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Voice
Adam is a man on the verge of breaking. Kidnapped as a child and raised under a ruthless authoritarian regime; he harbors a hidden disloyalty that threatens to be uncovered. To escape this fate, Adam volunteers to pilot mankind’s first manned mission to survey a new system: Tau Ceti. Tasked with preserving Adam on his eighteen-year voyage is a prototype artificial intelligence, ‘Voice’. Untried and untested, the AI is cold, calculating and unknowable.
Those on Earth face turbulent times as different factions vie for control, whereas the shrouded and mysterious Tau Ceti system may not be as welcoming as it appears…
Those on Earth face turbulent times as different factions vie for control, whereas the shrouded and mysterious Tau Ceti system may not be as welcoming as it appears…
177 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2021
7 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
William Gee
10 books9 followersAuthor of VOICE and presently working on the sequel: ADAM of TARAKK.
Typically writing hard science fiction infused with elements of adventure and horror.
Decades working in cutting-edge STEM roles enhance the realism of William's writing to provide compelling glimpses of possible futures; be they dystopian or utopian. Selling even one paperback makes me inordinately happy!
Read my work for free on Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0918S9P3J
Typically writing hard science fiction infused with elements of adventure and horror.
Decades working in cutting-edge STEM roles enhance the realism of William's writing to provide compelling glimpses of possible futures; be they dystopian or utopian. Selling even one paperback makes me inordinately happy!
Read my work for free on Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0918S9P3J
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 15, 2021
Disclosure: I received this ebook free for the purposes of review. This did not influence the content of my review, but did influence my decision to write a review.
Voice is a relatively new science fiction release by an indie author exploring a near future wherein the Earth is nearing global unification under an authoritarian government and is striving to expand beyond the solar system. The story initially follows Adam, who is seeking to escape the tyranny of this government by undertaking a survey mission to Tau Ceti, and later transitions to follow the titular artificial intelligence, Voice, that was sent to accompany Adam.
The entire story is grounded by a very believable vision of future technology. I quite liked the outlined adoption of increasingly sophisticated AI technology within society, as well as the idea of a moon-based stepping stone to the exploration of the galaxy that could very well be one-way. There is also a theme of naivety on behalf of humanity in terms of adopting technologies that might be dangerous, and exploring when mankind is not ready for what it could find. I found these element well-written, hence my rating of 4 stars. Inspiration seems to have been strongly drawn from 1984 and perhaps Dune at a stretch.
All in all, I found Voice an enjoyable read. If you have an interest in 'hard' science fiction, this book is well worth your time.
Voice is a relatively new science fiction release by an indie author exploring a near future wherein the Earth is nearing global unification under an authoritarian government and is striving to expand beyond the solar system. The story initially follows Adam, who is seeking to escape the tyranny of this government by undertaking a survey mission to Tau Ceti, and later transitions to follow the titular artificial intelligence, Voice, that was sent to accompany Adam.
The entire story is grounded by a very believable vision of future technology. I quite liked the outlined adoption of increasingly sophisticated AI technology within society, as well as the idea of a moon-based stepping stone to the exploration of the galaxy that could very well be one-way. There is also a theme of naivety on behalf of humanity in terms of adopting technologies that might be dangerous, and exploring when mankind is not ready for what it could find. I found these element well-written, hence my rating of 4 stars. Inspiration seems to have been strongly drawn from 1984 and perhaps Dune at a stretch.
All in all, I found Voice an enjoyable read. If you have an interest in 'hard' science fiction, this book is well worth your time.
May 19, 2021
A solid science fiction outing. Those interested in space opera / military science fiction / just sci fi in general will likely find something for them.
Unlike many other novels I've read, the focus isn't placed on a warship waging space battles, but a survey craft sent to explore a new solar system (Tau Ceti). The main character (Adam) was trained in the military of a tyrannical global government, but can no longer stand the cause. Faced with capture and likely death, he chooses the survey mission to escape.
Without giving away too much, two new foes are introduced, technological and alien. The struggle for Adam's survival is stacked against him, and I had to read to the end compulsively.
This is clearly the opening book of a larger series, but it was a bit of a shame that it wasn't longer. It felt like more time could have been spent building the later Tau Ceti part of the story. That said, the characters were compelling, and I found I liked the fractured politics of Earth at the time the novel is set. I thoroughly look forward to the sequel.
Unlike many other novels I've read, the focus isn't placed on a warship waging space battles, but a survey craft sent to explore a new solar system (Tau Ceti). The main character (Adam) was trained in the military of a tyrannical global government, but can no longer stand the cause. Faced with capture and likely death, he chooses the survey mission to escape.
Without giving away too much, two new foes are introduced, technological and alien. The struggle for Adam's survival is stacked against him, and I had to read to the end compulsively.
This is clearly the opening book of a larger series, but it was a bit of a shame that it wasn't longer. It felt like more time could have been spent building the later Tau Ceti part of the story. That said, the characters were compelling, and I found I liked the fractured politics of Earth at the time the novel is set. I thoroughly look forward to the sequel.
May 19, 2024
I read this book as a judge on the Wayward Stars team in the SPSFC3 (third annual, self-published science-fiction competition), in the quarterfinals round within our group. This is my own personal review and does not represent the views of the team or any other individuals other than myself.
The books description starts with: "Adam is a man on the verge of breaking. Kidnapped as a child and raised under a ruthless authoritarian regime; he harbors a hidden disloyalty that threatens to be uncovered. To escape this fate, Adam volunteers to pilot mankind’s first manned mission to survey a new system: Tau Ceti. Tasked with preserving Adam on his eighteen-year voyage is a prototype artificial intelligence, ‘Voice’. Untried and untested, the AI is cold, calculating and unknowable." This sounded so interesting to me.
Of all the books I read as a judge in the sci-fi competition, I am as excited to read the sequel to this one as any of them. And although this one did not advance beyond the quarterfinal stage in our group, I still ended up giving it 4.0/5.0 stars.
For me, this book read like two different stories between the first half and the second half. As I started, I had a certain feeling towards the main character and where things were headed, and I was enjoying that. Then, about midway through, it all changed! At first, I thought I was a little angry that it wasn't what I was gearing myself up for. But in a short time, I found that the second half captured my interest even better!
While there are a couple of sci-fi tropes that are used here, I felt it was done very well and kept me intrigued and interested the whole time. The overall storyline here is one that keeps me thinking about it even after having finished it so many months ago. I definitely love books that keep me thinking.
So, I can definitely say I recommend this one to fans of sci-fi (and even a little bit of horror!). I will be reading the sequel as soon as its available.
The books description starts with: "Adam is a man on the verge of breaking. Kidnapped as a child and raised under a ruthless authoritarian regime; he harbors a hidden disloyalty that threatens to be uncovered. To escape this fate, Adam volunteers to pilot mankind’s first manned mission to survey a new system: Tau Ceti. Tasked with preserving Adam on his eighteen-year voyage is a prototype artificial intelligence, ‘Voice’. Untried and untested, the AI is cold, calculating and unknowable." This sounded so interesting to me.
Of all the books I read as a judge in the sci-fi competition, I am as excited to read the sequel to this one as any of them. And although this one did not advance beyond the quarterfinal stage in our group, I still ended up giving it 4.0/5.0 stars.
For me, this book read like two different stories between the first half and the second half. As I started, I had a certain feeling towards the main character and where things were headed, and I was enjoying that. Then, about midway through, it all changed! At first, I thought I was a little angry that it wasn't what I was gearing myself up for. But in a short time, I found that the second half captured my interest even better!
While there are a couple of sci-fi tropes that are used here, I felt it was done very well and kept me intrigued and interested the whole time. The overall storyline here is one that keeps me thinking about it even after having finished it so many months ago. I definitely love books that keep me thinking.
So, I can definitely say I recommend this one to fans of sci-fi (and even a little bit of horror!). I will be reading the sequel as soon as its available.
September 9, 2021
If you love sci-fi, read this book!
I adored the vision of a dystopian world wherein humanity is verging upon transcending the petty squabbles of Earth and now looks toward the stars. The overarching theme of irresponsible pursuit of technology in relation to AI development also resonated strongly with me. I was reminded of historical efforts to harness the atom; on the one hand the promise of clean energy and the liberation of mankind, on the other the atomic bomb and mutual assured destruction. That same balance of risk versus reward is posed in this work: the author seemingly asking how far can artificial intelligence be safely taken before the risk becomes untenable.
Plotwise, the story follows Adam, a man under the scrutiny of the authoritarian regime and who protects secrets that must not be discovered. For his family’s sake, he bends to the regime’s will and ventures out across intersystem space to survey a new world, alone but for a prototype AI. As the story progresses, his hold over his own destiny erodes until it is gone completely. All the while, the worldbuilding establishes the setting for what will be a climactic struggle for control spanning two distinct solar systems…
I cannot literally wait for the sequel! 5 stars
I adored the vision of a dystopian world wherein humanity is verging upon transcending the petty squabbles of Earth and now looks toward the stars. The overarching theme of irresponsible pursuit of technology in relation to AI development also resonated strongly with me. I was reminded of historical efforts to harness the atom; on the one hand the promise of clean energy and the liberation of mankind, on the other the atomic bomb and mutual assured destruction. That same balance of risk versus reward is posed in this work: the author seemingly asking how far can artificial intelligence be safely taken before the risk becomes untenable.
Plotwise, the story follows Adam, a man under the scrutiny of the authoritarian regime and who protects secrets that must not be discovered. For his family’s sake, he bends to the regime’s will and ventures out across intersystem space to survey a new world, alone but for a prototype AI. As the story progresses, his hold over his own destiny erodes until it is gone completely. All the while, the worldbuilding establishes the setting for what will be a climactic struggle for control spanning two distinct solar systems…
I cannot literally wait for the sequel! 5 stars
July 3, 2021
Greatly enjoyed this book. Great character arc for main character who, without giving away too much, struggles against considerable adversity throughout this science fiction story.
As the first novel in a series (it wasn't clear that's what is was until very end btw.), it does a great job of setting the scene for what I expect will be a really interesting scifi / military scifi tale. One thing setting this book apart from many others is the realistic technology seemingly in play. While some is currently fantastical, the descriptions are grounded in the form of where our civilization is presently headed. For example, use of artificial intelligence is an ongoing theme throughout the book, as well as space travel that is limited by a lunar accelerator complex. Some tropes are borrowed (e.g. cryo sleep) but if you like the hard science fiction genre, you will probably appreciate this story.
I'm giving this five stars mostly out of the promise of what this series could be, but it is certainly worthy of the ~4 star rating it presently has on Goodreads.
As the first novel in a series (it wasn't clear that's what is was until very end btw.), it does a great job of setting the scene for what I expect will be a really interesting scifi / military scifi tale. One thing setting this book apart from many others is the realistic technology seemingly in play. While some is currently fantastical, the descriptions are grounded in the form of where our civilization is presently headed. For example, use of artificial intelligence is an ongoing theme throughout the book, as well as space travel that is limited by a lunar accelerator complex. Some tropes are borrowed (e.g. cryo sleep) but if you like the hard science fiction genre, you will probably appreciate this story.
I'm giving this five stars mostly out of the promise of what this series could be, but it is certainly worthy of the ~4 star rating it presently has on Goodreads.
April 16, 2022
Received this for free and had never heard of the author, so my expectations were low, but was pleasantly surprised. Story could have progressed more, but guess it's teeing up a series.
July 2, 2021
I found Voice to be a well-written, entertaining first science fiction outing by indie author William Gee.
The story had multiple threads that are woven together to create the futuristic vision of Earth, as well as interesting characters to keep the reader engaged. The descriptions are excellent and the dialog is refined.
If the book was longer it would have been five stars, however it feels a bit like 'The Hobbit' preceding 'The Lord of the Rings', serving to establish a setting prior to starting the true epic tale.
The story had multiple threads that are woven together to create the futuristic vision of Earth, as well as interesting characters to keep the reader engaged. The descriptions are excellent and the dialog is refined.
If the book was longer it would have been five stars, however it feels a bit like 'The Hobbit' preceding 'The Lord of the Rings', serving to establish a setting prior to starting the true epic tale.
May 22, 2021
Really immersive world building / story
July 3, 2021
Really strong opening book in the hard-SF genre!
Having a compelling grounding in the real world physics/mechanics helps me embrace a good science fiction story, and this one didn't disappoint. At it's heart, this is a story about humanity's folly and the dangers of rampant technological advancement but there are also softer elements, such as the close relationship between Adam and his father. In short: great science fiction with heart.
Given the hit/miss nature of KDP self-published authors, this one is a real diamond in the rough. Also a bargain compared with some traditionally-published works in the field. I recommend you give it a go, the worst thing that can happen is you feel good for supporting an indie author.
Having a compelling grounding in the real world physics/mechanics helps me embrace a good science fiction story, and this one didn't disappoint. At it's heart, this is a story about humanity's folly and the dangers of rampant technological advancement but there are also softer elements, such as the close relationship between Adam and his father. In short: great science fiction with heart.
Given the hit/miss nature of KDP self-published authors, this one is a real diamond in the rough. Also a bargain compared with some traditionally-published works in the field. I recommend you give it a go, the worst thing that can happen is you feel good for supporting an indie author.
June 4, 2022
I came across this book as it concerned AI and the exploration of new worlds. What I found was a dull book that didn’t make too much sense. The main character wasn’t interesting, having his personality bleached out due to his environment. Voice, the AI, doesn’t appear until past the half way point. The whole trip to Tau Ceti was more of a bridge to a second book than a center piece of this one.
Throughout the book, the author places Adam, the main character, into situations where he needs to figure something out or die. No organization that has invested enormous resources into something, such as the Tau Ceti ship, then drop a person into it without any training. Just do or die. Using current authoritarian governments, they would sequester the pilots away and continuously ensure their loyalty, not roll the dice.
The economy didn’t make sense, either. Reason’s March, the super government that can do anything it wants to its citizens, wants to run the world. But it doesn’t seem to actually govern, more instill fear and has leaders that distrust. The president’s face can not be known. Somehow they built a sophisticated moon base that is supposed to be super secret. But can be infiltrated easily.
The author set the time period a couple centuries in the future, except that a lot of it seemed to be in near current time. Jeeps and Humvees abound, as do flight drones. One of the battle lines is around the current US/Mexico border, which seems off for a government that is supposed to have already conquered half the world.
It really comes back to Adam & Voice. Not very interesting alone or together. I ended up skimming the last half, only stopping when they reach Tau Ceti. With the events there, it cemented that this is more focused on aggression and not exploration.
I think there is a story in here somewhere. The AI & the ability to control people is relevant to today. But it needs to exist in a universe that has some believability.
Throughout the book, the author places Adam, the main character, into situations where he needs to figure something out or die. No organization that has invested enormous resources into something, such as the Tau Ceti ship, then drop a person into it without any training. Just do or die. Using current authoritarian governments, they would sequester the pilots away and continuously ensure their loyalty, not roll the dice.
The economy didn’t make sense, either. Reason’s March, the super government that can do anything it wants to its citizens, wants to run the world. But it doesn’t seem to actually govern, more instill fear and has leaders that distrust. The president’s face can not be known. Somehow they built a sophisticated moon base that is supposed to be super secret. But can be infiltrated easily.
The author set the time period a couple centuries in the future, except that a lot of it seemed to be in near current time. Jeeps and Humvees abound, as do flight drones. One of the battle lines is around the current US/Mexico border, which seems off for a government that is supposed to have already conquered half the world.
It really comes back to Adam & Voice. Not very interesting alone or together. I ended up skimming the last half, only stopping when they reach Tau Ceti. With the events there, it cemented that this is more focused on aggression and not exploration.
I think there is a story in here somewhere. The AI & the ability to control people is relevant to today. But it needs to exist in a universe that has some believability.
May 18, 2021
Was a good story. A nice take on the first space exploration, without the 'star trek' do gooder attitude. Why wouldn't human's be the @$$holes in the universe? Some of the writing is rough... clunky sentences etc. could use more proof!
February 13, 2023
I wanted to read a book that is gripping and that will keep you on your toes. This wasn't it. Although Adam's training session proved interesting, the authoritarian regime proved more boring than menacing.
May 16, 2021
Not sure how this got onto my kindle, but I'm glad it did
July 22, 2024
fun sci fi
Categorized as “hard sci fi” but it is not that. This was more like “Ender-lite meets Darrow-lite.” Very fun, quick read. Looking forward to the sequel.
Categorized as “hard sci fi” but it is not that. This was more like “Ender-lite meets Darrow-lite.” Very fun, quick read. Looking forward to the sequel.
April 13, 2022
This book is absolutely amazing.
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February 3, 2024Disclaimer: I read this as a judge for SPSFC#3, as part of the Wayward Stars team. However, the following is my own personal review and does not reflect on the team's score.
This is a difficult book to review and it practically split opinion down the middle in the team. In terms of feel, it seems a bit like two separate books. The first half concerns Adam (our main POV) and his "upbringing". The second half is more recent events, with Adam piloting the first ever extra-solar system flight with the aid of an experimental AI, the Voice. While both halves are excellent in the own right, there is a feeling of disconnect between it. Although relevant to the story, the first half can come across as a giant info-dump as to why Adam is doing what he is doing. This may have more structurally suited to shorter novel for the second half with the first half as a prequel novella? I'm not the person to tell an author how to write their book but that feeling persisted throughout. There is also a quite large period of time covered in this book but it is not always clear when time jumps have occurred. Maybe splitting the book could make things a little clearer.
The worldbuilding in both halves is pretty decent. The first half gives a feeling for the politics and what-nots that led to the mission and how Adam got selected. The alternative earth politics were fascinating but also felt a little too close for comfort at times. The second half is obviously space and I felt there was the right amount of science in the technical sections. Explanations about the AI and the science behind it left me boggled but that's a me thing and not the book. There is a fairly short section late on that is a doozy - not going to spoil everything but that section after the asteroid belt is short but incredibly sweet!
The main character throughout is Adam and I felt that the author did a solid job with Adam's plot arc/character progression. I really felt for Adam by the end of the book. I also liked how Voice was portrayed - much more of an unknown than some AI's, which seem to be humans in electronic form. Here, Voice really was alien. But my favourite character of them all is the President of Reason's March. A megalomaniac which some outrageous tendencies, the President was a joy to read. I just never want to meet anyone like him in person!
I very much enjoyed this book and will be very intrigued to see where the story goes next. I have my suspicions but I really will look forward to the next book in this series. Strong characterisation and plot but a wobbly structure, this is a nice blend of dystopian near earth and first contact space exploration.
This is a difficult book to review and it practically split opinion down the middle in the team. In terms of feel, it seems a bit like two separate books. The first half concerns Adam (our main POV) and his "upbringing". The second half is more recent events, with Adam piloting the first ever extra-solar system flight with the aid of an experimental AI, the Voice. While both halves are excellent in the own right, there is a feeling of disconnect between it. Although relevant to the story, the first half can come across as a giant info-dump as to why Adam is doing what he is doing. This may have more structurally suited to shorter novel for the second half with the first half as a prequel novella? I'm not the person to tell an author how to write their book but that feeling persisted throughout. There is also a quite large period of time covered in this book but it is not always clear when time jumps have occurred. Maybe splitting the book could make things a little clearer.
The worldbuilding in both halves is pretty decent. The first half gives a feeling for the politics and what-nots that led to the mission and how Adam got selected. The alternative earth politics were fascinating but also felt a little too close for comfort at times. The second half is obviously space and I felt there was the right amount of science in the technical sections. Explanations about the AI and the science behind it left me boggled but that's a me thing and not the book. There is a fairly short section late on that is a doozy - not going to spoil everything but that section after the asteroid belt is short but incredibly sweet!
The main character throughout is Adam and I felt that the author did a solid job with Adam's plot arc/character progression. I really felt for Adam by the end of the book. I also liked how Voice was portrayed - much more of an unknown than some AI's, which seem to be humans in electronic form. Here, Voice really was alien. But my favourite character of them all is the President of Reason's March. A megalomaniac which some outrageous tendencies, the President was a joy to read. I just never want to meet anyone like him in person!
I very much enjoyed this book and will be very intrigued to see where the story goes next. I have my suspicions but I really will look forward to the next book in this series. Strong characterisation and plot but a wobbly structure, this is a nice blend of dystopian near earth and first contact space exploration.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews