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Metaform #1
Manumission
Immortality has arrived. Scientists can save your mind and download it into a superb bio-android body. Or, if you can’t afford that, they’ll keep it stored for all eternity...
Raised in a quasi-religious cult, Gabriel's always fought the Metaform - the mighty computer that takes away the conscious minds of the sick and old, but after a fight with the cult’s power-crazed ringleader, Gabe must decide whether to continue his quest to destroy the Metaform.
But the prospect of acquiring a long-lived, enhanced bio-android body for himself is seductive. And after three hundred years, the last surviving scientist seems as honest and well-meaning as Gabe himself. He's being attacked on all sides and the battle to save himself and the people he cares about will take Gabe into a terrifying virtual world, where even his own mind is in danger.
Manumission is the critically acclaimed first book in the Metaform science fiction series, featuring gripping action and a reluctantly ingenious hero.
Raised in a quasi-religious cult, Gabriel's always fought the Metaform - the mighty computer that takes away the conscious minds of the sick and old, but after a fight with the cult’s power-crazed ringleader, Gabe must decide whether to continue his quest to destroy the Metaform.
But the prospect of acquiring a long-lived, enhanced bio-android body for himself is seductive. And after three hundred years, the last surviving scientist seems as honest and well-meaning as Gabe himself. He's being attacked on all sides and the battle to save himself and the people he cares about will take Gabe into a terrifying virtual world, where even his own mind is in danger.
Manumission is the critically acclaimed first book in the Metaform science fiction series, featuring gripping action and a reluctantly ingenious hero.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
2 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 26, 2017
My Review of
Manumission Author ER Harding
Wow Manumission is gripping whirlwind SI-FI, where a Metaform Corporation set out to save people from death or illness by downloading their consciousness for centuries to come. I thought this concept was both gripping and eerie in a way, especially in scenes where people’s bodies die, leaving his/her soul storied away for when it can be downloaded. I loved Conner and Meilinn as they were unusual and interesting to follow in what felt like a very realistic world.
The story itself follows Gabriel, who under influence of alcohol dares to confront his father, the leader of the cult . However, things go horrible wrong and a fight breaks out leading Gabriel himself to become the new leader. Following this Gabriel hatches a plan to bring down Metaform Corporation with his long standing mentor-Errik.. However, will his plans go wrong? Will he find more than they bargained for when they look into the Metaform Corporation? Read this fantastic Si-fi book to find out.
I loved how the author ER Harding was able to get across a true sense of what it was like to be stored in the hope that you’d be reunited with your loved ones someday, even if it means leaving your human body behind. As well as how lonely it could be if you were one of the ones who were floating around trying to keep everything up and running. I also like the role of the dog in this story as he helped look for Conner. The scene made me giggle a bit. I also like that this book was a little emotional in places which helped me feel for the characters more.
I thought the end was really interesting and gripping. I wonder if there would be a squeal at some point in the future, or it was just me hoping there would be one because I really enjoyed the storyline and characters in this book
I would recommend this story to anyone who loves SI-FI or just loves a great read, with interesting characters and a gripping storyline. Give this book a go and find out just what happens when people’s consciousness get uploaded and stored for future use
Manumission Author ER Harding
Wow Manumission is gripping whirlwind SI-FI, where a Metaform Corporation set out to save people from death or illness by downloading their consciousness for centuries to come. I thought this concept was both gripping and eerie in a way, especially in scenes where people’s bodies die, leaving his/her soul storied away for when it can be downloaded. I loved Conner and Meilinn as they were unusual and interesting to follow in what felt like a very realistic world.
The story itself follows Gabriel, who under influence of alcohol dares to confront his father, the leader of the cult . However, things go horrible wrong and a fight breaks out leading Gabriel himself to become the new leader. Following this Gabriel hatches a plan to bring down Metaform Corporation with his long standing mentor-Errik.. However, will his plans go wrong? Will he find more than they bargained for when they look into the Metaform Corporation? Read this fantastic Si-fi book to find out.
