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A Cyberpunk Saga #5
Augmented States
The city is on lockdown, but the winds of change are blowing.
When Moss sees the opportunity to alter politics and work against the mega-corporations on a new front, he and the crew delve into a dangerous new world. But in order to change the system, they need the help of new allies from near and far. But changing the face of the city does not come easy. The companies have their own plans and Moss’s family is in the crosshairs.
Relationships are tested and nothing will ever be the same.
Can Moss and the crew work with new allies to fight old enemies?
Find out in Augmented States: A Cyberpunk Saga (Book 5)!
When Moss sees the opportunity to alter politics and work against the mega-corporations on a new front, he and the crew delve into a dangerous new world. But in order to change the system, they need the help of new allies from near and far. But changing the face of the city does not come easy. The companies have their own plans and Moss’s family is in the crosshairs.
Relationships are tested and nothing will ever be the same.
Can Moss and the crew work with new allies to fight old enemies?
Find out in Augmented States: A Cyberpunk Saga (Book 5)!
- GenresCyberpunk
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2021
17 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Matthew A. Goodwin
34 books60 followersMatthew A. Goodwin has been writing about spaceships, dragons and adventures since he was twelve years old. His passion for fantasy began when he discovered a box set of the Hobbit radio drama on cassette tape in his school’s library at the age of seven. He fell in love with fantasy worlds and soon discovered D&D and Warhammer miniatures.
Not wanting to be limited by worlds designed by others, he created Thutopia (now called the Thuton Empire), a fantasy world of his own which he still writes about to this day.
Like many kids with an affinity for fantasy, a love of science fiction soon followed. He loved sweeping space operas and gritty cyberpunk stories which asked questions about man’s relationship to technology. That led him to write his first published work, Into Neon: A Cyberpunk Saga, which takes place in a larger science fiction universe.
He has a passion for travel and wildlife and when he is not off trying to see the world, he lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.
Not wanting to be limited by worlds designed by others, he created Thutopia (now called the Thuton Empire), a fantasy world of his own which he still writes about to this day.
Like many kids with an affinity for fantasy, a love of science fiction soon followed. He loved sweeping space operas and gritty cyberpunk stories which asked questions about man’s relationship to technology. That led him to write his first published work, Into Neon: A Cyberpunk Saga, which takes place in a larger science fiction universe.
He has a passion for travel and wildlife and when he is not off trying to see the world, he lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 20, 2024
Rating: 2 Stars
This is the fifth installment in the Cyberpunk saga. I really wanted to like this book. Just like the previous book, this book fell very flat for me. Parts of the book were drawn out that didn’t need to be as long as they were. Then the fights scenes were rushed and there were some fights which were recounted by other characters very briefly. After this book I won’t be continuing to read the series. The sad part is that I really enjoyed the first three books, the characters were dynamic, and the plot was compelling. The rest of the series is falling too flat for me to continue to read it.
This is the fifth installment in the Cyberpunk saga. I really wanted to like this book. Just like the previous book, this book fell very flat for me. Parts of the book were drawn out that didn’t need to be as long as they were. Then the fights scenes were rushed and there were some fights which were recounted by other characters very briefly. After this book I won’t be continuing to read the series. The sad part is that I really enjoyed the first three books, the characters were dynamic, and the plot was compelling. The rest of the series is falling too flat for me to continue to read it.
September 19, 2021
That was a bit different with a few unexpected twists, really good read and was hard to put down, had a cliff hanger ending, the last few chapters were a bit of an eye opener I did not see coming so it would seem there is more to come in the series.
August 26, 2021
"Augmented States" is book five of Matthew A Goodwin's smashingly successful Cyberpunk Saga. If you haven't read the other books in the series, I would most definitely pick them up before you check out "Augmented States."
The wild ending of book four, "Mind Hack," probably left you reeling and wanting to pick up "Augmented States" right away. Well, partner, step right up, because you are surely in for a treat. Not to spoil things, but "Augmented States" starts out with a very different flavor from the other books, and is like something out of Mad Max. I can say that at long last we finally get the curtain pulled back on the Scubas, a faction introduced in the saga very early on that has remained enshrouded in mystery. After that, the novel shifts to a plot more focused on political wrangling and intrigue. Not to worry though, because that great cyberpunk action is back as well.
I continue to be impressed by Matt Goodwin's ability to conjure up new locales and ideas that keep the saga feeling fresh book after book. I particularly loved the opening of the novel with its cool setting and reveals, but also appreciated the new focus on politics and how the political arena is ultimately necessary to sustain the real kind of change Moss and his friends hope to bring about. Of course, the author still brings that sprightly pace the series is known for, so fret not. The stakes are also raised to higher and higher levels, with things reaching a fever pitch.
With higher stakes comes increased pressure on our venerable heroes. With each passing book, the characters become ever better developed. The author very convincingly renders the long-term results of the stress bestowed on the cast. Little by little, their innocence is disappearing, to be replaced with a jaundiced, world-weary fatigue that, while rather tragic, is still fascinating. Relationships are strained to breaking points, caused by differing ideas on how to bring about positive change.
While characterization shows a burgeoning darkness, so too does the tone of the novel itself. The book's ending is nothing short of shocking. I had to re-read parts of it to convince myself that what I had read was true. Kudos to the author for throwing some wholly unexpected story beats into the mix. I'm very curious to see where the books go from here.
With "Augmented States," author Goodwin once again brings an excellent outing to the series. I am beginning to see the end game come into focus, and am totally stoked to see what the future holds for the series and its author. I am sure the future is bright for both.
The wild ending of book four, "Mind Hack," probably left you reeling and wanting to pick up "Augmented States" right away. Well, partner, step right up, because you are surely in for a treat. Not to spoil things, but "Augmented States" starts out with a very different flavor from the other books, and is like something out of Mad Max. I can say that at long last we finally get the curtain pulled back on the Scubas, a faction introduced in the saga very early on that has remained enshrouded in mystery. After that, the novel shifts to a plot more focused on political wrangling and intrigue. Not to worry though, because that great cyberpunk action is back as well.
I continue to be impressed by Matt Goodwin's ability to conjure up new locales and ideas that keep the saga feeling fresh book after book. I particularly loved the opening of the novel with its cool setting and reveals, but also appreciated the new focus on politics and how the political arena is ultimately necessary to sustain the real kind of change Moss and his friends hope to bring about. Of course, the author still brings that sprightly pace the series is known for, so fret not. The stakes are also raised to higher and higher levels, with things reaching a fever pitch.
With higher stakes comes increased pressure on our venerable heroes. With each passing book, the characters become ever better developed. The author very convincingly renders the long-term results of the stress bestowed on the cast. Little by little, their innocence is disappearing, to be replaced with a jaundiced, world-weary fatigue that, while rather tragic, is still fascinating. Relationships are strained to breaking points, caused by differing ideas on how to bring about positive change.
While characterization shows a burgeoning darkness, so too does the tone of the novel itself. The book's ending is nothing short of shocking. I had to re-read parts of it to convince myself that what I had read was true. Kudos to the author for throwing some wholly unexpected story beats into the mix. I'm very curious to see where the books go from here.
With "Augmented States," author Goodwin once again brings an excellent outing to the series. I am beginning to see the end game come into focus, and am totally stoked to see what the future holds for the series and its author. I am sure the future is bright for both.
January 14, 2026
I will say that I believe this series gets better the deeper you get into it. Writing seems to be a little less on the nose with stuff. I like the themes throughout this book quite a bit, and the last thirty or so pages were hard to pull away from. I feel the characters are all given a lot more depth in this book. Excited to see where the story goes :)
June 6, 2023
I love and hate this book
I’m not exactly sure how to review this book without giving anything away. There were just aspects that made me really happy and other moments that I could live without. I’m just happy the 6th book is out already so I can work out my feelings.
I’m not exactly sure how to review this book without giving anything away. There were just aspects that made me really happy and other moments that I could live without. I’m just happy the 6th book is out already so I can work out my feelings.
October 2, 2021
This part was a very strong mix of non-stop action and a rollercoaster of emotions. And the next part can't come soon enough.
December 25, 2023
Quality cyberpunk. I do wish there was a bit more about the legwork they do (or don't do) for a mission.
December 6, 2024
BEST ONE YET. SOBBING. SCREAMING. THROWING UP.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews