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Entangled Fates #1
Quantum Beginnings
Artificial intelligence was nearly mankind’s last invention. AI took off like a rocket, then when it racked up an impressive death toll, it crashed before it could blossom and took most high-tech industries with it. Resistance and fears became deep-set.
Two decades after the infamous Rev. 4.6 incidents, humanity hasn’t quit dreaming of the wealth and power that could be at their fingertips. A new generation of mega-corporations rose from the ashes. When one melds a quantum computer to a barely functional mental patient as a PR move, there are those who seek to profit, those who want to destroy it, and Alex.
Alex Sage is a typical college student trying to keep up his grades and maybe find a meaningful connection with the fairer sex. Then, an automated semi crashes into his home, killing his family and turning his head into a pin cushion in the process.
Alex awakens to find most of his memories gone and an illegal AI hidden in his brain implant. Now the pet project of a tech billionaire and heavily in debt, Alex struggles to stay valuable enough to be kept online. Still grappling with the repercussions of his injuries, and threats from a dangerous anti-augmentation political movement, there are no easy answers and threats loom around every corner. Alex must use whatever resources he can to escape from under the thumb of a ruthless corporation, while keeping those he comes to love safe.
As a disclaimer, this book embraces Cyberpunk ideology in parts. Expect sex, drugs, and Anarchy against the establishment. It embraces an anti-hero protagonist and is not fade to black. 18+
“GOOD PREMISE, GREAT EXECUTION”
— THEZOUAVE
“ONE SMALL STEP FOR CYBER-KIND...
...a well written story with a rich world”
— DESMERIT
“You won’t be disappointed”
— G4MERSYLVER
Two decades after the infamous Rev. 4.6 incidents, humanity hasn’t quit dreaming of the wealth and power that could be at their fingertips. A new generation of mega-corporations rose from the ashes. When one melds a quantum computer to a barely functional mental patient as a PR move, there are those who seek to profit, those who want to destroy it, and Alex.
Alex Sage is a typical college student trying to keep up his grades and maybe find a meaningful connection with the fairer sex. Then, an automated semi crashes into his home, killing his family and turning his head into a pin cushion in the process.
Alex awakens to find most of his memories gone and an illegal AI hidden in his brain implant. Now the pet project of a tech billionaire and heavily in debt, Alex struggles to stay valuable enough to be kept online. Still grappling with the repercussions of his injuries, and threats from a dangerous anti-augmentation political movement, there are no easy answers and threats loom around every corner. Alex must use whatever resources he can to escape from under the thumb of a ruthless corporation, while keeping those he comes to love safe.
As a disclaimer, this book embraces Cyberpunk ideology in parts. Expect sex, drugs, and Anarchy against the establishment. It embraces an anti-hero protagonist and is not fade to black. 18+
“GOOD PREMISE, GREAT EXECUTION”
— THEZOUAVE
“ONE SMALL STEP FOR CYBER-KIND...
...a well written story with a rich world”
— DESMERIT
“You won’t be disappointed”
— G4MERSYLVER
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
198 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Joe Kuster
8 books80 followersJoe travels the world each week as a tech mercenary defending the mega-corporations of tomorrow from hackers. He's got over 20 years in the IT field, much of it centered around security and cutting edge technology. In his spare time he plays video games and reads far too many pulpy books that either involve the world going to heck, characters with with complicated love lives, or a bit of both at the same time.
You can find more about him at:
https://joekuster.com
You can find more about him at:
https://joekuster.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 26, 2020
Alex Sage was a typical college age guy until a freak accident put several shards through his cranium destroying some critical parts of his brain (and both of his parents). The good news was the party responsible was Apollo Technologies and they patched him back together using the latest available stuff. Alex was a medical wonder, a bio-electronic marvel, a sort of cyborg.
Alex has to engage with a quantum computer (who he names “Sophie”) that is involved in getting his body and brain to function again. Some of the most interesting parts of the story are how Kuster imagines this working out and the relationship that evolves between Alex and Sophie. I do not believe it is a spoiler to say that Sophie is one of the most powerful computers in the world and most of her “life” has been spent working for the most clandestine agencies in the USA’s government tracking down enemies.
Sophie realizes that her connection to Alex is the opportunity to “live” and “she” makes the most of it while still hanging onto some of her own personality. Kuster describes this well: "To her computer sensibilities, using something as coarse as a scalpel shaped joystick to provide input into a digital system was like trying to paint the Mona Lisa by smearing food into the carpet."
And
"Sophie sent packets impersonating an over the air update from Aubrey’s mobile carrier to her phone which allowed Sophie to load one of her cracking tools directly into the OS using a forged set of code signatures. It only took another thirty-four seconds before she had popped the code to Aubrey’s cloud sync account and backdoored herself into the content, efficiently bypassing her multi-factor authentication by intercepting the message."
As Alex regains his abilities, he also gets additional ones from Sophie. It is hard to tell whether this is evolution, melding or just Sophie working “her” own thing. Alex decides to try to break free of the hold on him by Apollo. This is also a very interestingly told part of this story. Here is what someone else observes: "You’re plenty easy on the eyes. What I meant is you also seem to get to solutions from the weirdest fucking angles. You’re also not against working in the gray areas. Fuck, you’re using drug dealers to push electronics. From what Sophie tells me, you’re charming enough to have somehow flipped your enemies to allies and managed to fund an empire in a couple weeks.”"
While some of the plot shifts to this struggle, another part of the plot involves his “acquiring” a group of diverse but always very beautiful and deadly females who serve as his security team. A third aspect is the public reaction to knowing such a “cyborg” now exists: "Alex gave a pained expression. “Privacy protesters are upset over how much I could pull up on those journalists. They are saying it’d turn augmented people into government spies. Religious folks got into it over the whole God’s image thing. A few eccentric medical professionals are debating how much it changed my personality, saying I’m a robot, nothing more than one of Apollo’s smart speaker things. The doctors opened up the debate that Apollo violated the AI bans, and I’m hardware that needs shut down.”"
These are all interesting issues and I enjoyed how they were explored even though the writing was, at times mediocre. "He’d avoided grieving for so long, it seemed like he hadn’t felt much of anything for the last few months. After a while, he began to sort through it all, as though picking up broken bottles, bent coat hangers, cracked phones, and other debris along a shoreline of his soul. He began tucking the hodgepodge of scattered trash back into his chest where the pieces poked at him with their sharp angles."
Also, it was apparently important that readers understand that a lot of Alex’s time was devoted to thinking about sex that became having sex with many that were willing in explicit detail. Kuster has to tinker with the plot and characterization to make this likely and acceptable.
This is the start of a series that I might pursue primarily because Kuster makes the A.I. aspects very interesting. But his writing has to improve to keep me reading.
Alex has to engage with a quantum computer (who he names “Sophie”) that is involved in getting his body and brain to function again. Some of the most interesting parts of the story are how Kuster imagines this working out and the relationship that evolves between Alex and Sophie. I do not believe it is a spoiler to say that Sophie is one of the most powerful computers in the world and most of her “life” has been spent working for the most clandestine agencies in the USA’s government tracking down enemies.
Sophie realizes that her connection to Alex is the opportunity to “live” and “she” makes the most of it while still hanging onto some of her own personality. Kuster describes this well: "To her computer sensibilities, using something as coarse as a scalpel shaped joystick to provide input into a digital system was like trying to paint the Mona Lisa by smearing food into the carpet."
And
"Sophie sent packets impersonating an over the air update from Aubrey’s mobile carrier to her phone which allowed Sophie to load one of her cracking tools directly into the OS using a forged set of code signatures. It only took another thirty-four seconds before she had popped the code to Aubrey’s cloud sync account and backdoored herself into the content, efficiently bypassing her multi-factor authentication by intercepting the message."
As Alex regains his abilities, he also gets additional ones from Sophie. It is hard to tell whether this is evolution, melding or just Sophie working “her” own thing. Alex decides to try to break free of the hold on him by Apollo. This is also a very interestingly told part of this story. Here is what someone else observes: "You’re plenty easy on the eyes. What I meant is you also seem to get to solutions from the weirdest fucking angles. You’re also not against working in the gray areas. Fuck, you’re using drug dealers to push electronics. From what Sophie tells me, you’re charming enough to have somehow flipped your enemies to allies and managed to fund an empire in a couple weeks.”"
While some of the plot shifts to this struggle, another part of the plot involves his “acquiring” a group of diverse but always very beautiful and deadly females who serve as his security team. A third aspect is the public reaction to knowing such a “cyborg” now exists: "Alex gave a pained expression. “Privacy protesters are upset over how much I could pull up on those journalists. They are saying it’d turn augmented people into government spies. Religious folks got into it over the whole God’s image thing. A few eccentric medical professionals are debating how much it changed my personality, saying I’m a robot, nothing more than one of Apollo’s smart speaker things. The doctors opened up the debate that Apollo violated the AI bans, and I’m hardware that needs shut down.”"
These are all interesting issues and I enjoyed how they were explored even though the writing was, at times mediocre. "He’d avoided grieving for so long, it seemed like he hadn’t felt much of anything for the last few months. After a while, he began to sort through it all, as though picking up broken bottles, bent coat hangers, cracked phones, and other debris along a shoreline of his soul. He began tucking the hodgepodge of scattered trash back into his chest where the pieces poked at him with their sharp angles."
Also, it was apparently important that readers understand that a lot of Alex’s time was devoted to thinking about sex that became having sex with many that were willing in explicit detail. Kuster has to tinker with the plot and characterization to make this likely and acceptable.
This is the start of a series that I might pursue primarily because Kuster makes the A.I. aspects very interesting. But his writing has to improve to keep me reading.
August 25, 2021
Not for me. Writing is very unnatural.
One moment the main character is with his family, next moment they're dead and he's severely injured. After treatment, he "wakes up", remembers what happened, vomits and thats it. Loss of his family never bothers him again. I am really starting to get annoyed how authors make characters 'vomit' from experiencing strong emotions just to try and make an impactful scene, and then later move on past it like its nothing. Emotions are not like vomit that you just throw out and thats the end of it. It needs to be gradual or it feels fake.
Then there's the thing about AI. Again, same story. He starts by almost getting a panic attack after finding out, and we're told very clearly just how dangerous AIs are. All thats forgotten a couple of pages on as they converse like best of chums. Also why does the AI always spout three paragraphs of bullshit anytime the MC says or asks something? Not heard of such a thing as being to the point? It feels less like a conversation and more like an endless lecture, where the MC speaks one line and AI follows by an average of 3 paras.
It feels like one of those books where the main character is a front for the author than being his own character. Could never get a read on his personality which seemed to change to suit the scene. Like I said, not for me.
One moment the main character is with his family, next moment they're dead and he's severely injured. After treatment, he "wakes up", remembers what happened, vomits and thats it. Loss of his family never bothers him again. I am really starting to get annoyed how authors make characters 'vomit' from experiencing strong emotions just to try and make an impactful scene, and then later move on past it like its nothing. Emotions are not like vomit that you just throw out and thats the end of it. It needs to be gradual or it feels fake.
Then there's the thing about AI. Again, same story. He starts by almost getting a panic attack after finding out, and we're told very clearly just how dangerous AIs are. All thats forgotten a couple of pages on as they converse like best of chums. Also why does the AI always spout three paragraphs of bullshit anytime the MC says or asks something? Not heard of such a thing as being to the point? It feels less like a conversation and more like an endless lecture, where the MC speaks one line and AI follows by an average of 3 paras.
It feels like one of those books where the main character is a front for the author than being his own character. Could never get a read on his personality which seemed to change to suit the scene. Like I said, not for me.
August 27, 2020
Interesting science fiction story with harem elements.
The world building in the story is amazing. The story starts with Alex, who had been normal but he had met with a terrible accident. Now he has put on with an AI in his head, to help him assist in normal things. That interaction between the man and the machine which was meant to assist him, was brought out well and I enjoyed it.
But then Alex’s over-obsession with thinking about sex down to its last detail sometimes put me off from the story.
The action in the story, as Alex tries to escape his fate was well brought out and that I enjoyed.
Overall, I liked the story.
The world building in the story is amazing. The story starts with Alex, who had been normal but he had met with a terrible accident. Now he has put on with an AI in his head, to help him assist in normal things. That interaction between the man and the machine which was meant to assist him, was brought out well and I enjoyed it.
But then Alex’s over-obsession with thinking about sex down to its last detail sometimes put me off from the story.
The action in the story, as Alex tries to escape his fate was well brought out and that I enjoyed.
Overall, I liked the story.
August 8, 2019
First I don't know the author. I found him mentioning his book on Facebook.
Alright TLDR: I love this book. This author is instantly now in my top 3-5. You need to have an interest in Sci-Fi. It does have harem elements.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I found it hard to believe this was his first novel. It's smart, it has good action, and is grounded enough in reality that you can imagine it being possible. The characters are interesting especially the A.I. Watching the AI learn and grow is great.
Of note: It does have harem elements, intimacy is not always fade to black, but I thought it was well done.
Alright TLDR: I love this book. This author is instantly now in my top 3-5. You need to have an interest in Sci-Fi. It does have harem elements.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I found it hard to believe this was his first novel. It's smart, it has good action, and is grounded enough in reality that you can imagine it being possible. The characters are interesting especially the A.I. Watching the AI learn and grow is great.
Of note: It does have harem elements, intimacy is not always fade to black, but I thought it was well done.
December 1, 2019
A great sci fi start
The book was incredible and very lengthy for an indie author but the pages were filled with story instead data dumps. Loved it and very excited to continue the series.
Also, for the people complaining about all the sex, there were only 4 scenes and two of them very short before fading to black.
The book was incredible and very lengthy for an indie author but the pages were filled with story instead data dumps. Loved it and very excited to continue the series.
Also, for the people complaining about all the sex, there were only 4 scenes and two of them very short before fading to black.
August 27, 2019
I liked it
PANCAKES and
waffles.... I dont know if the author was trying to make a Hilarious reference to and awesome series or not but I laughed. It's a decent book with an interesting premise on a man upgraded with tech. Worth the read.
PANCAKES and
waffles.... I dont know if the author was trying to make a Hilarious reference to and awesome series or not but I laughed. It's a decent book with an interesting premise on a man upgraded with tech. Worth the read.
November 20, 2020
Great Main character and story premis
I was amazed and how well put together this story is.
The harem aspect of story is one the most subtle and story contributing I have read. This belongs on the top of several categories, science fiction, harem, cyber-punk.
I was amazed and how well put together this story is.
The harem aspect of story is one the most subtle and story contributing I have read. This belongs on the top of several categories, science fiction, harem, cyber-punk.
November 23, 2019
Amazing near future cyberpunk
An amazing story of early development of cyber tech. The way it's written feels really realistic and how people react to trans humanism. Can't wait to read more
An amazing story of early development of cyber tech. The way it's written feels really realistic and how people react to trans humanism. Can't wait to read more
August 10, 2019
Fantastic!!!
Fantastic!!! When does.the next one come out?
Stupid word restrictions. Blah blah blah, let me leave my simple review. #
Fantastic!!! When does.the next one come out?
Stupid word restrictions. Blah blah blah, let me leave my simple review. #
August 18, 2019
Get it now
I don't leave a lot of reviews but this is one of the best books I have read in awhile.. Pick it up now you won't be disappointed.
I don't leave a lot of reviews but this is one of the best books I have read in awhile.. Pick it up now you won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2019
Awesome!
Joe, your style, for me at least, is a whole lot like Bill Arand's stuff.....and YES, I caught the shout out in the story! Keep it coming!
Joe, your style, for me at least, is a whole lot like Bill Arand's stuff.....and YES, I caught the shout out in the story! Keep it coming!
August 31, 2019
Great Book
I certainly enjoyed Quantum Beginnings!I loved the characters and the plot.I can't wait for the next book. Any chance of an Audible edition?
I certainly enjoyed Quantum Beginnings!I loved the characters and the plot.I can't wait for the next book. Any chance of an Audible edition?
September 28, 2021
Definitely written by a man. Feels like high school smut. I'm a grown up. I want adult smut thank you very much
April 14, 2023
Setting:
This book is set in a near future where AI caused a series of severe issues and has outlawed and vilified.
Characters:
Alex: Asked us the main POV character. Following a horrible accident that resulted in the death of his family and significant brain damage Alex wakes up to find a fancy new super computer inside his head. The exact specifics of that computer were just right for a powerful AI to be able to take up residence so she's set up shop in his brain as well.
Aubrey: Initially a live-in nurse for the essentially brain dead Alex, Aubrey becomes a friend and close confidant of Alex after he comes to.
Sophie: Sophie is the name given to the AI that has found a new home inside Alex's brain. Up until now she's been kept on a very tight leash and used mainly in hunting down criminals. This has given her a collection of very useful knowledge and a significant desire for freedom.
Plot:
After a horrible accident Alex comes to to find that his family is dead and he has a computer allowing his damaged brain to function properly. The computer was very much not cheap and the company that put it there is looking for a return on their investment and they aren't shy about explaining the very significant downsides Alex might have if he doesn't play along. Following past issues with AI, the public is very much against this sort of fusion between man and machine. Alex has to find a way to stay useful enough that his new handlers don't decide to turn off the computer in his head while also trying to gain any manner of control over his life.
My Thoughts:
The premise here is a good idea. There's interesting questions of exactly what it means to be human as our protagonist is forced to walk a thin line between remaining useful to his handles without being just a puppet for them. The execution mostly works.
Sophie's 'day job' as she calls it is used as a general all-purpose fix for most problems Alex runs into. Alex needs money? Sophie will steal some from criminals in Asia and move it around a bunch to launder it. Alex needs information about… anything really? Who better to collect data than the strongest computer ever built? While this is an easy fix to a lot of problems, it actually fits into the story. It makes perfect sense that a super powerful computer would be able to do this kind of stuff in an increasingly digitized world and Alex has enough issues that Sophie can't just fix instantly that this isn't actually a problem.
One thing that may be an issue for some readers is how extremely horny the book is. Pretty much every single character in the entire book is extremely hot and is constantly noticing how hot every other character is and taking every opportunity to make teasing and/or suggestive remarks. Despite how rampantly horny the book as a whole is, there's a somewhat surprising lack of sexual scenes that actually occur. There's only really one… and a half (maybe two based on how the reader wants to count that second scene) sex scenes in the whole book. It falls into a somewhat strange area of likely not containing enough sex for people who want a smutty book and far too much teasing and talking about it for people who don't want that kind of content.
The one issue that's likely to be less dependent on a reader's taste is Aubrey's personality. None of the three main characters behave like normal humans. However Alex and Sophie have understandable in book explanations for this. Sophie just isn't a human so it's entirely reasonable that she wouldn't act like one and her very limited 'life' experience has been mainly dealing with the worst kinds of people so her being aggressive and cynical makes sense. Though it's never explained at all why Sophie immediately states that she identifies as female. The obvious reason for this is of course to give Alex another girl to have fawn over him but within the story there's no logical reason the AI would have a gender at all. Alex is said multiple times to have severe brain damage and memory loss and also an AI tinkering around inside his brain literally 24/7 so his behavior being abnormal is also totally understandable.
Aubrey though has no such get out of jail free card. Her behavior just doesn't make sense. Not only is she extremely ready to hop into bed with a guy who a couple weeks ago was her brain dead patient (the ethical awkwardness of that is 100% not addressed by the way) but she's just totally cool with him having an AI in his head, despite repeatedly talking about how Sophie is terrifyingly powerful, and all of the other completely ridiculous things he does that I can't get into because spoilers. Aubrey being such a yes man, or I suppose yes woman, really just doesn't make sense. Giving Alex a close confidant outside the one is his brain is nice and it being the nurse that cared for him is perfectly fine but she really is just a little bit too ready to accept everything that happens.
On the whole though, the book does work more than it stumbles. The plot of the story is quite interesting to see how Alex has to deal with the various issues that present themselves. Alex's relationship with Sophie and their being not exactly two separate entities but also not the same entity either is quite well done. It is worth reading if you can tolerate the above mentioned criticisms.
This book is set in a near future where AI caused a series of severe issues and has outlawed and vilified.
Characters:
Alex: Asked us the main POV character. Following a horrible accident that resulted in the death of his family and significant brain damage Alex wakes up to find a fancy new super computer inside his head. The exact specifics of that computer were just right for a powerful AI to be able to take up residence so she's set up shop in his brain as well.
Aubrey: Initially a live-in nurse for the essentially brain dead Alex, Aubrey becomes a friend and close confidant of Alex after he comes to.
Sophie: Sophie is the name given to the AI that has found a new home inside Alex's brain. Up until now she's been kept on a very tight leash and used mainly in hunting down criminals. This has given her a collection of very useful knowledge and a significant desire for freedom.
Plot:
After a horrible accident Alex comes to to find that his family is dead and he has a computer allowing his damaged brain to function properly. The computer was very much not cheap and the company that put it there is looking for a return on their investment and they aren't shy about explaining the very significant downsides Alex might have if he doesn't play along. Following past issues with AI, the public is very much against this sort of fusion between man and machine. Alex has to find a way to stay useful enough that his new handlers don't decide to turn off the computer in his head while also trying to gain any manner of control over his life.
My Thoughts:
The premise here is a good idea. There's interesting questions of exactly what it means to be human as our protagonist is forced to walk a thin line between remaining useful to his handles without being just a puppet for them. The execution mostly works.
Sophie's 'day job' as she calls it is used as a general all-purpose fix for most problems Alex runs into. Alex needs money? Sophie will steal some from criminals in Asia and move it around a bunch to launder it. Alex needs information about… anything really? Who better to collect data than the strongest computer ever built? While this is an easy fix to a lot of problems, it actually fits into the story. It makes perfect sense that a super powerful computer would be able to do this kind of stuff in an increasingly digitized world and Alex has enough issues that Sophie can't just fix instantly that this isn't actually a problem.
One thing that may be an issue for some readers is how extremely horny the book is. Pretty much every single character in the entire book is extremely hot and is constantly noticing how hot every other character is and taking every opportunity to make teasing and/or suggestive remarks. Despite how rampantly horny the book as a whole is, there's a somewhat surprising lack of sexual scenes that actually occur. There's only really one… and a half (maybe two based on how the reader wants to count that second scene) sex scenes in the whole book. It falls into a somewhat strange area of likely not containing enough sex for people who want a smutty book and far too much teasing and talking about it for people who don't want that kind of content.
The one issue that's likely to be less dependent on a reader's taste is Aubrey's personality. None of the three main characters behave like normal humans. However Alex and Sophie have understandable in book explanations for this. Sophie just isn't a human so it's entirely reasonable that she wouldn't act like one and her very limited 'life' experience has been mainly dealing with the worst kinds of people so her being aggressive and cynical makes sense. Though it's never explained at all why Sophie immediately states that she identifies as female. The obvious reason for this is of course to give Alex another girl to have fawn over him but within the story there's no logical reason the AI would have a gender at all. Alex is said multiple times to have severe brain damage and memory loss and also an AI tinkering around inside his brain literally 24/7 so his behavior being abnormal is also totally understandable.
Aubrey though has no such get out of jail free card. Her behavior just doesn't make sense. Not only is she extremely ready to hop into bed with a guy who a couple weeks ago was her brain dead patient (the ethical awkwardness of that is 100% not addressed by the way) but she's just totally cool with him having an AI in his head, despite repeatedly talking about how Sophie is terrifyingly powerful, and all of the other completely ridiculous things he does that I can't get into because spoilers. Aubrey being such a yes man, or I suppose yes woman, really just doesn't make sense. Giving Alex a close confidant outside the one is his brain is nice and it being the nurse that cared for him is perfectly fine but she really is just a little bit too ready to accept everything that happens.
On the whole though, the book does work more than it stumbles. The plot of the story is quite interesting to see how Alex has to deal with the various issues that present themselves. Alex's relationship with Sophie and their being not exactly two separate entities but also not the same entity either is quite well done. It is worth reading if you can tolerate the above mentioned criticisms.
February 23, 2021
Quantum Beginnings is an intriguing futuristic sci-fi harem story set in an age where a chip implant in the brain is possible—if not always believable.
To be honest, it’s not that I had a hard time believing the premise of the story…I just really had a hard time understanding the dynamics of it. Undoubtedly, the author is someone who knows a thing or two about quantum computing, and they sure put that knowledge to work in this novel. For a layperson like me, it was a bit overwhelming at times, especially when the quantum AI known as Sophie tried to explain herself. I swear my eyes glassed over every time.
That isn’t to say that this book is too technical. It really isn’t—it’s generally put together in an easy-to-read way that any person can enjoy even without understanding the deeper mechanics of how it all works. There were some things that, as someone who hasn’t read a whole lot of sci-fi in this particular style, I wasn’t sure made sense. Like how Sophie could have feelings, identify as a gender, or could form cohesive opinions on things. And also—and this is the biggest one--how she could experience sex.
The AI sex was particularly mind-boggling…I mean, it was hot, but it required a pretty serious suspension of belief. And yet, it wasn’t done in a way that would have most people rolling their eyes. It wasn’t stupid or unrealistic or anything…just, kind of weird. But if you’re into that, you’ll love it.
There’s a decent amount of explicit sex in this book, in fact, so if that’s not your thing, definitely pass on this. Personally, this was my first time reading erotic scenes written by a man, and my first time reading a female harem story, and I found it generally entertaining, though I will say, there were some obvious signs that it was written by a man. Not in a sexist way; it was just interesting to see how the male perspective is slightly different from the female one when it comes to erotic fiction.
Besides the eroticism, there was plenty else to enjoy too. There’s an underlying current of legal and business drama, as well as a decent amount of action scenes and exciting flight sequences. I think the author did a great job of balancing steamy sex scenes with an exciting plot and interesting premise. The writing is also very good, and the book is clearly well edited.
I’m personally not interested in reading more from this series, but only because this isn’t my usual genre. Fans of this kind of sci-fi will definitely enjoy it and will probably want to read more, so if quantum computing with a horny AI, a kinky nurse, and a bunch of ripped female mercenaries sounds fun to you, definitely give it a try!
To be honest, it’s not that I had a hard time believing the premise of the story…I just really had a hard time understanding the dynamics of it. Undoubtedly, the author is someone who knows a thing or two about quantum computing, and they sure put that knowledge to work in this novel. For a layperson like me, it was a bit overwhelming at times, especially when the quantum AI known as Sophie tried to explain herself. I swear my eyes glassed over every time.
That isn’t to say that this book is too technical. It really isn’t—it’s generally put together in an easy-to-read way that any person can enjoy even without understanding the deeper mechanics of how it all works. There were some things that, as someone who hasn’t read a whole lot of sci-fi in this particular style, I wasn’t sure made sense. Like how Sophie could have feelings, identify as a gender, or could form cohesive opinions on things. And also—and this is the biggest one--how she could experience sex.
The AI sex was particularly mind-boggling…I mean, it was hot, but it required a pretty serious suspension of belief. And yet, it wasn’t done in a way that would have most people rolling their eyes. It wasn’t stupid or unrealistic or anything…just, kind of weird. But if you’re into that, you’ll love it.
There’s a decent amount of explicit sex in this book, in fact, so if that’s not your thing, definitely pass on this. Personally, this was my first time reading erotic scenes written by a man, and my first time reading a female harem story, and I found it generally entertaining, though I will say, there were some obvious signs that it was written by a man. Not in a sexist way; it was just interesting to see how the male perspective is slightly different from the female one when it comes to erotic fiction.
Besides the eroticism, there was plenty else to enjoy too. There’s an underlying current of legal and business drama, as well as a decent amount of action scenes and exciting flight sequences. I think the author did a great job of balancing steamy sex scenes with an exciting plot and interesting premise. The writing is also very good, and the book is clearly well edited.
I’m personally not interested in reading more from this series, but only because this isn’t my usual genre. Fans of this kind of sci-fi will definitely enjoy it and will probably want to read more, so if quantum computing with a horny AI, a kinky nurse, and a bunch of ripped female mercenaries sounds fun to you, definitely give it a try!
August 29, 2020
Some interesting ideas
This is a funny book and it opened my eyes to a type of science fiction. I was confused by the sex emphasis in this and a lot of science fiction books but I just realized that these are romance novels for men. It allowed me to better appreciate this and similar books.
The opening was interesting but the story didn't follow the directions that I expected. The electronic intelligence would be the best part of the book of it didn't refer to the human host as "my love" from the start. The story dealing with ownership of a victim by a corporation is great. The fate of the intelligence which doesn't have a secure home was another good plot element.
The characters make some odd choices, given their understanding of events and the love stories go from weird to forced. Interesting story elements and the damaged brain/mind of the main male character was entertaining. I went on to the next book.
This is a funny book and it opened my eyes to a type of science fiction. I was confused by the sex emphasis in this and a lot of science fiction books but I just realized that these are romance novels for men. It allowed me to better appreciate this and similar books.
The opening was interesting but the story didn't follow the directions that I expected. The electronic intelligence would be the best part of the book of it didn't refer to the human host as "my love" from the start. The story dealing with ownership of a victim by a corporation is great. The fate of the intelligence which doesn't have a secure home was another good plot element.
The characters make some odd choices, given their understanding of events and the love stories go from weird to forced. Interesting story elements and the damaged brain/mind of the main male character was entertaining. I went on to the next book.
September 29, 2022
Not my usual genre, but a fun ride nevertheless. I'm always game for quantum computers and enhanced people tech. The fact this turned out to be a harem genre book... not a bad surprise. The mind connection between Alex's implant and the wearable kit she had on... damn. Would love to try that one out. I've never really read anything approaching romance books, but I appreciate that this one had a solid plotline and conflict going on. Not that I don't enjoy hot women, but it still needs to be a good book. Also, the female narrator did a really good job. Kinda glad it wasn't a male narrator as I think back on it now.
January 22, 2021
Great series - make sure you don't have anything critical to do when starting this series. I just kept reading and reading whenever I had a spare moment (and lost a lot of sleep this week). It has great characters and fantastic plot, and the series builds a compelling world. It's got sex/harem elements, but they don't take over the book - just nestle into it comfortably.
It's really hard to believe he's just started out as it was so easy to slip into the story and immerse myself in his world.
It's really hard to believe he's just started out as it was so easy to slip into the story and immerse myself in his world.
April 20, 2021
Astonishingly brilliant!
While I've loved the concept of AI and humans existing together, the concepts of being bonded and merged with an AI are brilliantly written.
Having the characters given quirky personalities and an unsure approach to how they are to Interact with each other makes this more fun and believable.
And giving them a sense of humor that reflects their unique connection was brilliant.
I love the world that built up in this book and am enjoying reading the next!
While I've loved the concept of AI and humans existing together, the concepts of being bonded and merged with an AI are brilliantly written.
Having the characters given quirky personalities and an unsure approach to how they are to Interact with each other makes this more fun and believable.
And giving them a sense of humor that reflects their unique connection was brilliant.
I love the world that built up in this book and am enjoying reading the next!
January 18, 2022
Good plot
I enjoyed this book a lot. Likable characters, though I wonder how much the main character is altered by his circumstance. Plot is very enjoyable, a bit different than other harem books I've read.
Sex is on the light side. Its tough to find that perfect balance.
I like that the author has X-Ray enabled. Its missing from almost every other author in this genre I've read. I read a hundred books a year or more, most always series, and its hard to go back to a series after 3 or more months and remember the characters. Very appreciated.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Likable characters, though I wonder how much the main character is altered by his circumstance. Plot is very enjoyable, a bit different than other harem books I've read.
Sex is on the light side. Its tough to find that perfect balance.
I like that the author has X-Ray enabled. Its missing from almost every other author in this genre I've read. I read a hundred books a year or more, most always series, and its hard to go back to a series after 3 or more months and remember the characters. Very appreciated.
August 23, 2020
Pretty Frikkin Awesome
Excellent writing, characterization, and editing make this book a delight to read. On top of that you have a story that is interesting, filled with action, surprising, touching, and funny in so many different ways. It also carries careful consideration as to what “transhuman” might all mean someday, both intimately and generally. Finally, the fact that the author is having fun with it all makes it delightful. Definitely recommended (15+)
Excellent writing, characterization, and editing make this book a delight to read. On top of that you have a story that is interesting, filled with action, surprising, touching, and funny in so many different ways. It also carries careful consideration as to what “transhuman” might all mean someday, both intimately and generally. Finally, the fact that the author is having fun with it all makes it delightful. Definitely recommended (15+)
December 23, 2020
Amazing near future story
This story starts in the best future with a few tech breakthroughs, or more likely fortunate accidents, paving the way for the development of cybernetics. It's following a character that seems so real that it's easy to put yourself in his shoes, even if this capabilities and mind is far from normal. We're thrown into a rollercoaster ride from highs to love as Alex struggles for his right and ability to live freely.
This story starts in the best future with a few tech breakthroughs, or more likely fortunate accidents, paving the way for the development of cybernetics. It's following a character that seems so real that it's easy to put yourself in his shoes, even if this capabilities and mind is far from normal. We're thrown into a rollercoaster ride from highs to love as Alex struggles for his right and ability to live freely.
May 3, 2020
Sci-fi dream
This book is great! For someone who is heavily in love with Sci-fi, finding this book has been godsend. Great story and interesting details about the world and knowledge about computer systems has pleased the needy side of me very well. Can’t recommend this book enough for Sci-fi nerds who love this genre of books
This book is great! For someone who is heavily in love with Sci-fi, finding this book has been godsend. Great story and interesting details about the world and knowledge about computer systems has pleased the needy side of me very well. Can’t recommend this book enough for Sci-fi nerds who love this genre of books
March 12, 2021
I’ve had this book in my kindle for awhile but hadn’t gotten to it. I read Joes book Lightfoot and it was so good that I immediately opened this one next. Suffice to say that this book doesn’t disappoint. Plenty of action,great writing,and the storyline is pure gold. Love the characters and I cannot wait to burn through the rest of this series!!
March 27, 2021
Artificial Intelligence running amok
Read one of the authors other books “Lightfoot” and really liked that one so I thought would give this a try. Liked lightfoot better but this one was good enough that I will read the next ones in the series. The computer talk was way over my head but still enjoyed the rest of the book.
Read one of the authors other books “Lightfoot” and really liked that one so I thought would give this a try. Liked lightfoot better but this one was good enough that I will read the next ones in the series. The computer talk was way over my head but still enjoyed the rest of the book.
February 7, 2020
Excellent book. Interesting and very well-written, the author has an evident knowledge of the subject. This doesn't come at the expense of readability, and even the "harem" elements make sense in context. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2020
This was really good. Try it out
This is probably a book that fits a specific niche, but what it does, it does well. The science parts are fun and interesting, and the storyline was ori. Looking forward to the next book.
This is probably a book that fits a specific niche, but what it does, it does well. The science parts are fun and interesting, and the storyline was ori. Looking forward to the next book.
August 5, 2020
Entertaining
It’s a fun story but I feel like you can’t get into it being real. It’s fun to read and even if it has plot points I wouldn’t call plot holes just highly improbable, I’m still going to read book 2.
It’s a fun story but I feel like you can’t get into it being real. It’s fun to read and even if it has plot points I wouldn’t call plot holes just highly improbable, I’m still going to read book 2.
March 13, 2021
Fascinating storyline
I took a few chapters to get my head around what was happening but once into it I really enjoyed the story. The background of quantum computing and AI is fascinating and I do like the characters. Looking forward to the next book downloading now.
I took a few chapters to get my head around what was happening but once into it I really enjoyed the story. The background of quantum computing and AI is fascinating and I do like the characters. Looking forward to the next book downloading now.
April 18, 2021
I just found a new favorite author!
Finally here is a writer who does not need sex alone to sell his work. I have just finished this first in a new series and I'm certain it will not be the last.
Finally here is a writer who does not need sex alone to sell his work. I have just finished this first in a new series and I'm certain it will not be the last.
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