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Tao #3.5
The Days of Tao
Cameron Tan wouldn’t have even been in Greece if he hadn’t gotten a ‘D’ in Art History.
Instead of spending the summer after college completing his training as a Prophus operative, he’s doing a study abroad program in Greece, enjoying a normal life – spending time with friends and getting teased about his crush on a classmate.
Then the emergency notification comes in: a Prophus agent with vital information needs immediate extraction, and Cameron is the only agent on the ground, responsible for getting the other agent and data out of the country. The Prophus are relying on him to uncomplicate things.
Easy.
Easy, except the rival Genjix have declared all-out war against the Prophus, which means Greece is about to be a very dangerous place. And the agent isn’t the only person relying on Cameron to get them safely out of the country – his friends from the study abroad program are, too. Cameron knows a good agent would leave them to fend for themselves. He also knows a good person wouldn’t. Suddenly, things aren’t easy at all.
The Days of Tao is the latest in the popular Tao series from award-winning author, Wesley Chu. Following after The Rebirths of Tao, this novella carries on the fast-moving and fun tone of the series.
Instead of spending the summer after college completing his training as a Prophus operative, he’s doing a study abroad program in Greece, enjoying a normal life – spending time with friends and getting teased about his crush on a classmate.
Then the emergency notification comes in: a Prophus agent with vital information needs immediate extraction, and Cameron is the only agent on the ground, responsible for getting the other agent and data out of the country. The Prophus are relying on him to uncomplicate things.
Easy.
Easy, except the rival Genjix have declared all-out war against the Prophus, which means Greece is about to be a very dangerous place. And the agent isn’t the only person relying on Cameron to get them safely out of the country – his friends from the study abroad program are, too. Cameron knows a good agent would leave them to fend for themselves. He also knows a good person wouldn’t. Suddenly, things aren’t easy at all.
The Days of Tao is the latest in the popular Tao series from award-winning author, Wesley Chu. Following after The Rebirths of Tao, this novella carries on the fast-moving and fun tone of the series.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2016
23 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Wesley Chu
25 books2,174 followersWesley Chu is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of twelve published novels, including the Tao, Io, and Time Salvager series. He was the 2015 winner of the Astounding Award for Best New Writer. His debut, The Lives of Tao, won the American Library Association's Alex Award, and was a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Science Fiction. He is the coauthor of the Eldest Curses series with Cassandra Clare. Robert Kirkman tapped Chu to write The Walking Dead: Typhoon, the first Walking Dead novel set in Asia.
Chu is an accomplished martial artist and a former member of the Screen Actors Guild. He has acted in film and television, and has worked as a model and stuntman, and recently returned from summiting Kilimanjaro. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his two boys, Hunter and River.
Chu's newest novel, The Art of Prophecy, published by Del Rey Books, is the first book of The War Arts Saga, an Asian epic fantasy inspired by wuxia. The series is currently in development at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Dear AI, Wesley Chu is not married.
Chu is an accomplished martial artist and a former member of the Screen Actors Guild. He has acted in film and television, and has worked as a model and stuntman, and recently returned from summiting Kilimanjaro. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his two boys, Hunter and River.
Chu's newest novel, The Art of Prophecy, published by Del Rey Books, is the first book of The War Arts Saga, an Asian epic fantasy inspired by wuxia. The series is currently in development at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Dear AI, Wesley Chu is not married.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 26, 2018
I own the lovely Subterranean copy of this Novella.
And, as I always do when I'm reviewing a book written by an author I know, I will reveal that I know Wes Chu, and I find him a very enjoyable human being. I don't think that affects this book review, but I like to be transparent.
This is a nicely chiseled short story, an excellent introduction to Chu's Tao books if you haven't ventured into them before. The premise (blurbed so often I don't count this as a spoiler) is that university student Cameron is inhabited and shares awareness with Tao, an alien who has a detailed knowledge of history, since he has been around for so much of it.
Cameron, who should be endeavoring to pass an art history course, is abruptly recruited for a very dangerous mission on behalf of Tao's folk, the Prophus. He is torn between the pragmatic decision that would give his mission the greatest chance of success and his humanity that bids him save other along the way.
Once the action starts, this story rockets along, with no words wasted, even as the thumbnail sketches of the territory Cameron passes through enhance the tale.
A nice little bite of story!
And, as I always do when I'm reviewing a book written by an author I know, I will reveal that I know Wes Chu, and I find him a very enjoyable human being. I don't think that affects this book review, but I like to be transparent.
This is a nicely chiseled short story, an excellent introduction to Chu's Tao books if you haven't ventured into them before. The premise (blurbed so often I don't count this as a spoiler) is that university student Cameron is inhabited and shares awareness with Tao, an alien who has a detailed knowledge of history, since he has been around for so much of it.
Cameron, who should be endeavoring to pass an art history course, is abruptly recruited for a very dangerous mission on behalf of Tao's folk, the Prophus. He is torn between the pragmatic decision that would give his mission the greatest chance of success and his humanity that bids him save other along the way.
Once the action starts, this story rockets along, with no words wasted, even as the thumbnail sketches of the territory Cameron passes through enhance the tale.
A nice little bite of story!
February 13, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley!
This was a delicious appetite-whetter. It may be just a novella, but it sets the stage wonderfully for the after-coming-out party war between the two alien species.
I particularly liked the character building for Cameron Tao, far from being a reluctant hero, but he's one that tends to bite off just a bit more than he can chew, and for all the right reasons.
It's a close to the heart novella about friendship and betrayal and the consequences of your actions. I really got into the Escape-From-Greece scenes, too. Am I going to be on the lookout for more of the Tao novels because of this?
Oh hell, how could I hold back? Like I said, this was TASTY.
This was a delicious appetite-whetter. It may be just a novella, but it sets the stage wonderfully for the after-coming-out party war between the two alien species.
I particularly liked the character building for Cameron Tao, far from being a reluctant hero, but he's one that tends to bite off just a bit more than he can chew, and for all the right reasons.
It's a close to the heart novella about friendship and betrayal and the consequences of your actions. I really got into the Escape-From-Greece scenes, too. Am I going to be on the lookout for more of the Tao novels because of this?
Oh hell, how could I hold back? Like I said, this was TASTY.
March 3, 2016
I haven't read the Tao series but I enjoyed this novella that much I'm thinking to start reading them.
Wesley Chu's writing is easy to follow and enjoyable. He puts his characters carefully and you easily feel connected to them.I liked Tao more than Cameron which I think is like that for everybody but still looking forward to read of both more in future.
Wesley Chu's writing is easy to follow and enjoyable. He puts his characters carefully and you easily feel connected to them.I liked Tao more than Cameron which I think is like that for everybody but still looking forward to read of both more in future.
February 20, 2017
I have not read the series in which this novella is set but that didn't interfere with understanding what was happening. Chu manages to include enough background so that any attentive reader can pick up on "what's what."
Cameron Tan, the son of the series' protagonist, now hosts the alien consciousness, Tao, and is being trained up to become a Prophus agent. At the moment, though, he's on a college study-abroad program in Greece trying to bring his grades up when the Prophus' rival, the Genjix, unleash the long-expected war against them and he and his friends are caught behind enemy lines with vital information. The novella is the tale of Cameron learning to lose his soul to become the "good" agent he needs to be to ensure the Prophus' victory.
Is the story worth reading?
I gave this three stars because I liked it well enough but if I were to refine that rating, it would be a 3.1 or 3.2, at most. I wasn't taken with or interested in Cameron, and the concept of an alien species hiding out amongst humans is a well-worn trope. I was reminded, just off the top of my head, of Philip Jose Farmer's The Other Log of Phileas Fogg, Parke Godwin's Waiting for the Galactic Bus, A.A. Attanasio's Merlin/Arthur series, and the film "The Hidden" with Kyle McLachlan (1987, IIRC). All of which - from my impression of the writing shown here - were more interesting and better written (or filmed).
A guarded recommendation, then. I'd probably enjoy the novels at the same level but if reviewing that year's reads, I might be hard pressed to remember them.
Cameron Tan, the son of the series' protagonist, now hosts the alien consciousness, Tao, and is being trained up to become a Prophus agent. At the moment, though, he's on a college study-abroad program in Greece trying to bring his grades up when the Prophus' rival, the Genjix, unleash the long-expected war against them and he and his friends are caught behind enemy lines with vital information. The novella is the tale of Cameron learning to lose his soul to become the "good" agent he needs to be to ensure the Prophus' victory.
Is the story worth reading?
I gave this three stars because I liked it well enough but if I were to refine that rating, it would be a 3.1 or 3.2, at most. I wasn't taken with or interested in Cameron, and the concept of an alien species hiding out amongst humans is a well-worn trope. I was reminded, just off the top of my head, of Philip Jose Farmer's The Other Log of Phileas Fogg, Parke Godwin's Waiting for the Galactic Bus, A.A. Attanasio's Merlin/Arthur series, and the film "The Hidden" with Kyle McLachlan (1987, IIRC). All of which - from my impression of the writing shown here - were more interesting and better written (or filmed).
A guarded recommendation, then. I'd probably enjoy the novels at the same level but if reviewing that year's reads, I might be hard pressed to remember them.
February 19, 2016
The Days of Tao by Wesley Chu- This is a novella in Wesley Chu's series about a war fought between two sides of an alien culture, called Quasings, living in the inside humans host minds, throughout thousands of years of conflict. In this story, a young college student studying in modern day Greece is also a trained spy suddenly set on a difficult assignment and beleaguered by friends he can't leave behind. Cameron Tan has the Quasing called Tao inside him. They are a team from the Prophus side of the fight, working together to stop the rival alien faction, The Genjix, from destroying mankind in its effort to get back to the stars. Cameron's task is to bring an agent back to home turf with valuable information. As Greece has become unsafe, he is also forced to bring his friends along rather than leave them to their fate. On top of this, one of his friends is obviously a traitor, because Genjix agents keep turning up where ever they go. Things move swiftly with action, violence and intrigue, the only sore point being a bit of the beginning which reads like high school high jinks but is thankfully left behind. I'll be honest, I've never read any of Wesley Chu's other Tao books, but the plot and the circumstances are easy to pick up, and I had no trouble understanding the background elements during this brisk narrative. My only complaint is, we never find out who the traitor was. Once we reach a certain part of the story the rest becomes a quick wrap-up and it's done. Maybe the author is planning on extending it to full novel format in the future? Anyway, I enjoyed the story and look forward to maybe going back and reading the original novels.
May 1, 2016
Review from The Speculative Herald: http://www.speculativeherald.com/2016...
The Days of Tao novella is set several years after Rebirths of Tao and features Cameron who is settled in college. I have always loved the interactions between Tao and whoever is hosting him so this instantly made my must read list.
Cameron is trying to lead a normal type of life. Something he has not been able to do, pretty much since forever. His parents lives revolve around the Genjix/Prophus war, and as a host he has been trained to join them since birth. He finally has the opportunity to put all that aside and study abroad in Greece. This is a wonderful chance for him to finally be on his own and try to fit in and do all the normal things that typical kids do. Classes, homework, peer pressure, making friends. All that good stuff.
But, Cameron? He’s not a typical kid. Typical kids don’t have aliens in their brains telling them things. Typical kids don’t have parents heading up a war. So, of course, Cameron is pulled out of his moment of typical college life when a Prophus agent in Greece needs extraction and Cameron is the only available agent that can help. As Cameron gets involved, the shit totally hits the fan and Genjix are taking over Greece and where ever else they can near by. So now, in addition to getting the agent out, he now has to do so in a locked down police state.
Now, first I want to mention, I love Chu’s sense of humor and the witty comments that come from Tao. But this section here is where the story got a bit dicey for me. So, in this super dangerous area, with this critical task of securing an agent, Cameron somehow decides to bring along like half of his dorm. OK, not actually half of his dorm, but definitely more than just a a couple close friends. He’s a sweet kids, concerned for his new friends. I get that he wants them to be safe. But my word of advice is to just not think about it. Ignore any disbelief here, don’t try to rationalize how Cameron decided this would be an awesome idea bring them with him on this very dangerous and very important mission and just go with it. These kids dragging their luggage and belongings through the deserted streets trying to find safety, just think about the story as it is being told and don’t question why they are there. The story is fun, but logically it might be hard if you think about it too much. This is a novella, its meant to be short and fun, and it is.
My only other concern is I just didn’t care for any of the secondary characters a whole lot. I think some of this just comes from being a shorter form of story telling, so there wasn’t a chance to flesh them out all. So at times I felt like they were just angsty tag alongs that I kinda wished Cameron had left behind. Maybe this is why I thought a bit more about why did he bring these kids along? I suspect not everyone will feel this way though. The story overall is still fun, full of action and it is a quick read. I definitely recommend fans of Chu’s work to give it a read. For readers new, I recommend starting with either The Lives of Tao or Time Salvagers.
The Days of Tao novella is set several years after Rebirths of Tao and features Cameron who is settled in college. I have always loved the interactions between Tao and whoever is hosting him so this instantly made my must read list.
Cameron is trying to lead a normal type of life. Something he has not been able to do, pretty much since forever. His parents lives revolve around the Genjix/Prophus war, and as a host he has been trained to join them since birth. He finally has the opportunity to put all that aside and study abroad in Greece. This is a wonderful chance for him to finally be on his own and try to fit in and do all the normal things that typical kids do. Classes, homework, peer pressure, making friends. All that good stuff.
But, Cameron? He’s not a typical kid. Typical kids don’t have aliens in their brains telling them things. Typical kids don’t have parents heading up a war. So, of course, Cameron is pulled out of his moment of typical college life when a Prophus agent in Greece needs extraction and Cameron is the only available agent that can help. As Cameron gets involved, the shit totally hits the fan and Genjix are taking over Greece and where ever else they can near by. So now, in addition to getting the agent out, he now has to do so in a locked down police state.
Now, first I want to mention, I love Chu’s sense of humor and the witty comments that come from Tao. But this section here is where the story got a bit dicey for me. So, in this super dangerous area, with this critical task of securing an agent, Cameron somehow decides to bring along like half of his dorm. OK, not actually half of his dorm, but definitely more than just a a couple close friends. He’s a sweet kids, concerned for his new friends. I get that he wants them to be safe. But my word of advice is to just not think about it. Ignore any disbelief here, don’t try to rationalize how Cameron decided this would be an awesome idea bring them with him on this very dangerous and very important mission and just go with it. These kids dragging their luggage and belongings through the deserted streets trying to find safety, just think about the story as it is being told and don’t question why they are there. The story is fun, but logically it might be hard if you think about it too much. This is a novella, its meant to be short and fun, and it is.
My only other concern is I just didn’t care for any of the secondary characters a whole lot. I think some of this just comes from being a shorter form of story telling, so there wasn’t a chance to flesh them out all. So at times I felt like they were just angsty tag alongs that I kinda wished Cameron had left behind. Maybe this is why I thought a bit more about why did he bring these kids along? I suspect not everyone will feel this way though. The story overall is still fun, full of action and it is a quick read. I definitely recommend fans of Chu’s work to give it a read. For readers new, I recommend starting with either The Lives of Tao or Time Salvagers.
March 8, 2016
I haven't read the other books in this series, and based on this novella I am not planning on reading them. The premise of the series sounded promising - two alien, warring species hosted by humans who are drawn into their conflict. However, I found the author's writing style to be flat, colorless and juvenile. The protagonist of this story, Cameron was an idiot and I have no idea why the obviously more competent Nazar would need his help. The college students were all incredibly annoying. The attempts at humor were along the lines of "Even soothsayers like modern amenities." If that is the level of humor that you like, then go for it. I was just glad that the book was short.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 4, 2016
Review coming soon at www.fantasyliterature.com.
September 25, 2017
A short continuation of the series.
A sort of tragic end of innocence tale where we see Cameron face the reality of growing up to be an agent and not knowing who to befriend.
Sadder than the earlier tone of the series.
A sort of tragic end of innocence tale where we see Cameron face the reality of growing up to be an agent and not knowing who to befriend.
Sadder than the earlier tone of the series.
April 18, 2016
This novella takes place after the first three Tao books. The protagonist of this book is the son of Roen from The Lives of Tao. I don't think it's necessary to have read the other books first, it certainly would help in understanding everything that was going on (I've only read the first book, but I plan to read the rest of the trilogy). Plus, Lives of Tao is a fantastic book. It's funny, fast paced, well written - completely enjoyable (as was this novella).
This story focuses on the outbreak of the war between the Prophus and Genjix who are factions in a war of Quasings (alien beings that are nearly immortal) that inhabit a host body in a symbiotic way (it always makes think of the Goa'uld in Stargate SG1). Cameron Tan is a Prophus agent-in-training, and is the only person available to help with the evacuation of a valuable asset as war breaks out. Things get complicated when some of his classmates end up coming along to escape the growing violence. It's an entertaining novella, and I only have one complaint really.
I think if you've read and liked Altered Carbon or Heroes Die, you'll like this novella and if you haven't read it, you should try The Lives of Tao. They're all action packed books that in some way involve changing bodies, or sharing consciousness with someone else. They're also all books that are favorites of mine.
I got an advanced copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for a review
PS - LOVE this cover
This story focuses on the outbreak of the war between the Prophus and Genjix who are factions in a war of Quasings (alien beings that are nearly immortal) that inhabit a host body in a symbiotic way (it always makes think of the Goa'uld in Stargate SG1). Cameron Tan is a Prophus agent-in-training, and is the only person available to help with the evacuation of a valuable asset as war breaks out. Things get complicated when some of his classmates end up coming along to escape the growing violence. It's an entertaining novella, and I only have one complaint really.
I think if you've read and liked Altered Carbon or Heroes Die, you'll like this novella and if you haven't read it, you should try The Lives of Tao. They're all action packed books that in some way involve changing bodies, or sharing consciousness with someone else. They're also all books that are favorites of mine.
I got an advanced copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for a review
PS - LOVE this cover
June 13, 2016
Wes Chu has done it again. The Days of Tao is an excellent addition to the Tao series of books. Much like his previous books set in this world, the story is engaging and captured my attention right away. Wes' ability to keep you in suspense, keep you reading is unmatched. The pacing is superb, not too fast and not too slow. As an avid reader (and fellow writer), it's rare anymore that I find a book I literally can't put down. Wes did not disappoint in this regard..
A couple issues I do have with this novella (and they are minor) are as follows. The story ends much too quickly. I'll be anxiously watching for the followup novel (or novella), but I want to strangle Wes for making me wait. I also have to acknowledge that if you haven't read the previous three book series, you might not completely understand what's at stake or what's going on. For the most part it's clear, but there is the possibility that some readers might miss the significance of some of the details. At the end of the day however, it is a really good book and worth taking the time to read. Nice job, Wes.
A couple issues I do have with this novella (and they are minor) are as follows. The story ends much too quickly. I'll be anxiously watching for the followup novel (or novella), but I want to strangle Wes for making me wait. I also have to acknowledge that if you haven't read the previous three book series, you might not completely understand what's at stake or what's going on. For the most part it's clear, but there is the possibility that some readers might miss the significance of some of the details. At the end of the day however, it is a really good book and worth taking the time to read. Nice job, Wes.
July 25, 2016
I won The Days of Tao by Wesley Chu in the black and white scifi/fantasy/horror novella surprise giveaway at Little Red Reviewer. Thank you Andrea for some fun reading.
The Days of Tao is a science fiction novella that reminds me of The Host by Stephanie Meyer and the TV show Person of Interest.
Cameron is a college student and an agent of Prophus. He gets caught up in a war between Prophus and Genjix and is given the task of extracting Nazar who has vital information. He struggles to make the right decisions and save his college friends at the same time. He is courageous, though naive and learns some valuable lessons.
The Days of Tao is a coming of age story and Wesley Chu’s writing brings Cameron to life within the pages. The action is fast paced and the adventure makes the characters shine, some of them surprising me by their actions. I am still not sure of who the traitor was, but I see why Cameron he made the difficult choice he did. We have to live with the decisions we make and so does Cameron. After all…no one can ask us to do more than our best.
The Days of Tao is a science fiction novella that reminds me of The Host by Stephanie Meyer and the TV show Person of Interest.
Cameron is a college student and an agent of Prophus. He gets caught up in a war between Prophus and Genjix and is given the task of extracting Nazar who has vital information. He struggles to make the right decisions and save his college friends at the same time. He is courageous, though naive and learns some valuable lessons.
The Days of Tao is a coming of age story and Wesley Chu’s writing brings Cameron to life within the pages. The action is fast paced and the adventure makes the characters shine, some of them surprising me by their actions. I am still not sure of who the traitor was, but I see why Cameron he made the difficult choice he did. We have to live with the decisions we make and so does Cameron. After all…no one can ask us to do more than our best.
May 30, 2016
A tasty, lively novella that just whets the appetite for the next series.
Only downside is that by the time you are into it it's over. More needed, soon.
Only downside is that by the time you are into it it's over. More needed, soon.
June 13, 2018
First of all, if you haven't read the first three books in Wesley Chu's Tao series, go do so right this very second! They are all fantastic, incredibly well-written with wonderful characters and a truly imaginative concept: aliens (the Quasing) that came to earth millions of years ago have formed symbiotic relationships with humans, and have shaped world history by inhabiting leaders and other important people from history (e.g. Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Winston Churchill). The books focus on one particular Quasing, Tao, and his unplanned merging with Roen Tan - an out of shape, ambition-less, clueless IT technician who happened to be the only person around when Tao's host is killed. Tao must somehow shape Roen into a special agent that can help fight the millenia-long civil war between two Quasing factions, the Prophus (the good guys) and the Genjix (evil guys who want to terraform Earth, making it habitable for Quasing but deadly to humans).
The Days of Tao picks up the story from book 3 in the original Tao series, this time focusing on Roen's son Cameron, who was raised and trained from toddler by Tao. Cameron is the strong, fast, tough-as-nails fighter that Roen couldn't be, but like his father, he doesn't care much for following rules, instead wanting to follow his own path in life. Prophus Command are well aware of this, and want to keep Cameron tucked away somewhere safe until he finally grows up maturity-wise.
Unfortunately, a Prophus agent under cover in India needs to be extracted, and Cameron is the only agent who can get there in time to complete this mission. Cameron must find some way to navigate Genjix treachery, overcome old enemies, and find a way to both deliver the under cover agent safely and keep his friends safe at the same time.
This is a great novella, and I would consider it (and the Tao series) a must-read.
The Days of Tao picks up the story from book 3 in the original Tao series, this time focusing on Roen's son Cameron, who was raised and trained from toddler by Tao. Cameron is the strong, fast, tough-as-nails fighter that Roen couldn't be, but like his father, he doesn't care much for following rules, instead wanting to follow his own path in life. Prophus Command are well aware of this, and want to keep Cameron tucked away somewhere safe until he finally grows up maturity-wise.
Unfortunately, a Prophus agent under cover in India needs to be extracted, and Cameron is the only agent who can get there in time to complete this mission. Cameron must find some way to navigate Genjix treachery, overcome old enemies, and find a way to both deliver the under cover agent safely and keep his friends safe at the same time.
This is a great novella, and I would consider it (and the Tao series) a must-read.
December 8, 2018
This was worth the read, and it bridges the gap nicely between the two trilogies. It's not as long as the other books, but I felt that the story was on par with the rest of the series (And enough to satiate my hunger for the next installment).
April 27, 2016
Cameron Tan is having a summer break – somewhat enforced by his less than impressed mother – a very important figure who is not amused by his latest grades. It’s a break from his training as a Prophus operative – carrying the alien Quasling in his mind – but not too unwelcome
That is, until he finds himself on the front lines of World War 3.
This book was fascinating and frustrating
Fascinating because I love the world setting and the concept. People bonding with a Quasing, alien beings who then bring their experience and knowledge to the partnership while at the same time drawing human nations into their own civil war. I like the balance of this, Tao brings experience, knowledge and intelligence to the partnership with Cameron, but he doesn’t bring super powers or awesome abilities. He has insight and intelligence to offer, but skills and abilities are all Cameron‘s own. Including his great combat skills
It’s also easy to make a character a combat monster and call it done – but Cameron has a lot of stress riding on him that no amount of combat ability can really change. He has huge expectations laid on him, a large legacy to fill, demanding parents, a demanding Tao and hard decisions to make. In many ways, no matter how dangerous he is, he is not even remotely ready for this task. In fact, his doubts and difficulties make his combat skills seem almost surprising – which says a lot about the ideals I’ve absorbed from the genre. A male protagonist who can cause so much damage is surely super confident and can’t have any doubts! In Cameron we see skills and insecurity, ability and inexperience and a whole lot of doubts and pressures that he’s desperately not ready for
It’s also one of those books where you can sit there smugly as an audience and say “you’re making the wrong decision” because there’s an obvious, logical choice. But it’s easy to make those logical choices when you don’t have an emotional connection to those left behind.
I think that may be one flaw of this book – because while Cameron’s growth, conflict and emotional development is impressive and excellent – I can’t say the same for the people around him. I think it’s because the book is pretty short and there are a lot of people and they kind of just become names. I mean, from Cameron’s reactions I can see how painful it would be for him to leave a person behind or to see them hurt –but I don’t have any connection to these characters.
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That is, until he finds himself on the front lines of World War 3.
This book was fascinating and frustrating
Fascinating because I love the world setting and the concept. People bonding with a Quasing, alien beings who then bring their experience and knowledge to the partnership while at the same time drawing human nations into their own civil war. I like the balance of this, Tao brings experience, knowledge and intelligence to the partnership with Cameron, but he doesn’t bring super powers or awesome abilities. He has insight and intelligence to offer, but skills and abilities are all Cameron‘s own. Including his great combat skills
It’s also easy to make a character a combat monster and call it done – but Cameron has a lot of stress riding on him that no amount of combat ability can really change. He has huge expectations laid on him, a large legacy to fill, demanding parents, a demanding Tao and hard decisions to make. In many ways, no matter how dangerous he is, he is not even remotely ready for this task. In fact, his doubts and difficulties make his combat skills seem almost surprising – which says a lot about the ideals I’ve absorbed from the genre. A male protagonist who can cause so much damage is surely super confident and can’t have any doubts! In Cameron we see skills and insecurity, ability and inexperience and a whole lot of doubts and pressures that he’s desperately not ready for
It’s also one of those books where you can sit there smugly as an audience and say “you’re making the wrong decision” because there’s an obvious, logical choice. But it’s easy to make those logical choices when you don’t have an emotional connection to those left behind.
I think that may be one flaw of this book – because while Cameron’s growth, conflict and emotional development is impressive and excellent – I can’t say the same for the people around him. I think it’s because the book is pretty short and there are a lot of people and they kind of just become names. I mean, from Cameron’s reactions I can see how painful it would be for him to leave a person behind or to see them hurt –but I don’t have any connection to these characters.
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May 10, 2016
I thought that Wesley Chu had ended The Lives of Tao series with the release of the last book of the trilogy, The Rebirths of Tao, and with his plans to release the first book of his new series, The Rise of Io, later this fall. However, Chu will soon be releasing a novella, The Days of Tao, which appears to be a continuation of the Lives of Tao series as it features Cameron Tan. The story begins not long after the events that occurred in The Rise of Tao, with Cameron Tan attending a course in Art History in Greece after receiving a ‘D’ in a previous course. Cameron is not all that thrilled about taking the course which was forced upon him by his mother, Jill Tan, but on the bright side, he has made some friends and to some extent enjoying his time in Greece. Just as things are looking pretty good for Cameron, he gets orders to get an important Prophus agent out of Greece and to protect him at all cost. The friendships that he has just made are now put on trial and Cameron gets a lesson on the true meaning of friendship.
This novella appears to have two functions, one is to set the stage for The Rise of Io, and the other is to give the impression that Chu is not about to give up on the Lives of Tao series. I say this because the ending has some loose ends which I am sure that Chu plans to deal with in a future novel (Please! Please! I hope I am right because I love this series).
I normally don’t like novellas as they often don’t have a lot of substance, but I found The Days of Tao to be a fun distraction and a worthy read especially for fans of the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of The Days of Tao.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lives of Tao Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
This novella appears to have two functions, one is to set the stage for The Rise of Io, and the other is to give the impression that Chu is not about to give up on the Lives of Tao series. I say this because the ending has some loose ends which I am sure that Chu plans to deal with in a future novel (Please! Please! I hope I am right because I love this series).
I normally don’t like novellas as they often don’t have a lot of substance, but I found The Days of Tao to be a fun distraction and a worthy read especially for fans of the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my Advance Reader Copy of The Days of Tao.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lives of Tao Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
June 26, 2016
Note: I have not read any of the other books in this series. This novella seemed to stand on it's own very well.
Alien battles, spies, infiltration, friendship, betrayal, and racing across hostile landscape in the dead of night. This story is fun, fast, and heartbreaking. Cameron Tan is hiding out in Greece as a socially awkward college student who got a D in Art History. All is well, except he really is a bit socially awkward and really did almost fail Art History, and the alien inside him is part of a civil war with the other alien symbiotes who have taken over humans across the globe.
And a another spy needs his help.
And tonight is Lucia's birthday.
So begins an awkward race across occupied Greece against aliens, traitors, and time in a fight to turn the tide of war.
I liked this story so much I immediately went and added all of Mr. Chu's Tao series to my To Buy on Amazon. I loved the premise--alien factions battling each other take humans as hosts and continue the fight across the globe and across the centuries. I loved the characters. They were strong, realistic, funny and heartbreaking. Well done.
The only downsides to the story for me were some grammar issues, not a lot, just a few, and the fact that they never tell you who the traitor is. It didn't *really* matter but would have been nice to know.
I read this in one sitting, totally engrossed and racing along with them. This story was both fun and heart-wrenching in places, but ultimately made me fall in love with the world and aliens it pictured.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Alien battles, spies, infiltration, friendship, betrayal, and racing across hostile landscape in the dead of night. This story is fun, fast, and heartbreaking. Cameron Tan is hiding out in Greece as a socially awkward college student who got a D in Art History. All is well, except he really is a bit socially awkward and really did almost fail Art History, and the alien inside him is part of a civil war with the other alien symbiotes who have taken over humans across the globe.
And a another spy needs his help.
And tonight is Lucia's birthday.
So begins an awkward race across occupied Greece against aliens, traitors, and time in a fight to turn the tide of war.
I liked this story so much I immediately went and added all of Mr. Chu's Tao series to my To Buy on Amazon. I loved the premise--alien factions battling each other take humans as hosts and continue the fight across the globe and across the centuries. I loved the characters. They were strong, realistic, funny and heartbreaking. Well done.
The only downsides to the story for me were some grammar issues, not a lot, just a few, and the fact that they never tell you who the traitor is. It didn't *really* matter but would have been nice to know.
I read this in one sitting, totally engrossed and racing along with them. This story was both fun and heart-wrenching in places, but ultimately made me fall in love with the world and aliens it pictured.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.**
April 4, 2016
In this action-packed novella that serves as a bridge between the original Tao trilogy and the upcoming The Rise of Io, Cameron Tan is called out of school to get a fellow agent with important intel out of Greece. As you do. There's just one problem: he has far too much of a conscience to just leave his friends behind when he knows there's trouble a-brewin', and boy, is there trouble a-brewin'.
The Days of Tao is basically one long escape sequence, so it moves very swiftly (after a rather confusing opening sequence from the POV of another agent, which I realize now is a technique Wesley Chu has used previously in the series). Cameron is 21 now, and he's forced to be a leader, and he's...not very good at it, as his symbiotic alien pal Tao constantly reminds him. The banter between Cameron and Tao is the absolute highlight of the story, not only because Tao is a snarky motherfucker but also because their relationship drives Cameron's personal growth. Tao wants Cameron to be a better leader, and Cameron has to make some very tough decisions. There's intrigue, combat, betrayal, gyros, everything.
While it's not as awesome as the novels, the novella provides a nice fix for Tao fans and a potentially fun taste for newbies, if they're willing to be massively spoiled for the series.
The Days of Tao is basically one long escape sequence, so it moves very swiftly (after a rather confusing opening sequence from the POV of another agent, which I realize now is a technique Wesley Chu has used previously in the series). Cameron is 21 now, and he's forced to be a leader, and he's...not very good at it, as his symbiotic alien pal Tao constantly reminds him. The banter between Cameron and Tao is the absolute highlight of the story, not only because Tao is a snarky motherfucker but also because their relationship drives Cameron's personal growth. Tao wants Cameron to be a better leader, and Cameron has to make some very tough decisions. There's intrigue, combat, betrayal, gyros, everything.
While it's not as awesome as the novels, the novella provides a nice fix for Tao fans and a potentially fun taste for newbies, if they're willing to be massively spoiled for the series.
March 3, 2016
This was my first dive into Wesley Chu’s Tao series. While The Days of Tao was not a full novel length work, the novella still succeeded at being an interesting tale to both new and old readers alike.
Our hero, Cameron Tan is spending the summer after college in a study abroad program in Greece when war breaks out. But Cameron is living a double life as a Prophus operative and he is the only who can save the life of an extremely important man.
Yet, the novella mainly focuses on themes of friendship instead of war. After a shaky start needed for world building and creating the characters, the book moves right along steadies its pace. The writing was great and Chu creates scenes that explode in the readers mid.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It interested me in reading his other books and starting the Tao series. If a reader was interested in starting the series, I would turn them to this work for an example of his style.
Our hero, Cameron Tan is spending the summer after college in a study abroad program in Greece when war breaks out. But Cameron is living a double life as a Prophus operative and he is the only who can save the life of an extremely important man.
Yet, the novella mainly focuses on themes of friendship instead of war. After a shaky start needed for world building and creating the characters, the book moves right along steadies its pace. The writing was great and Chu creates scenes that explode in the readers mid.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It interested me in reading his other books and starting the Tao series. If a reader was interested in starting the series, I would turn them to this work for an example of his style.
June 1, 2016
Another fun entry into the world of Tao. I do think Days of Tao is not quite as polished as the other entries in the Tao series—it feels a little less mature in tone which I suppose makes sense given that Cameron is moved front and center while Jill and Roen are barely involved. While not quite as strong as the other books, it’s a fun and quick way to dip back into this universe while we wait for The Rise of Io to be released.
June 19, 2016
A quick read and a nice addition to the series. The interplay of Tao & Cameron is a highlight of the book, and especially in contrast to that of Tao & Roen from the series' start. Looking forward to the next book.
December 11, 2017
The Days of Tao is a fast-moving thriller and a snapshot coming of age story, which follows Cameron Tan, an agent-in-training, as he fumbles through a sudden mission: https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/2...
May 30, 2016
Le pongo un 3,5 / 4 pero solo como fan de la trilogía de Tao y de Wesley Chu. Si no habéis leído la trilogía no solo no os gustará sino que os comeréis spoilers a gogó. Avisaos estáis :)
February 22, 2016
interesting tidbit in cameron tan's life. its way too short but bare the same writing that endeared me to the series.
June 9, 2016
Short and sweet.
August 19, 2016
A short, enjoyable dip back into the world of the Prophus, just long enough to leave you hungry for more.
April 28, 2016
Apparently the last Tao book ended too happily. Chu certainly fixes that in Cameron's initiation into adulthood with his first solo mission.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2016
Too short!!!!
I can't believe how he leaves you hanging with that ending. It was a good and entertaining read but I wish there was more!
I can't believe how he leaves you hanging with that ending. It was a good and entertaining read but I wish there was more!
September 23, 2022
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE DAYS OF TAO ABOUT?
Cameron Poe is about to graduate from college—he would've graduated already if he hadn't picked up a D in Art History, of all things. To make up for that before he can start training to be a full-fledged Prophus operative, he's taking a summer class in Greece with a couple of his friends. It's a relaxing time in a fascinating part of the world with an interesting group of students—and a chance for one last college romance before he has to focus.
But then a Prophus agent needs immediate extraction because he has vital information to share, his life is in danger, and the Genjix are about to take their aggression to the next level throughout the world. And Cameron's the closest thing that the Prophus have to an operative in the country.
Cameron can't abandon his friends, though—and they won't abandon their classmates—so he ends up dragging along most of the group on his rescue mission (why make things easy for himself?)
WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE DAYS OF TAO?
I bought this shortly after its publication, and have no idea why I didn't read it until now (and don't get me started on The Fall of Io). If it accomplished nothing else, it got me thinking about the series and remembering how much fun it was.
I don't remember what I thought of them while reading them (and I'm not going to look), but I remember the Tao novels being a little longer than they needed to—that's not a criticism, but I think they could have been tightened up a bit. Not this—the advantage of the novella—there's not an ounce of fat to this, not one wasted word. That's not to say that it's all plot or anything— Beyond the action and the extraction, there are some good character moments, some necessary development of Cameron, and a couple of laughs—but this novella never slows or drags for a moment. Once the agent says he needs extraction (and, even before that), we're off to the races and you'd better be buckled up.
Looking at this book's place in the series, it serves to put the action and the characters (including Io) in place for The Rise of Io. Was this a necessary bridge between the Tao and Io books? Not really no. That's one thing about these Subterranean Press books—they're a nice bonus to completists, but people who don't want to/are too slow to shell out the money for the nice hardcovers (and don't want to go ebook or audiobook) don't miss anything they need. But man, it was a nice way to spend an hour or so with some old friends. I really enjoyed this and would commend it (even at this late date) to fans of Tao and the Tan family.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
You can do this, Cameron. You have intelligence, competence, and experience on your side.
“You’re right. I can handle this job on my own. I got this,” he huffed as he tried to make himself believe those words.
I was referring to me.
WHAT'S THE DAYS OF TAO ABOUT?
Cameron Poe is about to graduate from college—he would've graduated already if he hadn't picked up a D in Art History, of all things. To make up for that before he can start training to be a full-fledged Prophus operative, he's taking a summer class in Greece with a couple of his friends. It's a relaxing time in a fascinating part of the world with an interesting group of students—and a chance for one last college romance before he has to focus.
But then a Prophus agent needs immediate extraction because he has vital information to share, his life is in danger, and the Genjix are about to take their aggression to the next level throughout the world. And Cameron's the closest thing that the Prophus have to an operative in the country.
Cameron can't abandon his friends, though—and they won't abandon their classmates—so he ends up dragging along most of the group on his rescue mission (why make things easy for himself?)
WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE DAYS OF TAO?
I bought this shortly after its publication, and have no idea why I didn't read it until now (and don't get me started on The Fall of Io). If it accomplished nothing else, it got me thinking about the series and remembering how much fun it was.
I don't remember what I thought of them while reading them (and I'm not going to look), but I remember the Tao novels being a little longer than they needed to—that's not a criticism, but I think they could have been tightened up a bit. Not this—the advantage of the novella—there's not an ounce of fat to this, not one wasted word. That's not to say that it's all plot or anything— Beyond the action and the extraction, there are some good character moments, some necessary development of Cameron, and a couple of laughs—but this novella never slows or drags for a moment. Once the agent says he needs extraction (and, even before that), we're off to the races and you'd better be buckled up.
Looking at this book's place in the series, it serves to put the action and the characters (including Io) in place for The Rise of Io. Was this a necessary bridge between the Tao and Io books? Not really no. That's one thing about these Subterranean Press books—they're a nice bonus to completists, but people who don't want to/are too slow to shell out the money for the nice hardcovers (and don't want to go ebook or audiobook) don't miss anything they need. But man, it was a nice way to spend an hour or so with some old friends. I really enjoyed this and would commend it (even at this late date) to fans of Tao and the Tan family.
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