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The New Lyons Sequence #2
SINdicate
The Post-Modern Prometheus
Synths were manufactured to look human and perform physical labor, but they were still only machines. That’s what the people who used—and abused—them believed, until the truth was revealed: Synths are independent, sentient beings. Now, the governments of the world must either recognize their human nature and grant them their rightful freedom, or brace for a revolution.
Former New Lyons Detective Jason Campbell has committed himself to the Synths’ cause, willing to fight every army the human race marches against them. But they have an even greater enemy in Walton Biogenics, the syndicate behind the creation and distribution of the “artificial” humans. The company will stop at nothing to protect their secrets—and the near-mythological figure known to Synths as “The First,” whose very existence threatens the balance of power across the world . . .
Praise for SINthetic
“Darkly engrossing, SINthetic shines a stark light on the age-old question, what does it mean to be human?”—Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author
Synths were manufactured to look human and perform physical labor, but they were still only machines. That’s what the people who used—and abused—them believed, until the truth was revealed: Synths are independent, sentient beings. Now, the governments of the world must either recognize their human nature and grant them their rightful freedom, or brace for a revolution.
Former New Lyons Detective Jason Campbell has committed himself to the Synths’ cause, willing to fight every army the human race marches against them. But they have an even greater enemy in Walton Biogenics, the syndicate behind the creation and distribution of the “artificial” humans. The company will stop at nothing to protect their secrets—and the near-mythological figure known to Synths as “The First,” whose very existence threatens the balance of power across the world . . .
Praise for SINthetic
“Darkly engrossing, SINthetic shines a stark light on the age-old question, what does it mean to be human?”—Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author
- GenresScience Fiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 13, 2018
SINdicate by J.T. Nicholas is the second book of The New Lyons Sequence series. The series is a futuristic science fiction fantasy in which the main character is/was a police detective. In the first of the series Detective Jason Campbell came upon the scene of a brutal murder of a woman but found the victim was a synthetic so to the eyes of the law not worth investigating.
Jason however does not see the synths the same way the rest of the world does and began looking into the murder anyway. That led to where the story picks up now shortly after the end of the first in which Jason has aligned himself with the synths to fight for their rights to begin to force the world to treat them as human and not property.
This series is definitely one that is best to read in order as the world was set in the first book and I think a reader jumping in would be lost on what is happening now. The first book was a bit of a scifi/fantasy mixed with a detective mystery but now the main character is a wanted man by siding with the synths and helping their rebellion. The books bring in the question of just what makes a human and questions the way society is treating the synthetics as property when it is obvious to the main character that they have feelings and emotions the same as any human would and now there is even more proof.
At the end of the first while I enjoyed the world the author had created and the ideas behind it I thought the main character was a bit stiff, that really hasn’t changed. I think the fact these are shorter reads it leaves a bit of character building out but still a decent job for as fast paced as they are. This one felt a bit like what it is though to me in that it is the middle book so I’ve lowered my rating a bit with wanting more to happen but it has set up the next in line so I’ll be interested in seeing where the series heads next in the fight.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Jason however does not see the synths the same way the rest of the world does and began looking into the murder anyway. That led to where the story picks up now shortly after the end of the first in which Jason has aligned himself with the synths to fight for their rights to begin to force the world to treat them as human and not property.
This series is definitely one that is best to read in order as the world was set in the first book and I think a reader jumping in would be lost on what is happening now. The first book was a bit of a scifi/fantasy mixed with a detective mystery but now the main character is a wanted man by siding with the synths and helping their rebellion. The books bring in the question of just what makes a human and questions the way society is treating the synthetics as property when it is obvious to the main character that they have feelings and emotions the same as any human would and now there is even more proof.
At the end of the first while I enjoyed the world the author had created and the ideas behind it I thought the main character was a bit stiff, that really hasn’t changed. I think the fact these are shorter reads it leaves a bit of character building out but still a decent job for as fast paced as they are. This one felt a bit like what it is though to me in that it is the middle book so I’ve lowered my rating a bit with wanting more to happen but it has set up the next in line so I’ll be interested in seeing where the series heads next in the fight.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 22, 2018
You can find more reviews, along with this one on my blog Hope, Faith & Books
*I received this book from NetGalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review*
I definitely enjoyed how this story picked up the pace compared to SINthetic! There was a lot more action and continuation to the story compared to the stop and explain everything of the first book. It was very pleasant and I really liked seeing the story move further along in this! And the best part of it, is that this book takes place only over the span of a about a month. From New Years at the end of SINthetic when Campbell sides with the synthetics, through almost the 1st of February when they gave the world the deadline for giving synths full rights. We got a lot of action and information going on with the resistance in a short period of time. It was great!
Things started out with trying to find out who left a dead body on the resistances door step to a full on break in of Walton Biogenics to find some well hidden information with hard scientific proof that could change everyone's view of synthetics whether they want to or not. You can't fight science (despite some people thinking their opinions are better than hard facts). A man named Dr. Kaphiri, who is considered the father of synthetics as he created the first one (mentioned above as "The First"), hid information away from Walton that could later be used just for the resistances very purpose. He also never wanted synths to be treated as they are, the idea of making them just a product was solely Walton Biogenics idea. After finding out Dr. Kaphiri's story regarding synths and how Walton came to get a hold of that information to make them, you really feel bad. Huge corporations are just awful most of the time.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see Ms. Morita, the medical examiners assistant from the last book pretty much join Campbell and the synths. It's never said if she does, but from the fact she stays after helping them and starts to really feel for their plight, it's pretty much implied. It was definitely nice seeing someone genuinely change their mind regarding the synths and see they are much more than what the world thinks they are. I also was surprised by the epilogue when the seeds of doubt were placed into Dr. Larkin's mind about the synths from what Campbell had told her when he was there getting Dr. Kaphiri's information.
The only things that bugged me in this book were the ending and one particular drawn out chapter. The one chapter where Campbell is trying to get out of Walton and ends up fighting a bunch of security and police felt really long. So long I glossed over parts. It was way to over detailed and drawn out. I don't mind hearing a bit about how the fight scene went down, but it was definitely too long of a scene. And the ending. While I understand why it had to end like that, I really don't like it. But I'm hoping in book three we'll find out it was for the good of the synths and not for nothing.
*I received this book from NetGalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review*
I definitely enjoyed how this story picked up the pace compared to SINthetic! There was a lot more action and continuation to the story compared to the stop and explain everything of the first book. It was very pleasant and I really liked seeing the story move further along in this! And the best part of it, is that this book takes place only over the span of a about a month. From New Years at the end of SINthetic when Campbell sides with the synthetics, through almost the 1st of February when they gave the world the deadline for giving synths full rights. We got a lot of action and information going on with the resistance in a short period of time. It was great!
Things started out with trying to find out who left a dead body on the resistances door step to a full on break in of Walton Biogenics to find some well hidden information with hard scientific proof that could change everyone's view of synthetics whether they want to or not. You can't fight science (despite some people thinking their opinions are better than hard facts). A man named Dr. Kaphiri, who is considered the father of synthetics as he created the first one (mentioned above as "The First"), hid information away from Walton that could later be used just for the resistances very purpose. He also never wanted synths to be treated as they are, the idea of making them just a product was solely Walton Biogenics idea. After finding out Dr. Kaphiri's story regarding synths and how Walton came to get a hold of that information to make them, you really feel bad. Huge corporations are just awful most of the time.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see Ms. Morita, the medical examiners assistant from the last book pretty much join Campbell and the synths. It's never said if she does, but from the fact she stays after helping them and starts to really feel for their plight, it's pretty much implied. It was definitely nice seeing someone genuinely change their mind regarding the synths and see they are much more than what the world thinks they are. I also was surprised by the epilogue when the seeds of doubt were placed into Dr. Larkin's mind about the synths from what Campbell had told her when he was there getting Dr. Kaphiri's information.
The only things that bugged me in this book were the ending and one particular drawn out chapter. The one chapter where Campbell is trying to get out of Walton and ends up fighting a bunch of security and police felt really long. So long I glossed over parts. It was way to over detailed and drawn out. I don't mind hearing a bit about how the fight scene went down, but it was definitely too long of a scene. And the ending. While I understand why it had to end like that, I really don't like it. But I'm hoping in book three we'll find out it was for the good of the synths and not for nothing.
March 23, 2018
Goodreads Synopsis:
The Post-Modern Prometheus
Synths were manufactured to look human and perform physical labor, but they were still only machines. That’s what the people who used—and abused—them believed, until the truth was revealed: Synths are independent, sentient beings. Now, the governments of the world must either recognize their human nature and grant them their rightful freedom, or brace for a revolution.
Former New Lyons Detective Jason Campbell has committed himself to the Synths’ cause, willing to fight every army the human race marches against them. But they have an even greater enemy in Walton Biogenics, the syndicate behind the creation and distribution of the “artificial” humans. The company will stop at nothing to protect their secrets—and the near-mythological figure known to Synths as “The First,” whose very existence threatens the balance of power across the world . . .
My Review:
I just finished this book a few minutes ago, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride start to finish. The first book left me waiting for more of the same story, and this book delivered exactly what I wanted in the best way possible. I loved both of these books, and can't wait to see what's in store next. The covers are really nice to look at, and I really just have nothing bad to say about the series so far.
I couldn't wait to start this book from the moment I got it, and really had high hopes because of where the last book left me. Jason Campbell has been labeled a domestic terrorist for his work in the last story, and is hiding out with a group of synths, including one who's pregnant, which is supposed to be impossible, trying to convince the public that they're not just robots, they're actually people too and the last who knows how long they've essentially created a slave race of people to do their bidding for them, among other terrible things. New Lyons is in despair, filled with riots and protests. It's a mess. But as an ex-detective and with Silas' help, Jason knows exactly what he needs to do to stay safe. That is, until he finds a dead body on his doorstep.
It's been nearly a month since the last book, and the next eight are not easy for the characters. Between a murderous scavenger hunt and giving the world an ultimatum, they really have their hands full just trying to keep out of the public eye. They have secrets though, and if the world isn't willing to change they're not afraid to spill them. Silas is still doing what he does best, keeping a distance and hacking things, but he makes a more prominent appearance in this book, actually working with Jason. He tells them when and where to move, to stay hidden. This story is just so exciting and interesting that I got sucked in immediately, and I didn't want to put the book down for a single second in case I missed something. The setting is the same as the last book, and just as easy to imagine. The characters are static but react exactly how they need to, given the situation. After collecting some of his friends from his last job working for the NLPD, he's able to get an autopsy done on the body found on his doorstep, and that only pushes him further into the mystery.
This book is a race against the clock to find the killer, convince the public that synths are in fact a race of superior humans, deliver a synth baby, and narrowly avoid an all out war against humans and synths, and synth sympathizers. They're going to change the world or die trying. I definitely recommend checking out this book and just this series in general, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
Here's a link to the book on Amazon, and another link to the authors twitter.
https://www.amazon.ca/SINdicate-Lyons...
https://twitter.com/jamestnicholas
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
The Post-Modern Prometheus
Synths were manufactured to look human and perform physical labor, but they were still only machines. That’s what the people who used—and abused—them believed, until the truth was revealed: Synths are independent, sentient beings. Now, the governments of the world must either recognize their human nature and grant them their rightful freedom, or brace for a revolution.
Former New Lyons Detective Jason Campbell has committed himself to the Synths’ cause, willing to fight every army the human race marches against them. But they have an even greater enemy in Walton Biogenics, the syndicate behind the creation and distribution of the “artificial” humans. The company will stop at nothing to protect their secrets—and the near-mythological figure known to Synths as “The First,” whose very existence threatens the balance of power across the world . . .
My Review:
I just finished this book a few minutes ago, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride start to finish. The first book left me waiting for more of the same story, and this book delivered exactly what I wanted in the best way possible. I loved both of these books, and can't wait to see what's in store next. The covers are really nice to look at, and I really just have nothing bad to say about the series so far.
I couldn't wait to start this book from the moment I got it, and really had high hopes because of where the last book left me. Jason Campbell has been labeled a domestic terrorist for his work in the last story, and is hiding out with a group of synths, including one who's pregnant, which is supposed to be impossible, trying to convince the public that they're not just robots, they're actually people too and the last who knows how long they've essentially created a slave race of people to do their bidding for them, among other terrible things. New Lyons is in despair, filled with riots and protests. It's a mess. But as an ex-detective and with Silas' help, Jason knows exactly what he needs to do to stay safe. That is, until he finds a dead body on his doorstep.
It's been nearly a month since the last book, and the next eight are not easy for the characters. Between a murderous scavenger hunt and giving the world an ultimatum, they really have their hands full just trying to keep out of the public eye. They have secrets though, and if the world isn't willing to change they're not afraid to spill them. Silas is still doing what he does best, keeping a distance and hacking things, but he makes a more prominent appearance in this book, actually working with Jason. He tells them when and where to move, to stay hidden. This story is just so exciting and interesting that I got sucked in immediately, and I didn't want to put the book down for a single second in case I missed something. The setting is the same as the last book, and just as easy to imagine. The characters are static but react exactly how they need to, given the situation. After collecting some of his friends from his last job working for the NLPD, he's able to get an autopsy done on the body found on his doorstep, and that only pushes him further into the mystery.
This book is a race against the clock to find the killer, convince the public that synths are in fact a race of superior humans, deliver a synth baby, and narrowly avoid an all out war against humans and synths, and synth sympathizers. They're going to change the world or die trying. I definitely recommend checking out this book and just this series in general, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
Here's a link to the book on Amazon, and another link to the authors twitter.
https://www.amazon.ca/SINdicate-Lyons...
https://twitter.com/jamestnicholas
Thanks for reading! Check out this review and more at my blog.
(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
April 18, 2018
SINdicate is second in JT Nicholas’ New Lyons Sequence. Campbell is now living in a safe house with several synthetics that have made their way to him after fleeing captivity or being turned out of their owners’ homes. He’s there as protection, especially for the pregnant Evelyn, since the synthetics are unable to harm humans. One morning he wakes to find a body dumped at his doorstep.
This body is a message of sorts. With help from Hernandez and Tia Morita, Campbell follows the clues deep under New Lyons, and all the way to a surprising new ally- the very first synthetic. Al’awwal helps Campbell and Silas retrieve all the data his creator father, Dr Kaphiri, collected during his forced tenure at Walton Biogenics. It's a devastating cache, detailing not only synth origins and proof they are human, but all of the cures for disease, and all the beneficial medical advances Walton has been withholding out of greed. But in order to make the most of this information, and best aid the revolution, Campbell chooses to make a major personal sacrifice.
I absolutely devoured this book. It's a great continuation to the series. I got so angry reading about how the synths were retaliated against after the revolution began. These are people who genuinely cannot fight back thanks to their conditioning. One uber-rich asshole started a 'gameshow’ where people participated in challenges, and the prize was to kill a synth any way they wished. Disgusting.
Humanity’s brighter side began to show through, though. People who knew deep down already the truth of the synths began protests around Walton Biogenics facilities. Campbell found willing assistance in his former colleague Hernandez, and in the medical examiner's assistant, Tia Morita.
It was neat to see the synthetics beginning to find their true selves. Despite being ‘designed’ for jobs, like being Toys, or as menial workers, they very much have their own personality and preferences. Take Silas for instance. The big man (who calls to mind Varys, from ASoIaF for some reason) may have been designed for hard labour as a 'sewer rat’ but he very well could have been a statesman, an ambassador. Or LaSorte, designed as a preternaturally beautiful Toy, who is a tech genius. You can't program personality.
Learning how Walton Biogenics corrupted the horrified Dr Kaphiri’s work, perverting it for greed- that sickened me. Even moreso because I could see it potentially happening in my home nation given the current political climate dominated by greedy corporate types with no business in such an office. I would hope that our world at large would never accept such a farce. I hope we realise that with any form of artificial life. This was a corruption of eugenics I never even pondered. Usually, if I think it a bad thing, I recall Khan Singh and the Eugenics Wars from Star Trek. I don't think it a bad thing, though, to work towards speeding evolution of humanity, or even of putting us back on the right track, but that's a debate for another time. I'm definitely looking forward to the continuation of this series! Highly recommended if you like fantasy/sci-fi oriented dystopia crime thrillers with a deep emotional punch.
Read my review for SINthetic.
https://wp.me/p6C2DX-1rx
***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This body is a message of sorts. With help from Hernandez and Tia Morita, Campbell follows the clues deep under New Lyons, and all the way to a surprising new ally- the very first synthetic. Al’awwal helps Campbell and Silas retrieve all the data his creator father, Dr Kaphiri, collected during his forced tenure at Walton Biogenics. It's a devastating cache, detailing not only synth origins and proof they are human, but all of the cures for disease, and all the beneficial medical advances Walton has been withholding out of greed. But in order to make the most of this information, and best aid the revolution, Campbell chooses to make a major personal sacrifice.
I absolutely devoured this book. It's a great continuation to the series. I got so angry reading about how the synths were retaliated against after the revolution began. These are people who genuinely cannot fight back thanks to their conditioning. One uber-rich asshole started a 'gameshow’ where people participated in challenges, and the prize was to kill a synth any way they wished. Disgusting.
Humanity’s brighter side began to show through, though. People who knew deep down already the truth of the synths began protests around Walton Biogenics facilities. Campbell found willing assistance in his former colleague Hernandez, and in the medical examiner's assistant, Tia Morita.
It was neat to see the synthetics beginning to find their true selves. Despite being ‘designed’ for jobs, like being Toys, or as menial workers, they very much have their own personality and preferences. Take Silas for instance. The big man (who calls to mind Varys, from ASoIaF for some reason) may have been designed for hard labour as a 'sewer rat’ but he very well could have been a statesman, an ambassador. Or LaSorte, designed as a preternaturally beautiful Toy, who is a tech genius. You can't program personality.
Learning how Walton Biogenics corrupted the horrified Dr Kaphiri’s work, perverting it for greed- that sickened me. Even moreso because I could see it potentially happening in my home nation given the current political climate dominated by greedy corporate types with no business in such an office. I would hope that our world at large would never accept such a farce. I hope we realise that with any form of artificial life. This was a corruption of eugenics I never even pondered. Usually, if I think it a bad thing, I recall Khan Singh and the Eugenics Wars from Star Trek. I don't think it a bad thing, though, to work towards speeding evolution of humanity, or even of putting us back on the right track, but that's a debate for another time. I'm definitely looking forward to the continuation of this series! Highly recommended if you like fantasy/sci-fi oriented dystopia crime thrillers with a deep emotional punch.
Read my review for SINthetic.
https://wp.me/p6C2DX-1rx
***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 20, 2018
SINdicate by J.T. Nicholas is a highly recommended second book in the New Lyons Sequence.
This is definitely the second book in the series and is a continuation of the story started in the first book. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you read a series out of order or start in the middle. With the first two books of the New Lyons books, reading them in order matters a great deal.
Until the truth was revealed, Walton Biogenics claimed the Synths were manufactured to look human, but were "artificial" humans. Jason Campbell, former New Lyons Detective, discovered the truth and now is fighting for their rights. "Nearly a month since we had ripped off the veil covering the ugly truth that synthetics were not unthinking, unfeeling things, but as much people as any of the naturally born. Nearly a month, and for synthetics, things had gotten worse. Much worse. It wasn’t unexpected. Silas had predicted the reaction from society at large when we shone a spotlight on the truth that everyone suspected but no one seemed willing to admit..... We’d given the world an ultimatum: give synthetics rights, or be prepared to have all the little secrets that they had gathered in their decades of near-invisible servitude released to the public."
As with SINthetic, the premise of SINdicate is engaging, well-written, and continues to hold your attention from beginning to end. Nicholas again has planned out his plot carefully to keep the action moving and hold your attention. Those who appreciate martial arts and fighting are again rewarded with some well crafted and intricately described fight scenes. It was great to see a couple characters from the first book back in the second.
My criticisms of the first book continues with this one: at 180 pages the book is too short and the ending was rather abrupt. Early information had this second in the series as being almost twice as long as this, which makes me wonder if the series is being spread out over even more books or if it was edited down to this much shorter length. I have to admit that I am tiring of stories being spread out over several books for the sole purpose of creating a series. Again, there is something to be said in getting the whole story or a larger chunk of it quickly.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/0...
This is definitely the second book in the series and is a continuation of the story started in the first book. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you read a series out of order or start in the middle. With the first two books of the New Lyons books, reading them in order matters a great deal.
Until the truth was revealed, Walton Biogenics claimed the Synths were manufactured to look human, but were "artificial" humans. Jason Campbell, former New Lyons Detective, discovered the truth and now is fighting for their rights. "Nearly a month since we had ripped off the veil covering the ugly truth that synthetics were not unthinking, unfeeling things, but as much people as any of the naturally born. Nearly a month, and for synthetics, things had gotten worse. Much worse. It wasn’t unexpected. Silas had predicted the reaction from society at large when we shone a spotlight on the truth that everyone suspected but no one seemed willing to admit..... We’d given the world an ultimatum: give synthetics rights, or be prepared to have all the little secrets that they had gathered in their decades of near-invisible servitude released to the public."
As with SINthetic, the premise of SINdicate is engaging, well-written, and continues to hold your attention from beginning to end. Nicholas again has planned out his plot carefully to keep the action moving and hold your attention. Those who appreciate martial arts and fighting are again rewarded with some well crafted and intricately described fight scenes. It was great to see a couple characters from the first book back in the second.
My criticisms of the first book continues with this one: at 180 pages the book is too short and the ending was rather abrupt. Early information had this second in the series as being almost twice as long as this, which makes me wonder if the series is being spread out over even more books or if it was edited down to this much shorter length. I have to admit that I am tiring of stories being spread out over several books for the sole purpose of creating a series. Again, there is something to be said in getting the whole story or a larger chunk of it quickly.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/0...
June 27, 2019
A good read with a lot of action and maybe a little bit too much vulgar language, but in keeping with the context of the story.
The story: It is sort of like Bladerunner except that the detective is trying to free the runaway androids rather than trying to kill them. After solving the murder of a synthetic human, the former police detective Jason Campbell is helping the synthetics in organizing a revolution while trying to figure out how to make it a bloodless revolution. The ultimatum has gone out and as the deadline approaches, it is clear that someone knows exactly where the revolutionaries are hiding when a dead body is dumped at their doorstep with a note.
Any problems with this book? The evil corporation stereotype wears a little thin. Also the corrupt politicians being turned out of office en masse is ridiculous in the light of Wikileaks which resulted is virtually nothing. I remember the UN Food-for-Oil scam that diverted billions of dollars to politicians and government staff members. As I recall, not a single person went to prison. (I will welcome a correction.)
Any modesty issues? Sex is not described in any detail. A woman must remove her clothes and put on new clothes under the direct watch of a man. While this makes sense in the context of the story, it seems ridiculous to suggest that this particular woman would do such a thing based on the weak explanation provided. FYI, this idea of removing clothing to avoid electronic trackers in one's clothing is also used in the book "Term Limits" by Vince Flynn. In that case a man is required to remove his clothing in view of other men.
The F-word is used liberally and while I know people who would use such language in the same easy way, at least half of the uses could have been avoided. I wish the author would have held back a little.
I enjoyed this reading and I might read this book again. The next book in the series is "SINdrome" and I am more than half way through it right now. Pretty good.
The story: It is sort of like Bladerunner except that the detective is trying to free the runaway androids rather than trying to kill them. After solving the murder of a synthetic human, the former police detective Jason Campbell is helping the synthetics in organizing a revolution while trying to figure out how to make it a bloodless revolution. The ultimatum has gone out and as the deadline approaches, it is clear that someone knows exactly where the revolutionaries are hiding when a dead body is dumped at their doorstep with a note.
Any problems with this book? The evil corporation stereotype wears a little thin. Also the corrupt politicians being turned out of office en masse is ridiculous in the light of Wikileaks which resulted is virtually nothing. I remember the UN Food-for-Oil scam that diverted billions of dollars to politicians and government staff members. As I recall, not a single person went to prison. (I will welcome a correction.)
Any modesty issues? Sex is not described in any detail. A woman must remove her clothes and put on new clothes under the direct watch of a man. While this makes sense in the context of the story, it seems ridiculous to suggest that this particular woman would do such a thing based on the weak explanation provided. FYI, this idea of removing clothing to avoid electronic trackers in one's clothing is also used in the book "Term Limits" by Vince Flynn. In that case a man is required to remove his clothing in view of other men.
The F-word is used liberally and while I know people who would use such language in the same easy way, at least half of the uses could have been avoided. I wish the author would have held back a little.
I enjoyed this reading and I might read this book again. The next book in the series is "SINdrome" and I am more than half way through it right now. Pretty good.
April 20, 2018
I fell in love with The New Lyons Sequence after reading the first book SINthetic and couldn’t wait for the next book SINdicate. In the first book, SINthetic we were introduced to the world of the Synths who look like humans and act like humans but are not or so that is what everyone human and synth alike are taught or more like conditioned to believe from the day they are “born”.
Synths are nothing more than slaves or toys that humans can buy for their own personal use. It is believed that Synths feel no pain, emotionally or physically. They are used as babysitters, maids, prostitution or for whatever reason the buyer feels fit. Synths cannot cause humans any harm but a human can do as they please with a Synth.
Detective or former Detective Jason Campbell is one of the few humans who know that Synths do have feelings. Jason with the help a Synth named Silas are about to open up a few eyes and hearts hopefully. The world sees the Synths as nothing more than machines until they are given the truth which they are having trouble to believe without the backing of the governments. Jason and Silas have set out to prove to the world that Synths are human but first they must get the governments to back them and tell the world themselves the truth.
I love dystopian and science fiction novels and The New Lyons Sequence is the bomb as they say. I love the world of the Synths but I would love to know more about the Synths and how they were “born” and conditioned and how they felt with being someone’s personal toy or slave. Although I have loved seeing things from Jason’s point of view I would love to see things from a Synths point of view and get a look into their world so to speak.
Jason is a wonderful character and person I really loved his sense of humor and his sarcasm. I also loved the fight scenes they were so in-depth. I loved how the author gave so much info on each strike or hit. And like how to catch someone off guard by doing the opposite of what they expect and to watch someone’s shoulders to see which direction they are going to come at you next. I have always wanted to learn karate but never did so I did the next best thing I married someone who had. I have always loved watching movies or tv shows with Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jet Li and, Jackie Chan. I loved the movie Birth of a Dragon about Bruce Lee. I would love to see SINthetic and SINdicate both on the big screen.
SINdicate was a very fast read and just like with the first book SINthetic I didn’t want to put it down but I had to numerous times my advice, never start a good book during a weekend holiday.
I recommend SINdicate to all dystopia and science fiction fans who love to read about artificial life with futuristic qualities as well as some awesome fighting scenes with some nice round kicks, hand strikes, elbow strikes and, arm strikes thrown in. SINdicate is filled with action around every corner.
Synths are nothing more than slaves or toys that humans can buy for their own personal use. It is believed that Synths feel no pain, emotionally or physically. They are used as babysitters, maids, prostitution or for whatever reason the buyer feels fit. Synths cannot cause humans any harm but a human can do as they please with a Synth.
Detective or former Detective Jason Campbell is one of the few humans who know that Synths do have feelings. Jason with the help a Synth named Silas are about to open up a few eyes and hearts hopefully. The world sees the Synths as nothing more than machines until they are given the truth which they are having trouble to believe without the backing of the governments. Jason and Silas have set out to prove to the world that Synths are human but first they must get the governments to back them and tell the world themselves the truth.
I love dystopian and science fiction novels and The New Lyons Sequence is the bomb as they say. I love the world of the Synths but I would love to know more about the Synths and how they were “born” and conditioned and how they felt with being someone’s personal toy or slave. Although I have loved seeing things from Jason’s point of view I would love to see things from a Synths point of view and get a look into their world so to speak.
Jason is a wonderful character and person I really loved his sense of humor and his sarcasm. I also loved the fight scenes they were so in-depth. I loved how the author gave so much info on each strike or hit. And like how to catch someone off guard by doing the opposite of what they expect and to watch someone’s shoulders to see which direction they are going to come at you next. I have always wanted to learn karate but never did so I did the next best thing I married someone who had. I have always loved watching movies or tv shows with Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jet Li and, Jackie Chan. I loved the movie Birth of a Dragon about Bruce Lee. I would love to see SINthetic and SINdicate both on the big screen.
SINdicate was a very fast read and just like with the first book SINthetic I didn’t want to put it down but I had to numerous times my advice, never start a good book during a weekend holiday.
I recommend SINdicate to all dystopia and science fiction fans who love to read about artificial life with futuristic qualities as well as some awesome fighting scenes with some nice round kicks, hand strikes, elbow strikes and, arm strikes thrown in. SINdicate is filled with action around every corner.
September 12, 2019
4.5 Stars Very Good Solid Book 2
The writing in this book was crisp and flowed page to page. This made for a faster more enjoyable read. The story and the writing shows a great improvement over book one. On to book 3 now....
The writing in this book was crisp and flowed page to page. This made for a faster more enjoyable read. The story and the writing shows a great improvement over book one. On to book 3 now....
January 20, 2022
Mmhh... Svært mye mindre fengende enn førsteboka Sinthetic.. Nr 3 i serien skal få vente litt, tenker jeg.
July 17, 2025
Respectable
Good second book of the series. Draws from the laid foundation and continues to build. Creates suspense and gives a sympathetic protagonist.
Good second book of the series. Draws from the laid foundation and continues to build. Creates suspense and gives a sympathetic protagonist.
March 19, 2018
As someone who absolutely LOVED SINthetic, I couldn't wait to read SINdicate. And, for the most part, it turned out to be a worthy sequel. The story continues right where it left off: we get to see the aftermath of Jason's televised announcement, in which he de facto inaugurated an insurgance against the synthetic slave trade.
There are more than a few surprises along the way - the return of Tia, the mortician's aide from book one, being one of the earlier ones. Even more importantly, though, this book lifts the lid on some of the secrets that plagued the first book in the series, such as: how, why and by whom was the first synthetic created?
Overall, this book was almost as satisfactory as book one, but I had a couple of minor issues with it, hence the slightly lower rating than the one I gave SINthetic.
First of all, just like someone else who had reviewed the book before me, I also found the fight scenes in Walton Biogenics a bit on the long side. Of course, I am a relatively feminine woman who has no real interest in fighting and/or martial arts, so I'm not saying it's necessarily the author's fault... That said, I had no problem with the other fight scenes in this book, so I'd hazard a guess that they MAY have been slightly overdrawn.
Second, I found the ending rather abrupt. I was reading the book on my Kindle and I remember feeling confused when I reached 90% - the book didn't seem to be headed toward any kind of conclusion. When the conclusion did happen, I was completely shocked, so thumbs up for that - this series is one of the most unpredictable ones I have read lately. Nevertheless, I would have preferred it if the build-up to the conclusion had taken up more space in the book.
Apart from these two minor quibbles, I greatly enjoyed SINdicate. It was as unputdownable as its predecessor, and I loved learning more about the creepy world Jason and his revolutionary pals have to live in. I don't know where the story will continue from here (although I have a few theories!), but, at any rate, I cannot wait to find out.
There are more than a few surprises along the way - the return of Tia, the mortician's aide from book one, being one of the earlier ones. Even more importantly, though, this book lifts the lid on some of the secrets that plagued the first book in the series, such as: how, why and by whom was the first synthetic created?
Overall, this book was almost as satisfactory as book one, but I had a couple of minor issues with it, hence the slightly lower rating than the one I gave SINthetic.
First of all, just like someone else who had reviewed the book before me, I also found the fight scenes in Walton Biogenics a bit on the long side. Of course, I am a relatively feminine woman who has no real interest in fighting and/or martial arts, so I'm not saying it's necessarily the author's fault... That said, I had no problem with the other fight scenes in this book, so I'd hazard a guess that they MAY have been slightly overdrawn.
Second, I found the ending rather abrupt. I was reading the book on my Kindle and I remember feeling confused when I reached 90% - the book didn't seem to be headed toward any kind of conclusion. When the conclusion did happen, I was completely shocked, so thumbs up for that - this series is one of the most unpredictable ones I have read lately. Nevertheless, I would have preferred it if the build-up to the conclusion had taken up more space in the book.
Apart from these two minor quibbles, I greatly enjoyed SINdicate. It was as unputdownable as its predecessor, and I loved learning more about the creepy world Jason and his revolutionary pals have to live in. I don't know where the story will continue from here (although I have a few theories!), but, at any rate, I cannot wait to find out.
February 14, 2018
I could not wait to get my hands on this book special thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me read an early copy. I am going to assume that you have read the first book and if not then stop and pick it up first then come back to this one. I will not put any spoilers in my comments but I will say that it picks up pretty close where it left off and the story just like before never slows down and this time you get to see even more behind the curtain of the syth world and you even get to see the detective start showing more human emotions than kicking ass and sarcasm but don't worry there is still plenty of that to. Also the fight scenes are described so well that you picture them perfect when you are reading and it is all real world moves and not the fake kind that could never be pulled off which I love. This book seemed to go by faster than the last one and really there were no slow parts and it flowed so nicely. The only thing I did not like is that it was over to fast and I am going to be eagerly awaiting the next book. J. T. you did a great job and I can't wait to see how this ends and where else you will take us.
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