard that type of assertion before, but this time it is true. Intelligent and creative writing. Good and evil, right and wrong, breathtaking escapes, colorful characters, believable heroes and believable villains, personal sacrifice, alternative family structure, frightening experiences, truth and lies, spaceships, ancient civilizations, scientific discovery, love, and death. An amazing sci-fi story addressing corporate fraud and greed, and human exploitation that is all too easy to envision as reality. Edge-of-your-seat moments intertwined with some gorgeous descriptive passages (just the right amount-- not too many!). Check this out:
"In the absence of sound and only a single beam of light from each person, other senses ruled. The cave had tremendous variations in texture, with soft silt, rounded gravel, and sharp little pebbles in places. The bare rock was smooth and gracefully rounded in some passages, and then blocky and broken in others. Sometimes, the cave was a luxury to be in contact with. Often it was painful. Always, it was cold.
The breeze was always there. When the passage was the smallest, the breeze was stronger, even approaching the force of a powerful wind...Evan could feel it on any exposed skin, like his cheeks and sometimes the seams between his gloves and the sleeves of his jacket."
Then there is this joyous release of knowledge (In truth, almost a rally cry for a librarian like me!):
"If a message could be said to have awareness and volition, then it is fair to say that she screamed. Yet is was not from despair or pain. It was a battle cry and she flung herself at the defenses, searching for any crack, no matter how small...She scanned the field of battle, searching for places not yet overrun, computer networks not yet breached or social circles unmoved. There she directed her energy. She worked together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And she sang."
Which brings me back to the intelligent writing-- not blasphemously simplified as is so often the case with modern writing, but rather, complex, accurate, lovely writing. The Great Symmetry is a delicious, exciting page-turner that addresses serious societal issues with delicacy and, at the same time, artistic flair.
Will be on my middle school library shelves for the high readers.
"In the absence of sound and only a single beam of light from each person, other senses ruled. The cave had tremendous variations in texture, with soft silt, rounded gravel, and sharp little pebbles in places. The bare rock was smooth and gracefully rounded in some passages, and then blocky and broken in others. Sometimes, the cave was a luxury to be in contact with. Often it was painful. Always, it was cold.
The breeze was always there. When the passage was the smallest, the breeze was stronger, even approaching the force of a powerful wind...Evan could feel it on any exposed skin, like his cheeks and sometimes the seams between his gloves and the sleeves of his jacket."
Then there is this joyous release of knowledge (In truth, almost a rally cry for a librarian like me!):
"If a message could be said to have awareness and volition, then it is fair to say that she screamed. Yet is was not from despair or pain. It was a battle cry and she flung herself at the defenses, searching for any crack, no matter how small...She scanned the field of battle, searching for places not yet overrun, computer networks not yet breached or social circles unmoved. There she directed her energy. She worked together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And she sang."
Which brings me back to the intelligent writing-- not blasphemously simplified as is so often the case with modern writing, but rather, complex, accurate, lovely writing. The Great Symmetry is a delicious, exciting page-turner that addresses serious societal issues with delicacy and, at the same time, artistic flair.
Will be on my middle school library shelves for the high readers.
December 8, 2015
There's so much to love about The Great Symmetry, I'm not even sure where to start!
Above all, this book is just a great read, a well-told story about a hapless archaeologist who suddenly finds himself in opposition to forces far larger than him. A sort of future-day David and Goliath. Luckily, Evan, the main character, finds himself allies, two smart women in particular, who are able to help him out and even turn his predicament into something that might change the future of humanity.
I love the characters, particularly how women are portrayed as smart and strong in many ways, not stereotypical ways.
I love the setting, from the views of the planet where the main character is stuck in a space suit, to the caves and deep underground river on Kelter, to the gritty "Untrusted Zone" around the only tree on the starkly barren planet.
Mostly I love the idea that ideas and knowledge must be set free, but I also love that this idea is embedded in a genuinely entertaining story. One of the best ways to transmit ideas is through story, and Wells succeeds gracefully at that.
I look forward to more novels from this fantastic writer!
Above all, this book is just a great read, a well-told story about a hapless archaeologist who suddenly finds himself in opposition to forces far larger than him. A sort of future-day David and Goliath. Luckily, Evan, the main character, finds himself allies, two smart women in particular, who are able to help him out and even turn his predicament into something that might change the future of humanity.
I love the characters, particularly how women are portrayed as smart and strong in many ways, not stereotypical ways.
I love the setting, from the views of the planet where the main character is stuck in a space suit, to the caves and deep underground river on Kelter, to the gritty "Untrusted Zone" around the only tree on the starkly barren planet.
Mostly I love the idea that ideas and knowledge must be set free, but I also love that this idea is embedded in a genuinely entertaining story. One of the best ways to transmit ideas is through story, and Wells succeeds gracefully at that.
I look forward to more novels from this fantastic writer!
December 2, 2015
Geeky 24th-century anthropologist Evan McElroy makes a universe-altering discovery that threatens one of the seven super-corporations that control "The True Story," a marketable pablum produced and broadcast to all civilized humanity. The ruthless Affirmatix corporate raiders will stop at nothing to control McElroy's discovery -- and they plan to start by murdering Evan and anyone else he contaminates with his dangerous information. If he can escape an armada of spaceships and guided missiles locked on his vessel, Evan might just survive. The key? Connecting with his former pilot, the beautiful, rebellious, unpredictable Mira Adastra. Mira is not sure she's willing to help Evan -- especially if it means reconnecting with his artsy, wealthy ex, Kate DelMonaco. As Affirmatix blockades the solar system and starts systematically bombing, all three have little time to make up their minds. As Well's taut, complex novel draws us into his world, we can't help noticing that humanity today faces some of the same truths that have Evan, Kate and Mira fighting for their lives.
June 2, 2016
When I was in my early teens, I found Asimov, and Verne, Heinlein and Wells. Now, a good 35+ years later, I'm reading a new generation of sci-fi greats. Sundin, Tay-song, Lucas and Wells. 35 years ago it was HG Wells. Today, it's his grandson James R. Wells.
The Great Symmetry is an interesting tale of where over commercialization will lead society, and how it won't be contained by just one planet. And I love it. For Evan and Mira, For Kate and Axiom,... what a great read.
It is NO surprise that this book wins awards.
I definitely look forward to Book Two.
The Great Symmetry is an interesting tale of where over commercialization will lead society, and how it won't be contained by just one planet. And I love it. For Evan and Mira, For Kate and Axiom,... what a great read.
It is NO surprise that this book wins awards.
I definitely look forward to Book Two.
December 18, 2015
Really a 4.5.
Mr. Wells does a wonderful job of beginning en media res and jumping from the tense opening sequence into a media race to propagate competing versions of reality throughout the author’s well-developed setting. The theme of infoterrorism and the power of the media control gives us, like all great science fiction, a thoughtful what if to consider in our own time.
Mr. Wells does a wonderful job of beginning en media res and jumping from the tense opening sequence into a media race to propagate competing versions of reality throughout the author’s well-developed setting. The theme of infoterrorism and the power of the media control gives us, like all great science fiction, a thoughtful what if to consider in our own time.
December 4, 2015
Well-conceived and well executed concept. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In many ways a satire on modern society, I found it thought provoking as well as exciting and humorous.
In addition, I had a friend compare it favorably with Fahrenheit 451 saying, "It's political, like Fahrenheit 451, but in space"
In addition, I had a friend compare it favorably with Fahrenheit 451 saying, "It's political, like Fahrenheit 451, but in space"
December 4, 2015
I loved this book. Intelligently written, brilliantly structured and fast-paced. A prescient warning on the rise of corporate global domination. The universe Wells has created is both fantastic and believable - if you enjoy a cleverly crafted story then you must read this book!
May 16, 2019
The Great Symmetry by James R. Wells
I picked this one up from the author's post on Kboards. I checked it out and ran through the sample offered and decided I wanted to read it. I'm glad I did because it’s a good story in more ways than I had expected.
It starts with Exoarcheologist Evan McElroy, who has made revelatory discoveries about an ancient race, the Versari, a long-departed alien race; and he is expecting this will round out his academic credentials. But Evan's sponsor, the Affirmatix family of companies, see everything as risk and opportunity and that vision will call for the death of everyone on Evan's team. While out in space checking out his theory about a new glome (most glome exit points are unknown until they send probes through and even then if they are too far our in space it might be a while to confirm); Evan is certain that he know the exit point of this new glome based on knowledge from an artifact. While finding the glome he also finds himself under attack from the family and he must make a rapid series of decisions. His decisions leave him in a known area of space waiting to float endlessly and uselessly in orbit until he dies.
This alone was a draw into the story as we see the oxygen level running out and the story of what it is he has discovered is slowly revealed.
But then we switch below to the Kelter the world which Evan calls home and the place he has sent an enigmatic message for an old friend Mira Adastra, who owes him. He also left behind an ex-girlfriend Kate DelMonaco. And these three Mira, Kate, and Evan would seem to be the primary characters in the story. But there are more.
In this universe information is of high value and the seven great families have kept it under lock and key for decades. One place on Kelter, the Untrusted Zone, Infoterrorist, who believe information should be shared, have been held at bay by an uneasy truce. Now Arn Lobeck has brought the force of the Affirmatix Family into Kelter space in pursuit of Evan to suppress the knowledge Evan has. With him he has brought a mix of Contract Professionals of which Sonia and Ravi are two who are meant to advise him.
This novel is a complex thriller with the threat of a world destroying battle formation known as D6 and while this thread takes a back seat most of the way through as a reader I found that this thread contained the story of the two most important characters.
James R. Wells creates some complex and real characters in this story. And the struggle that Sonia and Ravi go through and how it leads to their heroic and yet less than heroic actions will determine the outcome of the most threatening feature of Arn Lobeck's plan. And intermixed within all of this is the political landscape that surrounds the more powerful members of the great families.
This one goes in my top 5 of new Science Fiction with debut authors.
I think this is a Great SFF and should even satisfy some of those Simon Pure Science Fiction readers. There are some aspects of the ancient race that might look mystical but for the most part the science within the story stays fairly sound. Definite recommended reading and it will be interesting to see how Mr. Wells follows this one with book 2.
J.L. Dobias
I picked this one up from the author's post on Kboards. I checked it out and ran through the sample offered and decided I wanted to read it. I'm glad I did because it’s a good story in more ways than I had expected.
It starts with Exoarcheologist Evan McElroy, who has made revelatory discoveries about an ancient race, the Versari, a long-departed alien race; and he is expecting this will round out his academic credentials. But Evan's sponsor, the Affirmatix family of companies, see everything as risk and opportunity and that vision will call for the death of everyone on Evan's team. While out in space checking out his theory about a new glome (most glome exit points are unknown until they send probes through and even then if they are too far our in space it might be a while to confirm); Evan is certain that he know the exit point of this new glome based on knowledge from an artifact. While finding the glome he also finds himself under attack from the family and he must make a rapid series of decisions. His decisions leave him in a known area of space waiting to float endlessly and uselessly in orbit until he dies.
This alone was a draw into the story as we see the oxygen level running out and the story of what it is he has discovered is slowly revealed.
But then we switch below to the Kelter the world which Evan calls home and the place he has sent an enigmatic message for an old friend Mira Adastra, who owes him. He also left behind an ex-girlfriend Kate DelMonaco. And these three Mira, Kate, and Evan would seem to be the primary characters in the story. But there are more.
In this universe information is of high value and the seven great families have kept it under lock and key for decades. One place on Kelter, the Untrusted Zone, Infoterrorist, who believe information should be shared, have been held at bay by an uneasy truce. Now Arn Lobeck has brought the force of the Affirmatix Family into Kelter space in pursuit of Evan to suppress the knowledge Evan has. With him he has brought a mix of Contract Professionals of which Sonia and Ravi are two who are meant to advise him.
This novel is a complex thriller with the threat of a world destroying battle formation known as D6 and while this thread takes a back seat most of the way through as a reader I found that this thread contained the story of the two most important characters.
James R. Wells creates some complex and real characters in this story. And the struggle that Sonia and Ravi go through and how it leads to their heroic and yet less than heroic actions will determine the outcome of the most threatening feature of Arn Lobeck's plan. And intermixed within all of this is the political landscape that surrounds the more powerful members of the great families.
This one goes in my top 5 of new Science Fiction with debut authors.
I think this is a Great SFF and should even satisfy some of those Simon Pure Science Fiction readers. There are some aspects of the ancient race that might look mystical but for the most part the science within the story stays fairly sound. Definite recommended reading and it will be interesting to see how Mr. Wells follows this one with book 2.
J.L. Dobias
January 5, 2018
I loved the way the plot pulled together and the mystery resolves in the end. Occasionally, the pace of the story felt too steady, with fewer crescendos and decrescendos than it deserved, but the promise of the 'glome' idea more than made up for it. The author always came through with a satisfying development. And there were moments that painted a vivid and memorable picture that have stayed with me; a man floating in space, two people looking through a fish tank as recognition sinks in, silent plodding through caves.
It's a fun adventure, well worth the read.
It's a fun adventure, well worth the read.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The characters weren't very well developed but the premise and story held my interest. I particularly liked the element of the long dead alien civilization that was central. Wanted to know a lot more about them. The commercial "families" dominating the know human universe was particularly disturbing. The CEO in a tank was a dumb distraction in the center of the story.
October 7, 2016
Also posted (with Bonus Author and Narrator Interviews) on my blog Got My Book.
A SciFi adventure of underdogs against the evil corporations, which occasionally reminded me of the movie “Serenity.”
SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of what is currently planned as a trilogy with a prequel. According to the author, Volume II “will be released late in 2016. The audio book will follow shortly afterward.&rdquo
“You can’t stop the signal.” (Mr. Universe, Serenity), but these corporate madmen with their out of control “spin” and willingness to reach for the nukes are sure going to try.
There are too many characters to discuss them all here (although I didn’t have any problem keeping track of them). Our central trio of Evan, Mira, and Kate are well balanced and each bring something different to the table. I am looking forward to seeing what’s next for them.
In this universe, the 7 major “families” (i.e. corporations) that run everything control the media by inventing and disseminating the “True Story.” And if you don’t fall in line they will “zero” you, leaving you homeless and outcast. And all you people who don’t read every word of the Terms when you sign up for something (does anybody) had better beware. Something as innocuous as signing up for a grocery discount card can ruin your life.
My favorite piece of tech was Evan’s spacesuit. In most SF novels, the suit has a limited computer with basic readouts or maybe a battle HUD. This one was fully interactive. And it had removable gauntlets (with an inner glove), which allowed for manipulation of small objects. (Kip from Have Spacesuit, Will Travel would be extremely envious.)
I appreciated the linear storytelling and felt that the backstory was presented at a good pace. I did think that Evan’s story about what started all this was more than a bit anti-climatic considering how long it was held back. I think it would have played better if it had come earlier.
NARRATION: I liked it. Good pacing and production. / His deep voice prevented him from doing natural sounding female voices. I appreciate that he didn’t try, but just went a bit higher. / A bit slow in the non-action scenes, I occasionally listened on 1.5 speed (instead of my usual 1.25) / The one negative was that his very low voice challenged my $5 earbuds. It was much better on the external speaker.
FAVORITE PART(S):
"Those, my friend, are carrots. Never seen one before?" Mira grabbed the tongs and snagged a few for herself.
"Of course I have! But those are not carrots. Carrots are straight, are twenty centimeters long, and deep orange. And smooth. These are pale yellow, and lumpy. With purple splotches. Look, this one splits in two! And what is that white fibrous stuff?"
"They're actual carrots, the kind that grow in the ground." She held up a pair of the roots in the serving tongs and offered them to Evan.
"In the ground? As in, dirt? Worms? Oh, that is so unnatural. Mira, this mutant food isn't going to work for me. Is there any Certified Safe food here?"
--
The sense of anticipation during the climactic scene where the crazy general is preparing to unleash destruction and several people are working independently to stop him
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: a new name for wormholes / mild infrequent swearing / Evan & Kate’s “unmarried” state
OTHER WARNINGS: one of the major female side characters has a wife & kids
MY RATINGS:
Enjoyment: HIGH
Re-readability: AVERAGE
Narrator Impact: AVERAGE
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
The Great Symmetry by James R Wells; read by Mitchell Lucas; produced independantly in 2015 / Length: 9 hrs 45 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
A SciFi adventure of underdogs against the evil corporations, which occasionally reminded me of the movie “Serenity.”
SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of what is currently planned as a trilogy with a prequel. According to the author, Volume II “will be released late in 2016. The audio book will follow shortly afterward.&rdquo
“You can’t stop the signal.” (Mr. Universe, Serenity), but these corporate madmen with their out of control “spin” and willingness to reach for the nukes are sure going to try.
There are too many characters to discuss them all here (although I didn’t have any problem keeping track of them). Our central trio of Evan, Mira, and Kate are well balanced and each bring something different to the table. I am looking forward to seeing what’s next for them.
In this universe, the 7 major “families” (i.e. corporations) that run everything control the media by inventing and disseminating the “True Story.” And if you don’t fall in line they will “zero” you, leaving you homeless and outcast. And all you people who don’t read every word of the Terms when you sign up for something (does anybody) had better beware. Something as innocuous as signing up for a grocery discount card can ruin your life.
My favorite piece of tech was Evan’s spacesuit. In most SF novels, the suit has a limited computer with basic readouts or maybe a battle HUD. This one was fully interactive. And it had removable gauntlets (with an inner glove), which allowed for manipulation of small objects. (Kip from Have Spacesuit, Will Travel would be extremely envious.)
I appreciated the linear storytelling and felt that the backstory was presented at a good pace. I did think that Evan’s story about what started all this was more than a bit anti-climatic considering how long it was held back. I think it would have played better if it had come earlier.
NARRATION: I liked it. Good pacing and production. / His deep voice prevented him from doing natural sounding female voices. I appreciate that he didn’t try, but just went a bit higher. / A bit slow in the non-action scenes, I occasionally listened on 1.5 speed (instead of my usual 1.25) / The one negative was that his very low voice challenged my $5 earbuds. It was much better on the external speaker.
FAVORITE PART(S):
"Those, my friend, are carrots. Never seen one before?" Mira grabbed the tongs and snagged a few for herself.
"Of course I have! But those are not carrots. Carrots are straight, are twenty centimeters long, and deep orange. And smooth. These are pale yellow, and lumpy. With purple splotches. Look, this one splits in two! And what is that white fibrous stuff?"
"They're actual carrots, the kind that grow in the ground." She held up a pair of the roots in the serving tongs and offered them to Evan.
"In the ground? As in, dirt? Worms? Oh, that is so unnatural. Mira, this mutant food isn't going to work for me. Is there any Certified Safe food here?"
--
The sense of anticipation during the climactic scene where the crazy general is preparing to unleash destruction and several people are working independently to stop him
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: a new name for wormholes / mild infrequent swearing / Evan & Kate’s “unmarried” state
OTHER WARNINGS: one of the major female side characters has a wife & kids
MY RATINGS:
Enjoyment: HIGH
Re-readability: AVERAGE
Narrator Impact: AVERAGE
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
The Great Symmetry by James R Wells; read by Mitchell Lucas; produced independantly in 2015 / Length: 9 hrs 45 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
December 28, 2015
(Note: I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.)
The plot: in a few hundred years, by which time humanity has started colonizing other star systems, the main character makes a big discovery about an ancient, long-vanished alien race; which attracts the attention of the Powers-That-Be; which causes him to run for his life. Fairly standard space-opera stuff. The story zips along quickly; the author skips over many pieces of the story, trusting the reader to figure out what happened in the gaps. He's also good at keeping his exposition brief.
The villains here are corporate rather than governmental. Wells posits a future in which humanity is dominated by seven colluding mega-corporations which have largely subverted all government and media. The details of how they do this are interesting (one character, for instance, is legally bound by hidden clauses in the terms and conditions agreed to by her mother, decades earlier, when obtaining a grocery card) and plausible; although many of the things these corporations do would be illegal today, I could certainly see our society developing along these lines in the future. In some ways, then, this novel acts as an argument for the necessity of public oversight and regulation of private enterprise. Otherwise, the book's themes mostly deal with preserving freedom: freedom of movement, freedom of information, freedom from ubiquitous surveillance, even freedom to grow one's own food.
The characters are not necessarily drawn in great detail, but neither are any of them one-note caricatures. Even the primary villain- an aggressive, muscular, high-testosterone corporate veep- has nuance; he's a shrewd strategist who knows how to use expert advice to inform his decisions. One of the book's strongest points is how the narration bounces around between various characters' points of view; we get to see unfolding events from a variety of different perspectives. Which provides us a broader view of the society.
Overall, it's a book which combines an action-filled plot with intelligent speculation, without growing dull. Recommended.
The plot: in a few hundred years, by which time humanity has started colonizing other star systems, the main character makes a big discovery about an ancient, long-vanished alien race; which attracts the attention of the Powers-That-Be; which causes him to run for his life. Fairly standard space-opera stuff. The story zips along quickly; the author skips over many pieces of the story, trusting the reader to figure out what happened in the gaps. He's also good at keeping his exposition brief.
The villains here are corporate rather than governmental. Wells posits a future in which humanity is dominated by seven colluding mega-corporations which have largely subverted all government and media. The details of how they do this are interesting (one character, for instance, is legally bound by hidden clauses in the terms and conditions agreed to by her mother, decades earlier, when obtaining a grocery card) and plausible; although many of the things these corporations do would be illegal today, I could certainly see our society developing along these lines in the future. In some ways, then, this novel acts as an argument for the necessity of public oversight and regulation of private enterprise. Otherwise, the book's themes mostly deal with preserving freedom: freedom of movement, freedom of information, freedom from ubiquitous surveillance, even freedom to grow one's own food.
The characters are not necessarily drawn in great detail, but neither are any of them one-note caricatures. Even the primary villain- an aggressive, muscular, high-testosterone corporate veep- has nuance; he's a shrewd strategist who knows how to use expert advice to inform his decisions. One of the book's strongest points is how the narration bounces around between various characters' points of view; we get to see unfolding events from a variety of different perspectives. Which provides us a broader view of the society.
Overall, it's a book which combines an action-filled plot with intelligent speculation, without growing dull. Recommended.
November 9, 2015
First I really enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to other books by the author, hopefully set in the same universe.
OK so why did I like the book?
One of my favorite parts of SciFi is how the authors can project the possible evolution of mankind. In The Great Symmetry, the author projects a time when seven large companies rule/governor the various worlds to which humankind has moved. The greatest crime of the time is the distribution of information….Info Terrorism. Any person can be cut off from society by one of the seven companies, by a process known as “zeroing”. Think of zeroing as having all of your bank accounts and credit cards cut off because you are on a terrorist watch list.
Another item that I believe is required for a good SciFi book is that it sticks with the laws of physics as we know them. The author does a good job with this by discussing space travel in terms of acceleration. Also, he addresses the faster than light speed travel need to reach other stars by a system of connection points between stars called glomes. These are points around a star that have to be entered by a given direction and essentially act as wormholes to other stars. If you have read “The Forever War” by Joe Haldeman it has a similar concept.
The sections that detailed the trip though the cave were very good. I grew up and live near Mammoth Cave and caved quite a bit back in the 80’s and 90’s and the cave sections were well written. I also liked that the author addressed how humans might react in a lower gravity planet.
As with any book there has be development of the characters. The author does a good job for the length of the book. I would have liked to seen a little more development, in regard to a larger variation in the personality of the characters. A few more “bad” characteristics in the good folks and a little misguided good in the bad folks.
All in all, the book left me wanting more and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
OK so why did I like the book?
One of my favorite parts of SciFi is how the authors can project the possible evolution of mankind. In The Great Symmetry, the author projects a time when seven large companies rule/governor the various worlds to which humankind has moved. The greatest crime of the time is the distribution of information….Info Terrorism. Any person can be cut off from society by one of the seven companies, by a process known as “zeroing”. Think of zeroing as having all of your bank accounts and credit cards cut off because you are on a terrorist watch list.
Another item that I believe is required for a good SciFi book is that it sticks with the laws of physics as we know them. The author does a good job with this by discussing space travel in terms of acceleration. Also, he addresses the faster than light speed travel need to reach other stars by a system of connection points between stars called glomes. These are points around a star that have to be entered by a given direction and essentially act as wormholes to other stars. If you have read “The Forever War” by Joe Haldeman it has a similar concept.
The sections that detailed the trip though the cave were very good. I grew up and live near Mammoth Cave and caved quite a bit back in the 80’s and 90’s and the cave sections were well written. I also liked that the author addressed how humans might react in a lower gravity planet.
As with any book there has be development of the characters. The author does a good job for the length of the book. I would have liked to seen a little more development, in regard to a larger variation in the personality of the characters. A few more “bad” characteristics in the good folks and a little misguided good in the bad folks.
All in all, the book left me wanting more and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Read
January 3, 2022A good book revolving around the concept of information asymmetry in an anarcho-capitalist future. The author did well to extrapolate current issues, even if his take on futuristic issues was a little underdeveloped.
It's fortunate then, that the well developed themes are what drive the story. For instance, many of the characters are effected by what amounts to a futuristic version of their credit score. In the extremes, this either elevates them to near-God levels, or forces them to participate in black-market economies to survive. Debt and its use to enslave people is an old problem that I doubt humanity will ever outgrow. How asymmetry of information forces a rich-poor divide, being a central issue to the plot, is handled in a complex and satisfying way.
However, I wish the futuristic themes had been a little more forward thinking. Certainly, the concept of transhumanism, and how its benefits only accentuate the rich-poor divide is addressed, but not in a way that makes it feel as far in the future as this book takes place. It seems developed at a 50-100 year point, not 300 years. Similarly, some concepts that will certainly face humanity in the near future with very long term effects, such as artificial super intelligence are completely left out. I realize that only so much can be acknowledged in one book, but this will undoubtably be something humanity in the given time frame will be affected by.
All in all, a solid debut into the science fiction world. I think the next book should see an excellent maturation in the way the author executes his vision.
It's fortunate then, that the well developed themes are what drive the story. For instance, many of the characters are effected by what amounts to a futuristic version of their credit score. In the extremes, this either elevates them to near-God levels, or forces them to participate in black-market economies to survive. Debt and its use to enslave people is an old problem that I doubt humanity will ever outgrow. How asymmetry of information forces a rich-poor divide, being a central issue to the plot, is handled in a complex and satisfying way.
However, I wish the futuristic themes had been a little more forward thinking. Certainly, the concept of transhumanism, and how its benefits only accentuate the rich-poor divide is addressed, but not in a way that makes it feel as far in the future as this book takes place. It seems developed at a 50-100 year point, not 300 years. Similarly, some concepts that will certainly face humanity in the near future with very long term effects, such as artificial super intelligence are completely left out. I realize that only so much can be acknowledged in one book, but this will undoubtably be something humanity in the given time frame will be affected by.
All in all, a solid debut into the science fiction world. I think the next book should see an excellent maturation in the way the author executes his vision.
August 1, 2016
This book exceeded my expectations!
I don’t want to give the plot away as I don’t appreciate reviews and movie trailers that do just that and I see that many of the other reviews have outlined much of the story already.
There are so many books today that are listed under the genre of Science Fiction but really seem to be more Fantasy. I love true syfy and this is the real deal.
The science is plausible and written well - some authors get bogged down with complicated detailed explanations - Wells provides just enough explanation to keep it real but still hold a casual readers interest. Additionally the writing is finely crafted with bursts of prose that beautifully describe scenes. I will share just a bit “Sonia could have recalled every detail of the graphic with her eyes closed. Graceful gradations between ribbons of color, textured in the form of three-dimensional nets to provide substance and demarcate the outcomes” Trust me, in the context of the book this is perfect!
I find this book provides “Themes” rather than a “Message” which can be a tricky maneuver but Wells accomplishes this beautifully! We all view the world through our own personal bias and experience so I came away thinking about its implications for the world today even though it is set far in the future.
I highly recommend “The Great Symmetry” and look forward to the next in the series! I’d love to see it made into a major motion picture. Its a great read.
I don’t want to give the plot away as I don’t appreciate reviews and movie trailers that do just that and I see that many of the other reviews have outlined much of the story already.
There are so many books today that are listed under the genre of Science Fiction but really seem to be more Fantasy. I love true syfy and this is the real deal.
The science is plausible and written well - some authors get bogged down with complicated detailed explanations - Wells provides just enough explanation to keep it real but still hold a casual readers interest. Additionally the writing is finely crafted with bursts of prose that beautifully describe scenes. I will share just a bit “Sonia could have recalled every detail of the graphic with her eyes closed. Graceful gradations between ribbons of color, textured in the form of three-dimensional nets to provide substance and demarcate the outcomes” Trust me, in the context of the book this is perfect!
I find this book provides “Themes” rather than a “Message” which can be a tricky maneuver but Wells accomplishes this beautifully! We all view the world through our own personal bias and experience so I came away thinking about its implications for the world today even though it is set far in the future.
I highly recommend “The Great Symmetry” and look forward to the next in the series! I’d love to see it made into a major motion picture. Its a great read.
March 21, 2016
I think this counts as a dystopia. A space-opera dystopia. The dialogue is pretty good but the description of setting is all but absent. I know this book is about worlds and spaceships but I couldn't very well picture them. The book is also about a long vanished alien civilization but we don't learn anything about them.
The book adopts classic pulp tropes like wormhole interstellar travel, artificial gravity, blasters, etc. I find them lame.
Also, I don't get the title of the book. Which symmetry is so great?
The book adopts classic pulp tropes like wormhole interstellar travel, artificial gravity, blasters, etc. I find them lame.
Also, I don't get the title of the book. Which symmetry is so great?
January 4, 2017
I bought this book after meeting Mr Wells at the Chanticleer Writers Conference in 2016, and I've finally gobbled away all the other books between it and my eyeballs and now, I've just finished whizzing my way through it. I loved it!
It's well written. It's a smooth read, well crafted, well paced. It has interesting characters, locations, and situations.
But the thing that I liked best about this story was that it takes an idea relevant to us today and refracts it into the future so we can see it more clearly. In Jurassic Park, "life finds a way" to be free and propagate itself. In this book, there's a similar theme. Ideas will find a way to be discovered, to be shared, no matter who might want to own and control information.
So much of our media is controlled and influenced, and other countries suffer from intellectual oppression far more than we do. This book is about freedom, in all of its messy, dangerous glory.
I bought the book because James was such a lovely, interesting person, and happily, I can report that the quality and depth of this book only make me think more highly of him. Don't you love it when that happens? I gladly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to his next works.
It's well written. It's a smooth read, well crafted, well paced. It has interesting characters, locations, and situations.
But the thing that I liked best about this story was that it takes an idea relevant to us today and refracts it into the future so we can see it more clearly. In Jurassic Park, "life finds a way" to be free and propagate itself. In this book, there's a similar theme. Ideas will find a way to be discovered, to be shared, no matter who might want to own and control information.
So much of our media is controlled and influenced, and other countries suffer from intellectual oppression far more than we do. This book is about freedom, in all of its messy, dangerous glory.
I bought the book because James was such a lovely, interesting person, and happily, I can report that the quality and depth of this book only make me think more highly of him. Don't you love it when that happens? I gladly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to his next works.
November 27, 2015
The Versari are an ancient civilization and when Evan McElroy discovers an artifact that belonged to them listing all the known destination of glomes (connection between two points in space) his life becomes endangered. Evan flees from his current employer, the Affirmatix, with the artifact in hopes to make the information available to many so that the Affirmatix will not become a powerhouse due to this knowledge. The Affirmatix is one of the seven sisters a group of seven families that own most of the commerce and all the power. The Affirmatix are determined to keep this information a secret and not only do they hunt down and find Evan but are determined to destroy an entire planet to keep this information a secret. The story was well thought out but a bit unbelievable at times for instance in the cave where Evan and his colleagues are trying to escape and the Affirmatix detonate an atomic bomb on top and they survive Towards the end of the story the inserts of what people were doing with their last minutes was out of place and the entire set up at the end seemed to drag on. The book is part one and I think it is worth looking into part two to see where it leads from here.
May 26, 2015
This is an outstanding first novel.
The best dystopian novels bear a strong resemblance in some way to the present day. James Wells’ The Great Symmetry opens with Evan McElroy escaping with a stolen secret from the archaeological remains of the Versari in a future that feels all too reminiscent of today.
Like The Matrix, or Logan’s Run, we’re drawn in as the protagonist eludes his former employer who seems to be willing to go to any ends to exterminate him. A dual narrative follows back and forth between Evan and his pursuers, Arn Lobeck and the Affirmatix corporation.
Wells manages to pull off the suspense, the narrative structure, and an intriguing dystopian vision.
Over the past three years I’ve read three science fiction books: The Hunger Games, Ancillary Justice, and The Great Symmetry. The Hunger Games sold a bazillion copies. For a good reason. Ancillary Justice won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards. James Wells’ The Great Symmetry is right up there with these books in terms of both its depth and how much I enjoyed it.
The best dystopian novels bear a strong resemblance in some way to the present day. James Wells’ The Great Symmetry opens with Evan McElroy escaping with a stolen secret from the archaeological remains of the Versari in a future that feels all too reminiscent of today.
Like The Matrix, or Logan’s Run, we’re drawn in as the protagonist eludes his former employer who seems to be willing to go to any ends to exterminate him. A dual narrative follows back and forth between Evan and his pursuers, Arn Lobeck and the Affirmatix corporation.
Wells manages to pull off the suspense, the narrative structure, and an intriguing dystopian vision.
Over the past three years I’ve read three science fiction books: The Hunger Games, Ancillary Justice, and The Great Symmetry. The Hunger Games sold a bazillion copies. For a good reason. Ancillary Justice won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards. James Wells’ The Great Symmetry is right up there with these books in terms of both its depth and how much I enjoyed it.
September 19, 2015
Thanks very much to Mr. Wells for the signed copy I recieved in a recent giveaway!!
All I can say is: when can I read more of this story? I hope there are some sequels in the future and I don't mean just a direct continuation of the action because there are so many little things I want to know more about. Like the mystery of the Omega entries, the exploration and settlement of the new star systems, more about the Vesari just to name a few things.
As to what this book is about, think of how current mega business interests influence governments around the world and what would the political situation be like if this were exaggerated to the extreme. It also makes me think about TV and social media and how people are influence by these things.
Altogether, The Great Symmetry is a great story which also makes you think about what is happening currently in the world.
All I can say is: when can I read more of this story? I hope there are some sequels in the future and I don't mean just a direct continuation of the action because there are so many little things I want to know more about. Like the mystery of the Omega entries, the exploration and settlement of the new star systems, more about the Vesari just to name a few things.
As to what this book is about, think of how current mega business interests influence governments around the world and what would the political situation be like if this were exaggerated to the extreme. It also makes me think about TV and social media and how people are influence by these things.
Altogether, The Great Symmetry is a great story which also makes you think about what is happening currently in the world.
March 16, 2016
Since I am terrible at writing reviews, I'll let the professional reviewers like this review from Chanticleer Editorial Book Reviews be a good guide as to what I would have said. With that being said, I really did enjoy this classic sci-fi story. It's got everything to love - great characters, strong female characters, humor, adventure, archeological artifacts, and enough world-building to let you know about this universe without being boring. I listened to the Audible version of this book; and the narrator, Mitchell Lucas was very good.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobookblast.com for an honest review.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobookblast.com for an honest review.
April 30, 2016
Promising series in the making. Very interesting concept of commercialism and corporate greed gone awry in a future world. But some aspects of this book left me wishing for stronger writing skills to be truthful. I wasn't thrilled by the author leaving the reader in the dark about what exactly the all important secret was that the main character had found. The implications of the find was not that apparent to me even if he had explained what the secret device did. By the end of the book I was enjoying the characters so will look forward to reading the next installment. Just didn't feel this initial book rated more stars.
August 13, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the book with the intricate background giving a realistic view of this sci fi thriller. The writer takes you through twists and turns as a fight for growth through freedom of access to real information. The characters are well developed as the writer introduces you to the main characters and how they came to be involved in the change from what is termed "True Story" to the real deal sharing of what really happened. Well developed for a multiple book series.
December 18, 2015
This book reminded me a lot of Star Trek: The Next Generation, with it's emphasis on both the sociological effects of technology as well as the more personal ways it influences the characters' daily life. The tone and voice of the novel was surprisingly easy to follow, even for readers like me that aren't big fans of more traditional sci-fi.
My only criticism is that the characters felt a little one-dimensional, which made it hard to care about them. Still, the ideas in the story were well represented, and I think fans of science fiction will likely get a kick out of this.
My only criticism is that the characters felt a little one-dimensional, which made it hard to care about them. Still, the ideas in the story were well represented, and I think fans of science fiction will likely get a kick out of this.
July 19, 2016
James Wells has written a great book about the potential future with reflections of what is happening today. It's well written and kept my interest with characters I cared about. In the Great Symmetry manipulation of the media with the "true story" and control by a few large companies the "seven sisters" are on a grand scale. But good knowledge prevails.
I look forward to reading more from James Wells.
Lawrence Verigin
Author of Dark Seed
I look forward to reading more from James Wells.
Lawrence Verigin
Author of Dark Seed
August 14, 2019
Rarely re-read books these days. Links from other reads brought me back here...sucked me in again when I saw that an audiobook was now available with whispersync for the kindle edition. Worth the purchase. The many layers kept me intrigued.
Hoping Mr. Wells will indeed publish the next in the series [already read the prequel].
Hoping Mr. Wells will indeed publish the next in the series [already read the prequel].
December 28, 2015
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a good, fun read. There were several levels to the story. One could just enjoy the action adventure with well developed characters. Or one could ponder the social, economic and ethical issues raised in the plot. I will look for the next book in the series.
December 31, 2015
Not sure
A lot of the philosophy was a little heavy-handed, and some of the critical plot points were a little too farcical, but seemed to be in earnest at the same time. I like comedy, but more on the side plots and scenes. And not being sure it was intended as such. Too much technobabble in the beginning, but by the midway point it transitioned into a reasonably good thriller.
A lot of the philosophy was a little heavy-handed, and some of the critical plot points were a little too farcical, but seemed to be in earnest at the same time. I like comedy, but more on the side plots and scenes. And not being sure it was intended as such. Too much technobabble in the beginning, but by the midway point it transitioned into a reasonably good thriller.
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