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The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks
An utterly gripping science-fiction thriller for readers who adored Philip K. Dick, William Gibson, Kurt Vonnegut and Michael Crichton . Discover why readers are calling The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks " an intricate and evocative sci-fi triumph ," " a feat of impossible imagination ," and " a complete science fiction masterpiece ." Who is David S. Sparks? Where is David S. Sparks? When is David S. Sparks? In the aftermath of The Chemical Wars, nature has reclaimed humanity's infrastructure. This world, lush with life - yet dangerously uninhabitable for mankind - houses the remaining population who ekes out an existence in quarantined cities anchored off the mainland.
David S. Sparks awakens into the chaos of this future world, unsure of his place in a reality wildly different from his fragmented memories. As the desire to retake the planet swells, so too does the question of how. Will the same mistakes be repeated? Can technology beat nature, or is it time for another approach? And what is David Sparks' role in it all?
Dive into a wild, mind-bending journey as one man chases the ultimate question of self, discovering the truly illusive nature of reality . --------------------------------------------------------- What Readers are Saying About The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks
"Most, if not all of Aicher's stories feature characters and situations that inspire confusion, curiosity, exploration of the self, and exploration of reality. This one is no different, and it reaches new heights of tension and originality ." - Peak Story Reviews
"A futuristic post-apocalyptic, dystopian, mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A completely wonderful sci-fi novel that overwhelms the senses. A feat of impossible imagination and a triumph of the sci-fi genre ." - Alliereads Book Blog
"... you find yourself thinking about your choices in life and the way the world is headed. Is there something that we should be doing differently to stop this from happening? What's more, this world was unique from many I have read in the post-apocalyptic genre (which is increasingly hard to find any more.)" - Official Onlinebookclub.org Review
"If you like futuristic mystery, this one is definitely worth your time." - Sci-Fi & Scary
"... a book with multiple levels of interpretation and the author manages to awake the ancestral and subconscious fears of the human being, in the best tradition of science fiction ." - Eva Garcia Fornet, author Keep Ithaka Always In Your Mind "A thought-provoking , intellectual book about our environment, digitally obsessed society , and need for self-preservation, Aicher sneakily creates an ingenious modern day satire with David Sparks." - The Uncorked Librarian
"... my mind was just blown and I need to talk about it with someone." - Micah Chaim Thomas , author The Little Demons Inside
"Aicher pulls out all the stops and goes full-on Philip K. Dick on his readers. You literally cannot trust what is real from one paragraph to the next." - Amazon.com Review
David S. Sparks awakens into the chaos of this future world, unsure of his place in a reality wildly different from his fragmented memories. As the desire to retake the planet swells, so too does the question of how. Will the same mistakes be repeated? Can technology beat nature, or is it time for another approach? And what is David Sparks' role in it all?
Dive into a wild, mind-bending journey as one man chases the ultimate question of self, discovering the truly illusive nature of reality . --------------------------------------------------------- What Readers are Saying About The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks
"Most, if not all of Aicher's stories feature characters and situations that inspire confusion, curiosity, exploration of the self, and exploration of reality. This one is no different, and it reaches new heights of tension and originality ." - Peak Story Reviews
"A futuristic post-apocalyptic, dystopian, mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A completely wonderful sci-fi novel that overwhelms the senses. A feat of impossible imagination and a triumph of the sci-fi genre ." - Alliereads Book Blog
"... you find yourself thinking about your choices in life and the way the world is headed. Is there something that we should be doing differently to stop this from happening? What's more, this world was unique from many I have read in the post-apocalyptic genre (which is increasingly hard to find any more.)" - Official Onlinebookclub.org Review
"If you like futuristic mystery, this one is definitely worth your time." - Sci-Fi & Scary
"... a book with multiple levels of interpretation and the author manages to awake the ancestral and subconscious fears of the human being, in the best tradition of science fiction ." - Eva Garcia Fornet, author Keep Ithaka Always In Your Mind "A thought-provoking , intellectual book about our environment, digitally obsessed society , and need for self-preservation, Aicher sneakily creates an ingenious modern day satire with David Sparks." - The Uncorked Librarian
"... my mind was just blown and I need to talk about it with someone." - Micah Chaim Thomas , author The Little Demons Inside
"Aicher pulls out all the stops and goes full-on Philip K. Dick on his readers. You literally cannot trust what is real from one paragraph to the next." - Amazon.com Review
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2018
77 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
William F. Aicher
24 books324 followersWilliam F. Aicher is the author of The Trouble With Being God, A Confession, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks., Calibration 74, and the Phoenix Bones: International Monster Hunter series, as well as a series of short horror and suspense pieces collectively referred to as “Creepy Little Bedtime Stories.” Tending to lean toward the creepy and fantastical, his work has appeared alongside such well-known writers as Stephen King, Richard Chizmar, and Neil Gaiman.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he holds degrees in journalism and philosophy. He currently lives outside Milwaukee with his wife, three sons, and a pair of lazy cats.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he holds degrees in journalism and philosophy. He currently lives outside Milwaukee with his wife, three sons, and a pair of lazy cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 23, 2020
Artificial
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S Sparks is a thought-provoking and unpredictable search for answers amidst a post-apocalyptic world that has witnessed devastation from chemical warfare. The surviving factions have deep divisions and a polarised belief of what life and society’s recovery should look like. Within this environment, David Sparks awakens in a grassy field with no memory, no sense of who or what he is, and is immediately confronted with a man wielding a chainsaw, who saves him from a snake. They strike up a connection and decide to travel together to the city of Plasticity, the man is known as Calvin the Preservationist. In complete contrast are the more dominant and powerful Progressives, who continue to use science and technology to its full extent, and have built cities, such as Plasticity, on the sea after the chemical wars wiped out the ability to live on the land. The stakes of repeating old failures are high enough for each side to want to eradicate the other, which illustrates man’s inability to live without conflict, and the ongoing contention whether technology has a price that’s too high to bear!
David Sparks is a wonderfully developed character that enables the reader to feel the frustration of memory loss, moments of fleeting memory, and the sense of confusion around trust and existence. We are even unsure if David is human, Android, hybrid, mutation or consciousness that exists in the communications network? The person he forges the closest feelings for, Rosa, leans in and whispers in David’s ear
David interacts with each opposing faction, each manipulating, each believing him to be their man. Both the Progressives and the Preservationists are suspicious but need to keep him alive to achieve their goals, and he just wants his memories back. Some snippets of memories suggest a different world and family that is so alien to his current predicament that it reminds me a lot of Total Recall and the conscious and subconscious disassociation, with flashes of unsolicited memories.
The storyline has various threads with fragments of plot and revelation provided in each chapter. William Aicher has faith in his readers to piece this together without him having to be mundanely prescriptive. We’re never too sure which aspects of David’s existence are a reality, implanted simulation and memories, a dream, or something completely new that we’re about to experience.
There are so many levels on which to appreciate this book, and other aspects for us to consider are how we manage our planet to feed and support its population. How we treat and preserve nature and the notion that without humans, how plant and animal life would flourish. This is not a story that bashes or advocates any principles but is so well written that the reader cannot help but be drawn into the contemplation of how our planet is evolving with science and technology, and using its natural resources. As we develop Artificial Intelligence will AI entities feel human and will they be the best or worst of us. Will they establish love? Maybe love seen only in the context of the absence of loneliness.
This is a compelling and addictive story that I would highly recommend.
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S Sparks is a thought-provoking and unpredictable search for answers amidst a post-apocalyptic world that has witnessed devastation from chemical warfare. The surviving factions have deep divisions and a polarised belief of what life and society’s recovery should look like. Within this environment, David Sparks awakens in a grassy field with no memory, no sense of who or what he is, and is immediately confronted with a man wielding a chainsaw, who saves him from a snake. They strike up a connection and decide to travel together to the city of Plasticity, the man is known as Calvin the Preservationist. In complete contrast are the more dominant and powerful Progressives, who continue to use science and technology to its full extent, and have built cities, such as Plasticity, on the sea after the chemical wars wiped out the ability to live on the land. The stakes of repeating old failures are high enough for each side to want to eradicate the other, which illustrates man’s inability to live without conflict, and the ongoing contention whether technology has a price that’s too high to bear!
David Sparks is a wonderfully developed character that enables the reader to feel the frustration of memory loss, moments of fleeting memory, and the sense of confusion around trust and existence. We are even unsure if David is human, Android, hybrid, mutation or consciousness that exists in the communications network? The person he forges the closest feelings for, Rosa, leans in and whispers in David’s ear
“Just believe us when we tell you, right now, you’re the most important man in the world.”
David interacts with each opposing faction, each manipulating, each believing him to be their man. Both the Progressives and the Preservationists are suspicious but need to keep him alive to achieve their goals, and he just wants his memories back. Some snippets of memories suggest a different world and family that is so alien to his current predicament that it reminds me a lot of Total Recall and the conscious and subconscious disassociation, with flashes of unsolicited memories.
The storyline has various threads with fragments of plot and revelation provided in each chapter. William Aicher has faith in his readers to piece this together without him having to be mundanely prescriptive. We’re never too sure which aspects of David’s existence are a reality, implanted simulation and memories, a dream, or something completely new that we’re about to experience.
There are so many levels on which to appreciate this book, and other aspects for us to consider are how we manage our planet to feed and support its population. How we treat and preserve nature and the notion that without humans, how plant and animal life would flourish. This is not a story that bashes or advocates any principles but is so well written that the reader cannot help but be drawn into the contemplation of how our planet is evolving with science and technology, and using its natural resources. As we develop Artificial Intelligence will AI entities feel human and will they be the best or worst of us. Will they establish love? Maybe love seen only in the context of the absence of loneliness.
This is a compelling and addictive story that I would highly recommend.
Read
February 16, 2018I wrote this and don't review my own books. But I've read it countless times. :)
April 30, 2020
A futuristic post-apocalyptic, dystopian, mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats. A completely wonderful sci-fi novel that overwhelms the senses. A feat of impossible imagination and a triumph of the sci-fi genre.
…
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks tells the mind-bending thriller of a man, named David, who wakes up in confusion, unsure of the world he seems to be in and his memories of a different reality. It’s enough to give anyone an existential crisis. What follows is an adventure. A captivating adventure as we, as the readers, walk side-by-side with David in a post-apocalyptic world of fear, of ocean artificially created ocean serpents (which gave me actual nightmares, thanks Aicher), and well-thought-out characters who work to enhance David’s, and thus ours, understanding of the world that has become his reality.
Forcing us to question how the handling of our world can fundamentally be the ruination of humanity, Aicher delves deeper and forwards a narrative that touches on the moralistic facade of society; that is, greed, corruption, classism, and betrayal. It is much more than just a sci-fi novel, it is more of a commentary on our society through the lens of an amnesiac narrator and the way in which humans act when pushed into a corner.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mr David S. Sparks was the writing itself. As the reader, you are walking alongside David on the journey – basically, it’s like your on his shoulder, witnessing what he observes, what he learns and the people along the way. It is a novel where the reader is not placed in the position of being omniscient or omnipresent because the narrator (who is David) is not an all-knowing entity. And that is one of the greatest elements which makes The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks are thrilling, suspenseful and, excuse the language, bloody amazing sci-fi novel.
Allie
…
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks tells the mind-bending thriller of a man, named David, who wakes up in confusion, unsure of the world he seems to be in and his memories of a different reality. It’s enough to give anyone an existential crisis. What follows is an adventure. A captivating adventure as we, as the readers, walk side-by-side with David in a post-apocalyptic world of fear, of ocean artificially created ocean serpents (which gave me actual nightmares, thanks Aicher), and well-thought-out characters who work to enhance David’s, and thus ours, understanding of the world that has become his reality.
Forcing us to question how the handling of our world can fundamentally be the ruination of humanity, Aicher delves deeper and forwards a narrative that touches on the moralistic facade of society; that is, greed, corruption, classism, and betrayal. It is much more than just a sci-fi novel, it is more of a commentary on our society through the lens of an amnesiac narrator and the way in which humans act when pushed into a corner.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mr David S. Sparks was the writing itself. As the reader, you are walking alongside David on the journey – basically, it’s like your on his shoulder, witnessing what he observes, what he learns and the people along the way. It is a novel where the reader is not placed in the position of being omniscient or omnipresent because the narrator (who is David) is not an all-knowing entity. And that is one of the greatest elements which makes The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S. Sparks are thrilling, suspenseful and, excuse the language, bloody amazing sci-fi novel.
Allie
February 19, 2018
I'm not usually a SciFi reader, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Aicher makes a compelling case for what could become of Earth if we continue to abuse it, as well as creating an intoxicating storyline that will have you holding your breath for what happens next!
A definite page-turner, I would highly recommend it -- even if you are not usually enticed by the speculative SciFi genre.
A definite page-turner, I would highly recommend it -- even if you are not usually enticed by the speculative SciFi genre.
May 27, 2024
In a post-apocalyptic society, the world is recovering from chemical warfare. Humans have built cities above the ocean after chemicals have devastated the landscapes. Survivors have split into factions based on disagreements on how society should move forward. At the story opens, David S. Sparks finds himself in a field with no memory of who or where he is, and immediately sees a man with a chainsaw. The man, Calvin, saves David from an engineered anaconda, and they travel together to the nearest city. Calvin turns out to be one of the leaders of the Preservationists. The Preservationists want to return to nature. The opposing faction, called Progressives, wants to continue to use technology to its fullest capacity.
David finds himself in the middle of conflict, with each faction trying to convince or manipulate him to help achieve their goals. David occasionally recalls fragments of memories of his past – a wife and children living in a world that seems completely different. David wants to understand his life. Is he human, android, or something else? He is not sure if he is living a simulation or if he is dreaming or if everything is real and he is an amnesiac. The reader is uncertain of who David is, either, at least at first. By the end, more is clarified.
This is a book of speculative fiction that explores environmental topics, the use of technology, and how humans should use the planet. It provides food for thought on environmental issues such as pollution, overpopulation, and adequate food production. It imagines the human responses to an environmental crisis, with some taking refuge in self-contained cities and others making the best of whatever is left of the wilderness.
Other themes include the nature of consciousness and artificial intelligence. Can human intelligence be safeguarded by “uploading” it? There are many creative ideas in this book. The world building is well done, and the new environment is vividly described. I tend to enjoy dystopias, and this author does a good job of presenting ideas. It is creative and unusual. Fans of speculative fiction will enjoy this one.
David finds himself in the middle of conflict, with each faction trying to convince or manipulate him to help achieve their goals. David occasionally recalls fragments of memories of his past – a wife and children living in a world that seems completely different. David wants to understand his life. Is he human, android, or something else? He is not sure if he is living a simulation or if he is dreaming or if everything is real and he is an amnesiac. The reader is uncertain of who David is, either, at least at first. By the end, more is clarified.
This is a book of speculative fiction that explores environmental topics, the use of technology, and how humans should use the planet. It provides food for thought on environmental issues such as pollution, overpopulation, and adequate food production. It imagines the human responses to an environmental crisis, with some taking refuge in self-contained cities and others making the best of whatever is left of the wilderness.
Other themes include the nature of consciousness and artificial intelligence. Can human intelligence be safeguarded by “uploading” it? There are many creative ideas in this book. The world building is well done, and the new environment is vividly described. I tend to enjoy dystopias, and this author does a good job of presenting ideas. It is creative and unusual. Fans of speculative fiction will enjoy this one.
October 27, 2018
There is a lot to like about this book. It deals with the potential environmental catastrophe facing this planet, from over-pollution to the collapse of food production. It imagines what human societies might look like after the crisis, with some in dome cities, others taking their chances scavenging in the poisonous wilds, others yet trying to establish free colonies. It also examines another interesting question, that of what is consciousness – can you transfer it into a computer system? Can you make copies of consciousness – make duplicate people? The pace of the book is brisk, with just enough description to bring its various locations vividly to life – humid biospheres, creepy fields of eyes…
This novel's downfall, I felt, was in the characterisation. While the setting and background information were thoroughly established, the characters and the relationships between them were not so convincingly portrayed. There was an entire romance that developed over the course of one "then a few weeks passed" paragraph. David Sparks himself lacked a strong identity, which is of course the point of the book, but it made him a less-than-gripping protagonist. Most of the side characters seemed to lack depth, too. There are a lot of things Aicher did well, but strong characterisation was not one of them.
Overall, your enjoyment of this book is going to vary depending on what you want to get out of it. If you're looking for a philosophical futuristic mystery with an ominous warning about where our society's wanton environmental destruction is taking us, then jump right in – it's excellent at being that. If you were hoping for more of a character-driven tale through the future, then recalibrate your expectations. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't all I'd hoped it would be.
This novel's downfall, I felt, was in the characterisation. While the setting and background information were thoroughly established, the characters and the relationships between them were not so convincingly portrayed. There was an entire romance that developed over the course of one "then a few weeks passed" paragraph. David Sparks himself lacked a strong identity, which is of course the point of the book, but it made him a less-than-gripping protagonist. Most of the side characters seemed to lack depth, too. There are a lot of things Aicher did well, but strong characterisation was not one of them.
Overall, your enjoyment of this book is going to vary depending on what you want to get out of it. If you're looking for a philosophical futuristic mystery with an ominous warning about where our society's wanton environmental destruction is taking us, then jump right in – it's excellent at being that. If you were hoping for more of a character-driven tale through the future, then recalibrate your expectations. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't all I'd hoped it would be.
April 30, 2018
You should read The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks. I’d like to read as many other interpretations that can exist for this novel, because my mind was just blown and I need to talk about it with someone.
Aicher’s novel has left me amazed. The intriguing premise, found in the product details page both here and on Amazon, lays out a few concepts, but the execution of the story, what is actually delivered, far exceeds that summation.
I’m going to list a few things that I was reminded of during my read:
•Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly; and We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, and the movie it spawned, Total Recall.
•Idiocracy
•Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
•Heller’s Catch 22
•Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-five
•Twelve Monkeys, (and Terry Gilliam might be one of the few directors that can handle this novel.)
•Beirce’s An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
•The film, Moon, directed by Duncan Jones and written by Nathan Parker
•Vanilla Sky and its predecessor, Abre los ojos , directed by Alejandro Amenábar and co-written by Mateo Gil.
•The final scene in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, also known as A.I., directed by Spielberg.
•Calvinism’s predestination and the acronym of T.U.L.I.P.
• Total Depravity
• Unconditional Election
• Limited Atonement
• Irresistible Grace
• Perseverance of the Saints
Why such a list for a review? This novel is disorienting, in a good way, and the analogies I make are not references of the text, nor ‘you may also like,’ but more, this book put me in a similar state of mind as these works. The themes of administrative chaos at the top of all decision makers, a disoriented protagonist, uncertain reality, memories as the bedrock of identity, consumerism, capitalism, immortality, and destiny. If anyone wants to talk about their takeaways from this exceptional novel, send me a message. I’m still unpacking my experience and may need to update this review later.
Aicher’s novel has left me amazed. The intriguing premise, found in the product details page both here and on Amazon, lays out a few concepts, but the execution of the story, what is actually delivered, far exceeds that summation.
I’m going to list a few things that I was reminded of during my read:
•Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly; and We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, and the movie it spawned, Total Recall.
•Idiocracy
•Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
•Heller’s Catch 22
•Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-five
•Twelve Monkeys, (and Terry Gilliam might be one of the few directors that can handle this novel.)
•Beirce’s An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
•The film, Moon, directed by Duncan Jones and written by Nathan Parker
•Vanilla Sky and its predecessor, Abre los ojos , directed by Alejandro Amenábar and co-written by Mateo Gil.
•The final scene in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, also known as A.I., directed by Spielberg.
•Calvinism’s predestination and the acronym of T.U.L.I.P.
• Total Depravity
• Unconditional Election
• Limited Atonement
• Irresistible Grace
• Perseverance of the Saints
Why such a list for a review? This novel is disorienting, in a good way, and the analogies I make are not references of the text, nor ‘you may also like,’ but more, this book put me in a similar state of mind as these works. The themes of administrative chaos at the top of all decision makers, a disoriented protagonist, uncertain reality, memories as the bedrock of identity, consumerism, capitalism, immortality, and destiny. If anyone wants to talk about their takeaways from this exceptional novel, send me a message. I’m still unpacking my experience and may need to update this review later.
May 3, 2018
From start to finish, this book is a complete science fiction masterpiece. I was hooked right away. Science fiction is one of my all time favorite genres and William Aicher knows exactly what he’s doing.
He creates a world where David S. Sparks is dropped, with no memories, into a very dangerous place. He meets what is essentially a terrorist, who befriends him and takes him on a long journey through some really interesting places (as you can see I’m trying not to spoil anything).
There are a great deal of things that are super creepy and somewhat gross that happen to David on his journey, but they make the story so much better. There’s all this action and adventure and mishaps in this world David knows nothing about.
There’s a huge reveal about ¾ of the way through that I never saw coming. And, to be honest, I have a really easy time guessing plot points. The fact that William Aicher managed to keep me in the dark until he was ready for me to know that information is incredible. I actually had to stop reading for a few days to recover.
The prose and overall writing structure of David Sparks flows so smoothly from one idea and one chapter to the next. The writing is incredible and so professional. This has got to be in my top 5 favorite books I’ve read this year.
Great job, William, I look forward to reading more from you.
He creates a world where David S. Sparks is dropped, with no memories, into a very dangerous place. He meets what is essentially a terrorist, who befriends him and takes him on a long journey through some really interesting places (as you can see I’m trying not to spoil anything).
There are a great deal of things that are super creepy and somewhat gross that happen to David on his journey, but they make the story so much better. There’s all this action and adventure and mishaps in this world David knows nothing about.
There’s a huge reveal about ¾ of the way through that I never saw coming. And, to be honest, I have a really easy time guessing plot points. The fact that William Aicher managed to keep me in the dark until he was ready for me to know that information is incredible. I actually had to stop reading for a few days to recover.
The prose and overall writing structure of David Sparks flows so smoothly from one idea and one chapter to the next. The writing is incredible and so professional. This has got to be in my top 5 favorite books I’ve read this year.
Great job, William, I look forward to reading more from you.
June 15, 2018
This book was fun in a serious way. A dystopian world created largely by the amount of chemicals used on the crops and the advancements in science keeping everyone alive for way to long. This concept was scary to me mostly because I think it's possible. I found myself buying organic foods through out the time it took me to read this. I have to say it definitely made an impression. I enjoyed discovering when and where David S. Sparks was but found myself pulled out of the story a couple of times by a couple of one liners that I didn't love. That and I felt like there was a lot of vomiting on the main characters part I know he encounters a lot of head trauma which makes sense so I won't say much more about that. In the end what I took from this book was what felt like a strong but subtle opinion that our small day to day conveniences can destroy our future in a major way. Also kudos to the author on whatever research he had to do for this book on computers and files. Just the imagination and thinking that went into making this a smooth cohesive story blew my mind. It was so believable that I couldn't help but wonder what information was made up and what was based off of something real.
February 20, 2018
Maybe this is a good book, maybe. But I couldn't get through the first few chapters. The first two chapters were confusing to the point where I had to ask myself just what in the hell I was reading. I wanted to like it, wanted to understand what was going on, and just didn't.
I'm not going to out and out say it's a bad book because maybe I didn't read enough, maybe I just didn't get it.
The premise is interesting enough and since I didn't read a terribly large amount (four chapters) I'd like to think it gets better.
I'm not going to out and out say it's a bad book because maybe I didn't read enough, maybe I just didn't get it.
The premise is interesting enough and since I didn't read a terribly large amount (four chapters) I'd like to think it gets better.
March 18, 2020
A wonderfully written adventure that had me gripped until the very end. The mystery of David Sparks kept me turning the pages, and Mr Aicher's beautiful descriptions had me grinning and grimacing in equal measure. Can't wait to read more from this author.
August 27, 2018
A book that begged “one more page” every time I picked it up! Aicher is a master storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed the solid edge of dystopian science fiction in this novel.
July 7, 2019
This hit a couple of my buttons (in a positive way). Post apocalyptic and an underlying technology device. Although I had some issues I can’t quite put into words near the end this was an engaging and enjoyable story.
October 25, 2018
An original, thought-provoking twist on humanity's dystopian future.
May 6, 2019
Kept me on my toes
This was amazing! Kept me on my toes the entire read! The amount of dedication from the author to this story takes my breath away. Oh, David! Oh, Rosa! But beware of the wrigglers! Enjoy, my friends!
This was amazing! Kept me on my toes the entire read! The amount of dedication from the author to this story takes my breath away. Oh, David! Oh, Rosa! But beware of the wrigglers! Enjoy, my friends!
Read
January 15, 2021I love science-fiction that takes me on a journey into the future. And I’m not talking time-machines here. I’m talking possibilities. Even if those possibilities are dark; a reflection of the way humanity may one day stuff up nearly everything they’ve built. A possibility, which most of us know, is becoming more of a probability by the day.
In The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks, William F Aicher not only explores the world we’re creating for ourselves through the use of technology, but also what that world could look like if/when our endeavours ultimately blow up in our face and nature itself turns against us.
From the get-go, Aicher introduces you to a world torn apart. Due to the nature of the story, explaining this world cannot be done in a review; you have to experience it for yourself. But let me just say, a story where people grow replacement eyes in fields definitely has my attention.
The world isn’t the only thing torn, though. David S Sparks is a man torn between two worlds; a forgotten past that slowly reveals itself as the story progresses, and a future that will be shaped by one of two factions. And he must choose a side.
Although I listened to the audiobook of The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks, I felt completely comfortable with Aicher’s writing style. The pacing of both the story and the narration was right within the green zone. Speaking of narration, Scott R Smith did a splendid job in giving the story both the energy and the voice(s) it deserves.
On the whole, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks was right up my alley, and while this was the first work from Aicher I’ve had the pleasure to experience, I get the feeling it won’t be the last. With such a wild imagination, Aicher is certainly an author to watch.
PS: A big thanks to author Jennifer LeBlanc for introducing me to this book.
In The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks, William F Aicher not only explores the world we’re creating for ourselves through the use of technology, but also what that world could look like if/when our endeavours ultimately blow up in our face and nature itself turns against us.
From the get-go, Aicher introduces you to a world torn apart. Due to the nature of the story, explaining this world cannot be done in a review; you have to experience it for yourself. But let me just say, a story where people grow replacement eyes in fields definitely has my attention.
The world isn’t the only thing torn, though. David S Sparks is a man torn between two worlds; a forgotten past that slowly reveals itself as the story progresses, and a future that will be shaped by one of two factions. And he must choose a side.
Although I listened to the audiobook of The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks, I felt completely comfortable with Aicher’s writing style. The pacing of both the story and the narration was right within the green zone. Speaking of narration, Scott R Smith did a splendid job in giving the story both the energy and the voice(s) it deserves.
On the whole, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr David S Sparks was right up my alley, and while this was the first work from Aicher I’ve had the pleasure to experience, I get the feeling it won’t be the last. With such a wild imagination, Aicher is certainly an author to watch.
PS: A big thanks to author Jennifer LeBlanc for introducing me to this book.
February 26, 2018
So, disclaimer – I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review! And I am very glad that I did!
With well-built, complex characters and just the right amount of mystery, this book had me guessing right to the very end who should be trusted – if anyone. Thrusting readers into a world where the main character knows next to nothing is a difficult thing to do and Mr. Aicher does it masterfully, presenting just enough questions to keep the reader engaged.
The world-building is exceptional, the characters live within the world, rather than on it, and I would be very interested to see more fiction written in the future he’s created. Some of the little details were down-right disturbing (the wigglers, oh my goodness, still getting shivers) – in the best way possible, of course. The juxtaposition of a green world against the danger it poses to the humans is a refreshing change from the smog-filled, metal dystopian futures that are so common-place in science fiction. It’s a potential future that definitely strikes very close to home, and will make readers think about the world that we currently live in and the path that we might be on.
Mr. Aicher has a captivating writing style which stole me away and had me reading late into the night! I’m definitely looking forward to more from him. This is the type of book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-read science fiction with just enough reality in it to send shivers up your spine.
With well-built, complex characters and just the right amount of mystery, this book had me guessing right to the very end who should be trusted – if anyone. Thrusting readers into a world where the main character knows next to nothing is a difficult thing to do and Mr. Aicher does it masterfully, presenting just enough questions to keep the reader engaged.
The world-building is exceptional, the characters live within the world, rather than on it, and I would be very interested to see more fiction written in the future he’s created. Some of the little details were down-right disturbing (the wigglers, oh my goodness, still getting shivers) – in the best way possible, of course. The juxtaposition of a green world against the danger it poses to the humans is a refreshing change from the smog-filled, metal dystopian futures that are so common-place in science fiction. It’s a potential future that definitely strikes very close to home, and will make readers think about the world that we currently live in and the path that we might be on.
Mr. Aicher has a captivating writing style which stole me away and had me reading late into the night! I’m definitely looking forward to more from him. This is the type of book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-read science fiction with just enough reality in it to send shivers up your spine.
February 16, 2018
Aicher has managed to create a world that is believable and highly imaginative, envisioning a future existence that is both terrifying and wonderfully fascinating. Sci-fi fans will be satisfied by his creative look at a transformed earth, and others (like myself) who don’t consider themselves to be regular consumers of science fiction, will be pleased to find a narrative that goes much deeper than interesting technology—delving into questions of class and greed, the value of memories and the cost of loyalty.
I found myself immediately drawn in as I followed David S. Sparks on a journey to understand himself. Aicher has done a tremendous job making his characters multi-dimensional, forcing me, as the reader, to become wholly invested in their story.
Sometimes uncomfortable, always entertaining, Aicher weaves his quick wit throughout the multi-layered plot. The Unfortunate Expiration of David S. Sparks is an intricate and evocative sci-fi triumph that had me guessing every time Mr. Sparks closed his eyes, leaving me with the same earnest question: what really happens when I close mine?
I found myself immediately drawn in as I followed David S. Sparks on a journey to understand himself. Aicher has done a tremendous job making his characters multi-dimensional, forcing me, as the reader, to become wholly invested in their story.
Sometimes uncomfortable, always entertaining, Aicher weaves his quick wit throughout the multi-layered plot. The Unfortunate Expiration of David S. Sparks is an intricate and evocative sci-fi triumph that had me guessing every time Mr. Sparks closed his eyes, leaving me with the same earnest question: what really happens when I close mine?
July 18, 2018
Look, 4 stars is a damned good rating. As I see it, that elusive fifth star is held in reserve for books that scratch my personal itch. “Sparks” left me scratching my head in a good way, though. You see, I like science fiction that beckons for deeper thought. “Sparks” did not disappoint in this regard. Perhaps this story will be a five star gem for you. I would encourage you to read Mr. Aicher’s work. There’s more than enough substance in the pages for most readers to discover their own preferential scratching posts.
But, is that what you want to know from a review? Probably not. There are plenty of reviews on Amazon or Goodreads steeped in analyses of the plot and structure. You should read those. As for my tastes, I offer this to the pile: I found the pacing to be spry and engaging; the descriptions of the Eyefields to be rich and inventive; and, the plight of Mr. Sparks to be compelling. I could go on but this review has expired, which is unfortunate.
But, is that what you want to know from a review? Probably not. There are plenty of reviews on Amazon or Goodreads steeped in analyses of the plot and structure. You should read those. As for my tastes, I offer this to the pile: I found the pacing to be spry and engaging; the descriptions of the Eyefields to be rich and inventive; and, the plight of Mr. Sparks to be compelling. I could go on but this review has expired, which is unfortunate.
February 18, 2018
Mr. David S. Sparks awakes without his memories fully intact. From there on we are introduced to a futuristic post-apocalyptic/dystopian era. The plot moves along quickly with David learning about the origins of chaos in the world, unraveling deeper mysteries about himself and The Cause. The characters David encounters along the way help expand his memory and understanding of the world. I really enjoyed the setting of the environment. With those determined to live out their lives in the toxic environment vs those who lived in the pristine city or somewhere between. David's travels are revealing, anxiety inducing, fraught with peril and one visceral incident is likely to make the most hardened readers squeamish! The sci-fi aspect is excellent with many eye-opening revelations. A great entertaining read that gives you plenty to think about!
April 3, 2019
I rarely promote books, much less ask an author for the honor of an autographed copy. I asked Mr. Aicher for an autographed copy & he was kind enough grant my wish.
The novel is well paced, easily readable & the characters are well developed. I found the subject intriguing, beguiling & refreshing all at the same time. There is a philosophical aspect to Aicher's writing. A Kafkaesque aspect of waking up to a constantly changing world.
The character is a Prometheus who constantly wakes to face the same tasks again and again wondering what new twists are in store for him. Although the journey is slightly different each time he finds himself getting closer to reaching for the fire and obtaining knowledge that he seeks--who am I and what is my purpose in life? In the end he discovers this and gives fire to all mortals.
The novel is well paced, easily readable & the characters are well developed. I found the subject intriguing, beguiling & refreshing all at the same time. There is a philosophical aspect to Aicher's writing. A Kafkaesque aspect of waking up to a constantly changing world.
The character is a Prometheus who constantly wakes to face the same tasks again and again wondering what new twists are in store for him. Although the journey is slightly different each time he finds himself getting closer to reaching for the fire and obtaining knowledge that he seeks--who am I and what is my purpose in life? In the end he discovers this and gives fire to all mortals.
August 6, 2023
Worth it.
I admit it, I look at self published novels with a general level of skepticism. I was open to the entire concept at first, but too many poorly edited novels (that sound like they were written by middle school kids) flooded the market and I thought I’d never pick up a self published project again. This book-and author in general- has changed my mind.
I recommend this book to lovers of well crafted story, regardless of genre. Aicher’s strength isn’t in finely wrought phrases, but tense compelling writing- he writes in a way that propels reading.
In particular I think classic science fiction lovers, and those who enjoy speculative fiction with a touch of surrealism will enjoy this book.
I look forward to more of his work.
I admit it, I look at self published novels with a general level of skepticism. I was open to the entire concept at first, but too many poorly edited novels (that sound like they were written by middle school kids) flooded the market and I thought I’d never pick up a self published project again. This book-and author in general- has changed my mind.
I recommend this book to lovers of well crafted story, regardless of genre. Aicher’s strength isn’t in finely wrought phrases, but tense compelling writing- he writes in a way that propels reading.
In particular I think classic science fiction lovers, and those who enjoy speculative fiction with a touch of surrealism will enjoy this book.
I look forward to more of his work.
March 29, 2018
The Unfortunate Expiration of David S. Sparks.
Weird. Strange. Curiouser and curiouser.
Set in a world completely unlike our own, this story is loaded with delicious scenery and characters that can only be seen by the mind’s eye.
In a Doctor Who-is, Alice in Wonderland-like reality, we are introduced to a system of science that appears commonplace but couldn’t be more profound.
An amazing masterpiece of mystery and action - a true page turner.
I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it as a contemporary but futuristic sci-fi.
Negative elements: sparse vulgarity.
Weird. Strange. Curiouser and curiouser.
Set in a world completely unlike our own, this story is loaded with delicious scenery and characters that can only be seen by the mind’s eye.
In a Doctor Who-is, Alice in Wonderland-like reality, we are introduced to a system of science that appears commonplace but couldn’t be more profound.
An amazing masterpiece of mystery and action - a true page turner.
I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it as a contemporary but futuristic sci-fi.
Negative elements: sparse vulgarity.
April 1, 2018
I feel bad giving this a low rating, but reviews are supposed to be for the benefit of potential readers as well as the author. As spoiler-free as I can say this, I think the author put far too much emphasis on world-building and explaining the built world than crafting a compelling story set within it. Several times for example, information is "blurphed" to the MC by other people in ways that defy credulity.
I really think this needed a little more time in the oven. Sorry!
I really think this needed a little more time in the oven. Sorry!
February 22, 2018
Worth the read!
Wonderfully well done and imagined. The science is well thought out and it all flows like a river. Reminds me a great deal of Dune and the varying viewpoints that encompassed it. And I gave it 4 stars only because I know people don't believe a 5 star rating.
Wonderfully well done and imagined. The science is well thought out and it all flows like a river. Reminds me a great deal of Dune and the varying viewpoints that encompassed it. And I gave it 4 stars only because I know people don't believe a 5 star rating.
March 12, 2018
This was a great read. Highly enjoyable from the first page. Very clever splicing of two plotlines for the same character. The support characters were well balanced with their own personalities and their own wants and needs. Masterful exposition of a detailed and believable world.
March 12, 2018
Exceptional! This book was intriguing on so many levels and kept my attention right to the end. Refreshing and new. Loved every moment of getting to know the character and following his journey to find his identity and reality. This book will keep you turning the pages for sure.
June 7, 2018
Sci-fi at its purest form. A must read.
This journey of Mr. Sparks is a masterpiece of science-fiction mixed with psychology. Willam F. Aicher does a superb job at grabbing the reader, and never letting go. Anyone that loves sci-fi and psychology should read this book.
This journey of Mr. Sparks is a masterpiece of science-fiction mixed with psychology. Willam F. Aicher does a superb job at grabbing the reader, and never letting go. Anyone that loves sci-fi and psychology should read this book.
February 15, 2019
More than just a work of fiction, interesting style of writing, believers of Apocalypticism tread with caution.
For the better part of the first half of the book, it is like any other post-apocalyptic story with the mysterious streak being maintained by Mr. David S. Sparks but as the book progresses it becomes clear how and why this book is different than others of its genre.
For one, there is a more than a touch of reality in it. Two, despite being fiction its very realistic. If ever our use of chemicals catches up to us, something along the lines of this book will go down and three, it's not just a doomsday story, its so much more with (spoiler alert) AI technology, human medical science advancements and of course human-kind reaping what it sowed.
I will be honest, initially all the shuffling around between David’s memories, past, present and all the other things going around confused me and I had to make an effort to keep on reading as there isn’t exactly a smooth flow in the book but it jumps back and forth and sideways but slowly the confusion turned into intrigue and intrigue into curiosity and along came a sense of gladness that I continued reading
It’s not a book that is a pure work of imagination and something that the author started writing one day. A fair amount of research must have gone in writing this book and It shows on more than one instance.
While I found the description of plasticity lacking of all the details at best, I loved the idea of it.
Apart from a couple of things, there is nothing in this book that is unimaginable and so I advise the doomsday and apocalypse believers to be careful with it for this book might be what breaks their metaphorical dam of what is keeping it together for them.
I do have a few questions for our author Mr. Aicher though why wasn’t David surprised when he first woke up? Why didn’t he go into a full-blown panic attack while his mind should have tried to deny everything that was told to him? He went with the flow as if all things around him were so every day.
Why was he not troubled about his medical condition? Why didn’t he object to all the medical procedures that practically turned him into a robot? He was so cool, calm and collected throughout the book that his normal reaction to all things abnormal should have made him question his existence.
And will there be a next book? Will [BEEP] find [Beep]?
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks is not about who or what, that the author already told us in the book’s title, it’s about when and how and why and I think that itself makes it quite interesting.
All in all, for sci-fi lovers it's highly recommended, for doomsday, the apocalypse is neigh believers, be careful and everyone else, its worth a shot. Meanwhile, I will be sure to pick other books by Mr. William F. Aicher for I like this writer.
For the better part of the first half of the book, it is like any other post-apocalyptic story with the mysterious streak being maintained by Mr. David S. Sparks but as the book progresses it becomes clear how and why this book is different than others of its genre.
For one, there is a more than a touch of reality in it. Two, despite being fiction its very realistic. If ever our use of chemicals catches up to us, something along the lines of this book will go down and three, it's not just a doomsday story, its so much more with (spoiler alert) AI technology, human medical science advancements and of course human-kind reaping what it sowed.
I will be honest, initially all the shuffling around between David’s memories, past, present and all the other things going around confused me and I had to make an effort to keep on reading as there isn’t exactly a smooth flow in the book but it jumps back and forth and sideways but slowly the confusion turned into intrigue and intrigue into curiosity and along came a sense of gladness that I continued reading
It’s not a book that is a pure work of imagination and something that the author started writing one day. A fair amount of research must have gone in writing this book and It shows on more than one instance.
While I found the description of plasticity lacking of all the details at best, I loved the idea of it.
Apart from a couple of things, there is nothing in this book that is unimaginable and so I advise the doomsday and apocalypse believers to be careful with it for this book might be what breaks their metaphorical dam of what is keeping it together for them.
I do have a few questions for our author Mr. Aicher though why wasn’t David surprised when he first woke up? Why didn’t he go into a full-blown panic attack while his mind should have tried to deny everything that was told to him? He went with the flow as if all things around him were so every day.
Why was he not troubled about his medical condition? Why didn’t he object to all the medical procedures that practically turned him into a robot? He was so cool, calm and collected throughout the book that his normal reaction to all things abnormal should have made him question his existence.
And will there be a next book? Will [BEEP] find [Beep]?
The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks is not about who or what, that the author already told us in the book’s title, it’s about when and how and why and I think that itself makes it quite interesting.
All in all, for sci-fi lovers it's highly recommended, for doomsday, the apocalypse is neigh believers, be careful and everyone else, its worth a shot. Meanwhile, I will be sure to pick other books by Mr. William F. Aicher for I like this writer.
January 5, 2021
Well, 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks' was absolutely a delight to read. The story begins with David Sparks realizing that he has no memory of who he is or why he's where he's at. While this could have been a risky beginning to hook me in as a reader, it was executed well and paid off.
Aicher skillfully weaves between the unknown timeline and one from the past (aka the reader's present world). Many stories that focus on a confused character in search of themself tend to impose that confusion onto the reader. Aicher managed to avoid that entirely. While David lives in two worlds, it's easy enough to follow what's going on as well as learn who these characters are. On top of an interesting story set in a plausible, dystopian future, the writing style is thoroughly engaging.
I don't like comparing authors, but there's a Gaiman-feel to Aicher's writing style. $5 words are intermixed with layman's language so that the reader not only feels enriched, but can easily follow the tale, enjoy the characters and world. In the most complimentary way possible, it's detailed yet uncomplicated writing which is absolutely something I personally love.
I absolutely loved and highly recommend 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks.' A perfect weekend read for sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers.
Aicher skillfully weaves between the unknown timeline and one from the past (aka the reader's present world). Many stories that focus on a confused character in search of themself tend to impose that confusion onto the reader. Aicher managed to avoid that entirely. While David lives in two worlds, it's easy enough to follow what's going on as well as learn who these characters are. On top of an interesting story set in a plausible, dystopian future, the writing style is thoroughly engaging.
I don't like comparing authors, but there's a Gaiman-feel to Aicher's writing style. $5 words are intermixed with layman's language so that the reader not only feels enriched, but can easily follow the tale, enjoy the characters and world. In the most complimentary way possible, it's detailed yet uncomplicated writing which is absolutely something I personally love.
I absolutely loved and highly recommend 'The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks.' A perfect weekend read for sci-fi or speculative fiction lovers.
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