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Quantum State
In a distant future only known as year 61 of MAQS, the quiet utopian district of Cherni contains the perfect system. Everyone is assigned a duty, and life is harmonious directed by the chief quantum computer: MAQS.
But Masha Mikhailov is not convinced of MAQS' sincerity, and is determined to escape. Aided by her best friend Esfir, Masha's plans take a surprising turn when she is assigned to marry the Keeper, Kazimir.
With both time and options running out, can Masha find her way out... or be forever trapped in the "perfect" life designated for her by the powerful AI?
If you're a fan of Hyperion, The Giver, The Matrix, 1984 or Eagle Eye, you will love Quantum State.
But Masha Mikhailov is not convinced of MAQS' sincerity, and is determined to escape. Aided by her best friend Esfir, Masha's plans take a surprising turn when she is assigned to marry the Keeper, Kazimir.
With both time and options running out, can Masha find her way out... or be forever trapped in the "perfect" life designated for her by the powerful AI?
If you're a fan of Hyperion, The Giver, The Matrix, 1984 or Eagle Eye, you will love Quantum State.
- GenresYoung Adult
225 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2017
17 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 5, 2018
Exciting read
A future full of robots, everything planned for you, you are watched every minute, and you can't leave or you die. The slightest rebellion is swiftly dealt with. This is the story of a couple of kids growing up in this world...but there is lots of secrets hidden...
A future full of robots, everything planned for you, you are watched every minute, and you can't leave or you die. The slightest rebellion is swiftly dealt with. This is the story of a couple of kids growing up in this world...but there is lots of secrets hidden...
November 7, 2017
I was given this book in exchange of an honest review, and it’s not hard at all! I was fascinated from the blurb and was wonderfully gratified. A YA Sci fy/ distopian story, a supposedly utopian life controlled by an AI. Many obscure mysteries the main characters try to solve, always in hiding, the questions of how far we would accept a so strict society run by bots. Fast paced, thought provoking, thriller and action guaranteed! The outcome left me glued and was a bit biased at the end, not sure if I agreed with the decisions made. But, hey, that’s what it’s about, a story that makes you think, and not just a good read! I definitely recommend reading it!
March 4, 2018
I received this free digital copy from Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Interesting Concept
This story actually had a pretty interesting concept… that took 95% of the book to actually reveal. This book does not really give you any clues about what is going on in the story or where it’s leading up to, which made the entire unveiling of the climax totally and completely anticlimactic. Not only that, but because the concept is kept so secret throughout the entire book, I wasn’t interested to keep reading. It was like, every time an interesting idea would pop up, it would be shot down immediately before it even had time to flourish and take root my mind. ie I lost interest soooo fast in this story.
“Science”
Speaking of the concept, this is a futuristic dystopian world. As such, there is a lot of unexplained items going on for the world and society. Unfortunately, though, most of the items in this book were literally never explained. Or worse yet, the ‘explanation’ for everything was just science. Science in its most arbitrary, undescribed sense that is so abstract people can’t even fathom what it could truly be or whether it’s even realistic for the plot. As a scientist, I found this extremely frustrating. Not to mention, ‘science’ was literally the answer to just about everything in the book and the characters were just supposed to accept it, which only added to the unbelievable quality of the story.
Constant Monologue
There was a ton of unnecessary monologue and inner thoughts from the main character. Like literally SOOOO much. It was about 70% of the book and I gave up reading it all around 35% of the way through because it was so boring and useless to the story. This story, without the constant run of blah would probably only be about 100 pages. Most of the story is filler, like there wasn’t actually enough going on so it had to be filled in to make it novel length.
The worst part about Masha’s constant thoughts is that half the things she says, never even come up again, making them useless information for the reader. Honestly, they almost felt like a distraction technique after a while.
Esfir
Wow. What a useless, obvious filler character. Esfir is supposed to be Masha’s best friend/partner-in-crime, but he literally doesn’t ever do anything. I mean, yeah, he does stuff. But whenever anything important comes up in the book, like a scene that offers information, he literally disappears from the scene until Masha is done talking/discovering something. Aka he is a ghost character thrown into the book for no reason.
Interesting Concept
This story actually had a pretty interesting concept… that took 95% of the book to actually reveal. This book does not really give you any clues about what is going on in the story or where it’s leading up to, which made the entire unveiling of the climax totally and completely anticlimactic. Not only that, but because the concept is kept so secret throughout the entire book, I wasn’t interested to keep reading. It was like, every time an interesting idea would pop up, it would be shot down immediately before it even had time to flourish and take root my mind. ie I lost interest soooo fast in this story.
“Science”
Speaking of the concept, this is a futuristic dystopian world. As such, there is a lot of unexplained items going on for the world and society. Unfortunately, though, most of the items in this book were literally never explained. Or worse yet, the ‘explanation’ for everything was just science. Science in its most arbitrary, undescribed sense that is so abstract people can’t even fathom what it could truly be or whether it’s even realistic for the plot. As a scientist, I found this extremely frustrating. Not to mention, ‘science’ was literally the answer to just about everything in the book and the characters were just supposed to accept it, which only added to the unbelievable quality of the story.
Constant Monologue
There was a ton of unnecessary monologue and inner thoughts from the main character. Like literally SOOOO much. It was about 70% of the book and I gave up reading it all around 35% of the way through because it was so boring and useless to the story. This story, without the constant run of blah would probably only be about 100 pages. Most of the story is filler, like there wasn’t actually enough going on so it had to be filled in to make it novel length.
The worst part about Masha’s constant thoughts is that half the things she says, never even come up again, making them useless information for the reader. Honestly, they almost felt like a distraction technique after a while.
Esfir
Wow. What a useless, obvious filler character. Esfir is supposed to be Masha’s best friend/partner-in-crime, but he literally doesn’t ever do anything. I mean, yeah, he does stuff. But whenever anything important comes up in the book, like a scene that offers information, he literally disappears from the scene until Masha is done talking/discovering something. Aka he is a ghost character thrown into the book for no reason.
November 4, 2017
What a ride! I really enjoyed this book. If you like young adult sci-fi dystopian stories with a bit of a mystery, then this is for you. The story started off interesting and by the end it threw me through twists I wasn’t expecting. We learn a lot about the world and MAQS, the AI computer who is in control of their world. Masha is curious and eager to find out more than just what MAQS thinks is bets for her. I like a driven and strong character. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with Esfir. You will definitely be surprised by the ending. Overall, this is a very well written book with flowing dialogue and plot.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influence by this.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influence by this.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
February 2, 2018
This story was not thought through very well at all. Lots of unexplained things, like how a computer can be powered for 5 years, and there is not much in the way of science fiction in the book. I was about 3/4th way through the book before it was explained to us when the story took place and how this computer was controlling everything. The rest of the book to me was like a soap opera love story. The gist of the story is that humans destroyed the world about the year 2020 and left this computer to run things. In about the year 2560-something is when the story takes place. Well there is no explanation of how a computer can clone human DNA, like human lab people do. And how can a computer be powered for 500 years and with no one attending to it. How could it gather resources to create "bots" which I assume are robots.
May 15, 2017
This book is very different to a lot of things I read - I'm not usually into strict state, post-apocalypse stuff, unless it has a twist, like fantasy characters or something - but I really enjoyed it overall. There were a few places where I felt it began to drag a little (hence the 4*), but I'm glad I kept reading as it soon picked up and was a good book, well-written, with characters that - despite their different circumstances - you could really relate to. Enjoyed the first-person narrator style of writing, and the twists in the story. I'd definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy this genre, or just fancy something a little different.
NB I received a free copy of this book online, but this review is honest and based wholly on my own opinions.
NB I received a free copy of this book online, but this review is honest and based wholly on my own opinions.
July 1, 2018
What is actually out there is the question that she wants an answer to.
Terrific. A world has been created that is all too easy to imagine as being real. Where people live according to strick rules laid down by a computer. One where marriage is arranged, where your profession is a located and knowledge is withheld. One young girl and her best friend want to find out why. Read as they delve into why, what and where in this skillfully crafted book. As they discover why bots monitor every move and why no one ever goes outside the confines of the city. With characters that you will love and that are as multilayered as the plot. A really great read that doesn't stray too far from what could actually happen.
I received a copy for a honest review.
Terrific. A world has been created that is all too easy to imagine as being real. Where people live according to strick rules laid down by a computer. One where marriage is arranged, where your profession is a located and knowledge is withheld. One young girl and her best friend want to find out why. Read as they delve into why, what and where in this skillfully crafted book. As they discover why bots monitor every move and why no one ever goes outside the confines of the city. With characters that you will love and that are as multilayered as the plot. A really great read that doesn't stray too far from what could actually happen.
I received a copy for a honest review.
May 19, 2017
I do have to say I got heartily sick of the word MAQS,however other than that I very much enjoyed the twists,turns and storyline of this book.World building is something that not only M.Black has done with the book but also in the book,A very scary thought after reading it all the way thru.It has characters that are memorable,a good plot and some very hilarious points in the storyline as you wonder what Masha is going to do next to get her answers,with bits of suspense and mystery mixed in to carry it along to a happy ending
January 13, 2018
Review of a copy received via Goodreads. Story line was not bad overall, but the writing was a bit sophomoric, maybe because it is a YA book - but I think even Young Adults would appreciate a bit more sophisticated writing. My opinion is that it is not a good premise, esp for young people, to suggest that mankind could, or will, destroy the environment and himself. No real proof to the climate change hoax, so it should not be fostered. And no one should presume that machines, or esp the government, will be there to take care of you and keep you safe.
November 8, 2018
I am a huge fan of dystopian, future and time travel books and this one did not disappoint. It got a little long and drawn out at times but that’s ok. The one problem I had was the same as other reviewers have said and that is about the editors. Couple mishaps here and there, nothing horrible, until the last 10-15% of the book. It seems like the editor went on break and didn’t come back. The last of the book is riddled with errors. A few examples are, by instead of be, some instead of same, an extra a after the word an and a few others. All in all a good read!
November 17, 2017
This story reminds me of The hunger games and divergent. A machine is ruling their lives. It tells them what job the will do and who to marry. They are not allowed outside of the walls. There a some people that want to fight for their freedom to choice there own lives. Masha's mother was one if these people. Now Masha is taking up where she left off, trying to find the answers to why they have to take orders from a machine.
January 6, 2018
To live in an dystopian world where all decisions are made for you by a quantum computer ... what courses to take, what career to have and who to marry and when. This is the world that Masha lives in and she deseperatly wants to make her own choices, first and foremost, to leave Cherni and discovery what is beyond her districts walls. A fast paced story that will be enjoyed by fans of the “Matched” series.
February 10, 2018
I received a free copy of this book. The book premise is interesting. It reminds me of Divergent or slightly of Hunger Games in terms of interest and plot. Unfortunately, the delivery is so very basic that absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. No inferences must be made because every single fact is either directly stated or mentioned in dialogue. I was so bored that I stopped reading about 40% into the book.
April 19, 2020
Good wth nice ending
Reading this book was a great before bed was perfect for be. Lived the way yMasha character interacted with Esfir and Kazimir and how the reality of how to each of them was developed and brought to real life. The twist for me that I didn't see coming was how MAQS was created and how each of the 8 districts came about. That made the entire book worth the read for me.
Reading this book was a great before bed was perfect for be. Lived the way yMasha character interacted with Esfir and Kazimir and how the reality of how to each of them was developed and brought to real life. The twist for me that I didn't see coming was how MAQS was created and how each of the 8 districts came about. That made the entire book worth the read for me.
May 7, 2017
If you liked the Exotiqa books and like reading YA as well, you shouldn't miss Quantum State. It is different despite the similar themes of bots & co. I liked that she used a first person narrator. I think it works great for this story. The book description is good and gives you all the information about the story. I enjoed reading this and I can recommend it, it's a great book.
December 25, 2017
A domed society ruled by an AI called MAQS, but is it benevolent or malevolent? Masha is the likeable heroine who wants to escape and find out the truth.
I found it entertaining and a little creepy, with the idea of having your whole life dictated. There are plenty of different mysteries to be solved that kept me wanting to read. A follow-up story would be good.
I found it entertaining and a little creepy, with the idea of having your whole life dictated. There are plenty of different mysteries to be solved that kept me wanting to read. A follow-up story would be good.
November 30, 2017
This was an amazing book. I really enjoyed it all the way throughout.
September 14, 2018
Quantum State
Simply a masterpiece of fiction writing. If this hasn't won an award it should. As well this needs to be adapted for a screenplay so it can be made into a movie. This nihilistic dystopian look into the future needs to be read by all, yes it is that good.
Simply a masterpiece of fiction writing. If this hasn't won an award it should. As well this needs to be adapted for a screenplay so it can be made into a movie. This nihilistic dystopian look into the future needs to be read by all, yes it is that good.
June 1, 2019
A very clever read about the future state of the world. A young pair of friends feel like they are being lied to about how they have to live and strike out on an adventure to find the answers. Incredible read. I kept turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happens. I'm a fan!
May 7, 2017
I think this a very original story with twists throughout that you won't expect. If you enjoy bots and future tech as well as YA dystopia, you will enjoy this unique take on our future.
September 9, 2017
Wonderful story of the future with robots and everything that goes with it. Not such a long story and can be read quickly
November 5, 2017
This is a great rollercoaster of a book with way more twists, turns and drops than any roller coaster could have without people puking all the time. Loved it.
November 10, 2017
Received this book for free/ARC
am voluntarily reviewing
Stunning and Thought provoking
beautifully written highly recommend reading
am voluntarily reviewing
Stunning and Thought provoking
beautifully written highly recommend reading
February 21, 2018
Received this book for free/ARC
am voluntarily reviewing
Stunning and Thought provoking
beautifully written highly recommend reading
am voluntarily reviewing
Stunning and Thought provoking
beautifully written highly recommend reading
December 20, 2017
A young adult sci-fi dystopian book with a bit of a mystery well developed what will entertainment you until the last page.
The characters are interesting and surprising.
I recommend this book to all that love sci-fi dystopian.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
The characters are interesting and surprising.
I recommend this book to all that love sci-fi dystopian.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
January 2, 2018
I'm on a tight budget right now so reading more books that are either free or on special offer, which is giving me a chance to try out new authors.
This book is YA dystopian and I really enjoyed it. It was quite a light read although exciting enough to keep me turning the pages, and I thought the idea was rather original. All in all, well worth my time.
This book is YA dystopian and I really enjoyed it. It was quite a light read although exciting enough to keep me turning the pages, and I thought the idea was rather original. All in all, well worth my time.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews