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GR3T3L-1
When they are stranded on the surface of a hostile alien world, two sentient robots H4NS3L-671, the military-minded combat drone, & GR3T3L-1, the advanced surveyor prototype, find themselves with neither memory nor mission.
With no resources and no one to count on but each other, the robots must learn to work together in order to endure the brutal landscape, unlock the mystery of their missing memories, and plan their own rescue, all before their power runs out.
What they don’t know is that the dangerous planet holds a terrible secret that could ruin their chances of ever escaping alive...
This is “Hansel & Gretel” told like never before. This is "GR3T3L-1."
With no resources and no one to count on but each other, the robots must learn to work together in order to endure the brutal landscape, unlock the mystery of their missing memories, and plan their own rescue, all before their power runs out.
What they don’t know is that the dangerous planet holds a terrible secret that could ruin their chances of ever escaping alive...
This is “Hansel & Gretel” told like never before. This is "GR3T3L-1."
- GenresScience Fiction
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Sawh
7 books132 followersIt all began with Alan Moore’s “The Anatomy Lesson”.
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 13, 2015
Good robot story.
First, I love robot stories! They provide opportunities for exploration of elements of humanity. This story is a very worthy addition to the genre.
The main characters are based on the story of ‘Hansel & Gretel.' As such the book forms part of the authors series, which features old stories and tales rewritten and retold with a new spin. Though, for me, this particular tale does not seem very close to the original.
The book opens with GR3T3L-1, a survey robot, and its ‘companion’ H4NS3L, a military droid. Both crash-land in crates on an unknown planet, with no clear record or instructions as to their purpose. Shortly, they encounter a ‘Salem,’ and as the plot unfolds, their history is backfilled each time they recall some memory file or find information.
GR3T3L, who has the more advanced ‘learning’ software, seems self aware and her self exploration forms a major part of the plot. The conflicts centre around their interaction with the Salem and differences in the agenda of H4NS3L and GR3T3L-1.
The book is well written and it is an easy, pleasant read with a few gripping scenes. Sawh describes the characters and scenes colourfully and holds the reader’s attention with a mixture of action, conflict and self reflection.
Like all good robot stories, there is more than a little ‘humanity’ evident in GR3T3L and even in the brutish companion H4NS3L. This is what makes the reader care.
If you are into robot stories, or sci-fi in general, I recommend you add this book to your TBR pile (near the top).
First, I love robot stories! They provide opportunities for exploration of elements of humanity. This story is a very worthy addition to the genre.
The main characters are based on the story of ‘Hansel & Gretel.' As such the book forms part of the authors series, which features old stories and tales rewritten and retold with a new spin. Though, for me, this particular tale does not seem very close to the original.
The book opens with GR3T3L-1, a survey robot, and its ‘companion’ H4NS3L, a military droid. Both crash-land in crates on an unknown planet, with no clear record or instructions as to their purpose. Shortly, they encounter a ‘Salem,’ and as the plot unfolds, their history is backfilled each time they recall some memory file or find information.
GR3T3L, who has the more advanced ‘learning’ software, seems self aware and her self exploration forms a major part of the plot. The conflicts centre around their interaction with the Salem and differences in the agenda of H4NS3L and GR3T3L-1.
The book is well written and it is an easy, pleasant read with a few gripping scenes. Sawh describes the characters and scenes colourfully and holds the reader’s attention with a mixture of action, conflict and self reflection.
Like all good robot stories, there is more than a little ‘humanity’ evident in GR3T3L and even in the brutish companion H4NS3L. This is what makes the reader care.
If you are into robot stories, or sci-fi in general, I recommend you add this book to your TBR pile (near the top).
November 3, 2015
I've mentioned in previous reviews that I'm a huge fan of machine sentience. I'm not misanthropic enough to say that I like robots more than people, but there's something so innocent about an object's discovery of self-awareness. As such, even if I hadn't already already been familiar with Sawh's work, this (stunning) cover and title would have caught my eye. Still, after Cinders, GR3T3L had some mighty big shoes to fill (pun totally intended).
