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Unplugged
Zendaya Fernwood carries with her a secret. The world around her is a lie, an ingeniously designed digital prison for the mind. Escape occupies her every thought. Freedom is her goal and nothing will stop her from unplugging. What awaits Zendaya is a fate far worse than she could have imagined. Beyond her prison is a scorched earth where man and machine wage war in a seemingly endless campaign of suffering. There is hope on the horizon, a unique figure with the potential of rising from the shadows of the scorched earth to make a difference. To finally, after so very long, give humans the freedom they deserve.
- GenresScience Fiction
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2021
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Taylor
19 books45 followersJ.B Taylor lives in Indiana with his dog, Chico. He lives to write and writes to live. His inspirations span every genre, but he has a particular fondness for science fiction, cyberpunk, and dystopian tales.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2021
Funny thing about social media is you’ll randomly connect with some of the most awesome people through the most random of ways. I think it was either a sarcastic making fun of Duncan Ralston or Edward Lorn Twitter thread where myself and J.B. Taylor connected (I might be wrong but joking about something was definitely how we connected). From there is was the usual level of goofy interactions, funny gifs and memes on each others tweets etc and hilarity ensued.
It wasn’t until I posted a review of one of Martha Wells’ Murderbot books that J.B reached out. Many folks think I purely read horror (which isn’t true of my reading or my writing) and he asked if I’d take his debut novel for a spin.
He labelled it sci-fi/dystopian/cyber punk which had me intrigued. I’ve not read a lot of cyber punk, but what I have I’ve enjoyed, so I agreed and dove in.
What I liked: ‘Unplugged’ follows Zendaya in a world where blind devotion is given to a mysterious figure and the earth has been scorched. The story itself follows along at a break-neck pace with layer upon layer unraveled.
I really enjoyed how this one followed a fairly standard mystery set up. Not to say that’s a bad thing, but little details and hints are dropped and it’s up to the reader to try and connect these clues at the same time Zendaya does.
There is some truly fantastic imagery in this book, cinematic in scope and this setting is what really propelled the story along. Knowing that not everything you see is what truly is there.
Taylor has a really easy way of writing, even when we get some deeper sci-fi moments and the way things occur throughout really pulled me along, made me want to know just what the heck is going on.
What I didn’t like: Hard, classic sci-fi moments are tough for me. There are moments of this where we get a lot of description on how something works or how the tech operates and I have to consciously work to not tune those parts out as I know it’ll play a role later on. For the most part these moments are minimal, but it was something that cropped up.
Why you should buy this: If you like visiting imaginative new worlds where nothing is what it seems and you just never know what the next chapter will bring – this one’s for you. I really had a blast with Taylor’s ‘Unplugged,’ a very strong debut that introduced us to memorable characters and a stunning playground that they lived in.
It wasn’t until I posted a review of one of Martha Wells’ Murderbot books that J.B reached out. Many folks think I purely read horror (which isn’t true of my reading or my writing) and he asked if I’d take his debut novel for a spin.
He labelled it sci-fi/dystopian/cyber punk which had me intrigued. I’ve not read a lot of cyber punk, but what I have I’ve enjoyed, so I agreed and dove in.
What I liked: ‘Unplugged’ follows Zendaya in a world where blind devotion is given to a mysterious figure and the earth has been scorched. The story itself follows along at a break-neck pace with layer upon layer unraveled.
I really enjoyed how this one followed a fairly standard mystery set up. Not to say that’s a bad thing, but little details and hints are dropped and it’s up to the reader to try and connect these clues at the same time Zendaya does.
There is some truly fantastic imagery in this book, cinematic in scope and this setting is what really propelled the story along. Knowing that not everything you see is what truly is there.
Taylor has a really easy way of writing, even when we get some deeper sci-fi moments and the way things occur throughout really pulled me along, made me want to know just what the heck is going on.
What I didn’t like: Hard, classic sci-fi moments are tough for me. There are moments of this where we get a lot of description on how something works or how the tech operates and I have to consciously work to not tune those parts out as I know it’ll play a role later on. For the most part these moments are minimal, but it was something that cropped up.
Why you should buy this: If you like visiting imaginative new worlds where nothing is what it seems and you just never know what the next chapter will bring – this one’s for you. I really had a blast with Taylor’s ‘Unplugged,’ a very strong debut that introduced us to memorable characters and a stunning playground that they lived in.
September 20, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book in a duology and the first audio book I have ever read (?)/listened to and WOW. Firstly, let me commend the performance of the person reading. Their voice was dynamic and interesting and I enjoyed every second listening to them.
The world building is excellent and (to me) very reminiscent of 1984 and even The Hunger Games with a Sci-Fi/ technological twist. I don’t read too many novels with robots/androids/virtual realities, and I was slightly nervous I would be in over my head, but I am so glad I was wrong. The author did an excellent job making a complex world digestible and interesting— do not be afraid to pick this up if understanding technology is a worry for you!
Our cast of characters were interesting and diverse and I had a real connection to the MC (something I can struggle with).
I did feel as though the second half of the middle dragged slightly, but the ending was so worth it all. I found my heart racing with anticipation and I couldn’t “listen” fast enough to know what was to happen next.
All in all, this book was refreshing, thrilling, and a blast to read/listen to. If you’re questioning picking this up and love dystopian societies with a fun matrix/technological component to it, you will not regret it.
This is the first book in a duology and the first audio book I have ever read (?)/listened to and WOW. Firstly, let me commend the performance of the person reading. Their voice was dynamic and interesting and I enjoyed every second listening to them.
The world building is excellent and (to me) very reminiscent of 1984 and even The Hunger Games with a Sci-Fi/ technological twist. I don’t read too many novels with robots/androids/virtual realities, and I was slightly nervous I would be in over my head, but I am so glad I was wrong. The author did an excellent job making a complex world digestible and interesting— do not be afraid to pick this up if understanding technology is a worry for you!
Our cast of characters were interesting and diverse and I had a real connection to the MC (something I can struggle with).
I did feel as though the second half of the middle dragged slightly, but the ending was so worth it all. I found my heart racing with anticipation and I couldn’t “listen” fast enough to know what was to happen next.
All in all, this book was refreshing, thrilling, and a blast to read/listen to. If you’re questioning picking this up and love dystopian societies with a fun matrix/technological component to it, you will not regret it.
December 31, 2021
Like Matrix written by Philip K. DICK
An interesting take on a Cyberpunk trope.
The world building felt soft and it was more focused on the philosophical aspect of it. The ending was really interesting and opens to a new plot line for part two.
An interesting take on a Cyberpunk trope.
The world building felt soft and it was more focused on the philosophical aspect of it. The ending was really interesting and opens to a new plot line for part two.
May 3, 2021
I wasn't in the correct headspace for this one the first time around. I was almost 80 pages in and for some reason the story wasn't connecting with me at all. You could say I was UNPLUGGED.
Okay, terrible joke aside, but my second read through was a completely different experience.
I was determined to pay more attention. Having read the first 80 pages before I was certainly more familiar with the story and it somehow felt more like a slow burn this around than the sheer confusion it felt like before. But that's on me. I know that now.
Now, there was a certain aspect to it that had me questioning things, and I don't want to say what it was because it kind of ruins it, but all I'm going to say is hold on. Actually, really hold on, because by the end of part one, this slow burn turns into a little rocket. Everything starts pulling together. And it get better and better. What he has done here definitely makes for a better story. It was just a ballsy thing to do, holding things back
J.B. has created a really imaginative world here. The flow was wonderful, it was beautifully structured and his descriptive writing was also spot on.
Whatever you do, don't abandon it like I did. You'll kick yourself. Just pay attention.
In truth, it's going to be mostly sci-fans that pick this book up anyway, fans of the Matrix, The Fifth Element, that kind of thing. So, I don't think they'd abandon it anyway. Just be assured your questions are answered.
Like I say, this book just took off when it got to part 2, and for me, it didn't let up.
I was completely engrossed.
So for the rating, and I've really thought about this.
This was sitting at a 3.5 before the end of part one.
Part 2 was a 5 star read all the way. I just really appreciated everything he did. Nothing felt overstated. It was easy to understand. It's all about paying attention.
So for that I would say it should be ticking around the 4.5 but no, there really is no question that this deserves a 5 overall.
Fans of the genre should pick this up.
Others who are curious should do the same.
UNPLUGGED 2 has just been announced and it is some time away, but if it's anything like this one it will do extremely well. If he puts in the same amount of effort I have no doubt this will be a hell of a series to follow.
Okay, terrible joke aside, but my second read through was a completely different experience.
I was determined to pay more attention. Having read the first 80 pages before I was certainly more familiar with the story and it somehow felt more like a slow burn this around than the sheer confusion it felt like before. But that's on me. I know that now.
Now, there was a certain aspect to it that had me questioning things, and I don't want to say what it was because it kind of ruins it, but all I'm going to say is hold on. Actually, really hold on, because by the end of part one, this slow burn turns into a little rocket. Everything starts pulling together. And it get better and better. What he has done here definitely makes for a better story. It was just a ballsy thing to do, holding things back
J.B. has created a really imaginative world here. The flow was wonderful, it was beautifully structured and his descriptive writing was also spot on.
Whatever you do, don't abandon it like I did. You'll kick yourself. Just pay attention.
In truth, it's going to be mostly sci-fans that pick this book up anyway, fans of the Matrix, The Fifth Element, that kind of thing. So, I don't think they'd abandon it anyway. Just be assured your questions are answered.
Like I say, this book just took off when it got to part 2, and for me, it didn't let up.
I was completely engrossed.
So for the rating, and I've really thought about this.
This was sitting at a 3.5 before the end of part one.
Part 2 was a 5 star read all the way. I just really appreciated everything he did. Nothing felt overstated. It was easy to understand. It's all about paying attention.
So for that I would say it should be ticking around the 4.5 but no, there really is no question that this deserves a 5 overall.
Fans of the genre should pick this up.
Others who are curious should do the same.
UNPLUGGED 2 has just been announced and it is some time away, but if it's anything like this one it will do extremely well. If he puts in the same amount of effort I have no doubt this will be a hell of a series to follow.
September 9, 2021
I was very entertained by this book. I don't want to give any spoilers but anyone who is a fan of thing like The Matrix, iRobot, or scifi in general will enjoy it. I applaud the authors bold choice halfway through the book. Really left me wanting more, can't wait for book 2
August 7, 2022
If you are a fan of Neuromancer there is a hint of it in there. One thing I enjoyed about this book is how fast paced the second half was full of explosions and combat. I’m not the biggest fan of Sci-fi so I was pleasantly surprised how well detailed and visual this world is. There is a bit of an emotional detachment between the reader and the characters but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. I can tell you you’ll be satisfied with the ending.
January 17, 2022
**DISCLAIMER. I did not purchase this book. I was given a review copy of Unplugged, the audiobook from the author J.B. Taylor, in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version of Unplugged. Written by J.B. Taylor and narrated by Helen Macfarlane. Unplugged is a compelling dystopian sci-fi centering on protagonist Zendaya Fernwood. Fernwood works as a Peace Keeper. The police force for the Honorable Father. Fernwood lives her life on repeat. Wake up, got to work, come home. Repeat till dead. Things change when she notices that the world around her is not what it appears to be. She learns that it’s all digital. Does Zendaya have what it takes to unplug from the digital world and make it to the real one?
The story is straightforward and to the point. This is not a bad thing. It’s actually a great thing. In a world where writers are trying to come up with convoluted stories, it’s nice to pick up a sci-fi book with a tight storyline and just turn your brain off. It is slow at first half, but afterwards the book really picks up. Once in the second half of the book, it’s full of action. Even though second half is very face paced, it’s very well paced, and the reader doesn’t get lost. To get a good idea of how this book is, think The Matrix, iRobot, and George Orwell’s 1984 all came together.
The story is predictable, but that doesn’t take away from writing full to the brim with a grand description that keeps you sucked in. A great example of this would be the opening paragraph of the story. If I had to explain the writing in this paragraph in one word, it would be smooth.
" Zendaya rolled over in her sleep, her face awash in the moonlight slipping through the curtains. She stood in a doorway watching a small white cat that curled in on itself, asleep, its sides a steady cascade of respiration. The cat awoke and stretched high on its paws; mouth open in a fierce yawn. The hallway glared bright white, and Zendaya woke with a start and sat up. Breathing heavily, she looked to the digital clock on her bedside table. It was a little after three. Ungraciously, she shoved the blanket away and swung her legs around. Her bare feet registered the cold wood floor. The moonlight, the cold, none of it was real, but that didn’t stop the goosepimples from rising on her flesh, for a shiver to run up her spine. Knowing the truth wasn’t enough."
Finally, I would like to talk about the most important part of an audiobook, the narrator. Macfarlane does an amazing job at bringing this story to life. An example of this would be her performance of the primary antagonist. The antagonist is very black and white. Straightforward. Her talents bring this character to life. Another example would be her bringing a lot of intensity to the performance. She doesn’t do it by upping her volume, but by upping her emotions behind the words. I would differently listen to another performance by her.
Unplugged the audiobook is great for any fan of sci-fi. Although the story can be predictable, it is still enjoyable. The combination of Taylors’ smooth writing and intense performance from Macfarlane brings this story to life and makes for an enjoyable read and listen.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version of Unplugged. Written by J.B. Taylor and narrated by Helen Macfarlane. Unplugged is a compelling dystopian sci-fi centering on protagonist Zendaya Fernwood. Fernwood works as a Peace Keeper. The police force for the Honorable Father. Fernwood lives her life on repeat. Wake up, got to work, come home. Repeat till dead. Things change when she notices that the world around her is not what it appears to be. She learns that it’s all digital. Does Zendaya have what it takes to unplug from the digital world and make it to the real one?
The story is straightforward and to the point. This is not a bad thing. It’s actually a great thing. In a world where writers are trying to come up with convoluted stories, it’s nice to pick up a sci-fi book with a tight storyline and just turn your brain off. It is slow at first half, but afterwards the book really picks up. Once in the second half of the book, it’s full of action. Even though second half is very face paced, it’s very well paced, and the reader doesn’t get lost. To get a good idea of how this book is, think The Matrix, iRobot, and George Orwell’s 1984 all came together.
The story is predictable, but that doesn’t take away from writing full to the brim with a grand description that keeps you sucked in. A great example of this would be the opening paragraph of the story. If I had to explain the writing in this paragraph in one word, it would be smooth.
" Zendaya rolled over in her sleep, her face awash in the moonlight slipping through the curtains. She stood in a doorway watching a small white cat that curled in on itself, asleep, its sides a steady cascade of respiration. The cat awoke and stretched high on its paws; mouth open in a fierce yawn. The hallway glared bright white, and Zendaya woke with a start and sat up. Breathing heavily, she looked to the digital clock on her bedside table. It was a little after three. Ungraciously, she shoved the blanket away and swung her legs around. Her bare feet registered the cold wood floor. The moonlight, the cold, none of it was real, but that didn’t stop the goosepimples from rising on her flesh, for a shiver to run up her spine. Knowing the truth wasn’t enough."
Finally, I would like to talk about the most important part of an audiobook, the narrator. Macfarlane does an amazing job at bringing this story to life. An example of this would be her performance of the primary antagonist. The antagonist is very black and white. Straightforward. Her talents bring this character to life. Another example would be her bringing a lot of intensity to the performance. She doesn’t do it by upping her volume, but by upping her emotions behind the words. I would differently listen to another performance by her.
Unplugged the audiobook is great for any fan of sci-fi. Although the story can be predictable, it is still enjoyable. The combination of Taylors’ smooth writing and intense performance from Macfarlane brings this story to life and makes for an enjoyable read and listen.
April 25, 2021
This book is all the things we're looking for these days. We all need an escape from what's going on around us (right?!) and this book provides that, both literally and figuratively. Unplugged is full of imagination, creativity, and the best sci-fi elements without being overbearing.
In this book we follow Zendaya Fernwood and her journey to unplug from the synthesized world she lives in. If we can take anything away from this book it would be to never stop fighting when you know something is wrong, even if everything seems stacked against you.
Unplugged is a fun read, fast paced and well developed.
In this book we follow Zendaya Fernwood and her journey to unplug from the synthesized world she lives in. If we can take anything away from this book it would be to never stop fighting when you know something is wrong, even if everything seems stacked against you.
Unplugged is a fun read, fast paced and well developed.
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed the heck out of J.B. Taylor's UNPLUGGED, and had the pleasure of listening to an audiobook copy of it.
Zendaya's adventure is a fast-paced mixture that reminded me of 1984 mixed with The Matrix. Taylor worldbuilds phenomenally from the beginning, and Zendaya's fractured existence gets more and more fraught with conflict.
The author's language is crisp but clear, and yet never leans into the forced or the verbose. There is a point specifically 1/3rd into the book where pace seemed to dramatically increase, which was an awesome tool for producing tension and rhythm!
I'm really looking forward to the second book and revisiting Zendaya's world(s)!
Zendaya's adventure is a fast-paced mixture that reminded me of 1984 mixed with The Matrix. Taylor worldbuilds phenomenally from the beginning, and Zendaya's fractured existence gets more and more fraught with conflict.
The author's language is crisp but clear, and yet never leans into the forced or the verbose. There is a point specifically 1/3rd into the book where pace seemed to dramatically increase, which was an awesome tool for producing tension and rhythm!
I'm really looking forward to the second book and revisiting Zendaya's world(s)!
May 22, 2021
This book is ideal for anyone looking for something with Matrix and 1984 vibes! Such an interesting and disturbing concept with some really great ideas and plot devices. Zendaya was a very well-realised and strong female lead which was refreshing to read.
Unfortunately, in my personal reading experience, I just didn’t fully connect with the story, but that’s likely just down to personal preference! Definitely check this out if you want a dystopian, dark journey.
Unfortunately, in my personal reading experience, I just didn’t fully connect with the story, but that’s likely just down to personal preference! Definitely check this out if you want a dystopian, dark journey.
May 3, 2021
Kicking off summer reading with this little banger from a new to me author. Dystopian society, strong main character, and a satisfying ending with foreshadowing of more tales to come. Highly recommend.
July 3, 2021
This was such a fun book to read! Our main character Zendaya knows not everything appears as it seems. A world where The Matrix and George Orwell’s 1984 come together to weave a fascinating tale.
Hands down my new favorite dystopian.
Hands down my new favorite dystopian.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews