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Mindslip
This 350 page, old school, science fiction story is set in the immediate future. Betelgeuse turns supernova blasting out electromagnetic radiation which causes unexpected problems for the myriad creatures living on planet earth. Mindslip is the story of how day to day lives are affected and the government tries to tackle the astonishing results. We follow Dr Geoffrey Arnold, an astrophysicist of the Royal Observatory as he tries to overcome the consequences of Mindslip upon himself and his newly dysfunctional family. Other characters find themselves in impossible situations, struggling to survive a storm on an Austrian mountain, flying a 737 jet, rowing the Atlantic and becoming reluctant astronauts aboard the International Space Station. With never a dull moment, this truly multifaceted story races along, exploring secret thoughts and desires of people and humanimals, before the government tries to conceal the horrific implications discovered by the country's finest scientists.
- GenresScience Fiction
364 pages, ebook
Published April 12, 2016
61 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Tony Harmsworth
37 books39 followersBorn in Brocket Hall.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has seven science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written two non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has seven science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written two non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2020
Amazing. Clever GENIUS!
I have no words to explain what an amazingly genius book this is. This is the 5th novel I've read from Mr. Harmsworth, and although I've enjoyed the others a great deal, they simply pale in comparison. The only way to characterize this book is to say I cannot believe this wasn't written by Stephen King. I truly mean that.
I have read and own everything King has written, and had he written Mindslip, I would rank it one of HIS best.
This is an amazing journey with a character I promise you've never experienced before, as well as a plot like none other. I'll say it again, GENIUS!
I have no words to explain what an amazingly genius book this is. This is the 5th novel I've read from Mr. Harmsworth, and although I've enjoyed the others a great deal, they simply pale in comparison. The only way to characterize this book is to say I cannot believe this wasn't written by Stephen King. I truly mean that.
I have read and own everything King has written, and had he written Mindslip, I would rank it one of HIS best.
This is an amazing journey with a character I promise you've never experienced before, as well as a plot like none other. I'll say it again, GENIUS!
January 24, 2021
Perhaps Deserving of 5-Stars, but Not Quite
This is truly a SciFi book, but different from what you might normally want or expect to read. For instance, it does have a space-related angle, but it’s pretty nebulous and hard-to-believe. This book is, instead, more of a Sociological story, and takes broad swipes at sex, race, and many other social conventions.
I feel that the ending was simply a way to truncate and end the story, which is a shame.
This is truly a SciFi book, but different from what you might normally want or expect to read. For instance, it does have a space-related angle, but it’s pretty nebulous and hard-to-believe. This book is, instead, more of a Sociological story, and takes broad swipes at sex, race, and many other social conventions.
I feel that the ending was simply a way to truncate and end the story, which is a shame.
March 10, 2021
Moral/Philosophical/Social questions abound!
Lots of questions and scenarios arise. Feel like much more could have been written. However, mostly satisfied with book. Very good possibility to have conversations with fellow book enthusiasts. Last chapter leaves a bad taste in my mouth but even that is further topic for discussion/analysis.
Lots of questions and scenarios arise. Feel like much more could have been written. However, mostly satisfied with book. Very good possibility to have conversations with fellow book enthusiasts. Last chapter leaves a bad taste in my mouth but even that is further topic for discussion/analysis.
May 15, 2016
This was a fantastic book!
May 14, 2019
Another brilliant, disturbing, and emotional novel by Tony Harmsworth.
Incredibly thought-provoking this well written story is a must-read, and if you thought science fiction wasn't for you, I would strongly recommend Tony's novels - he's changed my mind and you may well be pleasantly surprised.
I've now read all his novels in the space of a couple of months and find them intriguing and impossible to put down.
Incredibly thought-provoking this well written story is a must-read, and if you thought science fiction wasn't for you, I would strongly recommend Tony's novels - he's changed my mind and you may well be pleasantly surprised.
I've now read all his novels in the space of a couple of months and find them intriguing and impossible to put down.
August 27, 2020
Thinking outside the box
What an amazing idea, a Monday where minds switch to other bodies worldwide. The consequences were overpowering to say the least.
And Greg/Beth's tender moments with Caroline his wife, who's mind transferred into a greyhound was so lovely, you could feel the sweet pain of both.
An amazing story and as good as ' The Door'.
What an amazing idea, a Monday where minds switch to other bodies worldwide. The consequences were overpowering to say the least.
And Greg/Beth's tender moments with Caroline his wife, who's mind transferred into a greyhound was so lovely, you could feel the sweet pain of both.
An amazing story and as good as ' The Door'.
November 8, 2019
This book is very thought provoking. (Semi-spoilers coming) What if you were suddenly a dog? With a small brain, with a large brain? Or a cow, or a spider, or a fish? Read this book and Tony Harmsworth will speculate some answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
This takes a fascinating concept of involuntary mind transfer and explores all the practical problems that would result. A brilliant and thoroughly absorbing read.
March 17, 2020
So, in theory I should have liked this.It's got some hard SciFi elements and the premise is different and interesting. BUT I completely lost interest when, pretty quickly on, we have an incidental character who simply doesn't fit the model.
Everything has swapped minds - people with people, people with animals everyone has changed. Why then when someone realises that she's actually in the body of a cow with all of the confusion questions and fear that this would generate, is she ushered into the slaughter-house and receives a bolt to the back of the head?? Who from? Some random dropped into the slaughter-mans body and through "Meh, I'd better just get on with work then..." No, sorry this doesn't scan AT ALL. Maybe it's petty and nit-picking, but I can't get past holes like this.
Everything has swapped minds - people with people, people with animals everyone has changed. Why then when someone realises that she's actually in the body of a cow with all of the confusion questions and fear that this would generate, is she ushered into the slaughter-house and receives a bolt to the back of the head?? Who from? Some random dropped into the slaughter-mans body and through "Meh, I'd better just get on with work then..." No, sorry this doesn't scan AT ALL. Maybe it's petty and nit-picking, but I can't get past holes like this.
January 9, 2024
Tony Harmsworth is an independently published writer living in England. Mindslip is a book with an intriguing premise that does not live up to its promises. A nova in a nearby star system unmoors all the minds on Earth and swaps them into other bodies in an unpredictable pattern. After a momentary blackout, one wakes to find one’s mind is now in another body, which may be of a different sex, age, or species. Harmsworth has a good time detailing some of the social disruptions the event causes, but I wish this premise were in the hands of a writer like Robert J. Sawyer. Sawyer would care more about the science and less about the commuting issues.
January 21, 2020
An all time emotional experience.
I know this book was a special event for me. However it doesn't reduce my praise. Being an 83 Year old widower probably influences my feelings about the story. I am fast becoming a huge fan of Mr Harmsworth. This is the second of his novels I have read and I found both to be exciting and engaging. Being a long time sci-fi reader of 70+ years that is no faint praise.
Thanks, Tony for a great story. Again I look forward to reading another of your books.
I know this book was a special event for me. However it doesn't reduce my praise. Being an 83 Year old widower probably influences my feelings about the story. I am fast becoming a huge fan of Mr Harmsworth. This is the second of his novels I have read and I found both to be exciting and engaging. Being a long time sci-fi reader of 70+ years that is no faint praise.
Thanks, Tony for a great story. Again I look forward to reading another of your books.
August 12, 2021
Speculative fiction at its best. Take a simple premise; everyone’s minds get swapped. It could have been by a powerful wizard, but it was in fact the result of a supernova, which makes it Sci-fi. The ramifications are then explored, mostly from the perspective of a likable and ethical, if slightly naive protagonist. It’s the way that Tony does it which makes him a Master. I’m glad I read this and will be thinking about some of the conundra for some time.
August 17, 2022
Brilliant
I started to read this amazing book because I liked the title. But this booked had changed the way I look at everything! I can't explain totally how I feel but look around you, is everything how it seems? And what would happen if this happened? I like the way Tony Harmsworth has written his book, it makes me think more and exercise my brain, thank you for that. I'm going to read all your books.
I started to read this amazing book because I liked the title. But this booked had changed the way I look at everything! I can't explain totally how I feel but look around you, is everything how it seems? And what would happen if this happened? I like the way Tony Harmsworth has written his book, it makes me think more and exercise my brain, thank you for that. I'm going to read all your books.
October 25, 2023
Five out of five, or ten out of ten? Impossible to decide. I feel certain this well written, unusual, but thought provoking tale will be viewed a SciFi classic in years to come. I shall never look at animals in quite the same light! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more of Tony Harmsworth's work
July 31, 2020
One of the best books...
I have read this year. Imagine all minds on earth randomly assigned to new bodies. Lots of interesting characters, and a unique plot makes this a worthwhile investment of your time.
I have read this year. Imagine all minds on earth randomly assigned to new bodies. Lots of interesting characters, and a unique plot makes this a worthwhile investment of your time.
December 23, 2023
You know when you get to the ending of a book, and it's like "wow, didn't see that coming."? Well this is like that only you don't have to get to the ending. I don't care who you are, how much you read, or what types of books you read. You will not see what's coming
November 9, 2019
Gender bending and beyond!!!
March 10, 2020
Great story.
Left me wanting more. Well written and believable. Looking forward to reading another of Tony's books. That's all for now.
Left me wanting more. Well written and believable. Looking forward to reading another of Tony's books. That's all for now.
June 29, 2022
Great story!
I couldn't put this down. Very imaginative and creative story of what would happen if suddenly everyone became someone or something else!
I couldn't put this down. Very imaginative and creative story of what would happen if suddenly everyone became someone or something else!
January 14, 2024
Book reveals much about Tony's underlying assumptions about the mind body problem. But for me there are too many inconsistencies.
The idea that a "mind" of a human could be preserved in the brain of a dog, who can then recognise and understand words and sounds; but at the same time a foreign accent is a characteristic of the Body, whilst the lanaguage is the property of a mind is worst than inconsistent - it is incoherent.
The other problem with the book is the underestimation of the massive and disruptive impact of moving all sentiant minds into other bodies deom dogs to pigs to cows and humans. And whilst millions die (presumably in horrific ways) life seem to go one rather too calmly.
The idea that a "mind" of a human could be preserved in the brain of a dog, who can then recognise and understand words and sounds; but at the same time a foreign accent is a characteristic of the Body, whilst the lanaguage is the property of a mind is worst than inconsistent - it is incoherent.
The other problem with the book is the underestimation of the massive and disruptive impact of moving all sentiant minds into other bodies deom dogs to pigs to cows and humans. And whilst millions die (presumably in horrific ways) life seem to go one rather too calmly.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews