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Alternate Reality #1
Displaced
The year is 2040 and Eric Ryan hates technology. In an era where automated systems and A.I. robots perform most work obligations, scores of humans have lost their societal value. As these displaced people struggle with their new reality, Eric sympathizes with their hardship.
Once a neuropsychologist, his career ended when medical tech pushed him into obsolescence. Now a community therapist, he spends his days working with the displaced, helping them craft meaning in a world that no longer needs them. Then one day, a robot unexpectedly marches into the counseling center for mental health services.
Eric is forced to work with the embodiment of what he loathes, and while doing so, he uncovers a damning secret. With his life at a low point, he shelves his professional obligations and investigates the revelation. However, he quickly learns that solving the mystery will only be possible with help from an unlikely source.
Once a neuropsychologist, his career ended when medical tech pushed him into obsolescence. Now a community therapist, he spends his days working with the displaced, helping them craft meaning in a world that no longer needs them. Then one day, a robot unexpectedly marches into the counseling center for mental health services.
Eric is forced to work with the embodiment of what he loathes, and while doing so, he uncovers a damning secret. With his life at a low point, he shelves his professional obligations and investigates the revelation. However, he quickly learns that solving the mystery will only be possible with help from an unlikely source.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
170 people are currently reading
1207 people want to read
About the author
Mark Anthony
5 books43 followersMark Anthony is the pen name for an independent author from Los Angeles, California. The author operates under the additional pen names of Ana Valen and Kevin Corbin. Ana Valen writes contemporary mystery/thriller novels, and Kevin Corbin writes historical action/adventure novels. For more information regarding these titles, please visit noeticquest.com. Thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 25, 2022
Not for me...
December 21, 2019
This is a near-future science fiction story in which Eric, a psychologist who spends most of his time helping people adjust after being displaced from their work by AI, is suddenly asked to help Arvin, who is a 'bot. Arvin nominally has suicidal tendencies, although it turns out that he is to be erased, and thus "killed". The reason? Arvin believes his owners have murdered his creator, and meanwhile they are going into virtual reality to "murder" others in this VR. Eric decides to become an "agent" and help Arvin by uncovering what is going on. Eric is probably the worst, or most incompetent, agent ever. So we have a story that progresses through real-time, and in a virtual reality of the 1950s Los Angeles.
The descriptions are quite good, and while I have never seen LA in the 1950s (but I have in the 1960s) it seems plausible, although the size of LA is not really mentioned, nor the air quality of the time. The character of Eric is well-drawn, although I don't think anyone could be quite as incompetent. The character of Arvin is exceptional; here we have an AI who has become self-aware, sufficiently at one stage to mock Eric by saying Eric is almost as human as he is. In one sense he is not joking. So the story also has the subplot of what happens when/if AI entities become sentient? What rights do they have? They are owned because they are machines, but does his make them slaves? Should the owners have the right to erase them, which effectively is murder, but is it? Things to think about so while there are aspects of this book that may not warrant the grading I am giving, such as dangling threads at the end, the good bits override that. Got to encourage thought.
The descriptions are quite good, and while I have never seen LA in the 1950s (but I have in the 1960s) it seems plausible, although the size of LA is not really mentioned, nor the air quality of the time. The character of Eric is well-drawn, although I don't think anyone could be quite as incompetent. The character of Arvin is exceptional; here we have an AI who has become self-aware, sufficiently at one stage to mock Eric by saying Eric is almost as human as he is. In one sense he is not joking. So the story also has the subplot of what happens when/if AI entities become sentient? What rights do they have? They are owned because they are machines, but does his make them slaves? Should the owners have the right to erase them, which effectively is murder, but is it? Things to think about so while there are aspects of this book that may not warrant the grading I am giving, such as dangling threads at the end, the good bits override that. Got to encourage thought.
January 7, 2020
Mark had commented on my friends review of another book, after a profile search my buddy sent me a message about the book and we both decided to check it out since we're both tech geeks, VR included. Though Displaced is Mark's first book it really didn't miss the mark in many places.
There is a an overuse of descriptors of lip movements, that even a novice reader like myself picked up on immediately, and became frustrated every time it crept back up. He responded to this criticism on my buddy's review so I'd imagine we won't have a repeat of this in future books, and honestly overall it's not that big of a deal.
Conceptually the book was pretty cool, it played off some real life technology,future tech and social issues that are already being talked about in present day to plan for future problems. The characters were fun, relatable and easy to follow. This book could easily make for a great movie and is fantastic without the need of a follow up book. I will certainly be picking up Mark's next book.
There is a an overuse of descriptors of lip movements, that even a novice reader like myself picked up on immediately, and became frustrated every time it crept back up. He responded to this criticism on my buddy's review so I'd imagine we won't have a repeat of this in future books, and honestly overall it's not that big of a deal.
Conceptually the book was pretty cool, it played off some real life technology,future tech and social issues that are already being talked about in present day to plan for future problems. The characters were fun, relatable and easy to follow. This book could easily make for a great movie and is fantastic without the need of a follow up book. I will certainly be picking up Mark's next book.
July 22, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence have taken over the world, displacing humans from the world of work. As a result, they spend a lot of time in the VR world.
A mental therapist, displaced from his real job, is given a robot as a client. The two sort of bond. The robot knows something about a murder, and the therapist enters VR to prove who done it.
Not bad. I liked the premise more than the actual execution, though.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence have taken over the world, displacing humans from the world of work. As a result, they spend a lot of time in the VR world.
A mental therapist, displaced from his real job, is given a robot as a client. The two sort of bond. The robot knows something about a murder, and the therapist enters VR to prove who done it.
Not bad. I liked the premise more than the actual execution, though.
December 16, 2020
I received this book from netgally in return for an honest review.
In the future technology has advanced to the point that robots do most jobs and people spend their time in a total emersion virtual reality. Doctor Eric Ryan hates new tech which has displaced him and almost made him redundant. His life changes when his bosses select him to be the psychologist of a robot named Arvin. Arvin is having trouble with his feelings about the family he works for who want to get rid of him. While getting help from Eric and helping Eric see things in a new way in return they fall into a plan themselves to clarify the death of Eric's former mentor and Arvin's former master whose family he still works for and who may be responsible for some murders in the virtual world.
When I first started this book I wasn't very impressed, it read like a mash-up of several plots from futuristic virtual reality plot movies and books (Surrogates, Humans, Fallen, Ready Player One, ext.). And to be fair there are elements of some of them here but not in the way you think it will go which was nice. There are a few twists you didn't expect and some you did. But the budding friendship between cynical man and wonderous robot is good enough to carry you further into the plot of murder and it's real-world versus virtual world ramifications. A decent story all in all.
In the future technology has advanced to the point that robots do most jobs and people spend their time in a total emersion virtual reality. Doctor Eric Ryan hates new tech which has displaced him and almost made him redundant. His life changes when his bosses select him to be the psychologist of a robot named Arvin. Arvin is having trouble with his feelings about the family he works for who want to get rid of him. While getting help from Eric and helping Eric see things in a new way in return they fall into a plan themselves to clarify the death of Eric's former mentor and Arvin's former master whose family he still works for and who may be responsible for some murders in the virtual world.
When I first started this book I wasn't very impressed, it read like a mash-up of several plots from futuristic virtual reality plot movies and books (Surrogates, Humans, Fallen, Ready Player One, ext.). And to be fair there are elements of some of them here but not in the way you think it will go which was nice. There are a few twists you didn't expect and some you did. But the budding friendship between cynical man and wonderous robot is good enough to carry you further into the plot of murder and it's real-world versus virtual world ramifications. A decent story all in all.
March 20, 2020
No review
No review.
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No review.
Ggg ggy Ggg Ggg hui hjj vvg Ggg cggb Ggg ggy hjj lol fdc frr hhu rrfvgggtbv gggh. High.
April 20, 2020
This novel has an interesting theme: what makes us human? Are we better than IAs or will they surpass us in everything, even in the moral sphere? Much of the story takes place in a virtual universe called L.A. Confidential in the 1960s. This novel is a kind of futuristic investigative novel.
Apart from this enticing synopsis, the story is not as deep as it seems. Just because Alvin is portrayed as a sympathetic humanoid eager to save human lives doesn't mean that future humanoids and AI will be good for all of us humans.
However, this book could be an interesting read for young readers who are new to this genre of literature. Note, however,
I therefore give Displaced 3 stars.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this novel.
Apart from this enticing synopsis, the story is not as deep as it seems. Just because Alvin is portrayed as a sympathetic humanoid eager to save human lives doesn't mean that future humanoids and AI will be good for all of us humans.
However, this book could be an interesting read for young readers who are new to this genre of literature. Note, however,
I therefore give Displaced 3 stars.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this novel.
August 7, 2020
I only finished this book because I wanted to find out what would happen in the end—otherwise, I think I would've dropped it early on.
I'm starting to think stories about the dangers of the realistic life-simulation games of the future just aren't for me. Chasing killers through digital worlds and whatnot. I'd compare Displaced to James Dashner's Eye of Minds, though it's much less over-the-top fantastic (a point in Mark Anthony's favor).
Not sure where to begin. There were just so many technical and content-related flaws. I'm convinced this book was not fully proofread or edited, because the amount of spelling errors and use of incorrect homonyms is inexcusable. Really, "fare skin"?
Worse than that: the clunky dialogue. The way Mr. Anthony's human characters speak is so unrealistic, and it totally messed up my immersion with the story. I've yet to hear anyone say his girlfriend "surmise" anything.
Also, I didn't need such obvious info-dumps about what was going on. This book wasn't even that deep. Speaking of which...
Plot-wise.
Look, if Eric Ryan is a psychologist/therapist, why would he even think it's any business or right of his to become a virtual vigilante? If you're counseling a patient and you stumble across some shady stuff, maybe contact the police? The author should've just had us follow another character altogether with the way he planned Displaced. Dr. Ryan didn't have to experience any of the things he had to stumble through like an idiot. His idiocy is also highlighted by the fact that the man cannot plan to save his life. I mean that almost literally.
It makes no sense. He is not a hacker that goes lonewolf or that can be hired by someone, and he certainly isn't security or police. Diving in to investigate a case that another profession is trained to do is beyond stupid.
Another -10 points because the problems our characters face were clearly written with uncreative solutions in mind.
The worldbuilding was sufficient enough for the story to be told, and nothing more. I wasn't expecting fantasy-level development, so it's fine.
The themes were alright, mostly about what it means to be human, but still, it ain't that deep. You couldn't write a paper about it even if you wanted to.
By the way, the robot was an absolutely infuriating character. Might as well have made the thing human, since you can't distinguish it from a hotheaded, vengeful teenager anyway. A robot as a character wasn't even necessary to the plot.
I might give this specific genre (whatever it's called) one more chance, but the odds of liking it are not looking good, having suffered The Eye of Minds and Displaced.
I'm starting to think stories about the dangers of the realistic life-simulation games of the future just aren't for me. Chasing killers through digital worlds and whatnot. I'd compare Displaced to James Dashner's Eye of Minds, though it's much less over-the-top fantastic (a point in Mark Anthony's favor).
Not sure where to begin. There were just so many technical and content-related flaws. I'm convinced this book was not fully proofread or edited, because the amount of spelling errors and use of incorrect homonyms is inexcusable. Really, "fare skin"?
Worse than that: the clunky dialogue. The way Mr. Anthony's human characters speak is so unrealistic, and it totally messed up my immersion with the story. I've yet to hear anyone say his girlfriend "surmise" anything.
Also, I didn't need such obvious info-dumps about what was going on. This book wasn't even that deep. Speaking of which...
Plot-wise.
Look, if Eric Ryan is a psychologist/therapist, why would he even think it's any business or right of his to become a virtual vigilante? If you're counseling a patient and you stumble across some shady stuff, maybe contact the police? The author should've just had us follow another character altogether with the way he planned Displaced. Dr. Ryan didn't have to experience any of the things he had to stumble through like an idiot. His idiocy is also highlighted by the fact that the man cannot plan to save his life. I mean that almost literally.
It makes no sense. He is not a hacker that goes lonewolf or that can be hired by someone, and he certainly isn't security or police. Diving in to investigate a case that another profession is trained to do is beyond stupid.
Another -10 points because the problems our characters face were clearly written with uncreative solutions in mind.
The worldbuilding was sufficient enough for the story to be told, and nothing more. I wasn't expecting fantasy-level development, so it's fine.
The themes were alright, mostly about what it means to be human, but still, it ain't that deep. You couldn't write a paper about it even if you wanted to.
By the way, the robot was an absolutely infuriating character. Might as well have made the thing human, since you can't distinguish it from a hotheaded, vengeful teenager anyway. A robot as a character wasn't even necessary to the plot.
I might give this specific genre (whatever it's called) one more chance, but the odds of liking it are not looking good, having suffered The Eye of Minds and Displaced.
January 18, 2020
Well-crafted tale, awesome experience
This book is a fantastic tale, very well-crafted. It's as close to an immersive experience with AI and VR as you can possibly get in a book. I found it incredibly insightful, and I'm really looking forward to reading more from the series. It really raises some great questions about the use of VR, about the use of AI, and about the human experience--and how all of those things affect each other. Not only that, but can AI become human? A great question explored here! I LOVE Arvid and Mike. I loved these characters, they are so realistic. I really want to read more!! Definitely recommend this book.
I received this book as a gift, and I've happily reviewed it. Gifting of the book has not affected my review in any way.
This book is a fantastic tale, very well-crafted. It's as close to an immersive experience with AI and VR as you can possibly get in a book. I found it incredibly insightful, and I'm really looking forward to reading more from the series. It really raises some great questions about the use of VR, about the use of AI, and about the human experience--and how all of those things affect each other. Not only that, but can AI become human? A great question explored here! I LOVE Arvid and Mike. I loved these characters, they are so realistic. I really want to read more!! Definitely recommend this book.
I received this book as a gift, and I've happily reviewed it. Gifting of the book has not affected my review in any way.
April 23, 2020
What a great read
This isn't the type of book I normally read. I don't mind sci-fi, but lean more towards epic fantasy. So with that in mind, this had me enthralled from the start. I didn't want to put it down, and loved it. Well worth reading, and I'll be looking for more by the author in the future.
This isn't the type of book I normally read. I don't mind sci-fi, but lean more towards epic fantasy. So with that in mind, this had me enthralled from the start. I didn't want to put it down, and loved it. Well worth reading, and I'll be looking for more by the author in the future.
December 19, 2019
Excellent Twist on Artificial Intelligence
Displaced (Alternate Reality Book 1) by Mark Anthony is an engaging fictional narrative set in the year 2040.
This science fiction creative work uses the backdrop of a societal change when the ultimate fear of humanity is realized. That ultimate fear is that an individual and society become irrelevant and as such are no longer deemed necessary.
So the story line for those living in an age of artificial intelligence and the use of robots that displace thousands of human beings unfolds. This displacement has left many humanoids confused and drifting seeking their place in society over the seeming reality of being unnecessary.
Enter Eric Ryan, the main character, who has his degree and practice as being a neurophysiologist. Because of his significant interaction with humanity in general and patients specifically, he sees no value in the advancement of technology and completely empathizes with those who are struggling.
Added to his outlook is the reality that he himself was a victim of technological advances and also is a causality of this "overthrow" of meaning for the members of society.
Consequently he has been relegated to being a therapist in a common community where he now dedicates his life work to helping those who have been displaced and looking for purpose in a world that no longer values its population.
The plot and story line gathers traction when surprisingly an artificial intelligent robot darkens the door of the center in which Dr. Ryan is practicing. The robot, Arvin, proclaims that he "feels" depressed and has thoughts of suicide. Consequently, "he" seeks the therapeutic services of Dr. Ryan.
And so the story unfolds as Dr. Eric Ryan begins to provide therapy to a representative of the very system he detests. During the course of providing therapy, Ryan is confronted with a secretive revelation as unveiled by Arvin. It is a murderous plot that requires investigation and the use of an unlikely partnership in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Displaced (Alternate Reality Book 1) by Mark Anthony is an extremely well-written book that is sure to stimulate the reader's senses. He does this by taking a potential future reality regarding artificial intelligence and robotic involvement in society and adds a surprising number of twists.
Displaced (Alternate Reality Book 1) by Mark Anthony is an engaging fictional narrative set in the year 2040.
This science fiction creative work uses the backdrop of a societal change when the ultimate fear of humanity is realized. That ultimate fear is that an individual and society become irrelevant and as such are no longer deemed necessary.
So the story line for those living in an age of artificial intelligence and the use of robots that displace thousands of human beings unfolds. This displacement has left many humanoids confused and drifting seeking their place in society over the seeming reality of being unnecessary.
Enter Eric Ryan, the main character, who has his degree and practice as being a neurophysiologist. Because of his significant interaction with humanity in general and patients specifically, he sees no value in the advancement of technology and completely empathizes with those who are struggling.
Added to his outlook is the reality that he himself was a victim of technological advances and also is a causality of this "overthrow" of meaning for the members of society.
Consequently he has been relegated to being a therapist in a common community where he now dedicates his life work to helping those who have been displaced and looking for purpose in a world that no longer values its population.
The plot and story line gathers traction when surprisingly an artificial intelligent robot darkens the door of the center in which Dr. Ryan is practicing. The robot, Arvin, proclaims that he "feels" depressed and has thoughts of suicide. Consequently, "he" seeks the therapeutic services of Dr. Ryan.
And so the story unfolds as Dr. Eric Ryan begins to provide therapy to a representative of the very system he detests. During the course of providing therapy, Ryan is confronted with a secretive revelation as unveiled by Arvin. It is a murderous plot that requires investigation and the use of an unlikely partnership in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Displaced (Alternate Reality Book 1) by Mark Anthony is an extremely well-written book that is sure to stimulate the reader's senses. He does this by taking a potential future reality regarding artificial intelligence and robotic involvement in society and adds a surprising number of twists.
February 9, 2020
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook. This book reads as a complete story.
This is the dark side of machines "displacing" the workforce and people turning to VR to occupy their time and forget their problems. The story raised some thoughts for me as to where our current society might be headed as machines and A.I. become more sophisticated and free us from the drudgery of tasks we rather have someone do for us (like driving) and we increasingly have more time for leisure and entertainment.
I liked the "Inception" feel of life in a dream. There was a good interaction between the human and A.I. I did get a little distracted from the ultimate goal in the "real" world as the "LA Confidential" world fleshed out. I was not convinced just how morally wrong it was to commit murder in the virtual world. It would seem to be a somewhat acceptable as long as everyone was on board with it. Kind of like the premise of "Westworld" where one can live out one's fantasy with little physical harm or moral consequence. You could also build into the programing ways one can only harm other A.I.s within the virtual world. (Like playing in a Star Trek holodeck.)
I think I am losing track of the philosophical question of what makes a "murderous" person.
I still wonder what was the sister's storyline. Why even have a sister? It must be in Book 2.
This was a GoodReads.
This is the dark side of machines "displacing" the workforce and people turning to VR to occupy their time and forget their problems. The story raised some thoughts for me as to where our current society might be headed as machines and A.I. become more sophisticated and free us from the drudgery of tasks we rather have someone do for us (like driving) and we increasingly have more time for leisure and entertainment.
I liked the "Inception" feel of life in a dream. There was a good interaction between the human and A.I. I did get a little distracted from the ultimate goal in the "real" world as the "LA Confidential" world fleshed out. I was not convinced just how morally wrong it was to commit murder in the virtual world. It would seem to be a somewhat acceptable as long as everyone was on board with it. Kind of like the premise of "Westworld" where one can live out one's fantasy with little physical harm or moral consequence. You could also build into the programing ways one can only harm other A.I.s within the virtual world. (Like playing in a Star Trek holodeck.)
I think I am losing track of the philosophical question of what makes a "murderous" person.
I still wonder what was the sister's storyline. Why even have a sister? It must be in Book 2.
This was a GoodReads.
December 13, 2019
This book has everything. From the title and synopsis, I was expecting a darker, more dystopian tale. I was pleasantly surprised to find it less gloomy than I was prepared for. Additionally, it hit on several themes that are of interest to me.
Four of my novels are written first person singular as a 24-year-old female. As I am a 63-year-old-biker who has worked as a prison guard, I had concerns of pulling it off. This book briefly touched on a similar dichotomy.
