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Capsoul
In the middle of the 17th century, a prominent religious leader is sentenced to exile. The Venetian mirror that was used to prophesy his political downfall reappears centuries later in Andrew’s family and leads to a series of mysterious events. Andrew joins a firm engaged in an unusual project. Two of his colleagues share with him the breathtaking mirror stories of their own. Deciphering the meaning of the events of their early lives, the friends build Capsoul—a feat of neurotechnology. The new device could help millions of people, but the company’s owner has his own plans for the Capsoul.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2016
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 2, 2017
If you like numerology, this is the book for you.
A mixture of science, science fiction, fantasy, and mysticism based on numerology, "Capsoul" is the story of a group of emigres from the former USSR to the US and Canada who design a project to create a kind of "immortality machine" that can preserve a soul using mirrors. Scenes of their experiments are intercut with flashbacks to their childhoods and early adulthoods in the USSR and US, as well as historical sections about the 17th-century Patriarch Nikon.
Mainstream Western readers may find this book a bit odd, as it takes numerology, which in the West is a fringe concept, very seriously, using it as the base for its semi-scientific theories about the numbers 1, 666, and 1666. For those who have read "War and Peace," this may sound reminiscent of Pierre Bezuhov's obsession with numerology and the number 666, and those readers would be correct. For those who enjoy thinking about that kind of thing, "Capsoul" has all kinds of numerical coincidences to chew over and marvel out. Others may enjoy the historical scenes of the early Romanov dynasty and the late USSR, which are written with a naturalness that Western writers would struggle to match. Overall, a bit of an odd book, but delightfully offbeat and outside of the mainstream of both literary and genre fiction.
A mixture of science, science fiction, fantasy, and mysticism based on numerology, "Capsoul" is the story of a group of emigres from the former USSR to the US and Canada who design a project to create a kind of "immortality machine" that can preserve a soul using mirrors. Scenes of their experiments are intercut with flashbacks to their childhoods and early adulthoods in the USSR and US, as well as historical sections about the 17th-century Patriarch Nikon.
Mainstream Western readers may find this book a bit odd, as it takes numerology, which in the West is a fringe concept, very seriously, using it as the base for its semi-scientific theories about the numbers 1, 666, and 1666. For those who have read "War and Peace," this may sound reminiscent of Pierre Bezuhov's obsession with numerology and the number 666, and those readers would be correct. For those who enjoy thinking about that kind of thing, "Capsoul" has all kinds of numerical coincidences to chew over and marvel out. Others may enjoy the historical scenes of the early Romanov dynasty and the late USSR, which are written with a naturalness that Western writers would struggle to match. Overall, a bit of an odd book, but delightfully offbeat and outside of the mainstream of both literary and genre fiction.
June 10, 2017
An inspiring read for young adults and older souls alike. The story reflects our inner selves. Waiting for a sequel...
September 26, 2016
I downloaded CapSoul as a freebie. The book had been recommended to me by a friend. This is a nice mystery and an exciting page turner with a number of well thought out settings. This is one of those novels that make you revisit your attitude to life as well as change you in a good way. It was a great idea to use different times and parallel "worlds" and connect them with common elements. The numeric symbolism used by the author is great. The power of the number 1666 is amazing. My only criticism is that some parts are more believable than others. I am usually a slow reader, but I read this book in just three days.
September 7, 2016
Lots of world's history. It amazed me how many famous events were connected by the number 1666. It's definitely an interesting idea to mimic the brain's neurons' activity to clone one's consciousness. The novel is both entertaining and educational. Definitely not a casual read. There are a few loose moments here and there, but hey...this is a fiction after all. I gave Capsoul five stars.
September 5, 2017
A totally unconventional story.
A mix of various genres, Capsoul is focused in a very enjoyable form on the subject of the human soul and immortality. The scenes are breathtaking, and the characters are unlike anything I have read. American readers might find some circumstances a little shocking. What I liked the most is a well-developed contrast between various times, natural phenomena, and political systems. Read this book if you enjoy learning new facts, richness of natural scenes, and attention to details.
A mix of various genres, Capsoul is focused in a very enjoyable form on the subject of the human soul and immortality. The scenes are breathtaking, and the characters are unlike anything I have read. American readers might find some circumstances a little shocking. What I liked the most is a well-developed contrast between various times, natural phenomena, and political systems. Read this book if you enjoy learning new facts, richness of natural scenes, and attention to details.
September 10, 2017
This book is something I would recommend to those readers who like finding connections between various events and make their own inferences from those connections. In its plot, three immigrant scientists use the memories of their early lives to build a device that projects consciousness into the Mirror -- a meticulously designed sapphire disk. Numerology and mysticism are the key words here. I was truly amazed how many aspects of our life include the numbers 666 and 1666! The book is cheerful and its settings are very well crafted.
November 30, 2024
An exciting and imaginative new read from a multi-talented author. A very interesting, inspiring and intriguing book. Great read. I would say that this book has the perfect blend between fiction and science/ reality. It’s hard to find a truly great Sci-Fi where you can experience both mind-expanding ideas and fleshed-out characters that are well developed alongside the epic scope and concepts. I highly recommend this book, especially if you also like history and numerology.
June 10, 2017
Very enjoyable read from kindle. Author gives fresh and new perspectives in the way he uses real-life science. Really makes you think! Looking forward to a sequel.
September 7, 2016
A great story written by someone who knows science and history, understands psychology and philosophy, and admires art. Likeable characters and a surprising finish made me give the novel a high mark.
September 8, 2016
The story is original. It kept me engaged from page one right to the end. I read the book in two days. I would definitely recommend it to other readers.
September 15, 2016
A fresh story with unforgettable characters. It was an enjoyable read.
August 24, 2017
A nice and meaningful story. It sounds goofy at times, but this style is an essential part of the plot.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews