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The Bionics
THE NETWORK HAD ONE ORDER.
SURVIVE.
ANETA INDUSTRIES is is the creator of the Network — a smart-learning operating system that runs the updates for humans who have bought upgrades for their bodies. But when a computer virus shuts down the Network, all those with an upgrade also shut down. For days, those without try to figure out what happened. Then, the Network returns.
But things aren’t as they seem. It is quickly learned that the Network has programmed its users to begin the extermination of the human race.
As survivors go looking for ways to take out Aneta’s artificially intelligent operating system while avoiding death from the bionics, they find that Aneta is much deeper into their society than they ever thought, and time is running out before it’s too late to stop them.
Returning to the dystopian genre, author Peter Gulgowski takes readers on a whirlwind adventure through a futuristic Los Angeles in the midst of a war between bionics and humans, questioning where we draw the line on artificial intelligence.
In the shadows of his first dystopian novel, ‘The Government,’ ‘The Bionics’ serves up a new type of dystopian world which will please fans of Gulgowski and welcome a new group of readers to Gulgowski’s books.
SURVIVE.
ANETA INDUSTRIES is is the creator of the Network — a smart-learning operating system that runs the updates for humans who have bought upgrades for their bodies. But when a computer virus shuts down the Network, all those with an upgrade also shut down. For days, those without try to figure out what happened. Then, the Network returns.
But things aren’t as they seem. It is quickly learned that the Network has programmed its users to begin the extermination of the human race.
As survivors go looking for ways to take out Aneta’s artificially intelligent operating system while avoiding death from the bionics, they find that Aneta is much deeper into their society than they ever thought, and time is running out before it’s too late to stop them.
Returning to the dystopian genre, author Peter Gulgowski takes readers on a whirlwind adventure through a futuristic Los Angeles in the midst of a war between bionics and humans, questioning where we draw the line on artificial intelligence.
In the shadows of his first dystopian novel, ‘The Government,’ ‘The Bionics’ serves up a new type of dystopian world which will please fans of Gulgowski and welcome a new group of readers to Gulgowski’s books.
298 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2017
1 person is currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Peter Gulgowski
16 books54 followersBorn and raised in Wisconsin, Peter Gulgowski had a childhood full of imagination. Now grown-up, Peter gets to play make-believe with words. He enjoys writing books across a full spectrum of genres, loving the challenge each offers.
When not writing, Peter loves to travel, play video games, and watch the latest television series.
You can visit him online at www.petergulgowski.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @petergulgowski.
When not writing, Peter loves to travel, play video games, and watch the latest television series.
You can visit him online at www.petergulgowski.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @petergulgowski.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 7, 2017
At only 21 Gulgowski is a strong author. This is my 3rd book of his and he never disappoints. Each character is unique and developed. I saw Harper and Kay's relationship to be a metaphor for Kay's struggle with infertility and their 'adopted' mother-daughter bond was memorable. Peter's villains are top-notch and awesome. This book features two. (Yay for bonuses!) A corrupt politician and this supercomputer, evil A.I. system titled "The Network." Throughout the book, "The Network" is this villain that hides in the shadows. I've seen some people who don't like AI systems as characters, but I love how you know that it's always there, out-thinking the humans. Its like a sick cat and mouse game. OF my PG books, this takes the top, with Government close behind. Can't wait for more work from my favorite author, Peter Gulgowski.
**And i have to add that no, this is in no way a Terminator rip-off as some reviewer said. Similar concept but totally different execution.**
**And i have to add that no, this is in no way a Terminator rip-off as some reviewer said. Similar concept but totally different execution.**
October 29, 2017
This is officially a new FAVORITE of mine. This was my first peter Gulgowski book and it wont be my last. It starts in a future world where its actually very believable to be close to now. He intrduces all of the characters that will be featured and BAM the plot goes into high gear. I loved the concept he introduces of humans getting 'upgrades' with bionic limbs, yet remaining human - but there is one fatal flaw. Everyone with an upgrade has this brain implant that receives updates from the smart learning system that runs the world, called the Network. Well you can imagine what goes wrong and its in this that the plot goes full speed ahead. Really loved this unique and imaginative approach to the YA scifi genre. GET IT AND READ IT =D
October 28, 2017
The plot is purely derivative. The original versions of this plot shone brilliantly when Isaac Asimov and James Cameron originally wrote their works. The author even had the nerve to call a passing-character "Jack Connor"; thus, he proved that he knew where the story originated and that his work embodies bold plagiarism.
Aside from the stolen plot, the characters are two dimensional and generally unworthy of empathy. In fact, each character represented a cliche from the post-apocalyptic genre. I found the characters' dialogues stiff and unconvincing. Further, the author relied on deus ex machina to resolve several holes in the plot. The last several chapters leave the reader wondering whether the author simply gave up on the whole endeavor and looked to distance himself from his efforts. Needless to say, brilliant authors of the genre, ie Margaret Atwood, need not fear the influence or competition of this author.
Also, the work lacks signs of a well-researched set of facts. For example, at one point, a person was shot twice with a Desert Eagle. That is a 50 caliber handgun. If someone would be shot buy a desert eagle, the exit wound would be the size of a serving platter. In this instance, not only did the shot person fail to immediately die from chest shots that would have torn him in half, but the character had time to reflect on what had happened to him and the implications thereof. Preposterous! The character would have dropped dead from his innards being blown out of his back.
So, the plot consists of a pale shadow of works written by better authors, and the dialogue and actions of characters are hackneyed. So, this was a painful read. I will give you sound advice; skip it. I realize that the piece is self-published and accordingly suspect; so, I should pay closer attention to such circumstances in the future.
Final analysis: don't bother.
Aside from the stolen plot, the characters are two dimensional and generally unworthy of empathy. In fact, each character represented a cliche from the post-apocalyptic genre. I found the characters' dialogues stiff and unconvincing. Further, the author relied on deus ex machina to resolve several holes in the plot. The last several chapters leave the reader wondering whether the author simply gave up on the whole endeavor and looked to distance himself from his efforts. Needless to say, brilliant authors of the genre, ie Margaret Atwood, need not fear the influence or competition of this author.
Also, the work lacks signs of a well-researched set of facts. For example, at one point, a person was shot twice with a Desert Eagle. That is a 50 caliber handgun. If someone would be shot buy a desert eagle, the exit wound would be the size of a serving platter. In this instance, not only did the shot person fail to immediately die from chest shots that would have torn him in half, but the character had time to reflect on what had happened to him and the implications thereof. Preposterous! The character would have dropped dead from his innards being blown out of his back.
So, the plot consists of a pale shadow of works written by better authors, and the dialogue and actions of characters are hackneyed. So, this was a painful read. I will give you sound advice; skip it. I realize that the piece is self-published and accordingly suspect; so, I should pay closer attention to such circumstances in the future.
Final analysis: don't bother.
July 28, 2017
One word: AMAZING. The Bionics was Gulgowski's best yet. He isn't afraid to take risks with his plots and characters. To me, it was more of a character study. We meet this whole group of people and they grow throughout the traumatic journey they must go through to stop the network.
Peter Gulgowski created very memorable characters, and it is clear that he shines in the genre of dysopian. The ending comes as a surprise but it was foreshadowed several times, so it isn't sudden and out of the blue but it might feel like it!
A total must-read for any fans of YA fiction, like divergent or Hunger games!
Peter Gulgowski created very memorable characters, and it is clear that he shines in the genre of dysopian. The ending comes as a surprise but it was foreshadowed several times, so it isn't sudden and out of the blue but it might feel like it!
A total must-read for any fans of YA fiction, like divergent or Hunger games!
August 31, 2017
What a great book! I've read all of Gulgowski's books and this is so far my favorite. I love that he cuts the fluff and just goes for the story, full-speed-ahead. I love YA dystopian and Gulgowski knows how to keep it fresh, new, and exciting! =) There was massive plot-twist and moments I didn't see coming for miles, so if you're looking for a fast-paced teen read, this is totally for you! =)
October 29, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this read! The book starts one way, then takes a dramatic turn at the end! Gulgowski's characters are real and you care for them, as you do in any of his books. Glad other readers have loved it as much as I have. Gulgowski knows how to keep plots fresh and exciting, leaving out boring parts. His books are shorter for YA but its because he digs deep and keeps the plot rolling fast. No page skipping needed.
Quick Summary: A fresh, bold and creative take on the YOUNG ADULT dystopian genre. A definite read!
Quick Summary: A fresh, bold and creative take on the YOUNG ADULT dystopian genre. A definite read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews