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Empty Vessels
Lucas Mahler babysits clones all day, but he's trapped under the legacy of his body-builder father and his genius girlfriend. When Lucas tries to rise above, he's murdered. Waking up in the body of a clone, Lucas embarks on a mystery full of blood, old friends and lost loves. As Lucas uncovers the events leading to his death, it becomes clear the murderer's plan has just started.
201 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2019
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 23, 2019
Speculative fiction with a dash of crime mystery. My favorite. :-) Although cloning has been done in science fiction before now, Williams adds a unique twist to the trope.
Vessels are grown in the laboratory as human replacement parts. Parts is all they are and all they will ever be because these are brainless bodies and it is highly illegal to ever bring a vessel to life with real or artificial intelligence. Until a competing corporation develops a way to map the human brain onto an electronic medium, it is impossible to even attempt animating a vessel. Unfortunately, the genius who invented the mapping died at a young age putting the company at risk of bankruptcy.
Lucas is the young son of the brilliant scientist who developed the Vessels. His best friend Scarlet brings a much needed lightness to the story in the form of snarky dialogue. Lucas' romantic interest is none other than April, a genius in her own right in line to become his dad's assistant.
From the petty jealousies, to the sweet romance, wild reveals and dangerous antagonists, this story is a ride through an easily imaginable future. A future where regardless of how advanced technology becomes, people will always have basic human failures and triumphs.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vessels are grown in the laboratory as human replacement parts. Parts is all they are and all they will ever be because these are brainless bodies and it is highly illegal to ever bring a vessel to life with real or artificial intelligence. Until a competing corporation develops a way to map the human brain onto an electronic medium, it is impossible to even attempt animating a vessel. Unfortunately, the genius who invented the mapping died at a young age putting the company at risk of bankruptcy.
Lucas is the young son of the brilliant scientist who developed the Vessels. His best friend Scarlet brings a much needed lightness to the story in the form of snarky dialogue. Lucas' romantic interest is none other than April, a genius in her own right in line to become his dad's assistant.
From the petty jealousies, to the sweet romance, wild reveals and dangerous antagonists, this story is a ride through an easily imaginable future. A future where regardless of how advanced technology becomes, people will always have basic human failures and triumphs.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down
Empty Vessels is the story of Lucas, his girlfriend, April, and their pal, Scarlet. This YA thriller focuses on the young adults, who work in Lucas' father's biotech firm, which has found a way to produce "vessels" that will eventually serve as bodies for individuals after death. Or not. That part still isn't so clear to me.
This technology is understandably in demand and the thriller part of the story focuses on who is trying to take control of that technology and who stands in their way. Lucas and April find themselves at the center of a weird plot to own the tech and both must try to stay alive long enough keep the technology out of the hands of those who would manipulate it for their own needs.
The big twist wasn't such a big twist. The second big twist wasn't a big twist either. Subtracted a full star for that. The writing and tech background was top-notch. The ending tidies things up nicely. Overall a good book.
Many thanks to Booksirens for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Empty Vessels is the story of Lucas, his girlfriend, April, and their pal, Scarlet. This YA thriller focuses on the young adults, who work in Lucas' father's biotech firm, which has found a way to produce "vessels" that will eventually serve as bodies for individuals after death. Or not. That part still isn't so clear to me.
This technology is understandably in demand and the thriller part of the story focuses on who is trying to take control of that technology and who stands in their way. Lucas and April find themselves at the center of a weird plot to own the tech and both must try to stay alive long enough keep the technology out of the hands of those who would manipulate it for their own needs.
The big twist wasn't such a big twist. The second big twist wasn't a big twist either. Subtracted a full star for that. The writing and tech background was top-notch. The ending tidies things up nicely. Overall a good book.
Many thanks to Booksirens for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2020
3.5 / 5 ⭐
It's not my favourite but I can say it's an awesome story ! 😆 I haven't read sci fi in month so getting into this makes me want more of it. The story is quite short yet it's fast paced.
I like the mystery that happens at the beginning. And Lucas. Loving him so much 😍 But I'm not a fan of the ending. It's a slight disappointment but thankfully it's a proper ending
It's not my favourite but I can say it's an awesome story ! 😆 I haven't read sci fi in month so getting into this makes me want more of it. The story is quite short yet it's fast paced.
I like the mystery that happens at the beginning. And Lucas. Loving him so much 😍 But I'm not a fan of the ending. It's a slight disappointment but thankfully it's a proper ending
March 29, 2019
Such a great read from an up and coming writer! This book has a storyline I have never encountered before which kept me intrigued the whole way through. The story is full of suspense, mystery, love, and courage. You don't know how the story is going to end until the very last pages. If you are looking for a gripping and fresh new story to read, you need to read this book!
March 3, 2020
Lucas Mahler, a teenage boy, was a part of Biotree, his father’s prestigious technology company. He had a gorgeous girlfriend, a best friend and an internship to win. That was until he died. Now Lucas, trapped in a vessel his father designed, must find out who killed him and why, while keeping those he loves safe.
Empty Vessels was an interesting read. The science fiction element was a fresh idea that I haven’t seen with other books I’ve read in the past. The idea of genetically cloning/growing body parts and entire bodies was a great concept.
The book is quite short, and the character development suffered as a result of that. It was a little hard to distinguish distinct personalities for each character. I didn’t feel any strong emotions or attachment to any of the characters. With a longer story, they could have been fleshed out a little more.
The action was fasted paced and I was anticipating each plot twist. There were a considerable amount of satisfying and unexpected turns considering the size of the novel, adding a mysterious element to the book.
The portrayal of Lucas stuck inside of a female vessel (body) didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt a little obvious that the perspective was written from a male writer. The experience did feel raw and real at times but at others I was rolling my eyes at phrases and scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, although it did feel rushed. I enjoyed the overarching message of keeping those close to you safe and to enjoy the time spent with them. The concept was original and enticing, but the execution could have been fleshed out in a different way.
I’d give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I’d like to mention that I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2021
A crime mystery revolving around aspects of sci-fi, such as artificial bodies and transferring minds between them. There's a reason I blasted through this novel in a single day - the pace was quick and action-driven, the mystery left me talking myself through it at times, and I found myself charmed by certain scenes. When it slowed down, it left room for the characters to interact and grow (especially those with Lucas and Scarlet, ex. the bar scene), and I found these to be some of the strongest points in Williams writing. Scarlet, in fact, proved to be one of my favorite characters throughout, and I found myself thinking about her post-reading.
However, while I liked it as a whole, I did find issues with certain things that would either leave me confused or rolling my eyes. Some scenes felt a bit nonsensical in how they were planned (ex. breaking into the SOM project room) while others felt like a convenience to advance the plot (ex. ). There were times where Lucas' narration dragged a lot, spending paragraphs explaining to us how he felt and what was going on even if the reader already had a clear idea of both these points. I also felt, grammatically, the quality began to dip towards the end, finding a lot of errors that left me getting distracted by the story at hand.
I think it was a good story, a fun read that you can really get into if you're looking for something to invest a day in. Despite the issues, I still found reasons to get through it, and overall feel satisfied with the experience and the ending.
However, while I liked it as a whole, I did find issues with certain things that would either leave me confused or rolling my eyes. Some scenes felt a bit nonsensical in how they were planned (ex. breaking into the SOM project room) while others felt like a convenience to advance the plot (ex. ). There were times where Lucas' narration dragged a lot, spending paragraphs explaining to us how he felt and what was going on even if the reader already had a clear idea of both these points. I also felt, grammatically, the quality began to dip towards the end, finding a lot of errors that left me getting distracted by the story at hand.
I think it was a good story, a fun read that you can really get into if you're looking for something to invest a day in. Despite the issues, I still found reasons to get through it, and overall feel satisfied with the experience and the ending.
March 5, 2020
I recieved a free copy of this book via booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the concept of this book. It was clever, I loved the science of it, the author went into depth, a lot of research was obliviously done.
But, the characters fell flat for me and it seemed that the author was trying push messages into the story and instead of meddling it into the story and getting the message across subtley it was pushed into the readers face and left the scenes feeling awkward.
People being killed or hurt was taken too casually by most characters in my opinion. Also there were quite a few inconsistances, including, a character broke their wrist, it was never mentioned again after the initail injury, not the kind of thing that would be able to just be brushed off.
Overall it was an okay book, could have been a lot better with some editing.
3 out of 5 stars
I liked the concept of this book. It was clever, I loved the science of it, the author went into depth, a lot of research was obliviously done.
But, the characters fell flat for me and it seemed that the author was trying push messages into the story and instead of meddling it into the story and getting the message across subtley it was pushed into the readers face and left the scenes feeling awkward.
People being killed or hurt was taken too casually by most characters in my opinion. Also there were quite a few inconsistances, including, a character broke their wrist, it was never mentioned again after the initail injury, not the kind of thing that would be able to just be brushed off.
Overall it was an okay book, could have been a lot better with some editing.
3 out of 5 stars
March 21, 2020
I got this book as a free ARC off of BookSirens.
Empty Vessels is a science fiction mystery/thriller involving clones. As a thriller, it is likewise fast-paced. Almost too fast. It would have been nice to have some breathing room to build the world more. The story gave some details, but the impact of the cloning technology on the setting remained vague.
I enjoyed how the characters were flawed, yet relatable. I hoped that everything would turn out okay for Lucas, April, and Scarlet. While there is a love triangle between the three, it's not cloying and doesn't get in the way of the story.
The plot was adequate, but some of the twists were telegraphed too much. By the middle of the book I could already guess the ending. There were also too many loose threads that were glossed over for my tastes.
Still, this was a solid read.
Empty Vessels is a science fiction mystery/thriller involving clones. As a thriller, it is likewise fast-paced. Almost too fast. It would have been nice to have some breathing room to build the world more. The story gave some details, but the impact of the cloning technology on the setting remained vague.
I enjoyed how the characters were flawed, yet relatable. I hoped that everything would turn out okay for Lucas, April, and Scarlet. While there is a love triangle between the three, it's not cloying and doesn't get in the way of the story.
The plot was adequate, but some of the twists were telegraphed too much. By the middle of the book I could already guess the ending. There were also too many loose threads that were glossed over for my tastes.
Still, this was a solid read.
May 21, 2020
Hands down this was the most interesting book I have ever read. The unique and creative storyline keeps you wanting more and more! My attention was kept the whole time. The author's voice and his descriptions in the book are so loudly heard that you feel as if you are watching the book as a movie while you read. The chapters are fairly short and to the point, which made it more of an easy and enjoyable read for me. The book had a little bit of everything, from mystery and suspense, to scifi, and even a love story. It hit all the bases and knocked it out of the park! May I add that I am not an avid reader and it is rare for me to even find time to read. This book made it easy as it engages the reader and you feel like you are actually getting somewhere in it! I would highly recommend Empty Vessels and I cannot wait to see more of this author's work!
March 11, 2019
"Empty Vessels" is a great read. At no point did it feel like effort, and for the last third of the story, I couldn't put it down.
The author loves deploying colorful similes to describe surroundings and emotions, and he uses them to great effect.
The story is paced well and each scene logically progresses to the next; the characters' motivations are clear and reasonable throughout.
Action and suspense, while not rare, are used judiciously and briefly so that each encounter feels weighty and has real consequences. I always feared for the characters when they were in danger.
The sci-fi aspect of the book is kept pretty light, so I think even readers who aren't fans of the genre can still enjoy the story.
The author loves deploying colorful similes to describe surroundings and emotions, and he uses them to great effect.
The story is paced well and each scene logically progresses to the next; the characters' motivations are clear and reasonable throughout.
Action and suspense, while not rare, are used judiciously and briefly so that each encounter feels weighty and has real consequences. I always feared for the characters when they were in danger.
The sci-fi aspect of the book is kept pretty light, so I think even readers who aren't fans of the genre can still enjoy the story.
July 3, 2019
Started as a sci fi Drama and turned into a thriller. The detail of scenes and the scientific explanation as very nice.
The whole scenario is set in a believable near future. From a avid viewer of Black Mirror and a fan of shape of water , the story held me captive to the book right from start to finish.
My only concern was the end which was a bit over done. Apart from this everything is great from Nicholas Williams, I am already a fan and waiting for the next book.
PS: I made some time in between my audio-books and finished Empty Vessels and it was worth it.
The whole scenario is set in a believable near future. From a avid viewer of Black Mirror and a fan of shape of water , the story held me captive to the book right from start to finish.
My only concern was the end which was a bit over done. Apart from this everything is great from Nicholas Williams, I am already a fan and waiting for the next book.
PS: I made some time in between my audio-books and finished Empty Vessels and it was worth it.
February 25, 2020
The book was pretty dang good review coming soon :)
January 9, 2020
Empty Vessels by Nicholas Williams is an intriguing story of what could be possible if bodies could be grown for organ transplants without a conscious brain. But then what if someone figured out how to recreate the human brain. Lucas Mahler is trying to establish his own path in his father's company, when he is suddenly murdered, along with his father. When he wakes up in a clone body, will he be able to solve what has happened?
This story is well written and keeps you hanging on. Each time you think you have started to figure out what is going on, another surprise comes your way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is well written and keeps you hanging on. Each time you think you have started to figure out what is going on, another surprise comes your way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2019
I adored this story.
Firstly, I really found the character of Lucas refreshing, and I also adored the side characters (yes, I'm looking at you, Scarlet!) as they all felt so fleshed out and had such fun, interesting personalities. The interactions between Lucas and Scarlet were my favourite, but I also really enjoyed the dynamic between April and Lucas, and between Lucas and his father.
The world these characters inhabited was also fun, with well developed concepts such as the vessels, and a great sci fi atmosphere. I absolutely loved the concept and thought the whole thing was wonderfully executed, with the mystery being one I could follow and have fun guessing at, and the plot being engaging and well paced.
There was never a point in this novel where I was bored, and if anything it was just over too quickly -- I can't wait to read the sequel!
The fact the characters stayed with me long after putting this book down is rather telling, as well, and if anyone feels like a fun, quick sci fi read with engaging characters, a well written mystery and a cast of vivid characters, this could be the read for you. It was for me.
Firstly, I really found the character of Lucas refreshing, and I also adored the side characters (yes, I'm looking at you, Scarlet!) as they all felt so fleshed out and had such fun, interesting personalities. The interactions between Lucas and Scarlet were my favourite, but I also really enjoyed the dynamic between April and Lucas, and between Lucas and his father.
The world these characters inhabited was also fun, with well developed concepts such as the vessels, and a great sci fi atmosphere. I absolutely loved the concept and thought the whole thing was wonderfully executed, with the mystery being one I could follow and have fun guessing at, and the plot being engaging and well paced.
There was never a point in this novel where I was bored, and if anything it was just over too quickly -- I can't wait to read the sequel!
The fact the characters stayed with me long after putting this book down is rather telling, as well, and if anyone feels like a fun, quick sci fi read with engaging characters, a well written mystery and a cast of vivid characters, this could be the read for you. It was for me.
September 15, 2020
Good story. Several really good twists to it. I do think there were a few sections that got unnecessarily descriptive about small details. Since it didn't really match the authors normal style of writing, it stuck out. I wish the would've described better what all happened with Scarlett at the end. It all felt a bit rushed to finish with just sone broad statements about how she is now. I received an advance copy of this book foe free and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews