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Humanity #1
The Warm Machine
Scott Beck knows he will die on April 22nd.
What he doesn't know, is which year.
Artificial Intelligence can read the deterministic nature of reality and has predicted the deaths of 144,000 Chosen men. When the first dates are shown to be accurate, many begin to question whether these dates have been predicted, or are due to the intervention of an administrative religious organisation called the Watchers.
England, like every other country on the planet, must come to terms with what appears to be humanity's desire to bring about its own end.
But when Scott Beck is told the date of his predicted death is wrong, he sets off on a journey that explores the true nature of free will, sacrifice, and what it means to be human.
It’s not the end of the world ... only humanity.
What Readers Are Saying...
"A smashingly original concept on the whole dystopian trope."
"What a thrilling read, had me gripped from the start."
"A fast-paced action-packed thriller of a read set in a dystopian near-future."
"This book raises some big questions about where technology is headed and can we maintain control? And are the choices we make made for us? A gripping read from a new dystopian voice."
"The mix of science fiction and religion worked well to create a captivating read."
"Rain builds a body of evidence on all sides, carefully ramping up the tension as well as fleshing out his characters - you’re never quite sure who has right on their side - until.. well, you’ll have to read the book."
What he doesn't know, is which year.
Artificial Intelligence can read the deterministic nature of reality and has predicted the deaths of 144,000 Chosen men. When the first dates are shown to be accurate, many begin to question whether these dates have been predicted, or are due to the intervention of an administrative religious organisation called the Watchers.
England, like every other country on the planet, must come to terms with what appears to be humanity's desire to bring about its own end.
But when Scott Beck is told the date of his predicted death is wrong, he sets off on a journey that explores the true nature of free will, sacrifice, and what it means to be human.
It’s not the end of the world ... only humanity.
What Readers Are Saying...
"A smashingly original concept on the whole dystopian trope."
"What a thrilling read, had me gripped from the start."
"A fast-paced action-packed thriller of a read set in a dystopian near-future."
"This book raises some big questions about where technology is headed and can we maintain control? And are the choices we make made for us? A gripping read from a new dystopian voice."
"The mix of science fiction and religion worked well to create a captivating read."
"Rain builds a body of evidence on all sides, carefully ramping up the tension as well as fleshing out his characters - you’re never quite sure who has right on their side - until.. well, you’ll have to read the book."
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2019
196 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Seth Rain
27 books33 followersSeth Rain lives in the Black Country, in the UK, waking far too early in the morning to write dystopian science fiction novels. Having studied English and Philosophy at University, he went on to attain a Master of Arts in English Literature. He has been a fan of dystopian and science fiction stories for some time and is now embarking on writing a series of novels of his own.
When he's not writing, Seth teaches English to 11-18 year olds. And when he's not writing, or teaching children, he spends time with his own two teenage children, his girlfriend, films, music and above all, books.
When he's not writing, Seth teaches English to 11-18 year olds. And when he's not writing, or teaching children, he spends time with his own two teenage children, his girlfriend, films, music and above all, books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2021
‘The Watcher’s revolver has five bullets and one empty chamber. This empty chamber belongs to Him, to do with as He wishes.’
144,000 humans are given a date. It is the date they will die. An artifical intelligence created to predict illness became more advanced and now knows when people will die.
Religious fanatics see this as the Rapture and do what they can to ensure the ai's predictions happen. They have people called watchers that follow the predicted and watxh their end.
But something is wrong with Scott's date, does this mean other are wrong too?
With the 3 creators of the AI all against each other, Scott ends up tangled in a religious conspiracy about the end of human kind.
‘It’s not the end of the world …’ He opened his eyes and stared at her. ‘Only humanity.’
This is a brilliant concept, extremely Intriguing.
The first half of this was very slow and I did lose interest. However I persevered as it picked up the pace and the second half was a lot better.
The characters are very well written, especially Scott and Freya.
The flashbacks to Scott and Rebecca are a sad but brilliant shift from the main story.
144,000 humans are given a date. It is the date they will die. An artifical intelligence created to predict illness became more advanced and now knows when people will die.
Religious fanatics see this as the Rapture and do what they can to ensure the ai's predictions happen. They have people called watchers that follow the predicted and watxh their end.
But something is wrong with Scott's date, does this mean other are wrong too?
With the 3 creators of the AI all against each other, Scott ends up tangled in a religious conspiracy about the end of human kind.
‘It’s not the end of the world …’ He opened his eyes and stared at her. ‘Only humanity.’
This is a brilliant concept, extremely Intriguing.
The first half of this was very slow and I did lose interest. However I persevered as it picked up the pace and the second half was a lot better.
The characters are very well written, especially Scott and Freya.
The flashbacks to Scott and Rebecca are a sad but brilliant shift from the main story.
Want to read
January 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/22/2020)! 🎁
January 15, 2020
"The Warm Machine" (Human Fiction, 2019) is the first in the Humanity Series by new author Seth Rain.
Scott Beck has the date he'll die tattooed on his hand, only he doesn't know which year. As his date rolls around again, and he lives again, questions are asked and answers are elusive. The more he tries to discover, the more he realises that he's in over his head and doesn't know who, or what, to believe.
This book raises some big questions about where technology is headed and can we maintain control? And are the choices we make made for us?
A gripping read from a new dystopian voice.
Scott Beck has the date he'll die tattooed on his hand, only he doesn't know which year. As his date rolls around again, and he lives again, questions are asked and answers are elusive. The more he tries to discover, the more he realises that he's in over his head and doesn't know who, or what, to believe.
This book raises some big questions about where technology is headed and can we maintain control? And are the choices we make made for us?
A gripping read from a new dystopian voice.
December 14, 2019
Fantastic Premise
I was intrigued by the premise.
Can you imagine knowing the day you will die? That would be strange enough, but imagine you know the date but not the year? How would you live your life? In addition to that premise, the author warns, it’s not the end of the world, it’s just the end of humanity. That’s reassuring.
Usually, I am drawn to historical fiction rather than fiction set in the future. So, this book might look a little strange on my reading list!
The Warm Machine opens in Manchester, England, in the year 2038. Twenty years ago, the fax machine seemed like a miracle. Now flip phones conjure up a chuckle. In the future, holo-screens, self-driving cars, drones, and e-cigarettes seem like tired old technologies. What’s the limit for artificial intelligence, or AI? Is it possible to accurately forecast the date of death for every human being with algorithms, like Amazon can predict when I’ll need to order new socks? Is life worth living if our future is predestined? Do our choices have consequences? This book makes you ponder many such philosophical questions while you follow its hero, Scott Beck, through the richly portrayed futuristic cityscapes of Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
Our protagonist is Scott Beck. The tattoo on his hand carries the date 2204. That is his expiration date. Scott drinks a lot of whisky. Can you blame him? For some reason, I found myself wondering whether he had a brand preference―he doesn’t seem to. I didn’t realize whiskey was spelled differently in England, by the way, but I have gone off on a tangent. I wonder if Scott would be a more likable character if he wasn’t one of the select few to have to endure knowing the date of his death. Whether I liked him or not, I was drawn to wish for his success. You’ll see why! He can’t help being the way he is because the future is dark, and weird, and scary. Watchers are lurking everywhere, and they’re kind of creepy.
So, It’s a little scary. I should put April 22nd in my calendar and designate a recurrence. Just in case. Maybe that’s when Book Two comes out. Sign me up!
I highly recommend The Warm Machine. I will follow the author, Seth Rain, and return for future installments in the Humanity Series. I’m a fan.
I was intrigued by the premise.
Can you imagine knowing the day you will die? That would be strange enough, but imagine you know the date but not the year? How would you live your life? In addition to that premise, the author warns, it’s not the end of the world, it’s just the end of humanity. That’s reassuring.
Usually, I am drawn to historical fiction rather than fiction set in the future. So, this book might look a little strange on my reading list!
The Warm Machine opens in Manchester, England, in the year 2038. Twenty years ago, the fax machine seemed like a miracle. Now flip phones conjure up a chuckle. In the future, holo-screens, self-driving cars, drones, and e-cigarettes seem like tired old technologies. What’s the limit for artificial intelligence, or AI? Is it possible to accurately forecast the date of death for every human being with algorithms, like Amazon can predict when I’ll need to order new socks? Is life worth living if our future is predestined? Do our choices have consequences? This book makes you ponder many such philosophical questions while you follow its hero, Scott Beck, through the richly portrayed futuristic cityscapes of Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
Our protagonist is Scott Beck. The tattoo on his hand carries the date 2204. That is his expiration date. Scott drinks a lot of whisky. Can you blame him? For some reason, I found myself wondering whether he had a brand preference―he doesn’t seem to. I didn’t realize whiskey was spelled differently in England, by the way, but I have gone off on a tangent. I wonder if Scott would be a more likable character if he wasn’t one of the select few to have to endure knowing the date of his death. Whether I liked him or not, I was drawn to wish for his success. You’ll see why! He can’t help being the way he is because the future is dark, and weird, and scary. Watchers are lurking everywhere, and they’re kind of creepy.
So, It’s a little scary. I should put April 22nd in my calendar and designate a recurrence. Just in case. Maybe that’s when Book Two comes out. Sign me up!
I highly recommend The Warm Machine. I will follow the author, Seth Rain, and return for future installments in the Humanity Series. I’m a fan.
March 21, 2020
My review has spoilers
--------------
Great premise and pretty good composition. The idea of the dates (on which "the Chosen" are destined to die) is intriguing and Rain has woven a yarn that begs for explanation–which isn't forthcoming: the denouement is a cliff-hanger.
Some scenarios are very compelling: development of "AI" machines that sequentially design improved versions of themselves until a version is built that is self-aware and must be isolated from the Internet (and the Internet is done away with for a silly reason).
The AI uses quantum calculus to determine when some people will die, and those individuals are notified of the fact–but only month/day–and this information is made public. Very, very fertile ground for an unusual quasi-dystopian yarn.
Some scenarios are clumsily inserted–such as references to the death of the girlfriend/wife of the"hero": Rain uses this to create emotional conflict in the hero, and perhaps attempting to add mystery as well.
Some scenarios are just page-flipping candidates, such as when a group of four have to hide: their only option is to be nailed into boxes that were used to ship bottles of whisky (sorry, "whiskey"–all this takes place in England) and thrown into a canal. The four are: a smallish woman; a medium-build man; a very tall, thin man; and a hulking man (who is implausibly afraid to be boxed up)–this last requiring more imagination (or suspension of discrimination). Unfortunately, Rain doesn't give the reader any support for boxes that big But don't fret: the four survive, though there are a few tense (page-flipping, actually) moments.
Three of the travellers are rejoined for the denouement (one has disappeared into the bowels of the book, perhaps killed or perhaps held in reserve for a bigger adventure). These intrepid douls are joined by the three people who designed and built the supercomputers and enabled the AI.
Then the big denouement, which only answered one question. (More than this I can't say or you won't care to read it for yourself!)
--------------
Great premise and pretty good composition. The idea of the dates (on which "the Chosen" are destined to die) is intriguing and Rain has woven a yarn that begs for explanation–which isn't forthcoming: the denouement is a cliff-hanger.
Some scenarios are very compelling: development of "AI" machines that sequentially design improved versions of themselves until a version is built that is self-aware and must be isolated from the Internet (and the Internet is done away with for a silly reason).
The AI uses quantum calculus to determine when some people will die, and those individuals are notified of the fact–but only month/day–and this information is made public. Very, very fertile ground for an unusual quasi-dystopian yarn.
Some scenarios are clumsily inserted–such as references to the death of the girlfriend/wife of the"hero": Rain uses this to create emotional conflict in the hero, and perhaps attempting to add mystery as well.
Some scenarios are just page-flipping candidates, such as when a group of four have to hide: their only option is to be nailed into boxes that were used to ship bottles of whisky (sorry, "whiskey"–all this takes place in England) and thrown into a canal. The four are: a smallish woman; a medium-build man; a very tall, thin man; and a hulking man (who is implausibly afraid to be boxed up)–this last requiring more imagination (or suspension of discrimination). Unfortunately, Rain doesn't give the reader any support for boxes that big But don't fret: the four survive, though there are a few tense (page-flipping, actually) moments.
Three of the travellers are rejoined for the denouement (one has disappeared into the bowels of the book, perhaps killed or perhaps held in reserve for a bigger adventure). These intrepid douls are joined by the three people who designed and built the supercomputers and enabled the AI.
Then the big denouement, which only answered one question. (More than this I can't say or you won't care to read it for yourself!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
“The Warm Machine” marks the start of the “Humanity Series” by Seth Rain, an intelligent dystopian tale that explores the horrifying possibilities of relying on AI a tad to much. In Rain’s world AI has evolved into the third wave, with machines being able to design evolves versions of themselves without human interaction, until the last generation is even capable to predict the exact date of exactly 144.000 persons. Every one of them are now aware of the fact and even have a hand tattoo to prove it, but for some reason, even if they aware of the exact day and month, they don’t know the year, which only seems to add into the paranoia between feeling doomed and hoping for another year.
Scott Beck (MC)is one of the unlucky ones, his hand shows the date 2204, but he is beginning to think that the date is wrong, not an easy think to prove, we get to know Scott though flashbacks, that help to understand where he is coming from. As Scott face once more the day of his death, he encounters a Watcher (a member of cult invested in the death dates mythology) and becomes involved into a complex plot that would eventually force him to make a conscious choice about his own situations.
Such a premise opens offers a fertile ground to explore several issues, such as the meaning of predestination versus free will; the function of religion (to the point of fanatism) in society; the meaning of life without the expectancy of the unknown; the meaning and consequences of every choice; and a couple of such metaphysical topic. Despite the depth, the book is first and foremost a dystopian fiction work, whose first premise is to entertain the reader: a veritable fast-paced, action-filled, page-turner that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat, feverish running to the end of the book, finding equally answers and new questions… and awaiting the next installment with awe.
Scott Beck (MC)is one of the unlucky ones, his hand shows the date 2204, but he is beginning to think that the date is wrong, not an easy think to prove, we get to know Scott though flashbacks, that help to understand where he is coming from. As Scott face once more the day of his death, he encounters a Watcher (a member of cult invested in the death dates mythology) and becomes involved into a complex plot that would eventually force him to make a conscious choice about his own situations.
Such a premise opens offers a fertile ground to explore several issues, such as the meaning of predestination versus free will; the function of religion (to the point of fanatism) in society; the meaning of life without the expectancy of the unknown; the meaning and consequences of every choice; and a couple of such metaphysical topic. Despite the depth, the book is first and foremost a dystopian fiction work, whose first premise is to entertain the reader: a veritable fast-paced, action-filled, page-turner that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat, feverish running to the end of the book, finding equally answers and new questions… and awaiting the next installment with awe.
March 18, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in return for a review.
The month and day that 144,000 men will die on has been released. But not the year. Watchers are assigned to witness these deaths. The dates were computed by an AI that can predict the future. This is taken as a sign that the Christian rapture is coming, forming a new pseudo religion with it’s own schism – those who believe Scott Beck’s date is right, and those who believe it is wrong.
This was an interesting concept and I liked the religious connection – 144,000 ring bells anyone who is familiar with the doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The question of free-will versus determination is an interesting one and this is heavily explored in The Warm Machine. Perhaps, a little more than was really needed as this got a little repetitious. There did seem to be rather a lot of filler and ultimately I didn’t feel the questions asked in the book were answered satisfactorily, instead leaving a lot open for book two. I might have liked one book rather than two better, with more action, world building character development and plot.
What did work well were the ‘flashbacks’ to Scott’s relationship with his late wife, slowly revealing what happened. Probably the best part of the book with more suspense and intrigue than the rest of the book. Had The Warm Machine been written to this standard throughout, I might have given a five star.
The month and day that 144,000 men will die on has been released. But not the year. Watchers are assigned to witness these deaths. The dates were computed by an AI that can predict the future. This is taken as a sign that the Christian rapture is coming, forming a new pseudo religion with it’s own schism – those who believe Scott Beck’s date is right, and those who believe it is wrong.
This was an interesting concept and I liked the religious connection – 144,000 ring bells anyone who is familiar with the doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The question of free-will versus determination is an interesting one and this is heavily explored in The Warm Machine. Perhaps, a little more than was really needed as this got a little repetitious. There did seem to be rather a lot of filler and ultimately I didn’t feel the questions asked in the book were answered satisfactorily, instead leaving a lot open for book two. I might have liked one book rather than two better, with more action, world building character development and plot.
What did work well were the ‘flashbacks’ to Scott’s relationship with his late wife, slowly revealing what happened. Probably the best part of the book with more suspense and intrigue than the rest of the book. Had The Warm Machine been written to this standard throughout, I might have given a five star.
December 21, 2019
A great read about choice. Scott lives in a dystopia future where everyone knows the day that they will die but not the year. One day he is approached by a man who says that his date is wrong. Following the man, he goes on a search for answers. Can he find out the truth before it's too late?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Scott stubborn but unsure. Great cast of supporting characters like Paul calm and determined or the mysterious Matthew or the protective Isaiah.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the empty street and the drones and self driving cars for a sense of a futuristic world. Or the scenes in the station full of life and people but also polluted and dangerous. Or the scenes with the boat journey with its darkness and smell and graffiti on bold colours so vivid its as if you're actually there.
The use of flashbacks and memories worked well to show Scott's past and how the system developed and didn't disrupt from the narrative from the present. The mix of science fiction and religion worked well to create a captivating read. The only issue I would raise is that at times it felt a little too religious which may deter some readers from a great read. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Scott stubborn but unsure. Great cast of supporting characters like Paul calm and determined or the mysterious Matthew or the protective Isaiah.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the empty street and the drones and self driving cars for a sense of a futuristic world. Or the scenes in the station full of life and people but also polluted and dangerous. Or the scenes with the boat journey with its darkness and smell and graffiti on bold colours so vivid its as if you're actually there.
The use of flashbacks and memories worked well to show Scott's past and how the system developed and didn't disrupt from the narrative from the present. The mix of science fiction and religion worked well to create a captivating read. The only issue I would raise is that at times it felt a little too religious which may deter some readers from a great read. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
January 1, 2020
A smashingly original concept on the whole dystopian trope.
Seth Rain ensures that this is a debut to be remembered, full of twists, turns, action and hope - this is a Hunger Games for a new generation!
Accomplished storytelling, cinematic whilst also keeping it real and gritty.
One man’s hope is in the palm of his hand, but what if it’s a mistake, what will he do, what will his pursuers do if they capture him, and what will eventually force his hand!
The visuals of this book are so deftly crafted that you’d be forgiven in reading something that could be from the mind of Isaac Asimov and Philip K Dick but with a true beating heart and dealing with issues of the here and now (population control, religion, corporate domination, Artificial Intelligence) in the vein of Margaret Atwood’s ‘Handmaids’ this is a book that has it all and offers a unique take on the genre, an urgent book for a generation that needs a new hard hitting series - so you’re guaranteed something fresh and oh so very different.
The characters are fully fleshed out and you care for their individual plights - making this a book and a series that you’ll be invested in from day one!
Pick it up now! Read it, before it’s turned into a film and you’d wished you’d read the book first!
Seth Rain ensures that this is a debut to be remembered, full of twists, turns, action and hope - this is a Hunger Games for a new generation!
Accomplished storytelling, cinematic whilst also keeping it real and gritty.
One man’s hope is in the palm of his hand, but what if it’s a mistake, what will he do, what will his pursuers do if they capture him, and what will eventually force his hand!
The visuals of this book are so deftly crafted that you’d be forgiven in reading something that could be from the mind of Isaac Asimov and Philip K Dick but with a true beating heart and dealing with issues of the here and now (population control, religion, corporate domination, Artificial Intelligence) in the vein of Margaret Atwood’s ‘Handmaids’ this is a book that has it all and offers a unique take on the genre, an urgent book for a generation that needs a new hard hitting series - so you’re guaranteed something fresh and oh so very different.
The characters are fully fleshed out and you care for their individual plights - making this a book and a series that you’ll be invested in from day one!
Pick it up now! Read it, before it’s turned into a film and you’d wished you’d read the book first!
January 21, 2020
This is a near-future pre-apocalyptic novel focusing on the questions of free will, the limits of technology, and the place of religion (and effects of religious zealotry) in a modern world. I like the central idea and am looking forward to the sequel to this fast-paced thriller. I am giving four stars because I felt the prose in the first half was uneven and occasionally stilted, which interfered with starting to care about the characters and getting into the story. However, I am glad I stuck with it, as around the halfway point the novel finds its footing and it's smooth, engrossing sailing from there on. The flashback chapters on the relationship between the protagonist and his wife feature some of the novel's best writing, showcasing the author's mastery at invoking emotion that is the staple of his excellent short fiction. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to more by Seth Rain.
June 2, 2021
The main theme in this story, in my opinion, is the question - do humans have choice or is everything fated? To that end, knowing the date of your death would cause conflict.
The religious 'cult' has watchers that oversee the date of death, and yet they are not always 'natural' but forced by those who believe in the Rapture, thus in itself a choice to compel others to accept the predictions - yes, rather confusing and contradictory…like all religions? And, the fact that these dates are predicted by AI is equally ironic; a machine built to help human illness...
It could be argued that to 'believe' is a choice, therefore how can it be fated? Or is that determined? Quandary - that's why I was intrigued by this book because it challenges the thought process.
The characters were reasonably well portrayed and the sense of place nicely done.
Worth reading, though best with an open mind.
The religious 'cult' has watchers that oversee the date of death, and yet they are not always 'natural' but forced by those who believe in the Rapture, thus in itself a choice to compel others to accept the predictions - yes, rather confusing and contradictory…like all religions? And, the fact that these dates are predicted by AI is equally ironic; a machine built to help human illness...
It could be argued that to 'believe' is a choice, therefore how can it be fated? Or is that determined? Quandary - that's why I was intrigued by this book because it challenges the thought process.
The characters were reasonably well portrayed and the sense of place nicely done.
Worth reading, though best with an open mind.
May 31, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
A concept that I’ve often thought about myself, if I could find out when I would die, would I want to know? Maybe, or maybe not, but definitely not like this. Scott, along with 143,999 others, has the date on which he will die but not the year. His fate has been predicted by the AI, but if this much has already been determined then what else about his life does Scott have no control over?
But what if the AI is wrong? This story takes us on Scott’s journey to find out as he battles with his painful memories and struggles with the possibility of free will. The pacing and character development were fantastic, I just kept wanting to read more and I can’t wait to get started on the next book.
A concept that I’ve often thought about myself, if I could find out when I would die, would I want to know? Maybe, or maybe not, but definitely not like this. Scott, along with 143,999 others, has the date on which he will die but not the year. His fate has been predicted by the AI, but if this much has already been determined then what else about his life does Scott have no control over?
But what if the AI is wrong? This story takes us on Scott’s journey to find out as he battles with his painful memories and struggles with the possibility of free will. The pacing and character development were fantastic, I just kept wanting to read more and I can’t wait to get started on the next book.
December 22, 2019
This is an interesting take on the scifi thriller genre. Scott is one of the "chosen" - 144,000 men whose death dates (but not death years) were identified by AI years before. As the novel opens, Scott is facing yet another "death day" and wondering if it will be his last, when he is plucked off the street by a Watcher, part of a mysterious cult that has grown up around the death dates. Scott quickly becomes embroiled in the politicking between different factions, and must eventually make his own decision as to how to act (or not act).
This is a fast-paced novel and I enjoyed the thinking behind it. I would have enjoyed a bit more meat on the bones of the characterisation, but as a series opener it works very well.
This is a fast-paced novel and I enjoyed the thinking behind it. I would have enjoyed a bit more meat on the bones of the characterisation, but as a series opener it works very well.
January 18, 2022
This review is based on the audiobook for The Warm Machine. I enjoy Apocalyptic/Dystopian stories, and in several cases, they become very predictable, however The Warm Machine was far from predictable. The second book in this series has rapidly risen to the top of my to be read list. Some parts of the story felt so familiar, I kept thinking of The Watchers as analogous to those in the Highlander Movies/TV series. However, the “chosen” are anything but immortal. Mr. Rain has taken very familiar topics and woven them into a story that I found engrossing if not mesmerizing. Additionally, Jack Jacobs narration and accent set this book into a whole different level – I sure hope he narrates all the future episodes in this series.
November 9, 2021
Book was great, was my intro to this series and I am writing this after finishing the series.. LOVED IT! warning though it is HEAVY. No spoilers but stock up on the paxil or whatever you use when emotionally you get in a funk, these books are hardcore on doing that. Really well developed characters, controversial viewpoints that while I do not think the same way as had ZERO problems reading a storyline based on a different core believe system. A well done book is that way, its good on its own merit regardless of the viewpoints strung throughout it. I would recommend this series for sure. And one of few that at the end it was all tied up well.
February 16, 2020
It was interesting to see how it could be if we all had are hands tattooed and new when we were going to die,most of the people chose to commit suicide, the watchers were always watching the people ,what would you have done any different than the people in the story?
I choose this rating because I liked the idea of people having their hands tattooed they new the date and month when they were going to die but they didn't know the year that they were going to die.
I choose this rating because I liked the idea of people having their hands tattooed they new the date and month when they were going to die but they didn't know the year that they were going to die.
January 31, 2021
😊
Based in England where an artificial intelligence predicts when you will die. 144k people are considered to be the chosen who's dates were picked. They know the date but not the year. One man gets told his date is wrong and embarks on a journey to find the truth as he's hunted down by The Watchers.
A good story with good background info although I'd like to have know more about the how and the why the AI was brought into practice before all what happened in this book. You do get told a little as in the creators etc but yeah more would be nice....maybe a prequel?
Based in England where an artificial intelligence predicts when you will die. 144k people are considered to be the chosen who's dates were picked. They know the date but not the year. One man gets told his date is wrong and embarks on a journey to find the truth as he's hunted down by The Watchers.
A good story with good background info although I'd like to have know more about the how and the why the AI was brought into practice before all what happened in this book. You do get told a little as in the creators etc but yeah more would be nice....maybe a prequel?
July 18, 2021
A different type of A.I novel.
It's a biblical futuristic A.I. book with the characters mostly the watchers having biblical names, Mathew, Gabriel, Noah, Isaiah etc. Everyone has a date when they will die on a tracker imbedded in their palm, it is to do with the 2nd coming the rapture but there is a spilt be tween the watchers Mathew's on one side and Gabriel's on the other who oppose it, it is an interesting concept which kept me page turning.
It's a biblical futuristic A.I. book with the characters mostly the watchers having biblical names, Mathew, Gabriel, Noah, Isaiah etc. Everyone has a date when they will die on a tracker imbedded in their palm, it is to do with the 2nd coming the rapture but there is a spilt be tween the watchers Mathew's on one side and Gabriel's on the other who oppose it, it is an interesting concept which kept me page turning.
December 17, 2019
I read a lot of sci-fi. And after reading his debut novel, Seth Rain is on my "one to watch" list. A carefully drawn not-too-distant dystopian future asks questions relevant to our lives today. AI. Control. Choice. Now add to that some pacey page-turning narrative and you have a picture of what The Warm Machine delivers. Highly recommended!
November 27, 2020
Would have made a good short story. Started off well but became so drawn out and repetitive that I felt I was reading the same page over and over. Every time a character said, yet again, “I don't understand” was maybe supposed to add mystery and to make you want to read to the end and understand yourself but just annoyed the bejeepers out of me. By the end I didn't give a monkeys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
Reading and reviewing books
Great book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Many different religions have different viewpoints on what will happen in the future. I know many people think it doesn't matter what we do. But it is a good twist on the end times as we know it.
Great book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Many different religions have different viewpoints on what will happen in the future. I know many people think it doesn't matter what we do. But it is a good twist on the end times as we know it.
July 31, 2021
This is the first book in over 18 months that I couldn’t finish. It’s got an interesting premise but it takes ½ the book just to travel to meet someone. It is incredibly slow. Painfully slow. So slow I just had to quit.
Honestly I have to wonder how this book has so many reviews that are all very similar and all 5*. Did they read the same book as I did?
Honestly I have to wonder how this book has so many reviews that are all very similar and all 5*. Did they read the same book as I did?
October 31, 2021
I am very conflicted with this story. I cannot believe a whole society would believe that your death date can be foretold. That Watchers would finish you off if it did not happen causing people to take their own life. I guess I am over thinking and this is just fiction. I slow paced book but enjoyable enough.
March 17, 2023
The warm machine is set in near future and is a terrifying idea of what could be. We follow Scott as he searches to find out the truth about his number and the so-called death dates. Totally addictive and cerebral.
January 30, 2020
A total gripping book
Very good read start to finish I am sorry could believe it finished it
was supposed to for the next one
Very good read start to finish I am sorry could believe it finished it
was supposed to for the next one
March 19, 2020
This was a dark and thought provoking novel. I enjoyed the twists and character development.
May 2, 2020
Great read
This book held my attention all the way through. Certainly a very different take on the book of Revelations. Definitely well worth the time to read.
This book held my attention all the way through. Certainly a very different take on the book of Revelations. Definitely well worth the time to read.
July 31, 2020
Thought provoking and intense
A Good solid read. The story flows well and keeps you interested. Brings the question of predetermination out front and faces it head on.
A Good solid read. The story flows well and keeps you interested. Brings the question of predetermination out front and faces it head on.
October 28, 2020
Religion-based yet not preachy...
December 17, 2021
Race against time
What would you do if you knew your days were numbered? This story delivers a unique storyline . Can you change your destiny?
What would you do if you knew your days were numbered? This story delivers a unique storyline . Can you change your destiny?
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