I loved how the author ER Harding was able to get across a true sense of what it was like to be stored in the hope that you’d be reunited with your loved ones someday, even if it means leaving your human body behind. As well as how lonely it could be if you were one of the ones who were floating around trying to keep everything up and running. I also like the role of the dog in this story as he helped look for Conner. The scene made me giggle a bit. I also like that this book was a little emotional in places which helped me feel for the characters more.
I thought the end was really interesting and gripping. I wonder if there would be a squeal at some point in the future, or it was just me hoping there would be one because I really enjoyed the storyline and characters in this book
I would recommend this story to anyone who loves SI-FI or just loves a great read, with interesting characters and a gripping storyline. Give this book a go and find out just what happens when people’s consciousness get uploaded and stored for future use
September 5, 2017
I love clever, intelligent writing. I warm quickly to subtle wit, quirky characters, plots that are not cookie cutter, never "off the rack". It helps if the story of the novel challenges my imagination. In my opinion, Manumission has all of those qualities in spades.
The story of Manumission is as much as people seeking immortality as it is about the Metaform, which is both a company and an entity. The world posited by the author in Manumission is a cautionary tale about how an individual life may be extended, not for years or decades, but for centuries, including immortality under certain conditions.
I found the story to be haunting, in places, achingly sad, and in other places all too real. This is, to be sure, a novel about the science of cyber-space. It is also the story of some of the people who create the enhanced cyber-space and of those who must decide how to cope with what that means for them.
In sum, I highly recommend this very well written, engrossing novel of what another reader called a "a dystopian future".
The story of Manumission is as much as people seeking immortality as it is about the Metaform, which is both a company and an entity. The world posited by the author in Manumission is a cautionary tale about how an individual life may be extended, not for years or decades, but for centuries, including immortality under certain conditions.
I found the story to be haunting, in places, achingly sad, and in other places all too real. This is, to be sure, a novel about the science of cyber-space. It is also the story of some of the people who create the enhanced cyber-space and of those who must decide how to cope with what that means for them.
In sum, I highly recommend this very well written, engrossing novel of what another reader called a "a dystopian future".
December 13, 2017
An Impressive Debut
As a history buff plunging headlong into a Sci-Fi world for the very first time, Manumission hit me like a bolting horse at high speed, leaving quite a mangled brain in its wake. Full disclosure: I’m an absolute tech moron, so what I’m about to confess is borne of sheer ignorance of artificial intelligence. Which is probably why the world created in this debut novel by author E.R. Harding felt like I’d been given a preview of what our future world might look like if technology advances kept up their current pace. The Metaform Corporation, as described in this novel, is both an impressive scenario and not a little scary as well. It begs the question: “What if?”
Indeed, what if human consciousness will one day be uploaded (or downloaded; sorry, I could never figure out the distinction between the two) to a computer device to make humanity immortal? What if artificial intelligence became more intelligent than its creator and took over? Not implausible, if current trends are anything to go by. These last two decades have proved that. This futuristic scenario of Harding’s makes for great reading for any science fiction fan, but as a newbie in the genre all I can say is that it’s gripping enough to entice readers of any genre.
The detailed technical knowledge shown by the author is amazing. Not only is this novel imaginative in plot and setting, but it’s also fast paced with all manner of characters that are quite lovable. So lovable in fact, that I was a mite disappointed at Errik’s demise, for one. But is it a demise? A part of his brain still exists within his adoptive ‘son’ Gabriel’s, so maybe there’s a sequel in the offing that might somehow see Errik coming out of the woodwork again, who knows! Another disappointment was Connor’s disappearing act at the end of the story. Where did he go really? Is he truly stored in Metaform’s mainframe, never to resurrect again? I hope not; I quite liked that character as it happens. Just goes to show how engaged a reader becomes with the diverse cast of characters in this amazing novel.
I will certainly be looking out for more of this author’s work in the future. Hoping, too, for a sequel to this one. Fantastic read!
As a history buff plunging headlong into a Sci-Fi world for the very first time, Manumission hit me like a bolting horse at high speed, leaving quite a mangled brain in its wake. Full disclosure: I’m an absolute tech moron, so what I’m about to confess is borne of sheer ignorance of artificial intelligence. Which is probably why the world created in this debut novel by author E.R. Harding felt like I’d been given a preview of what our future world might look like if technology advances kept up their current pace. The Metaform Corporation, as described in this novel, is both an impressive scenario and not a little scary as well. It begs the question: “What if?”
Indeed, what if human consciousness will one day be uploaded (or downloaded; sorry, I could never figure out the distinction between the two) to a computer device to make humanity immortal? What if artificial intelligence became more intelligent than its creator and took over? Not implausible, if current trends are anything to go by. These last two decades have proved that. This futuristic scenario of Harding’s makes for great reading for any science fiction fan, but as a newbie in the genre all I can say is that it’s gripping enough to entice readers of any genre.
The detailed technical knowledge shown by the author is amazing. Not only is this novel imaginative in plot and setting, but it’s also fast paced with all manner of characters that are quite lovable. So lovable in fact, that I was a mite disappointed at Errik’s demise, for one. But is it a demise? A part of his brain still exists within his adoptive ‘son’ Gabriel’s, so maybe there’s a sequel in the offing that might somehow see Errik coming out of the woodwork again, who knows! Another disappointment was Connor’s disappearing act at the end of the story. Where did he go really? Is he truly stored in Metaform’s mainframe, never to resurrect again? I hope not; I quite liked that character as it happens. Just goes to show how engaged a reader becomes with the diverse cast of characters in this amazing novel.
I will certainly be looking out for more of this author’s work in the future. Hoping, too, for a sequel to this one. Fantastic read!
June 4, 2017
5 Stars
Human consciousness is uploaded and archived to a highly secure computer system called the Metaform. Some believe, however, that the Metaform is the greatest threat to humanity in its authentic, natural and biological state. Nevermind that the consciousness of an individual can be downloaded into a "frame" in order that a person might live again in the world - if and only if you are exceedingly wealthy.
E. R. Harding is a fine storyteller and her story is a light reflection on human consciousness, society, technology, and the greatest of all human problems - death.
Her story would also make for an excellent premise for a three to six episode frolic that could save the Doctor Who tv series from further disrepair and a weary routine. Take that to the bank, dear author!
Human consciousness is uploaded and archived to a highly secure computer system called the Metaform. Some believe, however, that the Metaform is the greatest threat to humanity in its authentic, natural and biological state. Nevermind that the consciousness of an individual can be downloaded into a "frame" in order that a person might live again in the world - if and only if you are exceedingly wealthy.
E. R. Harding is a fine storyteller and her story is a light reflection on human consciousness, society, technology, and the greatest of all human problems - death.
Her story would also make for an excellent premise for a three to six episode frolic that could save the Doctor Who tv series from further disrepair and a weary routine. Take that to the bank, dear author!
August 1, 2017
Thank you, E.R. Harding, for reaching out and sending me a free digital copy of Manumission in exchange for an honest interview!
A great, gripping novel that takes place in the near future where technology is key to immortality. In a world where human conscience can be uploaded into a computer and loaded into a new body, the Metaform Corporation’s goal is to put an end to death. Gabriel, son of the leader of a cult, confronts his father and as a result, comes the leader himself with a single objective in mind: to bring down Metaform Corp. Will his plan work or will he get more than he bargained for? It seems that some secrets aren’t meant to go public and some will do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The novel is very addictive and gripping; the storyline is brilliant, refreshing and there is enough action to captivate the readers' attention. I never considered this approach for the future, but it’s true that it actually fits with the quick evolution of technology that we are witnesses of nowadays. It’s a bit concerning to think that only the sick and the old get buried or cremated while the bodies of the young and the healthy get turned into vessels for other consciousness to live on.
