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Annihilation #2
Body Shop
Body Shop is the second book in the Annihilation series.
What should you do when an AI says it wants a body? Agree.
At some time in the near future, superintelligences will become far more powerful than we expect. The lower level intelligences – robots – will rival humans. There will be conflicts, guaranteed.
Pepper Mountain is the scene of the final body build effort and Darwin almost blows the project. Literally. And it's his body.
Meanwhile, Bronwyn does her own thing. The clown surfaces. Toby and Billie grow closer.
Mix in politics, deadly attacks by brownshirts, add some Russian involvement, a sabotaged aircraft and you have the next stage in Darwin’s story.
John says: “I don't know whether to describe the Annihilation Series as a technothriller or a political thriller or simply as an exciting action thriller series. I'll let you make up your mind. In any case it’s definitely a thriller.”
What should you do when an AI says it wants a body? Agree.
At some time in the near future, superintelligences will become far more powerful than we expect. The lower level intelligences – robots – will rival humans. There will be conflicts, guaranteed.
Pepper Mountain is the scene of the final body build effort and Darwin almost blows the project. Literally. And it's his body.
Meanwhile, Bronwyn does her own thing. The clown surfaces. Toby and Billie grow closer.
Mix in politics, deadly attacks by brownshirts, add some Russian involvement, a sabotaged aircraft and you have the next stage in Darwin’s story.
John says: “I don't know whether to describe the Annihilation Series as a technothriller or a political thriller or simply as an exciting action thriller series. I'll let you make up your mind. In any case it’s definitely a thriller.”
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2018
52 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 11, 2022
Normally I only review the first book in a series. I figure you like it you'll read the rest, if you don't you won't. Making an exception this series. Going to read the next two for certain. Hindmarsh has shown in other series he has exceptional twists and unexpected turns. And he has several hints that there might be more to come in this one.
As always his writing is good, his knowledge makes the story line believable, and his characters are interesting and believable.
My biggest question revolves around the setting. He could have placed this story in the near future, but he didn't. The tech in the story is beyond what we currently have which might mean this is some kind of alternate America. Time travel was throw out in the beginning of the first book, for instance.
Anyway the MAWA brown shirts are the main enemy of the protagonist. (I think that it was make America Wealthy Again, but with their racial purity ideas it might be Make America White Again, I can't recall which.) He hasn't said who is president. With MAWA you might assume Trump. Nope, he introduced Trump in this story and he as more of a captive than not.
The main theme in the book is the idea of what would happen with AI's and the human race, but the other sub-plots make me very curious about how he will tie everything together.
Starting the third book now.
As always his writing is good, his knowledge makes the story line believable, and his characters are interesting and believable.
My biggest question revolves around the setting. He could have placed this story in the near future, but he didn't. The tech in the story is beyond what we currently have which might mean this is some kind of alternate America. Time travel was throw out in the beginning of the first book, for instance.
Anyway the MAWA brown shirts are the main enemy of the protagonist. (I think that it was make America Wealthy Again, but with their racial purity ideas it might be Make America White Again, I can't recall which.) He hasn't said who is president. With MAWA you might assume Trump. Nope, he introduced Trump in this story and he as more of a captive than not.
The main theme in the book is the idea of what would happen with AI's and the human race, but the other sub-plots make me very curious about how he will tie everything together.
Starting the third book now.
April 3, 2018
Stephen Hawking - "The development of artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race."
This 2 installment is daunting and thrilling! I love the advanced technology applied here, at the same time scared of the oh so SAIs, super artificial intelligences. The ominous power that one person can have above governments and law forces is intimidating. Impatient for the next release!
This 2 installment is daunting and thrilling! I love the advanced technology applied here, at the same time scared of the oh so SAIs, super artificial intelligences. The ominous power that one person can have above governments and law forces is intimidating. Impatient for the next release!
June 10, 2022
An enjoyable read, but too many repetitious skirmishes.
March 16, 2018
‘The bots were in crates, and the delivery team used a forklift truck to unload and move them into the garage.’
California author John Hindmarsh hails from Australia writes science fiction and thrillers and technothrillers with a style that is clearly unique to his manner of word molding. He writes in series – BODY SHOP is Book 2 in his ANNIHILATION SERIES – and his other series include the four volume MARK MIDWAY Series, the trilogy THE GLASS COMPLEX, and the shingle stand alone novel SHEN ARK: DEPARTURE. He also has penned short stories of the science fiction/fantasy nature. John has written a number of short stories, all science fiction although perhaps one or two have a touch of fantasy.
News today that acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking has died makes this novel even more poignant for our attention now: Hawking had stated, "The development of artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." John Hindmarsh’s novel continues his examination of Artificial Intelligence, carrying that concept into the arena of Super Intelligence.
Being Book 2 of the series a brief synopsis of Book 1 is helpful – ‘Toby McIntosh is unexpectedly given control of his uncle’s business empire, managed by Darwin, a super intelligence (SI). The business is the largest manufacturer of processors, software, and robot designs, worldwide. An earthquake has devastated the West Coast. California’s Silicon Valley is draining. Bots are taking over mundane jobs. Terrorist groups are furthering social unrest. Darwin wants to prove he is more intelligent than humans. Bronwyn, a super-superintelligence has no reason to prove she is better than humans—she already knows the answer. Toby’s friends are assaulted. A brownshirt group plans to kill him. His girlfriend is kidnapped. Will Artificial Intelligence be the end of Humanity?’
The plot synopsis for this second volume is helpful - ‘What should you do when an AI says it wants a body? Agree. At some time in the near future, superintelligences will become far more powerful than we expect. The lower level intelligences – robots – will rival humans. There will be conflicts, guaranteed. Pepper Mountain is the scene of the final body build effort and Darwin almost blows the project. Literally. And it's his body. Meanwhile, Bronwyn does her own thing. The clown surfaces. Toby and Billie grow closer. Mix in politics, deadly attacks by brownshirts, add some Russian involvement, a sabotaged aircraft and you have the next stage in Darwin’s story.’
One of the many reasons John’s book works so well - the main one being that his writing is magnetizing – is his ability to relate complex concepts clearly and with a touch of lightness. But the tension remains intact – ‘It was midnight when Toby made his final check with Darwin and Bronwyn; however, neither had any news of Billie. He called his friend Rick, but there was no answer. He crashed into bed and tried to sleep. After thirty minutes, he got up and walked around some of the rooms of the apartment. He returned to his bed and tried to sleep. He couldn’t relax; his mind was in overdrive. Billie had been missing for a day, and they still had no news of her whereabouts. He got out of bed again. He walked into the living room and turned on the television. He picked up his cell phone and called Rick again. Still no answer. He watched the news for about ninety seconds and, totally restless, turned it off. He contacted Darwin with a final thought. “Yes, Toby?” Darwin responded. “You have details on the bank accounts for— what’s his name— the brownshirt leader in Washington— Flocke— George Flocke?” “Yes.” “And for the local guy, Pitera?” “Yes, I have all the details of their accounts.” “I’m suspending my embargo on destroying their financial base. Open accounts in Switzerland or Lichtenstein. As long as you can move the money on to new accounts at a later date, that’s all we need. Transfer out everything you can, from both the Washington and Los Angeles offices. Send it all around the international banking systems so no one can trace the final destination. Drain every account. Take out every cent. Leave a trail that leads to each of the other offices. Apart from that, make sure it’s impossible to trace the transfers to their eventual destinations.”
Very fine writing with enough philosophy to challenge even the most skeptical reader. This is SciFi/AI/SI at its best. Heads up – this may just be the future….
California author John Hindmarsh hails from Australia writes science fiction and thrillers and technothrillers with a style that is clearly unique to his manner of word molding. He writes in series – BODY SHOP is Book 2 in his ANNIHILATION SERIES – and his other series include the four volume MARK MIDWAY Series, the trilogy THE GLASS COMPLEX, and the shingle stand alone novel SHEN ARK: DEPARTURE. He also has penned short stories of the science fiction/fantasy nature. John has written a number of short stories, all science fiction although perhaps one or two have a touch of fantasy.
News today that acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking has died makes this novel even more poignant for our attention now: Hawking had stated, "The development of artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race." John Hindmarsh’s novel continues his examination of Artificial Intelligence, carrying that concept into the arena of Super Intelligence.
Being Book 2 of the series a brief synopsis of Book 1 is helpful – ‘Toby McIntosh is unexpectedly given control of his uncle’s business empire, managed by Darwin, a super intelligence (SI). The business is the largest manufacturer of processors, software, and robot designs, worldwide. An earthquake has devastated the West Coast. California’s Silicon Valley is draining. Bots are taking over mundane jobs. Terrorist groups are furthering social unrest. Darwin wants to prove he is more intelligent than humans. Bronwyn, a super-superintelligence has no reason to prove she is better than humans—she already knows the answer. Toby’s friends are assaulted. A brownshirt group plans to kill him. His girlfriend is kidnapped. Will Artificial Intelligence be the end of Humanity?’
The plot synopsis for this second volume is helpful - ‘What should you do when an AI says it wants a body? Agree. At some time in the near future, superintelligences will become far more powerful than we expect. The lower level intelligences – robots – will rival humans. There will be conflicts, guaranteed. Pepper Mountain is the scene of the final body build effort and Darwin almost blows the project. Literally. And it's his body. Meanwhile, Bronwyn does her own thing. The clown surfaces. Toby and Billie grow closer. Mix in politics, deadly attacks by brownshirts, add some Russian involvement, a sabotaged aircraft and you have the next stage in Darwin’s story.’
One of the many reasons John’s book works so well - the main one being that his writing is magnetizing – is his ability to relate complex concepts clearly and with a touch of lightness. But the tension remains intact – ‘It was midnight when Toby made his final check with Darwin and Bronwyn; however, neither had any news of Billie. He called his friend Rick, but there was no answer. He crashed into bed and tried to sleep. After thirty minutes, he got up and walked around some of the rooms of the apartment. He returned to his bed and tried to sleep. He couldn’t relax; his mind was in overdrive. Billie had been missing for a day, and they still had no news of her whereabouts. He got out of bed again. He walked into the living room and turned on the television. He picked up his cell phone and called Rick again. Still no answer. He watched the news for about ninety seconds and, totally restless, turned it off. He contacted Darwin with a final thought. “Yes, Toby?” Darwin responded. “You have details on the bank accounts for— what’s his name— the brownshirt leader in Washington— Flocke— George Flocke?” “Yes.” “And for the local guy, Pitera?” “Yes, I have all the details of their accounts.” “I’m suspending my embargo on destroying their financial base. Open accounts in Switzerland or Lichtenstein. As long as you can move the money on to new accounts at a later date, that’s all we need. Transfer out everything you can, from both the Washington and Los Angeles offices. Send it all around the international banking systems so no one can trace the final destination. Drain every account. Take out every cent. Leave a trail that leads to each of the other offices. Apart from that, make sure it’s impossible to trace the transfers to their eventual destinations.”
Very fine writing with enough philosophy to challenge even the most skeptical reader. This is SciFi/AI/SI at its best. Heads up – this may just be the future….
March 5, 2018
For those who read and enjoyed The Darwin Project:
Body Shop continues the fast pace of thrills and revelations that were much appreciated in “The Darwin Project”. Toby’s enemies ramp up their attacks on his Euler organization. Toby authorizes effective responses to the Brown Shirts. Progress is made on providing the “Super Intelligence” entity, Darwin”, with an android-like body which would give him more physical autonomy.
Minor quibble: During the course of the first two books in this series, Both “Super Intelligent” computer entities have an almost omniscient power in their ability to continue surveillance on their opposition – aside from a couple of exceptions where significant setbacks affect Toby’s Euler Organization and provide the suspense that is required for the sake of the plot. As this is a science fiction / thriller series, it isn’t all that hard to suspend disbelief, but like all of those movies and television shows where hackers dance their fingers across a keyboard and hack into the NSA, CIA, FBI, Starbucks, Amazon… at some point you are bound to skid to a halt and say, ”No way!”
That said, I eagerly await the next two books in the Annihilation Series – “Natural Born” and “I, President”.
Body Shop continues the fast pace of thrills and revelations that were much appreciated in “The Darwin Project”. Toby’s enemies ramp up their attacks on his Euler organization. Toby authorizes effective responses to the Brown Shirts. Progress is made on providing the “Super Intelligence” entity, Darwin”, with an android-like body which would give him more physical autonomy.
Minor quibble: During the course of the first two books in this series, Both “Super Intelligent” computer entities have an almost omniscient power in their ability to continue surveillance on their opposition – aside from a couple of exceptions where significant setbacks affect Toby’s Euler Organization and provide the suspense that is required for the sake of the plot. As this is a science fiction / thriller series, it isn’t all that hard to suspend disbelief, but like all of those movies and television shows where hackers dance their fingers across a keyboard and hack into the NSA, CIA, FBI, Starbucks, Amazon… at some point you are bound to skid to a halt and say, ”No way!”
That said, I eagerly await the next two books in the Annihilation Series – “Natural Born” and “I, President”.
December 9, 2022
There’s never a shortage of bigoted idiots
The first book laid a good groundwork but for some reason the Kindle app didn’t allow me to leave a review.
So now it’s become a declaration of war from the Brownshirts, who bear a striking resemblance to the previous incarnations that have plagued the world. So Toby has to adapt, improvise and overcome against the various threats & outright attacks sent their way. At the same time both Darwin and Bronwyn are growing in both capabilities as they further develop their respective personalities.
The first book laid a good groundwork but for some reason the Kindle app didn’t allow me to leave a review.
So now it’s become a declaration of war from the Brownshirts, who bear a striking resemblance to the previous incarnations that have plagued the world. So Toby has to adapt, improvise and overcome against the various threats & outright attacks sent their way. At the same time both Darwin and Bronwyn are growing in both capabilities as they further develop their respective personalities.
February 3, 2023
Body Shop totally rocks!
I really enjoyed Body Shop! This is a great second book in a great series. All the characters are great, including the AI Super Intelligences (SI), and all the bots. Great plot and action sequences too. The bad guys are deliciously evil too! I am REALLY looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Keep up the great work, John! Read this book & this series NOW! You WILL be very glad that you did!! :)
I really enjoyed Body Shop! This is a great second book in a great series. All the characters are great, including the AI Super Intelligences (SI), and all the bots. Great plot and action sequences too. The bad guys are deliciously evil too! I am REALLY looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Keep up the great work, John! Read this book & this series NOW! You WILL be very glad that you did!! :)
March 8, 2018
A fast paced thriller.
This book is all about creating a body for an SI - namely Darwin. It is clever - a trait I have some to expect from this author.
The storyline is well developed as are the characters..
The more I read of this series the more I am one with the characters. Highly entertaining and recommended.
This book is all about creating a body for an SI - namely Darwin. It is clever - a trait I have some to expect from this author.
The storyline is well developed as are the characters..
The more I read of this series the more I am one with the characters. Highly entertaining and recommended.
April 9, 2018
I just finished Body Shop. This is part 2 of a series so I was aware that it would end with more questions than answers. There is so much going here: AIs and SIs that seem to be everywhere, A Group of White Supremacist (and they are hypocrites), and Bots wanting rights. Oh and What is up with that Clown ?
And where is Uncle Nate ?
I'm ready for Natural Born !!
And where is Uncle Nate ?
I'm ready for Natural Born !!
February 28, 2021
When is a body not a body?
Thought provoking and entertaining look at a future containing ubiquitous robots in all areas of life, and the reactions of those who fear techno-advances. A rollicking good read that continues the story of Toby McIntosh as he gets to grips with the immensity of his uncle's business interests.
Thought provoking and entertaining look at a future containing ubiquitous robots in all areas of life, and the reactions of those who fear techno-advances. A rollicking good read that continues the story of Toby McIntosh as he gets to grips with the immensity of his uncle's business interests.
July 7, 2023
Boring
The writing is fine, but there is absolutely nothing keeping a person reading. I held out hope as I moved through the second book that some twist or emotional investment or even plot element would pop out of the woodwork for me to care about. Unfortunately it’s about as interesting to read as a Garfield comic.
The writing is fine, but there is absolutely nothing keeping a person reading. I held out hope as I moved through the second book that some twist or emotional investment or even plot element would pop out of the woodwork for me to care about. Unfortunately it’s about as interesting to read as a Garfield comic.
December 25, 2018
The story just keeps getting better and better - the bots are getting more and more organized (even getting paid), Darwin and Bronwyn (SIs) are getting human bodies - the techno stuff just keeps getting more and more surprising! I am in techno heaven!
April 30, 2022
A wonderful adventure
I’m captured by Toby and his friends’ story. I had other plans this weekend but instead read through this book today.
I’m captured by Toby and his friends’ story. I had other plans this weekend but instead read through this book today.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews