Tionsphere

Tion #1

by J.C. Gemmell

Perfect for fans of Divergent, Snowpiercer and The Peripheral, Tionsphere will leave you stunned and curious about the limits of technology and the fragility of society. 

A thousand years ago, mankind escaped the rising oceans by building Tion—an expansive network of concentrical spheres suspended above the flooded Earth. Designed as a haven for the elite, Tion promised salvation. But that promise has long since faded in the lower levels where the masses live. 

Caitlyn is one of the many trapped in the Fives, where life is controlled by a crumbling global processing system that once kept Tion up and running efficiently. Now, as the system falters, chaos spreads, and the illusion of safety begins to shatter. 

When Caitlyn accidentally discovers a daring conspiracy linking her with the shadowy figure Pazel, she realises that Tion’s collapse may not be a coincidence. It may have been planned all along.

As groups clash and the truth about Tion’s origins comes to light, Caitlyn must find her way through a world on the verge of destruction. Can she uncover all of Tion’s secrets in time to do something about it? Or will humanity’s last haven become its grave? 

With its rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and an unsettling vision of the future, J.C. Gemmell’s Tionsphere is a must-read for fans of the dystopian and thrillers. This story is about endurance, loss, and the dangerous draw of dominance in a place where paradise was never meant to last.

415 pages, ebook

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

With scientist parents and steady exposure to the original Star Trek and Asimov’s boundless imagination, J.C. Gemmell was always surrounded by sci-fi stories. Despite the lure of fantasy sagas—Eddings, Tolkien and then Donaldson—a battered copy of Logan’s Run made him realise speculative futures were where the best stories lived.

Fast-forward a couple of decades, and he was deep in the world of computer science, riding the wave of technology before it was cool (or at least before it ruled the world). Eventually, he bought a home computer (for fun) and, instead of doing anything sensible with it, unleashed years of pent-up creativity.

Now, J.C. Gemmell crafts rich, unsettling visions of the future, blending intricate plots, diverse characters and profound moral dilemmas. Drawing on his career in Research & Development, he brings authenticity to his speculative fiction, particularly in how technology shapes society. Living on the south coast of England with his partner and two Maine Coon cats, he spends a lot of time watching the sea and dreaming up the futures we all might face.

Find out more about the author at jcgemmell.com

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.

On first impressions, what interested me about this was its uniqueness. It didn't remind me of anything else. I appreciate a book that provides an escape, and I felt that the author created a unique world for the reader to escape into.

I was also very interested in the characters, and interested in the way they interacted with one another. I wanted to know what happened to them, so that was something else that had me turning the pages.

Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.

[Oliver Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemmell’s ‘Tionsphere’ is a heavyweight first-in-a-series novel. It describes a future Earth where the old world has been wholly overbuilt by the new, and the billions upon billions of people who live there. The Tionsphere separates people into different levels, from the most affluent and influential to the most wretched and overlooks. The story of an overpopulated future must be told from several viewpoints, and Gemmell cleverly brings all of his protagonists together as the book concludes. In the first paragraph, he starts to introduce foreign words, so that the reader builds a vocabulary for overused terms (such as people, person, etc.) These are helpfully collated in a comprehensive glossary, but quickly these terms become part of the storytelling, as each is carefully presented and reenforced as you read.

Danesh has just reached adulthood when he is removed from his proscribed future and put to work for a businessman who smuggles people across Tion’s levels. He soon learns that his boss has sinister plans for the future of the Tionsphere and has to chose against him. He is helped by a member of a five-woman thinktank, yet their decisions change him in a way none could foresee.

Hyun-jun is a farmworker who wants to experience more of the world. He sets off on his journey to the surface and becomes the subject of a reality show that captivates Tion, yet disaster strikes and causes the population to rise up through the levels.

Connor used to work in reconstruction in Tion’s lower levels, but an opportunity to earn considerably more money takes him on a perilous journey, and he finds himself trapped in another life.

Gemmel presents ‘Tionsphere’ two sections, separated by a flashback to Tion’s earlier years. This gives us an understanding of the longevity of some of the characters, and the technology that sustains them. The first section spans the first ten chapters, and the final chapter is set a year later. This allows all of the storylines to close out neatly while preparing for the next instalment, ‘The Uprisers’ (the prologue of which is included).

This is an intricate story, and although set in the future and reliant on the description of its technology, is more thriller than dystopian sci-fi. There are a few points where the pace is lost, but these are few. I found it an involved read and enjoyed the tackling of themes around interconnectivity and data-dependency. Highly recommend.

[Alejandro Gamen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere - complex, entertaining read


alegamen@gmail.com
make a book review out of these 3 separate reviews of Tionsphere by J.C. Gemmell, using different wording to make it sound original: 1) This book was entertaining. It's a multi-perspective head swapper. I enjoyed the concept of a "Tionsphere," similar to a Dyson Sphere, a massive superstructure surrounding a planet. This thing is enormous, failing, and it needs to be saved by the characters. Or at least someone has to figure it out. It's like the entire world has a bad internet connection. Fair enough. The structure, keeping everyone separate, is like the bad guy. There's also body-swapping digital stuff like Altered Carbon, for fans of that book. There was also some odd Icelandic vocabulary that needed to be more challenging to follow. How can I say something in one's head when there are letters the readers don't know how to pronounce? Also, I found a few too many characters to keep track of, especially with the body-swapping aspect—this is probably the hardest part of the read. It's challenging but an entertaining read nonetheless., 2) Tionsphere tackles head on the credible scenario of significant human over population, to the extent where humanity is forced to live in spheres above the surface of the planet. In addition to the population issue, the theme of data dependency is explored, which seems very relevant to our current life!

There are three principal characters to get to know: Hyun-jun, Danesh and Conner, but there are so many more characters, it can get difficult to keep track, especially if you put the book down and pick it up a little later.

Rather unusually for a fiction book, a glossary is included. I was in two minds about this. On the one hand, I would prefer to have a story presented rather more simplistically, to the extent I wouldn’t need the glossary, but on the other I didn’t find it too inconvenient to refer to, and started to consider it reassuring that it was available.

Overall, whilst being somewhat daunting initially, the book kept me reading and definitely got me thinking. The author has a pleasant and very readable style, and has clearly given this whole area a lot of thought. Recommended., 3) I really really struggled with how to review this book. On one hand there is this incredibly in depth world built to dazzle and amaze plus an intense highly developed plot, but on the other hand you have to memorize the glossary found in the back before any of it make sense. This meant that readying said intense highly developed plot felt more like reading a text book. Like i needed to high light words and take notes as I went. Maybe smarter people wouldn't struggle through the way I did, but i found the use of technical or made-up technical jargon to be a major detraction from the intense highly developed plot set in one of the most amazingly structured dives into world building I've ever seen. So like I said, I struggled with how to review this book. In the end, I had to give it only 3 stars because if when all is said and done I didn't ENJOY it because it felt like work, then the author got too wrapped up in his own world to remember to tell the story in a way the average reader can get lost in. Otherwise it would have been 4 stars.

Tionsphere by J.C. Gemmell is a complex and entertaining read that tackles the issue of human overpopulation and data dependency. The concept of a massive superstructure, the Tionsphere, failing and in need of saving by the characters is intriguing, and the body-swapping digital elements add an extra layer of excitement. However, some readers may find the inclusion of technical jargon and Icelandic vocabulary challenging and may need to refer to the glossary included in the book. While the large cast of characters can also make it difficult to keep track of the story, the author's writing style is pleasant and readable. Overall, Tionsphere is recommended for readers who enjoy immersive world-building and thought-provoking themes. Though, some readers may find the complexity of the book to be a bit daunting initially, but it is worth reading for the intense and highly developed plot that will keep readers engrossed.




alegamen@gmail.com
can you add more detail?

Sure, Tionsphere by J.C. Gemmell is a science fiction novel that presents a future world where human overpopulation has become so severe that people are forced to live in massive structures above the planet's surface, known as the Tionsphere. The Tionsphere is a vast superstructure that surrounds the planet and serves as a means of survival for humanity.

The story follows three principal characters, Hyun-jun, Danesh, and Conner, as they navigate the complexities of life within the Tionsphere. The author does an excellent job of building a complex world and exploring themes of data dependency, overpopulation, and survival.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the idea of body-swapping digital elements that make the story even more captivating. However, some readers may find the inclusion of technical jargon and Icelandic vocabulary to be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, the author provides a glossary to help readers keep up with the story, and while some may find it a bit daunting at first, it is worth the effort to get lost in the immersive world the author has created.

While the book has a large cast of characters, some readers may find it a bit difficult to keep track of them all, especially with the body-swapping aspect of the story. However, the author's writing style is pleasant and easy to read, making it an enjoyable read for anyone who loves immersive world-building and thought-provoking themes.

Overall, Tionsphere is an excellent science fiction novel that offers a thrilling and intricate plot, compelling characters, and a richly detailed world that will leave readers engrossed from start to finish.

[K. Pimpinella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this book a 4 based on the premise, ideas and scope of worldbuilding, but there were a few difficulties that, alas, drop my rating to 3.

It’s a good read, but it’s not an easy read. It took me awhile to get into the book, mainly because I refused to reference the glossary at the end- because, well, I actually don’t like them and don’t think stories should rely on them. So it took a bit for me to get familiar with the new words. But over time, I realized the glossary wasn’t actually needed. I figured out what the words meant without looking them up, which made reading the rest of the book easier. So if you don’t mind glossaries, then no problem. But if you don’t like them, this book can still work given a little bit of time. Which I suggest giving this book. Time. The work you may have to put into at the beginning definitely pays off in the end as Tionshpere turns into a fascinating story with deep, flawed and surprising characters. And like the blurp says, this book is definitely character driven; from the less fortunate workers whose lives are torn asunder, to the women behind the scenes right up to the villain.

Aside from the terminology, it also took awhile for me to get used to the author’s style and at first I couldn’t figure out who was speaking or what was happening in the scene, and I even had trouble figuring out the world in which the story takes place. There are a lot of characters in the book, and it’s a bit of a challenge remembering them and keeping track of them, especially when they’re moving around the ‘levels’ and ‘ghosting’. But they were definitly interesting, and complex. I couldn’t figure out if I liked certain characters, like Danesh, or if I disliked them- which was awesome, because it made for a very interesting read. It kept me on my toes trying to figure out character motives. Especially nearing the end where some twists and turns really took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting certain characters to do what they did, or even be who they were. But it all made sense, and character choices and actions were believable.

BUT … Like I said above, give this book time. I struggled at first, but I kept reading because part of the intrigue was whether or not everything would eventually fall into place and I’d ‘get it’. Well I did, and it did. I really enjoyed it once I started to get a better idea of how the world worked. The overall premise was so different than anything I’d read before, and it gave me a bit of a ‘retro scifi’ feel, even though it was a great representation of todays ‘over dependence’ on technology and technological connectivity. In our world now, where cellphones are in everyone’s hand, connecting them to anyone and anywhere in the world, Tionsphere shows where that could lead. Which makes the book a fascinating read. Especially when that world is downright scary.

I do recommend the book. It’s not what I typically read, but I was actually looking for a more ‘cerebral’ scifi read when I chose it, and I’m glad I did. Tionsphere made me think, and a book that makes me thinks is aways a good thing.

[Hayleigh Sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemmell's Tionsphere builds a world where the citizens are at risk on multiple fronts: other citizens who might order another's death or “caching” as easily as a cup of coffee, the overpopulation of their world that seems to be causing its technology to shut down, and the egocentric plans of Pazel, a man whose been around since Tionsphere’s creation and is convinced he knows how to best manage it.
From the first chapter, there’s an overhanging feeling of danger for average people living their everyday lives. Connor and Danesh, separately, are abducted, subjected to violent body swapping and mental and physical control by others. Despite earnest struggling to maintain their own identities, they’re at risk of losing their true selves. Hyun-jun, a curious innocent from the farming portion of the world, undertakes a quest to seek the truth of what’s beyond his small life. He’s joined by Enzo and, later, Ines, and their journey becomes a reality show spectacle followed and voted on by the global population. This theme of a people obsessed with data and connectivity pervades the novel; “online” can monitor and find anyone at any time and a person’s removal from their connection causes severe disconnection sickness.
Pazel may be the only person capable of avoiding detection. His wealth and strict adherence to his own goals have isolated him, though he has many underlings, some of whom would do anything for him, and the ability to “ghost” into various bodies and move through the levels of the world easily.
Youssef, another “lifer” like Pazel, who possesses a technology that regenerates his body and mind every day so he lives forever, seems as though he may be a formidable hero in the fight against Pazel but he, too, faces his own challenges against new foe Rabindra.
Caitlyn, Freja, Kavya, Miyu and Jovana are a group of women living and working together on grand scale projects that keep the Pallium (another word for the T-sphere) operating. They accept a mysterious contract to determine why it’s failing, a seemingly impossible job they theorize was posted by the inanimate Pallium itself. The project brings them in virtual contact with the various citizens mentioned above as the women influence, aid and manipulate them while attempting to complete the contract.

Each chapter follows three to four characters, building on their stories. With detailed world- and character-building, the reader is drawn in and invested in what will happen to these people and the life they know. The writing is complex and, at times, difficult to follow with invented terminology that's not always defined, lengthy chapters and many characters. Reading the synopsis again after finishing the book clarified some questions I still had and it might have been nice to see that clarification in the book. Overall, an engaging and thought-provoking start to a series that will interest readers of science-fiction, suspense and adventure.

[T.J.J. Klamvik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel features a world so vast and alien that you cannot help but be transported to a different reality. Tionsphere will suck you up and toss you out into a place where your own senses cannot be trusted and the things we know to be true can no longer be relied upon. It features a multitude of characters (at least a dozen by my count), all with different experiences, backgrounds and opinions, and they all feel realistic within the world. Some, like us, only have a cursory understanding of the inner workings of the world, while others have been along for the ride for longer than even they themselves can remember.

This book does not talk down to you. It expects you to follow along and pay attention (preferably with the glossary and a notebook at hand), and it doesn’t apologize if you’re not keeping up. I can definitely appreciate this. Today, it is often common for authors to target the lowest common denominator, but that is definitely not the case here.

Indeed, to say that the book is difficult to read would be an understatement. The inclusion of foreign words into the novel is at times disorienting and confusing, and coupled with the fact that the author has an aversion to “X said”, it means that dialogue can be tricky to follow even just between two speakers. Moreover, the technology present (body jumping, virtual and digital worlds) means that the book at times reads like a fever dream. Often, you are never quite sure if what the characters are experiencing is happening in reality or to some other body or even a virtual version of themselves. The end result is that the book is at times thoroughly confusing and suffers from not having the necessary components for us readers to follow along without spending a lot of time deciphering the words on the pages. Indeed, it took me five chapters before I started having a good understanding of the technological concepts the novel utilizes.

This is a shame, because on a prosal level, plot level, and character level, this book is not only good, but exceptional. However, the structure, the dialogue and not spending enough time developing the emotional responses each character has to the events around them, means that this book is not always a fun read. I was disappointed that, considering the pretty wild experiences the characters go through, their thoughts, fears and hopes are not outlined in a particularly clever way. While most of the book is the epitome of showing rather than telling (dumping all exposition by the wayside), this cannot be said for the characters’ reflections where the author plainly outlines their emotional responses without making us feel like they belong to a real person.

All in all, I think this book has the potential to blow your mind, but just beware that it is not going to be easy. I recommend keeping the glossary at the end of the novel close, because that is going to help out a lot.

[Joy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I received this book for free from booktasters in return for an honest review, so all opinions expressed are exclusively mine. Let me suggest strongly that you use the glossary. If I had done that sooner, the rest of the reading would have gone much more smoothly. There are a lot of unfamiliar terms and many different words for the same thing, so context clues are not as helpful as I would like. I have one other quibble, and it lies in the fact that this novel is complex and keeping track of the large cast can be difficult at times, especially when they can move their intellect through the cloud. I wish there had been a prologue regarding how the world arrived at this place (you do receive this info as the book progresses) and possibly a dramatis personae at the outset. This is because the author has taken life on line to an extreme conclusion in which the haves can shift their soul or consciousness to another body either to conduct business, experience various desires, or learn about other parts of the sphere. People also earn money by being interesting to the masses or by selling themselves to others for limited times.
Tionsphere is a massive construction with the 1st level being a surface of the new earth and the rest progressing downward to the original overpopulated earth. It was built to house the overcrowded and resource poor billions on earth in the future. People are grown and assigned to various jobs and levels without much consciousness of the rest of the world. Souls or intellects can be cached and reborn or lost from their bodies. A massive computer lies at the heart of it all balancing resources and ensuring that everyone has what they need…or maybe not. The novel starts with people experiencing a decline in this supercomputer’s functioning and a request from the machine for help diagnosing the problem. You follow people that all seem unrelated, but the author weaves multiple plots together to give a solid resolution to this novel and to prepare us for book 2.
As with any group of people you will meet the greedy, the idealistic, the curious, those who want to destroy the system, and those who want to control the world. Gemmell does a great job of giving these people depth and motivation for their actions. Please know that this book will require you to pay attention closely to all threads, it is not an “easy” read, but rather high end sci-fi. Others have remarked that a second reading may be useful and I can agree with those sentiments. I think this is an excellent opening novel for the series and I greatly enjoyed how the author took life on-line to its extreme conclusions.

[Poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.C. Gemmell’s Tionsphere comes with a glossary at the back (Kindle readers - check it out) which is essential because this is a complicated story. It throws character after character at the reader, uses words from languages from all around the world and throws in typical sci-fi technobabble from the start. This book is long for the first instalment of a future fiction series (367 pages), making it reminiscent of works by Kim Stanley Robinson and others, and presented in just eleven chapters and a curious backflash towards the end. The prologue to The Uprisers, the next book in the series is included.

None of these things makes this a difficult read. The characters are genuine and dialogue very natural. There’s just enough description to paint a picture of the Tionsphere - a set of constructed, separated worlds that surround the old Earth, populated by endless billions of consumers - but not too much that it is tiresome. For a self-pub, it is nicely typeset, well-presented and free of the usual glitches that can mar similar books, although the cover could use a bit of an upgrade.

There are three stories here, all interwoven. Hyun-jun is a young farmer whose world is the farm-factory where he grew up. He aspires for something greater and receives help to move up through the Tionsphere’s levels. Danesh is another young adult, who finds himself in the employ of an unexpected business tycoon: a man with a terrifying vision for Tion’s future. Conner is a construction worker from the world’s lower levels, tempted away from his life with simple pleasures he could never afford for himself. Each receives help from a group of women who are investigating the degradation of the systems keeping the Tionsphere operational.

Each chapter focuses on two or three of these characters, telling the story from multiple viewpoints, and sometimes at different times. Tionsphere’s central theme is overpopulation, so it is only right that there are many characters to get to know. In places, this can be a little overwhelming, but this is where the glossary comes in handy! There are a couple of twists along the way, some drama and mystery, a few losses and broken hearts. Gemmell deals matter-of-factly with the relationships, especially intimate moments, perhaps foretelling the way people might behave in a few centuries.

Tionsphere isn’t your typical space-faring sci-fi; instead, it is a considered view of a future Earth that for some is a utopia, but for most is something far different, leaving the reader with a lot to think about once it’s all done.

[Julius Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tionsphere" by J.C. Gemmell masterfully immerses readers into a mysterious world teeming with intrigue and dynamic storytelling. This narrative beckons readers into the depths of a reality that is both familiar and eerily distinct, weaving a tale that is as profound as it is captivating. From the very first page, Gemmell's rich and immersive prose ensnares the senses, drawing readers in with each twist and turn, leaving them yearning to explore the layers beneath the surface of this perplexing realm.

The vibrancy of the characters in "Tionsphere" is unparalleled, each one brimming with nuances that play on the reader's emotions and intellect. These characters grapple with universal themes of identity, power, and purpose, challenging readers to reflect on their own place within the human tapestry. Gemmell's ability to craft relatable yet enigmatic characters is a testament to their skillful storytelling, creating figures who resonate on a deeply personal level.

At the heart of "Tionsphere" lies a captivating plot that escalates with a masterful balance of tension and revelation. The story evolves in unexpected ways, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between suspense and foresight. The narrative unfurls itself with elegant pacing, ensuring that each revelation leaves readers breathless and contemplative, forever curious about the world Gemmell has intricately constructed. The tension is palpable and the mystery pervasive, creating an unputdownable experience that beckons one to delve deeper.

Adding to the mesmerizing plot is the stunning world-building that forms the backdrop of "Tionsphere." Gemmell's descriptive prowess creates landscapes that are both fantastical and plausible, painting vivid imagery that transports readers into the heart of the narrative. Each setting is meticulously crafted, evoking emotions that range from wonder to unease, enriching the narrative with a sensory experience that enhances the story's depth and complexity.

This magnum opus of J.C. Gemmell stands as a stellar example of groundbreaking fiction, deserving of a full 5 out of 5-star rating. "Tionsphere" excels in capturing the human experience within its pages, rendering it both timeless and poignant. Its profound narrative, coupled with the emotional resonance of its characters and the intricate beauty of its world, ensures that this work is not merely read, but felt. For anyone seeking a tale that challenges and inspires, "Tionsphere" promises a journey well worth undertaking.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere by J.C. Gemmell is set in a future where people live in spheres, resources are scarce, and death is not what we know it to be. People in this world live in concentric spheres that encircle the globe and are rapidly reaching capacity, causing the universal processing service to fail and endangering the lives of those who reside in them. These spheres, ironically, were built by two global corporations that joined to solve Earth’s overpopulation problem. While Caitlyn and her small team of contract theorists try to figure out why their society is collapsing, Pazel is hell-bent on destroying all within Tion’s spheres and saving only the elites. Who wins in this futuristic, multifaceted race for the fate of the globe?

This is an intellectually-invigorating book that would appeal to sci-fi fans who are ready to be immersed in a complex world with an equally deep plot. Consciousness can be separated from one’s body in Gemmell’s thought-provoking story, and viewing the stars and celestial objects is a thing of the past.

Tionsphere has an intriguing cast of characters, whose personalities are a product of the mysterious world in which they find themselves, such as Jovana, who assumes leadership in the group and enjoys salvaging because it allows her access to Tion’s history. While this is a visionary science fiction novel, I found I needed frequent breaks from the book to absorb all the information and the different perspectives of the characters. The story switches between situations swiftly, so if you like fast-moving stories over character-heavy development then this novel is for you. For example, instead of devoting time to considering a task and the impact it might have on their lives, the girls simply discuss it briefly and go on to start it.

As his novel is based on plausible issues and solutions that may arise as a result of overpopulation and globalization, J.C. Gemmell has proven to be a writer with vision and a creative imagination. Tionsphere explores concepts that challenge our perceptions of reality and the limitations of our understanding of life. This riveting dystopian novel will undoubtedly captivate your attention and transport you to its picturesque world.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere by J.C. Gemmell was a convoluted and challenging read but none the less a very interesting story about a dystopian future due to world over population. There are many unfamiliar foreign and technical terms that will need to be looked up in the glossary at the end to understand. This was something I wished I was aware of before I started reading. Things did make more sense once I looked some of the often repeated terms up after I finished reading the story.

This new future world is constructed of different levels or rings to which people are assigned based upon their class according to the new world order. People can request through the operating program of the Pallium to access the different levels. The story follows several characters, one of whom is a simple farmer from one of the levels, and a few of the others, a group of women data scientists who are tasked with finding out why the system is degrading or failing. Add to this a sinister character who predates the Tionshpere who is bent on destroying the whole system.

What I liked about this story is that it appears to blend all of the social media, cell phone addiction, virtual reality, crypto currency, reality show craze of the 21st century into a reality that everyone must accept and adapt to if they wish to survive in this dystopian future. I did have some misgivings at first about all of the unfamiliar terminology and technical terms but have since realized it is necessary for a story of this scope and complexity. I definitely would recommend a second read after you finish it the first time and reviewed the glossary. The story is very timely and relevant especially with the encroachment of the Metaverse.

[Dixie Tuffington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 3 stars. I really, really wanted to love it - the description included everything I look for in a new favorite read - science fiction genre, technical world-building, interesting cast of characters trying to solve a common problem, and of course a complex plot that might make me think about the author's writing for years to come. First, the good stuff - everything i was expecting was indeed in the book. The creation of a new language was impressive (an extensive glossary is provided for readers), and honestly the plot (unlike a lot of other science fiction) was something that could actually happen - too many people in the world for the existing resources and global companies all colluding together to provide so-called "solutions." All of that, yes! However, I feel the need to point out the "needs improvement" stuff - as other reviewers have stated, it takes a lot of effort to really dig into this book. Which is fine! - not every book has to write for the lowest common denominator of reader - but this particular book felt so much harder than it needed to be - like a textbook. Also, while creating a new language is super cool and the addition of a glossary was much needed, I felt like I had to memorize it to even get started, which was much more overwhelming that I expected. I really just wanted to start (and continue) reading what was a really good plot! Overall, an interesting reading experience that I would still recommend to others, with a few caveats.

[K MacCabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me first begin by saying that this book requires an in-depth look at the glossary in the end. Tionsphere is a look at a dystopian world wherein humanity has overpopulated the planet to such an extreme degree that people have literally created an ecumenopolis around Earth's globe. I must give Gimmel credit here for envisioning a very dark and yet very advanced future for the human race, not unlike what you'd imagine Star Wars’s Coruscant to be like in its earlier years. Perhaps Trantor from Asimov’s Foundation series might be a closer comparison, especially in his later books.

The book itself takes a while to get into, so I suggest getting ready for a long sit down to reach the meat of the story. Once you do get into the depths of this world you will find yourself enticed by the immense world-building and clever use of new and alien words. It's an interesting look at a potential future for the human race, though a depressing one.

If I were to find comps of my own for this title, I would probably choose Altered Carbon. I find that title to tackle many of the same concepts and I do think they share themes. If you are interested in an in-depth look at a possible future, with incredibly deep world-building that is intricate and necessary to understand the story, then this book will most certainly satisfy your itch.

[R.H. Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tionsphere shows a vision of the future where humans have, in many ways, shed their humanity. They live according to a complex caste system (where even your very name determines what function you may perform) and spend a great deal of time in sodality. Sodality is a virtual world where people can retreat to and live a digital life, maybe as an escape to the day-to-day misery of existence.

In Tionsphere, many characters are involved in the story and have chapters dedicated to their perspective. There is Caitlyn, who is investigating issues with the control system of Tion, but we are also introduced to Danesh, Enzo, Hyun-Jun, and many more. I would say that because of the density in worldbuilding and the amount of characters, it takes a while for the plot to really get started and it's challenging to wrap your head around what is going on. A glossary is helpfully provided at the back and the writing quality is excellent, especially in some action scenes. The plot synopsis in the blurb doesn't quite cover the various events and complexities in Tionsphere - Caitlyn didn't have quite the top-billing I was expecting, and I think I might have enjoyed the story more had she been the primary perspective.

A dense and complicated sci-fi world which requires readers to be fully engaged.

[JJ Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere: A Dystopian Sci-Fi is a riveting tale of the future, where technology and overpopulation have reached alarming heights. The world building in this book is truly impressive, and the concept of concentric spheres encircling the planet is fascinating. The author's depiction of a world overflowing with people is both mesmerizing and terrifying, and the characters' struggle to survive in this world is nothing short of inspiring.

One of the things that impressed me the most about this book was the way the author managed to create tension and suspense throughout the entire story. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and their motivations are never entirely clear, which keeps you guessing until the very end. The dialogue is also excellent, with each character's voice distinct and believable.

Overall, I highly recommend Tionsphere to anyone who loves science fiction. The author has created a complex and thought-provoking world that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you're a fan of dystopian tales, then you won't be disappointed. Tionsphere is the beginning of an exciting new series, and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

[Kristina Kamaeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere is a first-in-a series dystopian sci-fi novel.
The Earth is flooded, and people dwell in a complex network of concentric spheres above the ocean. A global processing system controls the life of all people. Childhood ends at fifteen, and after that new people are sent to different levels and assigned different jobs. Apart from their everyday duties they are mostly immersed in virtual reality.
The world-building is detailed, impressive, and amazing. I believed that the characters of this novel were born in Tion, existing a thousand years ahead. They were lonely and craved for friendship just like people in our world; they had survival instincts, but still they were so distant and alien, at least for me.
The book concludes with a dictionary containing made-up terms and words from various languages. Could it be that the author was constructing a language people would speak in his scenario of the future? I don’t know.
I must say that I was overwhelmed by this read. I had trouble keeping up with so many characters. I’m sure that I missed some important points.
Before venturing reading this novel, I read In the Fullness of Tion, a collection of short stories set in the same universe, and I suggest beginning your exploration of Tion with it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere tackles head on the credible scenario of significant human over population, to the extent where humanity is forced to live in spheres above the surface of the planet. In addition to the population issue, the theme of data dependency is explored, which seems very relevant to our current life!

There are three principal characters to get to know: Hyun-jun, Danesh and Conner, but there are so many more characters, it can get difficult to keep track, especially if you put the book down and pick it up a little later.

Rather unusually for a fiction book, a glossary is included. I was in two minds about this. On the one hand, I would prefer to have a story presented rather more simplistically, to the extent I wouldn’t need the glossary, but on the other I didn’t find it too inconvenient to refer to, and started to consider it reassuring that it was available.

Overall, whilst being somewhat daunting initially, the book kept me reading and definitely got me thinking. The author has a pleasant and very readable style, and has clearly given this whole area a lot of thought. Recommended.

[Michael Kan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first read Tionsphere, you’re immediately dropped into a foreign environment, populated by mysterious cultures. It’s both a jarring and enticing feeling. The mystery of your surroundings and the characters pulls you into a story that’s quite ambitious in its scale. However, the story is also complex and can be challenging to absorb, given the numerous characters, settings, foreign terminology used. And there’s not a lot of hand-holding when it comes to understanding the world’s technology. For example, characters are able to change or assume new bodies. But this may not necessarily become clear to you at first. Thankfully, the author created an extensive glossary in the back of the book that will explain the various terms used. So I would definitely dive into that as you begin reading.

Hence, Tionsphere is a novel best geared for readers looking for a dense narrative that tries to immerse you into its world on a psychological level. That said, it can feel rewarding as you move through the novel, piece the various narrative pieces together, and realize the stakes involved.

[Melanie Horev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the book is amazing (yes I put it that simply). Tionsphere is well-written and entertaining. It takes a while to get into the lingo, but afterward pure joy. The depth of the world, the dark future, everything screams dystopia mixed with classic sci-fi. You get wrapped up and involved in the story quite fast. I did have to look at the glossary, but I found it interesting. I read fantasy too, so I am familiar with having to look up words at the back or start of the book to remind myself about hierarchy, places, names, and meanings of words. That is definitely no problem, and in my opinion, doesn’t hinder the development of the book.
The characters are well-developed, and you're good to go after you memorize the names (a tad tricky, but I don’t hold it against anyone). I would highly recommend the book to dedicated science-fiction fans, they will find it a great read, with thorough world-building, interesting characters, and a good plot. The book screams: The author spent time on me. That is meant in the best way possible, there is thought and detail put into this work. Go ahead and enjoy it.

[Katty Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really struggled with how to review this book. On one hand there is this incredibly in depth world built to dazzle and amaze plus an intense highly developed plot, but on the other hand you have to memorize the glossary found in the back before any of it make sense. This meant that readying said intense highly developed plot felt more like reading a text book. Like i needed to high light words and take notes as I went. Maybe smarter people wouldn't struggle through the way I did, but i found the use of technical or made-up technical jargon to be a major detraction from the intense highly developed plot set in one of the most amazingly structured dives into world building I've ever seen. So like I said, I struggled with how to review this book. In the end, I had to give it only 3 stars because if when all is said and done I didn't ENJOY it because it felt like work, then the author got too wrapped up in his own world to remember to tell the story in a way the average reader can get lost in. Otherwise it would have been 4 stars.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tionsphere" is a character-driven portrait of a dystopian future Earth where a certain segment of the population struggles to survive and fights for its life. It is an adventurous, action-packed, fast-paced and engaging story that contains nice and smart world-building, and interesting, complex, but likable well-developed characters. Vivid imagery and realistic dialogues are present all throughout the book. A dark, dystopian, futuristic vibe is very central and makes you travel in this book's amazing fantasy world. The style of writing the author uses makes the reader want to continue reading and wonder what comes next. Advanced technological ideas are discussed in great detail inside. There are unexpected plot twists in the story that make you wonder how did this "x" thing happen or what comes next. Fans of science-ficton and especially of books and movies like "Star Wars", "Jupiter Ascending", "Star Trek" and "Captain Marvel" will find this book particularly interesting and entertaining.

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep dive into a unique scifi world

I just finished the book called “Tiosphere” that was written by J. C. Gemmell. It is an intense, immersive scifi novel that pulls the readers into a detailed, futuristic world. The book explores a future where humanity has overpopulated the Earth, forcing people to live in vast, city covered spheres. The story’s setting is complex and while it can be challenging at first, the glossary in the back helps readers navigate the unfamiliar terms and concepts. The characters, though many, are rich in depth and relatable, making it easy to connect emotionally with their struggles and journey. The world building is extraordinary, blending dystopian elements with advanced technology. The plot is full of twists and turns, as you dive deeper into this world, the mystery and tension build. While “Tionsphere” might require a bit of patience at the start, its depth and thought provoking themes make it a rewarding read for fans of deep scifi adventures. I think a lot of people will enjoy it.

[Noah Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tionsphere is a future-fiction solution for a massively overpopulated Earth. Where I say massive, I mean beyond comprehension. Though JC Gemmel doesn’t explicitly state in the text how many people, the tagline on the cover starts ‘Population one-thousand-billion plus...’ so that’s a lot of people. I enjoyed the story being told from several viewpoints: an exploring farmboy; a ‘new adult’ who is diverted from his assigned job; and some principal characters who appear to have led several lifetimes. Gemmel brings these together in a satisfying conclusion while establishing this as the first of what I hope is a lengthy series.

I enjoyed the convoluted plotline and believable dialogue. Some of the terminology was a little complex, but a glossary is included (helps to keep track of characters). This is a long first book in a series, but it moves quickly and throws concept after concept at the reader, although not at the expense of the characters. Recommend as a good weekend sci-fi read.

[Leo White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't a straightforward read, but that doesn't mean it won't have you hooked pretty quickly. There are so many characters to follow, and they all seem to interact with each other in a way that pushes the story forward page after page. For me, the subject matter was immediately engaging, and I quickly formed pictures of the t-sphere in my mind: levels segregating people from the deprived to most affluent. All the people aspire to rise up through the levels, and the story follows several as they do so. The writing is complex (British grammar), and there is a lot of use of non-English words, but these form part of the narrative. The characters are rich and detailed and the dialogue believable. Even after I finished it, I continued to think about the world depicted - personally I think this is an excellent future-fiction book, albeit a little confusing in places. Definitely worth a second read.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world building is the gem of this book, it is impressively rich and imaginative. The author obviously put quality time into editing and proofreading the book and the formatting is done really well.

There were a lot of characters in this novel right out of the gate, and I struggled to keep track of everyone. I found myself a little frustrated having to focus hard on the richness of the world building language and then also to keep track of the characters. It did take me over a hundred pages to really figure the book out and where the story might be going.

I read the ebook version and wasn’t aware that at the end of the book there was a glossary, this would have helped me navigate the book better and perhaps get into it faster. I don’t use glossaries when I read ebooks, I just can’t work that hard when reading for pleasure, so for this book, a paperback version would have been better for me.

I think if you invest your energy into close reading this book, the payoff is great.

[Matt Bitonti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining. It's a multi-perspective head swapper. I enjoyed the concept of a "Tionsphere," similar to a Dyson Sphere, a massive superstructure surrounding a planet. This thing is enormous, failing, and it needs to be saved by the characters. Or at least someone has to figure it out. It's like the entire world has a bad internet connection. Fair enough. The structure, keeping everyone separate, is like the bad guy. There's also body-swapping digital stuff like Altered Carbon, for fans of that book. There was also some odd Icelandic vocabulary that needed to be more challenging to follow. How can I say something in one's head when there are letters the readers don't know how to pronounce? Also, I found a few too many characters to keep track of, especially with the body-swapping aspect—this is probably the hardest part of the read. It's challenging but an entertaining read nonetheless.

[James Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The liked the authors writing style and for me this is what kept me reading as it was easy to follow and engaging. The story itself is quite complex, with lots of depth and interesting characters. A little bit overwhelming at first I thought, as there is so much too it, but when you keep reading, it unfolds nicely in both the story and the exploration of the characters.

Without giving too much away, the story is focused on a futuristic world of dealing with over population. It certainly makes you think and even contemplate and reflect on similarities in places with our current life and world.

The only negative I have would be there is a lot of technical terms and invented ideas, which you would expect some of in a sci-fi novel, but I found there was too much. Clearly the author knew this with their addition of a glossary to explain them, so I feel this could have been toned down to make it better.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tionsphere" by J.C. Gemmell is a fast-paced dystopian sci-fi thriller. I really enjoyed this title. Fans of the genre will surely appreciate the author's unique take on alternative world-building. I thought that the dystopian future was unsettlingly relatable which made for an engaging read: "We're all struggling these days. Everything is so slow, it's outrageous, given the subscription fees." The author has a great sense of humor and uses amusing moments like this to keep up the pacing of the story: "He's definitely dead, but that's not the interesting part." I particularly enjoyed the many reflective moments that invite the reader to look upon our own world from a different perspective: "He could not understand why anyone would want to maintain a stand-alone computer because data was only meaningful when it had access to other data." This book explores the nightmare scenario of late stage capitalism and corporate feudalism. The topics explored felt quite relevant as during my reading of this book, the world's richest man gave a press conference behind the president's desk. Happy reading!

[Satya Nagam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel depicts the dystopian world in a unique manner. The author has narrated with his distinctive style. It was surprising to see the novel has a glossary and later I realised why it was needed. The story is woven through the characters and their thought process. The three main characters that drive the entire story have been well written as each of them have their own perceptions towards their future. In a world where the body swapping is possible the characters take advantage of it. Yet, it is interesting how the humans continue to find the obvious ways to lead the life that has been carried out for ages. The ideas that are shared through this novel are intricate and thought provoking. The author has narrated how the technology plays a pivotal role is the lives of humans through this novel. If you are a fan of intense sci-fi narratives, then this novel is for you. It may be quite overwhelming to read this novel if you are new to this genre, as you may need to refer to the glossary to follow along.

[Dustin Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tionsphere is an incredible read—simply put. The book is well-crafted and highly entertaining, especially for dedicated sci-fi fans. While the unique lingo takes a little time to adjust to, once you're immersed, the experience is pure enjoyment. The detailed world-building and dark futuristic setting perfectly blend dystopian and classic sci-fi elements.

I appreciated the glossary for understanding the terminology—it added to the depth without slowing down the story. As a fantasy reader, I'm familiar with looking up references, and it only enhanced my engagement with the world. The characters are richly developed, and though the names require some memorization, it's a minor challenge for such a rewarding story.

It's clear the author poured immense thought and care into every aspect of this book. Tionsphere delivers an intricate, immersive journey that any serious sci-fi fan will appreciate. Highly recommended!