The writing style is intelligent, captivating and witty; by the descriptions, it actually seems like that world is very real. I think the author really made emotions transpire through her writing and her characters. Certain moments made me laugh; others hold my breath and in others even tear up a bit. I really enjoyed how Harding gives hope in a world ruled by technology where immortality is a reality, how do people deal with the choice of dying and living another lifetime in someone else’s body. It’s a haunting question, what one would choose?
The characters are very likable and they fit perfectly with the story and this reality. They are complex and deep, which made me love the novel even more. The author did a great job managing the changing between the first and the third person in the novel; it was easy for me to follow the story.
I’m not a fan of the sci-fi genre but Manumission became one my favourites. I will definitely buy it on paperback. I highly recommend this novel to all the fans of dystopias and sci-fi!
A great, gripping novel that takes place in the near future where technology is key to immortality. In a world where human conscience can be uploaded into a computer and loaded into a new body, the Metaform Corporation’s goal is to put an end to death. Gabriel, son of the leader of a cult, confronts his father and as a result, comes the leader himself with a single objective in mind: to bring down Metaform Corp. Will his plan work or will he get more than he bargained for? It seems that some secrets aren’t meant to go public and some will do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The novel is very addictive and gripping; the storyline is brilliant, refreshing and there is enough action to captivate the readers' attention. I never considered this approach for the future, but it’s true that it actually fits with the quick evolution of technology that we are witnesses of nowadays. It’s a bit concerning to think that only the sick and the old get buried or cremated while the bodies of the young and the healthy get turned into vessels for other consciousness to live on.
The writing style is intelligent, captivating and witty; by the descriptions, it actually seems like that world is very real. I think the author really made emotions transpire through her writing and her characters. Certain moments made me laugh; others hold my breath and in others even tear up a bit. I really enjoyed how Harding gives hope in a world ruled by technology where immortality is a reality, how do people deal with the choice of dying and living another lifetime in someone else’s body. It’s a haunting question, what one would choose?
The characters are very likable and they fit perfectly with the story and this reality. They are complex and deep, which made me love the novel even more. The author did a great job managing the changing between the first and the third person in the novel; it was easy for me to follow the story.
I’m not a fan of the sci-fi genre but Manumission became one my favourites. I will definitely buy it on paperback. I highly recommend this novel to all the fans of dystopias and sci-fi!
June 7, 2017
Manumission by E.R Harding (Austin Macauley)
I just bought (note: bought!) and read E.R. Harding’s “almost best selling” sci/fi masterpiece “Manumission.” I’m glad I did because I found it excellent.
Will it be possible, soon, to upload the mind, the psyche, of a human being into a computer? If yes would the uploaded intelligence be the original or merely a replication? If the latter would the original be aware; conscious and a part of its new existence, or would it, as with the case of our natural offspring, be left behind? Finally, is it possible that one day artificial intelligence might develop character and independent thought, not to mention action, of its own? There is nothing new in these questions to science fiction. But the author’s handling of them is new, or at least it is new to me.
So what’s so new in the handling? Not for me to say, but for the reader to find. However, I will say that in addition to being good science fiction, “Manumission” is also a thriller and a mystery, an enigma; or, perhaps, as in places it is highly amusing, an in depth parody of both.
I will also say that in the early days of science fiction - some would say the hay days of science fiction - its exponents were accused of both poor characterization and plot. Such charges cannot be laid at the door of Ms Harding. Her characterization is top notch and her plot twists and turns and twists again in a tantalizing conundrum which, eventually, leads the reader out not so much to a satisfying ending as to what one feels, one hopes, is the inviting beginning to a sequel which I, at least, am positively itching to to read.
Manumission by E.R. Harding: (Austin Macauley) I found it excellent.
D. A. Barker. (author of “Killing for Christmas” & “What Am I?”
I just bought (note: bought!) and read E.R. Harding’s “almost best selling” sci/fi masterpiece “Manumission.” I’m glad I did because I found it excellent.
Will it be possible, soon, to upload the mind, the psyche, of a human being into a computer? If yes would the uploaded intelligence be the original or merely a replication? If the latter would the original be aware; conscious and a part of its new existence, or would it, as with the case of our natural offspring, be left behind? Finally, is it possible that one day artificial intelligence might develop character and independent thought, not to mention action, of its own? There is nothing new in these questions to science fiction. But the author’s handling of them is new, or at least it is new to me.
So what’s so new in the handling? Not for me to say, but for the reader to find. However, I will say that in addition to being good science fiction, “Manumission” is also a thriller and a mystery, an enigma; or, perhaps, as in places it is highly amusing, an in depth parody of both.
I will also say that in the early days of science fiction - some would say the hay days of science fiction - its exponents were accused of both poor characterization and plot. Such charges cannot be laid at the door of Ms Harding. Her characterization is top notch and her plot twists and turns and twists again in a tantalizing conundrum which, eventually, leads the reader out not so much to a satisfying ending as to what one feels, one hopes, is the inviting beginning to a sequel which I, at least, am positively itching to to read.
Manumission by E.R. Harding: (Austin Macauley) I found it excellent.
D. A. Barker. (author of “Killing for Christmas” & “What Am I?”
March 22, 2019
The future has arrived, and with it, immortality.
The Metaform is the future of Google. Instead of a collaborative bounty of endless information floating in E-space, we now have conscious minds waiting to be downloaded into man-made bodies.
But have we finally gone too far this time and caused the demise of the human race? They always did say: Robots will take over humanity and in this case, I believe it did.
I generally do not care for sci-fi themed books, but Ms. Harding's book was a small sample of the future we may be heading in. Elon Musk says it over and over again that the human race has become cyborgs with the extensions of our cell phones. He believes we will toy with virtual reality until it blends with our current reality leaving us unable to tell the difference. The Matrix also focuses on downloading your conscious mind into the computer and so does Inception. There is a virtual reality that we enter into every day and it could be just a matter of years before the Metaform beccomes a very real thing.
Great job for the author to allow us to expand our minds and explore a topic that is so complex yet highly interesting.
The Metaform is the future of Google. Instead of a collaborative bounty of endless information floating in E-space, we now have conscious minds waiting to be downloaded into man-made bodies.
But have we finally gone too far this time and caused the demise of the human race? They always did say: Robots will take over humanity and in this case, I believe it did.
I generally do not care for sci-fi themed books, but Ms. Harding's book was a small sample of the future we may be heading in. Elon Musk says it over and over again that the human race has become cyborgs with the extensions of our cell phones. He believes we will toy with virtual reality until it blends with our current reality leaving us unable to tell the difference. The Matrix also focuses on downloading your conscious mind into the computer and so does Inception. There is a virtual reality that we enter into every day and it could be just a matter of years before the Metaform beccomes a very real thing.
Great job for the author to allow us to expand our minds and explore a topic that is so complex yet highly interesting.
June 10, 2019
Finished this one I found it a little hard to read. But still enjoyed it. Matrix of a different style.
Update - I may read it again - Possibly a different mood or feeling.
Update - I may read it again - Possibly a different mood or feeling.
December 8, 2018
Gabriel is the son and heir of the charismatic, but unstable, head of a religious sect which battles against the seemingly unstoppable advance of the Metaform - a computer mainframe into which the consciousness of individuals is uploaded and stored for eventual downloading into new semi -organic bodies. Manumission by E.R. Harding chronicles Gabriel’s life and misadventures as he undertakes to upload his consciousness into the machine to do battle from within. Using several interconnected threads, the author weaves an intriguing narrative which details the origins and development of the Metaform, along with many novel concepts and ideas which colour the picture of this dystopian future world; a world where the rich can discard their diseased or dissipated bodies and have their consciousness downloaded into an attractive semi-organic new one with a variety of optional upgrades; a world where the hungry poor live a hand to mouth existence; a world far removed from the digital minds in charge of the Metaform. Can Gabriel and his colleagues have any impact at all on this global behemoth?
The opening chapter of Manumission seems a little out of sync with the rest of the book but once the story gets going it is a very worthwhile read. Ms Harding has created a wholly original world peopled with solid, rounded characters and has set them in a variety of mind-boggling situations. She handles the difficult concepts of minds inhabiting cyberspace, time, and the construction of new host bodies masterfully and avoids over-complicated text or explanations. The narrative moves along at a brisk pace with the various plot lines merging logically and seamlessly as the story progresses. An impressive first novel and a worthy addition to the sci-fi genre. I thoroughly enjoyed Manumission and look forward to seeing more from this author.
The opening chapter of Manumission seems a little out of sync with the rest of the book but once the story gets going it is a very worthwhile read. Ms Harding has created a wholly original world peopled with solid, rounded characters and has set them in a variety of mind-boggling situations. She handles the difficult concepts of minds inhabiting cyberspace, time, and the construction of new host bodies masterfully and avoids over-complicated text or explanations. The narrative moves along at a brisk pace with the various plot lines merging logically and seamlessly as the story progresses. An impressive first novel and a worthy addition to the sci-fi genre. I thoroughly enjoyed Manumission and look forward to seeing more from this author.
May 16, 2017
3,5-4 stars. Thank you to Austin Macauley Publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Manumission takes place in not so distant future where people's minds are being uploaded into a computer,and then downloaded into a new body. So immortality is becoming a reality. But,as always,only the rich have the chance of getting a new,enhanced body. The poor&sick get uploaded instead of trying to heal them,and face a 'life' floating in nothingness.
I really liked the idea&the story. It felt real enough - like something that could happen. The pacing of the story was good,it moved along in good speed and wasn't boring. The characters were pretty well written. The thing that bothered me most was the change of POV between chapters. The chapters featuring Gabriel,one of the main characters,were written in 1st person,the rest in 3rd. I really didn't see any reason for this and it was a bit annoying. Made the reading less smooth. The story also jumps in time,without saying so. So in some places I had to stop and kinda reorient myself.
All in all this was a good scifi book. I had fun reading it. The writing was okay,nothing spectacular,but not bad either. There's enough action,and it was interesting to read about how the system to upload minds was created.
Manumission takes place in not so distant future where people's minds are being uploaded into a computer,and then downloaded into a new body. So immortality is becoming a reality. But,as always,only the rich have the chance of getting a new,enhanced body. The poor&sick get uploaded instead of trying to heal them,and face a 'life' floating in nothingness.
I really liked the idea&the story. It felt real enough - like something that could happen. The pacing of the story was good,it moved along in good speed and wasn't boring. The characters were pretty well written. The thing that bothered me most was the change of POV between chapters. The chapters featuring Gabriel,one of the main characters,were written in 1st person,the rest in 3rd. I really didn't see any reason for this and it was a bit annoying. Made the reading less smooth. The story also jumps in time,without saying so. So in some places I had to stop and kinda reorient myself.
All in all this was a good scifi book. I had fun reading it. The writing was okay,nothing spectacular,but not bad either. There's enough action,and it was interesting to read about how the system to upload minds was created.
June 4, 2018
Mankind has solved mortality! A breakthrough in technology now allows people to live forever - by uploading their consciousness into the Metaform.
Manumission is thought-provoking SciFi at its best. The narrative follows two threads: The development of this new technology, and the attempts of a terrorist group to sabotage it. Both play with the whole load of interesting questions that arise from this twisted idea of immortality, as well as other good old SciFi themes such as total trust in techology and the abuse of power by a single corporation.
I really enjoyed this book book, and I especially liked the echo of classic writers such as Orwell and Philip K Dick. Its a good read, and I'll be looking out for more by this writer.
Manumission is thought-provoking SciFi at its best. The narrative follows two threads: The development of this new technology, and the attempts of a terrorist group to sabotage it. Both play with the whole load of interesting questions that arise from this twisted idea of immortality, as well as other good old SciFi themes such as total trust in techology and the abuse of power by a single corporation.
I really enjoyed this book book, and I especially liked the echo of classic writers such as Orwell and Philip K Dick. Its a good read, and I'll be looking out for more by this writer.
July 26, 2017
I loved the story. It was hard to put down. I hope there's a part two.
Carol Hibbs, Author of Forever Ends
Carol Hibbs, Author of Forever Ends
May 12, 2019
This Sci-Fi story has many layers and many characters. It is truly an origin story and might be best thought of as the prequel to the rest of the series. The world in which it is set, who the villains really are, and what’s really happening are all revealed slowly as the many tendrils of the plot meander in their own directions. It is not easy to navigate the early chapters, and there are a few false leads, but eventually, the plot threads come together and the reader has the chance to figure out what’s really happening. It’s not an easy journey, but if you have the patience to get there, there’s a lot to consider.
The main feature of this world is the Metaform, a massive computer database created long ago and programmed by five people – the “directors” – who uploaded their minds into the computer. Since then, all humans want to be uploaded so that they can then be downloaded into an artificial bio-frame where they can live hundreds of years in near-perfect bodies. But all is not well with the world, as normal humans who oppose the Metaform try to sabotage it, while others, who work for the Metaform, try to protect it.
The story is told through several different perspectives, including the original directors in their original time frame, a first -person narrative of a terrorist/freedom fighter who is trying to infiltrate the Metaform in order to destroy it, and the stories of several other characters who don’t initially appear to be connected. The author’s style takes some getting used to as most of the story is told in past-tense narratives of things that happened to the characters that they are remembering in expositive bursts rather than in real-time action. The shifting perspectives are at times confusing, and in many cases the plot action could have been better executed as present-time narrative, but ultimately the intricate plot finds its own voice.
There is very little detail provided about how this world works – what the politics are like, what the conditions are for the humans and the downloaded “reloads,” why the police are so dedicated to the Metaform, or anything else about the world of the Metaform other than what we learn from the inside out. It’s also not entirely clear who the terrorists (or religious cult members?) are or why they were so bent on destroying the Metaform. And yet, there is a lot of potential in this world, and much story left for subsequent books as the people and the virtual people struggle to contain the Metaform
The main feature of this world is the Metaform, a massive computer database created long ago and programmed by five people – the “directors” – who uploaded their minds into the computer. Since then, all humans want to be uploaded so that they can then be downloaded into an artificial bio-frame where they can live hundreds of years in near-perfect bodies. But all is not well with the world, as normal humans who oppose the Metaform try to sabotage it, while others, who work for the Metaform, try to protect it.
The story is told through several different perspectives, including the original directors in their original time frame, a first -person narrative of a terrorist/freedom fighter who is trying to infiltrate the Metaform in order to destroy it, and the stories of several other characters who don’t initially appear to be connected. The author’s style takes some getting used to as most of the story is told in past-tense narratives of things that happened to the characters that they are remembering in expositive bursts rather than in real-time action. The shifting perspectives are at times confusing, and in many cases the plot action could have been better executed as present-time narrative, but ultimately the intricate plot finds its own voice.
There is very little detail provided about how this world works – what the politics are like, what the conditions are for the humans and the downloaded “reloads,” why the police are so dedicated to the Metaform, or anything else about the world of the Metaform other than what we learn from the inside out. It’s also not entirely clear who the terrorists (or religious cult members?) are or why they were so bent on destroying the Metaform. And yet, there is a lot of potential in this world, and much story left for subsequent books as the people and the virtual people struggle to contain the Metaform
May 12, 2019
A great telling of a possible future where mankind may just be heading. A world where cultists fight against the computer which can give people the ability to have their consciousness placed into an enhanced android body, entering a virtual world. This story where androids become the enemy of the bios, and a reluctant hero Gabe who must save those he cares for from the Metaform.
Lots of action and complexity keeps this story moving to, what I hope will bring us a great conclusion in the authors next addition.
Lots of action and complexity keeps this story moving to, what I hope will bring us a great conclusion in the authors next addition.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews