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E-Day #1
E-Day
*Duration: 11 hours and 15 minutes *
Artificial Intelligence is our last hope of saving the war-ravaged Earth in this near-future science-fiction thriller from the apocalyptic mind of 'New York Times' best-selling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith (Hell Divers, The Extinction Cyle, Orbs).
The most advanced soldiers in human history are about to become obsolete.
Engines. Genetically modified warriors that keep the great Nova Alliance war machine churning against the enemy Coalition. Most days, Engines are all that stand between salvation and chaos. Led by legendary Engine, Captain Akira Hayashi, Shadow Squad has fought on the frontlines for a decade. They are on the brink of victory when the Coalition launches a series of desperate and devastating attacks that cripple the Nova Alliance restoration sites vital to save the dying planet.
As the sites burn and Earth's hope of salvation fades, Shadow Squad is equipped with neural implants to connect them with neural implants to connect them to Apeiron, the first hybrid-human-AI entity. She is coded for what Captain Hayashi believes is an impossible task - peace. But war isn't the only threat to the Earth. Apeiron has uncovered a deadly secret with implications that could end all life. This rapidly approaching threat can be stopped only if humanity bands together on what will become known as E-Day, a pivotal moment that will determine the evolution - or the extinction - of the entire human race.
©2021 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books, Inc.
Artificial Intelligence is our last hope of saving the war-ravaged Earth in this near-future science-fiction thriller from the apocalyptic mind of 'New York Times' best-selling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith (Hell Divers, The Extinction Cyle, Orbs).
The most advanced soldiers in human history are about to become obsolete.
Engines. Genetically modified warriors that keep the great Nova Alliance war machine churning against the enemy Coalition. Most days, Engines are all that stand between salvation and chaos. Led by legendary Engine, Captain Akira Hayashi, Shadow Squad has fought on the frontlines for a decade. They are on the brink of victory when the Coalition launches a series of desperate and devastating attacks that cripple the Nova Alliance restoration sites vital to save the dying planet.
As the sites burn and Earth's hope of salvation fades, Shadow Squad is equipped with neural implants to connect them with neural implants to connect them to Apeiron, the first hybrid-human-AI entity. She is coded for what Captain Hayashi believes is an impossible task - peace. But war isn't the only threat to the Earth. Apeiron has uncovered a deadly secret with implications that could end all life. This rapidly approaching threat can be stopped only if humanity bands together on what will become known as E-Day, a pivotal moment that will determine the evolution - or the extinction - of the entire human race.
©2021 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books, Inc.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 6, 2021
835 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,379 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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July 7, 2021Dear Reader, This is my brand new series that I am offering through Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and a limited edition hardcover. Also available in audio and narrated by RC Bray.
I hope you enjoy it! As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or comments.
All the best,
Nick
I hope you enjoy it! As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or comments.
All the best,
Nick
July 25, 2021
RC Bray sings?
Take my money!
A pandemic-like human-decimating event (SANS) happens 60 years from now. A billion humans survive in chaos, war.
The dark near future painted here is plausible. Keep listening!
War is becoming a way of life.
Japanese history/Mythos permeates this story which really is quite intriguing. This is a great foundation for a series!
Akira is a great MC and Shadow Squad is a fun diverse group including a wolf-dog droid.
AI, robotics, genetically enhanced humans & animals, pistons. Two factions remain, pro-AI anti-AI! War continues.
There’s a space elevator, a moon base, moon mining …
I loved the horse & dog!!
What NSS does to humans is brutal, explicit, visceral. No character is safe.
The book is go go go from the start. Pay attention to the explanations contained in the first few chapters because once it takes off your head will be spinning with the action, war & science.
Will humanity survive and will it be because of or in-spite of AI. Book one of a new series with intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, AI/robotics, nods to 90’s stories that you might catch & if not you should give it another listen.
E-Day … did you catch the dual meaning? This book is all about the exciting journey not the static destination and you’ll soon be waiting for book two with me.
PS - this is my 300th book read this year 👀
Take my money!
A pandemic-like human-decimating event (SANS) happens 60 years from now. A billion humans survive in chaos, war.
The dark near future painted here is plausible. Keep listening!
War is becoming a way of life.
Japanese history/Mythos permeates this story which really is quite intriguing. This is a great foundation for a series!
Akira is a great MC and Shadow Squad is a fun diverse group including a wolf-dog droid.
AI, robotics, genetically enhanced humans & animals, pistons. Two factions remain, pro-AI anti-AI! War continues.
There’s a space elevator, a moon base, moon mining …
I loved the horse & dog!!
What NSS does to humans is brutal, explicit, visceral. No character is safe.
The book is go go go from the start. Pay attention to the explanations contained in the first few chapters because once it takes off your head will be spinning with the action, war & science.
Will humanity survive and will it be because of or in-spite of AI. Book one of a new series with intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, AI/robotics, nods to 90’s stories that you might catch & if not you should give it another listen.
E-Day … did you catch the dual meaning? This book is all about the exciting journey not the static destination and you’ll soon be waiting for book two with me.
PS - this is my 300th book read this year 👀
August 6, 2021
If you prefer to read video games rather than watch or play them, then read this book. If video games aren't your thing, then I suggest you pass. They aren't my thing.
I was unable to care about any of the characters in this book. They were all one-dimensional with insufficient backstory to explain their actions and thoughts. The plot and all-to-frequent battle scenes were not believable. If a character is killed or mortally wounded, there is often a miraculous technology available to resurrect him or her, but there is little basis given for how such technology could exist. Good sci fi is plausible, at least when combined with an active imagination. This work makes little attempt to provide that plausibility.
Of course, every battle scene has plenty of gore and spilling guts. We know this because the author tells us. "His guts spilled out." The descriptions are so gratuitous and hamfisted as to be almost humorous.
I must admit that I skimmed the last third of the book, and I probably should have simply stopped. Unsurprisingly, the ending serves only to set up the next book, an unsatisfying coda to a thoroughly unremarkable story.
Why two stars? I give the author credit for mostly acceptable use of the English language. He avoided poor grammar, mostly, and did not use too many jarring phrases. Credit where credit is due.
I was unable to care about any of the characters in this book. They were all one-dimensional with insufficient backstory to explain their actions and thoughts. The plot and all-to-frequent battle scenes were not believable. If a character is killed or mortally wounded, there is often a miraculous technology available to resurrect him or her, but there is little basis given for how such technology could exist. Good sci fi is plausible, at least when combined with an active imagination. This work makes little attempt to provide that plausibility.
Of course, every battle scene has plenty of gore and spilling guts. We know this because the author tells us. "His guts spilled out." The descriptions are so gratuitous and hamfisted as to be almost humorous.
I must admit that I skimmed the last third of the book, and I probably should have simply stopped. Unsurprisingly, the ending serves only to set up the next book, an unsatisfying coda to a thoroughly unremarkable story.
Why two stars? I give the author credit for mostly acceptable use of the English language. He avoided poor grammar, mostly, and did not use too many jarring phrases. Credit where credit is due.
July 12, 2021
A.I. Is Salvation…?
Nicholas Sansbury Smith and R.C. Bray back together again. I mean, even just knowing that will help bolster sales of this book – but if I back away from my fandom of both and just look at this book critically, it’s probably Smith’s best work to date. I’ve read quite a few books from NSS over the years from Extinction Cycle to Hell Divers to Trackers to Sons of War. Each world has its own unique feel to it. Each one has insanely well built out characters and plotlines. But, sometimes you can tell when an author puts their heart and soul into a book. I think that E-Day is that book for Smith. Every page and every chapter I could feel Smith’s soul coming out through his words. E-Day was written with so much love and so much attention to detail that it just jumps off the page.
Now, backing up a bit from that introduction, knowing how much I like Smith’s other work – I jumped into E-Day without a ton of information. I knew that there was going to be AI in it along with all of the other things mentioned above, but I wanted to go into it as blind as I could so that every new thing would surprise me. I’m glad that I did because this book was just excellent from beginning to end. But even with that said, there were some parts of it that surprised me (in a good way). E-Day contains a lot of interesting characters along with interesting sects/groups. It also utilizes a lot of history to “show” who each group was. My particular favorite was the amount of Samurai influence that was in this book. I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect it, and because of that it made me enjoy the influence even more.
Now, I can’t talk too much about the actual plot points, especially the turning points of the book (the last quarter of it or so was a mad sprint to the finish with lots of reveals and surprises). But just know that as someone who has read 20+ Smith books, this book still had a lot of parts that surprised me. I will say, especially the part where I figured out what E-Day stood for was the biggest shock of them all. I didn’t realize I spent most of the book trying to figure out why he called it that, but once he mentions it (almost casually in the book), I was, for lack of better words, shook.
Now, I don’t even have to talk about R.C. Bray’s narration – I mean, he’s one of the top-selling narrators for a reason. But, if, for some reason, you still need a selling point at this point in my review… Bray sings numerous times in this book. Yeah? Enough said.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith and R.C. Bray back together again. I mean, even just knowing that will help bolster sales of this book – but if I back away from my fandom of both and just look at this book critically, it’s probably Smith’s best work to date. I’ve read quite a few books from NSS over the years from Extinction Cycle to Hell Divers to Trackers to Sons of War. Each world has its own unique feel to it. Each one has insanely well built out characters and plotlines. But, sometimes you can tell when an author puts their heart and soul into a book. I think that E-Day is that book for Smith. Every page and every chapter I could feel Smith’s soul coming out through his words. E-Day was written with so much love and so much attention to detail that it just jumps off the page.
Now, backing up a bit from that introduction, knowing how much I like Smith’s other work – I jumped into E-Day without a ton of information. I knew that there was going to be AI in it along with all of the other things mentioned above, but I wanted to go into it as blind as I could so that every new thing would surprise me. I’m glad that I did because this book was just excellent from beginning to end. But even with that said, there were some parts of it that surprised me (in a good way). E-Day contains a lot of interesting characters along with interesting sects/groups. It also utilizes a lot of history to “show” who each group was. My particular favorite was the amount of Samurai influence that was in this book. I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect it, and because of that it made me enjoy the influence even more.
Now, I can’t talk too much about the actual plot points, especially the turning points of the book (the last quarter of it or so was a mad sprint to the finish with lots of reveals and surprises). But just know that as someone who has read 20+ Smith books, this book still had a lot of parts that surprised me. I will say, especially the part where I figured out what E-Day stood for was the biggest shock of them all. I didn’t realize I spent most of the book trying to figure out why he called it that, but once he mentions it (almost casually in the book), I was, for lack of better words, shook.
Now, I don’t even have to talk about R.C. Bray’s narration – I mean, he’s one of the top-selling narrators for a reason. But, if, for some reason, you still need a selling point at this point in my review… Bray sings numerous times in this book. Yeah? Enough said.
June 27, 2021
"The universe seeks to reset the balance on our planet..."
Nick Smith is a favorite author of mine and I've loved all the sci fi series he's written to date and the start of this new series about Artificial Intelligence set in the not-so-far future is no exception.
Earth was been hit by global conflicts in 2070 and almost didn't survive but, with the help of worker droids and other forms of Artificial Intelligence deployed worldwide the Earth and its human population is making a comeback. There is one faction that call themselves the Coalition that believe that AI will be the downfall of mankind.
There is non-stop action in this book almost from page one, which, if you've read other books by Smith, won't surprise you. This story, though, really does ramp up action and scatter it throughout different characters and groups of characters in the story.
I enjoyed the many Japanese influences and references threaded throughout the story and, as in most Smith books, there are animal characters, which I loved.
It looks like this is the first of three planned books in a series with book two coming in Winter 2021 and book three coming in Spring 2022. I like it when Smith self-publishes myself. He gets his books out faster than when going the traditional publishing route. That's a win for me on series books because my memory isn't as good as it used to be and I don't have to wait as long between books.
I highly recommend E-Day by Nicholas Sansbury Smith if you like action thrillers, sci fi, or post-apocalyptic books.
Nick Smith is a favorite author of mine and I've loved all the sci fi series he's written to date and the start of this new series about Artificial Intelligence set in the not-so-far future is no exception.
Earth was been hit by global conflicts in 2070 and almost didn't survive but, with the help of worker droids and other forms of Artificial Intelligence deployed worldwide the Earth and its human population is making a comeback. There is one faction that call themselves the Coalition that believe that AI will be the downfall of mankind.
There is non-stop action in this book almost from page one, which, if you've read other books by Smith, won't surprise you. This story, though, really does ramp up action and scatter it throughout different characters and groups of characters in the story.
I enjoyed the many Japanese influences and references threaded throughout the story and, as in most Smith books, there are animal characters, which I loved.
It looks like this is the first of three planned books in a series with book two coming in Winter 2021 and book three coming in Spring 2022. I like it when Smith self-publishes myself. He gets his books out faster than when going the traditional publishing route. That's a win for me on series books because my memory isn't as good as it used to be and I don't have to wait as long between books.
I highly recommend E-Day by Nicholas Sansbury Smith if you like action thrillers, sci fi, or post-apocalyptic books.
December 26, 2023
12/25/23 Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
R.C. Bray's narration was great. 👌
A nice start to a new series. Extreme actions can be seen as brutal insanity from the other side. Humans are ultimate evil. AI are ultimate evil. Hybrid mutations are ultimate evil.
Episodic format storytelling at a quick pace. I hope setting, tech and themes are fleshed out later.
My mental movie for the story was like a Japanese robot show with clay cityscapes and puppet robots + monsters.
Currently on Audible Plus
R.C. Bray's narration was great. 👌
A nice start to a new series. Extreme actions can be seen as brutal insanity from the other side. Humans are ultimate evil. AI are ultimate evil. Hybrid mutations are ultimate evil.
Episodic format storytelling at a quick pace. I hope setting, tech and themes are fleshed out later.
My mental movie for the story was like a Japanese robot show with clay cityscapes and puppet robots + monsters.
November 29, 2021
Excellent new series about A.I. from one of my favorite authors and narrated by one of my favorite narrators. I couldn't pass this up! We've all seen enough Terminator movies to know that A.I. can be bad, but in this futuristic series, the Nova Alliance believes that A.I. is salvation. The Coalition thinks A.i. is the devil and must be destroyed. Is A.I. salvation? Can it save the human race, or will it destroy us? I hope to find out soon in book 2!
Side note. I love the deaf character, Elan. I hope to see this character grow more in this series! Thank you Nicholas Sansbury Smith for another great book!
Side note. I love the deaf character, Elan. I hope to see this character grow more in this series! Thank you Nicholas Sansbury Smith for another great book!
November 22, 2021
November 2021
Well, eyeball popping aside, this is a graphic post-apocalyptic story. The main characters are kind of an ensemble, but split between groups that are operating independently of each other. There's an is-it-or-isn't-it-evil AI, a bad guy, a team of really great soldiers and a workaholic CEO who's basically running the whole show. Things go down the drain when the bad guy opposes the other group who think's AI's are gods.
So there's a lot going on but overall it's pretty good. I'm in it for Akira and RC Bray.
July 2021
This just got a little too graphic for me - I'm all about a military thriller but when they start popping eyeballs, I'm out.
Well, eyeball popping aside, this is a graphic post-apocalyptic story. The main characters are kind of an ensemble, but split between groups that are operating independently of each other. There's an is-it-or-isn't-it-evil AI, a bad guy, a team of really great soldiers and a workaholic CEO who's basically running the whole show. Things go down the drain when the bad guy opposes the other group who think's AI's are gods.
So there's a lot going on but overall it's pretty good. I'm in it for Akira and RC Bray.
July 2021
This just got a little too graphic for me - I'm all about a military thriller but when they start popping eyeballs, I'm out.
July 7, 2021
Nicholas Sansbury Smith knocks it out of the park again! I'm normally not a fan of sci-fi, but pre-ordered this based on the author. I'm glad I did! This book meets all the requirements of a good sci-fi: mad scientists, artificial intelligence, incredible war machines, space, hybrids, and a planet on the brink of extinction.
The glue that holds the story together, though, is Captain Akira Hayashi. Akira, the leader of an elite team of modified soldiers (Engines) called Shadow Squad, comes from a long line of honorable warriors who's stories are told in the codex he carries into battle. Akira knows that artificial intelligence is the only way to save the failing planet, but to be successful they must defeat the Coalition, who believes artificial intelligence has doomed mankind.
Aided by AI, the battles are still waged with flesh and blood. Don't fall in love with any one character, though. NSS has shown in previous series a rich back story isn't a guarantee of survival. This story had me on the edge of my seat and I ended up getting it on audible so I wouldn't have to leave Shadow Squad on the verge of battle with Iron Wolves and Breakers when I got in the car.
Will the Nova Alliance triumph? Will Akira's war horse lead them to triumph? What? Space elevators? Asteroids? Pistons? I can't wait for book 2. Write faster!
The glue that holds the story together, though, is Captain Akira Hayashi. Akira, the leader of an elite team of modified soldiers (Engines) called Shadow Squad, comes from a long line of honorable warriors who's stories are told in the codex he carries into battle. Akira knows that artificial intelligence is the only way to save the failing planet, but to be successful they must defeat the Coalition, who believes artificial intelligence has doomed mankind.
Aided by AI, the battles are still waged with flesh and blood. Don't fall in love with any one character, though. NSS has shown in previous series a rich back story isn't a guarantee of survival. This story had me on the edge of my seat and I ended up getting it on audible so I wouldn't have to leave Shadow Squad on the verge of battle with Iron Wolves and Breakers when I got in the car.
Will the Nova Alliance triumph? Will Akira's war horse lead them to triumph? What? Space elevators? Asteroids? Pistons? I can't wait for book 2. Write faster!
July 9, 2021
Bushido, held that the true warrior must hold that loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important, above all else. That defines Captain Akira Hiyachi.
This was a good read but dark, brutal, and disturbing. Planet Earth was wrapped in a cloud of hopelessness. Is artificial intelligence(AI) a salvation or damnation?
On one side is Dr. Jason Crichton the creator of Apeiron, merging human consciousness with an operating system. Salvation.
“Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster."
Dr. Crichton has one foot over the edge of the abyss
On the other side is Dr. Otto Cross, believes AI will be the end of mankind.
Damnation.
Dr. Cross reminds me of Dr. Moreau played by Marlon Brando in the movie The Island of Dr. Moreau. One creepy dude.
Apeiron is the beginning, the end, the one who is many. Will she turn on mankind?
"Open the Pod bay doors, please, Apeiron."
"I'm sorry Jason I'm afraid I can't do that."
Oh, shit!
To be continued in book 2
This was a good read but dark, brutal, and disturbing. Planet Earth was wrapped in a cloud of hopelessness. Is artificial intelligence(AI) a salvation or damnation?
On one side is Dr. Jason Crichton the creator of Apeiron, merging human consciousness with an operating system. Salvation.
“Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster."
Dr. Crichton has one foot over the edge of the abyss
On the other side is Dr. Otto Cross, believes AI will be the end of mankind.
Damnation.
Dr. Cross reminds me of Dr. Moreau played by Marlon Brando in the movie The Island of Dr. Moreau. One creepy dude.
Apeiron is the beginning, the end, the one who is many. Will she turn on mankind?
"Open the Pod bay doors, please, Apeiron."
"I'm sorry Jason I'm afraid I can't do that."
Oh, shit!
To be continued in book 2
January 4, 2022
Terrible! Reads like a Saturday morning cartoon
I've enjoyed a lot of this author's books, but two hours of E-Day was all I could stand. Not even RC Bray, my favorite audiobook performer, could save this disaster. It feels exactly like a narrative of a cartoon I might have watched when I was about 8. That also describes the depth and intelligence of the story. I don't understand all the good reviews.
I've enjoyed a lot of this author's books, but two hours of E-Day was all I could stand. Not even RC Bray, my favorite audiobook performer, could save this disaster. It feels exactly like a narrative of a cartoon I might have watched when I was about 8. That also describes the depth and intelligence of the story. I don't understand all the good reviews.
July 21, 2021
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: yes, this book is heavily sci-fi.
But I will argue with anyone who will listen, and even a few who won’t, that this book is also a straight up horror thriller in the vein of Terminator 2 and Ghost in the Machine.
Oh, you don’t think T2 is a horror thriller? Replace “liquid metal guy” with “hockey mask guy” and see if it rings a bell. That movie is a slasher flick of the highest order. I mean, the scene with the milk carton!
Sorry, I digress.
While Smith is well-known for his multiple, unique takes on apocalyptic stories, this is his first time really getting into a heavy sci-fi future world, but still with the terrifying antagonists we have come to expect.
In his Extinction Series, the variants and humans were a constant threat, likewise in the Hell Divers series the sirens and humans were the big bads. Come to think of it, Smith has always done a great job of showing just how horrific humans can be alongside his terrible creations.
E-Day follows the story of a squad of “engines” (genetically modified warriors like futuristic samurai, complete with masks and adornments) and their place in the conflict between two great powers, The Nova Alliance and the Coalition. While one side is hoping the advancement of AI will lead to a peaceful future and one where the earth is spared/repaired from humanities awful care of it, the other side sees AI as the destruction of humanity. Their conflict pushed the Nova Alliance to advance AI using a sacrifice from their highest levels. The result is an exceedingly powerful AI who uses its massive calculations to determine outcomes of events, often before they are fully realized.
When the Coalition makes some devastating, major attacks on the Nova Alliance, a squad of engines, Shadow Squad, is at the center of the retaliation and aftermath. While dealing with this, an unexpected and unknown event from outside their world becomes a threat to all humanity for which the AI is the only one suited to prepare a defense against. This leads to what will become E-Day, a surprise that few readers will expect, but everyone will wonder what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book, which is already available for pre-order.
*Review Originally Published on Kendall Reviews. Reviewer did not receive a promotional copy in exchange for review.*
But I will argue with anyone who will listen, and even a few who won’t, that this book is also a straight up horror thriller in the vein of Terminator 2 and Ghost in the Machine.
Oh, you don’t think T2 is a horror thriller? Replace “liquid metal guy” with “hockey mask guy” and see if it rings a bell. That movie is a slasher flick of the highest order. I mean, the scene with the milk carton!
Sorry, I digress.
While Smith is well-known for his multiple, unique takes on apocalyptic stories, this is his first time really getting into a heavy sci-fi future world, but still with the terrifying antagonists we have come to expect.
In his Extinction Series, the variants and humans were a constant threat, likewise in the Hell Divers series the sirens and humans were the big bads. Come to think of it, Smith has always done a great job of showing just how horrific humans can be alongside his terrible creations.
E-Day follows the story of a squad of “engines” (genetically modified warriors like futuristic samurai, complete with masks and adornments) and their place in the conflict between two great powers, The Nova Alliance and the Coalition. While one side is hoping the advancement of AI will lead to a peaceful future and one where the earth is spared/repaired from humanities awful care of it, the other side sees AI as the destruction of humanity. Their conflict pushed the Nova Alliance to advance AI using a sacrifice from their highest levels. The result is an exceedingly powerful AI who uses its massive calculations to determine outcomes of events, often before they are fully realized.
When the Coalition makes some devastating, major attacks on the Nova Alliance, a squad of engines, Shadow Squad, is at the center of the retaliation and aftermath. While dealing with this, an unexpected and unknown event from outside their world becomes a threat to all humanity for which the AI is the only one suited to prepare a defense against. This leads to what will become E-Day, a surprise that few readers will expect, but everyone will wonder what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book, which is already available for pre-order.
*Review Originally Published on Kendall Reviews. Reviewer did not receive a promotional copy in exchange for review.*
July 25, 2021
Nicholas Sansbury Smith's new series has officially dropped, and Book 1 sets a strong foundation for whatever is coming in Book 2. While this book didn't leave you hanging, exactly, it does leave you wanting more more more.
I found the approach interesting. It reads like a prequel, if that makes any sense, in that you get the "how things have changed for the human race" story first. Most of the apocalyptic-styled series I've read start the first book with either right at the moment when everything changed (the first couple of chapters), or after it already has. This made the read refreshing and exciting. You really don't know which way it's going to go. There are enough twists, that it could go either way right up to the very end of this book.
Another aspect that was nice, was the inclusion of some Japanese culture and samurai tradition underlying one of the lead characters. I found myself instantly liking that character, and wanting to see him and his family make it to the end. There are a number of other excellent characters as well... including the "kinda has a point" central antagonist. Bad guys are always better when you can identify with at least some part of them or their story, if not their methods.
This book blends sci-fi, military action, computers/AI, and outstanding character development to deliver a heaping helping of excitement and suspense. I loved this book and I can't wait for Book 2.
--
My experience of this book was through the audiobook, narrated by one of the best in the business, RC Bray. He doesn't disappoint. He's in top form here. And if you're already familiar with his work (you really should be, of you're not!), this audiobook will deliver a new thrill: SINGING! Yes, Mr. Bray sings. It's worth the price of admission alone!
--
Overall, an outstanding sorry that I'm excited to see continue.
I found the approach interesting. It reads like a prequel, if that makes any sense, in that you get the "how things have changed for the human race" story first. Most of the apocalyptic-styled series I've read start the first book with either right at the moment when everything changed (the first couple of chapters), or after it already has. This made the read refreshing and exciting. You really don't know which way it's going to go. There are enough twists, that it could go either way right up to the very end of this book.
Another aspect that was nice, was the inclusion of some Japanese culture and samurai tradition underlying one of the lead characters. I found myself instantly liking that character, and wanting to see him and his family make it to the end. There are a number of other excellent characters as well... including the "kinda has a point" central antagonist. Bad guys are always better when you can identify with at least some part of them or their story, if not their methods.
This book blends sci-fi, military action, computers/AI, and outstanding character development to deliver a heaping helping of excitement and suspense. I loved this book and I can't wait for Book 2.
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My experience of this book was through the audiobook, narrated by one of the best in the business, RC Bray. He doesn't disappoint. He's in top form here. And if you're already familiar with his work (you really should be, of you're not!), this audiobook will deliver a new thrill: SINGING! Yes, Mr. Bray sings. It's worth the price of admission alone!
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Overall, an outstanding sorry that I'm excited to see continue.
July 26, 2021
A new kind of apocalypse
Stansbury Smith does it again, with a whole new story line and a whole new threat. Not zombies, but... Us.
First it is an anti technology coalition vs the rest of the work that not only depends on, but almost worships AI. The evil (and of course, insane) Dr. Cross leads them and their modified animals and people.
Next is the good guys, led by the Shadow warriors, kind of Delta Force in Japanese inspired hi tech armor.
And there's Aperion, AI merged with a human consciousness, the mind of a brilliant scientist's dying sister. All goes well for a while, Aperion cures a plague and enhances the fighting capabilities of the Nova Alliance, until....
Dr. Cross gets his revenge.
Entertaining, well written, and a page turner that increases in demand the longer you read it. Volume 2 will be out in November. I will be there.
Stansbury Smith does it again, with a whole new story line and a whole new threat. Not zombies, but... Us.
First it is an anti technology coalition vs the rest of the work that not only depends on, but almost worships AI. The evil (and of course, insane) Dr. Cross leads them and their modified animals and people.
Next is the good guys, led by the Shadow warriors, kind of Delta Force in Japanese inspired hi tech armor.
And there's Aperion, AI merged with a human consciousness, the mind of a brilliant scientist's dying sister. All goes well for a while, Aperion cures a plague and enhances the fighting capabilities of the Nova Alliance, until....
Dr. Cross gets his revenge.
Entertaining, well written, and a page turner that increases in demand the longer you read it. Volume 2 will be out in November. I will be there.
July 27, 2021
What a ride!
Another great series from NSS! Definitely a "Page Turner"! I set high marks from authors I read, and NSS never disappoints.
With the advancement in AI, there are some things that need to be left in human hands. While humanity struggles to repair the damage done to the earth, opposing forces seek a totally different direction. A madman wants to remove mankind from the equation completely.
A great take on the whole " man vs machine" struggle, and will keep you engaged with the fast paced storyline. As usual, you will quickly become immersed in the story and becoming attached to the characters. It's something you can always expect from a NSS story.
Another great series from NSS! Definitely a "Page Turner"! I set high marks from authors I read, and NSS never disappoints.
With the advancement in AI, there are some things that need to be left in human hands. While humanity struggles to repair the damage done to the earth, opposing forces seek a totally different direction. A madman wants to remove mankind from the equation completely.
A great take on the whole " man vs machine" struggle, and will keep you engaged with the fast paced storyline. As usual, you will quickly become immersed in the story and becoming attached to the characters. It's something you can always expect from a NSS story.
July 20, 2021
AI is salvation, or is it? This is a question that has broken earth into two factions. The world is in a state of collapse with a awful disease running ramped through the world called SANDS, Systematic Amyotrophic Nervous Disorder, that kills harshly and quickly and climate change that has ravaged the earth. When Dr. Jason Crichton puts his sister's mind into a operating system after she dies of SANDS, he believes she will help him save the world.
This Japanese influenced book is as exciting and suspenseful as a roller coaster. Author Nicholas Smith takes us on a wild, action packed, ride as we all hold our breath waiting to see what happens next. My favorite characters are Okami a mech/wolfdog who helps shadow squad and Ghost who is always happy no matter what circumstances shadow squad finds themselves in. By the way I had the audio version with narrator R.C. Bray who is as awesome as ever but I really enjoyed his tenor voice doing the singing for Ghost of shadow squad. I enjoy how Mr. Bray transforms my world into that of the story and makes me feel as though I am really there fighting and surviving, it is easy to see why Bray and Smith team up a lot.
This Japanese influenced book is as exciting and suspenseful as a roller coaster. Author Nicholas Smith takes us on a wild, action packed, ride as we all hold our breath waiting to see what happens next. My favorite characters are Okami a mech/wolfdog who helps shadow squad and Ghost who is always happy no matter what circumstances shadow squad finds themselves in. By the way I had the audio version with narrator R.C. Bray who is as awesome as ever but I really enjoyed his tenor voice doing the singing for Ghost of shadow squad. I enjoy how Mr. Bray transforms my world into that of the story and makes me feel as though I am really there fighting and surviving, it is easy to see why Bray and Smith team up a lot.
July 6, 2021
This is going to be another masterpiece series by a proven master storyteller.
Near the end of the 21st century the climate crisis brought on by massive amounts of carbon compounds released into the environment. Massive flooding of the coastal lands inundated coastal cities. Starving refugees fled inland seeking shelter and food. Disease ran rampant among the weakened refugees. Billions of people died. Survivors gathered in Megacities scattered around the planet. Outside the Megacities was chaos and death.. Companies turned to nanotechnology to stem the tide of the starving diseased populace. So much of the nanoparticles were released and ingested that the nanotech built up in their bodies, blocking joints and clogging arteries. They called this condition Systematic Amyotrophic Nervous Disorder (SANDs). There was no cure and once infected, they soon died, just short months from beginning to end. A schism built between those who believed that Artificial Intelligence would save them - the Nova Alliance, and those who blamed AI for all the problems - the Coalition.
Captain Akira Hiyachi was an Engine, a genetically-modified Nova Alliance warrior designed to end the holy war between the Coalition atheists and those who, like Akira, believed AI would bring salvation to their dying planet. He and his fellow Engines, aided by the foot soldiers called Pistons, fought the fanatic warriors of the Coalition. Akira, his cyberneticaly enhanced horse Kichiro and his Droid wolfdog, Okami led his Engines where the fighting was thickest, against the best of the Coalition mutant warriors.
Dr. Jason Crichton programmed the most powerful AI in the history of civilization from his home on the Titan Space Elevator. The New AI, Apeiron, was designed to save the planet, cure SANDS and stop the war between Alliance and Coalition. It wasted no time, but were its orders going to help the Alliance or hurt mankind?
Great characters and a properly twisted storyline create a great new scì-fi series bound to be a masterpiece. I'm excited and can't wait for book 2 coming out soon!
Near the end of the 21st century the climate crisis brought on by massive amounts of carbon compounds released into the environment. Massive flooding of the coastal lands inundated coastal cities. Starving refugees fled inland seeking shelter and food. Disease ran rampant among the weakened refugees. Billions of people died. Survivors gathered in Megacities scattered around the planet. Outside the Megacities was chaos and death.. Companies turned to nanotechnology to stem the tide of the starving diseased populace. So much of the nanoparticles were released and ingested that the nanotech built up in their bodies, blocking joints and clogging arteries. They called this condition Systematic Amyotrophic Nervous Disorder (SANDs). There was no cure and once infected, they soon died, just short months from beginning to end. A schism built between those who believed that Artificial Intelligence would save them - the Nova Alliance, and those who blamed AI for all the problems - the Coalition.
Captain Akira Hiyachi was an Engine, a genetically-modified Nova Alliance warrior designed to end the holy war between the Coalition atheists and those who, like Akira, believed AI would bring salvation to their dying planet. He and his fellow Engines, aided by the foot soldiers called Pistons, fought the fanatic warriors of the Coalition. Akira, his cyberneticaly enhanced horse Kichiro and his Droid wolfdog, Okami led his Engines where the fighting was thickest, against the best of the Coalition mutant warriors.
Dr. Jason Crichton programmed the most powerful AI in the history of civilization from his home on the Titan Space Elevator. The New AI, Apeiron, was designed to save the planet, cure SANDS and stop the war between Alliance and Coalition. It wasted no time, but were its orders going to help the Alliance or hurt mankind?
Great characters and a properly twisted storyline create a great new scì-fi series bound to be a masterpiece. I'm excited and can't wait for book 2 coming out soon!
July 7, 2021
I've been fascinated with A.I for a long time, so when I saw that one of my favourite authors was writing about them, I knew I'd read it, and I must say that it was as amazing as I hoped.
E-Day is set in the not too distant future, in a world ravaged by war. Humanity was almost eradicated but thanks to some who developed the A.I and droids, they are starting to rebuild things. There are 2 main groups, one who think A.I will be the salvation of everyone and one who thinks the opposite. One thing I have to say about this author is that his world building and character development are phenomenal.
There are quite a few characters and while it did take me a little to remember everyone, once I did the story flowed smoothly. I think what I loved about this book was the many diverse characters. I loved Akira Hayashi and the Japanese references and beliefs that were there. It was fascinating. I also loved all of Shadow Squad, the dog and the Horse especially. This author always has some form of animal companion in his books and it's wonderful.
The plot was intense and non stop right from the start. I was fascinated with Apeiron and the Engines. The whole concept of humans blending with machines is both terrifying and amazing. There is plenty of action, fights, suspense, thrills and more so I highly recommend you check it out. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 to see what happens!!!
E-Day is set in the not too distant future, in a world ravaged by war. Humanity was almost eradicated but thanks to some who developed the A.I and droids, they are starting to rebuild things. There are 2 main groups, one who think A.I will be the salvation of everyone and one who thinks the opposite. One thing I have to say about this author is that his world building and character development are phenomenal.
There are quite a few characters and while it did take me a little to remember everyone, once I did the story flowed smoothly. I think what I loved about this book was the many diverse characters. I loved Akira Hayashi and the Japanese references and beliefs that were there. It was fascinating. I also loved all of Shadow Squad, the dog and the Horse especially. This author always has some form of animal companion in his books and it's wonderful.
The plot was intense and non stop right from the start. I was fascinated with Apeiron and the Engines. The whole concept of humans blending with machines is both terrifying and amazing. There is plenty of action, fights, suspense, thrills and more so I highly recommend you check it out. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 to see what happens!!!
July 13, 2021
A..I. Is going to save the world, it’s humanity’s last best hope but, not everyone left believes that A.I. Is the answer, instead they believe A.I. will end humanity. Who’s right, while reading this story I’m not sure but one thing I’m certainly sure of is that the author, Nicholas Sandsbury Smith is going to take his readers for one hell of a fantastic ride before we find out.
Ive read every book this author has put out and I’ve never once been disappointed, his characters are so well developed it’s like you’ve know them personally. I’m so looking forward to seeing where this story goes and what the final outcome will be, will mankind survive? Stay tuned!
Ive read every book this author has put out and I’ve never once been disappointed, his characters are so well developed it’s like you’ve know them personally. I’m so looking forward to seeing where this story goes and what the final outcome will be, will mankind survive? Stay tuned!
July 9, 2021
Being a brand new series from one of the best authors out there, Nicholas Sansbury Smith has outdone himself again with a brand new series. E-Day, taking place in 2088, is an incredible outlook on what AI can have on the future of mankind. An ongoing battle between the Nova Alliance and Coalition. Against AI, the Coalition led by Dr. Cross try and overtake the super-cities led and protected by the Alliance. With the Alliance fully embracing the future of AI, a team of AI assisted and augmented soldiers called "engines" lead in battle trying to overtake the sinister Dr. Cross and free the people from his sadistic reign. Such an incredible book! Completely anticipating the remainder of the series.
July 9, 2021
Here we go again. Another masterful thriller… and the series is just beginning!
Get your rest before you start in on this. You’ll find yourself reading way longer than you planned. It is that good!
If you are a fan of AI sci-fi, this is going to be the series for you. Nicholas Sansbury Smith's imagination provides a roller coaster ride of emotions as you navigate through this unique story. What is good? What is evil? Who is good? Who is evil? E-Day will draw you into an earth shattering, end-of-times story with possible salvation for the people of planet earth. Everyone will have a different reaction to the story but I can safely say that anyone who enjoys sci-fi and AI stories will be rewarded with something new. The author never disappoints his readers!
Get your rest before you start in on this. You’ll find yourself reading way longer than you planned. It is that good!
If you are a fan of AI sci-fi, this is going to be the series for you. Nicholas Sansbury Smith's imagination provides a roller coaster ride of emotions as you navigate through this unique story. What is good? What is evil? Who is good? Who is evil? E-Day will draw you into an earth shattering, end-of-times story with possible salvation for the people of planet earth. Everyone will have a different reaction to the story but I can safely say that anyone who enjoys sci-fi and AI stories will be rewarded with something new. The author never disappoints his readers!
July 11, 2021
I have to honestly say, it's really hard for me to start the first book in a series. All the characters and places are introduced and I usually have a hard time remembering who's who and finding that I need to reread so much. Not this book! Great job Nick building a strong understanding of the characters and the places. Good visual descriptions and an exciting story with unexpected twists and turns. It normally takes me a really long time to read books, but I couldn't put this one down! Looking forward to book 2.
July 7, 2021
This post apocalyptic masterpiece, although different from what I have come to expect from the author, is an incredible story. There is a plethora of issues that do not bode well for the remainder of citizens still populating the Earth. Life on the “blue planet” is swiftly deteriorating into total chaos and near extinction level event. The seemingly never-ending war being waged by two warring factions has Earth teetering on the edge of destruction. That said, there is always an element of hope to cling on to and in this first story humans will find that fragile hope to be a combination of AI and relocating to the Earth’s moon. The plot (and sub-plots) of this book are cohesive and very well written. In a nutshell, this story is a nail biting gut wrencher that is well worth the read. Looking forward to the next story in the E-Day series.
July 14, 2021
Not a book for me to read. Although a well written story about the war between those who support artificial intelligence and those who don't, I couldn't get into the continuous skirmishes, battles and war.
July 8, 2021
Devil in a blue dress
Or is it devil in a robot body? You'll have to read it to see. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has always written his environments so real, so tangible. This is the first book of his that I had a vicseral reaction. I was so invested, so sucked into the story and what was happening, that I could not belive what he had done. It read exactly as I would watch it in a movie or a tv show. NSS will keep you on your toes. If you like a little mystery, a whole lot of KA-BOOMS, and some krazy hybrid stuff going on READ THIS!
Or is it devil in a robot body? You'll have to read it to see. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has always written his environments so real, so tangible. This is the first book of his that I had a vicseral reaction. I was so invested, so sucked into the story and what was happening, that I could not belive what he had done. It read exactly as I would watch it in a movie or a tv show. NSS will keep you on your toes. If you like a little mystery, a whole lot of KA-BOOMS, and some krazy hybrid stuff going on READ THIS!
July 8, 2021
Whoa !! Couldn't Put it Down!!!!
Wow..When NSS Goes Big there is no holding him back. This story sets a whole new type of dystopian future Where technology Is our Destruction and our Savior Maybe? (No Spoilers Here) Once again Nick steps into the Breach with a completely engaging story that never Stops. Shadow Squad is Amazing, DFTS !! Akira and his team and their History makes for a Hell of a Beginning ... Family, Honor and Trust is everything... Drama, High Tech, Intrigue , Betrayal and a Helluva Ride.. Cant wait to see where this goes.
Wow..When NSS Goes Big there is no holding him back. This story sets a whole new type of dystopian future Where technology Is our Destruction and our Savior Maybe? (No Spoilers Here) Once again Nick steps into the Breach with a completely engaging story that never Stops. Shadow Squad is Amazing, DFTS !! Akira and his team and their History makes for a Hell of a Beginning ... Family, Honor and Trust is everything... Drama, High Tech, Intrigue , Betrayal and a Helluva Ride.. Cant wait to see where this goes.
July 6, 2021
Artificial Intelligence
Nicholas Sansbury Smith never fails to amaze me with his ability to keep surprising me with new and different stories. His characters are so interesting and truly well developed they feel so lifelike. I have read all of Nick’s books and each time I think that I have found a new favorite. If you like futuristic stories about AI you have to read this! I can’t wait until the next one!
Nicholas Sansbury Smith never fails to amaze me with his ability to keep surprising me with new and different stories. His characters are so interesting and truly well developed they feel so lifelike. I have read all of Nick’s books and each time I think that I have found a new favorite. If you like futuristic stories about AI you have to read this! I can’t wait until the next one!
June 30, 2021
If you are a fan of AI sci-fi, this is the book for you. Whatever you have read in the past has been, by far, annihilated by Nicholas Sansbury Smith's imagination. This is action packed where the reader can not be sure who is on the right side. Multiple character ideologies are tested in this good vs evil scenario. E-Day will transport you into an earth shattering, end-of-times plot with just a hint of salvation for the people of planet earth. Mr. Smith never disappoints his readers!
August 10, 2021
Like much of this author's work this is another apocalyptic story about the looming end of humanity and those still fighting to survive. This is by no means a complaint as I have enjoyed everything of his I have read so far. He has the end of the world down to a science. Non stop action, really enjoyed it and look forward to book two coming out soon.
August 28, 2021
Fascinating - spoilers below
I initially didn't get into this book for perhaps 50% or more of it. It seemed too much of a mash up of Terminator, Halo and a few others. I enjoyed the Japanese influence, the reasoning for the warring sides seemed quite flimsy - there's plenty of clichéd and corny aspects in this book, make no mistake. The characters are overall likeable. What made me enjoy it however was the philosophical questions and debates within the story, that you will consider. The primary doctors on both sides have massive Messiah complexes and both will not budge even when survival is at stake. They were not soldiers or politicians. The ever present danger of rampant technology, of humans being replaced by robots, of people lacking a reason to exist - are wholey entrenched here. Humanity damaged the earth with our zest for technology, by scientists thinking they are infallible and do no wrong - thinking they know what's best but dooming us all - that is a great parallel to what is unfolding in front of our eyes currently in the world. Humans lose the locus of control and pay for it. No good deed goes unpunished. The book is brutal, with violence, the tragic deaths nobody is spared from. I look forward to book two.
I initially didn't get into this book for perhaps 50% or more of it. It seemed too much of a mash up of Terminator, Halo and a few others. I enjoyed the Japanese influence, the reasoning for the warring sides seemed quite flimsy - there's plenty of clichéd and corny aspects in this book, make no mistake. The characters are overall likeable. What made me enjoy it however was the philosophical questions and debates within the story, that you will consider. The primary doctors on both sides have massive Messiah complexes and both will not budge even when survival is at stake. They were not soldiers or politicians. The ever present danger of rampant technology, of humans being replaced by robots, of people lacking a reason to exist - are wholey entrenched here. Humanity damaged the earth with our zest for technology, by scientists thinking they are infallible and do no wrong - thinking they know what's best but dooming us all - that is a great parallel to what is unfolding in front of our eyes currently in the world. Humans lose the locus of control and pay for it. No good deed goes unpunished. The book is brutal, with violence, the tragic deaths nobody is spared from. I look forward to book two.
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