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The Silvarian Trilogy #1
Body Suit
Exiled to the mines of Mars ...
Silvariah Frandelle, a brilliant and beautiful business woman, falls from wealth and success into exile and poverty, indentured--barely one step above slavery--as an off-world laborer to escape prison. Her last calculated risk as a free woman, paid for with years of service, becomes the key to surviving hostile environments.
Space, gravity, and Mars wastelands were expected. Intrusive AIs, obscure experiments, and shadowy foes were not.
Escaping with her life will require more than intuition, wits, or nerve, as the intrigue unravels from both ends, and she's forced to decide who to believe, and who to trust.
Body Suit explores the development of personality and the shaping of character--human or otherwise--external pressures, competing ideals, and battles for control. A well-paced drama that builds tension to the last page and concludes with a harrowing climax.
Silvariah Frandelle, a brilliant and beautiful business woman, falls from wealth and success into exile and poverty, indentured--barely one step above slavery--as an off-world laborer to escape prison. Her last calculated risk as a free woman, paid for with years of service, becomes the key to surviving hostile environments.
Space, gravity, and Mars wastelands were expected. Intrusive AIs, obscure experiments, and shadowy foes were not.
Escaping with her life will require more than intuition, wits, or nerve, as the intrigue unravels from both ends, and she's forced to decide who to believe, and who to trust.
Body Suit explores the development of personality and the shaping of character--human or otherwise--external pressures, competing ideals, and battles for control. A well-paced drama that builds tension to the last page and concludes with a harrowing climax.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2018
153 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 20, 2019
I asked Ken Lizzi, author of 'Under Strange Suns', which of his books was his favorite and he answered, "How can I choose favorites among my children?" This delightful answer captures what authors should and do feel for their books.
We love them.
'Body Suit' didn't start out as a story I loved but I poured all my favorite things into it and it became one. The suit itself was the central idea but as the plot developed it grew into one of the characters. Walter, too, was intended to make a one time appearance in the first chapter and fade into the shadows, but he strode forward and took stage-left to counter Silvariah's stage-right, and now the book can't exist without him. One of the AIs is as real to me as humans.
There are breathtaking views of the stars and planets, experiences of speed, weightlessness, and fun tech, characters who make their own decisions dragging my story along with them, mysteries, experiments, friendship and camaraderie, adventure and danger, an acceleration to the finish... I added them all.
Sailing west to find the east, like Columbus, I found what I did not expect... a world to love and explore.
We love them.
'Body Suit' didn't start out as a story I loved but I poured all my favorite things into it and it became one. The suit itself was the central idea but as the plot developed it grew into one of the characters. Walter, too, was intended to make a one time appearance in the first chapter and fade into the shadows, but he strode forward and took stage-left to counter Silvariah's stage-right, and now the book can't exist without him. One of the AIs is as real to me as humans.
There are breathtaking views of the stars and planets, experiences of speed, weightlessness, and fun tech, characters who make their own decisions dragging my story along with them, mysteries, experiments, friendship and camaraderie, adventure and danger, an acceleration to the finish... I added them all.
Sailing west to find the east, like Columbus, I found what I did not expect... a world to love and explore.
October 28, 2021
I was interested in the basic idea behind the story, but the further I got into the book the more confused I got. It just didn’t make sense, the author incorporated lots of ideas, but for me it never really came together as a whole. It wasn’t helped by the story being written in ‘chunks’ that weren’t always well connected together. On several occasions I had to re-read parts as I was sure there must have been pages missing from my book.
Some of the individual ‘incidents’ were quite good to read, but characters came and went and as an overall story I was disappointed.
Some of the individual ‘incidents’ were quite good to read, but characters came and went and as an overall story I was disappointed.
May 22, 2020
I have to admit that I do not read much science fiction. I chose this book because I was intrigued by author Suzanne Hagelin’s contributions to a recent Northwest Independent Writers Association Blog Tour. And I’m so glad I did.
Meet Operative Silvariah Frandelle, “Sil,” former jet-setting entrepreneur, reduced to indentured servitude on Mars when her business partner absconds with all their investors’ money. She needs an HEW, a Hostile Environment Work suit, and she uses her business savvy and feminine wiles to get the most advanced suit available. A simple voice command, and she is encased in the most protective armor in existence. With another command, she can be decked out in a cocktail dress. She’ll need the armor in the mines of Mars, where she is condemned to spend the next seven years in hard labor. As if that were not enough, someone doesn’t want her to leave Mars ever, and seems willing to do whatever it takes to strand her there.
The story showcases an array of artificial intelligences, from the faceless and menacing collection of pipes and tubes known as Hobo, to the attractive young woman Daisy, to the presence of “Verna” within the body suit, and “Companion,” the sometimes sinister AI in charge of the Mars base. What I especially liked was the gradual development of Companion, as he becomes more and more self-aware and establishes his own personal identity, independent of his maker.
Body Suit is a compelling story, filled with interesting characters, “big ideas,” and riveting action sequences. Although it is part of a projected trilogy, (the second book is already available), it has a very satisfying ending (no cheap cliff-hanger!). My only complaint is that the two characters, Othello and Lazarus Penn, seem too similar to me. They are both extremely nasty old men without any redeeming features. I found myself wishing they were the same person.
That said, this is a terrific read, and I highly recommend it. Now that we’re beginning to come out of our quarantine, this is definitely the book you want to bring with you to the beach or the pool.
Meet Operative Silvariah Frandelle, “Sil,” former jet-setting entrepreneur, reduced to indentured servitude on Mars when her business partner absconds with all their investors’ money. She needs an HEW, a Hostile Environment Work suit, and she uses her business savvy and feminine wiles to get the most advanced suit available. A simple voice command, and she is encased in the most protective armor in existence. With another command, she can be decked out in a cocktail dress. She’ll need the armor in the mines of Mars, where she is condemned to spend the next seven years in hard labor. As if that were not enough, someone doesn’t want her to leave Mars ever, and seems willing to do whatever it takes to strand her there.
The story showcases an array of artificial intelligences, from the faceless and menacing collection of pipes and tubes known as Hobo, to the attractive young woman Daisy, to the presence of “Verna” within the body suit, and “Companion,” the sometimes sinister AI in charge of the Mars base. What I especially liked was the gradual development of Companion, as he becomes more and more self-aware and establishes his own personal identity, independent of his maker.
Body Suit is a compelling story, filled with interesting characters, “big ideas,” and riveting action sequences. Although it is part of a projected trilogy, (the second book is already available), it has a very satisfying ending (no cheap cliff-hanger!). My only complaint is that the two characters, Othello and Lazarus Penn, seem too similar to me. They are both extremely nasty old men without any redeeming features. I found myself wishing they were the same person.
That said, this is a terrific read, and I highly recommend it. Now that we’re beginning to come out of our quarantine, this is definitely the book you want to bring with you to the beach or the pool.
April 11, 2020
After a disastrous betrayal by her business partner, Sil uses the last of her money to buy a top of the line body suit that will help her survive indentured servitude on Mars. I was really excited by this idea, and wasn't disappointed. The actual body suit turns out to not only protect Sil from the normal problems it was designed for, but saves her life during all sorts of dangerous situations. The body suit was pretty awesome.
I also liked how the threads of the plot wove together. The story is told from Sil and Walter's POVs, and while Walter grows during the story, Sil's character is revealed as the mystery of her past comes to light, and as she faces adversity.
The character that had the best arc was Companion. I wasn't expecting him to play such a major role, but was surprised at how fast he learned, and how he turned out.
The problem for me was how black and white the contrast between the good guys and villains turned out to be. Companion had the most subtle, and thoughtfully done characterization. The villains were all ugly, both physically, and it the way they behaved. There was no subtlety at all. They were just flat out bad, and cartoonish. The dialog was also stilted, and often felt unnatural.
I still enjoyed the book. I appreciated the imaginative ideas, the feeling of menace and danger throughout the book, and the unfolding of the plot.
I also liked how the threads of the plot wove together. The story is told from Sil and Walter's POVs, and while Walter grows during the story, Sil's character is revealed as the mystery of her past comes to light, and as she faces adversity.
The character that had the best arc was Companion. I wasn't expecting him to play such a major role, but was surprised at how fast he learned, and how he turned out.
The problem for me was how black and white the contrast between the good guys and villains turned out to be. Companion had the most subtle, and thoughtfully done characterization. The villains were all ugly, both physically, and it the way they behaved. There was no subtlety at all. They were just flat out bad, and cartoonish. The dialog was also stilted, and often felt unnatural.
I still enjoyed the book. I appreciated the imaginative ideas, the feeling of menace and danger throughout the book, and the unfolding of the plot.
November 17, 2024
Purchased this edition on October 30, 2021. A woman riles society and everybody up. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
July 27, 2020
An intriguing AI Sci-Fi of struggle and redemption in the ultimate space suit -- A smart, tasteful, and well written world of a true Sci-Fi nature unfolds with an AI space suit that can be an armored fortress, camouflage, or appear as any clothing you choose. Sil meets Walter when purchasing the suit to go on a trip not of her choosing and he becomes a life line in her struggle to return to Earth. Circumstances are full of intrigue slowly revealed on a fairly quick journey to Mars and throughout what she is told will be years of toil in a mine. Oxygen deprivation turns calamity into the bazar in the end. There is no fanciful teenage angst in growing relationships; no humorous or joyous excitement about adventure; no glorious triumph of the people; or the fulfillment of bearing children of your own which would have tipped the scale of satisfaction for me. Instead it is a heady struggle against the controlling influence of the dark side of humanity; an exploration of artificial intelligence; the things that can go wrong despite futuristic technology; tragic death and survival, the fall from grace and redemption, and a hopeful yet realistic view of a future with all its cracks and flaws. A tremendous achievement worth reading.
July 17, 2022
After her business partner’s betrayal, Sil Frandelle’s life is in ruins. Rather than face more criminal trials, Sil agrees to work as an indentured employee on Mars. But someone doesn’t want her to come home, ever, and will stop at nothing to make sure she stays on Mars. With the help of her AI body suit, Sil’s able to withstand the harsh realities of Mars, but what about the people who wish her harm?
The premise of the story intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint. This science fiction story is also part mystery. It’s suspenseful, intelligently written, and focuses on age-old themes like greed, power, and racism. Sil goes through a significant change as she learns to deal with her difficult new life, and endure increasingly difficult challenges. The last third of the book was so suspenseful that I was on the edge of my seat. The pacing was spot on and the secondary characters, including the AIs, were equally interesting. This is one terrific read.
The premise of the story intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint. This science fiction story is also part mystery. It’s suspenseful, intelligently written, and focuses on age-old themes like greed, power, and racism. Sil goes through a significant change as she learns to deal with her difficult new life, and endure increasingly difficult challenges. The last third of the book was so suspenseful that I was on the edge of my seat. The pacing was spot on and the secondary characters, including the AIs, were equally interesting. This is one terrific read.
February 18, 2021
Space adventure on Mars
A classic space adventure with a strong female protagonist, it reminded me of Heinlein's books. I took a star off because, I felt that the main character's personality did not come through very clearly. She appeared at the beginning to be a cold hearted, logic driven business woman. Yet, a man falls in love with her so hard he's willing to help her after a brief meeting. I didn't see anything in her that would warrant the devotion. She also had no friends on Earth but managed to make a lot of friends once she's on Mars. What changed? It would have been a 4 star, maybe even a 5 star read if her personality and changes/ growth inside her had been made more explicit.
A classic space adventure with a strong female protagonist, it reminded me of Heinlein's books. I took a star off because, I felt that the main character's personality did not come through very clearly. She appeared at the beginning to be a cold hearted, logic driven business woman. Yet, a man falls in love with her so hard he's willing to help her after a brief meeting. I didn't see anything in her that would warrant the devotion. She also had no friends on Earth but managed to make a lot of friends once she's on Mars. What changed? It would have been a 4 star, maybe even a 5 star read if her personality and changes/ growth inside her had been made more explicit.
September 30, 2020
Disjointed
Some interesting ideas, and I actually finished the book, but the writing is choppy. I can’t connect with the characters and they never came across as believable people, more like stereotypes. The story needs more revision and editing to hang together. I won’t continue with the rest of the series.
Some interesting ideas, and I actually finished the book, but the writing is choppy. I can’t connect with the characters and they never came across as believable people, more like stereotypes. The story needs more revision and editing to hang together. I won’t continue with the rest of the series.
October 3, 2020
Captivating!
Enjoyed the flow and pace immensely. The character development was great and left me wanting to know more. If you know the Murderbot series, I found parallels in that with the Artificial Intelligence in Body Suit. Looking forward to the the future with hope. Time for book 2!
Enjoyed the flow and pace immensely. The character development was great and left me wanting to know more. If you know the Murderbot series, I found parallels in that with the Artificial Intelligence in Body Suit. Looking forward to the the future with hope. Time for book 2!
May 30, 2020
Great
I enjoyed the book it was well written a little too much jumping around but otherwise it was a very good book and I’d be interested in reading the next installment of the series
I enjoyed the book it was well written a little too much jumping around but otherwise it was a very good book and I’d be interested in reading the next installment of the series
June 27, 2021
Great read, nice details on the human to human, human to Ai interactions and the nuances of communication. It really pays attention to the relationships and some good Sci-Fi ideas and applications. Would recommend and will be moving on to book 2.
October 30, 2021
Well written sci-fi fantasy
Thus book has a complex plot, set on both Earth and Mars. The characters are well-crafted, and even though it is the first of a trilogy, leave the reader with a feeling of a complete story. I look forward to the next two volumes of this series.
Thus book has a complex plot, set on both Earth and Mars. The characters are well-crafted, and even though it is the first of a trilogy, leave the reader with a feeling of a complete story. I look forward to the next two volumes of this series.
October 31, 2021
A page turner
I found this book hard to put down, I was sure to have my Kindle with me when I went to appointments and it was hard to put it away to tend to business. I liked the characters land the plot as it moved right along.
I found this book hard to put down, I was sure to have my Kindle with me when I went to appointments and it was hard to put it away to tend to business. I liked the characters land the plot as it moved right along.
November 2, 2021
Un-put-downable
I would have enjoyed this book even without the increasingly convoluted plot. The more one reads, the more complex the story becomes, and the more involved the reader gets. A fantastic, well-paced read that I highly recommend
I would have enjoyed this book even without the increasingly convoluted plot. The more one reads, the more complex the story becomes, and the more involved the reader gets. A fantastic, well-paced read that I highly recommend
November 17, 2021
Off to a really good start
Excellent first book in a trilogy. Well developed plot and relatable characters. Ends well, but you know there's trouble lurking and you want to see what happens next. Well done.
Excellent first book in a trilogy. Well developed plot and relatable characters. Ends well, but you know there's trouble lurking and you want to see what happens next. Well done.
November 21, 2021
Nicely written.
Different perspective on traveling the stars. The suit was really good in getting your attention almost believing that it was alive.
Take some time check this book out.
Different perspective on traveling the stars. The suit was really good in getting your attention almost believing that it was alive.
Take some time check this book out.
November 22, 2021
One of the better
Most of the stories written today are not sequential, lack thoroughness and worse total reduncy
Your story sctually had an ending, imagine how many stories I've read since 1955 that do not!
Most of the stories written today are not sequential, lack thoroughness and worse total reduncy
Your story sctually had an ending, imagine how many stories I've read since 1955 that do not!
November 23, 2021
Review of: Body Suit (The Silva rain Trilogy Book 1)
Great series , with a new concept that I can't recall anyone author doing a similar idea in the past. Characterizaton was strong and the plot interesting. I think you'll enjoy reading the series.
Great series , with a new concept that I can't recall anyone author doing a similar idea in the past. Characterizaton was strong and the plot interesting. I think you'll enjoy reading the series.
November 30, 2021
An excellent read
An interplanetary tale which twists and turns, keeping you guessing, and raises many A.I. issues that are being seriously discussed at present... I would recommend it as a good read and a glimpse of the future
An interplanetary tale which twists and turns, keeping you guessing, and raises many A.I. issues that are being seriously discussed at present... I would recommend it as a good read and a glimpse of the future
December 6, 2021
Strong series starter
I'm expecting a lot more book in this series as the world building ia really exquisite and engaging. It is a real challenge to describe the growth of the initial AIs.
I'm expecting a lot more book in this series as the world building ia really exquisite and engaging. It is a real challenge to describe the growth of the initial AIs.
December 5, 2022
Body
This story had body. Attention was paid to the characters. A believable personality made the story more believable. The ending unfolded a little abruptly however still enjoyable.
This story had body. Attention was paid to the characters. A believable personality made the story more believable. The ending unfolded a little abruptly however still enjoyable.
June 30, 2020
Still waiting
Best science fiction book I have read in a long time.
Still waiting for number 3.
Please
I loved it
Best science fiction book I have read in a long time.
Still waiting for number 3.
Please
I loved it
November 4, 2021
I really liked everything about this story
I found myself really interested in this story and thought it seemed pretty well researched. My only complaint was it seemed kinda long.
I found myself really interested in this story and thought it seemed pretty well researched. My only complaint was it seemed kinda long.
November 6, 2021
Enjoyed would reccomend
If you like AI in yer Sci fi mostly good with a little evil give this a shot strong main characters enjoyable plot
If you like AI in yer Sci fi mostly good with a little evil give this a shot strong main characters enjoyable plot
November 8, 2021
An interesting read
Very interesting read, with many twists and new ideas of the future. Humans and aids aids we reach to new world
Very interesting read, with many twists and new ideas of the future. Humans and aids aids we reach to new world
November 10, 2021
Misogynistic Horror Story
Misogynistic Horror Story
I am sorry that I bought this book and read this far in it before I quit.
Misogynistic Horror Story
I am sorry that I bought this book and read this far in it before I quit.
November 19, 2021
Well written
Been reading sci fi for over 50 years so know what I like. Really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out as was the storyline.
Been reading sci fi for over 50 years so know what I like. Really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out as was the storyline.
February 28, 2022
It just didn’t see to hang together. I couldn’t get past the gal being sent for debts to a bad place — spice mines or something — buying an ultra fashion designer chi-chi space suit.
March 25, 2023
One if the best books I read in a long time. Interesting, likable, and well developed characters. Great story - novel and fresh hard sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews