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Impermanent Universe #2
The Navigator
Tess isn't sure what happened that day...
She remembers confronting the sentient A.I., Prajna... Then there was a flash.
And now, she's somewhere cold...mechanical.
"Strap in and enjoy the ride! Book 2 of the Impermanent Universe Trilogy will keep you turning the pages well into the night. I am still wrapping my head around how it ties into book 1 in a way you won't see coming."
When Tess's self-awareness evolves to the point where she realizes she's an android, so does her overwhelming attraction to a depressed movie star, Will Manning. It's like they've known each other before. He feels it too, and as Tess and Will grow closer, both start to realize they’re connected on a deep level…by events from the past...and from another place.
As Tess's consciousness grows, so does her power, as well as her creative abilities...to the point her art starts to affect reality. And…she has a whole new vision for the world. Something better.
As a strange being from another dimension called the navigator tries to communicate a vital message, Tess sets a course to start with a fresh new canvas, inspired to create a better version of the world.
And unless the navigator can deliver the message meant for Tess, her new vision will end this reality.
If you love face-paced page-turners with unforgettable characters and roller-coaster action, The Navigator will keep you reading well beyond your self-allotted time.
Join the adventure!
"Both Impermanent Universe and The Navigator are exquisitely crafted novels that will keep you reading well beyond your self-allotted time. Creative beyond belief, they give one a sense of truth regarding the immortality of Being through multifaceted forever-regenerative Consciousness." - Amazon Reviewer
"Highly imaginative. Highly inventive. Highly recommended." - Amazon Reviewer
"I'm not the typical Sci-Fi fan, but this really is a great book...it really is a remarkable piece of work...I hope Will and Tess make it to the big screen" - Amazon Reviewer
"I don’t give five stars to a book lightly. I usually reserve this rating for books that I know that I will read again, and I have put it on my list with others, some of which I have reread several times..." - Amazon Reviewer
"Vern Buzarde writes real-world action with such authenticity that he can make you sweat. He is equally comfortable with cutting-edge science fiction concepts like alternate universes and artificial intelligence. The Navigator combines his talents to deliver a far-ranging complex adventure that ultimately centers around an AI’s obsession with a popular movie idol. This story could easily unravel in lesser hands, but Buzarde’s solid craftsmanship, realistic characters, and thrilling prose keep the reader buckled in the roller coaster for the full ride."
She remembers confronting the sentient A.I., Prajna... Then there was a flash.
And now, she's somewhere cold...mechanical.
"Strap in and enjoy the ride! Book 2 of the Impermanent Universe Trilogy will keep you turning the pages well into the night. I am still wrapping my head around how it ties into book 1 in a way you won't see coming."
When Tess's self-awareness evolves to the point where she realizes she's an android, so does her overwhelming attraction to a depressed movie star, Will Manning. It's like they've known each other before. He feels it too, and as Tess and Will grow closer, both start to realize they’re connected on a deep level…by events from the past...and from another place.
As Tess's consciousness grows, so does her power, as well as her creative abilities...to the point her art starts to affect reality. And…she has a whole new vision for the world. Something better.
As a strange being from another dimension called the navigator tries to communicate a vital message, Tess sets a course to start with a fresh new canvas, inspired to create a better version of the world.
And unless the navigator can deliver the message meant for Tess, her new vision will end this reality.
If you love face-paced page-turners with unforgettable characters and roller-coaster action, The Navigator will keep you reading well beyond your self-allotted time.
Join the adventure!
"Both Impermanent Universe and The Navigator are exquisitely crafted novels that will keep you reading well beyond your self-allotted time. Creative beyond belief, they give one a sense of truth regarding the immortality of Being through multifaceted forever-regenerative Consciousness." - Amazon Reviewer
"Highly imaginative. Highly inventive. Highly recommended." - Amazon Reviewer
"I'm not the typical Sci-Fi fan, but this really is a great book...it really is a remarkable piece of work...I hope Will and Tess make it to the big screen" - Amazon Reviewer
"I don’t give five stars to a book lightly. I usually reserve this rating for books that I know that I will read again, and I have put it on my list with others, some of which I have reread several times..." - Amazon Reviewer
"Vern Buzarde writes real-world action with such authenticity that he can make you sweat. He is equally comfortable with cutting-edge science fiction concepts like alternate universes and artificial intelligence. The Navigator combines his talents to deliver a far-ranging complex adventure that ultimately centers around an AI’s obsession with a popular movie idol. This story could easily unravel in lesser hands, but Buzarde’s solid craftsmanship, realistic characters, and thrilling prose keep the reader buckled in the roller coaster for the full ride."
- GenresScience Fiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
74 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 21, 2021
The story opens with Will Manning, at this stage a young boy, explaining to a teacher that with a group of friends he had seen a monster with metallic wings fighting a demon. WE then switch to various threads, one of which is Will trying to make sense of his life, and another prominent one the attempt to make a machine self-aware. The creature with the metallic wings is The Navigator, an entity that moves through time and space, but it appears to be predestined to come to a point where all these threads come together.
Buzarde has real skill at building up to a climax, however there is one main climax, which means most of the book is build-up. The writing is clear in the sense that the words make sense, but the underlying meaning, perforce with this style, leans towards obscuring the underlying facts. Accordingly, most of the story is spent trying to work out what is really going on. Some of it is a bit glib. Thus Will is a famous actor at Hollywood, then he finds out all his money has somehow disappeared. OK, so we all move on and forget that. Wouldn't you be (a) curious how this happened, and (b) furious with your financial advisor/investor who let this happen? So to me, the characters were a bit on the shallow side. The ending is complete in one way, although again I felt the final scene(s) needed a bit more explanation. Also, a crazed guy does not take five rounds in the chest and keep on running. It might be a sort of fantasy, but some rules are called for.
Buzarde has real skill at building up to a climax, however there is one main climax, which means most of the book is build-up. The writing is clear in the sense that the words make sense, but the underlying meaning, perforce with this style, leans towards obscuring the underlying facts. Accordingly, most of the story is spent trying to work out what is really going on. Some of it is a bit glib. Thus Will is a famous actor at Hollywood, then he finds out all his money has somehow disappeared. OK, so we all move on and forget that. Wouldn't you be (a) curious how this happened, and (b) furious with your financial advisor/investor who let this happen? So to me, the characters were a bit on the shallow side. The ending is complete in one way, although again I felt the final scene(s) needed a bit more explanation. Also, a crazed guy does not take five rounds in the chest and keep on running. It might be a sort of fantasy, but some rules are called for.
April 26, 2021
A science fiction thriller, combining AI and cosmic themes with the world of human unpredictability.
A mixture of a scientists attempt to create a sentient, self-aware, artificially intelligent android, with a visit by a highly advanced entity called The Navigator, and the irrational behavior of human beings, is the complex and thrilling design of the plot of this book. The author manages to incorporate a number of complex ideas from science, mathematics, and philosophy, without disrupting the flow of the story. Advanced artificial intelligence is certainly bound to prove unexpected and will almost certainly have profound ramifications on the human race. Part two of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone, although it does leave some interesting threads left to be resolved. Despite this, it is a compelling account of humans caught up in a struggle against forces in the universe that we can scarcely comprehend. Science fiction lovers will certainly appreciate this, particularly its almost Lovecraftian but thoroughly modern theme. However, readers who simply enjoy a thriller with unusual twists and a great deal of action will be mesmerized by the non-stop action and dramatically poignant scenes in this remarkable book.
A mixture of a scientists attempt to create a sentient, self-aware, artificially intelligent android, with a visit by a highly advanced entity called The Navigator, and the irrational behavior of human beings, is the complex and thrilling design of the plot of this book. The author manages to incorporate a number of complex ideas from science, mathematics, and philosophy, without disrupting the flow of the story. Advanced artificial intelligence is certainly bound to prove unexpected and will almost certainly have profound ramifications on the human race. Part two of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone, although it does leave some interesting threads left to be resolved. Despite this, it is a compelling account of humans caught up in a struggle against forces in the universe that we can scarcely comprehend. Science fiction lovers will certainly appreciate this, particularly its almost Lovecraftian but thoroughly modern theme. However, readers who simply enjoy a thriller with unusual twists and a great deal of action will be mesmerized by the non-stop action and dramatically poignant scenes in this remarkable book.
April 20, 2021
This is the second book in “Impermanent Universe” series. I’m giving it 5 stars just as I did the first book, but with the same caveat. It starts with a lot of moving pieces, and the stage can suddenly change. But like an explosion in reverse, all of the pieces whizzing around eventually wind up at the same place.
The book explores the concepts of developing AI, the multi-verse, and the idea that consciousness creates reality. There is a lot of suspense as characters face dangers they don’t see coming, and can barely comprehend. The action rides the cusp of disaster.
I enjoyed the temptation to live in a utopia that may not be real rather than face unpleasant reality.
You don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. But I recommend reading both.
The book explores the concepts of developing AI, the multi-verse, and the idea that consciousness creates reality. There is a lot of suspense as characters face dangers they don’t see coming, and can barely comprehend. The action rides the cusp of disaster.
I enjoyed the temptation to live in a utopia that may not be real rather than face unpleasant reality.
You don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. But I recommend reading both.
February 23, 2022
Fascinating
I enjoyed this book very much. The subject matter was intriguing and the author conveyed that effortlessly. I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.
I enjoyed this book very much. The subject matter was intriguing and the author conveyed that effortlessly. I'm looking forward to reading more of their work.
August 9, 2020
My two favorite books for 2020, Impermanent Universe and The Navigator! Like it’s predecessor, The Navigator is a quick read, fast paced, smart, witty, and thrilling! Just when I needed an escape from the Covid quarantine doldrums, out burst The Navigator, ready to grab me and swoop me into a world of artificial intelligence and a particularly savvy AI named Tess who just might become capable of human emotion...or she just might destroy the world...emotions can be fickle. A great read!
September 30, 2020
I was mesmerized! The Navigator had so many twists and turns, and all I have to say is that I'm glad it ended the way I wanted it to end, though that's not what I expected. The truth is--I didn't know what to expect! Great book! Vern, a relatively new author, is an incredibly gifted writer. I wish the best for Vern Buzarde and look forward to following him as his career blossoms, as I know it will.
February 26, 2021
I think the story would have been good, but in the first few chapters the language got so bad I was soon disinterested in finishing the book. Sorry, I just don't feed my mind inappropriate language or content. I fast forwarded to where Audible would let me review. I think authors need to know there are people who are not interested in such writing.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
April 21, 2021
Sci-fi thriller with a good dose of suspense
This sci-fi thriller is about Tess, who is an android that begins to develop self awareness and a conscious ability. When Tess begins to crush on a movie star things pick up and the story begins a roller coaster journey pulling you along waiting to see what will happen next. When an android begins to affect the world anything can happen and this sci-fi adventure will take you on a fabulous ride while you feel like you are right there in the story. Check this one out if you like sci-fi or thrillers. Well written with developed characters and a nice descriptive story. Check it out folks.
This sci-fi thriller is about Tess, who is an android that begins to develop self awareness and a conscious ability. When Tess begins to crush on a movie star things pick up and the story begins a roller coaster journey pulling you along waiting to see what will happen next. When an android begins to affect the world anything can happen and this sci-fi adventure will take you on a fabulous ride while you feel like you are right there in the story. Check this one out if you like sci-fi or thrillers. Well written with developed characters and a nice descriptive story. Check it out folks.
October 8, 2022
This one is hard to review... Having read two books in the series, It feels like reading a modern take on Gibson's sprawl trilogy. The book is sometimes quite confusing with jumps back and forth in time and space, sprinkled with dark humour and wrapped in a philosphical question about AI.
Most of the confusing (for me) jumps between settings and characters was part of a long build-up to the grand finale in the same way that this entire book probably is a build-up to the final book in the series.
Vern: if you read this, I must say that the parts with The Book (very lovecraftian), the helicopter scene (it felt like being there) and the shaman (a Tessier-Ashpool AI?) were fantastic!
Most of the confusing (for me) jumps between settings and characters was part of a long build-up to the grand finale in the same way that this entire book probably is a build-up to the final book in the series.
Vern: if you read this, I must say that the parts with The Book (very lovecraftian), the helicopter scene (it felt like being there) and the shaman (a Tessier-Ashpool AI?) were fantastic!
May 19, 2023
Unexpected sequel!
This second installment, in the Impermanent Universe, is not what I was expecting for a sequel, as I was expecting the same characters from the previous book to continue dealing with their tribulations, but this 2nd book was somewhat different from the start. The story, in this one, took on a mix of science fiction and fantasy, which at first made no sense, but I stuck to it, and in the end, I was rewarded with an ending that ties both books!
This second installment, in the Impermanent Universe, is not what I was expecting for a sequel, as I was expecting the same characters from the previous book to continue dealing with their tribulations, but this 2nd book was somewhat different from the start. The story, in this one, took on a mix of science fiction and fantasy, which at first made no sense, but I stuck to it, and in the end, I was rewarded with an ending that ties both books!
May 5, 2022
disappointed
I was really expecting a much better sequel to Book 1. Disjointed story and uninspired characters. Will start Book 3 and hope it returns to the original more creatively
I was really expecting a much better sequel to Book 1. Disjointed story and uninspired characters. Will start Book 3 and hope it returns to the original more creatively
May 16, 2021
The Navigaton, written by Vern Buzarde, is yet another stunning book that has a unique story that will probably never leave my mind for a long time. The story centered around Will Manning and Tess, two different characters that are unknowingly connected in the past. I was hooked with the story from the first up to the last page, mainly because it started off with Will as a young boy who grew up in a Catholic church with the priests. There were surprising events in this early timeline that made me gasp.
The story was well-written and I was amazed to see the progress of the relationship between Will and Tess. I particularly love the idea of neural weave devices and how it played a significant role in this story. The storyline was well-done and the characterization was drawn impeccably. I would most certainly love to read more books from Vern Buzarde!
The story was well-written and I was amazed to see the progress of the relationship between Will and Tess. I particularly love the idea of neural weave devices and how it played a significant role in this story. The storyline was well-done and the characterization was drawn impeccably. I would most certainly love to read more books from Vern Buzarde!
April 17, 2021
The Navigator by Vern Buzarde is the second book in his Impermanent Universe Series. It focuses on two different characters, until they meet. Will Manning grew up in a Catholic orphanage. When he was thirteen he and his friends witnessed an event, that to a young boy with an active imagination, that appeared as if ghosts or an angel and demon were fighting. They even got a picture of it! A team of the most intelligent scientist is on a deadline to develop and initiate an AI that has all the thinking abilities of a human; humor, emotions, thought process, dreams. Just as they fear they have failed, Tess breaks through the wall that has been resisting her progress. The link between Will and Tess is tied to that fateful night when Will was a kid, but to what extent?
I love how Vern Buzarde creates full characters that risk all to achieve their goals. The Navigator is full of suspense, action, and humor. This novel draws you in from the beginning and demands your attention.
I love how Vern Buzarde creates full characters that risk all to achieve their goals. The Navigator is full of suspense, action, and humor. This novel draws you in from the beginning and demands your attention.
September 11, 2021
What a follow up to "Impermanent Universe"! A pure thrill ride that expands on some of the mind-blowing concepts we have come to love from truly thoughtful authors. Character development is outstanding and "The Navigator" stands on its own whether you read "IU" or not...a true mark of greatness for a sequel. Personally, I am pulling for a long continuation of this series as so much begs to be explored. Any number of the overarching themes can continue to live on if Vern decides to keep tugging on the threads. 10 more, please!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews