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Celebrity Gulag
‘ Celebrity Gulag : only the biggest, most famous, most watched show in the land. Imitated worldwide but never bettered, it is the biggest star vehicle known to humankind...’
Even in darkness, the megalopolis never sleeps. The internet is gone, engulfed by the virtual flames of an online inferno. In its place, tawdry tabloids titillate with tales of television talent shows where contestants are literally dying to be famous. For physicist Dr. Philip Bruno, an unassuming life is about to take a remarkable turn. From igniting a star in the world’s first successful fusion reactor, To being hunted by a delinquent prince. How does a modest man survive stardom? When an ever-present audience bays for blood, How does he survive Celebrity Gulag?
A satirical, dystopian techno-thriller, Celebrity Gulag will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and hard science fiction. It is the debut novel of author, M. A. Rice
Even in darkness, the megalopolis never sleeps. The internet is gone, engulfed by the virtual flames of an online inferno. In its place, tawdry tabloids titillate with tales of television talent shows where contestants are literally dying to be famous. For physicist Dr. Philip Bruno, an unassuming life is about to take a remarkable turn. From igniting a star in the world’s first successful fusion reactor, To being hunted by a delinquent prince. How does a modest man survive stardom? When an ever-present audience bays for blood, How does he survive Celebrity Gulag?
A satirical, dystopian techno-thriller, Celebrity Gulag will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and hard science fiction. It is the debut novel of author, M. A. Rice
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2017
9 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 28, 2017
My rating: 4 stars
I absolutely love the concept of this book. Dystopian literature is one of my favorites, both the classic novels and the more modern ones. This book combines elements of some of my favorite past dystopian ideas with brand new ones that totally took my by surprise. At the beginning, when the timeline of the story switched from one chapter to the next, I did have a bit of difficulty following events and keeping the sequence organized in my head. Date headings or something similar at the start of chapters would have been incredibly helpful, especially given the fact that at some point in the book chapter changes no longer meant time traveling.
Like all the best dystopian concepts, this story operates on principles that we can actually imagine playing out in the world around us, which makes it both realistic and incredibly terrifying. With elements reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, Rice has the reader questioning the human will to survive and how far a person really will go when they're in a desperate situation. I'd say definitely do not jump into this one if you're squeamish. It also brings to mind elements of Brave New World in the almost unthinkable way that humans become slaves to pleasure without asking questions that are legitimately important to the survival of society. Clearly, the author is well versed in the world of dystopian fiction and is honing his talent in this area.
This is not a quick or particularly easy read. It took me a few days longer than I expected to get through it, but that's not a bad thing. It really just depends on what you're looking for. This novel isn't purely entertainment. It leaves the reader with questions, ideas, fears, and the lingering need to examine our world and their part in it, to reassure themselves that that reality doesn't have to be our future. Truly good dystopian fiction always leaves that sort of shadow behind.
As much as I enjoyed the concepts of this book, I do feel like I wanted more somehow. By the end of the story, I still wasn't entirely clear on which characters could and couldn't be trusted. I wasn't completely sure of Dr. Bruno's motives and, honestly, wasn't even sure whether I considered him to be one of the good guys. Again, none of these are particularly bad things, but I happen to like the feeling of having all the loose ends tied up when I finish a story unless I know for sure there's going to be a sequel. Overall, though, the story is solid, well-written, and intriguing. I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre who have a strong enough stomach to accept the society it's set in.
I absolutely love the concept of this book. Dystopian literature is one of my favorites, both the classic novels and the more modern ones. This book combines elements of some of my favorite past dystopian ideas with brand new ones that totally took my by surprise. At the beginning, when the timeline of the story switched from one chapter to the next, I did have a bit of difficulty following events and keeping the sequence organized in my head. Date headings or something similar at the start of chapters would have been incredibly helpful, especially given the fact that at some point in the book chapter changes no longer meant time traveling.
Like all the best dystopian concepts, this story operates on principles that we can actually imagine playing out in the world around us, which makes it both realistic and incredibly terrifying. With elements reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, Rice has the reader questioning the human will to survive and how far a person really will go when they're in a desperate situation. I'd say definitely do not jump into this one if you're squeamish. It also brings to mind elements of Brave New World in the almost unthinkable way that humans become slaves to pleasure without asking questions that are legitimately important to the survival of society. Clearly, the author is well versed in the world of dystopian fiction and is honing his talent in this area.
This is not a quick or particularly easy read. It took me a few days longer than I expected to get through it, but that's not a bad thing. It really just depends on what you're looking for. This novel isn't purely entertainment. It leaves the reader with questions, ideas, fears, and the lingering need to examine our world and their part in it, to reassure themselves that that reality doesn't have to be our future. Truly good dystopian fiction always leaves that sort of shadow behind.
As much as I enjoyed the concepts of this book, I do feel like I wanted more somehow. By the end of the story, I still wasn't entirely clear on which characters could and couldn't be trusted. I wasn't completely sure of Dr. Bruno's motives and, honestly, wasn't even sure whether I considered him to be one of the good guys. Again, none of these are particularly bad things, but I happen to like the feeling of having all the loose ends tied up when I finish a story unless I know for sure there's going to be a sequel. Overall, though, the story is solid, well-written, and intriguing. I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre who have a strong enough stomach to accept the society it's set in.
May 20, 2017
I was fortunate to be a beta reader for Celebrity Gulag and it took me a day to read it which as far as I'm concerned means it was bloody good and I couldn't put it down. I really liked the imagery and the dependence on celebrity culture that bled into normal life. I enjoyed the science and dark humour. It was gritty and raw in places but not needlessly so. One man's plight to survive and try to figure out how the hell he got there in the first place. Good stuff and I look forward to more from M.A. Rice.
June 18, 2017
Extremely well-written dystopian book which is very dark and disturbing indeed. The storyline feels quite original despite taking and extrapolating as its main theme some of the more outrageous dumbed-down 'celebrity reality' tv fodder to which we are occasionally subjected.
Through detailed description and evocative language the author has managed to convey a strong sense of a dystopian society on the verge of collapse, where life, truth and individual freedoms are of little value. The book is written from the viewpoint of the main character - Dr Philip Bruno - and the fact that he had lead a relatively privileged life until his downfall made the downtrodden and dysfunctional society, as seen from his own perspective, that much more horrifying.
I've given it 4 (and a half!) stars because although satirical and thought-provoking, it is steadfastly somber and I would have preferred the occasional injection of some more obvious humour to lighten the tone - for example, it would have been good to see Prince Ethan getting his comeuppance, and to find out what happened to the remaining Celebrity Gulag contestants.
Through detailed description and evocative language the author has managed to convey a strong sense of a dystopian society on the verge of collapse, where life, truth and individual freedoms are of little value. The book is written from the viewpoint of the main character - Dr Philip Bruno - and the fact that he had lead a relatively privileged life until his downfall made the downtrodden and dysfunctional society, as seen from his own perspective, that much more horrifying.
I've given it 4 (and a half!) stars because although satirical and thought-provoking, it is steadfastly somber and I would have preferred the occasional injection of some more obvious humour to lighten the tone - for example, it would have been good to see Prince Ethan getting his comeuppance, and to find out what happened to the remaining Celebrity Gulag contestants.
November 6, 2017
I loved the concept of this book! The execution is a touch complex but if you like hard sci-fi then you will really like this one.
The author paints a very grim landscape. One that’s dark, sinister, self-serving, and in some cases, downright evil. The scariest part about it? If the darker parts of human nature prevail, this could actually become our reality.
I’m being a tad melodramatic I guess, but I fear for humanity. I watch the news, read (mostly real) articles online, and I follow current political affairs (Perhaps the scariest of all), so it’s not a huge leap to envision all of this happening in a not so distant future.
“Celebrity Gulag” is the type of story people like me really love and fear in equal measure. We love it because it’s fascinating and entertaining, but it’s also scary AF because part of us believes that THIS is where we’re headed! That is, if huge changes aren’t implemented like yesterday.
This book is well written and incredibly imaginative. It’s a little hard to digest at times but that’s what makes it so good. I quite liked it and if you enjoy this kind of stuff, then you need to get yourself a copy. Oh, and the characters you’ll meet? Well… you’ll have to read it yourself because it’s a hell of a debut!
Rating… B-
The author paints a very grim landscape. One that’s dark, sinister, self-serving, and in some cases, downright evil. The scariest part about it? If the darker parts of human nature prevail, this could actually become our reality.
I’m being a tad melodramatic I guess, but I fear for humanity. I watch the news, read (mostly real) articles online, and I follow current political affairs (Perhaps the scariest of all), so it’s not a huge leap to envision all of this happening in a not so distant future.
“Celebrity Gulag” is the type of story people like me really love and fear in equal measure. We love it because it’s fascinating and entertaining, but it’s also scary AF because part of us believes that THIS is where we’re headed! That is, if huge changes aren’t implemented like yesterday.
This book is well written and incredibly imaginative. It’s a little hard to digest at times but that’s what makes it so good. I quite liked it and if you enjoy this kind of stuff, then you need to get yourself a copy. Oh, and the characters you’ll meet? Well… you’ll have to read it yourself because it’s a hell of a debut!
Rating… B-
July 22, 2017
An expressively written tale of a man of science fighting to stay alive in a dystopian, alt-future society, where fame and fortune take precedence over altruism. A society for the one.
Full review here: https://culturedvultures.com/celebrit...
Full review here: https://culturedvultures.com/celebrit...
June 6, 2017
Celebrity Gulag, a stand out debut!
I originally recieved a copy of Celebrity Gulag from the author in exchange for an honest review. Being a huge fan of the dystopian genre the premise piqued my interest. Celebrity Gulag is what I would consider to be a dystopian thriller, that stands out from much of the modern dystopian genre. It makes me think back to some of the classic dystopian books that caused me to fall in love with the dystopian genre in the first place, aspects like it being a bit dark, the suspense, one man just trying to find his way in the world. The main character is a physicist that was working on a project trying to make a fusion reactor that works. I liked that the main character, Dr. Philip Bruno, is a scientist and unlike many stereotypes he's not just "book smart". I found him to be relateable, clever, confident, and he can think on his feet. One thing that I particularly liked was that there wasn't a romance. I absolutely LOVED Celebrity Gulag, so much so that I bought a copy. If you're reading this, I encourage you to get yourself a copy and read Celebrity Gulag. Even if the dystopian genre isn't something you usually enjoy but you DO like thrillers, then you should check out Celebrity Gulag.
I originally recieved a copy of Celebrity Gulag from the author in exchange for an honest review. Being a huge fan of the dystopian genre the premise piqued my interest. Celebrity Gulag is what I would consider to be a dystopian thriller, that stands out from much of the modern dystopian genre. It makes me think back to some of the classic dystopian books that caused me to fall in love with the dystopian genre in the first place, aspects like it being a bit dark, the suspense, one man just trying to find his way in the world. The main character is a physicist that was working on a project trying to make a fusion reactor that works. I liked that the main character, Dr. Philip Bruno, is a scientist and unlike many stereotypes he's not just "book smart". I found him to be relateable, clever, confident, and he can think on his feet. One thing that I particularly liked was that there wasn't a romance. I absolutely LOVED Celebrity Gulag, so much so that I bought a copy. If you're reading this, I encourage you to get yourself a copy and read Celebrity Gulag. Even if the dystopian genre isn't something you usually enjoy but you DO like thrillers, then you should check out Celebrity Gulag.
June 7, 2017
Someone said, “Utopian movements produce dystopias.”
Celebrity Gulag’s book cover pretty well sets the tone for the story – something very menacing is casting a shadow on Philip Bruno’s existence. “A dark, bestial panting creeps ever closer.” The book is written in the first person, which gives an intimate look at what the protagonist is going through. The genre for this standalone novel is dystopian/thriller. If you’re a fan of either, or just enjoy good writing, then you will enjoy this book. A good style of writing and very easy to read. Enough of the present in the book for the reader to be able to relate to this dark dystopian world. Pick up a copy and check it out. You may just discover the next Philip Dick.
Celebrity Gulag’s book cover pretty well sets the tone for the story – something very menacing is casting a shadow on Philip Bruno’s existence. “A dark, bestial panting creeps ever closer.” The book is written in the first person, which gives an intimate look at what the protagonist is going through. The genre for this standalone novel is dystopian/thriller. If you’re a fan of either, or just enjoy good writing, then you will enjoy this book. A good style of writing and very easy to read. Enough of the present in the book for the reader to be able to relate to this dark dystopian world. Pick up a copy and check it out. You may just discover the next Philip Dick.
June 19, 2017
I received this book for free on recommendation of a friend of a friend and in exchange for a review. It's quite fun in parts but took a little too much time setting the scene before arriving at the titular Celebrity Gulag. Once the story gets to this point it does become a lot more fun but the dreary build up makes it a bit of a grind. The background stuff might've been more enjoyable to read if it had been slipped in later in the story after getting nicely immersed in the extreme big brother style TV show but all in all a nice quick read.
July 22, 2018
This story caught my attention right away. Who is this man? Why was he locked up? What did he do? That was it. I had to keep reading, but that just brought more questions to mind. This is one tough man and he doesn't let a few bad men trying to kill him get in his way. The story follows him from one hostile environment to another, and another. He had a goal, and bit by bit I found out more about him. But getting to your goal isn't always what you hoped it would be.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads giveaway and I highly recommend it.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads giveaway and I highly recommend it.
July 3, 2017
Celebrity Gulag
This was more like two books in one. Most of the story is laying the groundwork for the end. I thought there would be more about the survival of Philip on the show, yet that is only a smaller section at the end. There's an opening for the next book as our main character is still so very important.
This was more like two books in one. Most of the story is laying the groundwork for the end. I thought there would be more about the survival of Philip on the show, yet that is only a smaller section at the end. There's an opening for the next book as our main character is still so very important.
July 1, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Dr. Philips Bruno used to be a well known scientist who was even showing his team's work to the prince of the country. However, ever since the prince was bored with their presentation, he was imprisoned with only a man to talk to through a toilet. One day, the prison door opens, and he is simply taken on a ship and told to escape. He runs from gunfire and has to go through harsh conditions before he gets to the main city. This is where the Celebrity Gulag show comes into play, the reality show where people would literally die to become famous.
This story takes place over an alternating timeline, where you hear about Bruno's life before prison, in prison, and after prison sometimes at the same time. While this could get confusing from time to time, it definitely meant that I was never bored by reading the book.
I enjoyed the dystopian environment of the story, especially when he got to the city. No one cared about anyone else anymore, someone could be in the middle of being attacked and people would just avoid them in order not to be hurt themselves instead of trying to help them. No one is happy anymore, all they care about is getting rich and famous. But the book never specifies what becoming rich and famous will actually do for anyone, giving me the feeling that they were basically doing all of this horrible work for nothing. This book definitely made me think about what would happen if all people focused on was getting rich and famous, and didn't care about their surroundings or themselves at all unless they were there.
I recommend this book for someone who is looking for a fresh dystopian thriller guaranteed to make you think about life.
https://brisbooknook.com/celebrity-gu...
Dr. Philips Bruno used to be a well known scientist who was even showing his team's work to the prince of the country. However, ever since the prince was bored with their presentation, he was imprisoned with only a man to talk to through a toilet. One day, the prison door opens, and he is simply taken on a ship and told to escape. He runs from gunfire and has to go through harsh conditions before he gets to the main city. This is where the Celebrity Gulag show comes into play, the reality show where people would literally die to become famous.
This story takes place over an alternating timeline, where you hear about Bruno's life before prison, in prison, and after prison sometimes at the same time. While this could get confusing from time to time, it definitely meant that I was never bored by reading the book.
I enjoyed the dystopian environment of the story, especially when he got to the city. No one cared about anyone else anymore, someone could be in the middle of being attacked and people would just avoid them in order not to be hurt themselves instead of trying to help them. No one is happy anymore, all they care about is getting rich and famous. But the book never specifies what becoming rich and famous will actually do for anyone, giving me the feeling that they were basically doing all of this horrible work for nothing. This book definitely made me think about what would happen if all people focused on was getting rich and famous, and didn't care about their surroundings or themselves at all unless they were there.
I recommend this book for someone who is looking for a fresh dystopian thriller guaranteed to make you think about life.
https://brisbooknook.com/celebrity-gu...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews