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Future Forfeit City #1
Chromed: Consensus
Decisions shouldn’t be hard.
As a lead researcher for Reed Interactive, Austin Ainley created The Decider. It’s tech that can nudge people towards making the right choices. Despite his brilliance, Reed threw him out without the common decency of vesting his shares.
Austin needs to get his stolen invention back from Reed. If he doesn’t, he’ll be penniless and out of a healthcare plan. Revenge wouldn't suck either.
With a team of off-grid mercs, including the milspec cyborg Ruby Page, he might stand a chance.
All Austin needs to do is lead his team to victory. With talents like his, how hard can it be?
Join Austin on his not-so-much-of-a-hero’s journey in this page-turning cyberpunk technothriller!
As a lead researcher for Reed Interactive, Austin Ainley created The Decider. It’s tech that can nudge people towards making the right choices. Despite his brilliance, Reed threw him out without the common decency of vesting his shares.
Austin needs to get his stolen invention back from Reed. If he doesn’t, he’ll be penniless and out of a healthcare plan. Revenge wouldn't suck either.
With a team of off-grid mercs, including the milspec cyborg Ruby Page, he might stand a chance.
All Austin needs to do is lead his team to victory. With talents like his, how hard can it be?
Join Austin on his not-so-much-of-a-hero’s journey in this page-turning cyberpunk technothriller!
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2018
17 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Richard Parry
47 books309 followersRichard Parry has worked as a senior marketing manager in one of the world’s top tech companies, but it wasn't all cocaine parties. His debut novel Night’s Favor and its sequel Night’s Fall have been shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Award “Best Novel” category.
His ever-growing list of novels spans urban fantasy, cyberpunk, and space opera, featuring flawed heroes, sharp dialogue, and a healthy dose of action. His Night’s Champion trilogy follows an alcoholic-turned-werewolf saving the world, while Future Forfeit explores a neon-drenched cyberpunk future where hacking the system is just the start. Meanwhile, Ezeroc Wars throws readers into the deep end of an interstellar war against a swarm species that doesn’t take no for an answer. Across over 20 novels (and counting), Richard delivers stories packed with heart, explosions, and the occasional bad decision.
Richard lives in Wellington with the love of his life, Rae. They have cats, who chase birds. The birds, who have the power of flight, don’t seem to mind.
His ever-growing list of novels spans urban fantasy, cyberpunk, and space opera, featuring flawed heroes, sharp dialogue, and a healthy dose of action. His Night’s Champion trilogy follows an alcoholic-turned-werewolf saving the world, while Future Forfeit explores a neon-drenched cyberpunk future where hacking the system is just the start. Meanwhile, Ezeroc Wars throws readers into the deep end of an interstellar war against a swarm species that doesn’t take no for an answer. Across over 20 novels (and counting), Richard delivers stories packed with heart, explosions, and the occasional bad decision.
Richard lives in Wellington with the love of his life, Rae. They have cats, who chase birds. The birds, who have the power of flight, don’t seem to mind.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 16, 2018
Decider : “It helped you make the right decisions.”
This is an amazing anti-hero tecno thriller. You just have to admire Austin the way he develops his vengeance with his intelligence and bio-tech creativity! He sure is one of his kind. Ultra subtle malevolent in an ingenious way, his story pulls the emotional strings just where and when he wants! Shocking moments, well-developed characters, non-stop action and suspense—this book has a bit of everything! Another excellent book by Richard Parry!
This is an amazing anti-hero tecno thriller. You just have to admire Austin the way he develops his vengeance with his intelligence and bio-tech creativity! He sure is one of his kind. Ultra subtle malevolent in an ingenious way, his story pulls the emotional strings just where and when he wants! Shocking moments, well-developed characters, non-stop action and suspense—this book has a bit of everything! Another excellent book by Richard Parry!
September 1, 2018
Great novella.
Some have commented that the antagonist is not suitable as an antihero but I think that is exactly what makes this such a fun read.
The question is “Who is the true antagonist”?
Definitely worth the read and I’d enjoy reading more along the same genre, rather than the cardboard cutout good guy / bad guy.
Some have commented that the antagonist is not suitable as an antihero but I think that is exactly what makes this such a fun read.
The question is “Who is the true antagonist”?
Definitely worth the read and I’d enjoy reading more along the same genre, rather than the cardboard cutout good guy / bad guy.
November 4, 2018
I have to admit I was having a hard time getting into the book at the beginning, Austin just seemed to be doing a lot of posturing and running his mouth…luckily I hung in there because man once the action picks up its pretty non-stop. Love this author’s sense of humor or at least the dark, smart mouth humor he infuses his characters with.
While we were told that Austin is a “villain” after a bit he didn’t feel like a villain. He felt like a guy who was pissed off that his idea was taken and he was tossed out like yesterdays trash. I got his desire to make “Reed” pay and get himself to the top. Both his actions and Reeds read similar to me take out the lower ranks and leave a mark so no one else gets the idea to knock them off the top.
In this fast paced, where you are not really dead if there’s any living tissue left (they can rebuild you), dog eat dog world you are definitely in for an adrenaline ride, with enough blood and gore to fulfill even the most blood thirsty mech urge for revenge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While we were told that Austin is a “villain” after a bit he didn’t feel like a villain. He felt like a guy who was pissed off that his idea was taken and he was tossed out like yesterdays trash. I got his desire to make “Reed” pay and get himself to the top. Both his actions and Reeds read similar to me take out the lower ranks and leave a mark so no one else gets the idea to knock them off the top.
In this fast paced, where you are not really dead if there’s any living tissue left (they can rebuild you), dog eat dog world you are definitely in for an adrenaline ride, with enough blood and gore to fulfill even the most blood thirsty mech urge for revenge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2018
Our "hero" wants to rule the world, but for it's own good, of course..
This is an SF action romp with lots of intrigue, guns, and explosions, all wrapped together in a solid story. I read book three before reading this one, which worked, but I am much happier now that I have more of the background. If you think you are going to enjoy the series (and I do), then read them in order.
The story is well written with lots of intrigue and questionable actions by our main character. You will definitely have a love/hate relationship with him. Do be warned that it is a bit of a page turner. Once you start, you will have a hard time putting it down and that felling doesn't end when the book does. You will then want to pick up the next one and keep going.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is an SF action romp with lots of intrigue, guns, and explosions, all wrapped together in a solid story. I read book three before reading this one, which worked, but I am much happier now that I have more of the background. If you think you are going to enjoy the series (and I do), then read them in order.
The story is well written with lots of intrigue and questionable actions by our main character. You will definitely have a love/hate relationship with him. Do be warned that it is a bit of a page turner. Once you start, you will have a hard time putting it down and that felling doesn't end when the book does. You will then want to pick up the next one and keep going.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
April 19, 2019
Action-packed and great characters
First – If you have not yet read the three novels in the Future Forfeit trilogy: (Chromed Upgrade; Chromed Rogue; Chromed Restore) you have some catching up to do. But it is all good because they are really fun stories and well worth the time spent doing some homework.
Secondly – The Forfeit City trilogy (Chromed Consensus; Chromed Delilah; Chromed Meltdown) make brief references to events and issues that were central to the first trilogy. But they also stand on their own, partly because the action scenes will scorch your eyeballs, and Richard Parry’s humour will make you laugh out loud, and you will be having such a good time that you will hardly notice those back-story items.
If you have ready any Richard Parry story, and liked it, Chromed Consensus and you will make for a perfect fit.
First – If you have not yet read the three novels in the Future Forfeit trilogy: (Chromed Upgrade; Chromed Rogue; Chromed Restore) you have some catching up to do. But it is all good because they are really fun stories and well worth the time spent doing some homework.
Secondly – The Forfeit City trilogy (Chromed Consensus; Chromed Delilah; Chromed Meltdown) make brief references to events and issues that were central to the first trilogy. But they also stand on their own, partly because the action scenes will scorch your eyeballs, and Richard Parry’s humour will make you laugh out loud, and you will be having such a good time that you will hardly notice those back-story items.
If you have ready any Richard Parry story, and liked it, Chromed Consensus and you will make for a perfect fit.
January 24, 2019
This is a blurb for this book In 2150AD, humanity surrenders decisions to corporate masters.
Megacorp Reed Interactive’s prodigy Austin Ainley creates abhorrent mind-influencing tech. Reed terminate his contract but keep the invention.
Austin plans to get it back. He hungers for the wealth and power his invention promises.
With a team of off-grid mercs, including the mil-spec cyborg Ruby Page, Austin plans a heist on a syndicate titan. If he succeeds humanity will fall, but he’ll have his vengeance. Is that too big a price to pay? This is a great series to read you won't be disappointed so start reading today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Megacorp Reed Interactive’s prodigy Austin Ainley creates abhorrent mind-influencing tech. Reed terminate his contract but keep the invention.
Austin plans to get it back. He hungers for the wealth and power his invention promises.
With a team of off-grid mercs, including the mil-spec cyborg Ruby Page, Austin plans a heist on a syndicate titan. If he succeeds humanity will fall, but he’ll have his vengeance. Is that too big a price to pay? This is a great series to read you won't be disappointed so start reading today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2018
This was a strange little book. I had no idea what to expect. It was a sci fi military caper. Lots of action. Not much character development, but that is not surprising given the genre. The main character was not at all like-able. In fact, he was a major jerk. You WANT to like him, because he is the main character and the narrator, and you think...I am SUPPOSED to like this guy. But he just is a creep who doesn't care about anyone but himself. His lack of concern for anyone's life, including his own, is disturbing. That said, this is a quick, page-turning read. Great distraction if you have some time you are looking to kill. Just don't be expecting something light and cheery!
October 29, 2018
Quick Action Cyberpunk Read.
Austin Ainley, is a bona fide, Jekyll and Hyde, love him or not genius.
In this corporate world thief, violence and dying is the norm, vengeance is to be expected and more upgrades give you a better than 50% chance of waking up the next day, maybe?
I enjoy reading about this futuristic cyberpunk possible world, just wouldn't want to live in it.
O.k. must admit, could do with some of those's non violent upgrades.
Read this in less than an hour, so if your looking for a super quick action filled, non boring piece of well written work, this is it.
🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠
Austin Ainley, is a bona fide, Jekyll and Hyde, love him or not genius.
In this corporate world thief, violence and dying is the norm, vengeance is to be expected and more upgrades give you a better than 50% chance of waking up the next day, maybe?
I enjoy reading about this futuristic cyberpunk possible world, just wouldn't want to live in it.
O.k. must admit, could do with some of those's non violent upgrades.
Read this in less than an hour, so if your looking for a super quick action filled, non boring piece of well written work, this is it.
🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠
January 26, 2019
Pretty decent, quick hitter of a story. Very reminiscent of something out of the Shadowrun Universe. You find yourself disliking the main character Austin Ainley very quick.
After one of his team is shot and killed on the Reed raid, his first thought was about leaving evidence or something along those lines; a very cold and calculating individual no doubt.
I would recommend Chromed: Consensus if you are a cyberpunk or Shadowrun fan. I look forward to checking out more of Richard Parry’s work.
After one of his team is shot and killed on the Reed raid, his first thought was about leaving evidence or something along those lines; a very cold and calculating individual no doubt.
I would recommend Chromed: Consensus if you are a cyberpunk or Shadowrun fan. I look forward to checking out more of Richard Parry’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Unsettlingly good.
Gracious, Austin Ainley is a perfect example of this dystopian corporate-run cyberpunk world of the future; amoral, violent, vengeful and a hell of a fun character to read about as a result.
Kudos to the crazy Kiwi, this world that Parry has built is intriguing and the deftly written storylines are totally compelling.
Gracious, Austin Ainley is a perfect example of this dystopian corporate-run cyberpunk world of the future; amoral, violent, vengeful and a hell of a fun character to read about as a result.
Kudos to the crazy Kiwi, this world that Parry has built is intriguing and the deftly written storylines are totally compelling.
November 8, 2018
He came up with the best thing for his company. It was a tech which helps others to make the right choices. Now he has been kicked out and he needs to get it back. He will need help. Who will help? Will he get it back? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2018
Great Cyberpunk Short
Parry more known for his Night and Tyche series did exceedingly well with this, it's kind of a shot of blade runner with a bit more heart.
As he has done with his Tyches series this is shorts of a main story line and I found it to be very interesting.
Only problem is it leaves you wanting more
Parry more known for his Night and Tyche series did exceedingly well with this, it's kind of a shot of blade runner with a bit more heart.
As he has done with his Tyches series this is shorts of a main story line and I found it to be very interesting.
Only problem is it leaves you wanting more
November 9, 2018
It was quite good read sparks the imagination of the reader as they journey through their relationship and challenging scenarios.
July 24, 2019
Headturner
Richard turns the world upside down with his cyberpunk story. A bit of revenge, a bit of double crossing, a bit money, and a whole lot of balls.
Richard turns the world upside down with his cyberpunk story. A bit of revenge, a bit of double crossing, a bit money, and a whole lot of balls.
November 28, 2018
This is another side story from the new “Upgrade” storyline/universe and it can be read as a standalone, but it’s better when read with the “Upgrade” remastered series.
The great thing about this particular tale is that it’s unique in that it’s all about villains.
There’s not a good person to be found, unless you count to poor unfortunate civilian casualties.
These characters you will love to hate!
If you like cyberpunk sci-fi then please do yourself a favor and read this.
Actually read the entire “Upgrade” remastered series.
It’s sure to be classic reading!
September 18, 2019
Excellent background story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews