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Songbird Ascension
A dying student. A visionary scientist. Civilization-crushing conflict.
Michael Carr stands at the edge of death. A bright young student, he is living out his final years on the quiet shores of Lake Superior, knowing that a genetic disorder is destroying his lungs. Even as Michael struggles to accept his fate, he finds a new hope: reports of breakthroughs in human-machine augmentation. Seeking a lifeline, Michael accepts a scholarship offer to study under the tutelage of the renowned and enigmatic Professor Arjun Khatri, who strives to expand the human mind through brain-computer connections, transcending the limitations of biology.
As their paths cross, Michael becomes instrumental in a critical breakthrough in Professor Khatri’s research, with consequences that neither of them could have predicted. An unstoppable technological tsunami sweeps the world. Can Michael cheat death? Can the emerging post-human race cross the cataclysmic chasm separating them from the loved ones they’ve left behind?
Michael Carr stands at the edge of death. A bright young student, he is living out his final years on the quiet shores of Lake Superior, knowing that a genetic disorder is destroying his lungs. Even as Michael struggles to accept his fate, he finds a new hope: reports of breakthroughs in human-machine augmentation. Seeking a lifeline, Michael accepts a scholarship offer to study under the tutelage of the renowned and enigmatic Professor Arjun Khatri, who strives to expand the human mind through brain-computer connections, transcending the limitations of biology.
As their paths cross, Michael becomes instrumental in a critical breakthrough in Professor Khatri’s research, with consequences that neither of them could have predicted. An unstoppable technological tsunami sweeps the world. Can Michael cheat death? Can the emerging post-human race cross the cataclysmic chasm separating them from the loved ones they’ve left behind?
- GenresScience Fiction
377 pages, ebook
Published July 20, 2021
6 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Khira Allen
3 books36 followersI love to read, watch and discuss all things science fiction with occasional sprinkling of fantasy, crime fiction and thrillers. I enjoy gardening and art, and have a tendency to start philosophical discussions at a drop of a hat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 17, 2021
If the key to second-guessing the future is understanding the past, then one thing that looks pretty obvious to me is that it isn’t going to be Galactic Empires and space opera. That sort of thing, although fine as science fiction, is really a failure of the imagination, just taking the world as it is now and extending it ahead in a dead straight line. But when change happens it tends to produce, not just more, but different too: the coming together of single-celled life to form multi-celled entities didn’t produce gigantic amoebae; it produced earthworms, angel fish, giraffes—also courtship displays, the herd instinct, camouflage, winged flight, colour vision and an imagination-busting array of wonders utterly incomprehensible to your average amoeba. The coming together of human minds to form the entity called ‘civilisation’ didn’t just produce better flint arrowheads; it produced the umbrella, Monty Python…Goodreads.
So where does all that leave our future? One idea which has been taking root for decades is that machines, artificial intelligence, will not only surpass humans in capability, but even replace us, wipe us out. It makes for a decent Hollywood film (with plenty of chase sequences and big explosions), but isn’t that, too, really just another example of straight-ahead thinking, a similar failure of imagination?
Khira Allen thinks so. Her novel begins with Michael, a young Canadian on the threshold of adult life, but who isn’t going to get to live much of it—due to a genetic abnormality his lungs are defective and he has, at most, a few years to live. One day though, suddenly, there’s a ray of hope: a magazine left ‘by chance’ on the kitchen table (i.e. left there deliberately, by his mother) catches his eye. He reads about the field of modern cybernetics and where it might lead: human-machine communication, interaction, combination. ‘Our bodies need not define our limits’ runs the headline, and its implication leaps up off the page at him: synthetic lungs. Fascinated, he begins to study. Then a web-page (left open one day ‘by accident’ on his mother’s laptop) points him in the direction of a research programme in Human-Computer Cybernetics run by a Prof. Arjun Khatri in the US. With nothing to lose, he applies…
This is how it begins; this is just the first small step on a path which will ultimately transform out of all recognition, not only Michael’s life, but our species. The book itself comes in two Parts, the first narrated by Michael himself, the second by his mother Emma, and the story is not only about cybernetics and the future but also a mother’s love for her son. I thought Emma the stand-out character by far, and Part Two reads like the classic story of a mother searching for a missing child: she ‘sees’ him everywhere, ‘talks’ to him as if he was right there beside her the whole time—except, in this case, there’s an extra twist. The book is well thought out, and I particularly liked the way its two Parts related to one another (something only revealed near the end. Neatly done).
And the message here, overall? That, while it’s certainly not going to be Galactic Empires and space opera, just maybe not The Terminator either. There are other, less predictable—and perhaps more optimistic—possible futures too.
So where does all that leave our future? One idea which has been taking root for decades is that machines, artificial intelligence, will not only surpass humans in capability, but even replace us, wipe us out. It makes for a decent Hollywood film (with plenty of chase sequences and big explosions), but isn’t that, too, really just another example of straight-ahead thinking, a similar failure of imagination?
Khira Allen thinks so. Her novel begins with Michael, a young Canadian on the threshold of adult life, but who isn’t going to get to live much of it—due to a genetic abnormality his lungs are defective and he has, at most, a few years to live. One day though, suddenly, there’s a ray of hope: a magazine left ‘by chance’ on the kitchen table (i.e. left there deliberately, by his mother) catches his eye. He reads about the field of modern cybernetics and where it might lead: human-machine communication, interaction, combination. ‘Our bodies need not define our limits’ runs the headline, and its implication leaps up off the page at him: synthetic lungs. Fascinated, he begins to study. Then a web-page (left open one day ‘by accident’ on his mother’s laptop) points him in the direction of a research programme in Human-Computer Cybernetics run by a Prof. Arjun Khatri in the US. With nothing to lose, he applies…
This is how it begins; this is just the first small step on a path which will ultimately transform out of all recognition, not only Michael’s life, but our species. The book itself comes in two Parts, the first narrated by Michael himself, the second by his mother Emma, and the story is not only about cybernetics and the future but also a mother’s love for her son. I thought Emma the stand-out character by far, and Part Two reads like the classic story of a mother searching for a missing child: she ‘sees’ him everywhere, ‘talks’ to him as if he was right there beside her the whole time—except, in this case, there’s an extra twist. The book is well thought out, and I particularly liked the way its two Parts related to one another (something only revealed near the end. Neatly done).
And the message here, overall? That, while it’s certainly not going to be Galactic Empires and space opera, just maybe not The Terminator either. There are other, less predictable—and perhaps more optimistic—possible futures too.
January 23, 2022
This story is true speculative fiction and does what I love best in science fiction - explore possibilities. Imagine a future where humanity evolves through cybernetics. Imagine a combined consciousness that isn't necessarily evil or negative.
We explore these ideas through two stream-of-consciousness perspectives. This firmly anchors the story as very human. Both pov characters and side characters are portrayed as incredibly complex, morally gray, and full of vulnerabilities.
I was left with so many questions, but in a good way. I want to know more about the world that was created and what was going to happen to it. I want more details about the tech and the side characters. This story really fires the imagination and would be loads of fun to discuss in a book club.
We explore these ideas through two stream-of-consciousness perspectives. This firmly anchors the story as very human. Both pov characters and side characters are portrayed as incredibly complex, morally gray, and full of vulnerabilities.
I was left with so many questions, but in a good way. I want to know more about the world that was created and what was going to happen to it. I want more details about the tech and the side characters. This story really fires the imagination and would be loads of fun to discuss in a book club.
December 31, 2025
This is a solid SF novel from a lesser-known modern author. I planned to read it for a few years – I met the author at one of the groups here on Goodreads and she sounded quite interesting as a person, so I decided to try it. After reading, I can say: a solid SF of ideas, I plan to read more by the author.
The book starts with the diary entries written in the middle of the 21st century by a bright young student, Michael Carr. From them, readers find out that due to a genetic disorder that slowly but inevitably destroys his lungs, his expected lifespan is measured in years. However, in the university he chose, there is Professor Arjun Khatri (whose daughter died from a similar genetic disorder), who thinks that the future is not with even more potent AIs processing even larger massive of data but with brain-computer connections. Michael sees this approach as a chance to prolong his life, so he agrees to be a human lab rat for this research. In the universe, he also meets his love and his new best friend, both of whom also work at the lab. After initial failures, he finally succeeds in accessing the digital. Michael’s success was above all expectations – he actually got access to everything digital – from his mom’s laptop to see the monthly payment for electricity to bank accounts, to coded messages from spy satellites and much more. Upon waking, he reports his success but not its extent. And since then, surfing the digital becomes his drug of choice with extreme withdrawal effects. And this is only the start, for where he is, others will follow.
It is interesting that in order to compare this book with some more well-known SF I cannot find any but a recently read by me Ukrainian SF Нагострені леза, which I reviewed here.
The book starts with the diary entries written in the middle of the 21st century by a bright young student, Michael Carr. From them, readers find out that due to a genetic disorder that slowly but inevitably destroys his lungs, his expected lifespan is measured in years. However, in the university he chose, there is Professor Arjun Khatri (whose daughter died from a similar genetic disorder), who thinks that the future is not with even more potent AIs processing even larger massive of data but with brain-computer connections. Michael sees this approach as a chance to prolong his life, so he agrees to be a human lab rat for this research. In the universe, he also meets his love and his new best friend, both of whom also work at the lab. After initial failures, he finally succeeds in accessing the digital. Michael’s success was above all expectations – he actually got access to everything digital – from his mom’s laptop to see the monthly payment for electricity to bank accounts, to coded messages from spy satellites and much more. Upon waking, he reports his success but not its extent. And since then, surfing the digital becomes his drug of choice with extreme withdrawal effects. And this is only the start, for where he is, others will follow.
It is interesting that in order to compare this book with some more well-known SF I cannot find any but a recently read by me Ukrainian SF Нагострені леза, which I reviewed here.
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November 28, 2022A new cover design is all part of the creative journey :)
November 16, 2022
If you are into science fiction, then this book will hold you spellbound.
I really loved the way the story has been spinned altogether. Being a woman in tech, I was happy to read how well the technical aspects in the story have been written. I mean obviously in a work of fiction one is free to paint any picture, but this one sounds technically coherent. Not just that, but the writing style is simple and lucid and thus keeps you glued.
To be honest because of the writing style, I was always eagerly waiting for the end of the chapter to read the last couple of lines. They are always crisp and well framed.
This story poigantly describes the journey of the male lead from death bed to being a matter of scientific experiment.
Spoilers apart, the ending! Well you have to read it to know it.
I really loved the way the story has been spinned altogether. Being a woman in tech, I was happy to read how well the technical aspects in the story have been written. I mean obviously in a work of fiction one is free to paint any picture, but this one sounds technically coherent. Not just that, but the writing style is simple and lucid and thus keeps you glued.
To be honest because of the writing style, I was always eagerly waiting for the end of the chapter to read the last couple of lines. They are always crisp and well framed.
This story poigantly describes the journey of the male lead from death bed to being a matter of scientific experiment.
Spoilers apart, the ending! Well you have to read it to know it.
May 10, 2022
What is the future of humanity? When this question pops up, we get a different point of views from different people, and getting to know such views has always been my area of interest. Songbird Ascension has done a great job of putting across its view in such a well-crafted story that revolves around the world of cybernetics. Rightly said by someone - The technological inventions are done in good faith, but sometimes a coin flips and people see the other side which no one had ever predicted. Based on this premise, the author, Khira Allen, has written this fascinating story that will sweep you over, especially if you are into science fiction.
December 27, 2021
Songbird Ascension, by Khira Allen.
A sci-fi novel set on a futuristic Earth where modern cybernetics are making huge advancements.
The premise intrigued me, and once I began reading, I was completely hooked.
We are first acquainted with Michael Carr, a teenage boy who knows he has a genetic disorder that will one day end his life. Michael's mother was determined to help her son in any way she could and explored every avenue in the hope of a miracle cure.
I especially enjoyed the opening chapters; written with sensitivity that portrayed the anxieties he and his family would have felt. A letter arrives offering Michael a full scholarship to undertake the program in Human-Computer Cybernetics under the sponsorship of Professor Arjun Khatri. Too good to pass up, Michael accepts.
Arriving at the university, Michael shares a room with Ed; a young man who is also suffering from a genetic disorder. A friendship grows between them. These chapters were a delight to read.
Fate draws Michael into a world of advanced technology. Experiments begin exploring human relationship with technology. The program escalates as human, and machine connect. A new dimension opens expanding possibilities and reigniting hope for the future of humanity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book. It was full of excitement and the well-developed characters added to the story, making it a pleasurable, compelling read.
My thanks to Khira Allen for the free eBook.
A sci-fi novel set on a futuristic Earth where modern cybernetics are making huge advancements.
The premise intrigued me, and once I began reading, I was completely hooked.
We are first acquainted with Michael Carr, a teenage boy who knows he has a genetic disorder that will one day end his life. Michael's mother was determined to help her son in any way she could and explored every avenue in the hope of a miracle cure.
I especially enjoyed the opening chapters; written with sensitivity that portrayed the anxieties he and his family would have felt. A letter arrives offering Michael a full scholarship to undertake the program in Human-Computer Cybernetics under the sponsorship of Professor Arjun Khatri. Too good to pass up, Michael accepts.
Arriving at the university, Michael shares a room with Ed; a young man who is also suffering from a genetic disorder. A friendship grows between them. These chapters were a delight to read.
Fate draws Michael into a world of advanced technology. Experiments begin exploring human relationship with technology. The program escalates as human, and machine connect. A new dimension opens expanding possibilities and reigniting hope for the future of humanity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book. It was full of excitement and the well-developed characters added to the story, making it a pleasurable, compelling read.
My thanks to Khira Allen for the free eBook.
November 25, 2021
Exactly what is cybernetics and what impact can it have on society? These are questions that the author addresses in her novel. The story is divided into two parts. The first centers around the promising career of Michael Carr as he pursues cybernetics and his own mind’s integration with the internet, a problem still being worked on, in part motivated by an illness that will shorten his lifespan. The second part of the story centers on his mother Emma and her frustrated attempts to keep in contact with him.
This is an adult story with well articulated prose, enjoyable to read. I would’ve liked to see Michael pursue his career further, perhaps, and watch the story unfold in more depth as to how society divided itself over the issue of togetherness in the cyber world. There is a lot of potential to explore topics such as this with this work, which is timely given recent interest in the metaverse. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and was inspired by the narrative of our evolution in ways I never thought of before.
This is an adult story with well articulated prose, enjoyable to read. I would’ve liked to see Michael pursue his career further, perhaps, and watch the story unfold in more depth as to how society divided itself over the issue of togetherness in the cyber world. There is a lot of potential to explore topics such as this with this work, which is timely given recent interest in the metaverse. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and was inspired by the narrative of our evolution in ways I never thought of before.
June 30, 2021
'Songbird Ascension' spans the genre from 'hard' science fiction to post apocalyptic and embraces a fascinating premise about the potential elevation of cybernetics to a 'synthetic' consciousness. It is difficult to write a review that gives justice the story without spoilers but I am 100% confident that sci-fi lovers will devour this excellent book enthusiastically.
I can say, without risk of spoilers, that the book is extremely well-crafted. The writing is excellent, as is the arc and portrayal of the characters. The storyline is well put together and unpredictable. There were numerous occasions when I visualised this story as a movie, I think that speaks volumes about the clarity of the author's characters and settings.
I can say, without risk of spoilers, that the book is extremely well-crafted. The writing is excellent, as is the arc and portrayal of the characters. The storyline is well put together and unpredictable. There were numerous occasions when I visualised this story as a movie, I think that speaks volumes about the clarity of the author's characters and settings.
November 19, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A man with a fatal genetic disease, but desperate to live comes under the aegis of doctor studying linking computers with humanity. It becomes an anti-transhuman novel before you know it.
A man with a fatal genetic disease, but desperate to live comes under the aegis of doctor studying linking computers with humanity. It becomes an anti-transhuman novel before you know it.
September 20, 2021
More, please!
This book is so good that I was recommending it to people halfway through. I really hope this author writes more. This doesn't have to be a series. I just need more of her books in my life.
This book is so good that I was recommending it to people halfway through. I really hope this author writes more. This doesn't have to be a series. I just need more of her books in my life.
July 14, 2022
Well written futuristic techno-thriller!
I was excited to read this one as I'm a big sci-fi fan, especially apocalyptic/futuristic stories.
This was a very well-crafted and almost poetic thriller. I wasn't sure where the storyline was going to go but as things unfolded it all made sense. It was a very scary look into the future as I see some of this behavior already occurring today :O
Don't want to give too much away, but you'll find yourself wondering who to cheer for as the conflicts arise.
It will really make you re-think how you see technological advances, and what could go wrong.
I was excited to read this one as I'm a big sci-fi fan, especially apocalyptic/futuristic stories.
This was a very well-crafted and almost poetic thriller. I wasn't sure where the storyline was going to go but as things unfolded it all made sense. It was a very scary look into the future as I see some of this behavior already occurring today :O
Don't want to give too much away, but you'll find yourself wondering who to cheer for as the conflicts arise.
It will really make you re-think how you see technological advances, and what could go wrong.
October 25, 2021
Interesting read
I found the book to be an interesting take on the evolution of humankind as it pertains to our relationship with technology. The format, that of recounting as memoirs, is a bold choice, though I feel it would have told better in simple first person. The prose is good and flows well, though it does beg the question of how the characters are such good prose writers.
Overall recommended if one is interested by biotech and its future implications.
I found the book to be an interesting take on the evolution of humankind as it pertains to our relationship with technology. The format, that of recounting as memoirs, is a bold choice, though I feel it would have told better in simple first person. The prose is good and flows well, though it does beg the question of how the characters are such good prose writers.
Overall recommended if one is interested by biotech and its future implications.
August 2, 2021
I read this story as a modern interpretation of the myth of Pandora’s box and Frankenstein. The science is no longer lightning and dead body parts, but neurobiology and the world wide web. The philosophy looks at free will and individuality versus a globalization of minds, a collective conscious. Don’t let the depth of the author’s theme scare you off. She writes in a beautiful, simple style that led me to expect something along the lines of a Ray Bradbury tale, or perhaps Ursula K. LeGuin. Then things got complicated. Characters reveal their inner selves and just when you think you know them they morph from hero to villain, or vice versa. The plot too is full of twists, some big, some smaller. They keep the story moving along. I especially liked one scene in which a woman enters the transformed city. The author artfully parallels the woman’s journey from outskirts, to suburbs, to inner city with the layers of sci-fi change in this new world. An example of her poetic style describes the new superbeing, “you can probably draw energy from snowflakes or tears.” This book deserves many readers.
February 14, 2022
Station Eleven meets The Matrix in this metaphorical story of life and technology.
This story does an interesting job of applying the idea of ‘paradise’ to collective intelligence, based in silicon. We begin with Mikey, a young adult suffering from a terminal illness. He’s off to college where he’s given the opportunity to take part in a dangerous research project, involving human-machine interfacing. He discovers within this project, by merging with, basically, the internet, that he can escape the limitations of his failing body and become one with streams of data. He feels boundless, he feels free, he can breathe.
He grows addicted to the experience. Through the course of his repeated connection to data, Mikey grows in some ways and regresses in others, and it’s interesting to see. For example, as he ‘meets’ others within the collective (anyone who networks can merge with anyone else), he can absorb their experiences (and vice versa). This leads to everyone feeling they have lived (or died) a thousand times. What’s it like to hold a thousand lives within your one single life? The concept is mind-bendy and fairly well executed here. But, whereas this expansive way of being brings a certain wisdom to Mikey, it also brings a certain arrogance. A God complex. I found the combination of growth and regression within the main character interesting.
We spend time with other characters as well, and of most interest is Mikey’s mom, who must decide if she will join the collective in order to be with her son or not. This decision is not as straightforward as it might seem—what mother, after all, wants their children to know all about them? The mother’s conundrum was compelling. I like where the story took that, and I preferred the second half of this novel to the first.
Where I had difficulty in this novel is in the relationships between the characters. Mikey does not seem to truly care about anyone but himself, and while initially this is understandable, in light of his illness, his single-minded drive to remain within the collective at any cost, even to the extent of hurting others, made him distinctly unlikable. The implication was that everyone who joined the collective was likewise motivated to preserve their found freedom (becoming no more than streams of data). So, the collective quickly went from this intriguing other-way of existing to a sad comment on the selfish nature of humanity, to grasp at riches no matter the cost to everyone else. The story shifts then, toward the other half of society—the part that refuses to conform into the collective. There are glimmers of love in this section; I wanted more of that, sooner and throughout.
Given the philosophical, instead of relational, emphasis of this story, I needed to not read it for the characters but for the ideas, which are original and well-presented. The story is logical and progressive, and most of the speculative ideas are well supported within the narrative. There are metaphors for life, death, evolution, identity, and afterlife woven throughout. Songbird Ascension works well as a piece of speculative fiction.
This story is nicely polished. It has a good structure to it, great details, and the author brings new ideas into the subgenre (AI-science fiction), and the writing is developed. Highly readable.
This story does an interesting job of applying the idea of ‘paradise’ to collective intelligence, based in silicon. We begin with Mikey, a young adult suffering from a terminal illness. He’s off to college where he’s given the opportunity to take part in a dangerous research project, involving human-machine interfacing. He discovers within this project, by merging with, basically, the internet, that he can escape the limitations of his failing body and become one with streams of data. He feels boundless, he feels free, he can breathe.
He grows addicted to the experience. Through the course of his repeated connection to data, Mikey grows in some ways and regresses in others, and it’s interesting to see. For example, as he ‘meets’ others within the collective (anyone who networks can merge with anyone else), he can absorb their experiences (and vice versa). This leads to everyone feeling they have lived (or died) a thousand times. What’s it like to hold a thousand lives within your one single life? The concept is mind-bendy and fairly well executed here. But, whereas this expansive way of being brings a certain wisdom to Mikey, it also brings a certain arrogance. A God complex. I found the combination of growth and regression within the main character interesting.
We spend time with other characters as well, and of most interest is Mikey’s mom, who must decide if she will join the collective in order to be with her son or not. This decision is not as straightforward as it might seem—what mother, after all, wants their children to know all about them? The mother’s conundrum was compelling. I like where the story took that, and I preferred the second half of this novel to the first.
Where I had difficulty in this novel is in the relationships between the characters. Mikey does not seem to truly care about anyone but himself, and while initially this is understandable, in light of his illness, his single-minded drive to remain within the collective at any cost, even to the extent of hurting others, made him distinctly unlikable. The implication was that everyone who joined the collective was likewise motivated to preserve their found freedom (becoming no more than streams of data). So, the collective quickly went from this intriguing other-way of existing to a sad comment on the selfish nature of humanity, to grasp at riches no matter the cost to everyone else. The story shifts then, toward the other half of society—the part that refuses to conform into the collective. There are glimmers of love in this section; I wanted more of that, sooner and throughout.
Given the philosophical, instead of relational, emphasis of this story, I needed to not read it for the characters but for the ideas, which are original and well-presented. The story is logical and progressive, and most of the speculative ideas are well supported within the narrative. There are metaphors for life, death, evolution, identity, and afterlife woven throughout. Songbird Ascension works well as a piece of speculative fiction.
This story is nicely polished. It has a good structure to it, great details, and the author brings new ideas into the subgenre (AI-science fiction), and the writing is developed. Highly readable.
February 25, 2022
Technology moves at an unbelievable pace, and if the last twenty years had been written into a novel forty years ago, someone would claim they couldn’t suspend their disbelief long enough to get through it. A book like Songbird Ascension by Khira Allen is not one of those types of books. Its near future is written in a such a way that I could easily see it come to pass, and for that, I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to both read this novel and reflect on the themes presented.
The concept behind the novel is collective intelligence, something we’ve seen before. However, in the way Allen lays it out here, it is something that may indeed come to pass (if it hasn’t already). Michael Carr, a student who suffers from a terminal illness, gets involved in a human-machine interface research project. The more he merges with streams of data, the more addicted he becomes to the experience.
As a character, Mikey grows exponentially throughout the many times he is connected in ways that are both innovative and philosophical. The novel explores concepts of humanity, the philosophies of Nietzsche, and the possibilities of a not-so-unimaginable future. That future glimpse then merges with our present reality, improving life for some, de-evolving society for others.
Written from two points of view–Mikey through the first half and his mother in the second–the novel takes us along swiftly in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way. The quality of the writing was unexpected and made me feel as if I were inside the mind of the characters, not detached. In a way, Songbird Ascension was a demonstration of Mikey’s own experiences as he merges with the thoughts of others during his experience. We, too, merge with the characters, and if we allow ourselves to suspend that disbelief–an easy task given our present technological advancement and zest for neurological adaptation–we can feel what Mikey feels. We can also feel what Emma, his mother, feels as she experiences a life devoid of this consciousness.
I appreciated the writing, the philosophical tone, and the all-too-possible future weaved throughout the novel. It is at once a page-turner, an epic poem, a piece of art, and a warning infused with hope. This is one of those novels that doesn’t imagine a future that’s removed from reality, rather one that takes our present and with just the right touch shows us the future that may indeed come to pass. But don’t just read Songbird Ascension. Reflect on it and what it means to be human.
The concept behind the novel is collective intelligence, something we’ve seen before. However, in the way Allen lays it out here, it is something that may indeed come to pass (if it hasn’t already). Michael Carr, a student who suffers from a terminal illness, gets involved in a human-machine interface research project. The more he merges with streams of data, the more addicted he becomes to the experience.
As a character, Mikey grows exponentially throughout the many times he is connected in ways that are both innovative and philosophical. The novel explores concepts of humanity, the philosophies of Nietzsche, and the possibilities of a not-so-unimaginable future. That future glimpse then merges with our present reality, improving life for some, de-evolving society for others.
Written from two points of view–Mikey through the first half and his mother in the second–the novel takes us along swiftly in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way. The quality of the writing was unexpected and made me feel as if I were inside the mind of the characters, not detached. In a way, Songbird Ascension was a demonstration of Mikey’s own experiences as he merges with the thoughts of others during his experience. We, too, merge with the characters, and if we allow ourselves to suspend that disbelief–an easy task given our present technological advancement and zest for neurological adaptation–we can feel what Mikey feels. We can also feel what Emma, his mother, feels as she experiences a life devoid of this consciousness.
I appreciated the writing, the philosophical tone, and the all-too-possible future weaved throughout the novel. It is at once a page-turner, an epic poem, a piece of art, and a warning infused with hope. This is one of those novels that doesn’t imagine a future that’s removed from reality, rather one that takes our present and with just the right touch shows us the future that may indeed come to pass. But don’t just read Songbird Ascension. Reflect on it and what it means to be human.
August 2, 2021
Wow!
The first thing I have to say is I love the title of this book. It is as beautiful as the writing and persistently sticks in my mind.
Next, is the writing itself. I do not remember the last time I read a book where the author's mastery of language and imagery was so exquisite. One might even say sublime! That, in itself, is enough to read this book.
With such wordsmithing, the author clearly outlines the multi-level ethical considerations as well as the down-to-Earth decisions for good or bad that individuals and family members might make. The reader is masterfully taken through the thought processes of the primary characters, describing their motivations through love, ego, scientific curiosity, the need to prove oneself, or just the basic survival instincts we all have. One gets a very clear picture of how uninformed, reckless and/or unintended consequences would come about via the decisions of ordinary or extraordinary human beings.
The basic premise of Songbird Ascension has been tackled many times over through a long legacy of science-fiction. However, this novel pursues the concepts to another level. Machine-Human combinations abound, but what of Machine-Human-Machine interfaces and the possibility of a higher consciousness? Usually, it is only the machine which attains this and runs rampant. The story here, again, is different -- without getting into any spoiler territory. The closest parallel I have for comparison might be Neuromancer.
The only difficulty I had with the book was in perhaps in the last quarter as the pace seemed to slow and the direction was unclear through the narrative. The descriptions of the changing world were intricate to the plot, however, and the ending (for me) was altogether unexpected, unanticipated and gave much food for thought.
For those deeply interested subjects such as human transformation, shared consciousness, or evolving consciousness, this book is for you.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author.
The first thing I have to say is I love the title of this book. It is as beautiful as the writing and persistently sticks in my mind.
Next, is the writing itself. I do not remember the last time I read a book where the author's mastery of language and imagery was so exquisite. One might even say sublime! That, in itself, is enough to read this book.
With such wordsmithing, the author clearly outlines the multi-level ethical considerations as well as the down-to-Earth decisions for good or bad that individuals and family members might make. The reader is masterfully taken through the thought processes of the primary characters, describing their motivations through love, ego, scientific curiosity, the need to prove oneself, or just the basic survival instincts we all have. One gets a very clear picture of how uninformed, reckless and/or unintended consequences would come about via the decisions of ordinary or extraordinary human beings.
The basic premise of Songbird Ascension has been tackled many times over through a long legacy of science-fiction. However, this novel pursues the concepts to another level. Machine-Human combinations abound, but what of Machine-Human-Machine interfaces and the possibility of a higher consciousness? Usually, it is only the machine which attains this and runs rampant. The story here, again, is different -- without getting into any spoiler territory. The closest parallel I have for comparison might be Neuromancer.
The only difficulty I had with the book was in perhaps in the last quarter as the pace seemed to slow and the direction was unclear through the narrative. The descriptions of the changing world were intricate to the plot, however, and the ending (for me) was altogether unexpected, unanticipated and gave much food for thought.
For those deeply interested subjects such as human transformation, shared consciousness, or evolving consciousness, this book is for you.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author.
June 26, 2022
Songbird Ascension by Khira Allen is a thought provoking science fiction novel revolving around the tragically dying Mikey and the lengths he'll go to to survive. The story is very much a tale of two stories, detailed through the first-person perspectives of both Mikey and his Mother, Emma.
Knowing he doesn't have much time left, Mikey agrees to be the test subject for new technology, one that ends up turning him into something more than human. Including Mikey's Mother's account really added to the story in my opinion, and added great emotional weight to the plot. Khira Allen also seemed to have done her research on the science side, or it was at least convincing enough to fool the reader. With minds melding together, touches of philosophy and dark themes pertaining to our own potential future on Earth, Songbird Ascension is an interesting but heavy book, not for the faint of heart.
Knowing he doesn't have much time left, Mikey agrees to be the test subject for new technology, one that ends up turning him into something more than human. Including Mikey's Mother's account really added to the story in my opinion, and added great emotional weight to the plot. Khira Allen also seemed to have done her research on the science side, or it was at least convincing enough to fool the reader. With minds melding together, touches of philosophy and dark themes pertaining to our own potential future on Earth, Songbird Ascension is an interesting but heavy book, not for the faint of heart.
November 18, 2022
Imagination shifting the reader into new territories of possibility when it comes to human evolution and its potential paths. Wondrous and marvellous, we get to see what might be from the inside, and from the outside of this tale of progress and love, and consider perhaps where along the spectrum we might wish to be had we the choices. And what choices Khira presents us with.
Huge ideas and concepts, yet presented with an ease and a kindness permeating the entire story. A most excellent combination of extrapolated technological extending, blended with human passion, doubt, fear and consternation. We're taken on a tour, a wild tour, yet always that kind, even gentle center amidst the roil.
A cool read to delight any fan of stories involving human possibilities and those of intertwinement with technology and the sciences while ever-connected to the human heart.
Well done Khira. :)
Huge ideas and concepts, yet presented with an ease and a kindness permeating the entire story. A most excellent combination of extrapolated technological extending, blended with human passion, doubt, fear and consternation. We're taken on a tour, a wild tour, yet always that kind, even gentle center amidst the roil.
A cool read to delight any fan of stories involving human possibilities and those of intertwinement with technology and the sciences while ever-connected to the human heart.
Well done Khira. :)
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed this book, although to be honest, I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first, which I found a little tough going at times. (Hence the four stars.) The concept of man's evolution to its next phase is dealt with in an interesting and novel way. As I said, I struggled a little in the first half of the book with how Mikey came to evolve. But, the second half of the book with his mother writing to him while the world was changing was really well done. I didn't want to put my Kindle down until I had finished the book.
June 24, 2021
Not a bad book
April 8, 2022
Songbird Ascension tells two intertwining stories. The first half of the book concerns Michael's quest for life. His lungs are failing and he hopes to create synthetic ones when he joins the research staff of Professor Arjun Khatri. Khatri works on the cutting edge of human-machine interfacing and artificial intelligence. Khatri's efforts to achieve a human-machine interface are floundering. Michael offers himself as a test subject and after multiple attempts, succeeds in connecting his consciousness with the Web. Michael finds the experience intoxicating. However, when another student joins Michael, there are unintended consequences. Their minds merge when inside the connection. No secrets are safe. Some test subjects cannot handle the mind-merge and there are deaths. Khatri loses his funding but the military takes up the research with Michael as one of the lead investigators. The number of minds merged in the connection expands. Problems once considered near impossible to solve are now solvable as the power of multiple minds working in harmony can be directed at them.
The second half of the novel tells the story of Michael's mother Emma and her quest to reunite with her son. As Michael becomes more involved in the connection, he and the other connected people increasingly lose touch with the physical world. Emma attempts to join the connection to reestablish contact with her son but her brain is incompatible. She joins the ranks of those who cannot or refuse to join the connection. As the power and reach of the connection grows, the unconnected become second class citizens of a new world in which their access to technology is curtailed.
Allen's depiction of a future in which minds merge with machines and one another to create a utopia is classic. The good that comes from technological advance is weighed against the dark side and the results are horrifying for the human species. Allen's characters are well-drawn. I did not like any of them except for a young woman who died attempting to destroy the network that Michael had built. If you're in the mood for a dark tail about technological progress and the demise of humanity, Songbird Ascension is the story for you.
The second half of the novel tells the story of Michael's mother Emma and her quest to reunite with her son. As Michael becomes more involved in the connection, he and the other connected people increasingly lose touch with the physical world. Emma attempts to join the connection to reestablish contact with her son but her brain is incompatible. She joins the ranks of those who cannot or refuse to join the connection. As the power and reach of the connection grows, the unconnected become second class citizens of a new world in which their access to technology is curtailed.
Allen's depiction of a future in which minds merge with machines and one another to create a utopia is classic. The good that comes from technological advance is weighed against the dark side and the results are horrifying for the human species. Allen's characters are well-drawn. I did not like any of them except for a young woman who died attempting to destroy the network that Michael had built. If you're in the mood for a dark tail about technological progress and the demise of humanity, Songbird Ascension is the story for you.
July 20, 2022
Captivating science fiction. The story unfolds in a future when human technology approaches the classically feared singularity of taking over control from the human race that has created it. Brilliant scientist Michael Carr finds himself in urgent need of a cure for his genetically caused fatal lung disease. The storytelling perspective alternates between Michael and his mother, who is equally suspended between hope and fear for her son’s fate. At this juncture, the name of the game is cybernetics and human and machine (artificial intelligence) are teaming up to hopefully shape a better future. But will technology be a cure for non-synthetics like Mikey or will the synthetics loose interest in their vulnerable creators? The race against the clock intensifies as Michael volunteers to be the test subject for a potential breakthrough human-machine interface experiment by the innovative scientist Dr. Arjun Kathri. I don’t want to give anything away except that the results are stunning. “I am the songbird of the flame and the light. It is my time to soar …”
The language and storytelling are exquisite, and so is the way Khira Allen renders the characters. They have depth, take the reader by the hand, and help them connect with the ominous, apocalyptic world in which this science fiction story unfolds. It’s fascinating to imagine what it would be like to be a “connected cyborg.” This story gives you that.
The language and storytelling are exquisite, and so is the way Khira Allen renders the characters. They have depth, take the reader by the hand, and help them connect with the ominous, apocalyptic world in which this science fiction story unfolds. It’s fascinating to imagine what it would be like to be a “connected cyborg.” This story gives you that.
April 3, 2022
Songbird Ascension gives you two stories in one, both enjoyable. The first is told by Mikey, whose congenital health defect dooms him to an early death . . . unless he can science his way out of the problem. By apparent good fortune, he get into a cyborg research project and becomes its guinea pig, with unintended, far-reaching results.
A cracking concept that at first feels like an update of Flowers for Algernon. As Flowers for Algernon is one of the most perfect books every written, I was very keen to see if this followed the formula or went its own way. And it very much does go its own way: instead of the steady pacing of Flowers, there’s a slow exposition that suddenly lets loose a kind of ‘wild rumpus’ ride, where logic takes a backseat to plot. Which is great, but I think the story could have used a lot more build-up to make the ensuing events more believable. (There’s also a massive, much-awaited plot point that whips past with barely a mention.)
The second story is that of Mikey’s mother, who proves to be far more integral to her son’s story than we could have imagined. But while Mike is the cyborg insider, she is very much the outsider, struggling to come to terms with her son’s evolution and the dystopia that he creates. And while her story doesn’t have the pyrotechnics of Mikey’s, it’s more affecting and emotionally believable.
A cracking concept that at first feels like an update of Flowers for Algernon. As Flowers for Algernon is one of the most perfect books every written, I was very keen to see if this followed the formula or went its own way. And it very much does go its own way: instead of the steady pacing of Flowers, there’s a slow exposition that suddenly lets loose a kind of ‘wild rumpus’ ride, where logic takes a backseat to plot. Which is great, but I think the story could have used a lot more build-up to make the ensuing events more believable. (There’s also a massive, much-awaited plot point that whips past with barely a mention.)
The second story is that of Mikey’s mother, who proves to be far more integral to her son’s story than we could have imagined. But while Mike is the cyborg insider, she is very much the outsider, struggling to come to terms with her son’s evolution and the dystopia that he creates. And while her story doesn’t have the pyrotechnics of Mikey’s, it’s more affecting and emotionally believable.
April 27, 2022
In brief, Songbird Ascension is a technology versus humanity parable. It has all the needed strings to attract a reader, the evolution from individual to collective intelligence, through a particular state of Vernor Vinge’s concept of Singularity. It’s written in a very energetic memoire style.
Somewhere in the beginning, when Michael, the main character is still human, I came across the following expression. ‘Sudden expansion of powers without the corresponding emotional maturity is not safe, Professor.’ The conditionality is expanded with an analogy about vampires, which makes the affirmation even more interesting; it reveals well that any advance of that sort carries its own devils. And the hidden devil of this book is: what remains human in a collective humanity? Michael’s sudden evolution lets us know that almost nothing is kept; he failed his own warning.
While the first part had this sort of ‘the devil takes it all’; the second one, Emma (Michael’s mother)’s lament is the most interesting part; it contrasts the actual state of both mother and son (after his ascension). It’s a warm and powerful plead that we must keep our humanity in any sort of evolution that one day would come to us. Something that might be hard to achieve.
Somewhere in the beginning, when Michael, the main character is still human, I came across the following expression. ‘Sudden expansion of powers without the corresponding emotional maturity is not safe, Professor.’ The conditionality is expanded with an analogy about vampires, which makes the affirmation even more interesting; it reveals well that any advance of that sort carries its own devils. And the hidden devil of this book is: what remains human in a collective humanity? Michael’s sudden evolution lets us know that almost nothing is kept; he failed his own warning.
While the first part had this sort of ‘the devil takes it all’; the second one, Emma (Michael’s mother)’s lament is the most interesting part; it contrasts the actual state of both mother and son (after his ascension). It’s a warm and powerful plead that we must keep our humanity in any sort of evolution that one day would come to us. Something that might be hard to achieve.
February 18, 2022
This is a sci-fi story told in two halves and from two viewpoints—the son's story comes first followed by his mother's.
Michael Carr leaves home to further his education in the United States. It was a major choice because Michael has only a couple of years left to live—a genetic lung disorder that has plagued him and there's no cure. His new school is a long way from his family in Canada but it allows him to study under Professor Arjun Khatri. The professor's research focuses on creating a connection between the human brain and computer technology. Could such a thing be possible? Could it extend his life?
The world, society, and humanity are suddenly and dramatically altered. Emma Carr is determined to reconnect with her son—whatever it takes. She leaves Canada to find him and embarks on a dangerous quest to contact him. Her travels dredge up a past she's buried as she comes to terms with it and the present.
Together, these two storylines make for a satisfying read.
This novel is well-crafted, the writing amazing, and the concept fresh and evocative.
Michael Carr leaves home to further his education in the United States. It was a major choice because Michael has only a couple of years left to live—a genetic lung disorder that has plagued him and there's no cure. His new school is a long way from his family in Canada but it allows him to study under Professor Arjun Khatri. The professor's research focuses on creating a connection between the human brain and computer technology. Could such a thing be possible? Could it extend his life?
The world, society, and humanity are suddenly and dramatically altered. Emma Carr is determined to reconnect with her son—whatever it takes. She leaves Canada to find him and embarks on a dangerous quest to contact him. Her travels dredge up a past she's buried as she comes to terms with it and the present.
Together, these two storylines make for a satisfying read.
This novel is well-crafted, the writing amazing, and the concept fresh and evocative.
May 13, 2022
This novel combines science fiction with real human emotions far more than most sci-fi books, which is a big plus. One of the reasons I don't read sci fi much is the lack of character development that is so common in the genre. However, as I said, this book is an exception in that the characters are well-developed, involving, and have authentic relationships with each other.
There is a lot of speculative science in the book. Yes, I realize that it would be silly to criticize a sci fi book for being a sci fi book, so this is not a criticism. It's a warning> if you don't like sci fi, you probably won't like this book.
The writing is very good. Readers will not be frustrated or annoyed by typos and clumsy phraseology.
So why not five stars? I really debated with myself about that and finally decided that my feeling of being lost and confused at various points made this book not quite a five star book. But is is exceptional and I hope the author gains a wide readership.
There is a lot of speculative science in the book. Yes, I realize that it would be silly to criticize a sci fi book for being a sci fi book, so this is not a criticism. It's a warning> if you don't like sci fi, you probably won't like this book.
The writing is very good. Readers will not be frustrated or annoyed by typos and clumsy phraseology.
So why not five stars? I really debated with myself about that and finally decided that my feeling of being lost and confused at various points made this book not quite a five star book. But is is exceptional and I hope the author gains a wide readership.
March 16, 2022
The Songbird Ascension is an interesting read. Global consciousness goes from an experiment to an underground movement to a minority controlling force to world domination and more. Well written and offered an imaginative, but still plausible look at the singularity, the melding between human and AI.
If you like good imaginative hard science fiction you should like it.
My only complaint was the book had four distinct sections. And I liked each section better than the last. So the first quarter to third of it was sort of a slow burn before things took off.
I'm giving it a four star, while noting if the beginning had been like the majority of the book it would have been a five star for sure.
If you like good imaginative hard science fiction you should like it.
My only complaint was the book had four distinct sections. And I liked each section better than the last. So the first quarter to third of it was sort of a slow burn before things took off.
I'm giving it a four star, while noting if the beginning had been like the majority of the book it would have been a five star for sure.
May 12, 2022
Songbird Ascension by Khira Allen is a well-written and fantastic read. I'm a huge fan of sci-fi and this book did not disappoint. In fact, I couldn't put it down.
Set in a time in a future where cybernetic technology has advanced far enough to have direct neural interfaces and limb replacements, the story kept me hooked from start to finish with its vision of a time when humans and machines work together, live together, and even think together.
But the story takes a dark turn later as this new technology inevitably results in unforeseen complications and dangers until it builds up to an incredible climax and a great ending.
If you liked the first part, the second part is even better. And the last part of the book is the best!
Set in a time in a future where cybernetic technology has advanced far enough to have direct neural interfaces and limb replacements, the story kept me hooked from start to finish with its vision of a time when humans and machines work together, live together, and even think together.
But the story takes a dark turn later as this new technology inevitably results in unforeseen complications and dangers until it builds up to an incredible climax and a great ending.
If you liked the first part, the second part is even better. And the last part of the book is the best!
October 1, 2021
One mind, one goal
One child in a small town tries to get into a college program with aspirations of curing himself before his illness kills him. He becomes involved in an experiment that combines human consciousness. His mother, desperate to see and speak to him, tries to join the program but cannot. Desperate to communicate with her son, the mother writes letters to him on her laptop with the belief that he can see them. How far can collective consciousness take us, physically and mentally.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
One child in a small town tries to get into a college program with aspirations of curing himself before his illness kills him. He becomes involved in an experiment that combines human consciousness. His mother, desperate to see and speak to him, tries to join the program but cannot. Desperate to communicate with her son, the mother writes letters to him on her laptop with the belief that he can see them. How far can collective consciousness take us, physically and mentally.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
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