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Rachel Peng #3
State Machine
Nearly a year has passed since the Office of Adaptive and Complementary Enhancement Technologies went public. Agent Rachel Peng has adapted to her new life as the cyborg liaison to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police, but for Peng and her team, murder is usually just the beginning. This time, the body is found in the unlikeliest of places, and the race to recover a stolen piece of antiquity will put Rachel and her team against one of the country's most powerful political figures.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
43 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Spangler
25 books125 followersK.B. Spangler lives in North Carolina with her husband and two completely awful dogs. They live in the decaying house of a dead poet. She is the author and artist of the webcomic, "A Girl and Her Fed," and author of novels and short stories. All projects include themes of privacy, politics, technology, civil liberties, the human experience, and how the lines between these blur like the dickens.
If you enjoy mysteries, you want to read the RACHEL PENG books.
If you enjoy fantasy adventures, thrillers, and necromancers with ADHD, you want to read the HOPE BLACKWELL books.
If you enjoy sexy romances with sexy people who solve unsexy crimes, you want to read the JOSH GLASSMAN books.
And if you enjoy coming-of-age stories with intergalactic intelligences, you want to read STONESKIN.
If you enjoy mysteries, you want to read the RACHEL PENG books.
If you enjoy fantasy adventures, thrillers, and necromancers with ADHD, you want to read the HOPE BLACKWELL books.
If you enjoy sexy romances with sexy people who solve unsexy crimes, you want to read the JOSH GLASSMAN books.
And if you enjoy coming-of-age stories with intergalactic intelligences, you want to read STONESKIN.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 11, 2015
State Machine is the third book of the Rachel Peng series, and K.B. Spangler’s fourth book set in the same world as her webcomic, A Girl and Her Fed. I highly recommend any and all of her work.* I especially recommend reading this series in order, for though Spangler does do small, narratively appropriate summaries in each book, you’ll have an unnecessarily long time of catching up if you start with State Machine. Also, you’d be missing two excellent books. And if webcomics aren’t your thing: don’t worry! It’s not necessary to read the webcomic to enjoy the books (in fact, reading the books inspired my sister to read the webcomic, whereas I discovered them the other way ’round), though there are definitely moments in the books and comic when it is REALLY nice to be a fan of both. Those moments add layers to those who know, but still serve perfectly functional roles in the respective formats.
Now, onto the specifics of the book.
I remember being a little shocked at how different Maker Space (the second book) was from Digital Divide (the first book). By the time I wrote my review, I had come to the conclusion that the difference was a necessity for the character. Rachel needs to be pushed against as many boundaries as possible, partially because she’s so reluctant to push them herself, partially because she’s best in the thick of things. This is never more true than in State Machine. This time, it’s not the murder that’s weird or a wild bomber on the loose. It’s actually pretty straight-forward: a robbery gone wrong with the suspect on video. Nah, what’s weird are all the situations Rachel finds herself in.
Why in heaven’s name was she called to investigate a crime in the White House? Why are political bigwigs and leaders approaching her as opposed to her bosses? AND SINCE WHEN DID A BROKEN LUMP OF INDETERMINATE MATERIAL/ORIGIN MERIT MURDER?! Rachel is confused. And a confused Rachel is a lot more fun.
Part of the reason confused Rachel is such great fun is because it leads her to consult a varied cast of experts. Some of them are expert cyborgs, some of them are expert cops, many of them are experts in all things geek, but all of them are a joy to be around. Mark Hill really got a lot of time in this book, and I’m so glad he did. He and Rachel are both gifted interrogators and the scenes in which they work together and separately are fascinating. The rapport that comes from this shared talent and similar military histories is better. Mark doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s usually a fantastic scene. Phil, Jason, Santino, Mako, and Zockinski are all back in full and glorious form, too. Rachel never lacks for good company. It makes for a wonderful series in which the core cast of characters is so solidly enjoyable, but the rotating cast of characters is nothing to sneeze at, either. One of Spangler’s talents is in memorable, compelling characters of all types and involvement. I found myself missing tertiary characters from the previous novels and hoping that some of the tertiary characters in State Machine might be coming back.
Another part of the reason that confused Rachel is a better Rachel is that she functions on instinct. And that instinctual, reactive behavior is often hilarious and intense, but it also has the potential to go very, VERY wrong. I love that Rachel is deeply fallible. Her instincts serve her well a goodly portion of the time, but sometimes they’re dead wrong. The fact that, when she is wrong in this book, she admits it, commits to doing better, and brings in people she can trust to hold her accountable shows a remarkable amount of character growth from previous books. Not that she’s perfect – Rachel still has a secret or ten – but she’s starting to realize that her instincts aren’t always the best thing to fall back on. She’s growing in the books, and I love her for it.
(Let’s be honest, though: the biggest reason confused Rachel is so fun is because she is the worst cyborg in the history of cyborgs and this means Santino, her partner in the Metro PD, gets to tease her more. That’s excellent giggles, that is.)
As always, I must mention how refreshing it is to see a diversity of race, religion, gender, sexuality, etc, so seamlessly and thoroughly melded into a script. In the tiringly white, straight entertainment world, Spangler’s multi-dimensional cast is a sweet relief, and makes for a much more enjoyable experience than standard, popular fiction fare. That the main character is female, Chinese-American, and a lesbian (AND NO ONE – in world – GIVES A DAMN) is all the more precious to me, as a reader. Perhaps the only thing I haven’t seen represented in the books are trans individuals of any type (transgender, transsexuals, non-binary, genderfluid, etc) and while it is a curious lack, I have faith. It was just in this book that Spangler included a polyamorous relationship, so I know she continues to do her best to include more people and more perspectives.
It’s difficult to talk about specific plot point without spoilers, but the emotional notes this manuscript hits are right up there with the amusing ones. Rachel’s ability to see the emotional spectrum could easily lead to an over-wrought, mawkish manuscript. Rather, this ability lends itself to endless puzzle-solving, acknowledging both the universality and individual complexity that is the human experience. Also, while the morality of technology and how humans use it is addressed, it’s not preachy or even definitive. It’s a discussion consistent to these books, and I appreciate the layers that come with each new plot and situation (I loved the ‘what is math and what does that mean’ scenes in this book).
I will say, sometimes Spangler can be a bit hard to follow from conclusion to conclusion. Not that she lacks a clarity, but because I am convinced she wants the reader to conclude for themselves. Imagine a chasm just broad enough for you to have to stretch to leap across – that’s much what the reading experience is like. As a long-time reader, I’m used to this and can better track the thought processes of her and her characters. New readers do, however, sometimes struggle. (For example, while my sister and I enjoy the challenge of puzzling out the steps Spangler takes, a dear friend of mine couldn’t make it work and therefore couldn’t get into the books.) Know that, in my humble opinion, it’s worth it not only because these gaps allow for reader interaction and interpretation, but for the interesting ways in which it makes the brain consider the problem. I am of the opinion that a good author MUST do this, but acknowledge that not everyone enjoys the stretch (or re-reading passages a couple times when necessary).
The wonderful political scheming is back. I am a big fan of political conspiracies, so long as they’re not of the ‘every one is terrible and there is no hope’ variety (AKA: a LOT of popular books and TV shows). Everything, even the casual conversations at parties, could be high stakes. It’s so much fun to follow Spangler (and Rachel) through these labyrinthine mazes to see which of the many potential outcomes resolves at the end of the book. And though it hurts, it’s nice that Rachel rarely wins entirely, and sometimes loses miserably.
All in all, what I love most about the books keeps coming back in new and interesting ways. I adore this series and am thrilled at the prospect of a book from Hope Blackwell’s perspective (she’s one of the main characters of the comic), as well as the future Rachel Peng installments. I have so much fun being a guest in this world, I wish I never had to leave.
A+ (flawed but improving main character, excellent secondary characters, new situations with brilliant continuity, intrinsic diversity, complex political and moral discussions; no trans characters, occasionally difficult to track the thought processes, never long enough to last between book releases)
*It’s no secret that I’m an avid K.B. Spangler fan. I’ve been eager and anxious for each book, supported the first when it was in serialized format, bought extra copies of the books for my local library, etc, etc, etc. So, do take this with as many grains of salt as you feel necessary, as I am a SuperFan ™. That being said, I think I treat the manuscript fairly and accurately. Because I am said SuperFan ™, I always have high expectations for Spangler’s work. She has never disappointed.
Now, onto the specifics of the book.
I remember being a little shocked at how different Maker Space (the second book) was from Digital Divide (the first book). By the time I wrote my review, I had come to the conclusion that the difference was a necessity for the character. Rachel needs to be pushed against as many boundaries as possible, partially because she’s so reluctant to push them herself, partially because she’s best in the thick of things. This is never more true than in State Machine. This time, it’s not the murder that’s weird or a wild bomber on the loose. It’s actually pretty straight-forward: a robbery gone wrong with the suspect on video. Nah, what’s weird are all the situations Rachel finds herself in.
Why in heaven’s name was she called to investigate a crime in the White House? Why are political bigwigs and leaders approaching her as opposed to her bosses? AND SINCE WHEN DID A BROKEN LUMP OF INDETERMINATE MATERIAL/ORIGIN MERIT MURDER?! Rachel is confused. And a confused Rachel is a lot more fun.
Part of the reason confused Rachel is such great fun is because it leads her to consult a varied cast of experts. Some of them are expert cyborgs, some of them are expert cops, many of them are experts in all things geek, but all of them are a joy to be around. Mark Hill really got a lot of time in this book, and I’m so glad he did. He and Rachel are both gifted interrogators and the scenes in which they work together and separately are fascinating. The rapport that comes from this shared talent and similar military histories is better. Mark doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s usually a fantastic scene. Phil, Jason, Santino, Mako, and Zockinski are all back in full and glorious form, too. Rachel never lacks for good company. It makes for a wonderful series in which the core cast of characters is so solidly enjoyable, but the rotating cast of characters is nothing to sneeze at, either. One of Spangler’s talents is in memorable, compelling characters of all types and involvement. I found myself missing tertiary characters from the previous novels and hoping that some of the tertiary characters in State Machine might be coming back.
Another part of the reason that confused Rachel is a better Rachel is that she functions on instinct. And that instinctual, reactive behavior is often hilarious and intense, but it also has the potential to go very, VERY wrong. I love that Rachel is deeply fallible. Her instincts serve her well a goodly portion of the time, but sometimes they’re dead wrong. The fact that, when she is wrong in this book, she admits it, commits to doing better, and brings in people she can trust to hold her accountable shows a remarkable amount of character growth from previous books. Not that she’s perfect – Rachel still has a secret or ten – but she’s starting to realize that her instincts aren’t always the best thing to fall back on. She’s growing in the books, and I love her for it.
(Let’s be honest, though: the biggest reason confused Rachel is so fun is because she is the worst cyborg in the history of cyborgs and this means Santino, her partner in the Metro PD, gets to tease her more. That’s excellent giggles, that is.)
As always, I must mention how refreshing it is to see a diversity of race, religion, gender, sexuality, etc, so seamlessly and thoroughly melded into a script. In the tiringly white, straight entertainment world, Spangler’s multi-dimensional cast is a sweet relief, and makes for a much more enjoyable experience than standard, popular fiction fare. That the main character is female, Chinese-American, and a lesbian (AND NO ONE – in world – GIVES A DAMN) is all the more precious to me, as a reader. Perhaps the only thing I haven’t seen represented in the books are trans individuals of any type (transgender, transsexuals, non-binary, genderfluid, etc) and while it is a curious lack, I have faith. It was just in this book that Spangler included a polyamorous relationship, so I know she continues to do her best to include more people and more perspectives.
It’s difficult to talk about specific plot point without spoilers, but the emotional notes this manuscript hits are right up there with the amusing ones. Rachel’s ability to see the emotional spectrum could easily lead to an over-wrought, mawkish manuscript. Rather, this ability lends itself to endless puzzle-solving, acknowledging both the universality and individual complexity that is the human experience. Also, while the morality of technology and how humans use it is addressed, it’s not preachy or even definitive. It’s a discussion consistent to these books, and I appreciate the layers that come with each new plot and situation (I loved the ‘what is math and what does that mean’ scenes in this book).
I will say, sometimes Spangler can be a bit hard to follow from conclusion to conclusion. Not that she lacks a clarity, but because I am convinced she wants the reader to conclude for themselves. Imagine a chasm just broad enough for you to have to stretch to leap across – that’s much what the reading experience is like. As a long-time reader, I’m used to this and can better track the thought processes of her and her characters. New readers do, however, sometimes struggle. (For example, while my sister and I enjoy the challenge of puzzling out the steps Spangler takes, a dear friend of mine couldn’t make it work and therefore couldn’t get into the books.) Know that, in my humble opinion, it’s worth it not only because these gaps allow for reader interaction and interpretation, but for the interesting ways in which it makes the brain consider the problem. I am of the opinion that a good author MUST do this, but acknowledge that not everyone enjoys the stretch (or re-reading passages a couple times when necessary).
The wonderful political scheming is back. I am a big fan of political conspiracies, so long as they’re not of the ‘every one is terrible and there is no hope’ variety (AKA: a LOT of popular books and TV shows). Everything, even the casual conversations at parties, could be high stakes. It’s so much fun to follow Spangler (and Rachel) through these labyrinthine mazes to see which of the many potential outcomes resolves at the end of the book. And though it hurts, it’s nice that Rachel rarely wins entirely, and sometimes loses miserably.
All in all, what I love most about the books keeps coming back in new and interesting ways. I adore this series and am thrilled at the prospect of a book from Hope Blackwell’s perspective (she’s one of the main characters of the comic), as well as the future Rachel Peng installments. I have so much fun being a guest in this world, I wish I never had to leave.
A+ (flawed but improving main character, excellent secondary characters, new situations with brilliant continuity, intrinsic diversity, complex political and moral discussions; no trans characters, occasionally difficult to track the thought processes, never long enough to last between book releases)
*It’s no secret that I’m an avid K.B. Spangler fan. I’ve been eager and anxious for each book, supported the first when it was in serialized format, bought extra copies of the books for my local library, etc, etc, etc. So, do take this with as many grains of salt as you feel necessary, as I am a SuperFan ™. That being said, I think I treat the manuscript fairly and accurately. Because I am said SuperFan ™, I always have high expectations for Spangler’s work. She has never disappointed.
May 14, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series.
May 13, 2015
I've been a fan of the AGAHF world for a few years now, and the Rachel Peng series of books just re-enforces how good the author is, and this book is no exception.
Rachel is a member of a government department called OACET - the office of adaptive and complementary technologies... or Cyborgs for short. Five and a bit years ago they were recruited to work on an intelligence project to network up-and-coming members of various government departments, but it went wrong, and they spent years trying to regain their lives. Rachel now works with a police department, proving there that OACET can help, reassuring them that "we're good guys and just ignore the fact that we can see into every encrypted connection, talk to every electronic device there is, and maybe, just maybe, have a few crazies in the panic room..."
Rachel is a strong intelligent woman, not afraid of pitching into the political struggles or of putting up her fists of they're needed. She's partnered up with one of the smartest police officers in the force and have so far solved a psychopathic serial killer case and a bomber... and that's just in the books I've read.
This book features several murders, a theft from The White House, the graceful (sadly) departure from political office, a medevac driven by a blind woman, and one of the most human cyborgs I've yet read.
I miss some of the wackier elements of AGAHF but I think these stories are a much more graceful entry to the world than the comics and I'm seriously looking forward to the Hope Blackwell book (the main character in the web comic) due next. Needless to say, I'll be buying that one when it comes out.
Rachel is a member of a government department called OACET - the office of adaptive and complementary technologies... or Cyborgs for short. Five and a bit years ago they were recruited to work on an intelligence project to network up-and-coming members of various government departments, but it went wrong, and they spent years trying to regain their lives. Rachel now works with a police department, proving there that OACET can help, reassuring them that "we're good guys and just ignore the fact that we can see into every encrypted connection, talk to every electronic device there is, and maybe, just maybe, have a few crazies in the panic room..."
Rachel is a strong intelligent woman, not afraid of pitching into the political struggles or of putting up her fists of they're needed. She's partnered up with one of the smartest police officers in the force and have so far solved a psychopathic serial killer case and a bomber... and that's just in the books I've read.
This book features several murders, a theft from The White House, the graceful (sadly) departure from political office, a medevac driven by a blind woman, and one of the most human cyborgs I've yet read.
I miss some of the wackier elements of AGAHF but I think these stories are a much more graceful entry to the world than the comics and I'm seriously looking forward to the Hope Blackwell book (the main character in the web comic) due next. Needless to say, I'll be buying that one when it comes out.
May 20, 2015
I love A Girl and her Fed, and I really enjoy these novels giving me new characters in that world to love.
October 11, 2017
I have to admit that this one had me well confused until I read some of 'A Girl and Her Fed,' Spangler's web-comic series and figured out that there's a load of 'magic' in the universe she's created.
There's been a murder at the White House (and for once, it's not POTUS responsible for it), and Rachel Peng and her team are called in to help. Queue political intrigue. Except the murderer is caught pretty quickly and the story swings around a lot, appearing to go entirely off-track for chapters. Having learned that 'Greek Key' was out there, waiting to be read, I began to see this book as a long introduction to that one. It was saved by a car chase, but this was not my favourite so far in the series.
Also, the manuscript had so many errors in it, I began to wonder whether it had ever seen an editor. Rachel's name was spelled wrong at one point and there were numerous missing words.
Saved from a 2* by the chase scene (or two chase scenes, actually, the foot one was cool too).
There's been a murder at the White House (and for once, it's not POTUS responsible for it), and Rachel Peng and her team are called in to help. Queue political intrigue. Except the murderer is caught pretty quickly and the story swings around a lot, appearing to go entirely off-track for chapters. Having learned that 'Greek Key' was out there, waiting to be read, I began to see this book as a long introduction to that one. It was saved by a car chase, but this was not my favourite so far in the series.
Also, the manuscript had so many errors in it, I began to wonder whether it had ever seen an editor. Rachel's name was spelled wrong at one point and there were numerous missing words.
Saved from a 2* by the chase scene (or two chase scenes, actually, the foot one was cool too).
April 2, 2018
Before I start I should say that I really like these books, Rachel is one of my favourite heroines and I will definitely be reading the next book.
However, it is really strange, because although as a whole I enjoyed the book there were so many things that I didn’t like. The long-winded explanations and over detailed descriptions that slow down the story. The introspective dialogue that seemed to go around in circles and yet another unsatisfying ending.
There were also several other minor things that irritated, for example, the book starts with the theft of an ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, this kept cropping up in the story, but it’s relevance was never explained leaving me exasperated.
However, it is really strange, because although as a whole I enjoyed the book there were so many things that I didn’t like. The long-winded explanations and over detailed descriptions that slow down the story. The introspective dialogue that seemed to go around in circles and yet another unsatisfying ending.
There were also several other minor things that irritated, for example, the book starts with the theft of an ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, this kept cropping up in the story, but it’s relevance was never explained leaving me exasperated.
February 17, 2017
Words alone are not enough to describe just how much I have come to love this book series.
Once again in this book Rachel Peng and OACET are on the case. A case that probably didn't need to involve them at all. Nevertheless an unusual crime calls to their attention leading to a strange artifact and a stranger mystery.
Added to that are political struggles in Washington DC, power struggles behind the scenes, and a long set up game between OACET and Hanlon. Both of whom want the other gone with a passion. There's also the calculated reveal of OACET's carefully guarded secrets.
There's a lot going on in this book and I loved every minute of it. There is plenty of action to see and mental puzzles to figure out.
Rachel may not be the best cyborg ever, a conversation with Santino at the end of the book shows off one of her biggest flaws, but still she is the most interesting to me and I always enjoy reading another book about her and the other cyborgs.
It's a complicated political game being played throughout this book and I doubt that this will be the end of it.
This is another fantastic book and a wonderful addition to the series. These books are a definite must read for science fiction and/or crime drama fans. I eagerly look forward to more stories set in this universe.
Once again in this book Rachel Peng and OACET are on the case. A case that probably didn't need to involve them at all. Nevertheless an unusual crime calls to their attention leading to a strange artifact and a stranger mystery.
Added to that are political struggles in Washington DC, power struggles behind the scenes, and a long set up game between OACET and Hanlon. Both of whom want the other gone with a passion. There's also the calculated reveal of OACET's carefully guarded secrets.
There's a lot going on in this book and I loved every minute of it. There is plenty of action to see and mental puzzles to figure out.
Rachel may not be the best cyborg ever, a conversation with Santino at the end of the book shows off one of her biggest flaws, but still she is the most interesting to me and I always enjoy reading another book about her and the other cyborgs.
It's a complicated political game being played throughout this book and I doubt that this will be the end of it.
This is another fantastic book and a wonderful addition to the series. These books are a definite must read for science fiction and/or crime drama fans. I eagerly look forward to more stories set in this universe.
May 24, 2015
There is a story in there, highlighted by a terrific car chase, but the socio-political debates, ethico-technological speculations, and descriptions of OACET's structure and spirit has pretty much buried it in exposition. The first volume in the series is great, but the author has focused more and more in the sequels on worldbuilding, and that's really thinned out the plots. Will I try another? Maybe...
Takeaway line: "The look she gave him would have frozen whole chickens."
Takeaway line: "The look she gave him would have frozen whole chickens."
August 11, 2015
Another excellent read, in the world of "A Girl and Her Fed". I really enjoy these adventures and can't wait for the next book.
Read
October 31, 2025Things I like about this one:
- The nuanced and complex relationships Rachel has with her friends and colleagues
- The moral challenges that fall in the grey, where there's no obvious right answer
- The way the implant works; different for everyone, and constantly changing
- Finding out more about the world
Things I'm not such a fan of:
- Rachel's relationship with her girlfriend. It's the least complex and least interesting relationship in the book, almost as if the girlfriend exists for her to have someone to sleep with but doesn't matter as a character in her own right.
- The long-winded prose and meandering plot
- The editing, or lack thereof
I'm going to keep reading because I've come this far, and the good outweighs the bad, and I want to see what happens next.
- The nuanced and complex relationships Rachel has with her friends and colleagues
- The moral challenges that fall in the grey, where there's no obvious right answer
- The way the implant works; different for everyone, and constantly changing
- Finding out more about the world
Things I'm not such a fan of:
- Rachel's relationship with her girlfriend. It's the least complex and least interesting relationship in the book, almost as if the girlfriend exists for her to have someone to sleep with but doesn't matter as a character in her own right.
- The long-winded prose and meandering plot
- The editing, or lack thereof
I'm going to keep reading because I've come this far, and the good outweighs the bad, and I want to see what happens next.
December 27, 2019
Some moral dilemmas
Rachel comes up against some moral problems, and has to think through who she wants to be, and why. Also, Santino shows that he’s actually from Caltech (thank you for spelling it right!) by doing simple things the hardest possible way. I’m looking forward to finding out what Hope found in Greece in the next book!
Rachel comes up against some moral problems, and has to think through who she wants to be, and why. Also, Santino shows that he’s actually from Caltech (thank you for spelling it right!) by doing simple things the hardest possible way. I’m looking forward to finding out what Hope found in Greece in the next book!
August 26, 2020
I didn't like this one as much as the previous two: 3.5 stars, but I'll round up to 4 for the ratings average. The pacing on this one is actually better, but some of the recurring characters have had weird personality overhauls and I don't buy it. (In defense of the author, other people within the book do comment on how these people have changed...)
November 27, 2017
A good story, but lacked the innovation of the first two books. Difficult to maintain such a high standard. Disappointed with the villain and found the "big reveal" we have been expecting for two books now to be an anti-climactic event. Still, looking forward to another novel in the series.
December 19, 2017
Fantastic piece of work by one fantastic author.
An excelent and fascinating continuation of the series, complex, thoughtful, and fun as hell. I've reread this piece three times and counting!
An excelent and fascinating continuation of the series, complex, thoughtful, and fun as hell. I've reread this piece three times and counting!
November 28, 2022
Ultimately, this one is worth reading. It's slow in the middle, or was to me, but at the end, I was satisfied by where things are, so far. There is one more in this series. I'll get to it at some point.
July 6, 2021
Ultimate locked door mystery with layers and enough red herrings that I had different suspects for the "casually mentioned side characters that return" role.
January 25, 2024
Still a fun combination of sci-fi (cyborg) and police thriller in near-future. Love the main character with all of her quirkiness, as well as the strong supporting team.
February 15, 2025
better then the second book. not as good as the first.
back to solving crimes. intertwined and then some.
back to solving crimes. intertwined and then some.
February 28, 2025
Libby library book. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Finished but somewhat lost interest, bad guy 'investigation' seamed lame.
March 1, 2017
Solid
November 16, 2016
I've long enjoyed KB Spangler's webcomic (A Girl and Her Fed) so these books based on characters from the comic seemed like a shoe-in for enjoyment. And they are! Rachel Peng is not a major character in the webcomic, so it was nice get to meet new characters, though my true loyalty will always lie with Hope and Speedy. Yeah, Speedy, not Sparky. If you read the comic, you'll know who the really dangerous ones are. If you haven't read the comic, go do so! What're you waiting for? It's easily available online!
After reading this series (including Brute Force, as a pre-release proofreader, which was a blast! I know authors don't usually read reviews, but if you happen by, thank you so much for letting me do that!) I think my next dream book is a team-up between Rachel and Hope, because the ensuing chaos would be amazing.
Oh, right, what are the books about? Very briefly, these books are set in the fall-out of a secret government-funded program which created cyborgs for use in spying and infiltration missions. "Not the clankity-clank pneumatic gun-arm variety of cyborg, but the type that was otherwise completely human except for the tiny chip in their brain which allowed them to take control of any networked machine. (If she had been given the option, Rachel probably would have chosen the gun arm, or the rocket legs, or any other heavy artillery to augment her own natural stopping power instead of the implant. But those were the stuff of science fiction; she had no idea how a piece of technology as complex as her implant could have been invented before the scientists perfected flamethrower fingers. Different priorities, she supposed. Still. Flamethrower fingers.)" State Machine is heavy on the conspiracy theory... but it's not empty paranoia if there really is a conspiracy against you and yours.
After reading this series (including Brute Force, as a pre-release proofreader, which was a blast! I know authors don't usually read reviews, but if you happen by, thank you so much for letting me do that!) I think my next dream book is a team-up between Rachel and Hope, because the ensuing chaos would be amazing.
Oh, right, what are the books about? Very briefly, these books are set in the fall-out of a secret government-funded program which created cyborgs for use in spying and infiltration missions. "Not the clankity-clank pneumatic gun-arm variety of cyborg, but the type that was otherwise completely human except for the tiny chip in their brain which allowed them to take control of any networked machine. (If she had been given the option, Rachel probably would have chosen the gun arm, or the rocket legs, or any other heavy artillery to augment her own natural stopping power instead of the implant. But those were the stuff of science fiction; she had no idea how a piece of technology as complex as her implant could have been invented before the scientists perfected flamethrower fingers. Different priorities, she supposed. Still. Flamethrower fingers.)" State Machine is heavy on the conspiracy theory... but it's not empty paranoia if there really is a conspiracy against you and yours.
April 30, 2021
This book is more of an intermediary book then one on it’s own. It’s all hints and character development and things that aren’t being said. I still love it but it doesn’t stand on its own.
When someone gets killed in the White House archives and something is stolen, the secret service bring Rachel and her team into the case. They figure out that the object that has been taken is part of an ancient Greek computing device, the Antikythera mechanism (which is real by the way!) They catch the woman who stole it but when she begins to corporate someone starts gunning for her and they can’t get any concrete information on who hired her or why they want a bit of old metal. Into the middle of this, some information about the cyborgs goes public, they know it’s coming, but it’s the tipping point for how they’ll spend the rest of their lives. Somehow, though, Senator Hanlon seems to keep coming up on top…
When someone gets killed in the White House archives and something is stolen, the secret service bring Rachel and her team into the case. They figure out that the object that has been taken is part of an ancient Greek computing device, the Antikythera mechanism (which is real by the way!) They catch the woman who stole it but when she begins to corporate someone starts gunning for her and they can’t get any concrete information on who hired her or why they want a bit of old metal. Into the middle of this, some information about the cyborgs goes public, they know it’s coming, but it’s the tipping point for how they’ll spend the rest of their lives. Somehow, though, Senator Hanlon seems to keep coming up on top…
May 15, 2015
This had a great setup but not as interesting/satisfying a follow-through for the mystery. Good exploration of the main character getting into some ethically questionable gray areas, though.
January 18, 2017
I continue to really enjoy this series, but this felt very much tied to the Hope novel coming out shortly afterwards and less like a standalone than the other novels in the series.
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