And did she ever. It's funny. I tend to read the reviews of books after the fact. Mainly this is to get an idea of what others have said and admittedly, it's somewhat to validate my own feelings by seeing if others agreed with my assessment. In this instance, I'm finding that what I liked most was that which others panned. GR3T3L deviates quite a bit from the original fairytale. To me, it hit enough points without becoming just another gritty reboot (though this might be the grittiest of these tales to date). And like the source material (and the greater sci-fi genre), it has a poignant message of caution.
About that message. Without spoilers, I should note that in my familiarity with the author's previous works, I was worried about the bleak direction a story of two robots stranded on an alien world might take. My worries were baseless. The landscape is bleak, and humanity is pretty awful, but Sawh's hand-delivered gut punches do not come without reward. I can't wait for the next bad dream.
And did she ever. It's funny. I tend to read the reviews of books after the fact. Mainly this is to get an idea of what others have said and admittedly, it's somewhat to validate my own feelings by seeing if others agreed with my assessment. In this instance, I'm finding that what I liked most was that which others panned. GR3T3L deviates quite a bit from the original fairytale. To me, it hit enough points without becoming just another gritty reboot (though this might be the grittiest of these tales to date). And like the source material (and the greater sci-fi genre), it has a poignant message of caution.
About that message. Without spoilers, I should note that in my familiarity with the author's previous works, I was worried about the bleak direction a story of two robots stranded on an alien world might take. My worries were baseless. The landscape is bleak, and humanity is pretty awful, but Sawh's hand-delivered gut punches do not come without reward. I can't wait for the next bad dream.
August 15, 2023
V.M. Sawh shows his talent by bouncing around various genres in these fairytale retellings. This one is set in an alien world featuring robots, a very different take on Hansel and Gretel while still keeping yp the main concepts of the fairytale.
This one came straight out of left field, in a good way, compared to the historical fictions and dark fantasies of the previous stories. I do believe this one just skyrocketed as my favorite in the collection, far surpassing even Cinders. The writing even felt stronger in this one, much more polished.
I truly wasn't sure how this one would wrap up, given the events that lead up to the end, but I'm thoroughly satisfied with the ending. It gave us an unexpected twist - at least for me.
This one came straight out of left field, in a good way, compared to the historical fictions and dark fantasies of the previous stories. I do believe this one just skyrocketed as my favorite in the collection, far surpassing even Cinders. The writing even felt stronger in this one, much more polished.
I truly wasn't sure how this one would wrap up, given the events that lead up to the end, but I'm thoroughly satisfied with the ending. It gave us an unexpected twist - at least for me.
October 17, 2015
The fourth in his Good Tales for Bad Dreams series, GR3T3L-1 takes quite a leap from its predecessors. While each of these works follows the theme of a fresh take on an old fairy tale, each story is unique in its genre. GR3T3L-1 was not what I was expecting after reading Cinders, Hontas, and Anastasia.
The substitution of robots for children in this retelling of Hansel & Gretel piqued my interest.
But as I began reading, I found myself forgetting that I was reading about robots. Each character within the pages is so vibrant and well written. It's beautifully paced with deep and meaningful dialogue that truly shows off Sawh's talent as an author.
I love the implications that Sawh has placed within the text. He has completely transformed the story of Hansel and Gretel into a grim (yet stunning) warning of where this mindset of "shoot first and ask questions later" may lead us.
While Cinders remains my favorite in this series, it's really difficult to compare the two as they seem so different. Each highlights a different skill set within Sawh's "bag o' tricks" so to speak. I'm anxious to see where he takes this series next.
The substitution of robots for children in this retelling of Hansel & Gretel piqued my interest.
But as I began reading, I found myself forgetting that I was reading about robots. Each character within the pages is so vibrant and well written. It's beautifully paced with deep and meaningful dialogue that truly shows off Sawh's talent as an author.
I love the implications that Sawh has placed within the text. He has completely transformed the story of Hansel and Gretel into a grim (yet stunning) warning of where this mindset of "shoot first and ask questions later" may lead us.
While Cinders remains my favorite in this series, it's really difficult to compare the two as they seem so different. Each highlights a different skill set within Sawh's "bag o' tricks" so to speak. I'm anxious to see where he takes this series next.
February 21, 2024
I just realized I hadn't written a review for this yet and it is a such a huge failing on my part. I basically walk around throwing this book at people. GR3T3L packs SO much into its pages. It has been one of my favorite sci-fi reads of all time.
When we think about scientific exploration, our experience tends to divide us into two categories of thought; one that embraces the new and unknown and strives to do no harm and the other which seeks to defend itself against the unknown. The robots in this story personify these two positions. They are forced by circumstance to act in unison to discover their purpose and to save themselves. This is an ingenious retelling of Hansel and Gretel, full of nuance. I cannot recommend it enough.
When we think about scientific exploration, our experience tends to divide us into two categories of thought; one that embraces the new and unknown and strives to do no harm and the other which seeks to defend itself against the unknown. The robots in this story personify these two positions. They are forced by circumstance to act in unison to discover their purpose and to save themselves. This is an ingenious retelling of Hansel and Gretel, full of nuance. I cannot recommend it enough.
January 5, 2016
I meant to update this review much sooner than this. However, I got swept up in the Holidays and work (seriously, who has to work THAT much in over the Holidays. Anyway, I digress).
I reviewed this book as part of my Holiday Giveback Book Blast. I originally was just going to do a preview review, however the book was so well done, and pretty short all things considered, that I decided to just power through and finish it. I'm glad I did.
Review
What better way to examine the human species than through the maturing, developing and ever-naive and easily persuaded eyes, or lenses, of a child...err... I mean robot?
I’m not sure if Sawh intended this or not, and that doesn’t matter given that once a story is out there its interpretation is no longer determined by the author, but in writing what I believe to be an instant Sci-Fi classic, he’s really asking the question—can nature overcome nurture?
You sly dog, you.
GR3T3L-1 follows the journey of two stranded Robots (GR3T3L-1 and H4NS3L-671) on an unforgiving planet. In case your eyes can’t replace numbers with letters, this is an interpretation of the Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel.
Alone, with no mission protocols or memory of the moments leading up to their arrival on the planet, our two protagonists (?) venture to find their way through epic storms, treacherous terrain, and a threat in the shadows. As if this weren’t enough, it’s not exactly like either robot can find a wall to plug into and recharge.
Luckily, their battery life is better than my phone’s (probably because they didn’t download the Facebook app) and this doesn’t become an immediate problem.
Hansel and Gretel. That’s certainly an interesting story to pick as inspiration for a SF journey.
So, before cracking my kindle open to read the story, I had a good idea of what the story would consist of. Sawh likened the book to the movies “Ex Machina” and “The Martian.” After having done my preview review and more because it was easy to get into, I can say he hit the nail on the head.
I want to touch on something I thought was really well done. This book is labeled as Science Fiction. You would think with two robots as it's main characters, it would a jumbled mess of head aching terms. But it wasn't. Sawh does an incredible job of immersing the reader into the world and throwing out concepts and ideas that are easy to grasp if you're not into quantum mechanics.
Terms and theories are thrown out quite often, yet they’re conveyed and explained in a way that doesn’t slow you down or make you feel stupid. Sawh displayed a knack for quietly spoon feeding you heaping amounts of information without you realizing it. Even if you’re the type of viewer or reader who has a hard time with Star Trek jargon, you’ll be at home with this story.
The thing I thought hindered the story a bit was the fact it felt compelled to somehow justify a connection to the Grimm Tale. There was one bit called the Breadcrumb protocol. Every time it was referenced, it drew me out of the story. It could have easily been called anything else. That's the pitfall when writing a story inspired by well known fables. You feel obligated to cement the connection, and if it's not 100% on point it can be jarring for the reader. However, that was my only complaint. Everything out was pitch-perfect.
I highly recommend this book, and well done to the author.
I reviewed this book as part of my Holiday Giveback Book Blast. I originally was just going to do a preview review, however the book was so well done, and pretty short all things considered, that I decided to just power through and finish it. I'm glad I did.
Review
What better way to examine the human species than through the maturing, developing and ever-naive and easily persuaded eyes, or lenses, of a child...err... I mean robot?
I’m not sure if Sawh intended this or not, and that doesn’t matter given that once a story is out there its interpretation is no longer determined by the author, but in writing what I believe to be an instant Sci-Fi classic, he’s really asking the question—can nature overcome nurture?
You sly dog, you.
GR3T3L-1 follows the journey of two stranded Robots (GR3T3L-1 and H4NS3L-671) on an unforgiving planet. In case your eyes can’t replace numbers with letters, this is an interpretation of the Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel.
Alone, with no mission protocols or memory of the moments leading up to their arrival on the planet, our two protagonists (?) venture to find their way through epic storms, treacherous terrain, and a threat in the shadows. As if this weren’t enough, it’s not exactly like either robot can find a wall to plug into and recharge.
Luckily, their battery life is better than my phone’s (probably because they didn’t download the Facebook app) and this doesn’t become an immediate problem.
Hansel and Gretel. That’s certainly an interesting story to pick as inspiration for a SF journey.
So, before cracking my kindle open to read the story, I had a good idea of what the story would consist of. Sawh likened the book to the movies “Ex Machina” and “The Martian.” After having done my preview review and more because it was easy to get into, I can say he hit the nail on the head.
I want to touch on something I thought was really well done. This book is labeled as Science Fiction. You would think with two robots as it's main characters, it would a jumbled mess of head aching terms. But it wasn't. Sawh does an incredible job of immersing the reader into the world and throwing out concepts and ideas that are easy to grasp if you're not into quantum mechanics.
Terms and theories are thrown out quite often, yet they’re conveyed and explained in a way that doesn’t slow you down or make you feel stupid. Sawh displayed a knack for quietly spoon feeding you heaping amounts of information without you realizing it. Even if you’re the type of viewer or reader who has a hard time with Star Trek jargon, you’ll be at home with this story.
The thing I thought hindered the story a bit was the fact it felt compelled to somehow justify a connection to the Grimm Tale. There was one bit called the Breadcrumb protocol. Every time it was referenced, it drew me out of the story. It could have easily been called anything else. That's the pitfall when writing a story inspired by well known fables. You feel obligated to cement the connection, and if it's not 100% on point it can be jarring for the reader. However, that was my only complaint. Everything out was pitch-perfect.
I highly recommend this book, and well done to the author.
October 28, 2015
Remakes of classic fairytales, can be a dangerous mind field to tread. Instead of treading lightly, V. M. Sawh barrels on through with his science fiction version of Hansel and Gretel, GR3T3L-1.
Two robots must face the reality of their slim chance of survival on an angry planet when they become stranded and lost in space. H4NS3L-671 is a military drone, GR3T3L-1 is an advance AI prototype, but their memory banks have been wiped and H4NS3L only remember the his destroy command, to him, everything is a threat, but will he “kill” GR3T3L or will she find the answers they need in onboard computer backup systems. The proud creation of a scientist who couldn’t be a mother, GR3T3L seems to feel emotions and the loss of her creator further confuses her memory. What happened the day GR3T3L was sent into space? Why did they land on this planet? There are secrets hidden that could destroy both robots when discovered. Will this be their last mission?
Think this may be too far of a stretch for Hansel & Gretel? Nope, V.M. Sawh has given these AI units almost childlike personalities, with a touch of innocence that almost makes one forget who or what they are. Get ready for a space age fairytale that is more GR3T3L’s story than H4NS3L’s as her memories of life with her creator/mother are played back for us. Definitely different, definitely unique, as with all of V.M. Sawh’s work, the end comes too quickly, but your mind keeps on going! A fun read in a scifi setting.
I received a review copy from V.M. Sawh in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 1, 2015
Publisher: V.M. Sawh
Genre: Science Fiction | Fantasy re-telling
Print Length: 116 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Two robots must face the reality of their slim chance of survival on an angry planet when they become stranded and lost in space. H4NS3L-671 is a military drone, GR3T3L-1 is an advance AI prototype, but their memory banks have been wiped and H4NS3L only remember the his destroy command, to him, everything is a threat, but will he “kill” GR3T3L or will she find the answers they need in onboard computer backup systems. The proud creation of a scientist who couldn’t be a mother, GR3T3L seems to feel emotions and the loss of her creator further confuses her memory. What happened the day GR3T3L was sent into space? Why did they land on this planet? There are secrets hidden that could destroy both robots when discovered. Will this be their last mission?
Think this may be too far of a stretch for Hansel & Gretel? Nope, V.M. Sawh has given these AI units almost childlike personalities, with a touch of innocence that almost makes one forget who or what they are. Get ready for a space age fairytale that is more GR3T3L’s story than H4NS3L’s as her memories of life with her creator/mother are played back for us. Definitely different, definitely unique, as with all of V.M. Sawh’s work, the end comes too quickly, but your mind keeps on going! A fun read in a scifi setting.
I received a review copy from V.M. Sawh in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 1, 2015
Publisher: V.M. Sawh
Genre: Science Fiction | Fantasy re-telling
Print Length: 116 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 21, 2015
Today, I am reviewing the Science-Fiction story GR3T3L-1 by V.M. Sawh. The book opens with two robots, interestingly named H4NS3L and GR3T3L, crash-landing on a strange planet with no clear mission. GR3T3L quickly shows herself to have mental abilities far beyond the combat drone H4NS3L, including asking questions about feelings and emotions, and using reasoning to solve their problems.
This is an excellent book, filled with character development, interesting scenarios and environment, and intriguing plot. I give it a 4.75/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. I really enjoyed both the main and supporting characters of this story. Both robots played their parts well, and watching their interactions and their development over the course of the book made me happy and made me care about them. The supporting human characters, met chiefly through flashback and recorded programming input, felt realistic and understandable, viewed as they were through the lenses of robotic understanding.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Engaging from start to finish. Sawh drops us in the middle of the action and pulls off the slow reveal with aplomb. Like the breadcrumbs from the titular characters’ original story, I was hooked from the beginning, wondering where we were going from here. I won’t spoil the ending, but I was reading it to work, and it made me tear up. It was good.
Flow: 4.75/5. Every reveal is timed well, keeping the reader interested the whole time. The language used is clean and effective, telling the story and maintaining the sense of immersion. My only stuttering point was at the beginning, when Sawh used the word “metal” like ten times. In the first page or two. It just made me shake my head and laugh a little.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were some typos in this book. Overall very good, but I did note a few missing words and misspellings.
Overall: 4.75/5. I knew going in that this was a solid piece of work, but as it went on it pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s not long, but it’s amazing and unique. I’ve never seen a book take on this perspective before, and not since R. Daneel Olivaw have I been as interested in what is going on in a robotic mind. Well done!
This is an excellent book, filled with character development, interesting scenarios and environment, and intriguing plot. I give it a 4.75/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. I really enjoyed both the main and supporting characters of this story. Both robots played their parts well, and watching their interactions and their development over the course of the book made me happy and made me care about them. The supporting human characters, met chiefly through flashback and recorded programming input, felt realistic and understandable, viewed as they were through the lenses of robotic understanding.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Engaging from start to finish. Sawh drops us in the middle of the action and pulls off the slow reveal with aplomb. Like the breadcrumbs from the titular characters’ original story, I was hooked from the beginning, wondering where we were going from here. I won’t spoil the ending, but I was reading it to work, and it made me tear up. It was good.
Flow: 4.75/5. Every reveal is timed well, keeping the reader interested the whole time. The language used is clean and effective, telling the story and maintaining the sense of immersion. My only stuttering point was at the beginning, when Sawh used the word “metal” like ten times. In the first page or two. It just made me shake my head and laugh a little.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were some typos in this book. Overall very good, but I did note a few missing words and misspellings.
Overall: 4.75/5. I knew going in that this was a solid piece of work, but as it went on it pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s not long, but it’s amazing and unique. I’ve never seen a book take on this perspective before, and not since R. Daneel Olivaw have I been as interested in what is going on in a robotic mind. Well done!
May 7, 2022
This is a different Hansel & Gretel story. Hansel (H4NS3L) and Gretel (GR3T3L) are two humanoid robots sent on a mission to destroy dangerous life forms on an unknown, hostile planet. They are friends but think a bit differently so that their takes of the same situation are different. Read what happens when they discover a harmless life form on the planet. Having found it friendly, GR3T3L wants to protect it, but H4NS3L, that is programmed differently, wants to kill it. Who will win in the end, Hansel or Gretel?
October 23, 2015
As with the previous stories in this series, I feel that the author has done a wonderful job at recreating a classic children's tale. A change in genre style of no consequence to the series success.
My only criticism is that I think the author may have rushed the editing process to release this story as I stumbled through a number of jumbled sentence structures. I would love to have given this five stars, but felt I had to fairly apply my usual critiquing standard, so despite being a supporter of VM SAWH, I couldn't overlook what would have lost a star for any other book I read.
All in all, five stars for storyline and creative content. Four stars for technical or editorial execution.
My only criticism is that I think the author may have rushed the editing process to release this story as I stumbled through a number of jumbled sentence structures. I would love to have given this five stars, but felt I had to fairly apply my usual critiquing standard, so despite being a supporter of VM SAWH, I couldn't overlook what would have lost a star for any other book I read.
All in all, five stars for storyline and creative content. Four stars for technical or editorial execution.
June 20, 2021
This has been on my to-read list for quite some time. Finally, I read it. This is an apocalyptic sci-fi novel. I like the ideas Sawh presents. I think it was a creative spin on the story. But I didn't love it. That isn't to say the author didn't have talent. I just didn't love the feeling at the end of the book. I also thought the Hansel character illustrated responses/reactions that would have been contrary to his programming earlier in the story than would have been expected. Well-told story, but not my favorite. I think that is to be expected with "good tales for bad dreams"
July 5, 2016
A Red Raven Reads Review of “Good Tales for Bad Dreams 1-4” by V.M. Sawh
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
January 16, 2016
This review is also posted on my blog: http://danielletaraevans.blogspot.com...
Out of the four stories that V.M. Sawh has written (so far) in the Good Tales for Bad Dreams series, this one is the most different of them all (and I've read each one). It is a science fiction take on Hansel and Gretel, and it strays the furthest from the original fairy tale.
Instead of a young boy and girl lost in the woods, there are two robots lost on a strange, harsh planet. While it's not typically easy to relate to robots, there were certain human qualities they had (especially GR3T3L-1) that made this possible. I could also identify with Dr. Li, whose backstory was particularly heartbreaking.
While slow at times, it was fascinating to explore this world as both robots tried to make their way back to the spaceship and uncover what had happened (as their memories were scrambled). The writing was outstanding, and the story line was powerful. V.M. Sawh managed to turn a children's story into a mature sci-fi tale with strong themes highlighting the brutality of war.
Even though I found myself trying to find the connections to the original tale (the Salem creature a version of the witch, the crystal formations like the candy covered house, etc.), it didn't detract from the overall plot. This was a very impressive tale that I would recommend to others.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Out of the four stories that V.M. Sawh has written (so far) in the Good Tales for Bad Dreams series, this one is the most different of them all (and I've read each one). It is a science fiction take on Hansel and Gretel, and it strays the furthest from the original fairy tale.
Instead of a young boy and girl lost in the woods, there are two robots lost on a strange, harsh planet. While it's not typically easy to relate to robots, there were certain human qualities they had (especially GR3T3L-1) that made this possible. I could also identify with Dr. Li, whose backstory was particularly heartbreaking.
While slow at times, it was fascinating to explore this world as both robots tried to make their way back to the spaceship and uncover what had happened (as their memories were scrambled). The writing was outstanding, and the story line was powerful. V.M. Sawh managed to turn a children's story into a mature sci-fi tale with strong themes highlighting the brutality of war.
Even though I found myself trying to find the connections to the original tale (the Salem creature a version of the witch, the crystal formations like the candy covered house, etc.), it didn't detract from the overall plot. This was a very impressive tale that I would recommend to others.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2016
Imaginative and well written.
V. M. Sawh takes a childhood tale of a boy and girl, Hansel and Gretel, abandoned in a forest by parents who couldn't care for them - the children find their way back home following bread crumbs - and retells it with contemporary and futuristic variations that lend excitement, anticipation, and adventure. He transforms a rather frightening fairy tale into interesting science fiction.
The storytelling within is seamless despite numerous flashbacks. Robots are the protagonists, and they fit gender-identifiable roles. The plot is reminiscent of the age-old balance between creation and destruction, communication and conflict, though it isn't a balance as much as a death struggle in GR3T3L-1. The author is adept in his explorations of consciousness and sentience.
Nevertheless, I thought the work somewhat ambitious in the number of aspects it captured...for instance, robotic sentience explored within included emotions and desires of motherhood. Alien consciousness reflected very human quests. A credible synthesis of such aspects is missing. But that takes little away from a reader's enjoyment of the story.
I sought an emotional connection as I read the story. The author makes commendable efforts toward such resonance, but I thought it fell a bit short of such an experience.
All in all, an excellent work of science fiction recommended to all who enjoy the genre.
V. M. Sawh takes a childhood tale of a boy and girl, Hansel and Gretel, abandoned in a forest by parents who couldn't care for them - the children find their way back home following bread crumbs - and retells it with contemporary and futuristic variations that lend excitement, anticipation, and adventure. He transforms a rather frightening fairy tale into interesting science fiction.
The storytelling within is seamless despite numerous flashbacks. Robots are the protagonists, and they fit gender-identifiable roles. The plot is reminiscent of the age-old balance between creation and destruction, communication and conflict, though it isn't a balance as much as a death struggle in GR3T3L-1. The author is adept in his explorations of consciousness and sentience.
Nevertheless, I thought the work somewhat ambitious in the number of aspects it captured...for instance, robotic sentience explored within included emotions and desires of motherhood. Alien consciousness reflected very human quests. A credible synthesis of such aspects is missing. But that takes little away from a reader's enjoyment of the story.
I sought an emotional connection as I read the story. The author makes commendable efforts toward such resonance, but I thought it fell a bit short of such an experience.
All in all, an excellent work of science fiction recommended to all who enjoy the genre.
August 22, 2016
While the book is well written, I had the problem of finding the style and content between areas. Not ending with a good mixture, but with the feeling of not getting either of them.
On one hand it is a technical story, that includes a lot of details, but it doesn't manage to become a hard science fiction. For example the nanobots are a nice touch to let the story flow despite damages, but it feels too unrealistic. Or .
On the other hand the story is about the ethics of war and life. Still, it just touches the surface and doesn't get deep enough to actually add content.
Compared to the length of the book, the story did not progress too much and felt just a bit more than an introduction.
I ended up with a could-have-been feeling.
October 31, 2015
In a short story loosely based on Hansel and Gretel, two lone robots battle for survival on a hostile planet, with no memory of why they are there.
GR3T3L is an advanced prototype AI, while her companion is a military combat drone, programmed to follow orders and shoot things. They both find themselves on a strange planet, without any memory of where they’ve come from or what they are doing there. Left to figure things out for themselves, the free-thinking GR3T3L takes charge and they work together to survive. But as they piece together their story, their friendship may be the first casualty.
Well-written, with few editing errors, this is an enjoyable short read. It’s a bit information-dumpy in places, but not intolerably so. The Hansel and Gretel references are a bit forced and don’t really add anything, but don’t detract either. Nothing groundbreaking in the content, but an interesting take on the effect of robots in warfare.
GR3T3L is an advanced prototype AI, while her companion is a military combat drone, programmed to follow orders and shoot things. They both find themselves on a strange planet, without any memory of where they’ve come from or what they are doing there. Left to figure things out for themselves, the free-thinking GR3T3L takes charge and they work together to survive. But as they piece together their story, their friendship may be the first casualty.
Well-written, with few editing errors, this is an enjoyable short read. It’s a bit information-dumpy in places, but not intolerably so. The Hansel and Gretel references are a bit forced and don’t really add anything, but don’t detract either. Nothing groundbreaking in the content, but an interesting take on the effect of robots in warfare.
November 29, 2015
Never underestimate the retelling of a classic story. I picked this one out of this three books to read as I love robots. I seriously didn't get the Gretel thing when I first started. I was like "oh no robot names with numbers that I can't read" yah.... I felt dumb once I figured it out. It is short and concise and brought a new edge to the Hansel and Gretel story. The robot speak/terminology can get a bit confusing but I caught on. I really enjoyed this and I look forward to checking out more of his stories.
December 9, 2015
I love sci-fi, but haven't read much of it lately. This was a great return to the genre for me. I enjoyed the nod to the fairytale, but this really is a story with its own message. I enjoyed the interaction between the robots, and the author was successful in sometimes making me forget they weren't human. By the end of the story you may find yourself wondering exactly who is the soulless machine with no emotions?
July 20, 2016
A Cerebral Tale of Life and Death
First of all, despite this book being short, don't be fooled! This thing is very advanced, yet despite that still manages to have its emotional moments. The intertextuality of the original fairy tale is sparse and doesn't distract from the actual story this book contains. I also like the contrasts and interplay of the two main characters, GR3T3L and H4NS3L. I would recommend this story for those who like a challenging speculative fiction :)
First of all, despite this book being short, don't be fooled! This thing is very advanced, yet despite that still manages to have its emotional moments. The intertextuality of the original fairy tale is sparse and doesn't distract from the actual story this book contains. I also like the contrasts and interplay of the two main characters, GR3T3L and H4NS3L. I would recommend this story for those who like a challenging speculative fiction :)
July 23, 2016
Wonderful SciFi Tale
Poignant story of both artificial intelligence and creating a meaningful life of peace when surrounded by warmongers and destruction. Seemed less a new version of the old fairytale (the alien as witch didn't quite work for me) but overall I didn't care as the story stood strong enough on its own thanks to the author's well-crafted tale.
Poignant story of both artificial intelligence and creating a meaningful life of peace when surrounded by warmongers and destruction. Seemed less a new version of the old fairytale (the alien as witch didn't quite work for me) but overall I didn't care as the story stood strong enough on its own thanks to the author's well-crafted tale.
January 26, 2016
This was one awesome novella!
The thing that struck me most was the fact that it was written in the perspective of 2 robots (not 2 men).
That made it totally interesting and unique and I suppose hard to write.
Loved it!
Another freebie bringing a new great author to me :)
The thing that struck me most was the fact that it was written in the perspective of 2 robots (not 2 men).
That made it totally interesting and unique and I suppose hard to write.
Loved it!
Another freebie bringing a new great author to me :)
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