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Ganymede
American Fiction Award Winner, Best Science Fiction Novel of 2019
Best Book Award Winner, Finalist in Science Fiction
The Great Unrest nearly purged humankind from the world. In the aftermath, artificial intelligence permeates every facet of life. Manipulation of the human genome spurs a global arms race to produce the first human clone. When Jill finds the key to unlock this secret, the Ganymede Project shatters everything she thought was real.
After confronting the unintended consequences of her discovery, Jill is cast into a bewildering maze of intrigue and deceit. The result of her research plunges the world into chaos, forcing her to face a future where humans may lose all that remains of their humanity. Haunted by clone children with unexpected powers, tortured by uncanny dreams, and driven by the whims of an unstable AI, she will do whatever it takes to contain the turmoil that she has unleashed.
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Author Jason Taylor artfully avoids the temptation of science fiction to focus too hard on the former and not the latter. This is an excellent piece of fiction in well crafted with a cogent plot, a strong central character, and an emotional story line that resonates within the tale and outward to its readers too. As a work of science, the novel is also excellent conceptually, inquiring about how far humanity can go in trying to replicate itself before it loses all that there is about being human. The projected ideas about artificial intelligence and the genome are kept cleverly and believably within the realms of what we know about current science, which makes the story feel realistic, and it is all the more terrifying because of it. Overall, Ganymede is an intelligent and well paced work that all readers can enjoy.
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Imagine a world where Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. The human genome has been perfected, and every human being is implanted with an interface that helps them perceive the world in a more favorable manner. That's the world you find in Ganymede, where the virtual and actual reality are merged into an entirely new existence. The Great Unrest has ruined the world, making this merger with AI the only way not only to survive, but to find any beauty in life. Jill, a brilliant and modest scientist, enjoys her work in this world, and has dedicated her life to furthering human accomplishments with cloning technology. It doesn't work until a co-worker is found dead in the lab where she works, leaving behind a recording that unlocks the last obstacle to cloning and allowing her to create the first human clones on Earth - with disastrous results.
Ganymede by Jason Taylor gives a fascinating glimpse of the future world that will leave you wondering what's real and what's another stretch of the imagination. I found Ganymede fascinating because it mixes science and technology so well. Most sci-fi novels focus on one or the other, and author Jason Taylor manages the task of mixing the two in a fascinating, complex plot that will keep you turning pages to the very end. Nothing is what it seems as Jill and the other characters keep unraveling more layers, not only to the problem with the clones, but their own minds as well. It seems that every character and even the environment is under some kind of otherworldly control, and surprises lurk at every turn. A wonderful and fascinating novel that I highly recommend.
Best Book Award Winner, Finalist in Science Fiction
The Great Unrest nearly purged humankind from the world. In the aftermath, artificial intelligence permeates every facet of life. Manipulation of the human genome spurs a global arms race to produce the first human clone. When Jill finds the key to unlock this secret, the Ganymede Project shatters everything she thought was real.
After confronting the unintended consequences of her discovery, Jill is cast into a bewildering maze of intrigue and deceit. The result of her research plunges the world into chaos, forcing her to face a future where humans may lose all that remains of their humanity. Haunted by clone children with unexpected powers, tortured by uncanny dreams, and driven by the whims of an unstable AI, she will do whatever it takes to contain the turmoil that she has unleashed.
----
Author Jason Taylor artfully avoids the temptation of science fiction to focus too hard on the former and not the latter. This is an excellent piece of fiction in well crafted with a cogent plot, a strong central character, and an emotional story line that resonates within the tale and outward to its readers too. As a work of science, the novel is also excellent conceptually, inquiring about how far humanity can go in trying to replicate itself before it loses all that there is about being human. The projected ideas about artificial intelligence and the genome are kept cleverly and believably within the realms of what we know about current science, which makes the story feel realistic, and it is all the more terrifying because of it. Overall, Ganymede is an intelligent and well paced work that all readers can enjoy.
----
Imagine a world where Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. The human genome has been perfected, and every human being is implanted with an interface that helps them perceive the world in a more favorable manner. That's the world you find in Ganymede, where the virtual and actual reality are merged into an entirely new existence. The Great Unrest has ruined the world, making this merger with AI the only way not only to survive, but to find any beauty in life. Jill, a brilliant and modest scientist, enjoys her work in this world, and has dedicated her life to furthering human accomplishments with cloning technology. It doesn't work until a co-worker is found dead in the lab where she works, leaving behind a recording that unlocks the last obstacle to cloning and allowing her to create the first human clones on Earth - with disastrous results.
Ganymede by Jason Taylor gives a fascinating glimpse of the future world that will leave you wondering what's real and what's another stretch of the imagination. I found Ganymede fascinating because it mixes science and technology so well. Most sci-fi novels focus on one or the other, and author Jason Taylor manages the task of mixing the two in a fascinating, complex plot that will keep you turning pages to the very end. Nothing is what it seems as Jill and the other characters keep unraveling more layers, not only to the problem with the clones, but their own minds as well. It seems that every character and even the environment is under some kind of otherworldly control, and surprises lurk at every turn. A wonderful and fascinating novel that I highly recommend.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
323 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2019
114 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2019
Imagine a world where AI (Artificial Intelligence) is everywhere. The human genome has been perfected, and every human being is implanted with an interface that helps them perceive the world in a more favorable manner. That's the world you find in Ganymede, where virtual and reality are merged into an entirely new existence. The Great Unrest has ruined the world, making this merge with AI the only way not only to survive, but to find any beauty in life. Jill, a brilliant and modest scientist, enjoys her work in this world, and has dedicated her life to furthering human accomplishments with cloning technology. It doesn't work until a coworker is found dead in the lab where she works, leaving behind a recording that unlocks the last obstacle to cloning and allowing her to create the first human clones on Earth - with disastrous results. Ganymede, by Jason Taylor, gives a fascinating glimpse of the future world that will leave you wondering what's real, and what's another stretch of imagination.
I found Ganymede fascinating, because it mixes science and technology so well. Most scifi novels focus on one or the other,and Jason Taylor manages the task of mixing the two in a fascinating, complex plot that will keep you turning pages to the very end. Nothing is what it seems as Jill and the other characters keep unraveling more layers not only to the problem with the clones, but their own minds as well. It seems that every character and even the environment is under some kind of otherworldly control, and surprises lurk at every turn. A wonderful and fascinating novel that I highly recommend.
I found Ganymede fascinating, because it mixes science and technology so well. Most scifi novels focus on one or the other,and Jason Taylor manages the task of mixing the two in a fascinating, complex plot that will keep you turning pages to the very end. Nothing is what it seems as Jill and the other characters keep unraveling more layers not only to the problem with the clones, but their own minds as well. It seems that every character and even the environment is under some kind of otherworldly control, and surprises lurk at every turn. A wonderful and fascinating novel that I highly recommend.
December 26, 2019
Twist and shout
What great plot twists do to a story are to give the reader and extra bump into their desire to keep reading and Gaynymede has that perfected. I was often thrilled at the surprise and even shock I felt when reading this book, and none of it was forced, cliched or grade school level exposition. Very plot device was a cornerstone to the story. So it was a real delight to read a page turner like this.
I did kinda feel that the characters suffered a little bit from being too generic and had trouble finding maybe what their motivation was or where it came from, other than to find answers to a series of "why" questions. I think this was only a result of so many interesting concepts being fleshed out that some character depth might have been inadvertently unfinished or left out.
But that is no reason not to read this highly entertaining and thought provoking book. It has me doing research on some kits themes right now, and only a great story has that effect on me. Read it now.
What great plot twists do to a story are to give the reader and extra bump into their desire to keep reading and Gaynymede has that perfected. I was often thrilled at the surprise and even shock I felt when reading this book, and none of it was forced, cliched or grade school level exposition. Very plot device was a cornerstone to the story. So it was a real delight to read a page turner like this.
I did kinda feel that the characters suffered a little bit from being too generic and had trouble finding maybe what their motivation was or where it came from, other than to find answers to a series of "why" questions. I think this was only a result of so many interesting concepts being fleshed out that some character depth might have been inadvertently unfinished or left out.
But that is no reason not to read this highly entertaining and thought provoking book. It has me doing research on some kits themes right now, and only a great story has that effect on me. Read it now.
October 10, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It was extremely fun, and there wasn't a single page that left me not wanting to read the next. It also brought up a lot of topics and questions that are both timely and completely realistic both now, and even more so in his completely plausible, and terrifying, vision of the future. At the same time, you never feel like you're being presented with all the "solutions", but rather are given the space as a reader to draw your own conclusions. It reminded me of some of the Frederik Pohl short stories I've read from the 60s, but rather than being limited to a short story, Taylor creates an entirely fleshed-out world with relatable and believable characters you find yourself rooting for, even when their intentions aren't exactly "pure". A unique and excellent novel, and a must-read.
March 10, 2019
I don’t usually give 5 starts but I did with Ganymede. It is so intricate mixing science technology and lots of possible theories. It keeps you at the edge of your seat and it’s definitely a page turner. If you like science fiction I definitely recommend this book
May 6, 2019
Fun sci-fi read
I'm not a huge fan of science fiction but this book was a quick enough read for me to enjoy. Just when you think you might have it figured it out, think again! Interesting storyline, unexpected conclusion.
I'm not a huge fan of science fiction but this book was a quick enough read for me to enjoy. Just when you think you might have it figured it out, think again! Interesting storyline, unexpected conclusion.
October 4, 2019
Very good read. I enjoy a unique approach.
With a plethora of similar content out there, the occasional standout is appreciated. Thanks so much for providing one for us.
With a plethora of similar content out there, the occasional standout is appreciated. Thanks so much for providing one for us.
February 17, 2019
Ganymede is a thrilling cyberpunk tale with a lot of interesting twists. The book is a solid entry into a new genre for Jason Taylor. Full disclose, I read the draft so I'm biased in favor of the author. The author provokes some startling and thoughtful questions with this story. But it is still a fun, if morally gray, adventure. Enjoy the ride, and don't wear chopsticks in hair-buns while running down stairs.
March 22, 2021
Jason Taylor’s Ganymede is nearly impossible to review without giving some things away, just because there is SO MUCH going on. But I’ll do my best.
It’s World Zero, and the year is 2080. Jill is working on the seemingly-impossible feat of human cloning. Other creatures can be cloned, but there seems to be something blocking the process of discovery when it comes to humans. After a co-worker of hers is found dead, and he leaves a memory print behind for her, she finds out she’s in danger from the military, who want her research in order to make the perfect soldier. Eight years later, she oversees four seven-year-old girls who are clones, and who have suddenly started acting very strangely–not to mention, dangerously.
In the year 2080, people want “the ideal child,” and a certain amount of genetic modification is in play. People get neural implants at birth that allow them to interact with the world through their mind in new and fascinating ways. They also live longer, healthier lives thanks to science. Some years ago the Great Unrest happened, and so many people were killed that women now outnumber men 3:1, and as it’s believed that women aren’t (on the whole) as violent and aggressive as men, female children are preferred.
Things are a bit slow toward the beginning of the book. There are some info-dumps on the state of the world, talk show discussions between a bio-ethicist and a religious leader, etc. I think these could have been tightened up.
One other very minor thing: in the 2080s, people view the world through their implant’s “filter.” At one point Jill ends up seeing a facility without that filter in place and is surprised by how different it (and one of the people) looks. We’ve seen her view things without her filter before, though, and she didn’t have this reaction. I couldn’t understand how the before-and-after could be that different without anyone having noticed. I would think certain machines would have acted differently, or people would have realized that individuals don’t always look the way they “really” look.
The clones become fascinating characters, particularly June, who seems a little less… inhuman… than the other clones. I can’t even begin to get into how things go once the clones start to change, because it would give away so much of the book in which really fascinating things happen. Despite the slow start, things do get exciting. Don’t worry; that “World Zero” reference I mentioned earlier will definitely factor into what is going on. The story changes in ways that most authors would have trouble carrying off, but it’s handled beautifully in this book.
This is a fantastic story and I really hope the author puts out a sequel. It’s self-contained, but more would be wonderful!
Content note for death, but this is no horror novel, so that’s pretty much it.
Original review posted on my blog: https://www.errantdreams.com/2021/03/...
It’s World Zero, and the year is 2080. Jill is working on the seemingly-impossible feat of human cloning. Other creatures can be cloned, but there seems to be something blocking the process of discovery when it comes to humans. After a co-worker of hers is found dead, and he leaves a memory print behind for her, she finds out she’s in danger from the military, who want her research in order to make the perfect soldier. Eight years later, she oversees four seven-year-old girls who are clones, and who have suddenly started acting very strangely–not to mention, dangerously.
In the year 2080, people want “the ideal child,” and a certain amount of genetic modification is in play. People get neural implants at birth that allow them to interact with the world through their mind in new and fascinating ways. They also live longer, healthier lives thanks to science. Some years ago the Great Unrest happened, and so many people were killed that women now outnumber men 3:1, and as it’s believed that women aren’t (on the whole) as violent and aggressive as men, female children are preferred.
Things are a bit slow toward the beginning of the book. There are some info-dumps on the state of the world, talk show discussions between a bio-ethicist and a religious leader, etc. I think these could have been tightened up.
One other very minor thing: in the 2080s, people view the world through their implant’s “filter.” At one point Jill ends up seeing a facility without that filter in place and is surprised by how different it (and one of the people) looks. We’ve seen her view things without her filter before, though, and she didn’t have this reaction. I couldn’t understand how the before-and-after could be that different without anyone having noticed. I would think certain machines would have acted differently, or people would have realized that individuals don’t always look the way they “really” look.
The clones become fascinating characters, particularly June, who seems a little less… inhuman… than the other clones. I can’t even begin to get into how things go once the clones start to change, because it would give away so much of the book in which really fascinating things happen. Despite the slow start, things do get exciting. Don’t worry; that “World Zero” reference I mentioned earlier will definitely factor into what is going on. The story changes in ways that most authors would have trouble carrying off, but it’s handled beautifully in this book.
This is a fantastic story and I really hope the author puts out a sequel. It’s self-contained, but more would be wonderful!
Content note for death, but this is no horror novel, so that’s pretty much it.
Original review posted on my blog: https://www.errantdreams.com/2021/03/...
February 4, 2019
Fantastic Sci-Fi
I really enjoyed following the twists and turns of this exceptional book. It's written by someone who truly understands the genre, philosophy and science to do this idea justice. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed following the twists and turns of this exceptional book. It's written by someone who truly understands the genre, philosophy and science to do this idea justice. Highly recommended!
February 19, 2020
What a wonderful surprise. Ganymede is great fun and rolls in at 4 bill-stars!
The first half of Ganymede is good, pretty much standard sci-fi fare. Typical of the genre, the writing style, characters, and setting are all just okay. The hook here is pretty good: angry clones. Tons of sci-fi books will rely on, and run with, a single interesting premise. The first half is worthy but not really exceptional.
So my “wonderful surprise” — In the second half, everything really revs up. The plot twists and turns, and the action really gets going. The Kindle pages fly by. The second half also introduces a lot of cool, new stuff that gets add onto the original premise and makes everything more interesting.
QOTD
Genetic engineering was what primed the brainstem for the neural implant that everyone now received at birth. Jill struggled to imagine what life would be like without access to her interface. The ability to instantly connect to network nodes felt so natural, it was like an innate human capability now.
Ganymede is a character in Greek mythology, "the most beautiful of mortals". I must admit; I don't see the connection to the story, but that's not surprising. (ha) Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganymed...
A good read. thanks...yow, bill
February 18, 2021
The Matrix remade!
Interesting take on a realistic life changing simulation, according to the main character. Even though, Jillian had lived, already, several lifetimes in the simulations and supposedly had gained some kind of wisdom her character didn't reflect it, more so during the ending. What seemed like a promising story for the first two thirds of the book it fell apart in the end, the protagonist specially was such a disappointment. The ending which is supposed to be the best part of a book were the story is supposed to nicely wrap up and live up to the built up where the heroes outsmart the bad guys, nope, that does not happen here, the ending to me is rather anticlimactic but for the main conceptual idea on which the book is based upon I gave this book a generous rating otherwise I would have given it one star.
Interesting take on a realistic life changing simulation, according to the main character. Even though, Jillian had lived, already, several lifetimes in the simulations and supposedly had gained some kind of wisdom her character didn't reflect it, more so during the ending. What seemed like a promising story for the first two thirds of the book it fell apart in the end, the protagonist specially was such a disappointment. The ending which is supposed to be the best part of a book were the story is supposed to nicely wrap up and live up to the built up where the heroes outsmart the bad guys, nope, that does not happen here, the ending to me is rather anticlimactic but for the main conceptual idea on which the book is based upon I gave this book a generous rating otherwise I would have given it one star.
November 15, 2019
It's almost like this book was written by multiple people, it has quite a blend of sections of decent writing, while other sections are nearly cringe worthy. Some interesting ideas are explored, while at other times it is boringly derivative. I would have given it a higher rating, but the breaking of narrative near the beginning in the name of exposition to offer incorrect explanations of some scientific topics was pretty unforgivable, more for the misinformation than for the breaking of narrative.
I love scifi, and there is nothing wrong with making things up in this genre, but the use of existing science was both clearly deliberate and incorrect. The use of existing science as a base can help world build in a scifi, but for me, using pseudoscience is a big turn off.
I love scifi, and there is nothing wrong with making things up in this genre, but the use of existing science was both clearly deliberate and incorrect. The use of existing science as a base can help world build in a scifi, but for me, using pseudoscience is a big turn off.
March 6, 2019
Despite the idea here being pretty interesting, the huge world shift toward the end sort of broke things for me. The idea of solvable encryption in DNA should've been a bit of a clue in retrospect. And then there was a "hahaha". So that knocked a star off right there.
June 17, 2022
Oh dear-
Was this written by an adolescent? The author seems to hold a minimal understanding of professional and political systems. As such, the story comes across as ridiculously contrived. DNF.
Was this written by an adolescent? The author seems to hold a minimal understanding of professional and political systems. As such, the story comes across as ridiculously contrived. DNF.
January 7, 2020
Well thought out and written.
February 11, 2020
While the ideas were interesting, the writing and execution in some parts was pretty tough to take. I ended up more scanning than reading.
February 21, 2020
A book with layers within layers. Plenty of action and food for philosophical thought.
June 22, 2021
This was a very interesting book!
September 2, 2021
A for effort
A weird but not unique take on the nature of reality. Pretty much The Matrix with some changes. Fairly quick read.
A weird but not unique take on the nature of reality. Pretty much The Matrix with some changes. Fairly quick read.
April 11, 2024
Entertaining and fast read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews