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Slabscape #2
Slabscape: Dammit
There’s a billion-kilometre-wide stop sign in Slab’s path but the interns in SlabCouncil insist on sitting on their hands. Louie Drago doesn’t do hand-sitting so he gives council the benefit of his mind and makes plans to save his photonic skin.
Dielle, freshly reset and oblivious to the threat, gets busy having fun with his new old friends until he’s diverted in ways he couldn’t have expected, but Kiki is more than happy to exploit. Meanwhile, the Cosmic Tit delivers an exiled version of Louie to the site of a four-hundred-year-old Earth mystery.
It’s only when parts of a nearby solar system start disappearing that council are forced to do something they will deny until the end of the universe (or tea-time, depending on your asynchronology).
[[profanity alert]]
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/slabscape.da...
Dielle, freshly reset and oblivious to the threat, gets busy having fun with his new old friends until he’s diverted in ways he couldn’t have expected, but Kiki is more than happy to exploit. Meanwhile, the Cosmic Tit delivers an exiled version of Louie to the site of a four-hundred-year-old Earth mystery.
It’s only when parts of a nearby solar system start disappearing that council are forced to do something they will deny until the end of the universe (or tea-time, depending on your asynchronology).
[[profanity alert]]
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/slabscape.da...
- GenresScience FictionHumor
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2014
27 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
S. Spencer Baker
8 books58 followersS. Spencer Baker (Steve) was born in September 1956 in Nottingham, England. He fled formal education and family at 17 and refused to ever return to either. He spent many years exploiting the intellectual property of others, first by setting up an indie record label which failed, and then a management company that struggled for far too long before finally finding international success and then a design, film and advertising company which, after a shaky start, thrived in Europe, the US, and Japan. He woke up one morning in Tokyo and remembered that his childhood dream was to write Science Fiction.
Ten years later, Steve published his first novel Slabscape: Reset. The novel is a web-back; a work of fiction which is published in printed as well as e-book format with addenda, back-stories and tangentially linked information available through an online wiki: Slabscapedia.
The second book in the series, Slabscape: Dammit was published in Kindle format in November 2014. The paperback followed six months later. Dammit extends the webback concept with a few more surprises 'hidden' online.
Both of the first two books in the series have been awarded Amazon Best Seller status.
The third book in the series, Slabscape: Reboot, was published on Kindle on 21st December 2020. The paperback may follow later, or book four (Slabscape: Blocks) may come first on the Kindle before either go to print. Ask Schrödinger, he knows.
The first three books in the Slabscape series are available in audiobook format.
Ten years later, Steve published his first novel Slabscape: Reset. The novel is a web-back; a work of fiction which is published in printed as well as e-book format with addenda, back-stories and tangentially linked information available through an online wiki: Slabscapedia.
The second book in the series, Slabscape: Dammit was published in Kindle format in November 2014. The paperback followed six months later. Dammit extends the webback concept with a few more surprises 'hidden' online.
Both of the first two books in the series have been awarded Amazon Best Seller status.
The third book in the series, Slabscape: Reboot, was published on Kindle on 21st December 2020. The paperback may follow later, or book four (Slabscape: Blocks) may come first on the Kindle before either go to print. Ask Schrödinger, he knows.
The first three books in the Slabscape series are available in audiobook format.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2015
The first book in the series was good, this one is freaking great!
So, are you looking to be entertained for about six hours ? If so , this is the book for you . Do you like crazy futuristic technology? Then this is the book for you. Do you like well paced stories with great dialogue? Once again, this is the book for you . Do you like hard-core robot on alien sex? Then this is not the book for you . However , if someone were to write some fanfiction like that I'd be down. Basically what I'm saying it's a great story ,a fun series and Mr. Baker's writing style continues to get better and better.
P.s. if you're you're reading this,Mr Baker, the hitchhikers reference made me laugh out loud.
So, are you looking to be entertained for about six hours ? If so , this is the book for you . Do you like crazy futuristic technology? Then this is the book for you. Do you like well paced stories with great dialogue? Once again, this is the book for you . Do you like hard-core robot on alien sex? Then this is not the book for you . However , if someone were to write some fanfiction like that I'd be down. Basically what I'm saying it's a great story ,a fun series and Mr. Baker's writing style continues to get better and better.
P.s. if you're you're reading this,Mr Baker, the hitchhikers reference made me laugh out loud.
August 10, 2018
Pretty near awesome
a few patches where the energy dropped but great fun and imaginative
a few patches where the energy dropped but great fun and imaginative
November 18, 2017
More of the same from S.Spencer Baker as I returned to the Slab to continue the adventures of Louie, Kiki, & Dielle, all under the auspices of the seemingly omnipotent but, as she/he/it self-declares "I seem to be doing a great impression of a sieve" guardianship of SIS.
Quick to read, a bit of scifi froth, but the enjoyable froth that you get on top of your cappuccino - you know - the mass of bubbles laden with melted chocolate: Mr Baker writes in an engaging style, crafting storylines around the real treasure of the Slabscape - its generated Universe. His development and manipulation of science and culture is a lot of fun but never ventures into the absurd, providing a desire to travel along with his cogitations and imaginings rather than railing against them.
With Dammit, the tale steps beyond the self-contained lump of diamond nanotubes to involve more external mysteries: in this I was excited but ultimately disappointed by the lack of depth in the development of this area.
My main gripe of the first book returns with this second outing: namely the laddish humour throughout. I understand what he is trying to do but it often comes across as needless and occasionally borders on the crass. A more acerbic application of the giggle stick might help to enhance the experience.
In conclusion, I enjoyed as much as the first but think it could be so much better; indeed I was disappointed when, upon trying to find the third novel, I found that it has not yet been published. As a writer myself, I understand the years of effort it takes to write, especially when working full time: I look forwards to reading it in the future.
Quick to read, a bit of scifi froth, but the enjoyable froth that you get on top of your cappuccino - you know - the mass of bubbles laden with melted chocolate: Mr Baker writes in an engaging style, crafting storylines around the real treasure of the Slabscape - its generated Universe. His development and manipulation of science and culture is a lot of fun but never ventures into the absurd, providing a desire to travel along with his cogitations and imaginings rather than railing against them.
With Dammit, the tale steps beyond the self-contained lump of diamond nanotubes to involve more external mysteries: in this I was excited but ultimately disappointed by the lack of depth in the development of this area.
My main gripe of the first book returns with this second outing: namely the laddish humour throughout. I understand what he is trying to do but it often comes across as needless and occasionally borders on the crass. A more acerbic application of the giggle stick might help to enhance the experience.
In conclusion, I enjoyed as much as the first but think it could be so much better; indeed I was disappointed when, upon trying to find the third novel, I found that it has not yet been published. As a writer myself, I understand the years of effort it takes to write, especially when working full time: I look forwards to reading it in the future.
April 2, 2017
A really good read.
Such a great story and an enjoyable cast of many. Bring on the next episode. 2 down, how many to go? I know this isn't a great or useful critique, but then sometimes you just read to read.
Such a great story and an enjoyable cast of many. Bring on the next episode. 2 down, how many to go? I know this isn't a great or useful critique, but then sometimes you just read to read.
March 23, 2015
The continuation of the first book "Slabscape: Reset". they go together pretty well. In this book, we again find Dielle still trying to cope with a place he knows nothing about. Louie is also still trying to cut deals with Sis and the idiotic Council. So, if you liked what you read in the first book, then you'll be right at home in this new one.
Dielle is still trying to find out if he is really a musician or not. He is supposed to have his first “gig” but he kind of chickens out! Not surprising. Sis can’t pump enough stuff into his system to calm him down so he runs out on the show! Of course, that makes the group/band even that much more popular. Don’t ask me to explain it.
Louie on the other hand is having a big problem. He’s trying to figure out what is trying to tell Slabscape to STOP! Yeah, there’s a huge and I mean huge sign directly in the path of Slabscape that says Stop right in the middle. Who put it there? Don’t know. But, Louie and Sis know they cannot stop because at their current speed it would take about 40 some Earth years to do so! I’m not going to explain any of this. Ask the author.
I like this book because the writing was entertaining. There’s a undercurrent of humor in the story that just makes you want to continue reading. Things on Slabscape work in really strange ways. The population is perpetually drugged so they don’t really see any danger in anything. Oh, they know about the alien war that’s going on some place behind them but they don’t worry about it because it’s not in their faces. But, as humans tend to do, when we have something to fight, we develop the best weapons and other stuff that we can. But, then again, Sis is the only one talking about the war. It’s fought remotely and no one has actually ever seen the enemy. Maybe they told Slabscape to STOP?
There is one part of the story that is really strange. Dielle does run off due to stage fright but he’s actually derailed by the Unkos. These are the people that live at the very bottom of Slabscape and they are really, really, really strange. Or are they?
Again, I liked the book but I didn’t like the ending. Everything is over. You need to read the book and see what you think. I don’t see a sequel with this storyline but I guess they are trying spins-offs but, as for me, I’m done.
Dielle is still trying to find out if he is really a musician or not. He is supposed to have his first “gig” but he kind of chickens out! Not surprising. Sis can’t pump enough stuff into his system to calm him down so he runs out on the show! Of course, that makes the group/band even that much more popular. Don’t ask me to explain it.
Louie on the other hand is having a big problem. He’s trying to figure out what is trying to tell Slabscape to STOP! Yeah, there’s a huge and I mean huge sign directly in the path of Slabscape that says Stop right in the middle. Who put it there? Don’t know. But, Louie and Sis know they cannot stop because at their current speed it would take about 40 some Earth years to do so! I’m not going to explain any of this. Ask the author.
I like this book because the writing was entertaining. There’s a undercurrent of humor in the story that just makes you want to continue reading. Things on Slabscape work in really strange ways. The population is perpetually drugged so they don’t really see any danger in anything. Oh, they know about the alien war that’s going on some place behind them but they don’t worry about it because it’s not in their faces. But, as humans tend to do, when we have something to fight, we develop the best weapons and other stuff that we can. But, then again, Sis is the only one talking about the war. It’s fought remotely and no one has actually ever seen the enemy. Maybe they told Slabscape to STOP?
There is one part of the story that is really strange. Dielle does run off due to stage fright but he’s actually derailed by the Unkos. These are the people that live at the very bottom of Slabscape and they are really, really, really strange. Or are they?
Again, I liked the book but I didn’t like the ending. Everything is over. You need to read the book and see what you think. I don’t see a sequel with this storyline but I guess they are trying spins-offs but, as for me, I’m done.
May 11, 2016
The second in the Slabscape series of webbacks (see http://slabscapedia.com). Some comments from Kindle readers as of May 2015:
'Truly fantastic', 'Great read, fun, fast paced and a really interesting mystery in a future setting', 'Playing with causality for profit - love it. In an infinite universe the writer has infinite options to pursue.', 'Loved it', 'Shame when it came to and end.', 'Bakers writing style is creative, humour filled, and generates some fantastic ideas to contemplate. His fearlessness in messing with causality, and taking the breadth of time in his step, is also great to read.', 'Baker has envisaged a brilliant future with his Slabscape books, the ship itself rivals Bank's Culture GSVs at their best, and being the sci-fi geek that I am, I'd happily vacation (live) there.', '`Dammit' literally and seamlessly continues on from `Reset', as if you've just turned another page and you'll find your mind being boggled in a way it's probably not been boggled before. The 'Slabscape' saga is a compulsive read for all those with a vivid imagination, a strange sense of humour and a passion for sci-fi.'
'Truly fantastic', 'Great read, fun, fast paced and a really interesting mystery in a future setting', 'Playing with causality for profit - love it. In an infinite universe the writer has infinite options to pursue.', 'Loved it', 'Shame when it came to and end.', 'Bakers writing style is creative, humour filled, and generates some fantastic ideas to contemplate. His fearlessness in messing with causality, and taking the breadth of time in his step, is also great to read.', 'Baker has envisaged a brilliant future with his Slabscape books, the ship itself rivals Bank's Culture GSVs at their best, and being the sci-fi geek that I am, I'd happily vacation (live) there.', '`Dammit' literally and seamlessly continues on from `Reset', as if you've just turned another page and you'll find your mind being boggled in a way it's probably not been boggled before. The 'Slabscape' saga is a compulsive read for all those with a vivid imagination, a strange sense of humour and a passion for sci-fi.'
November 7, 2014
After discovering the first novel by happy accident I was impressed with the fresh, modern "Slabscapedia" approach and the obvious commitment to light, but intelligent Sci Fi in the Douglas Adams mold. S Spencer Baker is clearly a man who puts everything into his chosen medium. The first edition to the series was a little clunky but intriguing enough to merit more interest and as I followed the progress of the sequel I became worried, and then surprisingly impatient at the delays and rewrites but I have to say Mr Baker has done himself and his readers proud. A slicker and deeper sequel that keeps the interest piqued whilst doing away with some of the jargon mired swathes of text from the first book. The only criticism I'd have is that I'd like to have read more about the Louie Six character's experiences but otherwise I can't wait to read the next installment and hope it won't take quite as long to publish!
November 10, 2014
The second in a series of humorous SF very much in the vein of Douglas Adams and Harry Harrison but with its own distinct voice and ideas (not a copy).
So where are we now?
The main protagonist is starting to find out some of the more elaborate pitfalls in his new world and he's starting to get some attitude (in between drinks).
The second main protagonist (and the third, who is the same but different) is busy stirring it in his own 21st century fashion.
Following on from "Slabscape:Reset" some things are explained, some things aren't, and there's a whole new batch of things. In fact it's a veritable feast for fans of things.
So where are we now?
The main protagonist is starting to find out some of the more elaborate pitfalls in his new world and he's starting to get some attitude (in between drinks).
The second main protagonist (and the third, who is the same but different) is busy stirring it in his own 21st century fashion.
Following on from "Slabscape:Reset" some things are explained, some things aren't, and there's a whole new batch of things. In fact it's a veritable feast for fans of things.
July 24, 2015
I won this book on goodreads.
I definitely recommend reading the first book in the series of “Slabscape: Dammit” by S. Spencer Baker before reading the second one. I had trouble at first understanding the cultural references and was dearly hoping to find a glossary in the back of the back of the book. After finally getting my bearings, it turned into a rather enjoyable read. For me the most relatable character was Louie Drago, the self-aware hologram. I also thought the geography and variable gravity of Slabscape was creative.
I definitely recommend reading the first book in the series of “Slabscape: Dammit” by S. Spencer Baker before reading the second one. I had trouble at first understanding the cultural references and was dearly hoping to find a glossary in the back of the back of the book. After finally getting my bearings, it turned into a rather enjoyable read. For me the most relatable character was Louie Drago, the self-aware hologram. I also thought the geography and variable gravity of Slabscape was creative.
May 10, 2015
This follows on almost immediately from the last instalment. The author manages to do take you off in complete tangents with the story lines. In addition, like baroque music, you have the main story rumbling along at one level, whilst at another you have some great pastiche on modern life. looking forward to Reboot.
February 3, 2016
If you love crazy future technology science then this book is for you. I found this book to be quite interesting. I enjoyed reading it a lot. This was the second book of this series and i can't wait to read the third volume when it becomes available. For all sci-fi fans this book is for you. Well developed characters and plot. A must-read.
May 2, 2015
Loved It
Got both Slabscape books on a whim and enjoyed every page. Looking forward to reading more in the near future.
Got both Slabscape books on a whim and enjoyed every page. Looking forward to reading more in the near future.
February 4, 2018
Back to the junk pile?
Well that whent' well.
Time is a bit of a bugger.
I liked the tale, it just got drawn out at the end.
Well that whent' well.
Time is a bit of a bugger.
I liked the tale, it just got drawn out at the end.
May 20, 2018
was a bit drawn out with not a lot happening....not to my taste
July 12, 2015
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I still found this one more or less easy to follow. It was interesting to read and put me in mind of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
It was interesting to see the differences between Dielle and Louie, though I couldn't really see how Dielle was supposed to be Louie. Presumably, there were some things that Dielle knew on a subconscious level from Louie, but I would have liked to see more of them interacting together.
The concept of Sis wasn't really unique, but I liked seeing how everyone was connected through the computer system. And it was cool to see Sis interacting with the different characters. Some of the acronyms were a bit amusing, I felt.
I didn't really like Kiki's character. I did only get to see her in this book, so she could have been a nicer person in book one... but I really felt that she was only out for herself in this.
I liked Dielle more than I did Louie. It was good to see Dielle trying to learn about the culture he'd found himself in. He almost came across as quite an innocent character. And it was a bit sad to see that he was unable to continue with the band.
It was good to see something of the different cultures on the ship, but I found it a bit confusing about how they all fit on there and how parts of the atmosphere could be so different. I was emotionally invested enough in Dielle to become upset on his behalf when he was taken... no matter that he was able to deal with the situation. It was interesting to see the other people through his eyes, but I would have liked more background and history to everything.
I did think there was a lot happening in this book and it was somewhat difficult to follow all of the events. There were a few amusing parts in this book and I did find it entertaining to read. I liked getting a glimpse into this world and although the ending was a bit confusing, it triggered my interest in seeing more of the world and in learning the history of the characters.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I still found this one more or less easy to follow. It was interesting to read and put me in mind of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
It was interesting to see the differences between Dielle and Louie, though I couldn't really see how Dielle was supposed to be Louie. Presumably, there were some things that Dielle knew on a subconscious level from Louie, but I would have liked to see more of them interacting together.
The concept of Sis wasn't really unique, but I liked seeing how everyone was connected through the computer system. And it was cool to see Sis interacting with the different characters. Some of the acronyms were a bit amusing, I felt.
I didn't really like Kiki's character. I did only get to see her in this book, so she could have been a nicer person in book one... but I really felt that she was only out for herself in this.
I liked Dielle more than I did Louie. It was good to see Dielle trying to learn about the culture he'd found himself in. He almost came across as quite an innocent character. And it was a bit sad to see that he was unable to continue with the band.
It was good to see something of the different cultures on the ship, but I found it a bit confusing about how they all fit on there and how parts of the atmosphere could be so different. I was emotionally invested enough in Dielle to become upset on his behalf when he was taken... no matter that he was able to deal with the situation. It was interesting to see the other people through his eyes, but I would have liked more background and history to everything.
I did think there was a lot happening in this book and it was somewhat difficult to follow all of the events. There were a few amusing parts in this book and I did find it entertaining to read. I liked getting a glimpse into this world and although the ending was a bit confusing, it triggered my interest in seeing more of the world and in learning the history of the characters.
August 20, 2015
I won this book for free from Goodreads. I had not read the first book so I found this one a little confusing in the early chapters. This book tells a story of how technology can overtake man. I found it to be an example of how frustration is a human trait that continues to travel even through time. Testing the theory are we alone, or have we been here before, and is the gamer to be trusted, all questions floating through this fast paced story. And better was how much I loved the ending.
July 8, 2015
Goodreada Win Copy
Slapscape: Dammott take you on a journey of a hologram who does not remember his past as he finds him caught up in another life. We see how he tackles whatever is thrown at him as he finds his way.
Along the way the universe is falling apart and people are manipulative. Can it be save or will it cease to exist as things are not all it seems.
An odd adventure featuring holograms.
Slapscape: Dammott take you on a journey of a hologram who does not remember his past as he finds him caught up in another life. We see how he tackles whatever is thrown at him as he finds his way.
Along the way the universe is falling apart and people are manipulative. Can it be save or will it cease to exist as things are not all it seems.
An odd adventure featuring holograms.
April 23, 2015
I'd like to give this 3.5 stars really. It progressed the story and characters from Reset without ever really exciting me. I would have liked a bit more to have happened, I'm looking forward to the third novel though :-)
March 11, 2015
Not for me.
January 4, 2016
Funny, clever and my new favourite planet-wide AI.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews