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Sophistication
"Ambitious. Well-paced. Riveting. [Casamassina] occasionally reaches moments of lyricism." ― Kirkus Reviews “Gritty. Addictive… if you like powerful sci-fi thrillers, this is an absolute must-read.” — Online Book Club Step into a near-future America overrun by competing tech giants and widespread social decay in this raunchy, violent, hilarious and disturbing science-fiction thriller. You have 30 days until we take over, a cloaked figure warns the House of Representatives and then vanishes into a bolt of electricity. The same morning, Miyuki Mitsuraga, a struggling video game journalist, is inexplicably invited to interview the dark terrorist as the media spins into a frenzy and internet schadenfreude runs wild. SOPHISTICATION follows her and four others, including a drug-addicted special agent, a seasoned senator, a quadriplegic, and a well-financed serial killer as their lives converge amid displays of technology and power well in advance of anything the world has ever seen.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2018
229 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Matt Casamassina
3 books18 followersMatt Casamassina is a video game / technology journalist, executive, and author who cofounded IGN.com and built Apple's App Store games editorial team. He's written three books, Dead Weight, Sophistication, and Degenerate, and is hard at work on his fourth. Matt is married, has three kids, two dogs, and a fat cat, and lives in northern California.
For more timely updates, visit Matt’s website at www.mattcasa.com
For more timely updates, visit Matt’s website at www.mattcasa.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 2, 2019
First of all, I still don't understand why the book is called "Sophistication." Totally misleading to the content of the book. But then, I didn't write it and Matt can call it whatever he wants..I thought the plot and characters of the book we're terrific! My only negative comment would be that the plot towards the end of the book got a bit confusing and hard to follow "who was who."If you like aliens on earth and some evil people getting their comeuppance, this is for you. Definitely not your average sci/fy book.
July 15, 2019
This is an exciting, well-written thriller set in a futuristic world.
It was full of suspense, and kept me interested throughout, however I feel the character development could be much stronger, and I did not like the ending at all (it felt kind of “cheap”). Overall, I do recommend Sophistication as it’s a solid entertaining read.
It was full of suspense, and kept me interested throughout, however I feel the character development could be much stronger, and I did not like the ending at all (it felt kind of “cheap”). Overall, I do recommend Sophistication as it’s a solid entertaining read.
June 28, 2019
There are normal books.
And then there are books where a phone can transform into a uni-dragon (unicorn slash dragon) and... well, those are not the normal books. They are the one-percent of the book world and... sometimes, you want to scream from how good they are or... lock them in a padded cell. Just in case the book wakes up and tries to take over the world. Which sounds like a possibility after finishing it.
I probably should not have finished this book. Because my inner sci-fi fan is a fickle creature and she was trying to warn me this might not be my cup of juice. It's like a sci-fi - on crack. And heroine. And mad. And drunk. Like, for months straight. Maybe it even has some paranoia and definitely an overabundance of imagination.
Because while there is a lot of plot and scenes and the normal stuff, it's also weirder than a lone freezer in a desert. Or an empty free-wi-fi place. Or like throwing something up and instead of going back down, it goes more up. Which things do in this book.
You may be surprised all the time or you may also get beyond the point of questioning pretty quickly and just get imune to the WeirD with capital W and D.
I think we kind of have some MCs. And normally, I'd say stuff like: you know how it goes, some you like, some you don't. Not here. There is a man whose POV's I would gladly bleach from my mind. There is a senator who is a bad human being but compared to other people, you may actually not want him dead. There is a tired, cynical video-game journalist. She makes you lose some of your will to live and some faith in humanity and men, makes you question some moral stuff and then she mind-freaks you like you just have seen the said phone turn into a uni-dragon.
There is Kevin. He is like the only "innocent" person out there. Everyone else is basically what you don't want your kids to turn into. But Kevin is a child in several meanings of the word.
You will also most probably think about mortality and your own line in the sand. I did.
You can expect crude words. I don't like those but they fit here SO MUCH. There is also a sex scene or two. It's about as pleasant or interesting or romantic as watching cats mate. Or maybe cats are too cute, despite the violent nature of the act. It's more like... chickens. It's weird but it's also kind of clinical. And I am only expanding on this point because I usually read romance and the stark contrast between the two portrayals of the same "act" is about as far as I ever experienced.
There is also gore. I skipped some. Some I wished I spotted sooner.
Also prepare for you mind to just give up trying to understand because this book (it feels to me) disregards some basic agreements a writer and a reader have in this age and world of literature. And you make like that. And you may not. Won't know until you try it.
Last but not least, is the mind-bending nationalism shown in one of the scenes. Now I am normally abso-f-lutely fine with America and their pride thing and I accept how many of my entertainment and story stuff (books, films, songs etc.) comes from there. I enjoy them. No problem. And it was just one scene. A few lines of dialogue. But something about that single moment rubs me so the wrong way. The whole books is nothing but filled with example after example of how terrible it is in this who-knows-how distant future. But when someone suggests moving somewhere else... it just boggles mind. The dialogue basically implies everyeffing country out there is America's enemy and they would rather let their countrymen kill them than think about giving this technology to foreigners. And everyone agreed. And they basically said they would never abandon their country. Something about that insane show of patriotism was just so wrong and thank heavens it was a parody, because the book is making fun of the system all the time and this was the Pinnacle of All Tragically Realistic Details. Rant over. (I do like to get these things off my chest, sorry =D.)
For these reasons, I am not sure I would recommend this book BUT I also realize how wide is the plethora of tastes (as other reviews shows) so if this actually sounds like fun, yeah, go for it. There may be some mastery and genius behind this madness, I am just not a person who can appreciate it. My last warning: there is a cliff hanger in the end. Maybe to make this book to be one of those that want to teach you something or make you think about your world and decisions, show you a new way of looking at life and or some other sruff. If so, I wasn't seeing it. Too pessimistic for my tastes but I am quite the optimist. Bottom line: have the second book at hand when you finish reading the first one. Or the unanswered questions will drive you crazy. If this book already didn't 😉😂.
And now I can say it - you have been warned...
And then there are books where a phone can transform into a uni-dragon (unicorn slash dragon) and... well, those are not the normal books. They are the one-percent of the book world and... sometimes, you want to scream from how good they are or... lock them in a padded cell. Just in case the book wakes up and tries to take over the world. Which sounds like a possibility after finishing it.
I probably should not have finished this book. Because my inner sci-fi fan is a fickle creature and she was trying to warn me this might not be my cup of juice. It's like a sci-fi - on crack. And heroine. And mad. And drunk. Like, for months straight. Maybe it even has some paranoia and definitely an overabundance of imagination.
Because while there is a lot of plot and scenes and the normal stuff, it's also weirder than a lone freezer in a desert. Or an empty free-wi-fi place. Or like throwing something up and instead of going back down, it goes more up. Which things do in this book.
You may be surprised all the time or you may also get beyond the point of questioning pretty quickly and just get imune to the WeirD with capital W and D.
I think we kind of have some MCs. And normally, I'd say stuff like: you know how it goes, some you like, some you don't. Not here. There is a man whose POV's I would gladly bleach from my mind. There is a senator who is a bad human being but compared to other people, you may actually not want him dead. There is a tired, cynical video-game journalist. She makes you lose some of your will to live and some faith in humanity and men, makes you question some moral stuff and then she mind-freaks you like you just have seen the said phone turn into a uni-dragon.
There is Kevin. He is like the only "innocent" person out there. Everyone else is basically what you don't want your kids to turn into. But Kevin is a child in several meanings of the word.
You will also most probably think about mortality and your own line in the sand. I did.
You can expect crude words. I don't like those but they fit here SO MUCH. There is also a sex scene or two. It's about as pleasant or interesting or romantic as watching cats mate. Or maybe cats are too cute, despite the violent nature of the act. It's more like... chickens. It's weird but it's also kind of clinical. And I am only expanding on this point because I usually read romance and the stark contrast between the two portrayals of the same "act" is about as far as I ever experienced.
There is also gore. I skipped some. Some I wished I spotted sooner.
Also prepare for you mind to just give up trying to understand because this book (it feels to me) disregards some basic agreements a writer and a reader have in this age and world of literature. And you make like that. And you may not. Won't know until you try it.
Last but not least, is the mind-bending nationalism shown in one of the scenes. Now I am normally abso-f-lutely fine with America and their pride thing and I accept how many of my entertainment and story stuff (books, films, songs etc.) comes from there. I enjoy them. No problem. And it was just one scene. A few lines of dialogue. But something about that single moment rubs me so the wrong way. The whole books is nothing but filled with example after example of how terrible it is in this who-knows-how distant future. But when someone suggests moving somewhere else... it just boggles mind. The dialogue basically implies everyeffing country out there is America's enemy and they would rather let their countrymen kill them than think about giving this technology to foreigners. And everyone agreed. And they basically said they would never abandon their country. Something about that insane show of patriotism was just so wrong and thank heavens it was a parody, because the book is making fun of the system all the time and this was the Pinnacle of All Tragically Realistic Details. Rant over. (I do like to get these things off my chest, sorry =D.)
For these reasons, I am not sure I would recommend this book BUT I also realize how wide is the plethora of tastes (as other reviews shows) so if this actually sounds like fun, yeah, go for it. There may be some mastery and genius behind this madness, I am just not a person who can appreciate it. My last warning: there is a cliff hanger in the end. Maybe to make this book to be one of those that want to teach you something or make you think about your world and decisions, show you a new way of looking at life and or some other sruff. If so, I wasn't seeing it. Too pessimistic for my tastes but I am quite the optimist. Bottom line: have the second book at hand when you finish reading the first one. Or the unanswered questions will drive you crazy. If this book already didn't 😉😂.
And now I can say it - you have been warned...
January 14, 2019
Matt Casamassina's science fiction novel occasionally reads like an episode of Black Mirror, showing a detailed and fathomable view of the near American future, with the witty, tech savvy dialogue, IDs and money and every type of connection to the word on a mobile and a watch, to radical new technology. Yet even this new America is no match for the terrorizing "Cloak" come to spread justice through the corrupt political and legal system. I was completely enraptured in this world and couldn't put the book down. It seemed in parts so extremely real. Of course our world could look like this soon--it nearly already does. Yet, rather than continue on a path outlining how people live in the mob mentality and love any sort of spectacle and scandal, it evolves into a multi-dimensional, intricate, and scientific world. Miyuki, Kevin, and Carl, and even "Bone Foot" are endearing in an impossible way, and while they are surrounded by extreme violence and gore and confusion, I only wanted them to make it and find some kind of conclusion. While I thought at first that the ending would bring about a new system or new justice, or at the very least, peace for a time, Sophistication stays true to its earlier pages--nothing can be changed overnight and no one person has all the truth and the best, purest motivations. A must read for lovers of sci-fi and really any fiction--one of the best books I've read in a while!
December 28, 2018
Sophistication is a riveting, fast-paced action novel, incorporating elements of science fiction into a mystery thriller. This is an excellent read for those who enjoy several different sci-fi concepts being thrown into the same book, sometimes without explanation. This blend of alternate realities, parallel universes with (significantly) superior technology, and alien involvement comes together to create a violent and destructive story that both bends the reaches of the mind and explores the depravity of human action.
This book is adult-themed, using vulgar language so frequently as to be filler content, but excluding that, the story is intriguing, and draws the reader into a world where alien-sponsored technology breaks the boundaries of the standard universe into a parallel world where the uinclear goal is to fix the errors in that universe. This read requires thinking ahead and constant examination of the scenario in order to keep up. Be prepared for an involved ride of a read.
This book is adult-themed, using vulgar language so frequently as to be filler content, but excluding that, the story is intriguing, and draws the reader into a world where alien-sponsored technology breaks the boundaries of the standard universe into a parallel world where the uinclear goal is to fix the errors in that universe. This read requires thinking ahead and constant examination of the scenario in order to keep up. Be prepared for an involved ride of a read.
May 25, 2019
starts great but trails off very badly about half way through
January 12, 2019
Technology and computing have really swallowed our continent and the world at large. Everything is done by just a simple click on a keyboard or a remote-control system and here in this book, technology is at play. People who earn a living by creating thing with their computing techniques, call it video games, hacking, and some very illegal like cyber crimes related where people can start violent and cause chaos using their skills as computer scientist. In this book, we have many players, making different stories to come into play. What kind of world do we live in. what are the immoralities do we come across?? I can agree with my inner self that we are in a reality video game that needs to end but it can’t just end. We have to end it.
The author brings the play of fiction in the story plus adding alien’s science making a nice blend. The time travel thing to the future to eradicate the bad game going about in our life is really cool. The author makes five characters each with undepictable abilities and send them into a mission. The world we are living in, the fiction in play is just so sweet I wish I could get a real movie from this story. The story line is crazy but very interesting.
I surely enjoyed it, and I surely agree with the author at some points. Maybe I am bringing my own illusions but for sure we our earth is endangered. It is not only a story for me. It is a reality.
The author brings the play of fiction in the story plus adding alien’s science making a nice blend. The time travel thing to the future to eradicate the bad game going about in our life is really cool. The author makes five characters each with undepictable abilities and send them into a mission. The world we are living in, the fiction in play is just so sweet I wish I could get a real movie from this story. The story line is crazy but very interesting.
I surely enjoyed it, and I surely agree with the author at some points. Maybe I am bringing my own illusions but for sure we our earth is endangered. It is not only a story for me. It is a reality.
January 14, 2019
The novel “Sophistication” by author Matt Casamassina is a fast-paced action novel that seamlessly blends the science fiction, mystery and thriller genres together. This dystopian story chronicles the adventures that ensues when Miyuki Mitsuraga, a struggling video game journalist, and four others navigate a world where technological powerhouses are in constant competition and lawlessness, corruption and immorality run rampant.
This is a fantastic, exciting full-length work of fiction. What was especially noteworthy about this novel is that you’d think an apocalyptic story would be dark and depressing but Casamassina somehow manages to infuse tons of humor into the story. I found the banter between the characters to be both surprisingly realistic and laugh-out-loud funny. The pace of this novel is also a plus- the reader never gets bored as each character’s subplot is described. Despite the perfect pacing, this book was full of pleasantly unexpected elements- Just when I felt like the story was about to turn cliché, Casamassina surprised me with some interesting detour where he takes the reader and his characters. The one word of caution I offer is that some of the language is explicit so if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing- this is NOT your novel. Other than that, I found this book to be a page turner that was hard to put down! I give it five out of five stars!
This is a fantastic, exciting full-length work of fiction. What was especially noteworthy about this novel is that you’d think an apocalyptic story would be dark and depressing but Casamassina somehow manages to infuse tons of humor into the story. I found the banter between the characters to be both surprisingly realistic and laugh-out-loud funny. The pace of this novel is also a plus- the reader never gets bored as each character’s subplot is described. Despite the perfect pacing, this book was full of pleasantly unexpected elements- Just when I felt like the story was about to turn cliché, Casamassina surprised me with some interesting detour where he takes the reader and his characters. The one word of caution I offer is that some of the language is explicit so if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing- this is NOT your novel. Other than that, I found this book to be a page turner that was hard to put down! I give it five out of five stars!
January 15, 2019
Sophistication by Matt Casamassina was a very interesting read that I found hard to put down. I got lost in thought reading the story line, but could have done without the vulgar language. At first I got a little lost when the story started and it jumped from Miyuki, the senator, and the other story lines. If you are looking for a fast-paced story line of corruption, alien with special effects, and characters that surprise this would be the story for you. As I flew through page, by page of riveting story I wanted more and could not wait till the ending. This author should get 5 stars for this book and I can not wait to see what he will come up with next.
I found the technology and Sci-Fi exciting and at the same time trying to imagine it in real time. Understanding all of these events in real time as I read the book really appealed to me. The Concept behind this book can be a matter of extreme thought and may be scary. When now technical gadgets are now so sophisticated and something along these lines is possible at happening, blows the mind. that In other words, there is no where to hide with all of these electronics tracking your every move. The Concepts in this book were totally believable. Mystery, Excitement, and intrigue is all things I enjoy in a good book. Overall I believe it is signs of a very well written book.
I found the technology and Sci-Fi exciting and at the same time trying to imagine it in real time. Understanding all of these events in real time as I read the book really appealed to me. The Concept behind this book can be a matter of extreme thought and may be scary. When now technical gadgets are now so sophisticated and something along these lines is possible at happening, blows the mind. that In other words, there is no where to hide with all of these electronics tracking your every move. The Concepts in this book were totally believable. Mystery, Excitement, and intrigue is all things I enjoy in a good book. Overall I believe it is signs of a very well written book.
January 17, 2019
Combining the modern fears of ‘what could be’ and ‘what already is’, ‘Sophistication’ weaves an intricate tale of action and suspense. Fans of ‘Black Mirror’, ‘Bioshock’, and other dystopian works of fiction would enjoy this book, as it takes place in a near-future America that sometimes seems only a few steps away. Casamassina expertly blends multiple genres together, ranging from sci-fi to thriller to romance, and the result is riveting to the very end. You really learn to love and sympathize with these characters and their motivations, and when I turned the last page I was almost disappointed, as I still wanted to learn more about them and where their adventures would take them next. The dialogue is well written, but there is a rather excessive use of profanity and vulgar, edgy content throughout the narrative- not a YA novel, for sure! It does distract from the story a bit, but it can be excused by the fact that these characters are informal and under a tremendous amount of stress. To be honest, many of us would act in the same way, and it helps to make these people more believable and 3 dimensional. But, if that’s not your cup of tea, then perhaps this is not the book for you. Overall, if you’re a fan of self-aware social commentary mixed in with nail-biting sci-fi action and delivered at a breakneck pace, then you should definitely read this novel.
January 10, 2019
Matt Casamassina sends you on a ride that you will not want to get off with his new book Sophistication. In Sophistication, you will be introduced to Miyuki a struggling journalist and four others a drug-addicted special agent, a seasoned senator, a quadriplegic, and a well-financed serial killer. It all begins with a Cloak figure showing up in the House of Representatives and informs them that in 30 days until we take over then disappears in a bolt of blue lightning. You will not be disappointed by this book it is not traditional science fiction or fantasy this covers many genres including suspense, romance, thriller, and crime also. I honestly was stuck in this book from the first page and an honestly enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fiction the pages fly by and you can not believe it is over till the end. I wanted to know so much more about the characters and where this world will lead them. Mr. Casamassina is definitely one of my new favorite authors just from this first book I have opened and I am so glad I purchased it. Give this book a five-star review is really easy because I can not see how anyone would be disappointed by this book.
January 16, 2019
This is a must read that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end. This is an alternate reality here in America with advanced technology and aliens. It will challege your mind to the possibilities of humanity and situations. You must stay in the story, which is really no effort as you will be excited to keep up in the ever changing scene of mans depravity and war. In the story we have notice of the coming event that will change the world as we know it. If you like science fiction and themes like MIB and others, you will see familiar themes in this book, but at a more sophisticated level and ultimate adventure of time and space. Your emotions and depth of reality will be a constant roller coaster and the guessing game that you will exercise in your mind is wonderfully prepared for you! With all of the corruption and immorality abundant in our society, if strangers came to worn of impending invasion what would you do? What would you think? Our main character takes us through this story through these things and all the way up until the end of the book. The author is brilliant in presenting the characters, the story line and theme trhoughout the entire book. Very well written!
January 18, 2019
“Sophistication” by Matt Casamassina is fast-paced science fiction thriller. This book had me hooked right from the start – and didn’t lose my attention once. I actually wish there more, because I want to know ‘what happens next’!
The story takes place in the future and centers around the appearance of some mysterious beings that were given the name of ‘the Cloaks’. At first it is unclear as to whether they are on Earth to help mankind, if they are terrorists, or if they are just brutal murderers. I loved how this story unfolded, and how we learned about the relationship between various characters…both in the present and in an alternate dimension! A lot of seemingly unrelated mini stories all come together, and that’s when things get interesting!
Miyuki, the main character, seems to get wrapped up unwillingly in the action at first, but then we realize that everything seems to center around her. Her own character development and realization as to what she is involved in was fascinating to read. This was definitely an imaginative and unique story that was very well told. I enjoyed everything about this book, and will be looking to read more from this author very soon!
The story takes place in the future and centers around the appearance of some mysterious beings that were given the name of ‘the Cloaks’. At first it is unclear as to whether they are on Earth to help mankind, if they are terrorists, or if they are just brutal murderers. I loved how this story unfolded, and how we learned about the relationship between various characters…both in the present and in an alternate dimension! A lot of seemingly unrelated mini stories all come together, and that’s when things get interesting!
Miyuki, the main character, seems to get wrapped up unwillingly in the action at first, but then we realize that everything seems to center around her. Her own character development and realization as to what she is involved in was fascinating to read. This was definitely an imaginative and unique story that was very well told. I enjoyed everything about this book, and will be looking to read more from this author very soon!
January 29, 2020
The title gave me no idea what I was in for, and frankly even after finishing it I'm not sure how the title fits in. But I wouldn't count it against the book. The setting of near future dystopia can be uncomfortable at times, as well as it's unflinching violence. However it's not a graphic, only if you have a good imagination. But the storyline overall is very interesting and keeps your attention.
The middle section of the book does drag on a bit. Given the fact it feels like there is about a book's worth of backstory it makes sense, just wish it had been handled better. Overall I like the book and the ending left me satisfied. If there were a sequel or prequel to this story I would be more than willing to read it.
The middle section of the book does drag on a bit. Given the fact it feels like there is about a book's worth of backstory it makes sense, just wish it had been handled better. Overall I like the book and the ending left me satisfied. If there were a sequel or prequel to this story I would be more than willing to read it.
February 12, 2019
I read this as had just finished another book by same author. Completely different theme and style of writing, but still enjoyable. Slightly confusing in parts. The story is set in the future, although not sure how far in the future. The people have not changed though, there is still greed, and corruption, and violence and too much of a reliance on technology.
It is a story of someone trying to do the right thing, and put things right, but how far should you go, and when do you cross a line and become part of the problem you are trying to correct?
It is a story of someone trying to do the right thing, and put things right, but how far should you go, and when do you cross a line and become part of the problem you are trying to correct?
July 3, 2019
+ casamassina build mystery well. Keeps the reader turning pages
+ Some nice Easter eggs for gamers. 128 Marios!
+ The action scenes are fun.
+ the big reveal is worth the price of the book. It’s a burst of imagination that the rest of the story struggles to match
- Casamassina's writing has taken a step backward from his first novel. More convoluted and self-indulgent.
- little too cynical. Characters are missing the imago dei
- Casamassina portrays his characters in stereotypes rather than exploring good-faith motivations.
Nook
+ Some nice Easter eggs for gamers. 128 Marios!
+ The action scenes are fun.
+ the big reveal is worth the price of the book. It’s a burst of imagination that the rest of the story struggles to match
- Casamassina's writing has taken a step backward from his first novel. More convoluted and self-indulgent.
- little too cynical. Characters are missing the imago dei
- Casamassina portrays his characters in stereotypes rather than exploring good-faith motivations.
Nook
October 4, 2023
2.5 stars. It started strong with an interesting hook and range of characters - some futuristic sci-fi, some political thriller, some human drama. But muddling through the middle it appeared to become fascinated with extreme, exotic violence. The motivation of the main character from another world was never adequate explained - even to her companions who kept asking why. While the ends to some of the most unpleasant characters were fairly satisfying, the final conclusion was a terrible let down.
May 26, 2019
Wow! What a ride!
This is definitely a thrill ride. This is an action packed story about 3 people and how another being are trying to affect change in our messed up world. The beginning really caught my attention because it reflects our current political ideologies perfectly. How Our current government and politicians really don’t give a damn about us and how one being tries to affect positive change and how quickly that spirals out of control.
This is definitely a thrill ride. This is an action packed story about 3 people and how another being are trying to affect change in our messed up world. The beginning really caught my attention because it reflects our current political ideologies perfectly. How Our current government and politicians really don’t give a damn about us and how one being tries to affect positive change and how quickly that spirals out of control.
July 16, 2019
This picture of a not too distant America is quite entertaining in ways, as well as showing the abuse of power and justice, which is corrected by Mikya from both another parallel planet and earth,and who is sent to correct some injustices, but who is pushed by anger into some terrible actions.
She is also on earth to find her parallel friends and family and train her"sister". This makes for a great read
She is also on earth to find her parallel friends and family and train her"sister". This makes for a great read
June 28, 2019
Like/dislike feelings towards this. Felt like the story took a couple of plot turns either to keep it going or because the author lost his way.
Did not like the intense anger issues a few of the characters had. Did not understand the kind of bi-polar aspect of M2 that seemed to crop up out of nowhere.
More like a 2.5. Not sure I recommend it.
Did not like the intense anger issues a few of the characters had. Did not understand the kind of bi-polar aspect of M2 that seemed to crop up out of nowhere.
More like a 2.5. Not sure I recommend it.
September 1, 2020
Couldn’t finish it
Premise of this story is difficult to swallow. I usually do not give up on stories but forced myself to get half way and finally had to give up. It’s not very interesting and the weirdness got worse throughout the progression. I normally do not pan books but this one deserves it. Sorry.
Premise of this story is difficult to swallow. I usually do not give up on stories but forced myself to get half way and finally had to give up. It’s not very interesting and the weirdness got worse throughout the progression. I normally do not pan books but this one deserves it. Sorry.
June 2, 2019
Totally unique.
Never read anything like this before, and really want to get into a sequel, or something written by this same author. Yes seems to be crazy and crazy cool all at the same time....😁
Never read anything like this before, and really want to get into a sequel, or something written by this same author. Yes seems to be crazy and crazy cool all at the same time....😁
June 25, 2019
I got this as a free ebook but I've got to admit it was a lot of fun to read. Cloaked terrorists with unbelievable technology appear to be taking over the country. Where did they come from, and what are they after? The answers are surprising and keep the reader turning pages.
July 20, 2019
The 3 rating from me is extremely generous. It’s a 2, maybe a 1 with some imaginative elements. A potentially interesting plot that got lost in repetitive violence while feigning non violence and with no payoff for the trip: lacks sophistication - a terribly misleading title.
September 21, 2019
Clever story idea: a girl is visited by a copy of herself from another, more technologically savvy universe. Violence ensues. Too much violence for my taste, actually. Liked it, but probably won't get the sequel.
June 1, 2020
I found the book quite original - up to a certain point, and then it just got too original for me. The scifi element got too entangled in the personal lives of the characters, and neither was fully executed. Instead, the book just got really violent and gory.
January 8, 2022
this book starts out amazing but at a certain point - I can't say where but once you read it you will know - it loses its appeal. It becomes hard to follow and somewhat uninteresting.
The humor is great but the sci-fi part is a bit bleh.
Still it is one of a kind and I don't regret reading it.
The humor is great but the sci-fi part is a bit bleh.
Still it is one of a kind and I don't regret reading it.
May 29, 2019
Reapers
The reason behind only three stars is the sheer cruel violence. However, the powerful few are really as bad as produced. That stark realism makes me sad.
The reason behind only three stars is the sheer cruel violence. However, the powerful few are really as bad as produced. That stark realism makes me sad.
May 30, 2019
My first trip into the worlds of Matt Casamassina. I say first, because with luck, it won't be my last. What a great work, everything about this is done right. Thanks for a fantastic cread.
June 14, 2019
I couldn't stop reading this book. It has its flaws -- like the same dryly sarcastic tone used by basically every character -- but damn is it entertaining.
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