On a dying planet, two unknowns are humanity's only hope…
The Bubble, 2072. Margaret Evans thought she was safe in her protected city. But when the android wakes up with no arms and no memory of her past, she's unsure how she'll survive the dust storms, the unbearable heat, and the seedy citizens. On her quest for spare parts, Margaret discovers a flare for cooking and a policeman who might just change her life…
Nassas Duval can barely handle getting out of bed, let alone patrol the streets of the dilapidated city. His twin brother Shelby was always the star of the family, long before their parents died in a horrifying nuclear explosion. But after a sentimental trip through the city ends in yet another tragedy, Nassas makes a choice with cosmic consequences…
As their city fills with radiation, Margaret and Nassas accidentally join a one-way mission to save humankind. An android and a hypochondriac may be humanity's last hope…
This box set contains the first three books in the Anchora space exploration series. If you like captivating action, fascinating characters, and epic space operas, then you'll love Jason Werbeloff's gripping series.
Human. Male. From an obscure planet in the Milky Way Galaxy. Sci-fi novelist with a PhD in philosophy. Likes chocolates, Labradors, and zombies (not necessarily in that order). Werbeloff spends his days constructing thought experiments, while trying to muster enough guilt to go to the gym.
**Amazon Author Page - download all of Werbeloff's fiction from Amazon. **Facebook and Twitter - follow Werbeloff for release date information on upcoming novels. **Website - read about the author, and the philosophy behind his fiction.
“The joie de vivre in their souls, had faded.” Margaret has found a place in my heart! She is a strong tough girl who proves that strength is found when it’s needed. The author writes in a way that makes readers want to be there for her, even though she’s an Android and her methods to rebuild herself not ethical. I’ve been totally hooked from the beginning, the characters’ lives are so vivid and realistic, the story very compelling, with just the right amount of action, thrills and intrigue. This new series can be read as a stand-alone from the Defragmenting Daniel’s series. This is a jump to a whole new scenery, plot and lives on Anchora, the spaceship, a journey to a new world. It has hardly begun and I’m already snagged! This has been a roller coaster ride! I definitely recommend this series!
The best way for me to review this set is by including my reviews at that time, and how I felt for each book just after I'd read them. (I'm trying to tell you a lot without spoiling the fun):
Star Phase Exodus Book 1 This is the first in a cracking new series by Jason Werbeloff.
As I started to read two pages into this book, I shouted out various words. These included "it's", "Margaret!!!!!!", and one or two expletives. I was one happy bunny.
For those of us who have read the 'Defragmenting Daniel' trilogy, it is the very welcome return of one of our favourite characters, yes, you've guessed who - Margaret. She is absolutely unique. If you haven't read the trilogy, you could read it after buying this. You don't know the half of what you're missing.
Werbeloff is one of those writers that you wonder how on earth this guy isn't famous yet. I mean, there are lots of stories with a spaceship on the front, but I can assure you, they'll be nothing like the ingenuity between these pages.
This is really well-written and the characters are full of depth. Eldridge, in particular, sad but so faulty, and Nassas, who takes on another person and realised he knows nothing about him. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and the story is great. You'll wonder what kind of twisted mind could possibly come up with this.
I can't wait to read the next books in the series to see where the story leads. Utterly transfixing writing.
Star Phase Void Book 2 Werbeloff's second outing to the stars sees the hypochondriac, Nassas (masquerading as his dead brother Shelby) meeting his AI Jasmine for the first time (hilarious!), and getting all the information he needs from the ever-talkative-paraplegic-repository-of-knowledge-in-a-hoverchair, Randy. Nassas is in for a jaw-dropping adventure/mystery starting in the Cryo Chamber. Nassas being Sherlock Holmes, and Randy being Dr Watson. Or should that be randy Dr Watson?
Margaret is continuing to do what Margaret does, and I utterly adore how horrible - but logical - she can be. Occasionally her words (well, Werbeloff's, really...) are just breathtaking, for the best reasons this time. 'How utterly beautiful the universe was, thought Margaret. Ordered and magical, all at once. Margaret was glad to be alive.' Haven't we all felt like that at some point in our lives? As human beings full of wonder? Margaret's 'unification' with another fellow Margaret, Miss McFarlane, is agonizingly faultless.
This is a very worthy sequel to 'Star Phase Exodus', and the ending is marvellous. Once again, Werbeloff has picked me up with his wonderfully grotesque imagination, twirled me round with his humour and wordplay, and slammed me to the floor, exhausted by the intelligent storytelling, and the hints of the shape of things to come in this series.
Star Phase Gaia Book 3 In this third outing to Anchora, Werbeloff provides us with the backstory of one of the characters who has very briefly made an appearance in this series.
I really don't want to tell you too much about the content of this book as it will spoil some of the surprises, but, amongst other things, you will question how annoying an accent one of the characters has - like Kelly Bailey from 'Misfits' aaaaaaaahhhhhh! You'll question where two digits have gone to on a hand, and what does that character have to do with the Bubble? The questions will just flow.
Well-written, gory, and deliciously intriguing. This is a fantastic series, and I can't wait for the next one. Each book just pulls you in further, and there's no way that you'll be able to stop reading. It's addictive, I'm afraid...
So, there you have it. It's an absolutely fantastic series, and you will NEVER have experienced anything like it.
Jason Werbeloff started a new series: Star Phase. Exodus is the first part. In this series mankind takes a leap into space because they truly messed up the earth. But not everybody gets a ticket to salvation. Star Phase is set in the same universe as the Defragmenting Daniel series and the Crimson Meniscus stories: the bubble with a sharp divide between the have and have-nots. And even of the haves only a selected few close the patrons of the bubble get to board the space ship.
Previous Werbeloff novels and stories were action packed and fast paced. In Star Phase Exodus he has slowed down a bit. There is plenty of room for contemplation, interior monologue and especially emotions. In Star Phase Exodus there is above all love and yearning. Beside all the action and crazy stuff. Don’t worry about that!
Parts of Star Phase Exodus reminded me of the Manufacturing Margaret short story that tells of Margaret’s beginnings as a Taxi AI that finds herself in a body she has to explore to learn its capabilities. In Star Phase Exodus Margaret suffers from a defective hard drive and therefore memory loss. She has to learn things anew. Thank PhliKDik that she has a wise teacher.
Real fun are all the culinary references. Margaret is on her way to become a chef without taste buds!
Wow. Even though Margaret is an Android, you have to love her. She’s definitely strong and tries her best to survive. Glad to have all three books together.
Absolutely brilliant, absolutely weirdly hilarious! Firstly, this is not a normal 'earth is dying so we must send off a spaceship' story. It is so much better, and very funny. Instead of the best of humanity going on this spaceship, the story starts as we follow the story of two 'people' leading up to boarding the ship. Both are funny, but Margaret is hilarious. I just loved the food references, and her attitude. Brilliant. Well, this is the starship that you really don't want to be on. But it is great fun to read about the woes of those who are, and I defy you to not feel a little icky at the descriptions of the rat stew. If you like scifi but also like a laugh, then this is the book for you. The last part of the story deals with the backstory of a new character. Naturally, he is yet another person who in no way could be classified as the best and the brightest of humanity, and I look forward with great interest to see how he is going to fit in with our wonderful android and rather inept policeman. This is meant to be read in conjunction with books 4-6, but I am sure you will want to continue the story!
There's everything in this book: Crazy robots named Margaret, an hypochondriac police officer, rat stew, space travel, and plenty of body dismemberment. It was pretty good.
This collection offers the first three books of the Anchora series. Margret the Android and Nassus the police officer both end up, more or less accidentally, on a ship fleeing a dying earth. It's the plot of endless space operas, but this is definitely NOT your normal space opera. The characters aren't at all what you'll be expecting, but they are an interesting and entertaining bunch. My review of the first book follows. A thoroughly strange and entrancing story of a damaged android who has lost track of her Asimov laws along with large portions of her physical body and a bumbling police officer whose paths are inexorably drawn together in a near future dystopia. Star Phase Exodus is the first in a new series by Jason Werbeloff; a story which is full of moments of black comedy interspersed with scenes of horror and despair. This isn't a world you'd want to live in, but you'll find this visit to the Bubble City captivating ... and a whole lot of fun. Books 2 and 3 follow the twosome off world, and their adventures continue.
If half stars were a thing this would get 4.5, mainly because I consider 5 stars to be super duper utmost perfect books and I don't throw 5 stars around all willy-nilly. Having said that I've been a fan of Jason Werbeloff's stories for a few years now, starting with The Solace Pill. The Bubble has figured into quite a few of his book at this point (you should really check out the Defragmenting Daniel series) and is quite an interesting place with a lot of great characters - especially Margaret. I love Margaret and when I realized she would continue to factor into this series as well it made my day. I was lucky enough to be able to read an ARC of the whole Anchora series and highly recommend it if you are a fan of science fiction with a healthy dash of horror (and a bit of humor) thrown into the mix. I read to be entertained and this series definitely entertains.
Star Phase Exodus is the first of six installments in a new series from Werbeloff. This returns to the setting of several of his earlier works (the "Bubble" city on a far-future Earth), and features one of his most memorable characters. It's certainly not necessary to have read any of these other stories beforehand to follow the plot, though. This volume sets the stage nicely for what should prove to be an exciting story of interstellar travel, starring a killer robot with a penchant for cookery and a lust for physical perfection. It seems that Werbeloff returns to his favorite styles of conflict in this series: man vs. self, and man vs. machine. I always enjoy his focus on the psychology of characters as they struggle to understand what it means to be human and what defines their identity.
Book 2 is a great continuation of the Anchora series - the plot deepens as well as expands with new characters and some exciting plot developments. Margaret achieves all her goals and makes her presence known to the humans on board the ship, but she may not be the biggest threat to the success of this interstellar mission, after all. Werbeloff has always managed to come up with interesting ideas for future technologies, and this story does not disappoint. This book ends with a cliffhanger.
Book 3 in the Anchora series diverges from the main plot thread of the first two installments: here we learn the backstory of Fingers, the mysterious figure (villain?) who first appears in book 2. It's not until the very end of this work that the plots converge. I enjoyed learning more about what makes this psychopath tick, as well as some of the political situation behind the collapse of the Bubbles. This sets the scene nicely for some serious conflicts between Margaret and Fingers in the second half of this saga (books 4-6).
I was so excited to be offered another glimpse into the world of the Bubblers and the magnificent characters created by Jason Werbeloff! I absolutely love his twisted writing style. This book is definitely not for kids! Not for the faint of heart. Lots of adult language and serial killer -esque humor. Star Phase Exodus did not disappoint! Knowing the fate of Margaret made the book even more enjoyable. Loved the book! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Title: Star Phase Books 1-3 Author: Jason Werebeloff Publisher: Jason Werebeloff ISBN: B07JL5W7Q2 Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07... Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel Blurb: The Bubble Universe Boxset 1
An android in search of a body.
A policeman in search of a future.
On a dying planet, two unknowns are humanity's only hope…
The Bubble, 2072. Margaret Evans thought she was safe in her protected city. But when the android wakes up with no arms and no memory of her past, she's unsure how she'll survive the dust storms, the unbearable heat, and the seedy citizens. On her quest for spare parts, Margaret discovers a flare for cooking and a policeman who might just change her life…
Nassas Duval can barely handle getting out of bed, let alone patrol the streets of the dilapidated city. His twin brother Shelby was always the star of the family, long before their parents died in a horrifying nuclear explosion. But after a sentimental trip through the city ends in yet another tragedy, Nassas makes a choice with cosmic consequences…
As their city fills with radiation, Margaret and Nassas accidentally join a one-way mission to save humankind. An android and a hypochondriac may be humanity's last hope…
This box set contains the first three books in the Anchora space exploration series. If you like captivating action, fascinating characters, and epic space operas, then you'll love Jason Werbeloff's gripping series. Total Score: 4/5
Summary:
Before starting this series, the reader needs to know that this series contains graphic images and terrifying situations that are not for the faint of heart. Nassas is a hypochondriac police officer in a world that is barely surviving. After his twins death he takes his place on a craft that may be humanities last chance for survival. Unfortunately for them, others like Margaret, a psychopathic android, who “wants what she wants” and will go to any lengths to get it. And for Margaret that means human body parts. Add to that the group of humans on Earth who will go to any means to ensure humanity pays for their sins against the Earth. Unfortunately, from setting off an EMP to destroying the Bubble technology, their actions do not always go as planned. Fingers, a member of this group, has his own psychological issues that allow him to do unthinkable actions like murdering and then eating his dog and the man he murdered. Many of his issues revolve around his dysfunctional family, but that doesn’t give him as pass for his actions. Now Nassas needs to find out who or what is killing people on the ship before it is too late if they are to survive what is to come.
An android returns to consciousness after 8 years dormant; her memory is faulty and her formerly fleshly arms have disintegrated. This story describes Margaret, the android's, efforts to return to functionality and start a great restaurant as she loves to cook. This is my first book by this author and I had to make a mighty effort to suspend my disbelief in order to follow along with this tale. Although if each of the inconsistencies are accepted the story provides a pretty entertaining saga. The main protagonists are left in a precarious situation which just sets the stage for the next sequel. If you crave crazy far-out fast action sci-fi this book may be the one for you. I received a free ARC but the comments are my own opinions.
I read book 1, then obtained this omnibus of books 1-3 and read it again. Werbeloff's world of the Bubble and its characters have taken on a new twist, starring Margaret along with new characters. Leaving Earth with a perfect crew and passenger list has a glitch. A police officer who has been replaced by his not so perfect twin; Margaret, a malfunctioning robot who wants to be "real" and obtains parts (skin, eyes and such) by taking them from humans; Fingers, a serial killer, are a start to a journey to the stars with Earth's best and brightest. Murder in a closed room. Let the police officer investigate, except he isn't a police officer. A word of warning - don't eat in the cafeteria.
Mankind takes it warts to the stars. A well-written, dystopian science fiction mystery. this twisted beginning to a new series by Jason Werbeloff horrifies and fascinates the reader simultaneously. This series may be disconcerting, but it is thought-provoking and entertaining. Mankind takes its warts with it to the stars.