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Ouroboros Cycle #1
Frame
How far would you go to save someone who was already dead?
Hidden in the frame of a single photo, a content producer for social media sensation, Mathew Albrecht, discovers his possible ties to a global terrorist organisation. Could her client’s involvement also be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature?
What is revealed may eclipse everything that she thought she knew, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past in her pursuit of the truth.
Frame is a genre-bending thriller, set in a world poised on the brink of insanity.
Hidden in the frame of a single photo, a content producer for social media sensation, Mathew Albrecht, discovers his possible ties to a global terrorist organisation. Could her client’s involvement also be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature?
What is revealed may eclipse everything that she thought she knew, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past in her pursuit of the truth.
Frame is a genre-bending thriller, set in a world poised on the brink of insanity.
- GenresThriller
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
302 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Alliss
9 books28 followersAK Alliss writes. Anytime. Anywhere. Scifi, Fantasy, Noir and anything else that grabs his attention. Breaking barriers from the mainstream genre tropes and introducing rich and intriguing characters to accompany readers on their adventure.
Author of the Ouroboros Cycle Scifi saga (FR[A]ME, Future's Orphans, and Gravity's Truth), The Pattern Codex Science Fantasy epic (All The Dead Stars) and the domestic psychological thriller, 'Kill Your Darlings'.
His next book is 'Jimmy Dean's Last Dance', coming from Spectrum Publishing.
Want to learn more about the elusive AK? Find him on Social Media or wherever good books are sold.
Author of the Ouroboros Cycle Scifi saga (FR[A]ME, Future's Orphans, and Gravity's Truth), The Pattern Codex Science Fantasy epic (All The Dead Stars) and the domestic psychological thriller, 'Kill Your Darlings'.
His next book is 'Jimmy Dean's Last Dance', coming from Spectrum Publishing.
Want to learn more about the elusive AK? Find him on Social Media or wherever good books are sold.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 29, 2017
Frame, the new work of fiction by A.K. Alliss, is a seemingly seamless masterpiece of genre-bending writing. Exciting and intriguing, the synopsis just draws you into the storyline. I can often be wary of these genre mixing authors as some of their books just don't work and can end up on the DNF pile but I shouldn't have worried! Fret not! This is a very well written narrative with a captivating and enthralling mystery. It is Alliss' fourth novel to date and it certainly leaves an impression, writing twisty psychological mysteries seems to be his forte. I found it an immersive read and admired the strength of the protagonist who stays cool and calm throughout despite the goings on around her.
In the beginning - A young widow comes across information in a photo that makes her believe that her client may be involved with the terrorists that were responsible for her husband’s death. Could her client's involvement be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature?
What is revealed may eclipse everything that she thought she knew, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past in her pursuit of the truth but she is reluctant to re-open old wounds. What will she come across and will she be able to cope with the consequences?
This is a particularly scary novel because it could, in the not so distant future, actually happen for real. This makes it highly thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining both at the same time which is hard to pull off as an author! It reminds me a little of the ethics surrounding the research and development of AI and the fear that comes along with that - the fear that we may make a being that is much more intelligent than ourselves which would bring all sorts of difficulties, the worst being the possible extinction of humanity. This is a perfect summer read for lovers of engaging crime fiction and genre-bending cyberpunk thrillers that are set in a world poised on the brink of insanity.
I would like to thank A.K. Alliss and Hidden Gems ARC Program for the opportunity to read this title in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
In the beginning - A young widow comes across information in a photo that makes her believe that her client may be involved with the terrorists that were responsible for her husband’s death. Could her client's involvement be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature?
What is revealed may eclipse everything that she thought she knew, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past in her pursuit of the truth but she is reluctant to re-open old wounds. What will she come across and will she be able to cope with the consequences?
This is a particularly scary novel because it could, in the not so distant future, actually happen for real. This makes it highly thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining both at the same time which is hard to pull off as an author! It reminds me a little of the ethics surrounding the research and development of AI and the fear that comes along with that - the fear that we may make a being that is much more intelligent than ourselves which would bring all sorts of difficulties, the worst being the possible extinction of humanity. This is a perfect summer read for lovers of engaging crime fiction and genre-bending cyberpunk thrillers that are set in a world poised on the brink of insanity.
I would like to thank A.K. Alliss and Hidden Gems ARC Program for the opportunity to read this title in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
February 7, 2017
The highly efficient worker of Hide spent her days; long, arduous days; reworking photos, frame by frame. The chip installed in her head stopped her identifying the owner of the photos – once completed to her liking, it was sent on its way and she had nothing more to do with that particular photo. But when she noticed something that had no right being there, her suspicions spiked – her mind went immediately to her dead husband Connor; could it be possible? Would she find some answers to his death that no one had been able to tell her in the years since he died?
Spending time with the robotic ghost of Connor, knowing it was only a facsimile, was what she did night after night, but now it wasn’t enough. Her teaming up with ex-military to search for the truth would lead them all into a danger far worse than anything she had ever imagined. How far would she need to go to discover the truth?
Frame by Aussie author A.K. Aliss is a mix of genres – paranormal/science fiction, mystery and thriller. The pace is fast, the tension relentless. But it did take me some time to get into; to work out what was actually happening. I felt lost in a sea of words for the first third of the book until I gradually settled into the rhythm of the story. I think because I hadn’t realised it had paranormal aspects my brain needed to change gears before I could understand what was going on. But that said, I would still recommend Frame highly to fans of paranormal thrillers and their off-shoots.
With thanks to NetGalley and Atlas Publishing for this digital copy to read and review.
Spending time with the robotic ghost of Connor, knowing it was only a facsimile, was what she did night after night, but now it wasn’t enough. Her teaming up with ex-military to search for the truth would lead them all into a danger far worse than anything she had ever imagined. How far would she need to go to discover the truth?
Frame by Aussie author A.K. Aliss is a mix of genres – paranormal/science fiction, mystery and thriller. The pace is fast, the tension relentless. But it did take me some time to get into; to work out what was actually happening. I felt lost in a sea of words for the first third of the book until I gradually settled into the rhythm of the story. I think because I hadn’t realised it had paranormal aspects my brain needed to change gears before I could understand what was going on. But that said, I would still recommend Frame highly to fans of paranormal thrillers and their off-shoots.
With thanks to NetGalley and Atlas Publishing for this digital copy to read and review.
February 6, 2017
I chose this book to read because it sounded like an intriguing blend of exciting genre's, and it is! Not to mention it is by an Aussie author!
However I have really struggled with my review because I found it a little hard to follow and kept putting it down...which didn't help...
This I know was no fault of the book or the author as it is very well written and I can see how it would appeal greatly to its targeted audience, but I think it was not the right choice for me
and I did it no service by persisting as I realised I couldn't do it justice with the kind of review I'm sure it deserves.
One thing I can say with certainty is that the writing is compelling, only I kept losing the plot. That is not to say that it is lacking in any way, its like a movie that one person is riveted by and another (me) keeps interrupting to ask questions because I was still thinking about the previous scene :/
If it sounds like your kind of book then do give it a try.
3.5*s
However I have really struggled with my review because I found it a little hard to follow and kept putting it down...which didn't help...
This I know was no fault of the book or the author as it is very well written and I can see how it would appeal greatly to its targeted audience, but I think it was not the right choice for me
and I did it no service by persisting as I realised I couldn't do it justice with the kind of review I'm sure it deserves.
One thing I can say with certainty is that the writing is compelling, only I kept losing the plot. That is not to say that it is lacking in any way, its like a movie that one person is riveted by and another (me) keeps interrupting to ask questions because I was still thinking about the previous scene :/
If it sounds like your kind of book then do give it a try.
3.5*s
February 7, 2017
An exciting and intriguing read.
My View:
I first read this remarkable narrative as a manuscript – I knew nothing of the author, or his style of writing or his track record but I was hooked from the moment I read these couple of sentences in synopsis; “Hidden in the frame of a single photo, a content producer for social media sensation, Mathew Albrecht, discovers his possible ties to a global terrorist organisation. Could her client's involvement also be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature? “
Synchronicity was at work! In a previous life (as most of you will already know) I worked in the film and television industry, looking at images frame by frame…content producing… these terms/actions immediately connected and intrigued me. I had to read this and find out more.
And am I glad I took this opportunity? YES! This is an amazing read. A thriller that is set in the future – but not too far in the future, in the foreseeable future – I can “see” the landscapes, the settings and the technology.
And technology is power – holders of this power can influence, control; domestically the power of social media dictates trends, projects individuals to celebrity status and a culture of hero worship by keyboard is encouraged. Politically, wars are won or lost based on control of information and technical fighting power. The landscapes created here are so real they make you feel uncomfortable.
The characters are vivid and realistic – I feel for the protagonist, Hannah – melancholy, trapped by a web of grief wound so tight she can hardly breathe…yet strong and resourceful and smart - a great female protagonist.
Love, grief, the importance of family, of emotional connections, ties that bind, are themes that are explored in depth in the novel. The words love and family usually connatates positive emotions and responses but loss of love or the void death creates can also restrict, hold our emotional health to ransom and have the potential to destroy. Hope can empower and create change. Ultimately (no spoilers here) the lesson here is: Love Conquers All.
A meaningful and captivating read!
My View:
I first read this remarkable narrative as a manuscript – I knew nothing of the author, or his style of writing or his track record but I was hooked from the moment I read these couple of sentences in synopsis; “Hidden in the frame of a single photo, a content producer for social media sensation, Mathew Albrecht, discovers his possible ties to a global terrorist organisation. Could her client's involvement also be linked to the death of her husband years earlier or is it something entirely more sinister in nature? “
Synchronicity was at work! In a previous life (as most of you will already know) I worked in the film and television industry, looking at images frame by frame…content producing… these terms/actions immediately connected and intrigued me. I had to read this and find out more.
And am I glad I took this opportunity? YES! This is an amazing read. A thriller that is set in the future – but not too far in the future, in the foreseeable future – I can “see” the landscapes, the settings and the technology.
And technology is power – holders of this power can influence, control; domestically the power of social media dictates trends, projects individuals to celebrity status and a culture of hero worship by keyboard is encouraged. Politically, wars are won or lost based on control of information and technical fighting power. The landscapes created here are so real they make you feel uncomfortable.
The characters are vivid and realistic – I feel for the protagonist, Hannah – melancholy, trapped by a web of grief wound so tight she can hardly breathe…yet strong and resourceful and smart - a great female protagonist.
Love, grief, the importance of family, of emotional connections, ties that bind, are themes that are explored in depth in the novel. The words love and family usually connatates positive emotions and responses but loss of love or the void death creates can also restrict, hold our emotional health to ransom and have the potential to destroy. Hope can empower and create change. Ultimately (no spoilers here) the lesson here is: Love Conquers All.
A meaningful and captivating read!
August 24, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. This is what I would call "cyberpunk" science fiction and normally the tech speak is so overwhelming the plot is obscured. However, in this book, the underlying intrigue plot shines through. Enough so, that I am planning on continuing the series!
February 5, 2017
When I received a message through this blog from the author, asking if I would be interested in reviewing his new book, as ever I looked straight at the synopsis he included. Often I find myself thinking “that sounds interesting/fun/different, I’ll give that book a try”. This time, I was really hooked by the description. Frame struck me as being a timely and relevant book given the current world climate, so couldn’t wait to get on to reading this book.
And I can firmly say I was not disappointed. Set in Alliss’ homeland of Australia, the events within Frame could easily happen anywhere in the world. The country, and the world beyond it, sits on the brink of utter turmoil thanks to disease and terrorist threat. Where civilisation lives on, so too does the vanity of the rich and famous. Here, we meet Hannah, a content producer, working on the social media portfolio of internet starlet, Mathew Albrecht.
In the midst of all the typically-vacuous self-centred content she is used to seeing, one image shakes her to her core. In one of the image frames she works on, a logo catches her eye - the logo of a terrorist organisation that her husband gave his life fighting against in the army. With just one image, Hannah’s life turns upside down as this chance encounter sends her on a journey; a journey to uncover the truth about the death of her husband, to uncover Albrecht’s involvement with the shady organisation and what exactly this global terrorist threat has in store for the world.
As per the description, Frame really is a genre-bending story. The book spans crime, thriller, action with elements of sci-fi thrown in for good measure. It may well be set in a version of the future, but a lot of the themes could quite plausibly occur. All around the story builds tension towards the end game. This, however, was my one and only niggle with the story - the ending. It did feel a little abrupt, not entirely ending the main character’s stories. Not that the main storyline needed that, but it might have been nice after getting into their backstories. Allis has produced a tense, fantastic read in Frame, with a number of nods to the world we live in now and a possible destination that we might be heading towards.
And I can firmly say I was not disappointed. Set in Alliss’ homeland of Australia, the events within Frame could easily happen anywhere in the world. The country, and the world beyond it, sits on the brink of utter turmoil thanks to disease and terrorist threat. Where civilisation lives on, so too does the vanity of the rich and famous. Here, we meet Hannah, a content producer, working on the social media portfolio of internet starlet, Mathew Albrecht.
In the midst of all the typically-vacuous self-centred content she is used to seeing, one image shakes her to her core. In one of the image frames she works on, a logo catches her eye - the logo of a terrorist organisation that her husband gave his life fighting against in the army. With just one image, Hannah’s life turns upside down as this chance encounter sends her on a journey; a journey to uncover the truth about the death of her husband, to uncover Albrecht’s involvement with the shady organisation and what exactly this global terrorist threat has in store for the world.
As per the description, Frame really is a genre-bending story. The book spans crime, thriller, action with elements of sci-fi thrown in for good measure. It may well be set in a version of the future, but a lot of the themes could quite plausibly occur. All around the story builds tension towards the end game. This, however, was my one and only niggle with the story - the ending. It did feel a little abrupt, not entirely ending the main character’s stories. Not that the main storyline needed that, but it might have been nice after getting into their backstories. Allis has produced a tense, fantastic read in Frame, with a number of nods to the world we live in now and a possible destination that we might be heading towards.
July 11, 2017
Another good read. Fast-paced and finger-nail biting scenes. The characters were very believable, the storyline was a little confusing at times due to the layers of complexity but it had a terrific ending.
September 18, 2017
Hannah, a recent military widow, works in the field of celebrity promotion through manipulation of images. She doesn’t know the people she helps promote…can’t know about them thanks to a company implant that prevents the wearer from knowing anything direct. Implants like the one she has, along with datapads that shock anyone not specifically keyed to them and VR gear to help provide a memory of lost loved ones, are part of the technology found in the world that A. K. Alliss has created in the world of _Frame_, where we join Hannah on her journey as she discovers a link between the person she’s enhancing and the group responsible for her husband’s death.
This novel fits well within the cyberpunk genre, and is an ambitious story full of interesting ideas and some social commentary about celebrity as well. Some aspects of the world in which Alliss’s characters are acting in are painted very well, but I never quite got a sense of the overall structure of this futuristic period. Some of the writing I found dry as well, even during the action sequences. I think most of all I wanted more of the human element in the story. Hannah, the protagonist, is caught up in finding out the truth of things but I don’t know if I quite understood why…her relationship with her husband in the flashbacks provided didn’t really show me why she felt his loss so strongly…though her whole life is an example of the disconnect in the world’s society.
Still, if you are a fan of this kind of fiction, _Frame_ is a short enough read to provide an afternoon’s worth of reading and enjoyment. Many elements of this book are enjoyable, because some of the imagery that comes across catches the mind very well. Interactions in Hannah’s work environment are so realistic despite the trappings of the future that I could envision the place perfectly. This world has depth to it, and I hope the author will continue to explore it and write more for readers to share in this vision.
(Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
This novel fits well within the cyberpunk genre, and is an ambitious story full of interesting ideas and some social commentary about celebrity as well. Some aspects of the world in which Alliss’s characters are acting in are painted very well, but I never quite got a sense of the overall structure of this futuristic period. Some of the writing I found dry as well, even during the action sequences. I think most of all I wanted more of the human element in the story. Hannah, the protagonist, is caught up in finding out the truth of things but I don’t know if I quite understood why…her relationship with her husband in the flashbacks provided didn’t really show me why she felt his loss so strongly…though her whole life is an example of the disconnect in the world’s society.
Still, if you are a fan of this kind of fiction, _Frame_ is a short enough read to provide an afternoon’s worth of reading and enjoyment. Many elements of this book are enjoyable, because some of the imagery that comes across catches the mind very well. Interactions in Hannah’s work environment are so realistic despite the trappings of the future that I could envision the place perfectly. This world has depth to it, and I hope the author will continue to explore it and write more for readers to share in this vision.
(Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
July 8, 2017
“Frame” eBook was published in 2017 and was written by A. K. Alliss (http://www.akalliss.com.au). Mr. Alliss has published four novels.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review.
A young widow comes across information in a photo that makes her believe that her client may be involved with the terrorists that were responsible for her husband’s death. She is able to ‘communicate’ with her dead husband through technology that uses his data to simulate his presence.
I gave this book about 90 minutes of my time and managed to plod about 15% of the way into it. The concept sounded good, but the book itself just did not set well with me, so I called a Rule of 50 (https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/2015... ) and moved on. I give what I read of this novel a 2.4 (rounded down to a 2) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review.
A young widow comes across information in a photo that makes her believe that her client may be involved with the terrorists that were responsible for her husband’s death. She is able to ‘communicate’ with her dead husband through technology that uses his data to simulate his presence.
I gave this book about 90 minutes of my time and managed to plod about 15% of the way into it. The concept sounded good, but the book itself just did not set well with me, so I called a Rule of 50 (https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/2015... ) and moved on. I give what I read of this novel a 2.4 (rounded down to a 2) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
August 12, 2020
I sorta have mixed feelings about these books. I started out really liking them. I love the concepts of these books. It was so interesting. But the more I listened, the worse it got for me. And I'm not really sure what happened. I know that by the end of the first book, I really didn't want to read anymore. But then I would force myself to get pasted that part and it would get good again for a little. And this happened to me a few times. So now I'm not sure how I feel about these books. But I am glad that I listened to them. I also really did like the author's writing style. She has an excellent vocabulary and such a descriptive style. I wish I could write like that.
This book was given to me at my request. (Thanx Audiobook Unleased). I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
This book was given to me at my request. (Thanx Audiobook Unleased). I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
January 6, 2020
Wow this is definitely a read that takes you to a different World. I love how the Author brings the story together with all 3 of the books. I could definitely imagine the scenes as I listened to this Audio. I did not want to put this read down. It had me on the edge of my seat. It is so intriquing and had lots of twists and turns. The Narrator done a Fantastic job with the Voices. I definitely recommend this listen. Plus its more than a 5 star listen.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
May 11, 2017
This was a thought provoking read that gave me a glimpse into a possible future that is terrifying because it could easily come true.
I kept thinking about the story long after I put the book down each night and couldn't wait to get back into it.
It was an engrossing thrill ride that kept me guessing right up until the explosive end.
Loved it!
I kept thinking about the story long after I put the book down each night and couldn't wait to get back into it.
It was an engrossing thrill ride that kept me guessing right up until the explosive end.
Loved it!
August 17, 2017
The concept of the story line and the writing is great, unfortunately I just couldn't get into it, I am not sure if it was just a bit too descriptive of everything to begin with or just not the book to read at the time, due to this I will try reading the book again.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2017
I am giving this book 3 1/2 star rating. This book just did not hold my attention. Although the plot & the characters are very well developed and the book is very well written. I just could not find myself getting absorbed in by the story telling.
January 13, 2024
3.5 stars
The reason I am rounding this to 3 is that I couldn't properly understand/ get into it till the later part of the story but regardless this was a really good book
The reason I am rounding this to 3 is that I couldn't properly understand/ get into it till the later part of the story but regardless this was a really good book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews