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Prototype D #1
Prototype D
A hundred years after the world is decimated by nuclear wars, humanity has been reduced to one surviving city of people called Mainlanders. They have food, water, and a wall that separates them from their enemies—the Outlanders.
Branded as savages, the Outlanders have grown in number and their attacks against the city have become more brutal. Increasingly, they threaten to overtake the city, bringing with them the doom and destruction that has plagued mankind for over a century. What the Mainlanders need is a weapon.
Des is the first robot created with a full range of human emotions. His reasoning skills and thought processes will make it so no human will ever have to step foot on the battlefield again. But when Des realizes his true purpose—to help destroy the Outlanders—he suspects that the real enemies might not be the people he was built to destroy, but those who created him.
Branded as savages, the Outlanders have grown in number and their attacks against the city have become more brutal. Increasingly, they threaten to overtake the city, bringing with them the doom and destruction that has plagued mankind for over a century. What the Mainlanders need is a weapon.
Des is the first robot created with a full range of human emotions. His reasoning skills and thought processes will make it so no human will ever have to step foot on the battlefield again. But when Des realizes his true purpose—to help destroy the Outlanders—he suspects that the real enemies might not be the people he was built to destroy, but those who created him.
Audiobook
First published August 31, 2015
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About the author
Jason D. Morrow
30 books182 followersJason D. Morrow is the author of the Prototype D series, The Starborn Ascension, The Starborn Uprising, and The Marenon Chronicles. He enjoys playing guitar, shooting videos, and spending time with his lovely wife, Emily.
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 9, 2017
++SPOILERS++
3.5 stars
I enjoyed it. The character developement was very good. I loved them all! This author writes excellent female characters too. I almost thought this was written by a woman. Bravo!
Des was so sweet and my favorite.
I didn't get a real "post nuclear" feel to the world and that could have been expanded on a bit more, which is one of the reasons I lowered the stars. I also felt there needed to be a bit more science explained. There was just something missing that I can't put my finger on.
As for plot, the only thing I kept wondering is how come Esroy didn't just fly to the Outlands and kill Des and Hazel? No one could have stopped him. I also felt that Des leaving Hazel (Hawthorn) was out of character. I don't understand his need to find other survivors. I mean they only just won the war.. and three days after he leaves Hazel, who he loves and wants to protect..I as a reader didn't think she was safe yet.
I am also not sure if the "love" Des and Hazel had was romantic or just a mother son type love. Curious.
Lastly, the book does not end in a total cliffhanger which I am thankful for. It does wrap up to an extent and one could easily choose to not go on to the next book. I for one will go on.
All in all I really enjoyed it, I couldn't put the book down, it left me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm going to start book two (which is KU) today.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed it. The character developement was very good. I loved them all! This author writes excellent female characters too. I almost thought this was written by a woman. Bravo!
Des was so sweet and my favorite.
I didn't get a real "post nuclear" feel to the world and that could have been expanded on a bit more, which is one of the reasons I lowered the stars. I also felt there needed to be a bit more science explained. There was just something missing that I can't put my finger on.
As for plot, the only thing I kept wondering is how come Esroy didn't just fly to the Outlands and kill Des and Hazel? No one could have stopped him. I also felt that Des leaving Hazel (Hawthorn) was out of character. I don't understand his need to find other survivors. I mean they only just won the war.. and three days after he leaves Hazel, who he loves and wants to protect..I as a reader didn't think she was safe yet.
I am also not sure if the "love" Des and Hazel had was romantic or just a mother son type love. Curious.
Lastly, the book does not end in a total cliffhanger which I am thankful for. It does wrap up to an extent and one could easily choose to not go on to the next book. I for one will go on.
All in all I really enjoyed it, I couldn't put the book down, it left me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm going to start book two (which is KU) today.
August 7, 2019
Good reading.
Love finding a book with a newish storyline and this would be one of my favourite human robot stories. I loved Des and the way he was portrayed
Love finding a book with a newish storyline and this would be one of my favourite human robot stories. I loved Des and the way he was portrayed
December 5, 2015
Prototype D is one of the best sci-fi books that I have read for a long while. I was reminded of Asimov’s I Robot in places when the author takes on the tricky task of using discussions between humans and robots to arrive at the “logical conclusions” that may be reached by an AI brain. In the book there are lengthy arguments between various prototypes, their software creator, Hazel Hawthorn and Commander Bracken about the usefulness or otherwise of software that emulates human emotions. Hazel’s program, called Soul, endows robot Des with the sense of fear and Bracken is angered about it when sending “his” soldier robots into battle. He has no time to listen either to her logic or her philosophy and will not give way, pulling rank in the end.
Although the reader is plunged yet again into some dystopian future scenario, where the Mainlanders are attempting to ward off the marauding Outlanders, the book does not spend too much time describing bloody battles between good and evil. The main attraction for me was the intrigue and twists and turns that come about as Hazel learns more of the history behind the rise to power of the Mainlanders, and its unprincipled rulers. Alongside these plots the reader is privy to Hazel’s struggle with her misplaced loyalties and the thinking of her two robots, Esroy and Des, who become central to success in the war between Mainland and Outland. Indeed the arguments between the robots, the touching sense of their devotion that grows or dies, for Hazel, take up a large part of the story. But the author skilfully avoids any oversentimentality and creates an acceptable dose of understanding in the reader during those passages of the book.
Unfortunately, I found a couple of editing issues like planet Earth without a capital “e” and missing commas and hyphens that changed the meaning of certain phrases: eg. the word “however” can change its meaning when followed by an essential comma. This made me rate the book 4.5 stars rather than 5 but my enjoyment was great enough to mathematically round up my 4.5 back to 5 on Amazon. I strongly recommend this thoughtfully well-written book to fans of the genre. It has pace, well-drawn characters, believable dialogue and an interesting plot. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest and objective review.
Although the reader is plunged yet again into some dystopian future scenario, where the Mainlanders are attempting to ward off the marauding Outlanders, the book does not spend too much time describing bloody battles between good and evil. The main attraction for me was the intrigue and twists and turns that come about as Hazel learns more of the history behind the rise to power of the Mainlanders, and its unprincipled rulers. Alongside these plots the reader is privy to Hazel’s struggle with her misplaced loyalties and the thinking of her two robots, Esroy and Des, who become central to success in the war between Mainland and Outland. Indeed the arguments between the robots, the touching sense of their devotion that grows or dies, for Hazel, take up a large part of the story. But the author skilfully avoids any oversentimentality and creates an acceptable dose of understanding in the reader during those passages of the book.
Unfortunately, I found a couple of editing issues like planet Earth without a capital “e” and missing commas and hyphens that changed the meaning of certain phrases: eg. the word “however” can change its meaning when followed by an essential comma. This made me rate the book 4.5 stars rather than 5 but my enjoyment was great enough to mathematically round up my 4.5 back to 5 on Amazon. I strongly recommend this thoughtfully well-written book to fans of the genre. It has pace, well-drawn characters, believable dialogue and an interesting plot. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest and objective review.
October 7, 2016
Also posted (with a Bonus Author Interview) on my blog Got My Book.
Had some difficulties connecting with this post-apocalyptic tale, but I’m a fan of the protagonist Des.
SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of a series that, according to the author, will have 4 books in total. The ebook of Book #2, Prototype Exodus, was recently released and the audio should be available in April.
I am sad to say that this book never rose above average for me, due to the difficulties I had connecting with the majority of the characters and with the plot. However, I really liked Des and am looking forward to reading his further adventures.
Character comments: Hazel (Des’ inventor) - Her neglect of her father and treatment of Esroy made her hard to like. / Esroy (A.I.) - I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. / Gizmo (the Pollyanna style companion robot) - he would probably drive me nuts if he were mine, but he was fun to read about.
The beginning was great. I loved Des right away and felt like the opening chapter presented his situations clearly and sympathetically. He was the true heart of the story. I also liked his interactions with Hazel’s father. I only cared about the rest of the story in so far as it dealt with him.
The book has some well-written and intense action sequences, for people who like those. The ending resolved the current situation, but leaves many changes to be dealt with.
Note: this book contains no significant swearing and no sexual content, which was much appreciated.
NARRATION: Smooth and nice sounding, no falsetto females / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual)
FAVORITE PART(S): The opening scene, where Des awakes and immediately begins to demonstrate his humanity, despite being a robot. / Quote: “he had never seen the sun before. He could have scanned the archives embedded in his memory, but having knowledge of the sun and actually experiencing its warmth were two different things.” WARNING: Some intense “fear of heights” scenes
MY RATINGS:
--Enjoyment: AVERAGE
--Re-readability: LOW - but I am planning to read the sequel.
--Narrator Impact: AVERAGE
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
Prototype D by Jason D. Morrow; read by James Foster; produced independently in 2015 / Length: 10 hrs 42 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
If you think you might like it, but aren't sure, the Kindle version is currently free on Amazon.
Had some difficulties connecting with this post-apocalyptic tale, but I’m a fan of the protagonist Des.
SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of a series that, according to the author, will have 4 books in total. The ebook of Book #2, Prototype Exodus, was recently released and the audio should be available in April.
I am sad to say that this book never rose above average for me, due to the difficulties I had connecting with the majority of the characters and with the plot. However, I really liked Des and am looking forward to reading his further adventures.
Character comments: Hazel (Des’ inventor) - Her neglect of her father and treatment of Esroy made her hard to like. / Esroy (A.I.) - I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. / Gizmo (the Pollyanna style companion robot) - he would probably drive me nuts if he were mine, but he was fun to read about.
The beginning was great. I loved Des right away and felt like the opening chapter presented his situations clearly and sympathetically. He was the true heart of the story. I also liked his interactions with Hazel’s father. I only cared about the rest of the story in so far as it dealt with him.
The book has some well-written and intense action sequences, for people who like those. The ending resolved the current situation, but leaves many changes to be dealt with.
Note: this book contains no significant swearing and no sexual content, which was much appreciated.
NARRATION: Smooth and nice sounding, no falsetto females / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual)
FAVORITE PART(S): The opening scene, where Des awakes and immediately begins to demonstrate his humanity, despite being a robot. / Quote: “he had never seen the sun before. He could have scanned the archives embedded in his memory, but having knowledge of the sun and actually experiencing its warmth were two different things.” WARNING: Some intense “fear of heights” scenes
MY RATINGS:
--Enjoyment: AVERAGE
--Re-readability: LOW - but I am planning to read the sequel.
--Narrator Impact: AVERAGE
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
Prototype D by Jason D. Morrow; read by James Foster; produced independently in 2015 / Length: 10 hrs 42 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
If you think you might like it, but aren't sure, the Kindle version is currently free on Amazon.
January 15, 2016
There seems to be a lot of robot books popping up lately but I'm so glad I started with this one. It. Was. Awesome!!!
Prototype D is about a girl, Hazel, who programmes robots with intelligence and a range of human emotions. Prototype D is one such Robot. It starts with Robot D thrown into a simulation to test his abilities, but the commander of the army isn't happy that Prototype D can feel fear and he wants the programmer to eradicate fear in the robots so that they can kill the outlanders. Hazel doesn't want to do it but doesn't have a choice either, thus Prototype E is born. He is the ultimate weapon but Hazel isn't happy because she learns some astounding news about the outlanders. They aren't how they are portrayed to the mainanders. How can her and Prototype D stop the ultimate robot?
I loved Prototype D, aka Des. He battles with his feelings but with a robot attitude. I absolutely loved seeing the story through his POV as well. We also get to see it through Prototype E POV, which is completely different than Des. Des seems more human but E is all robot.
The plot was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the start we are drawn into book and not let go till the end, even then, you don't want it to end. I really hope we see more from these characters, robots included, soon!!
In all, an engaging and addictive read. The world building was amazing, as was the character development. I need to check out the authors other books!
James Foster is one of my favourite narrators. He has such an amazing range of tones and voices and he always does a flawless performance. His voice is easy to listen to and he always draws me into the story. Listening to him bring the story alive is like watching a movie in your head.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
Prototype D is about a girl, Hazel, who programmes robots with intelligence and a range of human emotions. Prototype D is one such Robot. It starts with Robot D thrown into a simulation to test his abilities, but the commander of the army isn't happy that Prototype D can feel fear and he wants the programmer to eradicate fear in the robots so that they can kill the outlanders. Hazel doesn't want to do it but doesn't have a choice either, thus Prototype E is born. He is the ultimate weapon but Hazel isn't happy because she learns some astounding news about the outlanders. They aren't how they are portrayed to the mainanders. How can her and Prototype D stop the ultimate robot?
I loved Prototype D, aka Des. He battles with his feelings but with a robot attitude. I absolutely loved seeing the story through his POV as well. We also get to see it through Prototype E POV, which is completely different than Des. Des seems more human but E is all robot.
The plot was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the start we are drawn into book and not let go till the end, even then, you don't want it to end. I really hope we see more from these characters, robots included, soon!!
In all, an engaging and addictive read. The world building was amazing, as was the character development. I need to check out the authors other books!
James Foster is one of my favourite narrators. He has such an amazing range of tones and voices and he always does a flawless performance. His voice is easy to listen to and he always draws me into the story. Listening to him bring the story alive is like watching a movie in your head.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
February 5, 2016
This book had a very promising start and I liked the initial introduction of all the main characters and the plot setup. But for me the plot collapsed about halfway through the book, becoming a straightforward action chase with many of the characters becoming less and less believable, and making decisions that I felt were out of character from the original setup. The end was way too predictable and felt a bit like a 1980s action hero film.
I also got tired of the over use of internal questioning monologues from the characters and felt it interrupted the flow of the story.
I also got tired of the over use of internal questioning monologues from the characters and felt it interrupted the flow of the story.
May 27, 2019
I am a bit of a sucker for these kinds of stories that involve sentient robots. They offer a lot to consider about humanity in how they reflect us. These androids here undoubtedly dream of electric sheep; their own humanity is made clear to the reader, despite still not being recognized as more than simple tools by much of the supporting cast.
Our protagonist is Des, a compelling and easily likeable character. He is programmed with a lot of knowledge but knowing a lot doesn't help him understand his place. In the end, he is still left with much growing to do.
I was more fond of the helpful computer-based AI, Esroy, who is a precursor to Des. He struggles a lot with feelings of being trapped inside the computer system and a jealousy of his 'brother' Des shows very early on.
Our human lead is Hazel, the mother of AI in this story. She is responsible for their programming... the base program being named Soul, which is a bit on the nose. She seems to care for little more than the 'children' she has made, but there is a note of selfishness that runs through her choices, even in the interactions with them.
I have a few questions about the world they reside in, but nothing that outright makes me think it couldn't exist. It is easy to see some points of comparison to stories that came before, but nothing that takes away from the world being built. It is a good starting point.
The narration is well suited and I have no complaints.
It isn't a story that will leave you thinking about its intricacies, but it is an enjoyable journey, that while occasionally slow, does provide moments of true tension to keep you hooked.
*A copy of this book was provided to the reviewer upon their request, but the review is their honest and voluntarily provided thoughts.
Our protagonist is Des, a compelling and easily likeable character. He is programmed with a lot of knowledge but knowing a lot doesn't help him understand his place. In the end, he is still left with much growing to do.
I was more fond of the helpful computer-based AI, Esroy, who is a precursor to Des. He struggles a lot with feelings of being trapped inside the computer system and a jealousy of his 'brother' Des shows very early on.
Our human lead is Hazel, the mother of AI in this story. She is responsible for their programming... the base program being named Soul, which is a bit on the nose. She seems to care for little more than the 'children' she has made, but there is a note of selfishness that runs through her choices, even in the interactions with them.
I have a few questions about the world they reside in, but nothing that outright makes me think it couldn't exist. It is easy to see some points of comparison to stories that came before, but nothing that takes away from the world being built. It is a good starting point.
The narration is well suited and I have no complaints.
It isn't a story that will leave you thinking about its intricacies, but it is an enjoyable journey, that while occasionally slow, does provide moments of true tension to keep you hooked.
*A copy of this book was provided to the reviewer upon their request, but the review is their honest and voluntarily provided thoughts.
January 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book.The author did a wonderful job at creating the character of Des.The robot is imbued with artificial intelligence and is learning about the world he inhabits.The struggles between Des's creator and her military bosses is portrayed realistically.I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the Sci-Fi genre.The narrator did an excellent job portraying the story.I purchased the e-book,but i received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2021
Stopped after 40 pages. Story and writing quality not fitting my needs.
June 26, 2019
Audiobook review
I enjoyed this book tremendously. This is a proper AI comes to life story.
This story takes place in a post-apocalyptic type world where the "normal" Mainlanders live in the big city and the renegade feral Outsiders live, well, outside the walls. The Outlanders are barely surviving and constantly raiding Mainlander resource convoys that venture into the Outland. Their attacks on the walls have grown brutal.
From the beginning we are thrust into the mind and situational awareness of Des. He has to accomplish something, but doesn't know what. All he knows is that he is receiving his instructions from a female voice claiming to be his friend and that he is being chased down. We're in the humanoid robot Des's situational choice/consequences simulation. His passing is crucial for Hazel and her work with the government.
Hazel has been working on AI for years, creating and then improving upon independent thoughts, actions, and feelings. She's been working on robots since her sister and mother were killed in an Outlander attack, leaving her father blind and incapable of raising Hazel properly. The robot Des is the culmination of her life's work, along with Esroy the massive IA driven computer that she completes her work on and with. When Des (the first robot to have an absolute full range of emotions) gives into fear he's stricken from the program and is set to be unplugged for good by the Government superiors who have contracted her work. The final product was supposed to be replicated into robots that would protect Mainland & its people. With Des set to be erased and Esroy defecting, Hazel is compelled to save Des at all costs. Not only does this end up getting her kidnapped by the most wanted Outlander in history, but she finds out everything she thought she knew about Outlanders is almost completely wrong. Now she has to work with them to keep both sects of people from destroying everything, and Des is the answer.
SOOOOO, Des's character building is fantastic. He's like a baby adult: he knows tons of things but he has hardly experience anything. He doesn't know who to trust, including his own feelings and intuition, but he knows one thing: he will remain loyal to his creator, Hazel. We get backstory, we get insight. We watch Des grow-up over just a few chapters into a weaponized fighting machine who isn't going to kill humans because he is ordered to by the insane Mainlander leader. He WILL be a hero. Hazel struggles with her relationship with her father and her lingering grief for her murdered family. She doesn't want her AI to be used as murder machines. There's so much emotional strife and pushing through it's great! I can't wait to hear the next book. I believe there are supposed to be 4 books in this series.
The narrator, James Foster, is fantastic too. He gave the characters plenty of life, as well as not quite enough life when AI was concerned. I'll look into more of his narration for sure.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest, unbiased, voluntary review.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. This is a proper AI comes to life story.
This story takes place in a post-apocalyptic type world where the "normal" Mainlanders live in the big city and the renegade feral Outsiders live, well, outside the walls. The Outlanders are barely surviving and constantly raiding Mainlander resource convoys that venture into the Outland. Their attacks on the walls have grown brutal.
From the beginning we are thrust into the mind and situational awareness of Des. He has to accomplish something, but doesn't know what. All he knows is that he is receiving his instructions from a female voice claiming to be his friend and that he is being chased down. We're in the humanoid robot Des's situational choice/consequences simulation. His passing is crucial for Hazel and her work with the government.
Hazel has been working on AI for years, creating and then improving upon independent thoughts, actions, and feelings. She's been working on robots since her sister and mother were killed in an Outlander attack, leaving her father blind and incapable of raising Hazel properly. The robot Des is the culmination of her life's work, along with Esroy the massive IA driven computer that she completes her work on and with. When Des (the first robot to have an absolute full range of emotions) gives into fear he's stricken from the program and is set to be unplugged for good by the Government superiors who have contracted her work. The final product was supposed to be replicated into robots that would protect Mainland & its people. With Des set to be erased and Esroy defecting, Hazel is compelled to save Des at all costs. Not only does this end up getting her kidnapped by the most wanted Outlander in history, but she finds out everything she thought she knew about Outlanders is almost completely wrong. Now she has to work with them to keep both sects of people from destroying everything, and Des is the answer.
SOOOOO, Des's character building is fantastic. He's like a baby adult: he knows tons of things but he has hardly experience anything. He doesn't know who to trust, including his own feelings and intuition, but he knows one thing: he will remain loyal to his creator, Hazel. We get backstory, we get insight. We watch Des grow-up over just a few chapters into a weaponized fighting machine who isn't going to kill humans because he is ordered to by the insane Mainlander leader. He WILL be a hero. Hazel struggles with her relationship with her father and her lingering grief for her murdered family. She doesn't want her AI to be used as murder machines. There's so much emotional strife and pushing through it's great! I can't wait to hear the next book. I believe there are supposed to be 4 books in this series.
The narrator, James Foster, is fantastic too. He gave the characters plenty of life, as well as not quite enough life when AI was concerned. I'll look into more of his narration for sure.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest, unbiased, voluntary review.
November 12, 2019
I have a huge soft spot for robots, so a book about an intelligent robot that could feel human emotions piqued my interest. Despite what the book's description states, however, the robot is NOT the main character of this book. Instead, the book focuses mainly on the robot's creator, with the robot a secondary character at best. Which isn't all bad... and though the characters are curiously flat and the setting oddly generic, we still get an entertaining story, and the robot manages to be a complex and sympathetic character when he does show up.
In a world ravaged by nuclear war, society is divided between the civilized Mainlanders and the renegade Outlanders, with constant conflict between the two. Hazel, a scientist with her own tragic past connected to the Outlanders, has created a robot who could serve as the soldier needed to defeat the Outlanders and protect the Mainland forever. But Des, the prototype robot, is far more than just a machine... he has the ability to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. And while the military sees his emotional state as a flaw, Hazel knows it's a strength... but when she and Des discover the truth behind the conflict between Mainland and the Outlanders, they have to decide which side they will fight for.
The setting of this book feels pretty generic, like most standard dystopian novels. It's solidly built, making logical sense for the most part (though I get the feeling that the author doesn't understand how nuclear weapons work), but doesn't bring much new to the table. The Mainland/Outlander conflict feels like a commentary on our current political situation, honestly, though your mileage may vary on how well said commentary works.
Of the characters, Des is the most sympathetic and complex, and I loved every scene from his point of view and loved watching him progress and grow over the course of the novel. Hazel was meant to be sympathetic as well,, but came across as cold and manipulative, thinking nothing of neglecting and mistreating others. Esroy, an AI who serves as a precursor of sorts to Des, is surprisingly sympathetic as well, even if his actions later in the book are inexcusable. The rest of the characters -- the revolutionary leader Nolan, the jerkish military commander Bracken, Hazel's father, etc. -- feel pretty flat, even stereotypical.
Despite the generic feel of the setting and characters, however, I did enjoy the ride this story took me on. It moves along at a decent clip, gives us a sympathetic character in Des, and resolves itself nicely while still leaving the door open for the next installment. It's not masterful or revolutionary, but it was still a fun ride, and I enjoyed it while it lasted.
In a world ravaged by nuclear war, society is divided between the civilized Mainlanders and the renegade Outlanders, with constant conflict between the two. Hazel, a scientist with her own tragic past connected to the Outlanders, has created a robot who could serve as the soldier needed to defeat the Outlanders and protect the Mainland forever. But Des, the prototype robot, is far more than just a machine... he has the ability to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. And while the military sees his emotional state as a flaw, Hazel knows it's a strength... but when she and Des discover the truth behind the conflict between Mainland and the Outlanders, they have to decide which side they will fight for.
The setting of this book feels pretty generic, like most standard dystopian novels. It's solidly built, making logical sense for the most part (though I get the feeling that the author doesn't understand how nuclear weapons work), but doesn't bring much new to the table. The Mainland/Outlander conflict feels like a commentary on our current political situation, honestly, though your mileage may vary on how well said commentary works.
Of the characters, Des is the most sympathetic and complex, and I loved every scene from his point of view and loved watching him progress and grow over the course of the novel. Hazel was meant to be sympathetic as well,, but came across as cold and manipulative, thinking nothing of neglecting and mistreating others. Esroy, an AI who serves as a precursor of sorts to Des, is surprisingly sympathetic as well, even if his actions later in the book are inexcusable. The rest of the characters -- the revolutionary leader Nolan, the jerkish military commander Bracken, Hazel's father, etc. -- feel pretty flat, even stereotypical.
Despite the generic feel of the setting and characters, however, I did enjoy the ride this story took me on. It moves along at a decent clip, gives us a sympathetic character in Des, and resolves itself nicely while still leaving the door open for the next installment. It's not masterful or revolutionary, but it was still a fun ride, and I enjoyed it while it lasted.
February 26, 2020
2 stars and only just barely. What I thought was a promising premise was blasted to nothingness by a completely predictable plot accompanied by excrutiatingly dull and repeated 'musings' (often even with identical text segments). The story is also populated a series of characters that I found to be uninspiring whiners and were more often than not - at least for the meat-based players - totally unsympathetic clichés. For example: having one player point out that his blindness hindered him and then commenting 'I see' in the next statement was only too typical for this C-grade cast. And yes, we get it: everyone wants to have a good cry. But they're called tears when they reach your eyes, not water. Sheesh.
Morrow's writing is not bad per se - in a kind of unexciting YA or even middle grade fashion - but offered nothing that will stick with me. I found the overall style to be very stilted and choppy in execution along with only presenting a very basic and unimaginative vocabulary. Again in terms of pacing, the story becomes ever more painfully slow, even before the book is halfway completed. Truth be told, I found myself taking countless breaks just to try and wake myself back up enough to continue. That was key for me, namely that getting through this book was so! damn! hard! as the story limped and plodded on through a limited and unexciting setting that offered almost no real 'truth' about the unimaginative world it takes place in.
It was a relief to finally reach the conclusion ... however, this sadly offered no intrique or mystery at all and was at best scarcely realistic (nothing to see here, just a major war, do not be alarmed!). In fact, if you get past the first handful of chapters without guessing the plot from A to Z including the big 'climax scene' (yawn) then you're either not paying attention or you are new to this 'genre'. Or maybe just reading in general. Bottom-line: it's at best a stretched out novella that has way too much unhealthy filler in it.
At the end of the day, a book that is offered at such an affordable price should accomplish at very least a couple of 'simple' tasks. Primary among these would be generate a desire by the reader to continue the series (esp. if the next chapter is on Kindle Unlimited) and/or follow the author more closely. With 'Prototype D', I have no interest in doing either.
Morrow's writing is not bad per se - in a kind of unexciting YA or even middle grade fashion - but offered nothing that will stick with me. I found the overall style to be very stilted and choppy in execution along with only presenting a very basic and unimaginative vocabulary. Again in terms of pacing, the story becomes ever more painfully slow, even before the book is halfway completed. Truth be told, I found myself taking countless breaks just to try and wake myself back up enough to continue. That was key for me, namely that getting through this book was so! damn! hard! as the story limped and plodded on through a limited and unexciting setting that offered almost no real 'truth' about the unimaginative world it takes place in.
It was a relief to finally reach the conclusion ... however, this sadly offered no intrique or mystery at all and was at best scarcely realistic (nothing to see here, just a major war, do not be alarmed!). In fact, if you get past the first handful of chapters without guessing the plot from A to Z including the big 'climax scene' (yawn) then you're either not paying attention or you are new to this 'genre'. Or maybe just reading in general. Bottom-line: it's at best a stretched out novella that has way too much unhealthy filler in it.
At the end of the day, a book that is offered at such an affordable price should accomplish at very least a couple of 'simple' tasks. Primary among these would be generate a desire by the reader to continue the series (esp. if the next chapter is on Kindle Unlimited) and/or follow the author more closely. With 'Prototype D', I have no interest in doing either.
May 21, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
First of all, I want to start by saying that the dust jacket description of this book is wrong. Not incorrect, it is all factually accurate, but it fails (in my opinion) to convey the events of the plot. It would be like saying the original Star Wars trilogy was about a Farther meeting his estranged son and sacrificing himself to give him a better life. It's true, but not really the vibe the main plot carried.
Having said that, I was very pleased with this book. It is all very well laid out and the story progresses in a logical way, with little to deviate from the main narrative. At times I felt that things weren't being explained well enough, only to do a flash back to explain what was missing.
The plot was believable, and for a post apocalyptic book, wasn't post-apocalypticy. The main beginning of the plot revolves around emotion and fear. The military does not want a killing robot with fear, but the programmer doesn't think removing fear will make for a reliable robot.
And I have to agree on both parts. Fear, whether fear of death, fear of harm, fear of punishment, etc. is an important part of the human psyche. Removing all fear would make for a mentally unbalanced being. Having said that military forces spend a lot of training time training soldiers to deal with their emotions and to overcome them. It is unclear why they would want a robot with the ability to feel for their enemy or feel sad over the loss of a comrade.
However this is all laid out in a logical way through out the book, other characters point out these aspects of the plot and, in general, the story works.
The characters are mostly well developed and relate able. World is not well explored well at frst, but throughout the book gets more detail and back story.
The narrator, James Foster, does a great job, and does the male voices well and distinctly enough that you can tell the difference for the most part. There is only 1 female character for any amount of time, and this is done well enough.
All in all a really good book, and I was pleasantly surprised. This is the second book, by this author, that I've read. and I would definitely pick up more.
First of all, I want to start by saying that the dust jacket description of this book is wrong. Not incorrect, it is all factually accurate, but it fails (in my opinion) to convey the events of the plot. It would be like saying the original Star Wars trilogy was about a Farther meeting his estranged son and sacrificing himself to give him a better life. It's true, but not really the vibe the main plot carried.
Having said that, I was very pleased with this book. It is all very well laid out and the story progresses in a logical way, with little to deviate from the main narrative. At times I felt that things weren't being explained well enough, only to do a flash back to explain what was missing.
The plot was believable, and for a post apocalyptic book, wasn't post-apocalypticy. The main beginning of the plot revolves around emotion and fear. The military does not want a killing robot with fear, but the programmer doesn't think removing fear will make for a reliable robot.
And I have to agree on both parts. Fear, whether fear of death, fear of harm, fear of punishment, etc. is an important part of the human psyche. Removing all fear would make for a mentally unbalanced being. Having said that military forces spend a lot of training time training soldiers to deal with their emotions and to overcome them. It is unclear why they would want a robot with the ability to feel for their enemy or feel sad over the loss of a comrade.
However this is all laid out in a logical way through out the book, other characters point out these aspects of the plot and, in general, the story works.
The characters are mostly well developed and relate able. World is not well explored well at frst, but throughout the book gets more detail and back story.
The narrator, James Foster, does a great job, and does the male voices well and distinctly enough that you can tell the difference for the most part. There is only 1 female character for any amount of time, and this is done well enough.
All in all a really good book, and I was pleasantly surprised. This is the second book, by this author, that I've read. and I would definitely pick up more.
June 28, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"No war was ever won without victims."
A slightly misleading story synopsis.
Prototype D, also known as Des, is the first fully functioning robot programmed with the Soul Project created by genius programmer, Hazel. With it, the robot is given full consciousness and emotion: more than machine, he is fully alive. But the military consider the project a failure as Des can feel fear and his destruction is ordered to make way for a newer, fearless aggressor. Hazel can't bear to let him die.
Dez and Hazel are central to this story but, so too, is another, older sentient programme, created two years earlier by Hazel, and the city within which they live. It had grown in the aftermath of a world wide nuclear holocaust, it's inhabitants the descendents of the survivors, the only other known people the barbarous Outlanders who periodically assault the city walls in an attempt to murder, steal and destroy.Hazel had experienced the terror of this first hand, with the deaths of her mother and sister. In part conspiracy thriller whilst examining the ideas of what it is to be human, the overall idea is good (and the opening scenes electric), characterisation is reasonable but the story failed to properly convince. Nevertheless, it is a good read and Des is a delight. Narration by James Foster was good, his pleasant voice helping to breath life into the various protagonists as well as carry the reader forward with the text: nicely done.
My thanks to the rights holder of Prototype E who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. There will, presumably, be a following story, one I will be intrigued to read. I'm sure there are more revelations still to come beyond the political conspiracies already revealed - at least, I hope so - as well as other places to explore.
A simple, easy but thought provoking read, with a bit of excitement and a charming central character.
Recommended.
"No war was ever won without victims."
A slightly misleading story synopsis.
Prototype D, also known as Des, is the first fully functioning robot programmed with the Soul Project created by genius programmer, Hazel. With it, the robot is given full consciousness and emotion: more than machine, he is fully alive. But the military consider the project a failure as Des can feel fear and his destruction is ordered to make way for a newer, fearless aggressor. Hazel can't bear to let him die.
Dez and Hazel are central to this story but, so too, is another, older sentient programme, created two years earlier by Hazel, and the city within which they live. It had grown in the aftermath of a world wide nuclear holocaust, it's inhabitants the descendents of the survivors, the only other known people the barbarous Outlanders who periodically assault the city walls in an attempt to murder, steal and destroy.Hazel had experienced the terror of this first hand, with the deaths of her mother and sister. In part conspiracy thriller whilst examining the ideas of what it is to be human, the overall idea is good (and the opening scenes electric), characterisation is reasonable but the story failed to properly convince. Nevertheless, it is a good read and Des is a delight. Narration by James Foster was good, his pleasant voice helping to breath life into the various protagonists as well as carry the reader forward with the text: nicely done.
My thanks to the rights holder of Prototype E who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. There will, presumably, be a following story, one I will be intrigued to read. I'm sure there are more revelations still to come beyond the political conspiracies already revealed - at least, I hope so - as well as other places to explore.
A simple, easy but thought provoking read, with a bit of excitement and a charming central character.
Recommended.
December 21, 2018
Excellent dystopian novel.
This novel deserved an enthusiastic "Well done" because it draws the reader into the two opposing civilizations with equal realism. You can't feel the struggle of the Outlanders to survive in a devastated post-nuclear world. Hunger, sickness, and thirst have become their way. Mainlanders have basically taken the necessities of life to hoard as their right. But the Outlanders are willing to fight and die for a chance to partake. War is coming, but the sides are unevenly matched. Outlanders come with few weapons, desperation, and a hidden truth that could change their world. Mainlanders posses a trained army, military ordenance, and two powerful robot soldiers. The battles are exciting and detailed. The only reason I could not give this book 5 stars is because of the character Helen. Although a genius scientist, her stubbornness and emotionalism dragged the plot a bit, and interfered with continuity of action sequences. I would have had one of her acts of recklessness get her wounded to sideline her from the action of the battle. Just saying. Well worth the time spent to read.
This novel deserved an enthusiastic "Well done" because it draws the reader into the two opposing civilizations with equal realism. You can't feel the struggle of the Outlanders to survive in a devastated post-nuclear world. Hunger, sickness, and thirst have become their way. Mainlanders have basically taken the necessities of life to hoard as their right. But the Outlanders are willing to fight and die for a chance to partake. War is coming, but the sides are unevenly matched. Outlanders come with few weapons, desperation, and a hidden truth that could change their world. Mainlanders posses a trained army, military ordenance, and two powerful robot soldiers. The battles are exciting and detailed. The only reason I could not give this book 5 stars is because of the character Helen. Although a genius scientist, her stubbornness and emotionalism dragged the plot a bit, and interfered with continuity of action sequences. I would have had one of her acts of recklessness get her wounded to sideline her from the action of the battle. Just saying. Well worth the time spent to read.
March 11, 2019
You never know what you're going to get with a Kindle freebie, so I didn't have high expectations when I picked this one out of my cloud library. The same will not be said for book #2 when I get around to reading it. This was very well written. It had an interesting premise, compelling characters, and a fast-paced plot.
Des, who is more formally known as Prototype D, is a new type of artificial intelligence that is programmed to experience an extensive emotional range. When these emotions interfere with the military's expectations of his battlefield performance, he find himself scheduled for demolition with only his creator standing between him and nothingness.
As Des and Hazel try to ensure Des's continued existence, tensions between the Mainlanders and the Outlanders are on the rise. Determined to reveal state secrets, spies have infiltrated the Mainlander organizations and are determined to expose the ugly truth the government has been hiding from its citizens. Drawn into the web of political intrigue, Des and Hazel must choose sides, pitting them against friends and foes alike.
Des, who is more formally known as Prototype D, is a new type of artificial intelligence that is programmed to experience an extensive emotional range. When these emotions interfere with the military's expectations of his battlefield performance, he find himself scheduled for demolition with only his creator standing between him and nothingness.
As Des and Hazel try to ensure Des's continued existence, tensions between the Mainlanders and the Outlanders are on the rise. Determined to reveal state secrets, spies have infiltrated the Mainlander organizations and are determined to expose the ugly truth the government has been hiding from its citizens. Drawn into the web of political intrigue, Des and Hazel must choose sides, pitting them against friends and foes alike.
July 30, 2019
The reviews and the price tricked me into trying this book. Normally love sci-fi, but this was the most utterly predictable book I've read in a long time. Don't waste your time.
++SPOILERS BELOW++
The book was way too predictable. The eventual destruction of Esroy due to his lack of fear was telegraphed from the moment the idea was initially brought up - making the outcome of the big battle between Des and Esroy pathetic. There were two hints the book might actually have a twist and that kept me reading. The first was the fact that no one in the Outlanders knew who their 3 leaders were and the second was that the Mainlanders' leaders were planning to trick the Outlanders into mounting a big attack so they would have a chance to retaliate. But nothing at all became of them, we never got a hint about who the Outlanders' leaders were, and nothing at all that wasn't telegraphed from the very beginning of the book happened. Basically the entire plot is in the Goodread's book description. If you've read that, there's no reason to pick up this book at all.
++SPOILERS BELOW++
The book was way too predictable. The eventual destruction of Esroy due to his lack of fear was telegraphed from the moment the idea was initially brought up - making the outcome of the big battle between Des and Esroy pathetic. There were two hints the book might actually have a twist and that kept me reading. The first was the fact that no one in the Outlanders knew who their 3 leaders were and the second was that the Mainlanders' leaders were planning to trick the Outlanders into mounting a big attack so they would have a chance to retaliate. But nothing at all became of them, we never got a hint about who the Outlanders' leaders were, and nothing at all that wasn't telegraphed from the very beginning of the book happened. Basically the entire plot is in the Goodread's book description. If you've read that, there's no reason to pick up this book at all.
April 15, 2025
Kindle read, which I normally only rate rather than review. I'm jumping in today to say I enjoyed the story and would like to read the sequel (the sample had me turning pages), but I've taken off a point because some more editing would have been good. An example is the continuous use of the word "shined" instead of "shone". Is that some kind of bad grammar that's acceptable in the USA?
I also have my doubts on the distance required for safety from a nuclear detonation, which you'd think could be researched easily enough.
There are a few other things too, but I otherwise did like the premise, and the mostly exciting plot.
I also want to know how Des gets on from where I left him in the sample chapters of the sequel, so it definitely had enough to hold my interest despite the tightening of the story that a good editor might have provided.
I also have my doubts on the distance required for safety from a nuclear detonation, which you'd think could be researched easily enough.
There are a few other things too, but I otherwise did like the premise, and the mostly exciting plot.
I also want to know how Des gets on from where I left him in the sample chapters of the sequel, so it definitely had enough to hold my interest despite the tightening of the story that a good editor might have provided.
August 30, 2017
An interesting premise
I started Prototype D with mixed expectations. It sounded like an interesting premise. But also sounded like such a different type of story I wondered if Jason D. Morrow could pull it off. After finishing the book, my opinion is that he did accomplish telling a good story within the world he created. There were some slow parts of the book while areas of the world were explained. But that was required in order to help the reader feel invested in the story. And my expectation is that this will not be a problem in the next book of the series now that the reader understands what caused the world of Prototype D to be the way it is. If you enjoy reading science fiction, you will like this book.
I started Prototype D with mixed expectations. It sounded like an interesting premise. But also sounded like such a different type of story I wondered if Jason D. Morrow could pull it off. After finishing the book, my opinion is that he did accomplish telling a good story within the world he created. There were some slow parts of the book while areas of the world were explained. But that was required in order to help the reader feel invested in the story. And my expectation is that this will not be a problem in the next book of the series now that the reader understands what caused the world of Prototype D to be the way it is. If you enjoy reading science fiction, you will like this book.
May 19, 2017
For me, this book was a pleasant surprise, considering the price-segment it is in. It's fast paced, well-written, the world is well developed, even if small so far. Honestly, I think the book could use more intrigue. It's very straight-forward - good guys, bad guys, action, the story unfolds, the end. But I liked the world-building and I think it has a lot of potential. I also liked that the story ends sufficiently well at the end of the book. It's not hard core sci fi and some of the ideas on consciousness and programming are a bit naive, but apart from that, it is plausible enough.
June 6, 2020
The humans are separated into the Mainlanders and the Outlanders. Not quite a case of haves and have nots cos the Mainlanders don't have everything they just - just more than the Outlanders.
The government of Mainlanders have been trialling robots with emotions to have a final push to wipe out the Outlanders.
I'm not sure why emotion was deemed an essential starting point (robots weren't in use). Fear (or lack of) was deemed the most important emotion for the soldier.
It was an interesting version of relationships.
The government of Mainlanders have been trialling robots with emotions to have a final push to wipe out the Outlanders.
I'm not sure why emotion was deemed an essential starting point (robots weren't in use). Fear (or lack of) was deemed the most important emotion for the soldier.
It was an interesting version of relationships.
December 13, 2022
Loved the story a twist on the classic robot gone bad and Hazel comes across really well as the Prototype programer identifying with her first entity Esroy but unable to fufill his wish to be free to roam and then the introduction of Des - a robot with Soul and who becomes aware of how the military wish to use him in their plan to destroy the people they call 'Outlanders. So we have Hazel torn between a life and world she knows and a dangerous life and precarious world on the edge of extinction if her Mainland leaders take control of her Soul program. Great read.
May 16, 2019
It started out great, and the middle was okay, but the ending was deeply unsatisfying. To have a good ending the robots need to have a means of reproduction within their control, anything else is just like who cares about meat sacks.
Also there is a glaring plot hole in the end, it is just depressing.
Also there is a glaring plot hole in the end, it is just depressing.
August 2, 2019
Movie worthy
Well that was fun! I did see a huge twist that wasn’t employed- but that didn’t make it better or worse. This is a fun read for fans of iRobot and the likes. All of this is possible and foreseeable - nothing too far out there. Good character construct and ample action without being too technical but no gaps either.
Enjoy!
Well that was fun! I did see a huge twist that wasn’t employed- but that didn’t make it better or worse. This is a fun read for fans of iRobot and the likes. All of this is possible and foreseeable - nothing too far out there. Good character construct and ample action without being too technical but no gaps either.
Enjoy!
November 15, 2019
Another great read from this author, though more into the dystopian genre rather than zombies.
It's a well-written and intelligent story about the corruption of the ruling class (as in reality), lies and the search for truth and survival in a harsh world.
The idea of the AI robot was fascinating and as the emotions and logic combined, even more so.
Onto book two...
Highly recommended.
It's a well-written and intelligent story about the corruption of the ruling class (as in reality), lies and the search for truth and survival in a harsh world.
The idea of the AI robot was fascinating and as the emotions and logic combined, even more so.
Onto book two...
Highly recommended.
February 10, 2018
Asimov be damned
Robots with feelings and countries that lie. One is unrealistic and one is all too real. The author represents the idea that post apocalyptic lives will and won’t be the same as now. I couldn’t buy into the story and it was a struggle to finish.
Robots with feelings and countries that lie. One is unrealistic and one is all too real. The author represents the idea that post apocalyptic lives will and won’t be the same as now. I couldn’t buy into the story and it was a struggle to finish.
February 22, 2019
I Robot
In a post nuclear world the people are scarce and still full of hatred of the unmet enemy class. In a great commentary on our current civilization life is saved by a mechanical creation
In a post nuclear world the people are scarce and still full of hatred of the unmet enemy class. In a great commentary on our current civilization life is saved by a mechanical creation
April 7, 2019
Loved it!
A truly fantastic story, with depth and meaning, AND plenty of action. The characters were engaging and well rendered, and the personalities of the robots even more so. I really enjoyed this book.
A truly fantastic story, with depth and meaning, AND plenty of action. The characters were engaging and well rendered, and the personalities of the robots even more so. I really enjoyed this book.
May 4, 2019
Interesting
A great book with believable characters and story line. A look at the future after nuclear holocaust with power hungry leaders still deceiving you. Add in a couple of prototype robots and you have a very enjoyable reading as you watch the plot unfold
A great book with believable characters and story line. A look at the future after nuclear holocaust with power hungry leaders still deceiving you. Add in a couple of prototype robots and you have a very enjoyable reading as you watch the plot unfold
June 25, 2019
Good Sci-fi read. Des reminded me of Sunny from I Robot. The whole mantra of “humans are machines too” and that these programs had souls in them thus they are as much human as a born individual is...felt like the author was trying to push an agenda. But otherwise the storyline was good.
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