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Sentient
A century has passed and yes, the human race stumbled into evolutionary compromise. But it’s not the androids who are the victors. Post-humans have exploded into preeminence, gaining tech superiority and a tech immunity against the global environmental degradation. Humans are trivialised, a minority species, their one last significant task, restore the environmental damage they inflicted on Earth and terraform off-planets. One human and his ‘biot’ android embark on such a journey to Mars, opening the possibility for an evolutionary path back to greatness, but hostile post-human agents have infiltrated their mission.
- GenresScience Fiction
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2020
45 people want to read
About the author
Michael Leon
5 books277 followersMichael Leon, author of ‘Prodigy to Paris’ and ‘Of Salt and Sun’, weaves memoirs, fantasy, fiction and immersive storytelling. His latest works combine family history, cultural exploration, and the transformative power of travel. Professionally trained in international trade, Michael has spent the last decade reading, reviewing and writing SFF novels that explore new and future worlds. His latest novel, Chandelier, is a genre-bending tale of time travel, love lost, grand opera houses and the ghosts that inhabit them. Michael has travelled extensively around Europe, walking the paths of his characters, from the famous European opera houses in Phantoms to the mountain tops of Switzerland in Emissary.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 17, 2020
“Sentient” by Michael Leon follows Dane Walker, as he and his “biot”, Hali, return to Mars with a critical element that will revolutionize life there. His mission is fraught with danger and he doesn’t know who he can trust or who his allies are, and a wrong conclusion can be deadly…for him and for the colonists.
This science fiction story does a great job of evoking a very different society that has evolved in the 22nd century. Not only are there tech implants that provide humans with advanced capabilities, but there are human-like robots commissioned to support humans and help them achieve their goals. It was a little confusing, trying to adjust to the concepts of the different types of artificial lifeforms and figuring out who had what goal, and eerie but not unexpected to learn how bad things have become on Earth.
I was drawn into the story and surprisingly attached to some of the secondary characters, but sometimes disconcerted by apparently changing loyalties. The tension heightens as the story unfolds, and the conflict between the two main factions highlights the challenge of identifying what is most beneficial to all beings. There is an entertaining combination of technology and emotion with vivid imagery and I think this story will appeal to those who like suspense thrillers as well as fans of science fiction.
A copy of this story was provided for review
This science fiction story does a great job of evoking a very different society that has evolved in the 22nd century. Not only are there tech implants that provide humans with advanced capabilities, but there are human-like robots commissioned to support humans and help them achieve their goals. It was a little confusing, trying to adjust to the concepts of the different types of artificial lifeforms and figuring out who had what goal, and eerie but not unexpected to learn how bad things have become on Earth.
I was drawn into the story and surprisingly attached to some of the secondary characters, but sometimes disconcerted by apparently changing loyalties. The tension heightens as the story unfolds, and the conflict between the two main factions highlights the challenge of identifying what is most beneficial to all beings. There is an entertaining combination of technology and emotion with vivid imagery and I think this story will appeal to those who like suspense thrillers as well as fans of science fiction.
A copy of this story was provided for review
December 1, 2020
I was granted complimetary access to a review copy of Sentient by the author through Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to both Michael Leon and Goddess Fish Promotions for the opportunity! This has not swayed my opinion. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Sentient is the story of Dane Walker who’s on a terraforming mission on Mars as humanity strives to both heal Earth and terraform other planets before it’s too late and humanity has no livable home. Unfortunately for Dane, he doesn’t know who he can trust, and those pesky post-humans bent on pushing technology further and faster may pose a deadly risk to both his mission and to the Mars colony.
Science Fiction has always been my first literary love, and I enjoy discovering new authors in the genre I haven’t read before, so I jumped at the chance to review Sentient when the tour came up with Goddess Fish Promotions. The premise is fascinating, and the book did not disappoint! Leon’s take on near-future space age and artificial intelligence technology is fresh and intriguing, and I love the idea of conflict between humanity trying to save the organic necessities of life vs post-humans striving to build next century’s tech today and seeking to destroy all who stand in their way. I’ve never read anything quite like it! It’s refreshing to have something go in the complete opposite direction of “AI took over” when imaging this sort of do-or-die turning point in humanity’s future.
Where this book falls short for me is how detached from the human element some scenes felt. A perfect example would be one of the other excerpt options I didn’t choose (visit other stops on the tour, you’ll probably find it) where a soldier named Harvey encounters and prepares to face off against four Dravens. This soldier is named, Harvey, in the first sentence, but for the remainder of that paragraph and the five paragraphs after that, he is simply “the soldier.” It’s written in the third-person, but to an extent, the reader is inside the soldier’s mind. “He welcomed Draven’s challenge…” “The soldier relished rather than feared…” “…he felt emboldened…” We don’t get the same insights into the Draven’s mind, so this isn’t omniscient writing, the soldier is the POV character in this scene. Why give him a name and show me that he has feelings, but then keep chipping away at the connection I as the reader feel with him by calling him “the soldier,” as if he’s one of many faceless pawns? (Yes, by the way, I realize Harvey is specified as a biot and isn’t technically human. We were told there was emotion here, but we weren’t made to feel it.)
Scenes like that aside, I did quite enjoy this book, and there absolutely are moments where the characters are very relatable and human. This book is surprisingly short for a novel of its genre, under 300 pages, but it’s not a breezy read by any means. This is an action-packed book that will hold you hostage until it’s over! Fans of science fiction, I encourage you to check it out.
Sentient is the story of Dane Walker who’s on a terraforming mission on Mars as humanity strives to both heal Earth and terraform other planets before it’s too late and humanity has no livable home. Unfortunately for Dane, he doesn’t know who he can trust, and those pesky post-humans bent on pushing technology further and faster may pose a deadly risk to both his mission and to the Mars colony.
Science Fiction has always been my first literary love, and I enjoy discovering new authors in the genre I haven’t read before, so I jumped at the chance to review Sentient when the tour came up with Goddess Fish Promotions. The premise is fascinating, and the book did not disappoint! Leon’s take on near-future space age and artificial intelligence technology is fresh and intriguing, and I love the idea of conflict between humanity trying to save the organic necessities of life vs post-humans striving to build next century’s tech today and seeking to destroy all who stand in their way. I’ve never read anything quite like it! It’s refreshing to have something go in the complete opposite direction of “AI took over” when imaging this sort of do-or-die turning point in humanity’s future.
Where this book falls short for me is how detached from the human element some scenes felt. A perfect example would be one of the other excerpt options I didn’t choose (visit other stops on the tour, you’ll probably find it) where a soldier named Harvey encounters and prepares to face off against four Dravens. This soldier is named, Harvey, in the first sentence, but for the remainder of that paragraph and the five paragraphs after that, he is simply “the soldier.” It’s written in the third-person, but to an extent, the reader is inside the soldier’s mind. “He welcomed Draven’s challenge…” “The soldier relished rather than feared…” “…he felt emboldened…” We don’t get the same insights into the Draven’s mind, so this isn’t omniscient writing, the soldier is the POV character in this scene. Why give him a name and show me that he has feelings, but then keep chipping away at the connection I as the reader feel with him by calling him “the soldier,” as if he’s one of many faceless pawns? (Yes, by the way, I realize Harvey is specified as a biot and isn’t technically human. We were told there was emotion here, but we weren’t made to feel it.)
Scenes like that aside, I did quite enjoy this book, and there absolutely are moments where the characters are very relatable and human. This book is surprisingly short for a novel of its genre, under 300 pages, but it’s not a breezy read by any means. This is an action-packed book that will hold you hostage until it’s over! Fans of science fiction, I encourage you to check it out.
November 11, 2020
This book is compelling, striking, intriguing, downright terrifying if these events were to unfold, and eye-opening with inspiration to make better choices for our planet.
Although this book takes places in 2120, a hundred years from now, it’s based on the actions that we have taken over the years and the ones that we (regretfully) continue to follow. Even if it’s not us personally there in a hundred years, it’s what we do today that affect tomorrow and the next generation – our children.
Global warming, pandemics, political turmoil, rapid technology changes - have all significantly contributed to the drastic changing of our planet and making it not the safe, habitable land it once was.
In "Sentient," the author explores this avenue and defines what life becomes in this shocking, but realistic ploy of pinning human against technology against environment while working to discover a way to restore Earth’s climate and develop new, safe, off-planet habitable zones on Mars.
This book is definitely a game changer in the science fiction genre with strong worldbuilding, creative story lines, and realistic details. This is not a book to just be quickly devoured and forgotten. There are strong motivational takeaways and important, valuable lessons that could (sci-fi genre or not) have real, one day impact in our future.
There are many pieces to this book and it can seem a bit daunting at times, especially as it is on the faster pace. The author does try to explain his thought process and his worldbuilding as the story develops. I would have loved a quick reference guide/glossary at the beginning of the book that maybe outlined some of the details for non-sci-fi readers. Not necessary to dumb it down or give away any spoilers, but just to help some readers follow along easier. There is, however, a short preface, that was very helpful. I just would love some extra guided info at the beginning.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still many unexpected twists and turns that you won't see coming!
Currently, this book is not listed to be part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all science fiction readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Although this book takes places in 2120, a hundred years from now, it’s based on the actions that we have taken over the years and the ones that we (regretfully) continue to follow. Even if it’s not us personally there in a hundred years, it’s what we do today that affect tomorrow and the next generation – our children.
Global warming, pandemics, political turmoil, rapid technology changes - have all significantly contributed to the drastic changing of our planet and making it not the safe, habitable land it once was.
In "Sentient," the author explores this avenue and defines what life becomes in this shocking, but realistic ploy of pinning human against technology against environment while working to discover a way to restore Earth’s climate and develop new, safe, off-planet habitable zones on Mars.
This book is definitely a game changer in the science fiction genre with strong worldbuilding, creative story lines, and realistic details. This is not a book to just be quickly devoured and forgotten. There are strong motivational takeaways and important, valuable lessons that could (sci-fi genre or not) have real, one day impact in our future.
There are many pieces to this book and it can seem a bit daunting at times, especially as it is on the faster pace. The author does try to explain his thought process and his worldbuilding as the story develops. I would have loved a quick reference guide/glossary at the beginning of the book that maybe outlined some of the details for non-sci-fi readers. Not necessary to dumb it down or give away any spoilers, but just to help some readers follow along easier. There is, however, a short preface, that was very helpful. I just would love some extra guided info at the beginning.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still many unexpected twists and turns that you won't see coming!
Currently, this book is not listed to be part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all science fiction readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
November 24, 2020
An intriguing and exciting sci fi thriller
It’s 2120 and of course the world has changed. Everything’s advanced, the environment on earth isn’t great, and there are less humans than post-humans or people with tech implants and biots or human-like robots. AI governs the world and the tension and politics between humans and post-humans are intense. While humans are determined to restore Earth and terraform other planets like Mars, post-humans are focused on speeding up technological change. Human scientist Dane Walker and his biot Hali leave Earth for Mars on a secret mission to bring a piece of technology vital to the terraforming project on Mars. Unfortunately, the post-humans are on to them and are hell-bent on stopping them and acquiring the technology for themselves.
This was an easy read for me because it turned out to be quite exciting. The story is fast-paced, intriguing and thought-provoking. It has all the elements of a gripping thriller – you know, secret missions, secret agents, counterintelligence, espionage, military action. Mix that with a very cool setting like space and a red dusty planet, fascinating human and non-human characters (the non-humans were my favorite, btw) and some convincing science and you’ve got a very cool and compelling story that makes you think about things like consequences, being human, how far we’d go to advance or “better” ourselves, what does “better” even mean, what we're willing do to change our situation and our future, and what’s out there for us as a people.
I enjoyed reading this and if you’re into sci fi and/or thrillers, you might enjoy this one, too!
Note: I received a review copy of this book as part of my participation in the tour. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
This review appeared on my blog.
It’s 2120 and of course the world has changed. Everything’s advanced, the environment on earth isn’t great, and there are less humans than post-humans or people with tech implants and biots or human-like robots. AI governs the world and the tension and politics between humans and post-humans are intense. While humans are determined to restore Earth and terraform other planets like Mars, post-humans are focused on speeding up technological change. Human scientist Dane Walker and his biot Hali leave Earth for Mars on a secret mission to bring a piece of technology vital to the terraforming project on Mars. Unfortunately, the post-humans are on to them and are hell-bent on stopping them and acquiring the technology for themselves.
This was an easy read for me because it turned out to be quite exciting. The story is fast-paced, intriguing and thought-provoking. It has all the elements of a gripping thriller – you know, secret missions, secret agents, counterintelligence, espionage, military action. Mix that with a very cool setting like space and a red dusty planet, fascinating human and non-human characters (the non-humans were my favorite, btw) and some convincing science and you’ve got a very cool and compelling story that makes you think about things like consequences, being human, how far we’d go to advance or “better” ourselves, what does “better” even mean, what we're willing do to change our situation and our future, and what’s out there for us as a people.
I enjoyed reading this and if you’re into sci fi and/or thrillers, you might enjoy this one, too!
Note: I received a review copy of this book as part of my participation in the tour. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
This review appeared on my blog.
August 31, 2020
Michael Leon has done it again. My favourite speculative fiction author with yet another exciting, action-packed psychological thriller, providing eerie insights of what the future and future relationships could look like.
Set a century on, humans are a minority species, charged with one last significant task - restoring the environmental damage they inflicted on Earth and terraforming off-planets.
To make this process a reality, Dane Walker, a lone human, and his ‘biot’ android, Hali, embark on a journey to Mars, but the project is infiltrated by hostile forces. The now dominant post-humans want to stop the project. An epic battle ensues that will determine the fate of mankind.
Highly recommended.
Set a century on, humans are a minority species, charged with one last significant task - restoring the environmental damage they inflicted on Earth and terraforming off-planets.
To make this process a reality, Dane Walker, a lone human, and his ‘biot’ android, Hali, embark on a journey to Mars, but the project is infiltrated by hostile forces. The now dominant post-humans want to stop the project. An epic battle ensues that will determine the fate of mankind.
Highly recommended.
November 14, 2020
My latest novel! Visit my website at www.michaelleon.com.au to find out more.
December 7, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish tour here.
This isn’t my usual sci-fi reading grounds, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. It settled somewhere between space opera and action-exploration. Lots of action with vivid descriptions. The societal food chain of humans and non-humans was built well, and I felt all the tensions between groups.
While the action was great, I didn’t quite connect to the characters. This was partly due to some distanced POV choices. Those choices actually worked very well for the story. They just kept me from connecting as deeply as I would have liked. The other factor was relationships I felt I didn’t get to see enough of. I got descriptions of histories between characters, which were then translated into bonds. I felt a bit lost sometimes, as if I’d missed years of these people’s lives. Which, I guess, I had. None of this was a deal breaker in any way. The book was balanced between action and character growth. There were some neat twists—some I saw coming, some I didn’t.
All in all, a quick and action-packed read that tackles some interesting questions about humanity and colonization. Definitely worth a read.
This isn’t my usual sci-fi reading grounds, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. It settled somewhere between space opera and action-exploration. Lots of action with vivid descriptions. The societal food chain of humans and non-humans was built well, and I felt all the tensions between groups.
While the action was great, I didn’t quite connect to the characters. This was partly due to some distanced POV choices. Those choices actually worked very well for the story. They just kept me from connecting as deeply as I would have liked. The other factor was relationships I felt I didn’t get to see enough of. I got descriptions of histories between characters, which were then translated into bonds. I felt a bit lost sometimes, as if I’d missed years of these people’s lives. Which, I guess, I had. None of this was a deal breaker in any way. The book was balanced between action and character growth. There were some neat twists—some I saw coming, some I didn’t.
All in all, a quick and action-packed read that tackles some interesting questions about humanity and colonization. Definitely worth a read.
December 7, 2020
In the near future, humans are now a minority species. After a century of catastrophic climate changes, all the children are sick and dying. Humans have been tasked with returning Earth to the way it was before the children started getting sick. They are tasked with terraforming Earth along with other planets.
Dane decides to leave Earth and join his sister Dr. Zi Walker to help her terraform Mars. Dane and his biot assistant, Hali are on their way to Mars with the Trojan computer that will help with making the terraforming go quicker and faster.
A corporation on Earth known as the Apollo Corporation who wants to stop Dane’s sister’s project on Mars, sneak on board Dane’s ship to try and steal the Trojan computer to ensure that humans can’t terraform Earth, Mars, and other planets.
Dane with the help of his biot assistant, Hali must find a way to stop the Apollo agents from taking the Trojan computer, or they all may be doomed. A war breaks out among the humans, and the Apollo agents will determine the fate of humankind.
Sentient is a fast-paced science fiction with enough action and suspense to keep the pages turning. I did enjoy reading Sentient as it reminded me of Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, Total Recall, and Mission to Mars all rolled into one. I could see it all playing out in my head like a movie.
I would recommend Sentient to all fans of science fiction. One-click your copy of Sentient today to begin this epic scientific adventure!
Dane decides to leave Earth and join his sister Dr. Zi Walker to help her terraform Mars. Dane and his biot assistant, Hali are on their way to Mars with the Trojan computer that will help with making the terraforming go quicker and faster.
A corporation on Earth known as the Apollo Corporation who wants to stop Dane’s sister’s project on Mars, sneak on board Dane’s ship to try and steal the Trojan computer to ensure that humans can’t terraform Earth, Mars, and other planets.
Dane with the help of his biot assistant, Hali must find a way to stop the Apollo agents from taking the Trojan computer, or they all may be doomed. A war breaks out among the humans, and the Apollo agents will determine the fate of humankind.
Sentient is a fast-paced science fiction with enough action and suspense to keep the pages turning. I did enjoy reading Sentient as it reminded me of Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, Total Recall, and Mission to Mars all rolled into one. I could see it all playing out in my head like a movie.
I would recommend Sentient to all fans of science fiction. One-click your copy of Sentient today to begin this epic scientific adventure!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews