Por Vida

Vinestead Universe #4

by Daniel Verastiqui

In 2035, the future of synthetic living has finally arrived, but so too has the threat of a global machine war. Rising Hollywood star Sepideh Ahmadi never imagined she would transition to an artificial body, but when her longtime girlfriend Natasha develops a terminal illness, the choices become either give up their physical bodies and stay together, or allow Natasha to die. As a synthetic woman, Sepideh discovers there is more to being human than just her thoughts and memories. Smells are stronger, sensations are more nuanced. She is no longer anxious or nervous. She is no longer herself, and neither is Natasha.Now, with a machine army threatening to invade California, crazed fans following her every move, and her new marriage slowly breaking apart, Sepideh must figure out who she will be in the centuries to come.In a world where immortality can be purchased, will the cost be more than just money?Join Sepideh Ahmadi as she answers these questions and more in the fourth Vinestead Anthology novel from Daniel Verastiqui.

Genres: Science Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2017

About the author

Daniel Verastiqui is a cyberpunk science fiction author based in Austin, Texas. With eight books published, he explores the intersections of technology and humanity in vivid, futuristic worlds. He is currently writing The Vinestead Anthology, a series of novels set in a shared universe yet standing alone as unique stories. His work offers a thrilling mix of suspense, action, and thought-provoking themes that delve into an alternate digital age where technology threatens the world and everyone in it.

His next book, House of Nepenthe, is scheduled for release in 2025. Visit danielverastiqui.com for more details.

Reviews

[Jk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free kindle copy of this book via the Goodreads Giveaways program and would like to thank anyone involved in making that happen.

This is a fun science fiction thriller. I liked the structure of the book and it's alternating viewpoints within two separate timelines that eventually converge and while I did guess the twist before it was revealed, it was still fun being proved right. I also thought the world building was well-done and scarily realistic. Overall I really enjoyed this one and am glad I got the opportunity to read it!

[Justin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Tale of Obsession Gone Awry

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it was masterfully told by an author in full command of his art. The story is one of unrequited love, technologies place in our day to day lives, all bootstrapped to a dark, fast-paced thriller. Every sentence seemed to drive the story forward to a frenetic conclusion. I found myself strangely sympathetic to the darker characters of the book, which surprised me. I finished this book in just two days!

A complete work from Verastiqui, I look forward to reading more from him in the future.

[Antonio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my assessments of this book Por Vida by Daniel Verastiqui according to 6 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 3 stars
2. Boring - fun - 3 stars
3. not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 3 stars
4. predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 4 stars

Total 3.33 stars.

[Amanda Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is not of my typical genre, I was in the mood for something different, and this book did not disappoint! I struggled to get into it at first, with all of the undefined words and abbreviations relating to a technology of the future, but once I got into it and got into the flow of the story I was hooked. Then, once I figured out what was REALLY going on I couldn't put it down and had to finish in that sitting and stayed up into the wee morning hours to do so.

[David Pospisil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent and surprising book.
I really did not know what to expect going in.
It took about half the book before I started to catch on.
Interesting tech and characters....characters you love and characters you absolutely hate.
I would certainly read other works by this author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive.

I highly recommend this book for any genre reader. Just when you think you've got the ending figured out, the author throws in surprising twist, and you're dying to keep reading to see how it will all play out. Well written, making it easy to feel a connection with the characters and visualize what they are going through. Definitely looking forward to more from Daniel Verastiqui.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being fooled by a story. There was something about the multiple storylines that nagged at me, something not quite right... Until it was, and my "NO WAY" echoed in the room. I think in the back of my mind I knew "something was up" but it turned out I was on the wrong side of the line.

I can't wait to read it again, to see how many ways the author told me what was happening and I just missed it. That's a win in my book.

[Hanna Newby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The writing was not remarkable, but the story was fast-paced and the characters were believable. I found myself being sucked in despite the fact that Verastiqui's writing style wasn't my favorite, and that takes a certain type of talent.
If you are a sci-fi fan, you will love this book. I myself thought it was okay.

[Sydnie Macelroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! It's been a long time since I experience a "can't put it down" book. I couldn't put this one down.

One part science fiction, one part psychological thriller, and 100% edge of your seat thrill ride. The characters are complex and delightful. The plot is well thought out and solid. The little clues along the way... little things that made me roll my eyes at the continuity error... Let's just say when it suddenly makes sense, it's like a kick in the gut (and I mean that in a very good way).