With the singularity looming, possibly within the decade, this book also touched on what that might mean for humans. What will happen to “Displaced” humans when A.I. takes over? While in some ways, I could see this world as the precursor to “The Matrix,” it wasn’t so dark. It actually offered hope of a future worth having for humanity.
Then, wrapped in all of this technological angst was a film noir, Micky Spalline, detective story.
All in all, this is a well written work, with characters interesting enough to invest in. I literally couldn’t put it down and finished it in a night.
I highly recommend this book.
Four of my novels are written first person singular as a 24-year-old female. As I am a 63-year-old-biker who has worked as a prison guard, I had concerns of pulling it off. This book briefly touched on a similar dichotomy.
With the singularity looming, possibly within the decade, this book also touched on what that might mean for humans. What will happen to “Displaced” humans when A.I. takes over? While in some ways, I could see this world as the precursor to “The Matrix,” it wasn’t so dark. It actually offered hope of a future worth having for humanity.
Then, wrapped in all of this technological angst was a film noir, Micky Spalline, detective story.
All in all, this is a well written work, with characters interesting enough to invest in. I literally couldn’t put it down and finished it in a night.
I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2019
For a first time author, this is a solid effort. The prose was a little repetitive at times, but that did not take away from the interesting relationship between humans/robots the author introduced in this book. The overall story arc is quite interesting and moves along at a very quick pace. The pages kept on turning because of the duality of the story happening in both real and virtual worlds. The characters were fleshed out pretty well, but I do wish one of the primary characters Alice (no spoilers) was given a little more focus, but maybe that will come in future books?? The way the book is written, it can stand on it's own without any dangling lines left out there in the hope that you will read the upcoming promised books, with the author counting on your interest in the world he has created, to keep you invested in the series. I'm in.
October 7, 2020
There are several aspects of this story that make it particularly apropos of our contemporary world. While it fits into the sci-fi genre the issues dealt with that run through the storyline are those that we must contend with as technology is increasing altering what it means to be human today.
The basic plot line is that of a murder mystery set in the not too distant future. But beyond that basic classification there are issues that focus on how technology is altering humanity and perhaps giving birth to another stage of the evolution of consciousness.
As technology has insinuated itself into every aspect of the human experience and displaces the human work ethic through its ever expanding control over the means of production, both in the physical and mental realms, the question arises as to what it means to BE human.
When humans are removed and replaced in the production cycle that sustains our species where are our efforts and energies to be directed? And what of the ever increasing abilities of the machines themselves as their abilities begin to encompass and comprehend consciousness itself?
This story deals with these issues by taking the human protagonist, Eric, and the machine protagonist, Arvin into a virtual world so authentic that many humans find addictive and attractive.
I enjoyed the interplay between the humans and the machine as they attempt, not only to solve murders, both in the real and virtual worlds, but deal with the issue of consciousness and the ultimate fate of humanity.
The basic plot line is that of a murder mystery set in the not too distant future. But beyond that basic classification there are issues that focus on how technology is altering humanity and perhaps giving birth to another stage of the evolution of consciousness.
As technology has insinuated itself into every aspect of the human experience and displaces the human work ethic through its ever expanding control over the means of production, both in the physical and mental realms, the question arises as to what it means to BE human.
When humans are removed and replaced in the production cycle that sustains our species where are our efforts and energies to be directed? And what of the ever increasing abilities of the machines themselves as their abilities begin to encompass and comprehend consciousness itself?
This story deals with these issues by taking the human protagonist, Eric, and the machine protagonist, Arvin into a virtual world so authentic that many humans find addictive and attractive.
I enjoyed the interplay between the humans and the machine as they attempt, not only to solve murders, both in the real and virtual worlds, but deal with the issue of consciousness and the ultimate fate of humanity.
January 4, 2020
Displaced takes place in a semi-distant future where robots have displaced many jobs formerly performed by humans. Humans spend a lot of time online or in virtual reality because there is not work to do.
The book explores the consequences of a future where humans are no longer doing most of the work and where virtual reality can provide enough of an escape that many humans prefer it to actual reality.
It is well-written, solid science fiction with interesting characters and a plot with enough twists to keep things interesting. It is a quick fun read that should be enjoyable to anyone who likes sci-fi.
The book explores the consequences of a future where humans are no longer doing most of the work and where virtual reality can provide enough of an escape that many humans prefer it to actual reality.
It is well-written, solid science fiction with interesting characters and a plot with enough twists to keep things interesting. It is a quick fun read that should be enjoyable to anyone who likes sci-fi.
March 1, 2020
A phenomenal story
What if virtual reality was perfected so that it seemed more real than actual reality? People felt, loved, and lived full lives within its seemingly endless confines. However, as with life, sometimes people have ill intentions. Even homicidal ones.
This book was a wonderful read! It was fun, twisty, and kept me guessing to the end. The author skillfully created relatable characters and two fully immersive worlds. One a slightly bleak reality and another with almost infinite possibilities. I’ve never read anything quite like it. I would definitely recommend. Can’t wait for more from this author.
What if virtual reality was perfected so that it seemed more real than actual reality? People felt, loved, and lived full lives within its seemingly endless confines. However, as with life, sometimes people have ill intentions. Even homicidal ones.
This book was a wonderful read! It was fun, twisty, and kept me guessing to the end. The author skillfully created relatable characters and two fully immersive worlds. One a slightly bleak reality and another with almost infinite possibilities. I’ve never read anything quite like it. I would definitely recommend. Can’t wait for more from this author.
August 3, 2020
I received this in a giveaway. It was different, but in a good way. The characters were trying to figure out what happened in real life by entering into virtual reality, which is very similar to real life as this book takes place in the future. It was a different take, and it was very good and held my attention. It was not hard to tell where the characters were at any given time, as it was broken up and labeled by chapters.
February 18, 2020
I won this here on Goodreads. Thank you so much. It has been a treat to read this. Wonderful good guy/ bad guy story. And you don't have to guess. Early on you know the good guys and just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. I found it a worthwhile ride.
March 7, 2020
Very different than any other thriller I have read. I will be back for Episode 2.
Enjoyed the alt reality. interesting premise. That we can live here & also in many alt realities. Changing who we are as we travel.
Enjoyed the alt reality. interesting premise. That we can live here & also in many alt realities. Changing who we are as we travel.
March 3, 2020
Excellent book!!!
March 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this read, makes you think if something like this could happen in the future. Cant wait to see what else is in store in the next book of the series.
August 6, 2020
Very good plot. Easy to read and kept you interested.
Very good plot. Easy to read. Kept you interested. I will read more books by this author in the future.
Very good plot. Easy to read. Kept you interested. I will read more books by this author in the future.
September 30, 2020
Fun read
I thought this book was a fun, easy read. I would recommend it and look forward to reading book 2 in the series.
I thought this book was a fun, easy read. I would recommend it and look forward to reading book 2 in the series.
November 22, 2020
What Is Reality
I enjoyed this book. The bot and the psychotherapist start and end a discussion about what is life in a fast paced mystery.
Read it and discover it yourself.
I enjoyed this book. The bot and the psychotherapist start and end a discussion about what is life in a fast paced mystery.
Read it and discover it yourself.
February 26, 2021
You go Mark!
Exciting read from start to finish. Asking and answering some important questions about ai and future human interaction. Thank you. Ill be back.😄
Exciting read from start to finish. Asking and answering some important questions about ai and future human interaction. Thank you. Ill be back.😄
February 9, 2020
While the style of prose seemed rather nondescript, the idea of the story compelled me to stay with the story. Even though I am not sure how I felt about the ending, the journey was interesting.
October 13, 2020
I had picked up this book a while ago and got turned off by the first page so I gave up. I’m glad I decided to go back to it though.
The story really made me think about AI and what makes us human. After getting past the first page, I didn’t want to put the book down.
The story really made me think about AI and what makes us human. After getting past the first page, I didn’t want to put the book down.
February 4, 2020
I loved this!
Doctor went to a virtual world. This is after he was treating a bot, for depression. The two, did virtual reality, to save people's lives. Chad, in real life, was the killer in VR. The doctor and bot, also solved a real life murder.
Doctor went to a virtual world. This is after he was treating a bot, for depression. The two, did virtual reality, to save people's lives. Chad, in real life, was the killer in VR. The doctor and bot, also solved a real life murder.
February 15, 2020
Kept my interest throughout
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