I saved the day, I got the girl, and we're on the verge of changing the world. Everything is possible with technology that can transform your brain and make you more than human. My only problem? Nightmares keep me up at night, and I can't shake the feeling I'm being watched.
Everyone tells me I'm paranoid. But what if they're wrong?
Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Another great narration on this action packed follow up to the Human++ series.
Mike and his friends are back in the States but something fishy is going on. When it erupts into amazing action scenes it literally keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. I was not really into the explanation portion of book. In the beginning there was a lot of information about the language they were using/made up in their head. Although interesting it went on a bit too far. Again a lot of action. I was anxious for the characters. It was a fast paced story, however the action also started to drag on. I was interested nonetheless. I am starting book 3 in the series, and I am hopeful book 2 was just the bridge of the series.
Summary: I gave Book 1 in the 'Human ++' series a, quote, 'soft 4 stars'. Well, silly schoolboy humour aside, I didn't find anything soft about 'Cyber Thoughts'! This second book in the series is a sit-down, chew-your-nails, read-it-in-one-sitting thrill-ride! For a story that only seemed to take as much time as it did to read it, that was a blast!
Review: Wow, what a ride! That was a lot of fun! Like so many trilogies (or other -ilogies), the move from book 1 to 2 can make or break the entire scheme. Once the introductory bits are out of the way, well, you've got to rely on good old plot and characterizations to carry the day! And Dima Zales does this with more than aplomb in 'Cyber Thoughts'!
Again, this is not going to strike anyone as Shakespearean prose at its most elegant and finest. Nay. But I will say that its worth every bang for the buck if you want to argue it that way! The book is filled with more thrills and tense moments than you can count in your head (enhanced or not). And wow, for a moment there I was actually pretty freaked out by the way it SEEMED things were going, but then... well, no spoilers! The writing is really well-paced and clear and the characterizations not only hold-up but really draw us into the story on a deeper level!
But having Mike be able to kick a much higher level of arse in this book relatively speaking was clearly a winning approach! OK, he spends a LOT of time getting hit, shot, drugged and generally abused but still, semper fi nerdy-boy! Heck, even the amount of techno-babble or weaponry details was kept to such a minimum I didn't feel any worse than I might after a visit to my local BestBuy to buy, well, a calculator! Um, I guess without the guns in that case. Maybe I should say 'Walmart' instead? Does 'Amazon' sell weapons of mass-destruction?
Mike Cohen is back in the US after a stint in Russia rescuing his mother and the other brainocyte test subjects from kidnappers. That was book 1. Ever since he's been back he's had a sense that he's being followed. It's causing him nightmares and lack of sleep. Ada has been suggesting he see a psychologist. Is it paranoia if people really are following you?
After his trip to the doctor he does feel a little better, but then at lunch Mike, Ada and Muhomor are ambushed. They get hurt and taken to the hospital, where more thugs try to kill him. Then a second set of business suit clad enemies abduct him. He's taken to a location where he can't break into the WiFi, or anyone's phone. He can reach his own phone but has no cell service. He's cut off. At least this set of goons only wants to torture him rather than kill him.
Fun fast read. Love the characters. Zales does a great job of writing action scenes that I can visualize, and the technology is seamlessly integrated into the action. Really love his phone that has a solar charger.
Cyber Thoughts (Human++ Book 2), is an expertly crafted novel and beautifully well-written, it picks up where book #1 ends. The story is action-packed, filled with humor, technology, adventure, but also we get to follow Mike and Ada's journey throughout the story and see their relationship grow stronger.
If I'm being honest, I never thought I'll be loving this book this freaking much. It got me flipping the pages nonstop, biting my nails and at the edge of my seat. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this amazing story and follow all this amazing characters once more. They got me feeling what they were experiencing. The wonderful storytelling style got me thinking at times that I was watching a movie. All the characters were so freaking amazing.
I highly recommend this fabulous story that has everything for everyone out there. Just as you expect from a unique and original story written by Dima Zales!!
I liked the first one better. IMO, this one started off better and had a good ending, but the middle was a slog. Torture, torture, I can't read any more today. Then, torture, torture, I can't read anymore today. Rinse and repeat. Over all, I liked it because the beginning was so good, but it had the potential be an amazing book.
This book continues the adventures of Mike and his friends. It's been several months since all the happenings in Russia and things are getting back to normal. Except something weird is going. Mike has this irrational paranoia and believes that someone is following him. When it turns out his suspicions are correct its already too late. He's been taken by unknown kidnappers and he has no ideas why. Is this revenge from someone in Russia? Is someone after their technology. Many secrets come to light and Mike's life will be changed forever.
Man I love all these characters! It was so fun to see the story continue. I was no expecting Mike to get kidnapped but man all the things the gov did to him wow. Mike is a tough guy and he can deal with anything which is really cool. When the reason for his kidnapping is revealed I was so shocked! And then they begin torturing him both physically and mentally I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. It was interesting to see what would happen to someone when they no longer had access to the internet and how that would affect their thought processes. I don't understand anything about the technology in the book but it's cool to read. I loved finding out that Ada was pregnant but I kind guessed that's what was up when Mike mentioned she was acting weird and seemed to want to have a big talk. Joe has grown on me I really like him and he really seems to be growing kinder to Mike which is fun. It'll be interesting if he has any interaction with Mike and Ada's child in the next book. A really fun story just like the first book. I didn't think it could get any crazier but it did I can't wait to see what happens next.