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Brother, Frank
Dr. Chris Alexander, a borderline sociopath and technological genius, has designed an advanced cybernetic life form from prototype decommissioned military drones and top-secret experimental DARPA technology. The HADroid was supposed to be a military grade robot with the transplanted heart and brain of a human donor that would "transform" into a devastating state of the art war machine when activated by its onboard human operator. But when the mad doctor steals the dying child of a simple Amish couple and transplants the brain and cardiovascular system of their dying eleven year old autistic son into the incredibly lethal robot the dark forces of government come looking for their investment.
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
286 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
28 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 31, 2015
I heard Michael Bunker talk about this book last year. At the time, I scratched my head and wondered at how he would weave the narrative elements that the hinted at together. What he delivered is nothing short of incredible.
Bunker takes an old story, or at least the idea of an old story and breathes new life into it in a way that only he can. As an admitted 'accidental sci-fi writer', he brings a new perspective, vitality, and dare I say heart to the genre. This book had me white-knuckle reading throughout, and I was sad to see it end, yet somehow completely satisfied.
If this is what accidental sci-fi writers bring, then I hope many more stumble into the genre soon.
Bunker takes an old story, or at least the idea of an old story and breathes new life into it in a way that only he can. As an admitted 'accidental sci-fi writer', he brings a new perspective, vitality, and dare I say heart to the genre. This book had me white-knuckle reading throughout, and I was sad to see it end, yet somehow completely satisfied.
If this is what accidental sci-fi writers bring, then I hope many more stumble into the genre soon.
January 28, 2016
Some people must really enjoy the juxtaposition of a small, autistic, Amish boy and bleeding edge computer and military technology. The combination of these things into the behemoth, super soldier on the book cover is an oxymoron. Would you give a child lasers blasterss ? Give a kid a missile?
How about turning your seven year old into the world's most dangerous weapon? Especially if he has emotional control issues.
The book wasn't even fun. The doctor was an alcoholic in need of a personality transplant and there was a huge quantity of tooth gnashing, hair pulling and hand wringing. The kid only went on a single rampage, and didn't flatten, burn or explode the villain.
Credibility = 0
Writing = 3
Fun = 0
If you want a book where the Amish are virtually idolized, this is that book.
Read the original Frankenstein.
How about turning your seven year old into the world's most dangerous weapon? Especially if he has emotional control issues.
The book wasn't even fun. The doctor was an alcoholic in need of a personality transplant and there was a huge quantity of tooth gnashing, hair pulling and hand wringing. The kid only went on a single rampage, and didn't flatten, burn or explode the villain.
Credibility = 0
Writing = 3
Fun = 0
If you want a book where the Amish are virtually idolized, this is that book.
Read the original Frankenstein.
April 19, 2015
Head, Heart, and Heroism: Bunker’s Latest Creation Is Alive!
Every once in a while, a book comes along that accomplishes something truly unique. When Michael Bunker’s the author, that happens more often than not.
With Brother, Frankenstein, the man who broke new ground by creating a whole new sub-genre called Amish Sci-Fi has done it again. A government’s need to exercise complete control in its rather ironic quest to “preserve freedom”; technology run amuck, fueled by the hubris of a scientist with a god complex; and the needs of an autistic boy to understand the world around him, to grow as a human being—all come together in the thrill-ride that is Brother, Frankenstein.
I won’t summarize the plot here—you can read the book’s description for that. But I do want to talk about what I think Bunker does well. First, he adopts the first-person perspective of his scientist- god-wannabe, Chris Alexander, for most of the narrative. In third person, Alexander would be easy to write off as a myopic sociopath too blind by his own self-regard to see the costs of the moral choices he makes. But once you’re inside his head, you realize it’s not so easy to pigeon-hole his motivations. His intentions, if murky, are not purely evil. And it’s hard to argue with the “good” he does by saving young autistic boy Frank and giving him a chance to live and grow and learn—even if it means turning Frank into a HADroid killing machine. Exploring Alexander’s motivations and presenting us with a narrator that is both flawed and suspect ramps up the tension (and interest level) for the reader. Who wants a perfect, morally unambiguous storyteller? Where’s the fun in that? Bunker’s unreliable narrator challenges us, and anything worth having—including a satisfying reading experience—is worth working for.
Familiar Bunker themes are here too: the government’s need to control its population to preserve its power; fifth columnists working to undermine from the inside; and a window on the world of the Amish, who become a place of refuge for Alexander and his creation.
Oh yeah, there’s that. Alexander steals Frank's brain from his parents (evil!) and places it in a DARPA-funded experimental combat robot, which keeps the boy from dying (okay, LESS evil). Alexander does everything he can to keep his experiment (which happens to now include the evolving consciousness of this young Amish boy) alive. He even helps Frank embrace his Amish roots, inevitably bringing the raison d’être of his killer creation into conflict with the moral center of our protagonist, the boy Frank, as he embraces Amish values. See what I mean by complex?
But complex doesn’t equal a boring reading experience—not by a long shot. Constantly pursued by a government Black Ops unit even the regular Black Ops guys don’t know about—and foreshadowing another controlling authority Bunker readers will be familiar with—Alexander and his experiment-cum-adopted-son seek refuge in an Amish community. The climax of the tale is, to put it mildly, emotionally explosive.
Fast-paced, thoughtful, provocative, innovative, and the best thing Bunker has written to date. Like Sci-Fi? Want your heart AND your head engaged by an excellent story of intrigue and immersive prose? Brother, this is the tale for you.
FYI: I was provided an ARC of this novel in exchange for an objective review.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that accomplishes something truly unique. When Michael Bunker’s the author, that happens more often than not.
With Brother, Frankenstein, the man who broke new ground by creating a whole new sub-genre called Amish Sci-Fi has done it again. A government’s need to exercise complete control in its rather ironic quest to “preserve freedom”; technology run amuck, fueled by the hubris of a scientist with a god complex; and the needs of an autistic boy to understand the world around him, to grow as a human being—all come together in the thrill-ride that is Brother, Frankenstein.
I won’t summarize the plot here—you can read the book’s description for that. But I do want to talk about what I think Bunker does well. First, he adopts the first-person perspective of his scientist- god-wannabe, Chris Alexander, for most of the narrative. In third person, Alexander would be easy to write off as a myopic sociopath too blind by his own self-regard to see the costs of the moral choices he makes. But once you’re inside his head, you realize it’s not so easy to pigeon-hole his motivations. His intentions, if murky, are not purely evil. And it’s hard to argue with the “good” he does by saving young autistic boy Frank and giving him a chance to live and grow and learn—even if it means turning Frank into a HADroid killing machine. Exploring Alexander’s motivations and presenting us with a narrator that is both flawed and suspect ramps up the tension (and interest level) for the reader. Who wants a perfect, morally unambiguous storyteller? Where’s the fun in that? Bunker’s unreliable narrator challenges us, and anything worth having—including a satisfying reading experience—is worth working for.
Familiar Bunker themes are here too: the government’s need to control its population to preserve its power; fifth columnists working to undermine from the inside; and a window on the world of the Amish, who become a place of refuge for Alexander and his creation.
Oh yeah, there’s that. Alexander steals Frank's brain from his parents (evil!) and places it in a DARPA-funded experimental combat robot, which keeps the boy from dying (okay, LESS evil). Alexander does everything he can to keep his experiment (which happens to now include the evolving consciousness of this young Amish boy) alive. He even helps Frank embrace his Amish roots, inevitably bringing the raison d’être of his killer creation into conflict with the moral center of our protagonist, the boy Frank, as he embraces Amish values. See what I mean by complex?
But complex doesn’t equal a boring reading experience—not by a long shot. Constantly pursued by a government Black Ops unit even the regular Black Ops guys don’t know about—and foreshadowing another controlling authority Bunker readers will be familiar with—Alexander and his experiment-cum-adopted-son seek refuge in an Amish community. The climax of the tale is, to put it mildly, emotionally explosive.
Fast-paced, thoughtful, provocative, innovative, and the best thing Bunker has written to date. Like Sci-Fi? Want your heart AND your head engaged by an excellent story of intrigue and immersive prose? Brother, this is the tale for you.
FYI: I was provided an ARC of this novel in exchange for an objective review.
July 13, 2015
ABR's original Brother Frankenstein audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Frank is an 11 year old Amish boy afflicted with dwarfism and autism. His brief life would have ended naturally if not for the efforts of a mad-scientist doctor. Chris Alexander has developed a HADroid device, a robot operated by the brain and circulatory system of a human. Breaking the rules of his military sponsors, he transplants Frank’s heart and autistic brain into the most powerful weapon ever devised; he now has only 60 days to either help Frank control his emotions and his powerful new body or be forced to terminate him – all while being ruthlessly hunted by the most vicious agent the military has.
Though it is a thoroughly modern novel, Bunker has managed to capture some of the mood of the original Frankenstein novel. And like its 19th Century counterpart, the story is much more about the social implications of fitting into society and the monster-as-metaphor for mankind’s gross misunderstandings and fear of the unknown. On the outside, Frank is an indestructible killing machine, but on the inside, he is still an 11 year old autistic Amish boy.
Bunker goes to great effort to reveal the many misconceptions about autism, and eventually how the boy overcomes many of his challenges. The Amish culture is also described in rich detail and with respect. He gives a nod to the movie, “Witness,” which parallels the story for part of the book.
Andrew McFerrin reads the novel in a way that makes it seem as if it were written for him. Dr. Alexander is constantly doubting his own decisions and actions, and Mr. McFerrin, through his excellent performance, gives us a front row seat inside the doctor’s brain.
There is plenty of hard science to entertain the most rabid science fiction fans. But ultimately the book is about the deep sociological and philosophical questions that society will eventually have to answer as the lines between man and machine blur.
Audiobook provided for review by the production company.
Frank is an 11 year old Amish boy afflicted with dwarfism and autism. His brief life would have ended naturally if not for the efforts of a mad-scientist doctor. Chris Alexander has developed a HADroid device, a robot operated by the brain and circulatory system of a human. Breaking the rules of his military sponsors, he transplants Frank’s heart and autistic brain into the most powerful weapon ever devised; he now has only 60 days to either help Frank control his emotions and his powerful new body or be forced to terminate him – all while being ruthlessly hunted by the most vicious agent the military has.
Though it is a thoroughly modern novel, Bunker has managed to capture some of the mood of the original Frankenstein novel. And like its 19th Century counterpart, the story is much more about the social implications of fitting into society and the monster-as-metaphor for mankind’s gross misunderstandings and fear of the unknown. On the outside, Frank is an indestructible killing machine, but on the inside, he is still an 11 year old autistic Amish boy.
Bunker goes to great effort to reveal the many misconceptions about autism, and eventually how the boy overcomes many of his challenges. The Amish culture is also described in rich detail and with respect. He gives a nod to the movie, “Witness,” which parallels the story for part of the book.
Andrew McFerrin reads the novel in a way that makes it seem as if it were written for him. Dr. Alexander is constantly doubting his own decisions and actions, and Mr. McFerrin, through his excellent performance, gives us a front row seat inside the doctor’s brain.
There is plenty of hard science to entertain the most rabid science fiction fans. But ultimately the book is about the deep sociological and philosophical questions that society will eventually have to answer as the lines between man and machine blur.
Audiobook provided for review by the production company.
April 23, 2015
Brother, Frankenstein is Michael Bunker’s best book so far! As the creator of Amish-Sci-Fi, he is a natural storyteller with ideas that are so incongruously linked together that they are mesmerizing, but he has exceeded his talents with this new book. Michael has two central characters in this tale who share the role of the protagonist. While Frank may be the easy choice as the protagonist, I believe that Dr. Alexander is the true protagonist and he is the one who undergoes the most radical change in his person by the end of the story. Michael weaves a tale of autism, transformation and finding one’s true humanity threaded together with violence and greed for power. It is a page turner and very hard to put down. I vacillated between hating and loving Dr. Alexander and was pleasantly surprised by the redemptive theme in the ending. Michael is a unique and exceptional author and I have loved all his work, but this one is amazing!
April 11, 2015
Michael Bunker has once again outdone himself with another wonderfully addicting Amish Science Fiction novel. Every time you think the book starts to slow down, the story takes a turn and draws you right back in. If you like intense and consistent action, a story of love and perseverance (ok, and explosions), then you will love this book. The characters feel so real and the story line is completely believable. Just be ready for the surprising twist at the end!
5 stars, 2 thumbs up, etc etc. Buy this book and never look back!
5 stars, 2 thumbs up, etc etc. Buy this book and never look back!
May 24, 2015
Action packed fun in every page. The representations of autism are incredibly compassionate, though they fade and are overcome by the technology as the book goes on, a fitting metaphor for the rest of the story. In the end, the poor Doctor, too, is overcome.
May 8, 2015
Best Michael Bunker book so far. Very exciting and heartbreaking.
April 2, 2015
It would be easy to assume Brother, Frankenstein is all about high-tech weapons and shadowy government agencies IF you only glance at the surface. Michael Bunker does a fantastic job weaving these elements throughout the narrative in a way that's fascinating and cranks the tension up page after page. But the heart of this wonderful, tragic story comes down to just that: heart.
The heart of a doctor who starts out thinking he doesn't have one. The heart of a young boy, one of the strongest, healthiest parts of him in the end. Your own heart, which will most likely ache more than a little, and in more than one place in the story. But your mind is engaged along with your emotions, as the moral dilemmas are not simple or easy no matter who wrestles with them. I found myself thinking about what I'd do and feeling thankful I don't have to decide.
I was sad to see this one coming to an end, even as I was delighted to see hints of a larger universe. Even with everything Michael Bunker has going on, I hope we return to the world of Brother, Frankenstein soon!
The heart of a doctor who starts out thinking he doesn't have one. The heart of a young boy, one of the strongest, healthiest parts of him in the end. Your own heart, which will most likely ache more than a little, and in more than one place in the story. But your mind is engaged along with your emotions, as the moral dilemmas are not simple or easy no matter who wrestles with them. I found myself thinking about what I'd do and feeling thankful I don't have to decide.
I was sad to see this one coming to an end, even as I was delighted to see hints of a larger universe. Even with everything Michael Bunker has going on, I hope we return to the world of Brother, Frankenstein soon!
April 3, 2015
Started this with high expectations and was not disappointed. With limited reading time I hated to put this book down. The only good part in that was savoring the story and looking forward to getting plugged back in w/ BroFrank (so to speak). Michael Bunker shows us yet another aspect of the creativity he has been blessed with. As a result, we accompany a HADroid - half Amish boy half android - and his creator Doc through trials, action, and adventure. They are assisted by tech savvy cyber geek hackers known as the BDD, capable of all forms of cyber debauchery in assisting Doc and Frank and thwarting the efforts of the still little known government agency, Transport Authority. Plenty of pulse quickening action, yet not overdone as along the way the action is thoughtfully intertwined with touching character relationships. Like all of Bunker's tales, Brother, Frankenstein is very worthy of your time. You won't be disappointed.
May 5, 2015
As I read this book I kept saying to myself, "Dang, I wish I'd written this." It's just one of those stories that pulls it off on so many levels. The consequences and struggle of a young, autistic Amish boy, inside a deadly robot's body is pulled off amazingly well. But more than that, I loved the transformation of "Doc" as he battled against the demons that haunted him and the love he felt for the boy inside the robot, and the Amish community that took them in. In the end the story is about the power of faith and its ability to redeem even the most heinous monster. Bravo, Mr. Bunker. You've written something quite special here.
March 19, 2015
Wow, what a terrific and unique story. Frank is part human, part child (a disabled child, in fact) and part robot. I loved the details into Frank's psychology and how he grows throughout the book. Doctor Alexander also grows, in his own way. But more than anything, I loved how this fantastic story of escape and rediscovery made me ponder over the awful consequences when men step into the part of the "creator": what makes us ultimately human? And in the end, who is the real monster? Five stars and highly recommended.
March 9, 2015
Brother, Frankenstein is Amish SF and it is top shelf. It is edge of your seat tension.
Michael Bunker explores what it is to be human in this story. What does it take. Is a brain and a heart all the ingredients needed for a soul?
I really, really want to see this turned into a movie. It would be awesome.
Read this book and see what you think.
Michael Bunker explores what it is to be human in this story. What does it take. Is a brain and a heart all the ingredients needed for a soul?
I really, really want to see this turned into a movie. It would be awesome.
Read this book and see what you think.
May 25, 2015
Another wonderful book by Michael Bunker. Starting with an 11 year old "plain" boy in the AZ and ending up with a major conflict between the most deadly weapon man has ever created, what a ride!!! To me this is a must read.
July 3, 2018
A major theme of this "Amish/SF" novel is that we can't out-tech our humanity. Despite our propensity to seek salvation in tech or war or environmental control, we are still and ever will be flawed human beings. (That is, salvation is not a human endeavor, it is a divine grace, and must come from beyond us, the creator of humans. Though this theme isn't explicit in the novel itself.)
This modern Frankenstein retelling combines a solid story line with Bunker's agile philosophizing. It's a thinking person's SF, which is what classic SF novels have been about for many years. My one quibble is that the main bad guy was a bit cookie cutter, but the heartfelt interactions between the two main characters was real and profound. Recommended for those who look for more than just a plot driven adventure novel.
This modern Frankenstein retelling combines a solid story line with Bunker's agile philosophizing. It's a thinking person's SF, which is what classic SF novels have been about for many years. My one quibble is that the main bad guy was a bit cookie cutter, but the heartfelt interactions between the two main characters was real and profound. Recommended for those who look for more than just a plot driven adventure novel.
January 9, 2017
Author has retitled this book. It's now titled "Brother, Frank". Better title.
I give it a 2.7. A little better than merely "ok" but not quite "liked it". I did like it until about the 90% point, when it went downhill for me. The ending left too many loose ends, which would lead me to think there would be a sequel, but there was no link to another book, and no indication in the book's Amazon listing that it is part of a series. I didn't even really like the way the climax went before it left me hanging, so I'm not sure I'd want to read another book if there was one.
I did really like the first 90% of the book and I keep trying more Michael Bunker because I loved "Hugh Howey Must Die" so much, but I am beginning to think that may have been an outlier.
I give it a 2.7. A little better than merely "ok" but not quite "liked it". I did like it until about the 90% point, when it went downhill for me. The ending left too many loose ends, which would lead me to think there would be a sequel, but there was no link to another book, and no indication in the book's Amazon listing that it is part of a series. I didn't even really like the way the climax went before it left me hanging, so I'm not sure I'd want to read another book if there was one.
I did really like the first 90% of the book and I keep trying more Michael Bunker because I loved "Hugh Howey Must Die" so much, but I am beginning to think that may have been an outlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2015
Dr. Christopher Alexander is a surgeon leading a DARPA project to develop a Human Adapted Droid. A HADroid is exactly what you think it is, a human brain and cardiovascular system transplanted into a robot. The HADroid is designed to look like a perfectly normal person until danger comes along and then it…no spoilers, remember? Let’s just say Bunker does a magnificent job with the technical details of instantaneously transforming a mild-mannered Amish kid into the baddest of badasses.
The patient is Frank, an autistic eleven-year-old Amish boy with a chronic condition that deforms his tiny body and shortens his life. Dr. Alexander meets Frank as part of his pro bono work in a free clinic. (Lest you think Dr. Alexander is a good guy, he’s using it as a tax dodge and a way to scam medical data from the unsuspecting Amish.) You probably see where this is going: the “good” doctor uses the brain and heart of young Frank for his HADroid project. However, when DARPA decides at the last-minute that they want to kill the project—and Frank—Dr. A goes on the run with his young patient/killer robot.
I’ve talked about Michael Bunker and his worldview in previous posts and Brother, Frankenstein builds on that foundation. The Plain People and their philosophy play a major influence in the story. Dr. Alexander even suspects that Frank’s rapid, seamless integration into the HADroid body is a result of his Amish background. Later in the story, the Amish way of life is a source of solace for the doctor as well as for Frank.
Brother, Frankenstein revolves around society’s relationship with technology. Technology saves young Frank’s life, but it also puts him at odds with a super-villain government agent trying to destroy him with every imaginable piece of battle gear. Frank fights back with his militarily-enhanced HADroid body, “dishing out death like prison food to inmates.” (my favorite line in the book). For you Bunkerites, you’ll even get a hint at the beginnings of the Transport Authority.
At the center of this technological yin and yang is Dr. Alexander, the narrator, and for my money, Bunker’s finest fictional creation to date. Most of the novel is told in the first-person voice of this drunken, manipulative, ethically-challenged individual. Alexander is a man in tension. He admits his desire to “save” Frank is mostly selfish, but he also agonizes over what he’s done to his young friend when he says: “the whole world isn’t big enough to contain the fear that floods over me like a baptism.” These glimpses of humanity are what make the voice of Dr. Alexander sing.
Brother, Frankenstein is the story of how one man is redeemed by an autistic Amish boy trapped in the body of killer robot.
The patient is Frank, an autistic eleven-year-old Amish boy with a chronic condition that deforms his tiny body and shortens his life. Dr. Alexander meets Frank as part of his pro bono work in a free clinic. (Lest you think Dr. Alexander is a good guy, he’s using it as a tax dodge and a way to scam medical data from the unsuspecting Amish.) You probably see where this is going: the “good” doctor uses the brain and heart of young Frank for his HADroid project. However, when DARPA decides at the last-minute that they want to kill the project—and Frank—Dr. A goes on the run with his young patient/killer robot.
I’ve talked about Michael Bunker and his worldview in previous posts and Brother, Frankenstein builds on that foundation. The Plain People and their philosophy play a major influence in the story. Dr. Alexander even suspects that Frank’s rapid, seamless integration into the HADroid body is a result of his Amish background. Later in the story, the Amish way of life is a source of solace for the doctor as well as for Frank.
Brother, Frankenstein revolves around society’s relationship with technology. Technology saves young Frank’s life, but it also puts him at odds with a super-villain government agent trying to destroy him with every imaginable piece of battle gear. Frank fights back with his militarily-enhanced HADroid body, “dishing out death like prison food to inmates.” (my favorite line in the book). For you Bunkerites, you’ll even get a hint at the beginnings of the Transport Authority.
At the center of this technological yin and yang is Dr. Alexander, the narrator, and for my money, Bunker’s finest fictional creation to date. Most of the novel is told in the first-person voice of this drunken, manipulative, ethically-challenged individual. Alexander is a man in tension. He admits his desire to “save” Frank is mostly selfish, but he also agonizes over what he’s done to his young friend when he says: “the whole world isn’t big enough to contain the fear that floods over me like a baptism.” These glimpses of humanity are what make the voice of Dr. Alexander sing.
Brother, Frankenstein is the story of how one man is redeemed by an autistic Amish boy trapped in the body of killer robot.
March 29, 2015
Admit it, you've always wanted to know what would happen if the heart and mind of an 11 year old autistic Amish boy were transferred into the 10 ft tall hulking frame of of an unstoppable killing machine. And if you didn't before, then you probably do now.
Brother, Frankenstein is, simply put, Bunker's best work to date. By far. From the opening bell, when the government tries to shut down the HADroid project just a tad too late, to the ensuing chase, and the closing firefight in Amish country, the narrative just moves. There's no slow-down, there's no long stretches of exposition. This is an action / sci-fi novel from the get-go. There's chases and explosions and shoot-outs galore. There's over-the-top government authority bad guys. There's occassional punches of humor. Everything you love about your favorite action movie can be found in this book.
My one gripe is a somewhat minor one. (BEWARE SLIGHT SPOILERS). One of my favorite parts of Bunker's books is being able to see what the Amish would do, or how they would react, to the end of the world, to time-travel, to a killer cyborg living among them. We see how some individuals would react to the latter case, but everything goes "ka-boom" before we're able to learn how the community elders would frame the Amish official response. I was actually bummed out by that.
But as mentioned, its a small gripe, because the rest of the book is so good, its one that won't penalize the five star rating that I'm giving it. Read this. ASAP.
Note: I was provided an advance copy in exchange for this review.
Brother, Frankenstein is, simply put, Bunker's best work to date. By far. From the opening bell, when the government tries to shut down the HADroid project just a tad too late, to the ensuing chase, and the closing firefight in Amish country, the narrative just moves. There's no slow-down, there's no long stretches of exposition. This is an action / sci-fi novel from the get-go. There's chases and explosions and shoot-outs galore. There's over-the-top government authority bad guys. There's occassional punches of humor. Everything you love about your favorite action movie can be found in this book.
My one gripe is a somewhat minor one. (BEWARE SLIGHT SPOILERS). One of my favorite parts of Bunker's books is being able to see what the Amish would do, or how they would react, to the end of the world, to time-travel, to a killer cyborg living among them. We see how some individuals would react to the latter case, but everything goes "ka-boom" before we're able to learn how the community elders would frame the Amish official response. I was actually bummed out by that.
But as mentioned, its a small gripe, because the rest of the book is so good, its one that won't penalize the five star rating that I'm giving it. Read this. ASAP.
Note: I was provided an advance copy in exchange for this review.
November 17, 2015
Otro "descubrimiento" que he hecho en el mundo de la autopublicación, y lo pongo entre comillas porque a pesar de que yo nunca le había escuchado nombrar, Michael Bunker es un autor bastante conocido en estos círculos debido a su ya larga trayectoria de escritor de ciencia-ficción ambientada en el mundo de los Amish, conceptos que no parecen calzar muy bien, o que al menos en esta novela están tratados de forma un tanto superficial. A decir verdad, el argumento no parece ser más que una excusa del propio autor para construir una apología de la vida "off the grid" y una visión pesimista de la tecnología hecha de forma un tanto ingenua y, como decía arriba, poco trabajada. Digamos simplemente que a pesar de que el planteamiento inicial es interesante, las motivaciones del protagonista quedan un tanto difusas y sólo se entienden como un intento bastante obvio por parte del autor de colarnos su discurso apocalíptico y anti-estatista, e incluso la manera tan positiva en la que pinta a la comunidad Amish parece ser partícipe de esta idea, como si lo que se exaltara de este grupo fuera su carácter libertario. Todo esto, unido a la forma tan superficial en que está tratado el tema, impidió que me metiera por completo en una novela que, por todo lo demás, está muy bien escrita y dotada de una agilidad narrativa y un manejo de la acción muy efectivos. Creo simplemente que esta no ha sido la mejor carta de presentación de este autor, al menos para un lector como yo.
September 19, 2015
Amish science fiction. Who woulda thunk it? Brother, Frankenstein isn’t my first dip into this unique spin on the genre (I’ve read Bunker’s Pennsylvania Omnibus and Chris Pourteau’s B-Company Tales, which also take place in Bunker’s world), and it certainly won’t be my last if he continues to put out stories of this caliber. If you haven’t tried Amish scifi yourself, you need to download and start reading, because these stories are different and refreshing.
While Brother, Frankenstein most certainly has parallels with Mary Shelley’s classic, this is far from being a modern day rehash. When a doctor and technological genius combines the heart and brain of an autistic Amish boy (Frank) with the most sophisticated and powerful robot ever built, the powers that be decide it needs to be destroyed. The deranged leader believes that no price is too heavy to pay to kill the robot.
The doctor and Frank go on the run, seeking refuge where they can, but the government is right on their heels. Thrilling and heart-breaking, Bunker fills the novel with human emotions that make the characters come to life. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading this well past your bedtime. Highly recommended.
While Brother, Frankenstein most certainly has parallels with Mary Shelley’s classic, this is far from being a modern day rehash. When a doctor and technological genius combines the heart and brain of an autistic Amish boy (Frank) with the most sophisticated and powerful robot ever built, the powers that be decide it needs to be destroyed. The deranged leader believes that no price is too heavy to pay to kill the robot.
The doctor and Frank go on the run, seeking refuge where they can, but the government is right on their heels. Thrilling and heart-breaking, Bunker fills the novel with human emotions that make the characters come to life. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading this well past your bedtime. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2015
It's tempting to relate Brother Frankenstein to other works, and not being prone to resisting temptation, I'm going to go with The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. The cast includes Frank Miller, who has a certain set of moral scruples despite being an epic agent of destruction. Doctor Alexander is the flawed everyman who's simultaneously conspiratorial with, dependent upon, and fearful of Frank. And Dresser is the ruthless villain on their trail, similar to Angel Eyes, right down to the eyes. I'm not saying it's a perfect analog, Blondie obviously wasn't an eleven year-old autistic Amish boy whose brain controls a top secret military robot, Tuco was no scientific genius, and even Van Cleef wasn't as sociopathic as Dresser, but it has that vibe. Buddy story, morality play, and action/adventure all rolled up into one. It would make an outstanding movie.
March 26, 2015
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review. Because I have enjoyed everything I have read from Michael Bunker, I jumped at the chance to be an advance reviewer.
I enjoyed the story, and because I bought into and identified with the main characters, I "lived" the story with them. I found myself pondering the issues trying to decide what I hoped they would do.
So much going on, cultures, ethics, adrenaline.
Thanks for another great read, Michael.
I enjoyed the story, and because I bought into and identified with the main characters, I "lived" the story with them. I found myself pondering the issues trying to decide what I hoped they would do.
So much going on, cultures, ethics, adrenaline.
Thanks for another great read, Michael.
April 7, 2015
First, note that I got an ARC from Michael Bunker.
This is by far my favorite work by Michael Bunker. It does what all great sci-fi should do. It comments on what it means to be human, has fun technology, and makes a good social commentary on how that technology can/will be used. Most importantly, it was just fun to read. Once you pick it up, you will have trouble putting it down.
This is by far my favorite work by Michael Bunker. It does what all great sci-fi should do. It comments on what it means to be human, has fun technology, and makes a good social commentary on how that technology can/will be used. Most importantly, it was just fun to read. Once you pick it up, you will have trouble putting it down.
March 17, 2015
Powerful! Michael Bunker brings to life disturbing real life characters, that we can both believe and believe in, while realizing our own weaknesses as brothers in the constant struggle for our own humanity.
Edgy, provocative, its a don't miss, fast paced, emotional thriller.
Not sure where we go from here. Brett
Edgy, provocative, its a don't miss, fast paced, emotional thriller.
Not sure where we go from here. Brett
April 3, 2015
Michael Bunker has delivered again! A thrill a minute modern take on the Frankenstein story. An 11 year old autistic Amish boy is taken in, "saved" , by Doc. A chase by shady government characters leads the reader thro joy and heartbbreak. This is a very well written suspenseful novel that will hopefully lead to a screenplay.
March 25, 2015
I went into Brother Frankenstein with no expectations. I've really love Michael Bunker's other books. I had no idea that this would be a precursor to his Pennsylvania series. I loved the character of Ben and his transformation from autistic Amish boy to robot hero. I've given away enough. Let's just say that the expansion of the Pennsylvania universe and how it came about hooked me. Amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2015
More great Amish science fiction from Michael Bunker. This time he's created an entertaining blend of Terminator and Witness and it works well. I ended up finishing the book in the early hours of the morning when I should have been trying to get back to sleep. Good stuff.
March 31, 2015
Loved it! Well done Herr Bunker for creating another amazing story!!
Amish-Cyber-Sci-fi anyone? It's his best book yet, in my humble opinion & could/ should be on the big screen...?!
I really recommend this book to anyone/ everyone & their friends, neighbors & cyborgs!
Amish-Cyber-Sci-fi anyone? It's his best book yet, in my humble opinion & could/ should be on the big screen...?!
I really recommend this book to anyone/ everyone & their friends, neighbors & cyborgs!
July 12, 2015
Michael Bunker is quite a storyteller. Enjoyable book!
October 5, 2015
Very thought provoking. Where does Michael Bunker come up with these crazy awesome ideas?
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